St Albans Life Magazine May 2014

ST ALBANS LIFE

ST ALBANS LIFE ISSUE 92

MAY 2014

HOLLYWOOD IN HERTFORDSHIRE CLASSICS ON THE COMMON

w w w. t h e l i f e m a g a z i n e s . c o m

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET RETURNS TO RADLETT BRITISH POLO DAY

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MAY 2014

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Welcome to our May issue...

Few would disagree with the view of a Harpenden Town Councillor that Harpenden Common is ‘the jewel in the town’s crown.’ The vast tract of common grassland, sweeping you into the town centre as you approach from the south, is home to a golf club, a cricket club and the occasional fair and circus, yet still provides acres of recreational space for residents and visitors. But, since 1994, for one day a year, this idyllic scene is interrupted for a few hours for what has become the biggest classic car show of its kind in Britain.

In this, their 34th year, Vienna Festival Ballet offers two performances of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella at the Radlett Centre. Remaining true to the traditional rags to riches story, Cinderella tells the story of a young girl who is mistreated by her ugly step-sisters, but finally finds her Prince Charming with a little help from her Fairy Godmother.

VFB last performed their ballet Snow White at the Radlett Centre in October 2013, and received a rave reception. Burnley Express described it as ‘an enchanting performance…technically superb’, and the Welwyn Hatfield Times agreed ‘the entire show was captivating from start to finish’.

The study by the Schoolwear Association shows all of the top 20 state schools in England and Wales insist on a uniform with most also stipulating a blazer and tie.

Howard Wilder, business development manager of St Alban’s-based schoolwear provider Stevensons and a member of the Executive of the Schoolwear Association, said the study provided evidence for a feeling shared by most teachers and parents that a good school uniform is good for education.

e of colours ic o h C t a e r G ge of styles Widest ran e tomer ser vic Superb Cus - NO cords Child Safe

Local furniture retailer, Fishpools, is celebrating a remarkable milestone, its 115 year anniversary. Over a century since it first opened and four generations on, Fishpools has consistently grown and today are proud to be recognised as the largest quality furniture store in the South East of England offering an extensive range of stylish products for the home and garden.

This gives you just a small taste of exciting events & articles featured in this month’s issue...

GET THIS EDITION ONLINE

Faye Manning Faye Manning Editor

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, THE RIDINGS, WOODFIELD LANE, ESSENDON, HERTS , AL9 6JJ.

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com EDITOR Faye Manning EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Katie Miller SUB EDITOR Alex Lux SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Jade Hughes DESIGN & PRODUCTION Toni Perry ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sinead Sheil, Anita Hill SALES James Marshall DIRECTORS Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

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Sunday 15th June 2014

Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

It is with Great Pleasure that Cartier announces its 30th Year of polo sponsorship

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n Sunday 15th June 2014, the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final will mark Cartier’s 30th year of polo sponsorship. As the longest standing polo sponsor in history, “The King of Jewellers”, is proud to celebrate and honour its longstanding relationship with polo, the “King of Sports”. We would like to take the opportunity to look back and celebrate the wonderful years that Cartier has been privileged to support polo worldwide.

Cartier first sponsored the International Day in 1984 and since then, the Cartier International Day became the largest and most prestigious polo spectator event in the world, attracting over 25,000 people in Windsor Great Park at Guards Polo Club.

It was for 27 years that Cartier sponsored the International Polo day at Guards Polo Club before deciding to sponsor the Queen’s Cup, one of the world’s leading polo tournaments.

With the best polo players in the world participating, it is a highlight for the sport’s elite and spectators alike. Past players have included HRH Prince Philip, who played in the final and HRH Prince Charles who won the trophy. HM The Queen first presented her cup to Guards Polo Club in 1960 and historically attends Finals Day. Cartier Queen’s Cup takes place between Tuesday 20th May - Sunday 15th June, attracting the sport’s leading players from across the globe. Her Majesty historically attends Finals Day, on Sunday 15th June, to present the Cup to the winning patron.

Thirty years later, Cartier continues to hold its signature of tradition and passion the world over. Events such as the St. Moritz Polo, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, The Cartier World Elephant Polo championship and the first polo event in Beijing have all contributed towards the embodiment of what polo and Cartier have achieved together. Cartier polo events are always a much anticipated event in the British social calendar and while the sport of polo has embedded itself in British culture, it has never ceased to expand to other parts of the world.

From Cartier’s first ever sponsorship with the International Day at Guards, to the Cartier Queen’s Cup polo, guests have included royalty, celebrities, the respected polo community and many more. Cartier polo events have seen some of the world’s most famous faces such as the Royal Family, Angelina Jolie, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Sharon Stone and Emma Watson to name a few.

Cartier and polo’s long standing rapport has resulted in something truly iconic and it is a relationship that Cartier is honoured to uphold for years to come. www.cartier.com

The Cartier Queen’s Cup is always 22-goal polo at its best - with players and ponies at the top of their game. Don’t miss any of it.

Members and non-members can purchase tickets

through the Ticket Office so call now on 01784 437797 for more details.

Non-members can also book online at www.guardspoloclub.com

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Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st

JUNE 2014

The Great British Drama of

Royal Ascot 2014 Royal Ascot is one of the iconic summer highlights of the British sporting and social calendar. Five days of world class racing, pageantry, high fashion and fine dining, celebrated through this year’s theme of ‘The Great British Drama’.

T

he centrepiece of Ascot’s year, Royal Ascot, is arguably the world’s most famous race meeting. First organised in 1711 at the behest of Queen Anne, each day of Royal Ascot traditionally begins with the Royal procession in which the Queen, her family and guests, parade in front of the packed grandstands in their horse-drawn carriages.

The Queen has long had a special affinity with the meeting, although her personal success has heightened over the past two years after her horse Estimate won the Queen’s Vase during Royal Ascot 2012 and won the feature race of the entire meeting, the Gold Cup, last year.

Royal Ascot attracts some of the best horses from around the globe and promises to be another draw for the world’s best racehorses.

Ascot’s Head of Communications and International Racing, Nick Smith said: “Last season’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Treve, Europe’s best horse on current rankings looks like lining up in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes while from further afield the likes of No Nay Never for the USA is likely to return after his sensational win in the Norfolk Stakes last year. Hopefully The Queen’s Estimate will be back to repeat her magnificent performance in the Gold Cup last year.”

Off the track, the Royal meeting will as ever draw eyes from the international world of fashion. The hats, shoes and dresses at Royal Ascot are as colourful and creative as the jockeys’ silks. Gentlemen in the Royal Enclosure are required to wear black or grey morning dress with a waistcoat and tie and their incredibly smart, attire serves as the perfect foil for the ladies who, within certain guidelines, get a much freer remit for expression.

Fine dining has always been an important ingredient of the Royal Ascot experience. The new multi-million pound restaurant On 5 will open for the first time at this year’s Royal Meeting with Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge hosting events, boasting breathtaking views across the racecourse.

The Panoramic Restaurant also has a Michelin starred chef as its host as Atul Kochhar brings a taste of India to proceedings. French gastronomy house

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Lenôtre also comes to Royal Ascot for the first time this year, where diners can feast on traditional continental cuisine created from ingredients arriving fresh from Paris every morning in Balmoral, Carriages and Sandringham restaurants. The exquisite Parade Ring restaurant with views overlooking the Parade Ring, exclusive Trackside and Windsor Forest Restaurants with stunning views of Ascot Heath and theatrical new Royal Ascot Village completes Royal Ascot’s Fine Dining portfolio.

Royal Academist David Mach will have his latest work ‘Great British Drama’ on display. The work celebrates the breadth of appeal of Royal Ascot and brings together decades of the world’s best racing, pageantry, style and elegance into one stunning piece of art.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, said: “This is a captivating snapshot of Royal Ascot past and present, which encapsulates everything that is special about the week. We feel David has captured perfectly the verve and vibrancy of our historic event.”

Royal Ascot 2014 will feature 17 Group races, including seven Group Ones, with total prize money across five days in excess of £5.3million.

The minimum value of any race at Royal Ascot remains £60,000. A shift in scheduling for the 2014 meeting sees the feature race moved back from the third to the fourth race each day at a Royal Ascot which is looking like having a distinctly International feel. All races throughout the week will be televised live on Channel 4.

Tickets to Royal Ascot range from £17-£75 with addition group discounts available. There are three ticket types available; The Royal Enclosure (members only), Grandstand Admission and Silver Ring Admission.

There are a range of Fining Dining options at Royal Ascot showcased accordingly to the enclosure they afford guests entry into. Fine Dining starts from £250 per person.

To book tickets visit www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot-2014 or call 0844 346 3000.

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The St Albans Film Festival

Hollywood in Hertfordshire Is St Albans Britain’s answer to Hollywood? This is the question the national press is asking about our fair city in the wake of the second St Albans Film Festival which took place last weekend and attracted filmmakers from across the globe.

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he Telegraph’s Arts & Culture writer, Charlotte Runcie, who herself grew up in St Albans but has long since moved away to follow her journalistic career, thinks so. “St Albans doesn’t even have a cinema,” she says, “but its exciting film festival and fine movie heritage makes it a haven for film lovers.”

And she’s right. Filmmakers of all kinds descended on the City last weekend to watch over 100 films made by all sorts of film lovers: from children to professional award-winning filmmakers.

There were dramas, horrors, music videos and documentaries. Thousands of people descended on St Albans to watch films in the Cathedral, in the Maltings Arts theatre, in the Pioneer club. There were even two screenings in the swimming pool at Westminster Lodge: in the daytime families could watch Ponyo the forerunner to Disney’s The Little Mermaid - and over 18s watched JAWS in the evening!

Leoni Kibbey, Director of the St Albans Film Festival, said: “I am thrilled that the festival has helped put St Albans on the filmmaking map and that it is being recognized by the national press as the Hollywood of Hertfordshire!

“This is largely thanks to our wonderful sponsors, in particular our headline sponsor London Luton Airport, who have been brilliant with their support and enthusiasm and really helped us to engage with the local communities.

“But also other organisations like SA Law, Curzon Home Cinema, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the Herts Advertiser and of course our two-time sponsors Blanco and the University of Hertfordshire Arts.

“We even had wonderful local businesses like hair dressing salon Wilde About Hair in St Albans supporting us by giving the team and helpers Hollywood hair at the glamorous awards ceremony at Havana.

“These organisations have helped resurrect St Albans’s filmmaking heritage by supporting the festival to the degree that we are able to put on an international film festival at this level.”

Charlotte from the Telegraph was “amazed at the glitzy transformation” of St Albans, but also referred to St Albans’s links to film greats like the legendary Stanley Kubrick and the inventor of one of the earliest motion picture cameras, Arthur Melbourne-Cooper.

The fact that St Albans is so close to Leavesden, Pinewood and Elstree Studios, means that our city has been used as a filming location countless times, Charlotte also points out in her feature, and she concludes that “with the festival and the film-loving city going from strength to strength, Los Angeles had better watch out.”

We couldn’t agree more.

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ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8 BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Classic and Supercar Pageant PRESENTS

SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 2014, ST JOHN’S WOOD HIGH STREET, 11am-5pm KINDLY SPONSORED BY KNIGHT FRANK, FOX GREGORY AND HR OWEN

F

ollowing the immense success that was last year’s Classic and Supercar Pageant, the St John’s Wood NW8 Business Association is once again organising an exceptional day of entertainment.

Last year, the pageant attracted thousands of visitors eager to have the opportunity to view cars with a value of close to $100 million, including Clark Gable’s Mercedes 300SL Roadster, a Ferrari 365 California Spyder, a 1928 Speed Six Bentley and Stirling Moss’ 250GT SWB Ferrari.

This year they will be hosting some quite exceptional cars including Stirling Moss’ simply beautiful C Type Jaguar, the first car in the world to win a race with disc brakes, when Stirling won the 1952 Grand Prix of Reims: A priceless aluminium Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing’. Only 29 of these incredibly rare cars were ever made and this example is the only one to have raced in the famed Mille Miglia: 1 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

Rod Stewart’s fabulous yellow Lamborghini Miura SV, which was one of only 7 Right Hand Drive versions were ever made: The High Street will once again be closed to traffic, with the local restaurants and shops open for business.

To entertain the youngsters there will be an even bigger and better funfair, with added rides for teenagers, this time at the southern end of the street, along with a display of Birds of Prey from Fir Tree Falconry and a wandering Jazz band.

Altogether a wonderful day out for all the family whatever the age!

As with the pageant in 2013 they will be raising funds for Rays of Sunshine (who grant wishes for terminally ill children) and St John’s Hospice.

For further details please visit www.stjohnswoodnw8.com

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1954 SINGER SPORTS

1928 BENTLEY 4.5 LITRE

Wednesday

30th July

1928 BENTLEY 4.5 LITRE

2014

1932 ROLLS ROYCE

1961 DAIMLER

1980 CORVETTE C3

Classics on the Common

ORGANISED BY HARPENDEN VILLAGE ROTARY CLUB - SPONSORED BY HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL

F

ew would disagree with the view of a Harpenden Town Councillor that Harpenden Common is ‘the jewel in the town’s crown.’ The vast tract of common grassland, sweeping you into the town centre as you approach from the south, is home to a golf club, a cricket club and the occasional fair and circus, yet still provides acres of recreational space for residents and visitors.

But, since 1994, for one day a year, this idyllic scene is interrupted for a few hours for what has become the biggest classic car show of its kind in Britain.

Over the years we’ve had bright sun, clouds and occasional rain but whatever the weather nothing stops most of the pre-registered owners of more than 1000 classic vehicles from driving to Harpenden from all over the UK and beyond to display their cherished vehicles. And there is never any shortage of admirers. Up to 10,000 spectators - residents and visitors - spend hours admiring the mouth-watering collection.

Even in damp conditions the attendance is unexpectedly, and gratifyingly, high.

A ‘classic’ vehicle should be at least 20 years old but we usually have one or two built around a century ago, such as a 1900 Daimler Type A, and

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a 1913 model T Ford. Every decade following is always well represented, too, from Rolls Royces and Maseratis to Austin A40s and Morris Minors. We have even had a Sinclair C5.

Classics on the Common was the brain-child of Harpenden resident and Metropolitan Police officer Peter Madden. The idea was born shortly after he bought a 1968 Rover P5B coupe and the first year attracted 125 cars. Since that time the event has grown steadily in popularity with owners and spectators. When Peter Madden decided to make the 2008 Classics his last, he asked the Harpenden Village Rotary Club to take over responsibility for organising and running the event. As members of a service organisation Rotarians are no strangers to running or helping with events and, with more than 40 members, we had a good deal of man- and woman-power to offer.

