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ISSUE 99 | MARCH 2019
Heart of the matter
Also inside this issue: CHANGING THE GAME Country fashion’s new blood
Sian Welby interview
Z FOLD DROP-TOP Bentley Continental GT Convertible 2019 GASTRONOMY CAPITAL Kraków
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essence | NEWS ROUND-UP
SOME COMIC RELIEF Friday 15 March sees the return of the biennial BBC Comic Relief telethon. This year has a Four Weddings and a Funeral’s sequel – titled One Red Nose Day and a Wedding. Filmed late last year, it sees the likes of Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Anna Chancellor and Kristin Scott Thomas reprising their roles. The 12-minute Four Weddings sequel features most of the original main cast, including Rowan Atkinson’s bumbling vicar. They will be joined by a mystery bride who will take centre stage at the titular wedding, plus a host of famous guests including Lily James and Susanna Reid. Website: www.bbc.co.uk PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BBC | COMIC RELIEF | GREG WILLIAMS
ROUND THE ISLAND RACE The Round the Island Race 2019 is set to attract thousands of sailors from all over Great Britain, mainland Europe and from as far away as the USA, to the Isle of Wight on 29 June 2019.
Newly engaged? De Vere Tortworth Court has announced a dream wedding and date to match. Next year offers a date that won’t be replicated for another thousand years, 02.02.2020. This exclusive wedding package for one couple looking to tie the knot on this special day is priced at £50,000. The package includes exclusive use of the hotel estate and its 30-acres, extensive arboretum and all 201 bedrooms. This is a wedding like no other, set in a location accessible for all, just 20 minutes from Bristol. Websites: tortworthweddings@devere.com
Overfinch becomes official car partner of King Power Gold Cup Entries for the world’s best-loved race are now open. The race is popular with everyone from world-renowned, professional sailors to families and first-time racers, and it boasts a range of classes including monohulls, multihulls, Gaffers, Classics and dayboats. Website: www.roundtheisland.org.uk
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Cowdray Park Polo Club recently announced that Overfinch, the creator of bespoke Range Rovers, is to be the Official Car Sponsor of the King Power Gold Cup. Founded in 1975, Overfinch has remained dedicated to the Land Rover marque, enhancing vehicles to an individual customer’s requirements. British craftsmanship, striking design and exquisite detail form the foundation of each and every one of Overfinch’s vehicles. The King Power Gold Cup opens Tuesday 25 June. Websites: www.overfinch.com and www.cowdraypolo.co.uk
contents Issue 99 | MARCH 2019
6 | Interview | SIAN WELBY Andrew Peters spoke to the gorgeous ‘girl next door’ Sian Welby, television, radio and social media host, who never takes what she has for granted.
12 | Town & country | FASHION
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Claire Zambuni looks at how a new breed of ‘Modern Traditionalists’ are providing a breath of fresh air and changing the face of country fashion.
20 | Garden | OUTDOOR LIVING As essence discovered, bringing the outdoors in has become an increasingly popular part of modern architectural thinking and everyday living.
24 | Travel | KRAKÒW Kevin Pilley visits Kraków, a cultural melting pot, which now produces haute cuisine and is European Capital of Gastronomy Culture 2019.
30 | Motoring | BENTLEY
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Euan Johns examines the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.
34 | Further education | FINANCE Andrew Peters looks at the funding of further education via scholarships, bursaries and grants.
37 | Tax | EVERFAIR TAX Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers guidance to essence readers on forthcoming tax and probate changes.
38 | Legal | MUNDAYS Julie Man, Jeremy Duffy and Kerry Sawyer of Mundays LLP discuss what happens to the ownership of digital assets after death.
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42 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, Les 110 de Taillevent in Cavendish Square.
44 | Healthy living | HEALTHISTA Rick Hay offers his advice on the best foods to cope with the demands of modern living.
50 | Events | SURREY Linda Seward’s diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and the countryside.
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56 | essence | PROPERTY A selection of some of the area’s finest houses from Surrey’s best estate agents.
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50 Town and country essence 99 COVER: COUNTESS OF LUCAN, ANNE-SOPHIE LUCAN
essence team
Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing editor: Louise Alexander Contributing editor: Claire Zambuni Publishing manager: Rebecca Peters Production manager: Linda Seward Designer: Sharon Smith Digital design: Jason Mayes telephone: 01932 988677 email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Commercial director: Jane Barnfield-Jukes telephone: 07795 206030 email: jane@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising sales enquiries telephone: 07980 956488 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk
Living in Surrey offers the best of both worlds in relation to town and country living. London is within easy access and the beautiful Surrey countryside, which includes the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, is, in most instances, a short drive or walk away. Country fashion has always been distinctive and in this issue Claire Zambuni highlights some new and younger innovative designers breaking the traditional mould. Our interviewee this month is everybody’s girl next door, Heart radio’s Sian Welby, who always brings her sense of humour to whatever she’s involved with. Her vibrant primetime show has attracted high profile guests from the world of entertainment including Ed Sheeran, Chris Pratt and Sam Smith. With the weather taking a decided turn towards spring, Euan Johns thinks ahead to the fast-approaching warmer days and examines the revamp of a classical drop-top, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.
Contributors: Kevin Pilley, Andrew Peters, Euan Johns, Stephanie Brookes, Jennifer Sutton, Linda Seward, Julie Man, Jeremy Duffy, Kerry Sawyer, Gillian Everall, Claire Zambuni.
essence magazine
Maple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any artwork will be at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. essence reaches key addresses in Cobham, Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill, the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10 times per year. essence is also distributed to selected estate agents and is available at city businesses and all local town high streets. Design and production www.domino4.co.uk © Maple Publishing 2019 Maple Publishing Limited, Regus, Wellington Way, Brooklands Business Park, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TT
These days outdoor living is an integral part of any house design, old or new, and Andrew Peters considers this modern trend. Turning to culinary matters, Kevin Pilley is told to eat, drink and loosen his belt as he takes a trip to the 2019 capital of gastro culture, Kraków, whilst Stephanie Brookes samples Les 110 de Taillevent in Cavendish Square. Eating and health is high on the list for Rick Hay, Healthista’s nutritional director, who offers his advice on the best foods to cope with modern life. As always, this issue of essence has a mix of tax, legal, financial and foodie advice, alongside a not to be missed theatre competition for The Waitress and special offer for the play Emilia. The diary of events offers places to visit and there’s a pick of some of the region’s finest properties. The essence team
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Interview | SIAN WELBY
Comedy
heart
Sian Welby is the gorgeous ‘girl next door’ TV, radio and social media host who never takes what she has for granted. Andrew Peters spoke to Sian about how her career started and is now flourishing.
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ian Welby hosts a primetime slot on Heart radio, Monday to Thursday evenings from 7 to 10pm and Sundays from 9am to 12pm. Sian’s fun, mischievous and vibrant show has attracted high profile guests from the world of entertainment, including Ed Sheeran, Chris Pratt, P!nk and Sam Smith. Away from radio, Sian hosts the BBC One Snapchat account and the hugely popular in-house live trivia app for Heart, Heart’s Triple Play on Facebook, weekdays from 4.30pm. Q Sian, you started presenting when you were aged 19 – how did you break into the (TV presenting) industry? A As crazy as it sounds, it was all because of a comment made to me when I was in sixth form: “You remind me of Cat Deeley!” I was into acting at the time and it gave me a new focus, to be a presenter. I searched online and joined a website called starnow.com. It advised dressing for the job and I took it to the next level with a friend who helped film a showreel full of clips of me doing the jobs I wanted: pretending to be at Glastonbury, interviewing celebrities, and it worked! Once I landed real jobs, I gradually replaced the clips until my showreel was pretty strong. Q You were announced as the new face for Channel 5 weather in 2010. How did that feel? A It was surreal. I was part time presenting, part time working in New Look, and I remember taking a Saturday off without asking to do an advert in London. I got a call from my boss at the time asking: “Sian, where are you?” and I had to admit what I was doing. That advert led to me being spotted by the boss of Channel 5 and the next thing I knew I received a call for a meeting. I left the meeting feeling positive, but never expected a call two weeks later inviting me to be the new face of Channel 5 weather. I knew nothing about weather! It was amazing. Q You originally wanted to go to drama school after A levels, but no regrets I assume? A No regrets. As corny as it sounds, I do believe in fate; things happen for a reason and my life has been all about timings. So far,
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>>>
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR
QUICK FIVE Dog or cat? Dog Favourite current TV programme? I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Guilty pleasure? Pizza Main inspiration? Work hard, be nice to people. Glass half full or half empty? It’s always full. To the brim. I don’t do negative.
it’s been a lot of graft that’s led to some incredible opportunities, but I would like to go back to acting in some shape or form. It’s just so much fun. I didn’t really fit in drama school because all I ever wanted to do was comedy! I have such a passion for comedy, my mission every day is to talk about funny things on the radio or tweet something funny, so the dream would be to have a part in a sitcom. When I look back at shows like The Office or Extras, I just wish I had been part of them. I’ll write something one day, probably about the madness of showbiz! Q Did (and do) you compare yourself to other presenters? A It’s a very small world working in media and you end up meeting all your heroes. I really looked up to presenters like Ant and Dec, Zoë Ball and Jamie Theakston, and I’ve now met, worked with or interviewed them – they are just the most down to earth, talented people. I’ve always wanted to be the best, but not at the cost of being ruthless, by working my way up properly, no shortcuts, and earning respect from others in media. People think it’s a very bitchy industry, but most of us are actually mates. Rather than feel jealous if someone gets a job I wanted, I end up just feeling pleased for them. When the grafters in the industry start getting their break, it actually makes you feel proud and confident that eventually you’ll get your turn too. Q Have you ever regarded being a presenter as ‘just another job’? A I never take it for granted. I’m from a very small village in the
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Midlands with no connections to the industry. I have pinch myself moments all the time. Sometimes I look around the room and I’m sat next to Simon Cowell or Barbara Windsor waiting for the tap on my shoulder to say: “Madame, get out” as if I’ve sneaked in! Q Confidence plays a huge role in life, especially in a public, media facing job such as yours – do you agree with that? A Yes, 100%. Presenting is an amazingly rewarding job, but also terrifying at the same time. You can’t fake confidence. Anyone making a job look easy has always put in so much hard work. You have to be true to who you are and stick to your gut. It’s tricky to navigate sometimes and there’s a lot of pressure. Q What have you found to be the worst and best thing about presenting? A The best thing is that I never dread Mondays. I love my job, I work with incredible people every day, I laugh out loud every day and I’ve made some friends for life. The worst thing is that the harder you work and the closer you get to those bigger jobs, the more pressure and criticism from the outside world. Stories in the press, comments, tweets, you name it, and it doesn’t matter who you are or how famous, a mean comment or story will always hurt and sadly sometimes overshadow all the lovely ones. I know as my career progresses, I’ll have to face this more and it does terrify me. I’m not a show off, I don’t want constant praise, but I am a very happy person and I just want to stay that way! >>>
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Q You appear to like presenting various cycling-related shows. Do you cycle a lot yourself? A Yes, I grew up in the countryside, so I love getting out on my bike; you feel so free, I like doing things that make me feel like a kid again. I recently went to Los Angeles and taught myself to skateboard because I thought it looked cool going down Venice Beach. I brought it back with me…haven’t touched it since! Q You teamed up with Ed Sheeran last year live on air and recently went to his secret gig – how did that go? Big fan? A He is just the best. He genuinely makes you feel like a mate. He was my first interview at Heart radio and he remembers things like that. You interview him again and he remembers your name and what we spoke about. He must meet so many people, so that’s an incredible likeable quality about him. He’s just really grounded. I’m always impressed when people who live such a manic lifestyle manage to stay so down to earth. When I went backstage to chat to him at Heart Live with Ed Sheeran, the first thing he said was: “Hey Sian, you’ll love this, I’ve got a Nando’s delivered!” Q You are active on the charity front, particularly Leonard Cheshire and the Sick Children’s Trust. Why have you chosen to involve yourself especially with these? A I just love hanging out with kids so much, they always bring out my silliest side! It’s really rewarding just giving a bit of my time. Spending time with people at the day centre at Leonard Cheshire fills my heart, I always leave buzzing. Stepping out of the surreal life of television and radio and meeting real life heroes who have all sorts against them but are still laughing and smiling teaches you so much. PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR
Q You’ve obviously got a marked sense of humour and this came to the fore whilst presenting Channel 5 weather. Can you explain what you did to liven it up? A I’ve been that mate in the friendship group who’s done dares and silly stunts all my life. When I got to Channel 5, it just meant that those dares ended up going out on national television! I’d sneak words in to make the crew in the TV gallery laugh, then I opened it up to Twitter and played a game #daresianonafriday where I’d get random words like ninja or cucumber in a 40 second broadcast! Eventually this escalated to 18 Star Wars’ puns in one forecast! I was getting calls from American TV shows such as Good Morning America asking me to talk about these pun forecasts, calls from radio stations like KROQ and KIIS, followed by Australian media, then movie companies wanting me to feature their film. It was hilarious, such a bizarre time! Q Fancy going into films? A I’d love to! Funnily enough, I had a cameo in a thriller starring Michael Fassbender titled The Snowman. I appeared as a Swedish weather presenter (with a Midlands’ accent). Surprisingly it got cut! Ha ha!
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Q Have you noticed any change in attitudes towards women these days? A Yes, and it’s wonderful. From the early weather girl days in 2010 to now, it feels like there’s been huge changes. I’ve never felt more respected than I have at Heart, they are incredible. From day one they’ve trusted me to be me, make my show my own. They’ve taken on board ideas, encouraged my progression and allowed me to realise some bucket list moments, from switching on Regent Street’s Christmas lights to electrocuting Chris Pratt, my CV has definitely become more interesting. Q How was it turning on the Christmas lights in Regent Street last year? A Literally a childhood dream come true. I still can’t believe it. Q Who would you walk across hot coals to work with? A Ant and Dec. Q What’s next for Ms Welby? A I’m loving Heart radio so much and it’s made me a much better presenter. I actually can’t watch any old clips of me on television anymore because it makes me cringe. I would love to do something fun on TV: 2019 is going to be a big year, I can feel it. v
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Game change Sarsfeld Jacket, charcoal with blue check, House of Lucan
Claire Zambuni looks at how a new breed of ‘Modern Traditionalists’ are changing the face of country fashions.
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Over the years, the world of British country fashion has evolved from its traditional tweed beginnings. For centuries, men and women have adopted timeless and practical fashion for hobbies such as shooting, hunting, horse riding and fly fishing and today’s ‘Country Set’ is looking for all functional aspects to be covered as well as incorporating elegant, modern, effortless style in their British outerwear. A wave of new independent companies run by younger, glamorous women brought up in the country with a rich heritage of British sporting life have challenged the age old country style to create pieces for this market with a modern twist, whilst always giving a nod to traditional values. These flattering new collections are aimed at men and women who want to look as good at a country house party as they do in town. There are a number of new brands changing the game including sister-duo Hicks & Brown, TROY London, Lady Melissa Percy of Mistamina and the eighth Countess of Lucan who founded Lucan Fashion. They spoke about their inspirations, successes and who’s wearing what.
Countess of Lucan, Anne-Sophie Lucan of Lucan Fashion. www.houseoflucan.com Q What made you create the brand Lucan? A I launched the line because I was frustrated by the boxy and boring nature of most tweeds, country wear and shooting kit on the market. I wanted to bring colour, vitality, shapeliness and ergonomics such as working side vents and action back, with bellows pockets, useful for modern men and women who, like me, have a busy lifestyle in both city and country. I wanted to be able to go straight from the moor into Annabel’s. Q How would you best describe the brand? A A truly British luxury brand – almost all the fabric and all production is here in the UK. We’ve avoided purely traditionalist associations whilst retaining heritage around the name in a playful and contemporary way, symbolised in the branding. The keywords of the collection are bold, spirited, genuine and vivacious and are representative of a life spent to the full! We don’t wish to be seen as wild, aiming to be a little punchier than what is otherwise on offer.>>>
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Town & country | FASHION Ladies Norfolk Jacket in brown herringbone, House of Lucan
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Rosie van Custem and. Lucia Ruck Keene of TROY London. Sligo Jacket in Brown Herringbone, House of Lucan
www.troylondon.com Q What made you create the brand TROY London? Rosie: We saw a lack of practical and stylish outerwear solutions for women, and feel there is real demand in the market for clothing that is adaptable to the modern woman’s busy lifestyle. Our designs are all versatile to city and country living. We try to bring practical features such as waterproofing and cosy warm quilting, and lift them with luxury fabrics and contemporary details.” Lucia: “There is a playfulness to our designs also, references to British heritage and country pursuits that add to the originality of our collection. We really set this up because we were fed up trying to find designs that were desirable and also suited our needs.
Rosie and Lucia model TROY’s parkas
How would you best describe the brand? Rosie: TROY is a stylish outerwear brand, offering chic coats and wardrobe staples for women who like to escape into the outdoors. All of our designs are made here in Britain. What achievement are you most proud of so far? Lucia: It is hard to identify a single moment. I still get a kick out of every repeat order we receive. It means so much that people come back time and time again. When that happens you think, well we must be doing something right. Rosie: We have loved building our brand internationally, and get a real kick to see sales to all corners of the world. We also enjoy working with other British designers on collaborations, most recently Amanda Wakeley OBE and latterly with the eminently stylish Alex Eagle.
Q What achievement are you most proud of so far? A Lucan has revived the iconic Norfolk Jacket for both urban and country wear and this year we also launched a ladies’ Norfolk – something that had us entered into the London College of Fashion’s Curriculum on British Luxury Brands! Q Who are some of your more well-known fans? A Tom Chamberlin, Editor of Rake Magazine, who wrote: “If we were to look back on a successful revival of it [The Norfolk Jacket] in however many years’ time, searching for a particular point of origin, this would certainly be it.” Sir Ian McKellan, the iconic British actor, who was: “very impressed with the workmanship and style” of our Men’s Gilet; plus Lady Alice Manners: “Bold and beautiful Brights, perfect for any country pursuit!” Finally, Lucia Van der Post, of FT’s How to Spend It said we: “Provide some of the most glamorous country clothing of all.”
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Who are some of your more well-known fans? Lucia: We have been delighted to see some inspiring women choose to wear our designs, from the Duchess of Cambridge to the country loving Jacquetta Wheeler and Poppy Delevingne. What are your plans for the future? Rosie: We are currently busy preparing our summer collection of cotton ruffle shirts, easy-wear pin cord dresses and canvas dungarees. We are adding to our stockists with carefully selected partners around the UK and internationally. The year ahead is certainly filled with excitement, working to our ambition of building the brand to a household name renowned for quality, stylish designs with a distinctly British flavour.
Q What are your plans for the future? A I’m adding cashmere and beautiful corduroy to the tweed and wool base and I aim eventually for a full lifestyle brand with a mix of urban and country styles whilst featuring our core pillars of shapeliness, colour, truthful ergonomics and flexibility in use. >>>
Town & country | FASHION The Ballinrobe Coat in grey herringbone, House of Lucan
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Lady Melissa Percy of Mistamina. www.mistamina.com Q What made you create the brand? A I started Mistamina in 2017 because I wanted clothes to wear in the countryside that had a cool, tomboy edge to them. My friends and I often found that we couldn’t find anything in the style we liked, but that also kept us warm and was practical for walking the dogs or spending time outside with the family. Everything that was practical and aimed at women was either fuchsia or purple, I wanted something that was more stylish, so I decided to create Mistamina and start designing clothes I wanted to wear myself!
. Sisters and co-founders, Alice and Rosie of Hicks & Brown. www.hicksandbrown.com Q What made you create the brand? A We started Hicks & Brown in 2014 because, put simply, we both absolutely love hats! We have so many in our wardrobes and wanted to create a brand of our own where we could design hats we would want to wear. Our mother, a renowned dressmaker and designer, was a true inspiration and support to us throughout our childhood and instilled in us a life-long love of design and textiles. Having both embarked on careers in London, we both maintained a connection with the country way of life, particularly within the equestrian and country sporting worlds. We started to make clothes to wear ourselves and were always overwhelmed with lovely comments from our family and friends who admired our creations. It was from this we decided that it was time to leave the corporate way of life and move back to our country roots, from which the business was born! Q How would you best describe the brand? A First and foremost, Hicks & Brown is a British brand, with its roots firmly in the countryside where the main influences for the designs and products are from. Having spent many years in the city, the brand embodies influences from the town, as well as country, to inject a contemporary take on the classic country look. These two main influences are reflected in all our designs, making them easily worn from a town to country lifestyle. Q What achievement are you most proud of so far? A This would have to be making the decision to take the leap from working under the safety net of bigger organisations within the careers we had both pursued in London. For not giving up through the tough times and having the courage and belief in ourselves that all our hard work will one day pay off. It’s such an amazing feeling to have grown the business from an idea discussed around the kitchen table to where we are today. We are fiercely British with the design of our products, and as well as being able to shop the collections via our website, Hicks & Brown is now a multi-channel shopping destination stocked in over 80 retailers across the UK, which continues to grow, and we are excited to see where the next few years takes us!
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Q How would you best describe the brand? A Mistamina is a practical clothing brand designed for action girls who love the great outdoors. Each piece is chic, yet pragmatic, and offers a new depth of dressing for adventurers, developed with wearability in mind with an edgy twist. The current collection comprises seven different colourways of crew knit jumpers, with contrast shoulder and elbow patch detailing. Q What achievement are you most proud of so far? A On a professional level, I’m really proud of successfully starting my own business, it has been so rewarding to launch Mistamina in the UK, we have enjoyed two brilliant years of business here and it has inspired me to launch in the USA. I love seeing people wearing their jumpers out in the field or whilst out walking: it’s so great to see people loving wearing their Mistamina clothes. On a personal note, one of my proudest moments was getting to play on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit. At my peak, I was ranked first in doubles and second in singles in Under 18 England Women’s Tennis. Although I no longer play professionally, I still love playing tennis socially. Q Who are some of your more well-known fans? A We have seen loads of great people wearing Mistamina, from expert shooter Rachel Carrie to Telegraph columnist Lady Alice Manners. I love it when my best friends Emma Louise Connolly, Maddie Chesterton and Bubble Perry wear their jumpers – as it’s always rewarding to see people you admire wearing your clothes, it’s testament to the product! Q What are your plans for the future? A This spring I am launching Mistamina in the USA, so I’m currently putting all my time into that project which is really exciting. I would love to design a wider collection of clothing to create the full look! It’s definitely something I have planned for the future.