On the day, the Rotarians are at full stretch so we are very grateful to have our numbers boosted by members of our associated club, Harpenden Village Inner Wheel, and St Albans & Harpenden Police Cadets, volunteers from the principal charities supported by the event, members of Harpenden Lions Club and Carpenters Arms Classic Car Club and other volunteers.

Ticket Applications For safety reasons and to ease exit problems we last year reduced the maximum number of 4-wheel vehicles to 1050. We shall apply the same limit this year. As we reached that capacity number seven weeks before the event in 2013, we strongly recommend you apply early for your ticket.

As forewarned last year, for safety reasons we are bringing all motorcycles and scooters into line with 4-wheel vehicles. This year you will need to book in advance and your bike or scooter must be 20 years old or older. Please note: no tickets will be available on the day of the event and any motorcycle or scooter arriving without a ticket will not be admitted.

As the costs of organising the event are substantial and could expose us to making a loss should bad weather lead to its cancellation, the entry ticket donation for all vehicles is again non-refundable.

The entry ticket donation for motorcycles and scooters has been increased to £5.

Entry Fees M otorcycles and scooters £5 plus SAE C ars and all other vehicles £8 plus SAE S pectators - FREE C harity donations welcome

Entries for 2014 are now invited

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GROW LONDON

SOMETHING WONDERFUL WILL BE BLOOMING ON HAMPSTEAD HEATH FROM 20th -22nd JUNE

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ROW London, the city’s first urban garden show will open its doors to a garden shopping paradise within a specially built marquee near South End Green. The show will appeal to any design-savvy gardeners who’ll relish the chance to find an enticing array of fabulous plants, garden accessories, furniture, ideas and inspiration, all in one place.

Look out for glorious parasols from Sunbeam Jackie, or jaunty garden chairs from Deckchairstripes. Garden Brocante will be bringing restored and revamped vintage cans, tubs and antique accessories and those in search of a cool and contemporary look will love the sleek garden furniture from Barbed (clever, weatherproof tables and chairs) and Marnie Moyle from Green Oak Furniture will be bringing characterful benches.

Seasoned gardeners will be fascinated by the range of rare and hard-to-find shrubs, trees, flowers and seeds. Crûg Farm Plants will be bringing a range of wondrous plants which the intrepid founders have scoured the globe to source. There will be heritage seeds to buy, specialist species to marvel at and a wealth of pots and plants to take home (there’s even a plant ‘nursery’ where you can leave your plants until you’re ready to leave.) There will be a range of unusual pots and containers to snap up and clever ideas for vertical growing, too.

A programme of talks from gardening experts will offer inspiration and information. For instance, Shane Connolly (who designed the interior

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of Westminster Abbey for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) will be there along with Mark Diacono, Val Bourne and Naomi Schillinger, who’s a great advocate of urban and neighbourhood gardening.

GROW London will offer visitors a great day out. Laithwaite’s Wine will be offering English sparkling wine at their stylish café and bar so there’ll be a welcome chance to relax while you plot how best to transform your garden, allotment, patio or balcony. And for children, Dawn Isaac (of CBeebies) will be demonstrating how to make garden lanterns and seed cards.

GROW LONDON PROMISES TO BE A FABULOUS FAMILY DAY OUT. GROW London Marquee, Lower Fairground Site, East Heath Road, Hampstead, London NW3 1TH HOW TO GET THERE TRAIN or BUS – Hampstead Heath overground station is just three minute walk away. Buses C1, 24, 46 and 168 stop at South End Green.

OPENING TIMES Friday 20 June – 22 June 10am – 6pm

TICKETS Adult Advance £10 (plus booking fee) Adult Door £16 Concession Advance £8 (plus booking fee) Concession Door £14 Children under 16 Free For more details, please visit www.growlondon.com

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The rhs Chelsea

Tuesday 20Th - saTurday 24Th May 2014 | royal hospiTal Chelsea, sW3

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owhere makes gardening more fashionable than the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A catwalk of colour and creativity, the latest trends and the pinnacle of garden design make this show the one the world wants to see.

The creme de la creme of the gardening world will be wowing visitors so make sure you’re there to enjoy gardening at its most gorgeous and glamorous. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by M&G Investments, is back in a spectacular show brimming with colour and creativity.

Highlights of the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show • The 2014 show will be as exciting as ever and plans are already gathering momentum!

Here are just a few of the highlights at this stage: • In the Great Pavilion, new exhibitors include Drointon Nurseries, City of Cape Town, Creative Garden Design and PW Bamboo, whilst longstanding exhibitor Hilliers will be creating a stunning display on the Monument site at the heart 6 8MM AA Y Y 22 00 11 44 1

of the Great Pavilion to mark their 150th anniversary • Other anniversary displays include NAFAS’s display celebrating their Emerald anniversary titled “A Green Thought in a Green Shade”, a one-off display by Perennial marking their 175 years of support for horticulturists and a stunning display by South West in Bloom highlighting “Fifty Golden Years of Bloom” • Hooksgreen Herbs are staging a herb garden inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit stories.

• New for 2014, Discovery (in the Great Pavilion) replaces RHS Environment and showcases the best scientific and educational exhibits from the world of horticulture Alan Titchmarsh celebrates 50th Anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom RHS Vice President Alan Titchmarsh is designing the RHS Britain in Bloom garden at this year’s show, sponsored by M&G Investments, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom and Alan’s own 50 years in horticulture. It is almost 30 years since Alan has designed a garden at the world’s most famous horticultural event.

This year Alan is joining forces with another RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal winner, Kate Gould, to create ‘From the Moors to the Sea - a celebration of RHS Britain in Bloom’, which will be a garden feature demonstrating how the 300,000 volunteers help to make Britain bloom as well as exploring Alan’s relationship with horticulture through his life. Alan Titchmarsh, said: “I can think of no better way of celebrating 50 years as a professional gardener, and 50 years of RHS Britain in Bloom, than by creating a garden for the RHS at the Chelsea Flower Show. ‘From the Moors to the Sea’ is

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FloWer shoW a joyous celebration of our floral heritage and the people who do their bit to conserve our islands’ plants and flowers and realise the importance of beautifying our surroundings whether in village, town or city.”

Pavilion exhibits commemorate outbreak of First World War Life on the frontline in World War I will be the focus of a floral exhibit in the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. Birmingham City Council has joined forces with the Royal British Legion and the charity Thrive for the floral exhibit. The display will feature wartime memorabilia as well as giant poppies and reconstructions of the trenches.

Pennard Plants will also be commemorating the outbreak of the war with two back-toback gardens reflecting the times before and after 1914.

Chelsea Show Gardens unveiled • The bright young stars of horticulture will be taking centre stage with many gardens being designed by new, up-and-coming talent, with exhibitors giving young people the opportunity to be a part of this world-class show.

• Hugo Bugg, will be designing The RBC Waterscape Garden, for Royal Bank of Canada. Embrace the Rain has been designed to illustrate global water issues, whilst demonstrating practical water management solutions for the home gardener.

• Brothers, Harry and David Rich, are together designing a garden for environmentally responsibly utility provider, Bord Na Mona. The brothers return to Chelsea with their first show garden, after having designed an Artisan Garden at the show in 2013.

• Inspired by the personal experience of his brother’s tours to Afghanistan with the armed forces, Matt Keightley, will also be designing his first show garden. Hope on the Horizon, for servicemen’s charity, Help for Heroes, represents the complex path towards recovery experienced by injured and sick personnel.

Other Show gardens include: The Laurent-Perrier Garden, The Homebase Garden, The Telegraph Garden, and The M&G Garden….

The M&G Garden, designed by award-winning Cleve West M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a leading international investment management company, has commissioned award-winning landscape designer Cleve West to create a contemporary paradise garden.Invented by the Persians more than a thousand years ago, paradise gardens are spaces for sanctuary and contemplation. Cleve is known for designs which

combine the classic with the contemporary and in his plan for The M&G Garden he is using ancient elements of water, shade and planting to create a paradise garden fit for 2014. The result is a showcase of how British garden design has evolved yet retains many features that have stood the test of time, an approach that reflects M&G Investments’ own company values. The M&G Garden’s centrepiece is a tall, octagonal fountain within a sunken base, built from traditional British Bath limestone and flint. The water flows into four rills, through a stone edged sunken terrace and into an octagonal perimeter. The rills are a nod to the four rivers that are said to have flowed through the Garden of Eden, which many might think of as the original paradise garden. Behind the fountain, flanked by yew hedging, is a vast limestone relief depicting the Tree of Life, painstakingly engraved across five panels by Cleve himself. The tree’s carved roots reach out to the planting below it, giving life to The M&G Garden and representing the roots of many gardens throughout the world. Cleve West says “M&G has done a tremendous job working with the RHS as title sponsor of RHS Chelsea and I’m excited to be returning to the Show and working with them.”

Chelsea Artisan Gardens include: 75 years of The Roof Gardens in Kensington The Roof Gardens in Kensington have long been one of London’s most spectacular and extraordinary landmarks and 9th May 2013 marked their 75th anniversary. The Spanish Garden created by Ralph Hancock in 1936 is the basis for this design, which takes inspiration from its Moorish pillars, iron gate and balconies. The Spanish Garden is an inspiring and bright garden that reflects the past and present styles of The Roof Gardens and showcases their accessibility for all.

To buy tickets visit www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea. All tickets must be bought in advance.

Established in 1913 on the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the show has become one of the most celebrated annual events in the world and is now hailed as the catwalk of the gardening world.

Since its beginning, the show has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to more than 500 today. It now attracts 161,000 visitors each year and brings the world’s best horticulture to the heart of London.

For more information, and to book tickets please visit www.rhs.org.uk MAY AY2 021041 41 9 7 M

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WIMBLEDON CHAMPION

ANDY MURRAY confirmed for BNP Paribas Tennis Classic 2014 THE HURLINGHAM CLUB, LONDON 17th – 20th JUNE 2014

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MG are thrilled to announce that the reigning Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray will be amongst the tennis stars to play at the IMG-owned BNP Paribas Tennis Classic this summer. Taking place at the prestigious Hurlingham Club, BNP Paribas Tennis Classic is one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar and the perfect warm-up for Wimbledon. VIP tickets and hospitality are on sale now.

On confirming his place in this special event, Murray said: “Playing at the Hurlingham Club last June was the perfect way for me to warm up for Wimbledon. It’s a great setting and I’m looking forward to playing again this year.” Murray will be joined by a world-class line-up of tennis legends including: Tim Henman, Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Philippoussis, Pat Cash and crowd pleaser Mansour Bahrami, who will all play throughout the tournament, with more top current players to be announced in the coming weeks.

of the current stars of today as they warm up for Wimbledon, as well as a number of tennis legends. In escaping the crowds, the tournament gives spectators the opportunity to combine unforgettable tennis with first-rate hospitality experiences.

Matches take place on Centre Court, which seats an intimate crowd, tennis players mingle with guests off court and there’s also the opportunity to play tennis with the professionals in the PRO-AMs. So, come and discover the best kept secret in tennis. Soak up the Garden Party atmosphere as you enjoy VIP hospitality and watch tennis from the stars of today and the ultimate Legends of the game in one of London’s most intimate and breath-taking settings.

The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London, SW6 3PR Price: Packages available from £150 inc. VAT per person

Owned and managed by IMG, the global sports, fashion and media company, the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic takes place at the height of the summer tennis season, the week before Wimbledon.

Booking information: 020 8233 5854 BNPParibasClassic@imgworld.com

Set in the tranquil 42 acre grounds of one of the most renowned members’ clubs in the country - the Hurlingham Club - the event showcases some

www.BNPParibasTennisClassic.com www.facebook.com/IMGTennis IMGTennis

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HYDE PARK

RICHMOND PARK

GREENWICH PARK

KENSINGTON GARDENS

Spring into the Royal Parks Spring has sprung, and to celebrate we have handpicked ten things for you do in the Royal Parks this season.

From listening to jazz musicians in Greenwich Park, watching theatre in Regent’s Park, to discovering different species of bats in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, there is something to cater to every taste.

REGENTS PARK

REGENTS PARK OPEN THEATRE

COUNTRY LIVING SPRING FAIR 2014

RICHMOND PARK

Row, Row, Row Your Boat Hire a rowing boat or a pedalo and glide through the picturesque surroundings of Greenwich Park, Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. In Hyde Park jump on the sun powered ‘Solarshuttle’ which will take you from the boathouse to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.Dates vary, check locally with parks.

Spend The Day At Richmond Park Golf Course Following a multi-million pound refurbishment by Glendale Golf, play in the glorious surroundings of Richmond Park from 1 June. A new eco-friendly clubhouse will offer refreshment opportunities in the form of a coffee shop, bar and restaurant. Membership not required. www.glendalegolf.co.uk

Guided Walk Of Isabella Plantation In Richmond Park This Spring, come along to one of the free guided walks of Isabella Plantation, as it bursts with colour from the exotic rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom. Dates of walks are listed on www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on. Every Wednesday, catch a free return minibus service to the Plantation. Stopping at all gates in Richmond Park the service will give the public, especially those without cars, a greater opportunity to visit this 40 acre woodland garden. Minibus service will operate every Wednesday, from 10.30am-3.30pm in forty minute intervals, through to 26th August.

Diana Memorial Playground In Kensington Gardens Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s stories of Peter Pan the commemorative Diana Memorial Playground, will fire up the imagination of any child as they navigate their way through a wooden pirate ship moored on a beach, share stories in real tepees, and explore the sensory trail. Time left? Seek out the bronze statue of Peter Pan on the stump of a tree blowing his pipe.

Enjoy An Evening Of Live Jazz In Greenwich Park Following a refurbishment, the popular Pavilion Cafe reopened on 13th April.

Located a stone’s throw from the Royal Observatory, the cafe will be hosting an evening of jazz with musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, every Friday from 9th May until the end of August. Kids welcome.

Watch Theatre In Regent’s Park Grab a glass of Pimms from the bar and take your seat in the award winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Opening on 15 May, Arthur Miller classic ‘All My Sons’ will be the first production of the season. www. openairtheatre.com Play Cricket In Greenwich Park From 1st May until 30th September play cricket in the Grade 1 listed Greenwich Park, which offers unparalleled views across the River Thames to St Pauls Cathedral and beyond. Included in the price is use of the changing facilities in the Pavilion. To enquire or book the pitch contact Christine Sheffield on 0300 061 2380 Become A Bat Detective On 16th May, a bat expert will lead you through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park as you discover several different bat species – including common pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles, and noctules. Learn how they hunt and separate bat facts from bat fiction. Bat detectors are used so that bat echolocation calls are audible to the human ear. Children over eight, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. 8.30pm-10pm. Entry £5. Book in advance. www.supporttheroyalparks.org 2 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

Experience Trooping The Colour On 14th June Once a year, to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday, a military parade and march-past takes place in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen on Horse Guards Parade Ground in St James’s Park from 10am. On the same day at 12.52pm, spectators can watch the magnificent 41-Gun Royal Salute in The Green Park followed by a flypast over Buckingham Palace at 1pm.