Q Who are some of your more well-known fans? A Over the years some of our more well-known customers have included a mix of people, from Bake Off’s Mary Berry, the cast of Made in Chelsea to The Countess of Wessex! Whether they be a notable name, a regular wearer or a new customer, we always love seeing how our hats are styled and worn. Q What are your plans for the future? A To continue to grow the Hicks & Brown brand by introducing new products, which will play a key part in this growth, and launching further styles to develop our men’s range. The goal is always to try and reach new markets and people who haven’t heard from us before!v
Lady Melissa Percy models The Stanley Jumper, Mistamina
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NEW PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE A
ward-winning children’s photographer JoAnne Temple has launched a new and exclusive photography experience which aims to celebrate and empower girls aged four to 18 years. Frank & Bloom is a service designed for parents who want to embrace their daughters’ talents and character and capture these qualities in timeless, natural and unposed portraits. This unique service creates beautiful images by allowing girls to be free to express themselves and focussing on their interests and personalities. JoAnne is passionate about capturing girls just as they are, no airs, graces or pretence. “I want to celebrate girls for what makes them unique and, through my photography, help boost their self-esteem. I want to encourage girls to be frank or honest about who they are because I believe they are at their most captivating at that moment. I’m all for celebrating diversity and freedom and want the girls I photograph to ‘bloom’ – to feel empowered to show their individuality, their quirks and to let their character shine through.” Families will have the opportunity to display photos on their walls that depict the true character of their daughters, and for the girls to feel proud when they look at them. Photo sessions available across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire. essence INFO
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Gardens | OUTDOOR LIVING
INSIDE outside The recent experience of a warm plume of Mediterranean air to the British Isles has made us all think of the spring. Andrew Peters looks at how the garden is now an integral part of any house.
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ringing the outdoors in has become an increasingly popular part of modern architectural thinking and everyday living. Opening up the rear of a property is an ideal solution to creating a large, continuous space, especially for PHOTO COPYRIGHT: INDIAN OCEAN families or for people who like to entertain. The majority of today’s new construction, rear extensions and conservatories are being designed with the idea of encompassing this inside outside approach where the boundary between the interior and the garden is quite often barely perceptible. Large sections of the rear of properties are having immense bi-fold or sliding panelled doors installed. These often lead directly into wonderfully light-filled glass structures or onto inviting patios and well laid out terraces. These extensions can be a complete break with the style and proportion of the existing house, making better use of natural light and utilising modern materials to achieve a more open plan design. Vast sheets of glass are the defining element for the majority of these contemporary style areas. Formations of large glass ‘boxes’ that are clean-lined, unlike the old-fashioned conservatory. The unfussy, climate-controlled rooms of today not only increase our living space, but are sleek, uncomplicated and comfortably weather-proofed. The impression that the two areas are as one, providing the ability to move effortlessly between indoors and out, is paramount to success. Paving the exterior terrace in the same, or similar, material as the internal floor is very popular and extends the interior beyond the house’s end wall. This adds to the unifying elements that lead the eye towards the garden. Where possible, keeping floor levels the same at thresholds means the transition between rooms is seamless, thereby creating a perfectly connecting and spacious environment. >>>
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INDIAN OCEAN Sit back, relax and enjoy Founded in 1990 with a passion for innovation and a philosophy to offer the ultimate collection of luxury outdoor furniture, Indian Ocean continues to break design boundaries in the use of many different fine materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, rope and, of course, teak, pioneering an environmentally sound future for the industry. Their modern quality surpasses the criteria for furniture destined for outdoors, successfully combining the pleasures of outdoor living with contemporary aesthetics. Several elegant and comfortable heritage pieces from Indian Ocean’s teak beginnings remain firmly in the range, which now includes outdoor kitchens and outdoor lighting, electric shades and all the luxuries required for modern outdoor living. Indian Ocean offers advice on furnishing the smallest balcony, country garden or super yacht, together with a complete design and planning service to make the most of any space. Collections are on display at Harrods, third floor, as well as at the two Indian Ocean stores in Balham and Hampstead.
essence INFO
www.indian-ocean.co.uk
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: INDIAN OCEAN
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 21
Ethimo Grand Life armchairs PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ETHIMO
ETHIMO OUTDOOR DECOR
The aims and objectives when planning an inviting outdoor living area should be the same as for the interior. It should never be designed as an after-thought to the interior scheme, but in parallel, with each area reflecting the other. The stronger the visual tie, the greater sense of unification. Seating should be as comfortable and welcoming as main living room seating. A large dining table, with stylish plump cushioned chairs, is great for entertaining when the weather allows. Canopies now come in a variety of unusual shapes and sizes and patio heaters cater for cooler nights. Because of the elements, if placing furniture outdoors, great care and consideration is required because of the extremes to which it may be exposed. Outdoor furniture has to meet rigorous standards. It has to be durable, tear-proof and resistant to UV rays, chlorine and salt water, lotions, micro-organisms and stains from food or drink. In most cases it has to remain outside all year round requiring minimal maintenance. Modern materials now make choice almost endless, with a lot of outdoor furniture manufactured from waterproof fibre on aluminium frames. This material is moulded into strips which are then woven onto the frame in innovative designs: open, herringbone, plaited or decorative. This lightweight furniture is not only visually appealing, but also easier maintain than natural fibres such as wicker or rattan. v
22 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Ethimo offers a line of outdoor furniture for a ‘Grand Life’ in the open air, capable of conveying the tactile and visual sensations that characterise the most elegant indoor situations. Ethimo, in conjunction with Christophe Pillet, has produced a collection that reflects Mediterranean style and Italian design. Grand Life furniture determines the aesthetic value of the space it occupies, rendering it even more relaxing and inviting.
essence INFO
www.ethimo.com/en
Ethimo Grand Life coffee tables PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ETHIMO
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Cultural melting pot produces
HAUTE CUISINE Kevin Pilley is told to eat, drink and loosen his belt as he takes a trip to the European Capital of Gastronomy Culture 2019, Kraków.
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ccording to one eighteenth century sensualist, the four best things in Poland were: “Vodka in Gdansk, gingerbread in Torun, in Kraków: the ladies, and in Warsaw, shoes.” Torun may have the world’s only gingerbread (pierniki) museum and Lublin a pancake museum; vodka may still be drunk widely and wildly in old and new artisanal forms, including pigwowka (quince vodka), and Warsaw might have all the Michelin stars, but Kraków is the 2019 European Capital of Gastronomic Culture. The former capital beat off Lisbon for the privilege accorded by the European Academy of Gastronomy and will stage culinary events throughout the year, showcasing cookery talents and products to showpiece the revival and reinvention of Polish ‘wykwintna kuchnia’ – haute cuisine. Indeed, there are now 26 Kraków eateries recommended in the Michelin Guide, most of them located in the main market square, on the banks of the Vistula River and on the streets of the former Jewish city of Kazimierz. Rest assured the city’s annual Soup Festival and Sausage Dog Parade will go ahead as usual. Once Kraków, which was on the first UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, hosted large and lavish banquets with specialities like braised bear’s claws, smoked bear tongue and bear bacon. Now tastes are being refined again, but democratised. Fine dining is no longer the preserve of the nobility. Poles are being weaned off potato starch soup, cucumber soup, barley soup, double fried lard, goat gruels and cardboard schabowy pork cutlets. Although cabbage is still braised and industrial amounts consumed, a wind of change is blowing through Polish cuisine. “The past is back. But the past isn’t bad,” says Karolina Milczanowska of the gastro portal haveabite.com. “Poles are discovering fine dining and demand is increasing for fine dining options. More people are eating out, palates have become more educated and curious.”
24 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Travel | GASTRO KRAKÓW A Kraków bagel PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD
Kraków’s degustacja (sampling) menus represent the best value for haute cuisine anywhere in the world. Michelin-recommended Marcin Filipkiewicz, head chef at the Copernicus Hotel in the old town, has cooked for rulers, prelates, artists and actors and is not surprised that Kraków won. His heroes include Alain Ducasse and culinary revolutionists Peter Gilmore and Grant Achatz. Marcin offers a 12-course taster menu ($100) including duck with chicory boiled in red orange and hibiscus. “While appreciating our cooking traditions, I’m trying to get away from stereotypes,” adds the author of his country’s best-selling fine dining cookery book. “People don’t associate Poland with fine dining, that’s so wrong. The chef to Prince Alexander, Stanislaw Czerniecki, produced our first cookbook in 1682. We have a rich gastronomic heritage and we are rediscovering it. We are catering for new tastes and new curiosity.” Martin Filipkiewicz, head chef, Copernicus Hotel PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COPERNICUS HOTEL
Kraków cuisine PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD
The 29-room boutique Copernicus is the former Polish capital’s first Relais & Châteaux property. Ex-president George W. Bush stayed there in 2001, Prince Charles too. Kraków’s oldest hotel, Pod Roza (Under the Roses), the former palace Prospero Provano, has played host to Russian tsars. Chef Milosz Grabowski trained under two Michelin starred chef, Arnaud Bignon. At the Hotel Stary, chef du cuisine Krzysztof Zurek heads the Trzy Rybki (Three Fishes) restaurant where Kolacja (dinner) starts at around $40. Food tours like Eat Polska are catering to food tourists. Food and travel magazines are becoming popular and historic spaces are now restaurants. In the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, visitors can highend dine in an ex-bus garage Studio Qulinarne. With its original leather and silver flake golden cordovans, coffered and ornate ceilings, the seventeenth century Wierzynek Restaurant boasts an ‘attribute exceptional atmosphere’. Scene of a 20-day feast thrown in 1364 by King Casimir the Great for other monarchs, the seasonal menu includes dumplings with hare and venison saddle. Also in Europe’s largest market square, the thirteenth century Rynek Glowny, there’s Szara Ges (Grey Goose) restaurant with glazed goose leg, goose blood and its signature dessert, a milk chocolate goose egg with a mango mousse yolk! Dziczyzna (game) is now available to all. Around the corner, on the Grodzka royal coronation route, Pod Aniolami (Under the Angels) is in a thirteenth century cellar and former goldsmith’s workshop. Its menu tempts with wild boar steak in juniper marinade. Fiorentina is the steak house in town. >>>
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 25
Fine dining at Trzy Rybki restaurant, Hotel Stary PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD Szara Ges (Grey Goose) restaurant PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SZARA GES RESTAURANT
Polish cuisine has come a long way from stale bread soup, dry crackers, jellied pork knuckle, CCCP-inspired 100% fat Smalec lard spread, huge slabs of black rye chleb bread, watery broths, limp plastic sausages and indigestible dumplings. In 2013, Warsaw’s Wojceich Modest Amaro became the first Polish chef to be accorded a Michelin star. Traditional dishes like golabki (cabbage rolls), bigos (hunter’s stew), pierogi (small ravioli dumplings from Ukraine) and sernik cheesecake are still popular. But now come with Prosecco offers. Austerity has brought haute cuisine at relatively austere prices. Some of the old egalitarian diners – mlecznys milk bars – are still there and state-subsidised offering two courses for $3. The solem (together) mugs may have gone, but the canteens are ‘must try locales’ on escorted and self-guided food tours. All over Kraków a new generation is Instagramming its goose blood soup and facebooking cabbage heads. Polish cuisine’s early influences were eastern. From the sixteenth century Asian spices were used. Partitions and assimilation into the Russian, Prussian and Austrian empires have left their marks on tablecloths; queens brought new recipes. French and Indian restaurants appeared in 1990. But the revolution started with hamburgers at the now no more Love Krove (Love A Cow) on Brzozowa. Then came Vietnamese immigrants, Swiss and Italian confectionery returned and ‘decadent’ pastry shops reappeared. In 2012 the restaurant scene exploded and Kraków now has international restaurants catering for cosmopolitan and domestic tastes. Damian Suroweic opened Euskadi over the Wisla River in Podgorze, the former Jewish ghetto. He offers prawns from Venice, Basque tapas and a Campari sorbet. He believes food is a cultural force and is targeting locals. “We are trying to build new eating behaviour, quality over quantity. But Polish food is still simple and uncomplicated. Hospitality has always been in our blood,” he says. There are now cookery school and pierogi power workshops and even a bagel (obwarzanek) museum where you can roll and braid (warcocz) your own bagel. Says curator Maria Krzyzek-Siudah: “The obwarzanek symbolises the city. T’obwarzac means to parboil. This stops yeast from growing and so an obwarzanek can keep its shape and be soft inside and crispy on the outside.” In 1257, Boleslaw the Chaste granted jatkiepiekanski (bagel makers) their own guild. Now 150,000 are made and sold every day in Kraków. >>>
26 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Kraków at night PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD
All over Kraków a new generation is Instagramming its goose blood soup and facebooking cabbage heads.
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MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 27 March 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 00
Kraków’s oldest hotel, Pod Roza PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD
Polish fine wine PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD
The 1997 Pod Baranem’s owner/chef Jan Baran, near Wawel Castle, the seat of Polish kings for 500 years, offers home cooking out. Everything is made in-house, including the herb tinctures inspired by Galician regional cuisine. Says Jan: “Our Sirloin a la Barbican harks back to medieval Poland. The bacon wrap defends the delicacy of the meat. We also have zurek sour rye soup with egg and sausage, as well as spare ribs wrapped in braised cabbage with cep sauce.” At the 800-year-old Stary Kleparz, farmers’ market stalls sell dried forest mushrooms, rustic sausages and farmhouse cheeses like oscypek and sledzie (herrings) to accompany Chopin vodka. The young potato Mlody Ziemniak is considered the premium luxury vodka. Cider is becoming popular since the surplus caused by the export embargo to Ukraine, reflecting that Poland has some of Europe’s largest orchards. A fine wine culture is growing, although domestic wines are dearer than imports. The 28-hectare 2008 Srebrna Góra vineyard under the Camaldolese Hermit Monastery in Bielany is reviving tenth century monastic viticulture. Gora produces 120,000 bottles annually and it makes a Polish Beaujolais to commemorate St Martin, the patron saint of winemakers. Wine has brought the first Polish sommeliers like Maciej Murzyniec of Karakter offal restaurant in the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. He advises on pairings for horsemeat tartare, goose stomachs and bull testicle paté. Don’t doubt his proposals. He is an expert in Kendo, having studied in Japan. Poland is reinventing its rich culinary heritage: at its oldest hotel a Latin inscription reads: Stet domus haec, dones fluctus formica marinos ebibet et totum testudo perambulet orbem – May this house stay here until the ant drinks all of the sea and the turtle ends its route around the world. Kraków is again a place for gourmands and gastronomes and not just aristocratic or regal ones. The world is coming to Poland to eat well and more Poles are wishing each other Smacznego! – wishing you tastiness. As well as Jedzcie, pijcie i popuszczajcie pasa – eat, drink and loosen your belt. As Marcin Filipkiewicz sums up: “A mixture of highlander, Jewish or Ukrainian cultures produces a variety of dishes and flavours and offers unlimited possibilities for composition.” v essence INFO
www.easyjet.com www.hotelcopernicus.com
28 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Relaxing in Kraków PHOTO COPYRIGHT: POLISH TOURIST BOARD
Maciej Murzyniec of Karakter offal restaurant advises on wine pairings for horsemeat tartare, goose stomachs and bull testicle paté. Don’t doubt his proposals.
www.chateauberne.com Telephone: 00 33 494 604888
30 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Motoring | BENTLEY
HAIR-RAISING Z FOLD DROP-TOP Euan Johns examines a car that would suit an individual who spends most of their time on the Riviera, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.
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entley has been building luxury Grand Tourers since the company was founded in 1919 and, in the marque’s centenary year, the Continental GT Convertible joins a highly acclaimed range. In fact, it’s arguably the strongest and most technologically advanced portfolio of products seen under the umbrella of one luxury brand. This particular offering has sleek lines and somewhat refined classicism, disguising the fact that the six-litre powerhouse can offer an amazing performance, coupled with an almost silent motoring experience. This remarkable drop-top has the option to be bought with a contemporary tweed fabric roof, suiting a country-loving individual, and provides an improved interior with a snug feel heightened by the vehicle’s quietness. As we all know, open-tops have a continual battle blocking out the elements and so the silence attained here really is an achievement. If we’re being precise, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible is three decibels quieter than its predecessors, which hardly required earplugs as an optional extra. Tyremaker Pirelli has chipped into the noise reduction stakes with the provision of bespoke tyres utilising noise cancelling technology. The resulting silence hides a top speed of well over 205 mph which places it squarely in the supercar bracket, all two tonnes of it. >>>
“Elegant understatement that forces you to look; engineering excellence you’ll take for granted – the extraordinary breadth of capabilities offered by the new Continental GT Convertible is unique.” Adrian Hallmark, chairman and chief executive, Bentley Motors
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 31
Not that you’d need it, but there’s another reason for dropping the top (which takes 19 seconds) on this luxury offering: the interior is sumptuous – the level of which is only regulated by what’s in the purchaser’s wallet. It features the highest quality leathers and sustainably-sourced veneers. The metal finish on the central console is a beautiful addition, inspired by the patterns adorning expensive Swiss timepieces. The new Continental GT Convertible also showcases major evolutions in Bentley’s unique application of technology, including an advanced, fully digital, driver focused instrument panel and Bentley Rotating Display for the driver. This features an impressive 12.3" touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves from pure veneer to reveal either a touchscreen or three elegant analogue dials offering customers the option of a digital detox when desired. The overall finish provides a modern look while paying homage to retro design. Look at this car side on, or any other angle for that matter, and it’s very easy on the eye, in a classical sense; the lines for this beautiful car being perfected way before PHDs in laminar surface air flows were requisite. It hangs on the romantic designs of yesteryear with an easy elegance that belies its bulk. The Convertible’s profile is longer and lower than its forebear due to the positioning of the front wheels, 135mm further forward. This has allowed the bonnet to be extended and the nose to be lowered. The key signature power lines of its coupe sibling still dominate, flowing back towards the muscular rear haunches. The lighting on the Continental GT Convertible uses the latest LED Matrix technology, but it is the design of the headlamps that truly sets them apart. Inspired by the finest cut-crystal glasses, the internal surfaces are transparent with sharply defined edges that catch the light like a diamond. Unmistakeably a Bentley, this third generation Continental GT Convertible retains the elegance and style of its forebears. More sculpted and sharply defined, the all-new body and materials combine to create a truly beautiful car – roof up or down. But, and there’s always a but, some digital detoxes come at a lower base price than the Continental’s £171,500, but that really isn’t the point. If you want to make a statement at the Monaco Grand Prix in May, then look no further. v
32 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
essence INFO
www.bentley.co.uk
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MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 33
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34 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Further education | FINANCE
Background no barrier Andrew Peters looks at the available alternatives and areas of assistance for funding further eduction via scholarships, bursaries and grants.
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emory may have faded, but university tuition fees rose considerably some years ago to their current high levels. With the potential introduction of shorter, two-year courses, fees are set to rise further. Perhaps surprisingly in the circumstances, organisations are finding it difficult to find applicants for scholarship schemes. The options available mean that for any parent whose child is approaching university age, they may not have to fund the further education themselves or watch their offspring rack up huge debts. There is a lack of awareness amongst parents of the number of funding options available that continue to increase. In general terms, scholarships are awarded for academic merit, bursaries for financial need and grants come from charities. Currently there are more than 3,000 scholarships and bursaries available at British universities, offering support to cover most tuition costs, and, of course, do not require to be repaid, unlike a loan. Less than half of this assistance is currently sought: parents are unaware of its existence or assume they are not eligible to receive it. In addition to funding for students with excellent academic achievement, there are also funds available for students with particular interests or talents such as sports or music. Students can also be eligible for assistance if they are the first in a family to attend university, or if their extra curricular activities, such as community work, enable them to qualify. The starting point for parents is to ask their child’s chosen further education institution what help is available and search for grants via the charity Turn2us. The government is looking at how further education is financed and accelerated courses will in all likelihood become more prevalent. For a two-year course, tuition fees are higher, commonly £11,000, but then the student is attending for a year less and therefore the saving will be over 20% compared to the currently more traditional three-year course. Don’t forget, there will also be savings on living costs as well. The drawback of these shortened courses is that studying is concentrated into a shorter time and therefore the student will be under more pressure. This is a decision that will depend very much on personal outlook, as part of the university ‘experience’ is meeting new people in a relatively unpressured environment and making possibly life-long friends. Contacts made at university may also assist later during career progression. If a student has definitely decided on a three-year degree course without financial assistance, then parents should think twice before funding it themselves. It may make far more sense to take out a student
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: RAWPIXEL | 123RF.COM
loan as most will not be paid back in full. This is not hearsay, it is the result of research carried out by the Institute of Fiscal Studies. The loan system as it currently exists requires all students to reach a certain salary level before they begin repayments. Furthermore, student debt is currently written off after 30 years. In an increasingly fast changing world most students will probably never reach the salary levels required to pay off these loans in full, a fact that has been acknowledged by the government.v essence INFO
www.thescholarshiphub.org.uk
Terminology Grants: available to anyone who satisfies the criteria, such as the means-tested Maintenance Grant (Bursary in Scotland). Some charities, councils and businesses also stump up funds, with specific criteria. Bursaries: cash with narrower criteria (e.g. for students from lower income backgrounds, care leavers or specific courses) or earmarked for specific spending, such as childcare. Bursaries are sometimes awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so need to be applied for early before the pot is empty. Scholarships: funds aimed at attracting (or supporting) high achievers. Don’t think they’re just about book smarts, though – your country, gender, course or even your eSports skills could all net fee waivers or free cash. Sponsorships/apprenticeships: lucrative but harder to find, degrees sponsored by a company can net a salary and pay fees. The trade-off is that it takes longer to get a degree (as the student will be working at the same time).
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 35
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Tax | EVERFAIR
UK Inheritance Tax and probate fee changes for 2019
Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers guidance to essence readers on the forthcoming tax and probate changes.
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ajor changes to Inheritance Tax liabilities are anticipated in 2019, and with the second of two reports from the Office for Tax Simplification expected in the spring, we hope to see plans for a much overdue makeover of the IHT service. In addition, the probate fee structure is changing from April 2019 and this means there will be fee increases for some estates. The IHT allowance is set at £325,000 per person, known as the nil-rate band, with a 40% tax rate for amounts exceeding this. In addition to your assets, any allowances not utilised may be transferred to your spouse or civil partner, enabling a combined tax-free amount of £650,000 to be passed on. However, if your estate includes your home, an additional allowance known as the ‘residence nil-rate’, set at £125,000 per person, enables married couples and civil partners to pass on up to a total of £900,000 tax-free. And, this allowance is currently set to increase by £25,000 each year until it reaches £175,000. There are many rules governing qualification for the residence nil-rate, but by 2020 qualifying married couples and civil partners will be able to pass on a £1m inheritance tax-free to their direct descendants. If your estate exceeds £2m, the property-related allowance drops by £1 for every £2 over the £2m limit. Gifts may also be made to your spouse, civil partner or charity without paying Inheritance Tax, but you cannot donate your entire estate to avoid paying tax. The system is complex, but to simplify, gifts made within seven years of your death could be liable for tax and the amounts due will depend on the timing of the gift.