Enjoy A Bike Ride Through Richmond Park Soak up the sunshine and increase your fitness by hiring a bike from Parkcycle in Richmond Park. Located at the Roehampton Car Park, both adult and children’s bikes are for hire by the hour.

About The Royal Parks Almost 40 million Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of London.

The Royal Parks are Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James’s Park.

The Royal Parks also manages Victoria Tower Gardens, Brompton Cemetery, Grosvenor Square Gardens and the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street.

For further information please visit www.royalparks.org.uk

F E AT U R E

Vienna Festival Ballet returns to Radlett

Vienna Festival Ballet bring their UK tour to a close in Radlett this coming Sunday June 1st

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n this, their 34th year, the company offers two performances of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella at the Radlett Centre. Remaining true to the traditional rags to riches story, Cinderella tells the story of a young girl who is mistreated by her ugly step-sisters, but finally finds her Prince Charming with a little help from her Fairy Godmother.

VFB last performed their ballet Snow White at the Radlett Centre in October 2013, and received a rave reception. Burnley Express described it as ‘an enchanting performance…technically superb’, and the Welwyn Hatfield Times agreed ‘the entire show was captivating from start to finish’. The same high standard of performance can be expected for Cinderella.

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F E AT U R E

VFB was formed by celebrated Austrian dancer, Peter Mallek, who trained in his native city of Vienna under the famous Russian teacher Harry Pluciss, and since has performed with all the major ballets.

Nowadays the company comprises of an array of talented dancers from all over the world; graduates from the Royal Ballet School, Australian and Italian soloists, and guest stars from Vienna and South Africa.

Emily Joy-Smith has been a part of the company for two years over four tours, and says ‘I love working with VFB for two reasons; I enjoy VFB’s working environment, it really helps to bring the best out of your performance knowing everyone is encouraging you. My second reason is, we bring Ballet to so many different areas, especially places that wouldn’t get to see ballet if we didn’t perform there.

Knowing you have children watching thinking, “I’m going to be a ballet dancer one day,” after watching one of our productions is such a wonderful thing’. JoySmith plays the Fairy Godmother in VFB’s current tour of Cinderella.

Cinderella is choreographed

by Sheila Styles, one of the company’s expert choreographers, from the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet. She has worked with a unique score from Chris Nicholls; Rossini’s La Cenerentola has been rewritten and rearranged

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F E AT U R E

alongside additions from some of his most famous operatic achievements. The music was then recorded especially for the company by the leading orchestra in Kosice, Slovakia.

Combined with VFB’s reputation for their lavish hand-made costumes, altogether VFB exemplifies the elegance and extravagance which is associated with classical ballet.

Vienna Festival Ballet will be performing at 2pm and 5pm on Sunday 1st June, at the Radlett Centre, WD7 8HL. Tickets can be booked online at www.radlettcentre.co.uk or over the phone on 01923 859 291. They return to Radlett in Winter with The Nutcracker, on November 1st.

However, often offering ballet schools performance opportunities, VFB have tailored their company to make ballet accessible for all the family.

Artistic Director, Peter Mallek, has embraced elements of the genre of pantomime in this production, a move which has appealed to their younger audience members. He says the aim of the company ‘is to provide young and talented dancers with the opportunity to perform great classical ballets around the world, bringing the wealth of classical ballet to an ever wider appreciative audience.’ M AY 2 0 1 4 2 7

LO CA L A RTS

ALLAN MORGAN BEYOND THE STREAM £795

Roam free

The temperatures are beginning to rise, the BBQ’s are being lit – summer is well and truly on its way! Many of us have happy memories of time spent blissfully by the sea, or meandering through the foothills of the Lake District. Maybe it was a break in the warmth of some far-off land. Here are some of the best current artists working in the landscape genre.

Peter Wileman President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Peter’s powerful works have established his international reputation as one of the finest oil painters of a generation. His dramatic land and seascapes are characterised by a highly expressive, impressionist technique. His artistic achievements have been recognised with various accolades including the Frank Herring award at the Mall Galleries in London, and the Cornellisen Prize for Outstanding Work.

Harry Brioche Born in the Seychelles, Harry was already bestowed with a stunning backdrop from which to seek inspiration. When moving to the UK, and

PETER WILEMAN MARY SHAW CALM DAY TIDES £3,295 PERFECT £1,195

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with a love of the outdoor life, Harry quickly discovered the beauty of the Lake and Peak districts.

Mary Shaw Mary secured her first landscape commission at the tender age of just 13. Painting delicate and idyllic meadow scenes, it’s easy to lose yourself in the peaceful serenity of her work. Mary brings the paintings to life with the inclusion of playful field mice and small birds. She is truly a refreshing artist who brings a smile to your face.

David Renshaw This gifted artist from Southport near Blackpool has enjoyed a meteoric

HARRY BRIOCHE PASSING SHOWER £1,200

LO CA L A RTS

MARY SHAW FOXGLOVE GLORY £425

DAVID RENSHAW ROLLING HILLS £995

rise. From his first solo exhibition held with Gallery Rouge in 2010, David has effortless continued the development of his style. The sky is an instrumental part from where he begins his works. Gallery Rouge are delighted to be holding an exhibition of new paintings from David Renshaw in September later this year.

Allan Morgan Living in the beautiful bordering counties of Herefordshire and Powys, Allan Morgan has garnered a following for his vibrant and dramatic vistas. The basis for his works remains constant – the love of light, colour and atmosphere. With disappearing horizons, his works provide depth and warmth.

Darren Stevenson Travelling up and down the British coastline for inspiration, Darren’s heavily textured paintings are both dramatic yet surprisingly peaceful.

Painting ‘en plein’, Darren uses no digital aids, and will often spend hours outdoors to capture the perfect scene. Darren will be spending more time travelling to France and other European coastlines as he expands his portfolio.

Gallery Rouge are thrilled to have a strong selection of original artwork from these and other talented artists. If you are looking for quality art to grace your home, you should make Gallery Rouge your first port of call.

DARREN STEVENSON WONDROUS LIGHT £850

27 Chequer St, St Albans, AL1 3YJ 01727 860401 stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk

78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP 01582 760332 harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk

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F E AT U R E CATTELAN FUTURA SIDEBOARD £2499 ARTIZAN RUG 170 X 120CM £175 SILVER SNOW VASES FROM £59.99

KATO MEDIUM EXTENDING DINING TABLE IN GREY £635 GARDA ATHENA CHAIRS £199 EACH ENZO LARGE SIDEBOARD £599

115 Years

Fishpools Anniversary This spring local furniture retailer, Fishpools, is celebrating a remarkable milestone; its 115 year anniversary.

Over a century since it first opened and four generations on, Fishpools has consistently grown and today are proud to be recognised as the largest quality furniture store in the South East of England offering an extensive range of stylish products for the home and garden.

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stablished in 1899, its founder Ernest Fishpool borrowed just £85 to set up his first shop originally selling a small collection of furniture and clothes to the public. Finding success in 1906 with business booming, Ernest took over the lease of 109-115 High Street, Waltham Cross which over the years has expanded into the impressive 62,000 square foot of space that can be found on the site today.

By the mid 1990’s, Ernest Fishpool had married and started a family, which would go on to build up what is now a reputable family firm. Extremely passionate, Ernest’s hands-on approach and innovative notions helped to drive the business forward and into great success. Just after World War One Ernest grew the business by investing in two old army ambulances which were converted into furniture delivery vehicles. In due time, both of Ernest’s sons, Clarence and Howard joined their father at the firm and made it a real family affair!

Now under the care of current Managing Director and fourth generation of the Fishpool family, Simon Fishpool took over the running of the business in 2003 and has since created further enthusiasm around the brand by adding to its superb offerings. In 2004, Simon unveiled a major expansion plan which included a substantial office development to accommodate the company’s 200 plus employees along with a breath-taking showroom expansion. With this extra space came a wealth of exciting new furniture collections, as well as the introduction of decorative homewares and accessories to provide a complete shopping experience to meet the needs of discerning shoppers.

Time doesn’t stand still for Fishpools and today sees the furniture retailer committed more than ever to innovation in all areas of the business, striving constantly to provide the highest levels of quality, value and service. With over 200 room sets offering collections from classic to contemporary, minimal to vintage and rustic to romantic, the capacious showroom is the perfect place to be inspired. Constantly updated to offer on trend solutions, its layout plays host to a variety of handpicked product styles

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and interior looks that are waiting to be discovered and explored. It doesn’t stop there; Fishpools also has an online shop (www.fishpools.co.uk) that allows shoppers to buy with ease from the comfort of their own home. From furniture, carpets, lighting, upholstery, artwork, accessories and cookware; you name it, Fishpools will have it!

Over the next year, Fishpools will be extending their ranges, including launching new collections for their summer sale which starts on the 6th June. They’ll also continue to provide customers with inspiration, ideas and expert advice with the introduction of their new ‘Get the Look’ mailers – a guide to the latest interiors trends, packed with helpful tips and tricks!

Fishpools dedication to traditional family values doesn’t stop in the store.

Their recently launched ‘Family Values’ programme represents their commitment to give something back and involve the local community surrounding the Waltham Cross store. For 2014, Fishpools have joined forces with two brilliant local charities, Teens Unite Fighting Cancer and Nordoff Robbins, to help raise awareness and meet their fundraising targets.

Fishpools aims to raise £5,000 for each charitable organisation Teens Unite and Nordoff Robbins by the end of 2014. Recent fundraising initiative sees Fishpools donating £5 from sales of key items throughout the store, allowing customers to help raise money for good causes by simply treating themselves to a stylish sofa or designer dining table. A charity bake sale was also held in the Waltham Cross showroom in collaboration with Teens Unite Fighting Charity, which was a great success and enjoyed by all.

To celebrate the anniversary, Fishpools will be hosting competitions and fund raising events for its chosen charity partners throughout 2014. You can keep up to date by visiting fishpools.co.uk for more information.

Fishpools would like to thank all of its customers for their ongoing support since 1899, and look forward to welcoming shoppers back in the future.

Fishpools - www.fishpools.co.uk - 01992 63 64 65

High Street Waltham Cross . 01992 63 64 65 . www.fishpools.co.uk

F E AT U R E

A hidden Gem in the heart of Hertfordshire George Street nestles in the Cathedral quarter of Old St Albans. Dating back to the 17th Century it is truly charming and the home to beautiful independent shops... the ideal place to source individual presents for the important people in your life. A stroll down the street introduces you to shops with real character. It is truly a pleasure to explore the treasures that lay within!

Find something new and interesting

Perfect Timing

One of the highlights of the street is a jewellers called Galio. Their ethos forms part of the fabric of the soul of the area, it is the embodiment of the past in harmony with the present. An old building with original features sets off the contemporary décor perfectly.. and their range of Jewellery and watches continue the theme.

Galio’s watch collection is designed to appeal to the design conscious individualist. Someone who appreciates value and a choice not available on the high street. Featuring 3 British brands they like to support local talent whilst celebrating niche fine quality International names.

Short-listed for Best UK Independent Jewellery Retailer and recipients of the Retail Jeweller’s award for Innovation, GALIO is unique. Recently it has come of age with a beautiful refurbishment of their George Street store.

A new look fascia & front window accompanies the launch of a brand new Bridal Bar inside. With an impressive range of engagement rings from traditional to contemporary; there are over 500 fine quality styles available and a full bespoke service from their in-house designer.

Something for every budget, you won’t need to go anywhere else for that special day.

Established in 1992 the business is continually evolving. Specializing in fine quality modern Jewellery, Galio incorporates the best in design & quality with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by their team of sales consultants. Individual British boutique designers and international brands combine so you will always find something different to delight your senses.

Perfectly formed they utilise only the finest quality diamonds and coloured gemstones in a choice of limited edition, ready to wear collections and a specialist bespoke designs, all work is of the highest caliber.

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Brands featured include; Bell & Ross, Bremont, Frederique Constant, Graham, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Seven Friday, Gc, Bering and Eliot Brown Each brand offers a unique point of difference and brings something vibrant to the collection.

George Street’s Crowning Glory Galio has enjoyed 21 years of trading on George Street. Indeed the road is a tribute to the tenacious nature of independent retailing and the power of consumers who want individual quality and care.

Their loyal clientele appreciate a personal touch and understand the pleasure that real shopping can bring. They have discovered what a real experience it is to be looked after in a shop where people recognise and value you. The real test is that they continue to attract a new and excited following.

December opening hours Monday-Saturday 10.00am-5.00pm Sunday 11.00am-4.00pm, Closed: 25th-27th December 2013 To discover what makes Galio so different and keeps people coming back visit them at: 4 George Street, AL3 4ER or call: 01727 860329 www.galio.co.uk

EV E N TS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Four heroes. 72 holes. One epic battle...

21st JUNE 2014

Macmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge The Longest Day Golf Challenge is the toughest test in golf. You’ll need all your strength, (super) powers and drive to overcome the 72 holes, 300 shots and 20 mile walk.

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acmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge pits you and your team of superheroes against all manner of adversaries; whether it’s that devilish Par 3 or the fiendishly sloping green on the 8th. Your super powers could win you a trip to a top European course - as well as helping to give power back to people affected by cancer.

Last year’s epic challenge saw 850 teams take part, and raise a heroic £780,000 to help people affected by cancer in the UK.

Celebrities that took part in last year’s Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge sponsored by adidas include Anton Du Beke, DJ Spoony, Charlotte Jackson, Matt Dawson, Zoe Hardman, Russ Bray, Mark Foster, James Jordan, Pete Graves, Adam Levanthal, Lee Dixon.

for free to show their support for your challenge. And you can make your event the topic of conversation at your club by popping a poster on the notice board.

So get your ‘Fantastic Fore’ together and get ready to once again take on golf’s toughest challenge.

To kick start your fundraising simply set up an online sponsorship page with JustGiving, which lets friends, family and colleagues sponsor you from anywhere in the world.

To register or for more details, please visit the website at www.macmillan.org.uk/longestday

About Macmillan Cancer Support More than one in three of us will get Think you have what it cancer. For most of us it will be the takes to overcome the toughest fight we ever face. And the 72 holes this year? feelings of isolation and loneliness Getting involved is easy. All you that so many people experience need to do is assemble a team make it even harder. But you of three or four players, register, don’t have to go through it alone. decide on a date to play and start The Macmillan team is with you CHAMPION SWIMMER MARK FOSTER ALONGSIDE MEMBERS OF THE ADIDAS raising loads of money for Macmillan. WORLD every step of the way, with the nurses GOLF TEAM DURING THEIR LONGEST DAY CHALLENGE AT STOKE PARK GOLF CLUB. and therapists helping you through Approach a golf club where you often play or are already a member, as treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you they’ll be most likely to support your challenge. Ask permission from the which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the golf club to tee off at first light, making sure the course will be open. And everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community remember to tell the course superintendent that you’ll be there. there for you online, any time. The supporters who make it all possible.

Book specific tee times for each round so you aren’t held up. And get permission from the club to play through other players on the day.

Organise lunch with the club at a certain time. They might even provide it 3 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

The Macmillan team is there to support you every step of the way.

For more information or to donate visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00.

E DUCAT I O N

Hertfordshire schoolwear business welcomes report linking uniform to academic success A leading Hertfordshire figure in the schoolwear industry has welcomed new research that links school uniform to academic success.

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he study by the Schoolwear Association shows all of the top 20 state schools in England and Wales insist on a uniform with most also stipulating a blazer and tie. Howard Wilder, business development manager of St Alban’s-based schoolwear provider Stevensons and a member of the Executive of the Schoolwear Association, said the study provided evidence for a feeling shared by most teachers and parents that a good school uniform is good for education.

He said: “These latest findings show that schools that do well have good quality uniforms, and the results back up work we as an association have done with researchers and psychologists into the benefits of uniform.

“School uniform is now clearly linked to academic performance and good behaviour, and we see more and more schools and academies upgrading to smarter and better quality uniform as a result. We know the cost can be significant for hard-pressed families, but the vast majority of parents see the benefits and know that their child is worth it.”

Researchers looked at England’s top 20 schools ranked by GCSE results, and added up the cost of a complete daywear outfit blazer, jumper, trousers or skirt, shirt, tie, socks or tights but not sportswear.

Prices in the top 20 state schools range from £34 to £142, largely depending on whether or not their uniform includes a blazer. The average across all 20 schools is £79.70. That’s a stark contrast to a random selection of private schools, which averaged £270. For the 17 schools with a blazer, the average is £84 while for those without it is £56. Of the top 20, a total of nine have a school tie.]

About the Schoolwear Association

HOWARD WILDER

All of the top 20 state schools in England insist on a uniform, and the majority also stipulate a blazer and tie, yet the study commissioned

by The Schoolwear Association reveals the average cost of a complete daywear outfit in these top-achieving schools is less than £80.

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Researchers also looked at a random selection of schools outside the top 20 and found the average uniform cost even lower at £64.

The Schoolwear Association represents businesses nationwide involved in the manufacture and supply of school specific uniform from manufacturers to wholesalers, independent retailers and direct to school suppliers. All members agree to a Code of Practice. Established in 2006, the Schoolwear Association is run on an entirely voluntary basis by some of the sector’s most experienced professionals. www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk

Open Events

An independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, which is affiliated to the Church of England.

Preparatory School Open Mornings

Senior School Open Mornings

Sixth Form Information Evening

Friday 6 June Friday 10 October Saturday 15 November

Saturday 4 October Saturday 8 November

Monday 13 October

Please visit our website to pre-book your attendance at one of these events.

01727 853800

www.stahs.org.uk fees assistance & scholarships available 짜 exceptional pastoral care 짜 extensive coach service

EV E N TS

BANKSY - HEAVY WEAPONRY SPRAY PAINT ON CANVAS

£120,000

MY ART INVEST, 150 COMMERCIAL STREET, LONDON E16 Ever dreamt of owning a Banksy?

Perhaps an original Conor Harrington is more up your street?

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y Art Invest, a brand new gallery and unique art-buying online platform that is changing the way people consume art opened it’s doors in East London last month, with hundreds of wellheeled Londoners attending a high-profile launch party.

The revolutionary new concept makes buying artworks by world-renowned artists possible for millions of people for the first time by dividing art works into shares. What’s better still - buy a quarter of the shares of any art work and you will have the option to take it home for a quarter of the year to hang on your very own wall.

The collection presents a diverse spectrum of work, with the launch focussing on street art, giving you the chance to follow in the footsteps of Kate Moss and own work by household names like Banksy or Shepard Fairey through to leading contemporaries like D*Face and Katrin Fridriks.

The global art market totalled £39.3 billion last year, an increase of 8 percent and the highest level since 2007 - so for many, investing in art has not only been a pleasurable experience but also a hugely successful financial venture. With My Art Invest, the possibilities for investing in art are hugely democratised offering you the chance to own a range of works for the price of one - and with the chance to take the artwork home, you could have a different artwork on your wall every three months!

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Founding Director Tom-David Bastok told us that the concept was created “with the vision of making buying art something that isn’t reserved for the financial elite. Through our unique trading platform we hope to change the way that people engage with art and by giving them the freedom to take ownership over works that they enjoy with the possibility to spread their investment over many works.”

The 26-year-old told us that he was excited to open a gallery in the UK after such tremendous success in France and will welcome anyone to his new gallery. The new space hosts a rotating exhibition of 25-35 artworks from My Art Invest’s collection with these changing every month. Visitors to the state-of-the-art gallery are offered the use of dedicated iPads that enable them to buy shares in artworks on display in real-time through a registered account on the platform’s dedicated app.

My Art Invest has a proven track record in France where almost 6,000 customers have gained an average return of 30% in the last three years. Plans are currently underway to develop a rolling programme of My Art Invest Guru workshops and events, where visitors to the gallery will be able to learn about the art market and artworks from some of the industry’s leading experts.

Visit www.myartinvest.com and follow @MyArtInvest on Facebook and Instagram

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Luxury Furniture Showrooms 020 7760 7560

wharfside.co.uk

210mmm x 140mm.qxp_Layout 1 01/05/2014 12:32 Page 1

Weekend Gardening Master Classes and Workshops ‘For gardening enthusiasts – beginners to keen hobbyists’ S TA RT I N G M AY 2 0 1 4 : • Beginners introduction to garden photography • The kitchen gardener • Growing and using herbs in your garden and kitchen • Get to know your plants and trees

Capel Manor College and Gardens Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield EN1 4RQ | 08456 122 122

A G R E AT G I F T F O R F R I E N D S O R F A M I LY For more information or to book your place, visit

capelmanorweekendcourses.eventbrite.co.uk Or contact 08456 122 122 ext 1166 Email: sarah.seery@capel.ac.uk www.capel.ac.uk

Scan the QR code to book now

Try us for size!

European fashions from 14-30

DINING AT HANBURY MANOR AFTERNOON TEA IN OAK HALL

open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm

This Winter, why not indulge with our quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. Enjoy finely cut sandwiches, homemade, freshly baked scones and dainty pastries from £25.00 per person. Why not add a chilled glass of Champagne for an additional £6.50 per person?

SUNDAY LUNCH IN OAKES GRILL 57 High Street, Kings Langley WD4 9HU

Tel: 01923 26 47 43

Just off J20 M25/A41 Ample FREE parking available Call for your FREE MAIL ORDER CATALOGUE

01273 835341

or visit us at: www.box2.co.uk

Enjoy a three course Sunday buffet lunch in our contemporary Oakes Grill overlooking the PGA Championship golf course for £26.50 per person*. *Children under 10 years dine for £10; Children under 5 years dine for £5, Children under 2 years dine free of charge.

To make a booking, please call: 01920 487 722 (Lunch and dinner reservations are also available in Oakes Grill as well as our fine dining restaurant, Zodiac. Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. Pre-booking required. Golf and Leisure Memberships are also currently available. Please contact the Membership Manager on +44 (0) 1920 885 015 for further details.)

Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD. Telephone: 01920 487 722; Website: MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

kia.co.uk

THE ALL-NEW KIA

Ready to Roll from just £15,600*

Brayley Kia 17 Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL2 2UA 01582 447378 The all-new Soul is the epitome of urban chic with dynamic crossover styling, improved ride and handling and advanced technology. Features include 17” alloy wheels, DAB radio, Sat Nav and Infinity® premium sound system with external amp and subwoofer†.

To find out more visit kia.co.uk Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Kia Soul are: Urban 31.0 (9.1) – 46.3 (6.1), Extra Urban 44.8 (6.3) – 64.2 (4.4), Combined 38.7 (7.3) – 56.5 (5.0). CO2 emissions are 170 –132 g/km.

MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. *Model shown: Soul ‘Connect Plus’ 1.6 GDi 130bhp 6-speed manual @ £15,600 including £300 early buyer reward and excluding metallic paint at £490. Offer valid between 08 April and 30 June 2014. Participating dealers only. Price and specification correct at time of going to press. The Infinity® word mark and logo are registered trademarks and owned by Harman International Industries, Inc. † Specification available on Soul ‘Connect Plus’ models. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty.

For full terms, conditions and exclusions visit kia.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Looking good, honey WORDS LISA HAYNES

The beauty obsession began with bee venom, dubbed nature’s alternative to botox. Now the fuzzy bugs are behind a host of other beautifying products that consumers are flocking towards like, well, bees to nectar.

“Bee ingredients have a powerful natural affinity with our skin and when combined with carefully blended product formulations, they become skin transformers,” explains Rebecca Nichols of skincare brand, Bee Good. “The use of honey, beeswax and propolis is at the heart of everything we do and each plays a very important role in achieving and maintaining skin health and vibrancy.”

Chantecaille Raise awareness for the plight of the bee and pretty your face with Chantecaille’s limited edition Save The Bees palette. Featuring four delicate bee-embossed shades for eyes and cheeks, 5% of proceeds are donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, £74, Space NK.

Join the natural beauty colony with the products to make a beeline for.

Melvita Three organic spring honeys have been combined to create Melvita’s super-nourishing Apicosma range. The patented complex of softening acacia honey, repairing orange blossom honey and healing thyme honey act in synergy to repair and revitalise dry skin, from £5, uk.melvita.com.

Bee Good British skincare brand Bee Good’s motto is ‘from the flower, to the bee, to you’. The core range of products combines by-products from British beehives with quality botanicals and includes cleansers, moisturisers and a Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm, from £4.75, www.beegood.co.uk

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Manuka Doctor Botox, buzz off. Manuka Doctor’s ApiRefine range combines

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Buzzwords

Tried & Tested Get killer contouring with one stroke of a push-up cream blush.

Our testers put three to the cheekbone test.

Topshop Glow Stick in Spotlight £10

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Peachy Blush £21

Nars Matte Multiple in Laos £30

This pale pink light-reflecting cream highlighter is pretty sheer but can be built up for a more intense colour.

You can blend under cheekbones for contouring but I preferred to use the stick to create a healthy glow on the apples of my cheeks.

A gorgeous colour for summer, this peach-tone cream blush applies easily and the slightly darker colour makes it great for sculpting. The formulation blends easily but stays put all day.

I loved the rose coral colour and it has a matte finish so there’s not a hint of shimmer. The high-impact colour means you just need one sweep, blended with fingertips for instantly sculpted cheeks. As a bonus, it doubles up as a lippy too.

www.topshop.com

www.clinique.co.uk

www.narscosmetics.co.uk

Get the low-down on the best in bee derived ingredients and their buzzy benefits with skincare brand Bee Good’s guide.

Honey In its purest form, honey is suitable for all skin types (even sensitive) and assists with perfecting, cleansing and protecting. Naturally antibacterial, it helps balance hormonal skin and is full of antioxidants that contribute to the slowing down of skin ageing.

Beeswax Beeswax is a natural protector, known to lock in moisture, foster cells and protect skin from damaging environmental factors. As a surfactant in skincare, it creates a barrier on the surface of the skin, protecting against bacteria and acting as a natural strengthener.

Propolis Its strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties make it one of the best ingredients for balancing problematic skins. Propolis helps stops bacteria spreading and enhances skin renewal.

Rich in vitamins B, C and E, it’s a natural skin-healer.

Purified Bee Venom - renowned for its anti-wrinkle and regenerating properties - with moisturising manuka honey. Smooth fine lines with the ApiRefine Targeted Wrinkle Filler, £14.99, Superdrug.

Burt’s Bees Honey addicts can transfer their sweet tooth to skincare with Burt’s Bees’ Honey Collection. The skin-softening set includes honeybased Lip Balm, Body Scrub, Hand Creme and mini Body Lotion, £15.99, www.burtsbees.co.uk.

Good Things The equivalent of the worker bee in skincare, manuka honey balances moisture levels to keep skin clear and hydrated, while assisting in the growth of new cells, tissue and collagen. Get a fresh-faced glow with

Good Things Manuka Honey Refining Scrub, £4.99, Boots.

Herbal Essences Give your hair the strength of a queen bee with Herbal Essences Bee Strong collection, containing honey and apricot extracts. Use the shampoo and conditioner for everyday and add an injection of extra strength when needed with the leave-in cream and mask, from £3.99, Boots.

Kim Kardashian Even the A-listers are getting in on the bee act. Smell sweet with Kim Kardashian’s Pure Honey fragrance, an alluring blend of raw wild honey and voluptuous florals with an aphrodisiac quality. Eau de Parfum, from £24 for 30ml, Debenhams.

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Which body contouring treatment is right for me?

With so many treatment options available today, it can be very confusing for consumers to choose the right treatment for their body. Manufacturers can often over promise and the treatments under deliver - all at the expense of your hardearned cash. So how do you choose the best option?

Dr Ravi Jain of Riverbanks Clinic explains

T

he demand for body contouring is increasing all the time and so much so that new systems are finding there way to UK shores on a daily basis. Many systems are cheap imitations of higher quality systems and clinics may invest in the less expensive systems so that they can increase their profit. However, often these systems leave the clinics and their clients out of pocket with poor results and support.

Surgery vs Non-Invasive treatments Surgical solutions to body contouring such as liposuction and tummy tucks have long been the only solution to address many peoples concerns, but these obviously have their significant risks, prices and relatively long recovery periods. However, in the right hands they can produce life changing results and we see that frequently at Riverbanks clinic, particularly with our VASER Lipo body sculpting system.

VASER Lipo is a form of liposuction which allows careful sculpting of body fat to help create athletic looking bodies. It is extremely versatile and can be used in delicate areas such as the chin, neck and inner thighs as well as the more popular tummies, waistlines, muffin tops and outer thighs and arms (bingo wings). It is best carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation to maximise your comfort and allow the surgeon to give you the best shape possible. There is usually time

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off work required and this can be between 1-7 days depending on the extent of your surgery. Compression garments need to be worn for several weeks to minimise swelling and help reshape your new body. And many patients benefit from some aftercare therapy in the first couple of weeks after their surgery. Despite these significant inconveniences to daily life, VASER Lipo is an extremely popular treatment of choice as it often produces life changing results - and at Riverbanks we are proud to have a 97% patient satisfaction rate over the last 4 years!