From April 2019 the threshold for probate fees is increasing from £5,000 to £50,000 and any estates above this will then correspond to a sliding scale of fees depending on the value of the estate. The existing flat fee of £215, or £155 if application is made through a solicitor, will end. For higher value estates valued between £50,000 and £300,000, a fee of £250 will be payable, with the scale being capped at £6,000 for estates in excess of £2 million. If you would like any further information or some help with Inheritance Tax queries, please feel free to call Everfair Tax’s friendly team on 01932 320800, email info@everfairtax.co.uk or visit www.everfairtax.co.uk.
essence INFO
Gillian Everall is Managing Director and Head of Private Client Tax Services for Everfair Tax based in Weybridge. Everfair Tax specialises in UK, US and Expatriate Tax and provides a unique tax advisory and compliance service to help manage personal or international complexities and the changing of family or business circumstances.
By 2020 qualifying married couples and civil partners will be able to pass on a £1m inheritance tax-free to their direct descendants.
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 37
DIGITAL CATCH UP Mundays LLP discusses what happens to digital assets after death.
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Julie Man is a Partner and currently heads Mundays’ Private Wealth department. Since joining, Julie has developed a breadth of private client expertise including complex Wills, lifetime capital tax-planning, Business Property Relief and ancillary advice on succession planning for business owners, domicile and cross-border issues for international clients, private and charitable trusts together with the administration of estates. Julie also has a solid background in elderly client work such as planning for care home fees, preparation of lasting Powers of Attorney, registration of Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. Julie Man of Mundays LLP on 01932 590643 or by email at Julie.Man@mundays.co.uk
38 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
e live in ever-changing and unpredictable times. Modern life with constantly changing digitalisation means the pace of change is now continual and faster than ever before. It is now the norm when out and about to see people living their lives through their mobile phones and social media. This means that more often than not, it is highly likely every one of us will have a ‘digital life’ and ‘footprint’. This is particularly so as more and more people have digital assets. A digital asset is anything that exists in a binary format and comes with a right of use. Any data that does not have a right of use is not an asset. For example, a lot of you will have digital assets such as email accounts and social networking. Many will be familiar with and will likely to be using on a daily basis social media like Facebook, photo sharing accounts such as Instagram, music libraries such as Spotify, shopping accounts like eBay, PayPal and Amazon, or the more recently familiar cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Dash. Your digital life may also include items stored digitally on your computer, iPad or smartphone such as word documents, videos, spreadsheets, photographs etc. The different types of digital assets are increasing exponentially and with life as it is this does not seem likely to slow down. The number of people who have a digital life is substantially rising and it is highly unlikely that a person will not have any digital existence, especially since we are becoming ever more reliant on digital technology. Despite the increase in different digital assets penetrating our daily lives and its
increasing involvement in our lives, it is clear that whether we like it or not digitalisation is and will continue to be part of our lives and everything points towards it becoming an increasing part of our lives. Unfortunately, the law has not adapted to the changes as quickly as we would like. As a result, digital assets are often forgotten about when someone passes away. This is a critical overlook given that a substantial amount of a person’s estate may now be digital and quite often those assets can be very valuable; for example, there may be a balance on your PayPal or eBay account, or you may have some valuable cryptocurrency. In addition, you may want your family or friends to have the benefit of your accounts; for example, to have the benefit of your music library, although you need to be aware that different providers of digital assets have different rules regarding succession. It is important to take note of this when setting up your online accounts. Some providers do not allow you to leave the content of the asset to PHOTO COPYRIGHT: KATARZYNA BIAŁASIEWICZ | 123RF.COM
Legal | MUNDAYS
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SANIPHOTO | DREAMSTIME.COM
a chosen beneficiary; for example, the content on your iPod is licensed to you to listen to, not purchased, and therefore although you can leave the iPod to your chosen beneficiary, you are unable to leave the content. You should therefore check the rules regarding succession with the service provider. Understandably, this can quite often be overlooked. Even in cases where digital assets are not forgotten about and Executors are aware of their existence, given that most accounts are password protected, there is the practical difficulty of how your Executors gain access to them after you die, without tackling formal and time-consuming red tape of the different organisations involved. You should consider reviewing and updating your Will. Many Wills do not refer to or deal with digital assets, meaning that in many cases, there is no authority for your Executors to deal with your digital assets under your Will. You may also want to consider appointing a separate Executor to deal with your digital assets. Unless steps are taken to adapt and recognise the value of digital assets, it is likely that many digital assets will continue to be overlooked when an individual passes away. This could result in these digital assets surfacing several years after the administration of an estate is wound up, which can be extremely problematic. Or more distressing, social media accounts such as Facebook accounts, which may have many personal postings and photos very personal to you, continuing to be seen on the social media platform and continuing as an ongoing shrine
as the representatives struggle to deal with the formal requirements of the organisation before the account can be formally shut down and taken offline, so to say. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take steps now. You should keep and maintain a spreadsheet documenting your digital assets which should be updated from time to time. It may be necessary on such spreadsheet to provide clear instructions on how to access your digital assets; this may particularly be the case if you own bitcoins or gaming credit. It is important to ensure that any spreadsheet is securely password protected, but at the same time, that the spreadsheet can be accessed by your trusted Executors on your death. You want to enable your Executors to deal with these issues as quickly and easily as possible. You can secure these safely with your Will. If in light of the above, you would like to review your Will, please contact Julie Man, Jeremy Duffy or Kerry Sawyer of Mundays LLP at the contact details shown.
essence INFO
Mundays LLP 400 Dashwood Lang Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2HJ Telephone: 01932 590500 Website: www.mundays.co.uk The contents of this article are intended as guidance for readers. It can be no substitute for s ecific a ice Conse uentl e cannot acce t responsibility for this information, errors or matters affecte su se uent chan es in the law, or the content of any website referred to in this update. © Mundays LLP 2019.
Jeremy Duffy is a Partner in Mundays’ Private Wealth department – a team noted in both Legal 500 and Chambers legal directories for the quality of expertise offered to both national and international clients. He joined Mundays to further complement and reinforce development of its international offering using his expertise after spending many years with the Royal Bank of Canada Wealth Management in Jersey and practising in a City firm. Jeremy Duffy of Mundays LLP on 01932 590597 or by email at Jeremy.Duffy@mundays.co.uk
Kerry Sawyer joined Mundays’ Private Wealth team in December 2017. She qualified as a Solicitor in July 2015 and has experience in a wide range of private wealth matters to include the preparation of both simple Wills and complex Wills incorporating trust structures, preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney, registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney, advising on lifetime gifts, Deputyship Applications, other Court of Protection applications to include Statutory Wills and lifetime gifts where the individual has lost capacity, advising and preparing Trusts and Estate Administration. Kerry Sawyer of Mundays LLP on 01932 590664 or by email at Kerry.Sawyer@mundays.co.uk
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 39
WEALTH MANAGEMENT EXECUTED BEAUTIFULLY
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Les 110 de Taillevent
Beef Short Rib PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES
MY MONTH IN FOOD PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD
Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, Les 110 de Taillevent, Cavendish Square.
T
he first thing that engaged my attention when a friend mentioned dining at Les 110 de Taillevent was the name: had I eaten there before and why was it so familiar to me? The restaurant itself is already a stalwart in London’s food circles, yet it had somehow slipped through my net of restaurant reviews over the years. With an evergrowing list of restaurants to tackle (happily, I must say) sometimes even those well-established names can have you double-checking. A quick Google search promptly answered my initial question and I realised I was thinking of the original, Paris-based restaurant of the same name. So, the answer was no, I hadn’t eaten in this restaurant before, but my interest was reinvigorated. I should also mention that the restaurant name is an indication of what to expect from the menu: 110 is the number of wines offered by the glass. An exciting and impressive proposition to those of us
42 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
who enjoy a glass of wine, but can never quite finish a full bottle over the course of a meal. From the moment you step inside Les 110 de Taillevent, the experience is a sleek and understated affair with discreet yet friendly service and an impossibly grand bar area showing off an impressive view of the wine collection, a highlight of the dining room. I perused a well thought out menu of classic and modern French dishes and picked out a delightful sounding first course: Spelt Lobster Risotto with lobster bisque. A picturesque plate of frothy, burnished orange broth prompted an immediate flurry of phototaking, much to the surprise of my more restrained fellow diners. For such a delicate looking dish, the broth was a gutsy, flavourful match for the grainy spelt which had absorbed the moreish, umami flavours of the bisque. The soft, yet meaty pieces of fresh lobster on top added texture and sweetness.
Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES
Spelt Lobster Risotto
White Chocolate Panna Cotta
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES
I learned afterwards that you can also enjoy this particular dish as a main course, and I heartily recommend this highlight of the menu. After the meal, I had the pleasure of meeting head chef Ross Bryans, and after hearing my unwavering appreciation and newfound devotion for his spectacular lobster risotto, I was assured he would keep this particular item on the menu. It’s perhaps a negative trait to have an instant favourite, but this was certainly one of the most triumphant risottos I’ve had the pleasure of eating. Nevertheless, I think a food writer can also reserve the right to have ‘second favourites’ and this was certainly the case with the following dish: an entrée of Beef Short Rib, Dorset snails with bone marrow crumb. I find beef rib one of the most indulgent cuts, from the glistening marbling of the meat to the sticky richness which always tastes deeply comforting. The crunch from the buttery-rich bone marrow crumb added a satisfying texture, along with the salty Dorset snails – quite possibly the ultimate carnivore’s dream! At this point, you may wonder which of the 110 wines had been suggested to partner with such a worthy opponent. Alas, I uncharacteristically decided not to drink for the first two courses, but gleefully made up for it later with an astoundingly good choice (via the sommelier, of course). After two decadent courses, the final offering was a sublime White Chocolate Panna Cotta, with
coconut, passion fruit and black olive caramel. The panna cotta was immaculately presented in the form of a quenelle which had that silkysmooth texture you expect from a well-made panna cotta, sweetened by the vanilla-rich white chocolate. A generous addition of tangy black olive caramel paired splendidly with the lighter, more exotic flavours of the coconut and passion fruit: a sumptuous medley of flavours which I made incredibly short work of, despite my earlier protestation of “I can’t possibly...” It seemed to me I couldn’t end the meal without at least trying something of the alcoholic variety and after mentioning my desire to have something light and fruity, head sommelier, Christopher Lecoufle, recommended the Sydre Brut, Argelette 2015 by Eric Bordelet. A cider of superlative quality, with the requisite citrus tang, yet with delicately muted, sweet notes. It perfectly rounded off an exceptional dining experience which I hope to revisit soon: if only for that risotto… essence INFO
Les 110 de Taillevent 16 Cavendish Square, London W1G 9DD Telephone: 020 3141 6016 Email: les110.london@taillevent.com Websites: www.les-110-taillevent-london.com; www.stephaniebrookes.com
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 43
GOOD MOOD DIET Rick Hay, Healthista nutritional director, offers essence readers his advice on the best foods to cope with modern life.
F
ood can help to create better mood. It’s all about including the right foods in a diet to help take the edge off stress, help support nervous system function and even assist with sleep. Start by including some of the following good mood foods in your diet: Avocados contain essential fatty acids and tyrosine to help
improve feel good chemical dopamine levels.