The holy grail for many clinics is to find a non-surgical system that produces results as close as possible to surgical liposuction. This has not been possible up until very recently with the introduction of fat freezing systems such as the Cooltech which is produce in Barcelona and carries a CE-Medical mark, confirming its high quality.

Cooltech is a unique system which comfortably treats stubborn pockets of fat in little over an hour which you simply lie there and read your magazine or iPad. The fat is frozen to -8C via a cooling cup placed on your skin for 70 minutes. Cooltech is best applied to tummies and love handles, outer thighs, inner thighs and back rolls.

The best bit about Cooltech is that most of our patients have only needed an treated just once. It is only the fuller patients that have required 2-3 sessions.

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y The way the cooling is applied is critical for good and effective results.I have seen plenty unsatisfactory patients who have had some very well marketed fat freezing systems which have either caused excessive deformities, or have done absolutely nothing over several treatments.

This is why it is absolutely critical that you are given the right advice at the start.

In my practice I have seen a huge demand for the treatment as it really can offer results similar to liposuction in many patients. I was extremely sceptical about the treatment which is why I took two years to research all the different systems before choosing Cooltech for my patients. I continue to be amazed by its results and we have not had a single unhappy patient!

What is also interesting is that the only clinics which have chosen Cooltech are those of top plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors and this is a testament to the high quality and efficacy of the treatment.

MedContour is another non-invasive system for reducing the appearance of fat but it particularly excels at managing cellulite. And it is for this reason that our patients choose it about 2 months before any sunny holidays. 6 weekly sessions of ultrasonic fat dissolving and lymphatic massage produce long lasting results, reducing cellulite and also reducing waistlines. The treatments are very relaxing and many patients gradually drift off into a light nap during a treatment by one of my therapists.

BEFORE MEDCONTOUR TREATMENT

AFTER MEDCONTOUR TREATMENT

Medcontour is an Italian system, with a CE- Mark and we have found that when combined with Cooltech, you get the best possible nonsurgical fat reduction treatment available. The only draw back with Medcontour is that it requires 6 weekly treatments, whereas Cooltech is potentially just one treatment.

So which treatment is best for me?

Cellulite

Medcontour (6 weekly treatments.

Costs from £300 per session)

Mummy Tummy

Cooltech (1-2 fat freezing sessions.

Costs form £800 per session).

VASER Lipo (from £3000)

Bingo Wings

VASER Lipo (from £3100)

Double Chins

VASER Lipo (from £2600)

Man boobs

VASER Lipo (from £3100)

Muffin Tops

Cooltech (from £800) or VASER Lipo (from £3100)

Outer Thighs

Cooltech (from £800) or VASER Lipo (from £3100)

Inner Thighs

Cooltech (from £800) or VASER Lipo (from £3100)

BEFORE VASER TREATMENT

BEFORE COOLTECH TREATMENT

AFTER VASER TREATMENT

AFTER COOLTECH TREA TMENT

Tips to help you choose the right treatment 1. Ask to see before and after photos - make sure the lighting is the same in the two sets of photos as flashguns can make cellulite and lines & Wrinkles look better even without a treatment.

Make sure that the photos are results performed by the clinic and even better the practitioner who will be treating you.

2. Find out where the system is manufactured - many very well marketed systems are rebadged cheap imports from the far east and are low quality and could actually harm you. European and US made systems are generally of higher quality and will have met higher standards.

3. Check the system has a CE-Medical Mark - this is a higher standard set by the European regulatory authorities to show that the system is suitable for medical use. American systems will have FDA approval.

4. Ask How many treatments are needed - make sure that

this is understood right from the beginning so that you can budget and set your expectations accordingly 5. Ask about side effects - in the more effective treatments there maybe some side effects which should be explained to you before hand. If there are no side effects, usually the treatment is ineffective.

6. What is the recovery like - check to see if any aftercare is needed, any dietary requirements are necessary and if any compression garments need to be worn.

7. Meet the surgeon - Make sure you have a full consultation with the surgeon performing any surgery on you, before you decide to have treatment and not just on the day of surgery. Good clinical practice guidelines recommend a 14 day cooling off period.

8. Ask for a written quote before treatment and avoid any time-limited offers for surgery. Competitions for cosmetic surgery is frowned up by the regulators.

Dr Ravi Jain is the medical director and founder of the multi-award winning Riverbanks Clinic. It is the only medical aesthetic clinic in the UK to have won ‘Best Clinic’ 3 times. We pride ourselves on only offering our patients treatments which work.

For an appointment please call 01582762877.

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

HAY FEVER HELL

H

ay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects one in five people in the UK. According to John Collard, clinical director of Allergy UK, hay fever is a type of allergy. It happens when your body makes antibodies in response to certain triggers, such as pollen. It’s most common in children and, particularly, teenagers, but you can develop hay fever at any age. The symptoms usually include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and stuffy nose.

What causes hay fever?

In Britain, hay fever is mainly caused by grass pollen. Around 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen. Tree pollen can cause hay fever too. Around a quarter of hay fever sufferers are allergic to tree pollen. Mould spores and weed pollen can also trigger symptoms.The pollens that cause hay fever vary from person to person and region to region. The amount of pollen in the air will affect how bad your hay fever is. There’s more likely to be more pollen in the air on hot, dry, windy days than on cool, damp, rainy days. Research shows that pollution, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust fumes, also makes some allergies worse.

When is hay fever worst?

The time of year at which you begin to experience hay fever symptoms depends on the types of pollen you’re allergic to. Trees release their pollen in March to early May while grasses release pollen from late May to early August. Weeds and certain shrubs release their pollen in late summer. The hay fever season can therefore last from March to October. And if you’re unlucky enough to be allergic to more than one type of pollen, you may only have just two or three months without symptoms in the winter before the cycle starts again.

Tips to relieve hay fever Avoiding exposure to pollen is the best way to reduce the allergic symptoms of hay fever: K eep windows shut at night and first thing in the morning S tay indoors when the pollen count is high (between 50 and 150) Wear wraparound sunglasses.

P ut some petroleum jelly just inside your nostrils to trap some of the pollen.

D on’t mow the grass or sit in fields or large areas of grass.

Wash your hands and face regularly.

Avoid exposure to other allergens, such as pet fur, or environmental irritants, such as insect sprays or tobacco smoke.

Hay fever treatment As with most allergies, the best way to control hay fever is to avoid the triggers. However, it’s difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer.

Even straightforward hay fever can be debilitating, causing runny eyes, sleepless nights, bunged-up nose and headaches. A range of over-thecounter products can treat the symptoms of hay fever, including tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops and creams. Antihistamines are the usual treatment for the main symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes and runny nose, while steroid nasal sprays are the main treatment for a stuffy nose.

Hay fever in pregnancy Hay fever during pregnancy can be a particular problem.

Hormonal changes make nasal congestion more common during pregnancy, and this often gets worse during hay fever season. Pregnant women are also advised not to take some hay fever medicines.

Hay fever and asthma Speak to your GP or pharmacist before you decide on a hay fever treatment. It’s particularly important to speak to your GP if you have asthma. Hay fever often makes asthma symptoms worse. If this happens, you may need to increase the dosage of your asthma medication.

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

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Mr Michael Gaunt Consultant Vascular Surgeon Varicose and Thread Veins

BREEZE INTO SUMMER WITH NEW LEGS AND A NEW YOU

Did your legs let you down last summer because of varicose veins or thread veins?

Why not do something about them so that you can look forward to this summer with confidence?

Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt has opened a new Harley Street practice specialising in varicose and thread veins. He is a leading venous expert, experienced in treating varicose veins with both the Endovenous Laser and ClariVein techniques. Varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic condition but if neglected can result in complications. Minimally invasive local anaesthetic procedures can be used to treat varicose veins on a walk in, walk out basis.

If you would like to book a mini-consultation, including an ultrasound scan, for just ÂŁ95 or if you would like to find out more about your treatment options call 01223 305858 or visit www.michaelgaunt.com

BMI Bury St Edmunds Suffolk

Spire Lea & Nuffield Health Cambridge

Spire Norwich Norfolk

The London Clinic Harley Street

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

SUPER FEED YOUR SKIN WORDS LISA HAYNES

Are you getting enough? No longer five; seven is now the magic number for the recommended daily intake of fruit and veg, according to researchers.

I

f you’re struggling to reach your target with your diet , supplement your skincare with nutritional goodness as a starter. The skincare shelves are currently exploding with vitamin and mineral-rich products. Whether you want to go green, fruity or superfoody, there’s a potion to enrich your skin.

Up your fruit and veg content with these tasty treats.

Veg Out Not brave enough for the raw food movement? Feed your complexion with light-as-lettuce products you might find in a summer salad. There’s a reason we use cucumber slices to soothe tired eyes - this crunchy salad saviour has anti-inflammatory properties. Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner is suitable for all skin types and leaves your complexion soft, clean, soothed and toned, £16.50, www.kiehls.co.uk

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Carrots have long been touted for their efficacy in improving eyesight, but now they’re a major skin-booster too. The Organic Pharmacy’s Carrot Butter Cleanser is infused with antioxidant carrot and calendula for a deep but gentle cleanse, £34.96, www.theorganicpharmacy.com Known for its high concentration of phytonutrients, avocado is another salad bowl regular with anti-inflammatory powers. If a mushed-up avocado face mask isn’t for you, get that guacamole goodness with Pai’s Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream, for an unusual combo that intensively nourishes the skin, £30, www.paiskincare.com Fruity Fresh Forget homemade banana face masks, fruit-based beauty products these days are seriously high-tech. Give your skincare regime a head-start with Elemis’ Papaya Enzyme Peel. A cult beauty fave, the natural fruit enzymes

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

of exfoliating papaya and calming pineapple smooth and clarify the complexion. Its gentle formulation means it’s ideal for sensitive or mature skins, £31, www.timetospa.co.uk Get crushing on grapefruit to top up your seven-a-day fix for summer.

They may taste sour but they have sweet benefits for your face. Yes To Grapefruit has produced an entire facecare range formulated with grapefruit to specifically help correct and repair uneven skin tone and get your glow back, £3.99-£14.99, Boots Up your antioxidant levels via your night moisturiser when your skin cells are working their hardest.

Aroma Actives’ Lift & Firm Night Cream includes antioxidant-rich blueberry and pomegranate as well as rejuvenating frankincense, £14.99, exclusively at Sainsbury’s stores.

Superfood Supps A nutritional powerhouse, kale is the superfood that’s top of every nutritionist’s menu. Include your hands in the veg benefits with Nourish’s Argan & Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream. The organic Kale oil extract helps refine and soften the skin’s texture, as well as correcting uneven pigmentation, £12, www.nourishskinrange.com No time to whip up a green smoothie? Your daily dose of goodness is now available in a spoonful with Fountain’s The Super Green Molecule that uses a blend of kelp and nature-like hyaluronic acid to deliver chlorophyll, which improves detoxification and cellular repair, £27.99, available May Selfridges.

Antioxidant protection helps defer the visible signs of ageing and Acai is a superfood that’s packed with them. If you don’t fancy nibbling on dry berries, boost your skin with Perricone MD’s Super Berry Powder With Acai, which includes a combination of skincare supercharged berries, £53 for 30-day supply, www.perriconemd.co.uk Tried & Tested Lisa Haynes tries to fall back in love with her feet after a winter of discontent. I’ve never liked slippers. But then this winter, something happened. I fell in love with a pair of faux furry boots. Running cosily

right up to my ankle, they made forgetting about my feet for months far too easy. Once the weather warmed up and I pulled out my open toe shoes and sandals, I looked down at my forlorn feet and realised some serious SOS needed to happen before baring them to the world. A bright polish wasn’t enough, I needed a major pedicure.

Elemis’ Sole Delight Foot Treatment aims to soothe sore, rough, dry feet and make them look exposable again. The treatment’s available at various locations nationwide, but I headed to The House of Rush in London’s Piccadilly, where I was eased into a reclining leather black throne, while the therapist removed the remains of my nails polish and filed and buffed my nails. She then filed my feet, focusing on specific areas of dryness like my heels and high-heel-attacked balls of my feet.

A tiny amount of Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Scrub Glow was mixed in with Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, which made the scrub feel luxurious rather than scratchy.

My feet were then soaked in a warm tub of creamy Skin Nourishing Milk Bath and patted dry. The therapist began cuticle work, making my toes look immediately more presentable - something I always neglect in DIY pedis. The Frangipani Monoi Body Oil was then used again for a luxurious foot massage, which felt like it unknotted all the tension from my soles.

As a finishing touch, my toes were painted with an Essie One Of A Kind coral polish and massaged with Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask, right up to my shins. As a celebration, I went out and bought some new toe-baring sandals. Slipper boots, you’re officially in retirement these feet look too good to hide.

Elemis Sole Delight Foot Treatment with Pedicure, prices vary but a 70-minute treatments start from around £40-70, available nationwide www.elemis.com Buy It Now Superdrug is looking mighty fine for 50. To celebrate the milestone anniversary on the high street, a host of the world’s favourite beauty brands have dressed up in pink with limited edition products. Pick your favourite party piece, from 99p available in stores and at Superdrug.com while stocks last.

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

The science of sleep:

How much are you getting?

W

We are creatures of habit, especially when it gets to bedtime. We sleep on the same side of the bed, have the window open just so, the bedroom door ajar.

Some swear by hot baths, herbal tea or a glass of wine to help them drift off.

e need it like we need water, and we are obsessed with improving what scientists describe as our “sleep efficiency” – There’s an entire sleep industry offering technology and drugs, but to what extent are we just the victims of our own anxiety? Does our need fuel the industry, or is it the other way round?

obesity, for instance, there is only a true link for people who sleep less than five hours a night. There’s no evidence that people who sleep six to seven hours are any fatter than those who sleep seven to eight. And if you really are overweight and a ‘short sleeper’, it might be better to do 15 minutes of brisk walking a day than spend an extra hour sleeping.”

Many people take great care to follow the same routine on going to bed. But none of it ensures that you stay asleep. According to a study carried out by researchers 37% of us have one or more symptoms of insomnia on most nights, whether that means having trouble falling or staying asleep, waking frequently or waking up feeling worn out. Just over half wake several times some nights, and a further 26% most nights. Staying in bed longer doesn’t make it better, as studies prove that, with sleep, quality beats quantity.

If you wanted to be wired up to a polysomnogram, which records brainwaves and other vital signs to find out how well you sleep, you could check into a sleep clinic, or buy a DIY device such as the Jawbone UP24 bracelet, which tells how long and deeply you sleep.

“The idea that adults need eight hours of sleep is nonsense – it’s like saying all women should fit into a size-eight dress,” says Prof Jim Horne, the founder of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University.

“Our research shows that, on average, actual sleep for the adult population of this country is only about seven hours. And there’s very little evidence for the idea that previous generations slept longer, that we’re chronically sleep-deprived. We’ve never had it so good: the average worker 100 years ago shared his bed not only with his partner, but children, fleas, bedbugs, dampness and noise. Our bedrooms today are warm, we have duvets and spring mattresses. Lamentations about poor sleep are nothing new – the Romans complained about it. And just because we sleep more at weekends doesn’t necessarily mean we need it, just like we don’t need seconds of pudding.” As for the idea that blue light is disruptive, it might be true, but we must remember that part of sleep is settling down to relax, and if you’re looking at iPads and playing computer games, it gets you excited – I think both interfere with sleep”.

Prof Horne also questions the quality of many of the studies that purport to prove connections between health problems and a lack of sleep. With 5 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

In Britain one in 10 take sleeping pills, compared with one in 4 Americans.

There are also new medications such as Modafinil, a stimulant intended for sufferers of narcolepsy that the NHS warns “is not a replacement for getting enough sleep”, For those who prefer natural remedies, there are 85 different options on Holland & Barrett’s website, from valerian tea, used by those sleepless Romans, to CherryActive, a product made with Montmorency cherries, which, according to the manufacturers, “are high in naturally occurring melatonin”.

And then, of course, there is what we use to counter the effects of poor sleep: one report last year showed the British coffee-shop market was growing 7-8 times faster than the economy. There are other reasons why we wake up.

Alcohol tends to help people get to sleep but commonly disrupts sleep in the second half of the night, causing people to feel quite shabby on waking, Avoiding starchy or sugary foods at dinner-time to stave off blood-sugar falls in the night, which the body will seek to correct by [activating] the stress response. This can cause individuals to wake in the middle of the night in an alert state that can make it difficult to drop off again.

We can now look forward to a good night’s sleep... hopefully it’s not a case of dream on!

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www.alizonne.co.uk tel: 01923 242565 Clinics Nationwide. Courthouse clinics, 34 The avenue, Watford WD17 4NS.

H OUS E & GA R D E N

JOHN BLY ANTIQUES

Marquetry Just because you don’t hear much about something that was once the height of fashion doesn’t mean to say it’s dead.

T

he ancient and decorative craft of marquetry was first introduced to England in the early 1600’s and for three generations it displayed the skill and imagination of the makers as well as the wealth and taste of its patrons. It involves the use of thin sheets of timber, either natural, variously stained or bleached being cut into shapes which when placed together rather like a jigsaw puzzle will form pictures ranging from intricate floral arrangements to architectural motifs to landscapes and more recently portraits.

It went out of favour by 1700 and was not seen in fashionable workshops until the 1770’s when once again it became the most sought after decoration on fine furniture. Although it lost this status by 1800 other forms of marquetry appeared and lasted throughout the Victorian period. One of these was Tunbridgeware, which has the appearance of mosaic but, like original marquetry, the pictures are formed before being applied to the surface of the item to be decorated. Mosaic scenes are created in much the same way as a parquet floor and the furniture decoration - parquetry.

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The aftermath of two World Wars saw a dearth of artistic activity from which there has been a slow recovery until really the 21st century.

Prior to that marquetry could be described as a hobby rather than a commercial form of decoration. But that has changed and both amateur and professionally made marquetry is back in fashion. Of the latter the Linley brand name is a world leader using lazer technology, but it is the former individual, handcrafted marquetry that gives me most pleasure in noting its renaissance.

There is now a Marquetry Society with fellow member Marquetarians all over the world. The range of subject matter knows no bounds, with portraiture being a surprisingly successful diversion, and classes for young children being well and keenly attended.

With regular international exhibitions, marquetry is surely and deservedly on its way back to the forefront as a fashionable decorative art.

John Bly 533 Kings Road, Chelsea john@johnbly.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

LINEAR

EQUINOX

PIAZZA

CHESAPEAKE

TITAN

Barlow Tyrie

Quality since

1920

A blend of traditional materials and contemporary designs Our commitment As the world’s oldest manufacturer of quality teak leisure furniture, Barlow Tyrie has diversified in recent years developing collections in a variety of materials. These have proved incredibly successful and feature strongly in the current Barlow Tyrie collection, however expert use of high-grade teak remains at the heart of the business and with demand for quality teak furniture on the rise, its use can be seen in several new Barlow Tyrie ranges. The company remains a family business and is now in its 3rd generation with Peter’s sons, James and Mark, working in sales and product design.

New collections Chesapeake is an extensive new collection in solid teak, initially comprising an armchair, side chair, innovative swivel rocker complete with Sunbrella fabric cushions and 2 metre and 2.8 metre dining tables.

The range is being extended to include a 113cm circular dining, low tables, lounger and deep-seating in the very near future. Its ‘look’ marries aspects of the traditional, such as rolled armrests on the chairs and rolled edges and curved sides to the dining table, with clean, crisp contemporary touches that include nylon glides on the bottom of tapered legs.

See more at www.teak.com/english/chesapeake-range.shtml Titan is an impressive new teak dining table made using recycled teak off cuts. The name suits this robust design that is presented in a rustic look that will appeal to a variety of tastes and outdoor locations. The Titan range is part of our new Rustic Teak Collection that uses traditional teak, featuring knots and a varied grain pattern. This is part of the design ‘charm’ for this product and is not considered a flaw, as the final finish matches other Barlow Tyrie products.

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Standing alongside the Chesapeake and Titan designs is Piazza, an entirely new range in powder coated aluminium, developed specifically for the contract market. Armchairs, side chairs and a 60cm pedestal bistro table are available in a wide choice of colours and combine contemporary styling with Barlow Tyrie’s high quality manufacturing.

See more at www.teak.com/english/piazza-range.shtml Linear range has expanded adding a new conversational teak dining table 1.8 metre square, combined with armchairs and backless benches. Mitred corners and fine close slats show the quality of the manufacture, with a real attention to detail. Vertical slats and a decorative joint on the arm make this chair very stylish while still keeping its strength and beauty.

See more at www.teak.com/english/teak-dining-tables-2LI18.shtml Also new are the Sail Cantilever Parasol, see more at www.teak.com/ english/patio-furniture-parasols-4SA35SC.shtml and our new ceramic top Equinox collection of dining tables. This is made from 316 marine grade stainless steel with a hard-wearing ceramic worktop. It is available with Ash, Ivory or special order Storm Grey colour ceramic.

See more at www.teak.com/english/stainless-steel-dining-tables-2EQX36.800.shtml These innovative new designs and collections from Barlow Tyrie, which look set to become a modern day classics. Over three generations, Barlow Tyrie’s quality and reputation is define by our ‘aim for excellence’.

For further details, please view our products online or see your nearest stockist.

Telephone +44 (0)1376 557 600 www.teak.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Fill your home with some exquisite Panache

Panache Interiors 21 had its grand opening on the 22nd March. Style, quality and elegance were key when selecting this fine range of interior and exterior furnishings.

R

esiding on the exclusive Battlers Green Farm, Spiros and Charlotte welcomes you to come down and have a look at the variety of furniture and extensive range of gifts panache interiors 21 has to offer. Upon opening we have received rave reviews for our eclectic furniture collection which cannot be found on the typical market, hence why Panache Interiors 21 has been approached and sought after to furnish unique show homes.

Although we are sourcing furniture and accessories from all over the world, we strive to keep costs to a minimum which enables us to provide quality goods at competitive prices; we will not be beaten on price. We offer a free delivery service and an introductory discount for all readers of the life magazines.

The farm itself has a vast array of shops and has become a very popular shopping village catering for all your needs. With free parking and being open 7 days a week it provides a warm village community Spiros is from Essex where he had a interiors shop for 5 years before selling the business. He was introduced to Battlers green farm by Charlotte his Girlfriend and partner he fell in love with the location. He has a great deal of

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knowledge and experience in interiors. The shop itself is a converted barn giving you a rustic feel to the place with a splash of panache. we have a great range of Rattan furniture for your garden and conservatory now that the summer is upon us. If you do not find what you are looking for in the shop feel free to browse through our extensive range of catalogues. Charlotte is a people person and sparkling personality has a great eye for the unusual and the sheek furniture as well as the good looks to go with it.

So far in the short time we have been open we have built a good customer base where people are returning to see our new stock which comes in frequently. Our number one priority is customer satisfaction.

So please don’t take my word for it, come and visit us bringing all of the family down to Panache Interiors 21, you will not be disappointed.

For more information about Panache Interiors 21 at Unit 33G Battlers Green Farm, Common Lane, Radlett, Hertfordshire WD7 8PH call 01923 590 567 or email panache.interiors@mail.com.

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H OUS E & GA R D E N

CREATE A RESTFUL RETREAT Your bedroom should be a place of comfort; somewhere you can go to feel warm and cosy, the place where you can spend the night properly unwinding with a long, uninterrupted sleep.

A

s life’s pace quickens, people are finding it more difficult to build time into their lives for rest. The lines between work and home are fading, with many people doing substantial portions of their work at home. In fact, with nearly everyone bringing home some work these days, the home has lost its status as a sanctuary.

We need a place where we can detach ourselves, and as a result, people are increasingly embracing the concept of the master bedroom suite. Master bedrooms have been around as long as houses, but master bedroom suites are a relatively new concept.

Essentially, a master bedroom suite is a home within a home. It’s a refuge where one can enjoy a space free of the many demands of modern living. It’s a hideout for finding peace.

Master bedroom suites come in many shapes and sizes, as unique as the lives they are designed to insulate. Most are designed to support three aspects of life: Daily personal routines Rest and relaxation Romance If you are planning a full makeover, you need to decide on a theme – Country Style, Contemporary, Hollywood Glamour, or even Retro.

This is crucial not only for personal taste but also creating a relaxing atmosphere where you will be at your most comfortable. Calm neutral schemes come to life by introducing textured fabrics and

6 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

tactile wallpapers and good design can still incorporate blackout lined curtains and blinds enabling your room to be both beautiful and practical.

Whatever you do, invest in a good bed. The same with pillows and duvets – quality is very affordable and aids sleep. Ideally, purchase a duvet larger than your bed (e.g. king size if you have a double), this reduces the inevitable fight for cover and adds an aesthetic air of luxury by draping down the sides of the bed.

Choosing the right bedroom lighting for creating an oasis of tranquillity For years now, people no longer have just one light source per room.

Ceiling lighting in the form of a ceiling lamp or hanging lamp still functions perfectly well for general lighting purposes. For settling into a good book you’ll probably switch off the ceiling lights and switch on the wall lighting. Naturally the atmosphere is also important. Mood lighting helps create the right atmosphere. It’s also a good idea to have dimmable lighting in the bedroom. This allows you to set the level of lighting according to your mood. Don’t forget about coloured lighting for creating that special atmosphere in your bedroom. You could also use LED strip lighting to create a cosy and warm effect.

Whatever your bedroom becomes, it must be a place that you love to visit! The more tranquil you feel, the better you will sleep.

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Take the plunge with an outdoor swimming pool They’re glamorous, highly desirable, fun and great for parties. And if you’ve been stuck in a car or train on a sweltering summer day, nothing beats diving into one as soon as you get home. A swimming pool in the garden will keep you fit and have friends beating a path to your door on a hot day.

A

swimming pool is not guaranteed to increase a property’s value or render it more sellable, even if it’s a large enough home to make a pool, along with a tennis court, de rigueur. In fact, with young families’ safety concerns, it could reduce the number of potential buyers, so do bear this in mind if you are planning to sell at a later date.

Outdoor pools (not counting the above-ground temporary ones) will cost from about £30,000 up to £100,000, but keep in mind this is a lifestyle choice, not an investment. Have a swimming pool because you want one and will use it, and forget the “added value” bit. And do check whether you need planning permission before you start to create your dream pool.

What is fun is a “pool house” A new structure or converted outbuilding with a fold-back glass wall, tables and chairs and a fridge-freezer stocked with ice creams and drinks. A glass-sided building or converted barn could, of course, house an indoor pool, which may be the ultimate British-weather compromise. “If it’s south-facing you could have the best of both worlds.

Open the fold-backs when it’s warm, close them when it’s not, and you can still use the pool in winter,” says Christopher Bailey at Knight Frank’s country house department.

Where can I find a contractor and how do I choose one?

Position is everything: south-facing, out of the wind, away from falling leaves and the right distance from the house provides maximum enjoyment.

There are two main types of swimming pool: above ground pools and submerged pools. Aboveground pools tend to be cheaper because you don’t have to dig a hole and fit them but submerged pools are more traditional and provide easier entry for children or elderly people. In addition to the type of pool, you will have to decide on the type of materials you want your pool to consist of. There are three common finishes: liner; fibreglass shell; and tiles. These all require different amounts of maintenance and will affect the overall price of the job. You can use eco-friendly equipment such as ground source heat pumps and solar pool covers can reduce running costs.

Increasingly popular is a pool as part of an outdoor entertaining area, perhaps with other leisure facilities, like a hot tub or play area. The addition of a spa to your swimming pool really adds a social dimension. What better way is there to while away some time in comfort and warmth, without all that energetic swimming?

Outdoor swimming pool design can include automatic covers, landscaping and garden buildings for changing, plant and equipment. You could also consider a beautiful tiled motif on the floor of your swimming pool to add a touch of personality. You can even design your own!

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Of course, contractors advertise in local directories and online but the problem with choosing one like this is that you will have no idea of how reliable, professional, and expensive the company is before you deal with them. The best thing to do is to ask people you trust, who have had pools built, exactly who it was that they used. Neighbours are always a good source of information! In addition to this, always check that a contractor has up to date insurance, covering him for any damage that might be caused to your property.

Costs of buying and installing a swimming pool?

The estimate that you are given will comprise of two parts: the contractor’s labour rate and the materials rate. Often, however, labour will be included in an overall estimate price as opposed to being calculated daily. It is very important to get multiple quotes as prices can vary wildly. It is recommended that you obtain at least 3 estimates. It is also worth asking if they will guarantee their work – and how long for! You should also be sure to get a written estimate with a breakdown of all the costs. The final price should not deviate greatly from this guide price (provided no unforeseen problems surface). Please also bear in mind the cost of running and maintaining the pool after it is built. This ranges from £200 to £800 per season, depending on the size of the pool and the insulating materials.

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H OUS E & GA R D E N

How to host an elegant garden party Garden parties are a gorgeous and elegant way to celebrate in summer, perfect for either a small celebration, say, a girls’ get-together, or a larger occasion, such as a birthday or engagement party. There’s a certain elegance to eating in the garden, a little thought about decoration and atmosphere goes a long way. Here are some easily achievable suggestions...