Berries have antioxidants rich in anthocyanidins to help with
cognitive function and memory. They are high in vitamin C and help with stress levels. Lentils have complex carbohydrates to boost the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin. Oats are rich in B vitamins to help boost mood and stabilise blood sugar to help with a steadier mood and provide more energy. Salmon and sardines contain essential fatty acids. Salmon is rich in vitamin B12. Nuts are full of healthy fats and B vitamins to help with mental performance. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium which can help with anxiety and depression levels. Leafy greens such as spinach contain magnesium to support the nervous system. Tea contains L theanine which helps produce alpha waves to improve and relax mood. Algae, such as Spirulina, contain essential fatty acids and also B vitamins for mood and iron to help with circulation, mood and energy. Also, try to cook with herbs and spices such as cinnamon, rosemary, basil, turmeric, ginger, garlic and sage as these all have mood-boosting and memoryenhancing properties.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ARIWASABI | DREAMSTIME.COM
44 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Fermented foods like tempeh, kefir, yoghurt, sauerkraut and miso are all the rage in nutrition at the moment as they help with healthy gut microbiota which research is indicating helps with mood, brain function and immunity. A little bread is fine on a mood boosting diet as it supplies carbohydrates that help with serotonin production – just do not overdo it! Green tea and Matcha green tea are good as they boost L theanine levels and create alpha waves which help us to feel relaxed. Herbal teas such as chamomile and lemon balm can help to calm. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar and alcohol as caffeine can make us jittery and may lead to adrenal exhaustion and insomnia. Sugar can cause mood swings and tiredness by causing blood sugar fluctuations and alcohol is a depressant. It can negatively impact on liver health which, in turn, can affect mood. Alcohol can leave you feeling down the next day.
A good diet is all about supplying the body with the nutrients it needs to support nervous system function and to help in the production of feel good chemicals such as serotonin. It’s also about delivering foods that offer antioxidant protection and that stabilise blood sugar levels. If blood sugar is not stable, mood can suffer – we can experience mood swings, more cravings and less energy. More and more people are suffering too with sleep disturbance and this diet should help alleviate insomnia too. By following a nutrient-dense, mostly plant-based plan, you should also lose weight. More fibre means better digestion and less cravings which translates into a steadier mood. This type of diet could give a healthy two pound weight loss in a week. Here are a selection of good mood food recipes to try: they should result in a happier and healthier you!
BREAKFAST Stress busting smoothie bowl
Relaxing Chia Seed porridge
Ingredients: One mango, chopped and frozen Half frozen banana Half cup of coconut yoghurt Half cup of nut milk Blueberries Raspberries Method: Add all ingredients into a high-speed PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DANIELA FISCHER blender. Blend until smooth. Spoon into small bowls. Add berries. Or...
Ingredients: One cup of oats Rice milk or coconut milk Method: Add a teaspoon of chia seeds and coconut flakes and top with berries .
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DANIELA FISCHER
Accompany both breakfasts with a cup of tea, coffee or Matcha green tea.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DANIELA FISCHER
LUNCH Teriyaki tofu roll
Quinoa, chickpea and spinach salad
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DANIELA FISCHER
Ingredients: One tablespoon sesame oil Four medium sized chestnut mushrooms, sliced Pinch of salt Pepper to taste One small baguette or two slices of bread of choice Two to three teaspoons organic teriyaki sauce Tofu, five thin slices One tablespoon tahini Small tomatoes to garnish Method: In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper, stir and cook/fry for about five to six minutes. Add tofu slices and simmer for five minutes. Cut small piece of roll in two halves and spread tahini on both halves. Place tofu and mushrooms on one of the halves and add teriyaki sauce on top. Place other half on top. Enjoy. Or...
Ingredients: Three small cups quinoa One can organic chickpeas One can organic corn Three tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Three quarters teaspoon salt Black pepper Three thyme sprigs
One teaspoon chilli powder One clove garlic, minced One teaspoon fresh lemon juice Four cups fresh spinach One tablespoon sliced shallot One tablespoon cranberries Six cups water
Method: Add three cups of uncooked quinoa to six cups of water and boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low: cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Heat o en to C Toss the corn an chic eas ith t o ta les oons of oil and season with half teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper. Spread on a medium rimmed baking sheet and top with thyme sprigs. Roast for 25 minutes, tossing occasionally until golden brown. Using a mortar and pestle, mash the garlic with a large pinch of salt until it forms a paste. Add this to a small bowl and whisk in lemon juice and the remaining oil – season with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, shallots, roasted corn and chickpeas and quinoa. Toss with enough dressing to lightly coat vegetables and greens and add cranberries. Accompany both lunches with a cup of peppermint or spearmint tea. >>>
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 45
DINNER Mid afternoon: Glass of Kefir or cup of Miso soup.
Vegan stir fry Method: Lightly fry in olive oil two cups of mixed vegetables such as courgette, mushrooms, carrots, green beans and spinach with one teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Add in a handful of cashew nuts when the vegetables are almost ready. Add mood-boosting turmeric and sesame seeds and serve with rice noodles or brown rice. Or...
Carrot and coconut soup with sweet potato Ingredients: One tablespoon of coconut oil Two carrots, peeled and chopped One medium onion, chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Two cups water Quantity of broth and can of coconut milk Two tablespoons Thai-style chilli sauce
Method: Melt the coconut oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add carrots and onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until carrots are softened. Stir in broth, coconut milk and two tablespoons chilli sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and liquid is slightly reduced. Let the soup cool slightly, then purée in a blender until smooth. Reheat in a clean saucepan, thinning with water to desired consistency, and season with salt and pepper. Divide soup among bowls and drizzle with chilli sauce. Serve with a handful of sweet potato garlic cubes – lightly fry cubed sweet potato in olive oil and garlic. Or...
Squash and lentil stew Method: Add a cup of pre-cooked lentils in a sachet or tin to a quarter of a cup of diced butternut squash to water. Simmer slowly and add turmeric, chilli, garlic and ginger. Serve on bed of brown rice in a small bowl. Or...
Green vegan curry Ingredients: One tablespoon sesame oil One tablespoon green curry paste One clove garlic, finely chopped Quantity of broth and half a can of coconut milk One inch fresh ginger, cut in thick slices Cubed tofu pieces One chilli, cut in strips Two tablespoons tamari One tablespoon maple syrup Half a cup of peas Half a cup of broccoli Half an onion One cup brown rice, cooked Method: In a wok, stir fry all ingredients, apart from rice. Stir in coconut milk and vegetable broth. Mix in brown rice when cooked and serve in a small bowl. Accompany all dinners with a cup of Tulsi tea.
DESSERT Sleepy raspberry
Green mango smoothie
Ingredients: One lemon Quarter litre still water One inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled Eight to ten fresh raspberries Pinch of cayenne pepper Method: Peel ginger and chop roughly. Add into blender. Squeeze lemon, add water and blend. Or...
Ingredients: One cup frozen mango Half apple One cup organic ..spinach Four to five fresh ..mint leaves One inch fresh ..ginger (peeled) Two teaspoons ..fresh lemon juice Method: Blend all ingredients. Before bed: cup of chamomile, ginger or lemon balm tea.
essence INFO
Rick Hay ‘The Superfoodist’, Healthista Nutritional Director Dip Nutrition Dip Botanical Medicine Dip Teaching TV presenter and author of The Anti-Ageing Food and Fitness Plan Ideal World TV health and fitness presenter: www.idealworld.tv Websites: www.rickhay.co.uk and healthista.com Telephone: +44 7428 748 783 ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT: DANIELA FISCHER
46 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY
French apple tart If we wanted to appear ‘foodie’, we could call this a ‘galette’, but whatever it’s called to impress guests, this easy-peasy dessert is quick to prepare, delicious to eat and, best of all, if short on time, just use ready-made puff pastry. Well, if it’s good enough for some top chefs to use, why not? Crisp pastry, soft caramelised apples and a dollop of Chantilly cream, though use normal double if preferred, yum!
TOP TIP: For a tipsy twist, why not add a splash of Calvados? Warm first in a saucepan, ignite with a match (careful of fingers!) and pour over the tart. Ingredients: 200g ready-made puff pastry Six apples (Granny Smith best) Two tablespoons sweet apple sauce Two tablespoons caster sugar 40g chilled, cubed butter One beaten egg yolk For the Chantilly cream 250ml double cream One tablespoon icing sugar One vanilla pod Method: Preheat the o en to C C Roll the puff pastry out on a clean work surface to a large sheet, three millimetres thick. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. Remove the pastry from the fridge, place it in a suitable baking tin and spread the apple sauce over the base of pastry, leaving a one centimetre border.
Slice the apples (about the thickness of a £1 coin) and place them in rows onto the pastry making sure the apples overlap slightly. Sprinkle over the caster sugar and dot with the butter. Brush the border with beaten egg then bake for 20–25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and puffed. Whisk the cream, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl until very soft peaks form and set aside. When ready to serve, place the tart onto a pretty dish and serve with a spoonful of Chantilly cream.
essence INFO
Website: www.jenscupcakery.co.uk Telephone: 07751 553106 Email: jenniferjsutton@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakery Twitter: @jenscupcakery
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 47
Celebrity hair stylist Asgar Saboo’s tips for looking after hair A renowned figure among celebrities and a regular on the red carpets, the name Asgar Saboo is synonymous with headline grabbing, style-worthy hair. “Winter can take its toll on your hair – cold winds, pouring rain, icy snaps, central heating all take their toll on your locks. So it’s worth starting a change-of-seasons care regime to keep your hair in the best shape possible.”
Use Argan oil Argan oil is non-greasy, instantly adds moisture to your hair and contains high levels of vitamin E and fatty acids. It is best used on damp hair before blow drying, or as an overnight hair mask. PHOTO COPYRIGHT: GOOGLE IMAGE PROTOCOL
Avoid very hot water If it is cold outside, you may be tempted to have a very hot shower – but this can be damaging to your hair as it can dry it out. Use lukewarm water, or wash your hair with cold water. Hot water can also damage your scalp and make it more sensitive – winter months already make your scalp sensitive. PHOTO COPYRIGHT: GLEB TV | 123RF.COM
About Asgar Saboo... A renowned figure among celebrities and a regular on red carpets, the name Asgar Saboo is synonymous with headline grabbing, style-worthy hair. He is trusted by supermodels Cindy Crawford and Twiggy, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria, as well as A-list stars including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and legend Rekha. His name is tantamount with cutting-edge and sophisticated hairstyles and his hair creations have been showcased at glittering premieres, showbiz events and multiple awards ceremonies. Asgar is famed for the headline-grabbing hairstyle he created for Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, which has been the inspiration for Hrithik Roshan’s wax work figure at London’s prestigious Madame Tussauds. The UK-based hair maestro has worked his magic on scores of celebrities and dignitaries the world over, making the front covers of several leading fashion magazines and item publications. He is pivotal in the styling of business moguls, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and royalty, such as members of the Sultan of Brunei’s household, and is sought after by the top names in the film, Royal and fashion fraternities.
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Keep styling tools to a minimum If you use heat styling tools, like curling tongs or hair straighteners, then you must always use a good quality, nourishing heat defence spray or leave-in conditioner to protect your hair and keep it looking glossy and hydrated. This is especially important during winter, when cold wind, rain and the added heat from styling tools all contribute to hair damage.
Shampoo less Washing your hair strips it of natural oils which are what keeps the hair moisturised, nourished and protected. Extra protection is needed in the colder winter months so try to keep hair washing to a minimum.
Focus on your diet Make sure you are incorporating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and oils as they will help repair hair damage caused by the cold winter weather. The best foods are fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and nuts.