A smart occasion deserves a formal invitation. Specify a dress code if desired, or leave it blank for casual outdoor attire. ecide on food themes and serving styles. Your menu will depend in large D part on how you plan to serve your guests. Will you hire staff to pass around trays of finger food? Or would you prefer that people serve themselves from a buffet? If you are going to have individual place settings, consider large platters of food that can be easily set on the table — or on a buffet — for people to help themselves, such as roast and grilled meats, salads, antipasto plates and cheese boards. Of course, if you’ve planned a themed party that will guide your choices. Whatever you serve, make sure it’s easy to serve and eat. esignate an outdoor bar area, D with pitchers of mixed drinks as well as easy-access bottles. Use real wine and champagne glasses for extra elegance. Ensure you have a wine cooler, or champagne on ice to greet your guests on arrival. You could create a signature mixed drink.

Make ahead and serve in pitchers, to cut down on bartending time. And sophisticated summery cocktails are a must! Always be sure to provide interesting non-alcoholic drinks too.

Create a space to relax before and after dinner by opting for smart furniture with comfy cushions. Parasols not only add instant glamour, but they also provide shade and define the seating space. Make sure there’s enough seating for all your guests. You don’t want your party to turn into a game of musical chairs.

Background music is essential in setting the tone – just shuffling your iPod won’t create the right ambience. As a rule of thumb, start with gentle music like jazz, and gradually up the tempo, by the end of the evening you may well be dancing until the early hours. And It’s good to have a theme in 6 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

mind; depending on your guests and the occasion. Alternatively, if you are looking to host a larger and lively party, you could hire a DJ, space pending of course.

S uccessful summer parties usually continue after dusk so plenty of outdoor lighting is essential to keep the party going. Take indoor style outside with low-voltage lighting, specifically for garden use, can involve much more than a simple outdoor spotlight. A garden chandelier using LED bulbs and rubber coated also makes it waterproof. Lanterns or even candles in jars placed on each step in a garden or patio will give a soft magical light, and also make it easier for guests to negotiate tricky areas in the dark. alloons make a great day-to-night B garden party decoration. Use a limited palette and opt for outsized, round balloons to give a grown-up, designer look. To take them from day to night, pop a balloon LED into the inflated balloon before knotting the neck, so that when dusk falls the balloon begins to gently glow.

Float on pools and ponds, fill with helium and anchor with lengths of ribbon and tent pegs, or simply tie into decorative bunches and hang in trees around the garden. ake space for the kids - If you’re arranging a party where there will be M children as well as adults, you’ll need to give them some space of their own. A child-sized picnic bench mean you can keep an eye on them while they have space to eat and play in peace! Lawn games are an excellent idea at a garden party, not everyone has a croquet set stored away, so any interactive game will be fun.

And lastly, ensure you can keep your guests dry if the summer sun does turn to rain. We are in the UK after all! But no one can throw a good party like the British.

H OUS E & GA R D E N

DEEP DESIGNS How the latest thinking in basement construction combines stunning design with innovative space and keeps the planning authority onside.

T

here’s an obscure law that says “whatever the size of your home, you always need more room”. In the search for extra space many Londoners dig down, rather than trade up.

Building a basement can be the perfect solution in the space race. You might have an aging parent who needs to be nearby. Perhaps you want room for a nanny or au pair. Maybe you’re running a home business and need an office. Or it’s recreational: a gym, a pool, a wine cellar or a cinema.

Whatever the reason, extra space can change your family’s life and lifestyle.

Cranbrook Basements has been designing and constructing basements for many years. It has vast experience of meeting and overcoming challenges that seem daunting to the homeowner: there’s always a solution, whether to planning or technical problems.

It’s true that, with many contractors, building basements doesn’t make good neighbours. That’s one reason why Local Authorities are considering planning policy changes for basement construction.

Cranbrook has always operated a good neighbour policy and worked

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to the highest construction standards, which gives Cranbrook a high reputation with planning authorities. If you’re faced with either expanding or moving (with the cost, disruption and stress involved) but worry that planning permission for a basement might be a hurdle, consult experts like Cranbrook to see what’s possible within planning policies.

Cranbrook’s architectural and design team works closely with clients, developing creative and original features for new living space, optimising the use of space and doing it in a planning authorityfriendly way. Statutory and technical matters are also addressed. A Party Wall Agreement is essential if your property adjoins another. Constructional details are provided to adjoining property owners; their Chartered Structural Engineer can check them. Soil investigation including – if needed – trial excavation and laboratory analysis makes sure that proposals meet British Standards and Building Regulations.

What can you do with a basement? Provided planning requirements are satisfied, the sky is the limit!

Interior Design & Architecture

half page vertical_Layout 1 27/11/2013 08:00 Page 1

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If we sound like a company you would like to work with please call for an initial consultation, it is free and without obligation, or visit our website to view our recent projects.

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H OUS E & GA R D E N

ROSES

LAVENDER

FUSCHIA

TULIPS

SWEET PEAS

The TOP 10 garden flowers that can sell your property Following a recent survey by Homebase, the following is a list of the ten most popular types of garden flowers most attractive to house hunters! A growing investment for the future!

LILIES

JASMINE

GERANIUMS

10

Sunflowers Bright and cheerful sunflowers are the tenth most likely garden flower to cement a house sale. These flowers can grow to be as tall as 6 feet or possibly even higher depending on the flower itself.

9

Hydrangea Hydrangea’s billowing blossoms come in at number nine. They are popular garden shrubs with delicate heads of flowers in shades of pink, white or blue and pretty autumn colour and leaf shape. The mophead and lace-cap hydrangeas are most well-known for their ability to change colour in different soils.

8

Geraniums One of Britain’s most popular perennials, geraniums take eighth place.

Geraniums, also known as Pelargoniums, are one of the most popular bedding plants in the UK. There are a wide range of geraniums to choose from, available as plug plants and mature potted plants. Geranium plug plants are so easy to grow and are ideal for beds and borders as well baskets and containers.

7

Jasmine At number seven is the delightful and fragrant Jasmine. A popular climber with a delicate scent, and there are many cultivars for summer and winter. Jasminum officinale (summer jasmine) is perfect for a sunny, sheltered spot in mild regions in the UK.

6

Lilies One of the most magnificent garden bulbs, so it’s no surprise that lilies tend to impress potential househunters. Lilies are the artistocrats of the summer border. Most will grow in partial shade or full sun, in any welldrained, fertile soil although some require lime-free conditions.

5

Sweet Peas As we move into the top 5, Sweet Peas not only look pretty, but they smell amazing too, and one of the most popular annual flower. Sweet Peas like a sunny home in the garden in fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller cultivars are available for hanging baskets and containers.

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HYDRANGEA

SUNFLOWERS

4

ulips T There are few plants more cheering than a tulip, which may be why potential home buyers are drawn to them. Tulips are amongst the most popular of bulbs, valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes. Plant in autumn for a show of spring flowers.

3

uchsia F At number three, the very popular fuchsia, a pretty shrub with unusuallyshaped flowers. Fuchsias are grown for their very attractive, usually pendent flowers that are borne more or less continuously from summer to autumn. They are useful in summer-bedding schemes, containers or in the ground. Some fuchsias are hardy enough to be used as hedges and in permanent plantings.

2

Lavender The second most popular plant, Lavender is an easy to grow, evergreen shrub, that produces masses of beautifully scented flowers above green or silvery-grey foliage. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in a sunny border, container, herb or gravel gardens. Lavender is best planted April-May as the soil is warming up.

1

And in first place? The traditional English Rose.

These beauties come in a range of colours, many with scented blooms, and they can be grown in borders, containers, over arches, pergolas and as ground-cover. They are easy to grow and live for a long time, if looked after.

Planting time is late-autumn to early spring. There are so many roses to choose from, and if you do like the finer things in life, this can be illustrated through your choice of rose. Wonderful names such as Champagne Moment, English Elegance and Savoy Hotel.

You can have as many different varieties as you wish to maintain what is England’s great gardening heritage. In order for your garden to flourish successfully, you need to maintain it and keep it healthy on a daily basis.

The types of flowers you choose will have a large impact on the overall outcome of your garden. Which flowers you choose will ultimately be your choice and regardless of the kinds or colours of your flowers, your garden will be a wonderful piece of work for everyone to admire…including potential house buyers!

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PROPERTY LIFE T H E

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HARMSWORTH WAY TOTTERIDGE, LONDON A

n opportunity to acquire this newly refurbished contemporary home in the heart of Totteridge. The property offers generous open plan living space to the ground floor with a good sized master en suite with sitting/dressing room and three further bedrooms to the first floor. Harmsworth Way is conveniently situated for Totteridge & Whetstone Northern Line underground and multiple shops and restaurants at Whetstone High Road.

The property comprises Reception room Dining room bespoke fitted kitchen and utility room with corian worktops guest cloakroom master en suite with sitting/ dressing room three further bedrooms family bathroom under floor heating to ground floor modern landscaped gardens with water features garage gross internal (including garage) 3401 sq ft EPC = C Guide Price ÂŁ3,500,000 Freehold

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7 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

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HADLEY WOOD, hertfordshire

BROXBOURNE, hertfordshire

3 receptions ø 5 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø indoor swimming pool complex with sauna and whirlpool ø garden with floodlit basketball court/short tennis court ø garage and ample parking ø EPC =C

2 grand reception rooms ø 3 bedrooms all with dressing room and en suite ø kitchen/breakfast room with mezzanine above lobby ø guest cloakroom ø 2 double garages ø Grade I listed ø main house approx 4523 sq ft

3 4

Guide £4 million Freehold

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Savills Barnet

Savills Barnet

MILL HILL, london

WINCHMORE HILL, london

3 reception rooms ø master bedroom suite with dressing room/ bedroom 5 ø 3 further bedrooms (1 en suite) ø kitchen/breakfast room ø family bathroom ø south facing mature garden ø integral double garage ø EPC = D

4 reception rooms ø master bedroom suite with dressing room ø further 3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø bedroom 5/study ø kitchen/breakfast room ø family bathroom ø indoor swimming pool ø garden ø garage ø EPC = E

Guide £1.5 million Freehold

Guide £1.775 million Freehold

Savills Barnet

Savills Barnet

SALES

FLOWER LANE £1,850,000 FREEHOLD

A recently refurbished double fronted, five bed, four bath detached family home situated within close proximity to Mill Hill Broadway’s shops and Thames Link Station.

THE OWNERS LOVE “The bright and spacious open plan living is ideal for dinner parties and entertaining family and friends” “We are walking distance to our GP, Mathilda Marks, shops, cafes and transport, the location really is ideal” “Our patio area, we enjoy relaxing in the sunshine and are not overlooked by anybody”

5 Bedrooms 2 Receptions Open plan kitchen/diner 4 Bathrooms Utility room Under floor heating throughout Self contained annexe Off street parking

EPC Rating : B

Please contact Jamie McIver at MILL HILL OFFICE on 020 8906 0660

UPHILL ROAD, MILL HILL, NW7 - OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £2,000,000

A four bedroom detached residence situated on a vast corner plot on Mill Hill’s premier road. SOLE AGENTS.

THE OWNERS LOVE

“The picturesque gardens surrounding the house have provided both playground and areas of seclusion along with hours of entertaining family and friends in the sunshine” “We bought the house 50 years ago and have cherished the fabulous location with access to London, excellent schools, great transport links and various open spaces.”

“The house is light and airy and easily accommodated the demands over the years put on it by an ever growing family and the neighbours are a joy to live next to”

WE’VE NOTICED

This large family property has the added benefit of being sold with no onward chain.

Although in need of modernisation, the property offers great potential for extension or re-build subject to planning permission

EPC Rating: E Please contact Jamie McIver at MILL HILL OFFICE on 020 8906 0660

4 Bedrooms 2 Receptions Kitchen Breakfast room Guest cloak room Family bathroom Attractive gardens Garage

SALES

FLOWER LANE £1,850,000 FREEHOLD

A recently refurbished double fronted, five bed, four bath detached family home situated within close proximity to Mill Hill Broadway’s shops and Thames Link Station.

THE OWNERS LOVE “The bright and spacious open plan living is ideal for dinner parties and entertaining family and friends” “We are walking distance to our GP, Mathilda Marks, shops, cafes and transport, the location really is ideal” “Our patio area, we enjoy relaxing in the sunshine and are not overlooked by anybody”

5 Bedrooms 2 Receptions Open plan kitchen/diner 4 Bathrooms Utility room Under floor heating throughout Self contained annexe Off street parking

EPC Rating : B

Please contact Jamie McIver at MILL HILL OFFICE on 020 8906 0660

ST. MARY’S AVENUE, FINCHLEY, N3 £1,500,000 FREEHOLD A five bedroom family house located in a tree-lined Avenue off Hendon Lane.

THE OWNERS LOVE

“I love that we have three parks within walking distance and for rainy days the library is a 2 minute walk - it was a complete saviour when the children were babies because they host weekly playgroups” “We love our garden and pretty much planted everything ourselves so come rain or shine we’re out there with the kids creating our own adventures” “We love our neighbours, there is lots of families on the street and parallel streets. Lots of the kids go to schools and nurseries within a short walk”

WE’VE NOTICED

There is scope for a further ground floor extension (subject to planning permission and building regulation approval).

The house is set behind a large carriage drive providing ample off street parking.

EPC Rating: D Please contact Sophie Henry at FINCHLEY OFFICE on 020 8346 0102

5 Bedrooms 2 Reception rooms Master bedroom suite Downstairs cloakroom Utility room South facing garden Within the local Eruv Close to transport

MARSH LANE MILL HILL NW7

ÂŁ2,450,000 freehold

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

A stunning large beautifully modernised and refurbished detached 5/6 bedroom , 4 bathroom Tudor style family house (approx 3700 sq ft) set back from the road in this popular location.

The house has been totally modernised and refurbished by the current owners to a very high specification throughout and is offered in immaculate order throughout. Features including a gorgeous master suite with dressing room and luxury bathroom, large kitchen breakfast room/diner with doors opening onto gorgeous balcony with views over the large landscaped 170ft rear garden, basement with playroom/den & utility room and carriage driveway with off street parking for 3/4 cars.

6 bedrooms 4 Bathrooms ( 3 en suite ) Stunning modern kitchen / diner / Family room Huge open plan triple reception Basement with Utility Room & Playroom / den

Underfloor heating to ground floor and master suite Sonos multi room sound 170ft garden with incredible views towards greenbelt Carriage driveway with off street parking for 3/4 cars

godfreyandbarr.com

UPHILL ROAD MILL HILL NW7

£1,750,000 FREEHOLD First time on the market in over 45 years, a wonderful and rare opportunity to acquire this unusual family house on an incredible plot in Mill Hill’s finest turning. Set back from the road with an amazing landscaped garden extending to in excess of 250ft, the property offers huge scope to majorly improve and extend/rebuild the the house. Currently arranged as a 4/5 bedroom house with a large outbuilding comprising guest/staff accommodation with sauna/shower room and small indoor heated swimming pool. Further features include a double length garage and off street parking for at least 6 cars.