With help from our range of nutraceutical health food supplements that promote psychological and emotional well-being.
A British Company. Name and business address of the holder of the certificate of registration: Eudeamon, Howard House, 70 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AL More information is available at www.eudeamon.com
Now available to buy at amazon
The diary Linda Seward’s ’s diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and the countryside.
Theatre Richmond Theatre Richmond
New Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon Wimbledon
Tickets: atgtickets.com/wimbledon
Tickets: atgtickets.com/richmond
Saturday 9 March Brainiac Live
Monday 4 to Saturday 9 March Art
Volatile science based on the television show.
Comedy with Nigel Havers, Denis Lawson and Stephen Tomkinson. Sunday 10 March Tim Vine – Sunset Milk Idiot
Punmaster on his latest tour. Monday 11 to Saturday 16 March The Lady Vanishes
Thursday 21 to Saturday 30 March Hair the Musical
50th anniversary production of this psychedelic rock show.
Cranleigh Arts Centre Cranleigh Wimbledon
Classic thriller.
Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org
Monday 18 March Trust Fast Health with
Friday 15 March The Noise Next Door
Dr Michael Mosley
UK’s premier improvisation comedy troupe.
Inspirational doctor on his first theatre tour. Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 March Wise Children
Epsom Playhouse Epsom Wimbledon
Unique, exuberant musical.
Tickets: epsomplayhouse.co.uk
New Victoria Theatre
Saturday 16 March Lucy Porter – Pass It On
Woking
Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking
Monday 4 to Saturday 9 March The Rocky Horror Show
New stand-up from TV favourite.
Farnham Maltings Farnham Wimbledon
Cult musical classic.
Tickets: farnhammaltings.com
Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 March Madagascar the Musical
Thursday 7 March Truth
Live musical spectacular.
A fusion of song and choreography using testimonies from around the world. For ages 12 and over.
Monday 18 to Saturday 23 March Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage
Baby and Johnny live on stage. Sunday 24 March Trust Fast Health with Dr Michael Mosley
See listing for Richmond above.
50 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Madagascar the Musical, New Victoria Theatre, Woking PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SCOTT RYLANDER
Thursday 14 March Beowulf
An interactive performance exploring a legendary story from the ancient past. For ages 14 and over.
Russell Kane, G Live PHOTO COPYRIGHT: RUSSELL KANE
essence | EVENTS
G Live
Guildford Tickets: glive.co.uk
Thursday 21 March An evening with The Hairy Bikers
Boileroom Guildford
National treasures on tour.
Tickets: theboileroom.net
Thursday 4 April Russell Kane: The Fast and
Throughout the year
the Curious
Multi award-winning comedian performs a brand new show.
Rose Theatre Kingston
A community hub showcasing music, events and the arts. See website for gig details.
Epworth Choir
Holy Trinity Church, Guildford
Kingston-upon-Thames
Tickets: epworthchoir.org
Tickets: rosetheatrekingston.org
Saturday 6 April, 7.30pm Fairest Isle: The English Pastoral
Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 March Rebus: Long Shadows
Written by Ian Rankin and starring Ron Donachie and Cathy Tyson.
Joyful and rousing music.
G Live
Saturday 30 March Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s
Guildford
Gonna Be Alright
Tuesday 19 March The Stranglers
Engaging and very funny stand-up. Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April Rotterdam
A bittersweet comedy by Jon Brittain.
The Electric Theatre Guildford
Tickets: electric.theatre
Tickets: glive.co.uk
Dr Feelgood as support. Tuesday 26 March KT Tunstall
Critically-acclaimed musician.
Leith Hill Musical Festival Dorking Halls
Wednesday 13 March Salon du Chocolat
Tickets: lhmf.org.uk and
Intimate storytelling celebrating the relationship between cocoa nibs and forbidden literature.
Sunday 10 March, 7.30pm Bach-St John Passion
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Surrey Music
Guildford
Tickets: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 March The Cat in the Hat
Based on the anarchic and much-loved book by Dr Seuss. Monday 11 to Saturday 16 March Rough Crossing
Comedy on the high seas written by Tom Stoppard.
Mark Steel, Rose Theatre Kingston PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MARK STEEL
Music
dorkinghalls.co.uk
A performance of choral music.
Cornerstone the Church, Walton-on-Thames Tickets: mayorsconcert.co.uk
Saturday 23 March, 7pm Music with a Heart!
Choral celebration raising funds for Elmbridge Rentstart, chosen charity of the Mayor of Elmbridge.
Vivace Chorus
Saturday 23 to Saturday 30 March Shrek the Musical
Dorking Halls
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, a must-see musical for all the family.
Saturday 30 March, 7.30pm Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony
Tickets: vivacechorus.org
A remarkable choral symphony.
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 51
WIN Waitress The Musical
tickets to see
The Cat In The Hat, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
essence has one pair of tickets valid for any Monday to Wednesday performance until the end of April to see Waitress The Musical, the hit Broadway musical now on in London. “A Little Slice Of Heaven” Entertainment Weekly If only life were as easy as pie… Katherine McPhee (American Idol, Waitress on Broadway, Smash, Scorpion) joins the Waitress London cast to play Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as ‘The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie’ and ‘Betrayed By My Eggs Pie’. When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying run-in with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Brought to life by a ground-breaking, all-female creative team, this Tony Award®-nominated hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). “A delicious tale that’s not simply about getting Prince Charming, but getting its heroine to take action and discover her worth!” Variety
Rinky Dick (section) by Philip Ryland, McAllister Thomas
For a chance to win a pair of tickets for Waitress The Musical, simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk and answer the following question: What is Jenna expert at making? Is it: a) trouble b) beds c) pies Closing date Monday 25 March 2019.
essence INFO
Waitress The Musical is playing at the Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS until Saturday 19 October. For more information and to book tickets, visit https://tickets.lwtheatres.co.uk/Waitress Terms and conditions: One reader will win a pair of tickets to see Waitress The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre, valid for Monday to Wednesday performances to the end of April. Prize is subject to availability, no cash alternative is offered. Travel and accommodation is not included.
52 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Goslings at Claremont Landscape Garden, National Trust
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NT/JOHN MILLAR
essence | EVENTS
Spotlight on...
Painshill Park: World Book Day and Mother’s Day Cobham
Sunday 10 March and Sunday 31 March Painshill Park celebrates World Book Day (Thursday 7 March) on Sunday 10 March by inviting children to visit dressed as their favourite book character. There will be a prize for the best dressed character and lots of book themed activities, including a special trail around the landscape garden. In addition, don’t miss the Big Book Exchange: bring a book to exchange for a different story. For those who have children’s books to donate to the Exchange, these can be dropped at Painshill’s Visitor Centre and would be appreciated. On Sunday 31 March, Painshill plays host to a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, 12.30 to 4pm, in its enchanting eighteenth century walled garden. Treat mum and enjoy a walk around the garden to see carpets of daffodils, beautiful scenery and follies. Advanced booking is required on 01932 868113 or email info@painshill.co.uk.
Information: painshill.co.uk Painshill Park PHOTO COPYRIGHT: GRAHAM DASH
Festivals Cranleigh Literary Festival
Artwork by Gallery artists, abstract paintings by Bob Aldous and artworks with a personal meaning from Philip Ryland.
Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org
New Ashgate Gallery
Cranleigh Arts CentreWimbledon Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 March
Pop-up book store, theatre, talks, comedy and lots more.
Innovate Guildford: Science & Arts Festival
Farnham
Information: newashgate.org.uk
To Saturday 13 April Spring craft collection
Ceramics, jewellery and textiles.
To Sunday 2 June Women in Photography:
Claremont Landscape Garden
A History of British Trailblazers
near Esher
Showcasing achievements of female photographers working in Britain.
Information: 01372 467436
Watts Gallery
Compton, Guildford Information: wattsgallery.org.uk
To Sunday 17 March Christina Rossetti: Vision & Verse
Wednesday 20 March, 5.30–8am Sunrise Spring Equinox celebration
Explore the first signs of spring and the start of longer days.
Hatchlands Park near Guildford
Saturday 2 March to
The poet’s connection with visual art.
Information: 01483 222482
Tickets: glive.co.uk
Saturday 13 April Monoprints: Tessa Pearson and
To Tuesday 30 April Fire and Earth: The Compton Pottery
Sunday 31 March, 10am–5pm Mother’s Day
Saturday 23 March
Louise Davies
Exploring materials and advances.
Treat mum to a day at Hatchlands.
National Trust
Leith Hill Place
National Trust properties offer perfect venues to explore any time of the year. We list a few, but visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more.
An exhibition by Clock Tower Studios exploring the natural beauty of Leith Hill with ceramics and painting.
Clandon Park
Surrey Hills: Box Hill
Information: 01483 222482
Information: 01372 452048
Sunday 24 March, 10am–5pm NGS daffodils at Clandon
Saturday 30 March, 10am–3pm Mother’s Day charity
Clandon House and garden open on Wednesday 20 March, and all garden admissions on 24 March go to the National Gardens Scheme.
portrait session
G Live, Guildford
Showcasing advanced technologies.
spark 2019
An exhibition of bold colour. Saturday 2 March to
Farnham Maltings
Saturday 13 April Rising Stars
Tickets: farnhammaltings.com
Emerging makers in many formats.
Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 March
Children and young people’s multi-arts project.
Exhibitions McAllister Thomas High Street, Godalming Information: mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk
Throughout March The Winter Exhibition plus
Ramster Gardens Chiddingfold
Information: ramsterhall.com
Saturday 16 to Sunday 31 March Embroidery Exhibition 2019
Over 200 pieces of fine textile art.
The Lightbox Gallery and Museum Woking
Information: thelightbox.org.uk
exhibitions from Bob Aldous
To Sunday 31 March Cyril Mann: Light and Shadow
and Philip Ryland
An exhibition of the painter’s work.
near Guildford
near Dorking
Information: 01306 711685
Friday 29 March to Sunday 28 April Fired Earth, Sacred Wilderness
near Dorking
With award-winning photographer Rachel Thornhill, a 30 minute session, including mounted print.
MARCH 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 53
Enjoy a three-course meal and glass of Prosecco at La Goccia and Band A seat to see critically-acclaimed play Emilia at the Vaudeville Theatre this spring for £65 1609. I AM EMILIA. WRITER. WIFE. LOVER. MOTHER. MUSE. 400 years ago Emilia Bassano wanted her voice to be heard. It wasn’t. Could she have been the ‘Dark Lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets? What of her own poems? Why was her story erased from history? Emilia and her sisters reach out to us across the centuries with passion, fury, laughter and song. Listen to them. Let them inspire and unite us. Celebrate women’s voices through the story of this trailblazing, forgotten woman. Stand up and be counted. 2019. WE ARE EMILIA. This package includes a Band A ticket to see Emilia and three courses from a set sharing menu at La Goccia with a glass of Prosecco. La Goccia Covent Garden is one of Petersham Nurseries’ two restaurants in the heart of Theatreland. Offering their interpretation of the Italian aperitivo and small plates known as ‘cicchetti’, dishes are prepared by chefs in front of guests from the open kitchen and wood fired oven, adding an element of drama and theatre to the ambience. The emphasis on seasonality is key to the extensive menu that changes regularly.
essence INFO
To book this package, call 0330 333 4814 and quote ‘Emilia La Goccia package’ when prompted. Also available to book online at nimaxtheatres.com, please enter promocode ‘Emilia Goccia’ when prompted. Please note, you will need to reserve. Terms and conditions: This package is valid for Monday to Friday evening performances at 7.30pm and Wednesday matinees at 2.30pm from 8 March to 14 June 2019, subject to availability. Restaurant booking times are 5pm to 6.30pm post-matinee and pre-evening, and 9.30pm to 10.30pm for a post-evening performance. Guests should ideally be seated by 6.15pm post-matinee and pre-evening, and by 10.30pm post-evening performance. Please note there is no post-show availability on a Monday evening. No cash alternative available to any elements of the package. Alcohol for over 18s only. Soft drink alternative available. Tables must be reserved by the customer directly with the restaurant by calling 020 7305 7676 before the date attending.
54 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019
Spring Plant Fair, RHS Wisley PHOTO COPYRIGHT: RHS/LUKE MACGREGOR
Out and about
Ramster Gardens Chiddingfold
Tickets: ramsterhall.com
Saturday 16 March to Sunday 9 June
Brooklands Museum
Over 25 acres of peaceful woodland, lakes and hillside.
Tickets: brooklandsmuseum.com
RHS Wisley
Weybridge
Sunday 24 March, 10am–5pm Brooklands Mini Day
Woking
All types of Mini, including modern, are invited. Test Hill will be in action, subject to weather.
Saturday 9 to Sunday 17 March Science week
Sunday 7 April, 10am–5pm London Bus Museum Spring Gathering
Up to 200 visiting buses and coaches, old and new, alongside stalls, a collectors’ market and family entertainment.
Merrist Wood Worplesdon
Tickets: rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
Showcasing the research of the RHS with hands on activities, workshops and talks. Tuesday 19 March Spring Community Free Day
Spring gardening inspiration and free entry. Friday 22 to Sunday 24 March Spring Plant Fair
Plants from over 30 nurseries.
Tickets: merristwoodevents.co.uk
Sunday 31 March Mother’s Day
Saturday 9 and 23 and
Celebrate and treat mum.
Sunday 17 and 31 March, 10am–12 noon or 2–4pm Animal encounter tours
Two hour tours by the experienced Animal Encounter Keeper Team of The Arid and Tropical Biomes, Nocturnal and Husbandry Rooms. See the Walled Garden for a chance to meet meerkats and red squirrels.
Surrey Scorchers
Surrey Sports Park, Guildford Tickets: surreyscorchers.co.uk
Sunday 31 March, 2pm Surrey Scorchers v London Lions
Something different for Mother’s Day, why not take mum to experience a professional basketball match?
Making Glazing Beautiful
35 Years
Showroom Open Day 25 April 2019 12pm - 8pm tvwindows.com/ShowroomDay Free Design Consultation
Celebrating
35 Years
a 44 Longshot Lane, Bracknell, RG12 1RL p 0800 181 698 e info@tvwindows.com
3D Visualisations Refreshments
We are proud to be celebrating our 35th year in business specialising in double glazing, design and installation of windows and doors, in Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshlre. From our ‘Essential’ PVC range to our ‘State of the Art’ Passivhaus products, with Aluminium options and our new dedicated Timber Showroom, there’s something for everyone!
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Finding your next home... BARNES P
O
www.barnes-london.com
Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk
Trenchard-Arlidge www.trenchardarlidge.co.uk
John D Wood www.johndwood.co.uk
Curchods www.curchods.com
Broadway and Parsons Green takes Grosvenor Billinghurst 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just www.grosvenorb.co.uk half an hour to Canary Wharf. Heathrow Airport is 32 minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground. Winkworth Fulham has a vibrant mix of shops, www.winkworth.co.uk restaurants and bars, whilst Bishops
Park and the river provide some peace and quiet. Nearby Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated schools include Fulham Cross Girls School, London Oratory School as well as APW Lettings independent schools such as Fulham www.apwproperty.com Prep School. For further information please contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500 or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100. Waterfords www.waterfords.co.uk
Mizen Way £4,500,000 Cobham A spectacular six-bedroom, brand new home located in one of the most sought after private estates in Elmbridge. Situated in a highly favoured location on the esteemed Oxshott Way Private Estate, this property is a fabulous new build home, designed with elegant architectural characteristics, yet providing contemporary living accommodation. The imposing entrance with electric gates gives access to an extensive driveway and integral double garage. The roun oor features a s acious entrance hall hich lea s to ell lai out accommo ation The substantial open plan kitchen/breakfast room has an extensive range of stylish kitchen cabinets ith uilt in iele a liances, a al in lar er, ceramic oorin an i fol oors that i e access to the lar e In ian san stone terrace The formal ra in room features a as fire hilst the famil an inin rooms ro i e access to the terrace ia French oors Also on the roun oor are an office study with built-in cabinetry and a downstairs cloakroom. The first oor com rises fi e e rooms, all ith en suite facilities The master e room also has the added convenience of his and hers dressing rooms, as well as a sitting area and a Juliet balcony from here ou ha e reathta in ie s o er the ar en The fifth e room ro i es the o ortunit to create a separate annex which could be accessed via the secondary staircase from the utility room. The secon oor has another e room, a ast leisure room ith a se arate itchenette, a famil bathroom, linen cupboard, plant room and storage space.
Octagon 020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK www.octagon.co.uk
16/02/2018 56 essence-magazine.co.uk | MARCH 2019 17:22
This luxurious home has a south-facing garden with an expanse of lawn and adding an element of seclusion by way of mature hedging and trees.
essence
PROPERTY
8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018–19 | essence-magazine.co.uk 57
8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288
Touchstone House Lettings – £12,000 per month Warren Lane, Oxshott
Touchstone House is an elegant, six-bedroom family home that has been maintained and improved to a high standard, located 0.5 miles from Oxshott train station. The substantial property is arranged over three floors with the added benefit of a separate annexe above the garage. A grand front door opens onto the impressive central entrance hall from which principal reception rooms can be accessed. Multiple double doors lead out onto the substantial patio and garden from the drawing and family rooms at the rear of the property. There is a good sized kitchen/breakfast room that has beautiful views of the garden, and adjoins a family room. A cloakroom, utility room, study and ample amounts of storage complete the ground floor. On the first floor is the master bedroom with his and her’s elegant en-suites and dressing rooms. There are three further double bedrooms all with en-suites. All of the bedrooms with one exception, have dressing rooms.
The second floor has a further two bedrooms, one en-suite and a family bathroom. There is also a kitchenette and a cinema/media room. The guest/staff annexe provides a wealth of possibilities as either additional accommodation, a home office or gym. The house is approached via a long private driveway with electric gates. The large block paved driveway to the front provides parking and access to the garage. The rear garden is a particular feature of the property having been landscaped to provide several terraced areas and a secluded entertaining area with built in fireplace. The property is well located for Oxshott High Street and both Esher and Cobham are nearby with their selection of shops and restaurants. Oxshott has an excellent selection of schools including Danes Hill. Oxshott train station provides a regular service into London Waterloo in around 35 minutes. The A3 is close by offering direct access in to London and the M25.
APW Lettings, Weybridge 134 Oatlands Drive • Oatlands Village • Weybridge • Surrey • KT13 9HJ t: 01932 857300 e: weybridge@apwproperty.com Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm
www.apwproperty.com Firfields, Cobbetts Hill, KT13 £7,000 per calendar month Available: Immediately Number of bedrooms: Six Short walk to Weybridge station, in desirable, private Cobbetts Hill, this stunning modern family home comprises of a large modern kitchen with central island and bright open plan family room, three reception rooms, six bedrooms, five bathrooms and attractive, large, rear landscaped garden with ample outdoor entertaining areas including an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub.
Llanvair Close, South Ascot, SL5 £6,000 per calendar month Available: 17 March 2019 Number of bedrooms: Five Short drive to Ascot station and high street, Llanvair Close is situated in a quiet, residential lane. This beautiful home benefits from modern, high standard decor throughout. Offering a large open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, large reception room, five spacious bedrooms – two ensuite, family bathroom and spacious entertainment/bonus room on the second floor. Landscaped garden, double garage and driveway parking.
Exceptional contemporary living.
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2 Chantry Quarry, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 A striking contemporary home set in a private position with three superb roof terraces and a lift all within approximately half a mile of Guildford High Street. • • •
Bespoke fitted kitchen Gated development built in 2015 Opposite the River Wey and open countryside
Your Guildford expert, James Ackerley, looks forward to helping you. james.ackerley@knightfrank.com 01483 665932
Guide price
£2,000,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
Rural location between Guildford and Woking.
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2 Vicarage Lane, Send, Surrey GU23 A substantial country house of approximately 4,159 sq ft with southerly views. In addition there is a useful two bedroom detached cottage and a detached games room. • • •
A3 - approximately 1.1 miles Great potential to improve Period features
Your Surrey expert, Tim Harriss, looks forward to helping you. tim.harriss@knightfrank.com 01483 665932
Guide price
£2,499,999 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
Gorse Lane, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8RB • Guide price £975,000 Set on a private lane, hidden on the fringes of Chobham Common, this opulent three bedroom detached residence was built in 2007 and provides 1,458 sq ft of accommodation.
Pennypot Lane, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8DJ • £750,000 Set within an idyllic semi-rural location, this period home falls within easy reach of Chobham Village and has been refurbished to a high standard but retains period features.
WATERFORDS CHOBHAM • 32 HIGH STREET, CHOBHAM, SURREY GU24 8AA • 01276 903300 • WATERFORDS.CO.UK
COBHAM
GUIDE PRICE £1,700,000
An outstanding, high-specification house approx. 4,100 sq ft in a private close. Interesting and innovative design in south-backing secluded garden. Four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and utility, six bedrooms inc 16 ft vaulted ceiling to master bedroom. Three en-suites, plus a family bathroom. EPC: C.
JOINT SOLE AGENTS
OXSHOTT
01932 864242
PRICE £1,295,000
Knott Park Private Estate with a wide variety of exclusive homes. A most individual and well presented family house comprising 2,400 sq ft with three good size attractive reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast and utility. Four bedrooms plus loft room. Two bathrooms (one en-suite). Double garage, extensive parking. EPC: D.
SOLE AGENTS
01932 864242
Estate Agents in Cobham, Stoke D’Abernon and Oxshott for over 80 years
Claremont Avenue, Esher KT10 • Price on application • EPC rating: C
Wonderful, detached, family home of approximately 3,500 sq ft, which sits in a super plot and offers exceptional living accommodation including five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two receptions, fantastic kitchen/dining/family room, utility and spacious summer house/study. Esher town centre and train station are within close proximity offering routes into London Waterloo, along with access to the picturesque West End village green with pond and Garsons Farm.
• £5,500,000 • EPC rating: B
No onward chain and in need of some attention. A very competitively priced, substantial, six double bedroom luxury mansion of approximately 15,968 sq ft, set over three floors and located in a secluded and elevated position in the internationally-renowned private estate of St. George’s Hill, Weybridge with a plot of approximately 1.3 acres with south-westerly aspect gardens adjoining the golf course.
ESHER 01372 462211 • WWW.JOHNDWOOD.CO.UK
The latest prestigious development by Windsor Homes. A five bedroom luxury home in St John’s, Woking. Set in over 1/4 of an acre of beautifully landscaped gardens, this stunning home comes with a detached double garage, ample off-street parking and is ideally located with quick and easy access into London. Price £1,575,000
01483 776644 · woking@curchods.com www.windsorhomes.co.uk
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We believe in a different perspective.
Our Chichester kitchen, painted in Shell. Carter table ÂŁ1,590 & bench ÂŁ450 Neptune Weybridge, 10 Church Street, KT13 8DX, 01932 901234
neptune.com