4/5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Lounge Dining room Study area

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

Kitchen breakfast room opening to Conseravtory / Den Large out building with Guest room / Sauna / Pool house & treatment room

ingle garage with car port S Huge 250ft garden Driveway with parking for at least 6 cars

Fantastic scope for extension and improvement First time on the market for over 45 years

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

CHARRINGTON CLOSE SHENLEY / RADLETT WD7

ÂŁ1,795,000 FREEHOLD A stunning and spacious 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom (all en suite) brand newly built family home in this exclusive new cul de sac just off London Road surrounded by greenbelt countryside within the heart of Old Shenley Village close to Radlett within a few minutes drive for both the M25 and A1. This magnificent family home offers 4281 sq ft (plus double garage approx 4500sq ft) of contemporary, luxury family accommodation over 3 floors. The house has been built to an exacting standard utilising the latest in technology including underfloor heating/Sonos multi room sound systems & Cat 6 cabling.

Features include a magnificent grand solid oak sweeping staircase, gorgeous large master suite with dressing room and en suite bathroom, a stunning large kitchen diner opening onto a large landscaped rear garden 3 further reception rooms, double garage, huge cinema/den on the top floor, driveway and 10 year New Home Guarantee.

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

PARKMEAD GARDENS MILL HILL NW7

ÂŁ1,399,950 FREEHOLD A delightful 4 bedroom detached residence built in the 1970s situated in a quiet cul de sac off Flower Lane in the heart of Mill Hill. The property offers large open plan living space, kitchen/breakfast room, guest cloakroom, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom with en suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom, carriage drive with double garage and secluded garden. Great potential for extension and loft conversion subject to PP. Sole agents.

M aster bedroom with en-suite bathroom S econd bedroom with en-suite shower room

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

2 further bedrooms L arge open plan living space K itchen/breakfast room G uest cloakroom

F amily bathroom S tudy C arriage driveway

D ouble garage S ecluded garden S ole Agents

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

GLEBE LANE ARKLEY EN5

ÂŁ1,895,000 FREEHOLD Set back behind security gates, a fantastic secluded Georgian style detached family residence of just under 4,000 sq ft with breathtaking views over green belt. Offered in good decorative order the house benefits from 5 reception rooms, a Mark Wilkinson kitchen/breakfast room, detached double garage, master suite with balcony with incredible far reaching views, detached double garage and off street parking for 5/6 cars.

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

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NAIRN HOUSE MARSH LANE, MILL HILL

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n imposing and exceptionally well presented detached family residence in an extremely popular residential location. Nairn House is a gated and substantial family home of approximately 8000 sq. ft. benefitting from seven bedrooms, six reception rooms, a phenomenal leisure complex comprising of a full-size swimming pool and changing facilities.

On the ground floor you enter into a bright and spacious entrance hall providing access to the interior designed living/dining room with enormous windows looking out to the rear garden, there is a gallery overlooking the room from the first floor and a secret door leading through to the private office. There is a separate TV room as well as a large kitchen/breakfast room which both have doors leading out the terrace overlooking the rear garden, there is also a downstairs cloakroom/WC. The lower ground floor benefits from a full-size indoor and heated swimming pool with changing and washing facilities, an extremely large games room currently being used as a snooker room, family/play room and a utility room.

The first floor consists of four double bedrooms including a fantastic master suite with en-suite bathroom, dressing area and private gallery overlooking the living/dining room. There is an en-suite to the second bedroom and a separate family bathroom.

On the second floor you will find three further bedrooms which could be

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used as family accommodation, staff or as entertaining space such as a cinema room and games room.

The rear of the property benefits from an immaculate 140’ approx. garden which backs on to rolling countryside. The front of the property consists of an extremely large driveway which provides off street parking for numerous cars.

Price guide ÂŁ5,000,000. Freehold

Features ntrance Hall E Swimming Pool Area Living/Dining Room Swimming Pool TV Room Changing Room Kitchen/Breakfast Room Shower Room Terrace Plant Room Study First Floor Guest Cloakroom Master Bedroom Basement Level En Suite Bathroom Games Room Gallery Family Room Bedroom Two Utility Room En Suite Bathroom

Bedroom Three Bedroom Four Family Bathroom Second Floor Bedroom Five Bedroom Six Bedroom Seven Bathroom Exterior Garden Off Street Parking

For more information about this property please contact Statons Totteridge office on 020 8445 3694 or email totteridge@statons.com

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THE PENTHOUSE

IMPERIAL GROVE, CAMLET WAY, HADLEY WOOD The penthouse suite at the brand new gated development, Imperial Grove, Camlet Way, Hadley Wood

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ptly named ‘The Penthouse’ and spanning 2,423 sq ft, the two/ three bedroom refurbished apartment is traditionally styled to blend with the original architecture and yet offer all the comforts of a modern and demanding lifestyle. Fully dressed as a new show home by renowned interior designers, Alexander James, it boasts many original features, including a professionally designed kitchen/breakfast room, separate sitting room with a feature fireplace and separate dining room (as an optional third bedroom). The two bedrooms come with a dressing room plus there are private outside terraces and a garden for residents to relax in. Further added luxuries include a separate study, laundry room and two parking spaces.

Comments Shelley West, Sales Director for Banner Homes, “The refurbished penthouse at Imperial Grove incorporates a perfect mixture of old and new, with striking results. The home has been traditionally styled to blend seamlessly with the original architecture, whilst incorporating everything expected for today’s modern living. There isn’t anything else like this on the market so we are expecting a great deal of interest.”

Hadley Wood has long been a residential haven for celebrities who seek to escape the limelight. It is amongst the most highly coveted and affluent neighbourhoods within the M25 and Camlet Way is acknowledged to be one of its most desirable roads. There are cricket, football and bowling clubs as well as angling on pretty Beech Hill Lake – all within walking distance of Imperial Grove. There are three golf clubs within the vicinity and one of the most popular country pubs is moments away on foot.

But above all, Hadley Wood is made desirable by the vast natural tracts of open countryside and dense woodlands that surround it. The 400 acres of Trent Country Park were once a royal hunting ground, but these days provide dedicated walking, cycling and bridle routes along with a wildlife rescue centre, home to deer, foxes, rabbits and birds.

Imperial Grove sits less than half a mile from Cockfosters Underground Station and a small parade of shops that provide for your everyday essentials including a Post Office, mini supermarket, newsagent and a bank. A diverse range of restaurants are scattered throughout the area, but the more concentrated and extensive centres for shopping and dining at Potters Bar and Barnet are easily accessible.

The area is widely renowned for the outstanding local independent and state schools that serve the requirements of the community and there are several excellent choices within a short drive. There are mainline stations at Hadley Wood and New Barnet, each providing regular services to Moorgate and King’s Cross to the south or Welwyn Garden City to the north. The canny commuter will more likely opt for Piccadilly line services from nearby Cockfosters that quickly link with London’s comprehensive underground network. Junction 24 of the M25 is just over two miles away and, along with the A1 (M), allow for speedy journeys into, out of and around the capital.

Take a Closer Look at Imperial Grove High Specification gated development emi-rural setting, with Monken S Hadley Common and the open grassland of the village common close by

efurbished apartments R available xcellent communication links E to Central London and motorway network

The Penthouse is priced at £1,750,000 The show home is open Thursday through to Monday from 10am to 5pm.

Please call Statons on 020 8440 9797.

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HARPENDEN OFFICE

13 Church Green, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2TW

01582 766161

harpenden@harrisonmurray.co.uk

Impala Lodge, Wheathampstead

ÂŁ1,800,000

A unique 4 bedroom barn conversion in a most picturesque setting boasting excellent equestrian facilities which could be converted to create a substantial residence, subject to planning permission, EPC rating: C Open Living/Dining/Kitchen 3 Shower/Bathrooms

HARPENDEN OFFICE 13 Church Green Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 2TW

Large courtyard Feed And Tack Rooms

Stables And Menage Set In Over 10 Acres

01582 766161

harpenden@harrisonmurray.co.uk

www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

‘Queen Anne’ Style Residence

TOTTERIDGE VILLAGE, N20 aster bedroom suite with balcony, fitted dressing M room & luxury en suite bathroom Guest bedroom suite 4 further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms Formal drawing room and dining room Bespoke fitted study Family room

POA

uest cloakroom/wc G 2nd wc and boot room ‘Christians’ fitted kitchen/breakfast room featuring vaulted glazed ceiling Exquisite south facing landscaped gardens incorporating tennis court and extensive sun terrace

nclosed forecourt entrance with gated access E Integral garaging for 2/3 vehicles Abundance of internal and external features including under floor heating Excellent transport links (central London 28 mins), M1/M25 motorways

For an appointment to view, please contact sole agents Real Estates 0208 445 3132 O F F I C E S 74 Totteridge Lane, London N20 8QG

020 8445 3132

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14/14a Sussex Ring, Woodside Park, N12 7HX

020 8445 6387

www.realestates-wsp.co.uk

P R O P E RT Y

The Epitome of Elegance

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his sumptuous property exudes both charm and character, though retains its formal Queen Anne-style throughout. Designed by renowned master architect, Gavin Charlton-Brown as a private commission from the current owners, and built by Octagon Developments Ltd, this double fronted property provides extensive living accommodation arranged over three floors, enhanced by a wealth of features and painstaking attention to detail, to provide a comfortable, yet practical, family home. Set within a generous sized plot, the exquisite, south facing landscaped gardens to the rear could be compared to those complementing a fine country residence, and are truly enchanting. Boasting a full-sized tennis court neatly tucked away to the rear, the large, stone flagged terrace across the width of the house is intricately bordered by landscaped planting and hedges – and is ideal for lazy sunbathing, and certainly spacious enough for extensive entertaining. This stunning garden continues with shallow central steps leading down to the formal, supremely manicured main lawn featuring an ornamental fish pond, and adorned on each side by a variety of mature trees such as magnolia and willow, and an abundance of flowering shrubs, which provide desirable seclusion and privacy on all sides.

The main property is no less impressive, reflecting both the formal and the casual within, and in fact the reception rooms to the ground floor are so cleverly configured, they provide the opportunity for flexible living and entertaining. From the entrance hall, double doors open into the generously appointed Drawing room, which feature a deep bay with full height windows overlooking the terrace as well as a homely open fireplace.

Similarly, the formal Dining Room is also accessed from the hallway, but as well as featuring parquet flooring, the ‘Queen Anne style’ twin sash cord windows to the front and a gently curving wall, also offers deceptive, solid wood doors which open out completely to the Breakfast room for more informal entertaining.

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As with most family homes, the main hub of family life is undoubtedly the kitchen, and together with its extensive open-plan Breakfast room - this property is no exception. With access directly from the hallway, the Drawing Room, and also the Dining Room, the bespoke ‘Christians’ installed fitted kitchen has an array of fitted hand-painted vanilla units housing all the usual integrated appliances, with matching Welsh dresser.

Complemented by granite work tops and a separate wood-block topped island, range-style cooker, and recess for ‘American style’ fridge/freezer – this gorgeous kitchen is offset by the stunning double height vaulted glazed ceiling flooding the entire room with natural light, and further enhanced by the full height ‘arch’ window overlooking the gardens.

Additional ground floor accommodation comprises a comfortably appointed Family Room fitted with hand-crafted wall and desk units and front facing, approached from the inner lobby off the kitchen - which also gives access to walk-in pantry, spacious laundry room, and separate cloakroom/ WC. Leading off the Drawing room, nestles a cosy Study, completely fitted with bespoke desk, wall and shelf units, and to the right of the main entrance

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A rare opportunity to acquire a truly bespoke, outstanding family residence, situated in this most privileged of locations in the heart of Totteridge Village, secluded from the main road and accessed by private driveway leading to electronically operated gates through to enclosed forecourt. hall, another lobby houses several storage and cloaks cupboards, and a formal guest cloakroom, and leads through to the integral garage that can accommodate two or three vehicles.

A grand staircase ascends to the spacious first floor galleried landing, which provides well placed storage cupboards, as well as three principal bedroom suites; to the far right, a double bedroom with built-in wardrobes, windows to the rear and side, and a fully tiled ensuite bathroom with separate shower cubicle. To the left, a spacious guest suite featuring twin sash cord windows to the front, elegantly decorated in a gentle blue ‘Victoriana’ theme and leading to modern ensuite bathroom with separate shower cubicle and large bath tub.

The master bedroom suite however, occupies the central area, and features a welcoming open-fire place, and twin doors to the rear giving onto a semicircular balcony from which to enjoy the beautiful gardens. This generously appointed bedroom also boasts fitted dressing room with walk-in wardrobe, and a luxury ensuite bathroom featuring marble topped vanity unit, separate marble tiled corner shower, and deep bath tub within marble tiled surround.

Continuing upwards to the second floor, the landing has a window to the front and provides an informal sitting area, with doors off including storage room. Bedroom six with ensuite bathroom is tucked away to the rear, but the remaining other two double bedrooms are intercommunicating, as well as independently accessed from the landing, and are further connected with a large ‘jack n jill’ style bathroom with separate shower cubicle and two separate vanity units. Both of these spacious bedrooms are fitted with wardrobes, desk and drawer units, and both have further under eaves storage access; this entire interconnecting suite of rooms could be reconfigured to provide a ‘granny annexe’, additional guest suite, or separate staff quarters, if so desired.

Perhaps one of the most striking features on entering this magnificent property and providing the initial ‘wow’ factor, is the bright and open reception hallway, which features floor to ceiling windows to either side of the entrance, and spacious double height ceiling which encompasses the galleried landing above. Furthermore, the dramatic light and airy feel that the property exudes throughout is accomplished by the generously apportioned rooms, abundance of full height windows, high ceilings and wide doorways, offset by the convenient underfloor heating throughout the ground and first floors which subtly gives warmth to the bold flagstones, together with the soothing, mellow interior décor.

Providing extensive accommodation - the epitome of elegance and comfort, complemented by picture-postcard gardens – and situated in a premier location; who could wish for more?

For appointment to view, please contact Sole Agents Real Estates – 020 8445 3132 M AY 2 0 1 4 9 5

Designed with you in mind Imagine a new house that is designed especially for you, tailored to your needs and budget, incorporating all the style and f lair you have always wanted.

With over thirty years’ experience in building exceptional, award winning properties, who better than Octagon to make your dream home a reality, and what’s more, one that is delivered on time.

To discuss your wish list, please call or email John Pope, our Bespoke Director on 020 8481 7500 or email johnp@octagon.co.uk

www.octagonbespoke.com

Swiss movement, English heart

Made in Switzerland / Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement / 38 hour power reserve / 42mm marine-grade 316L stainless steel case and deployment bracelet / Water resistant to 300 metres / 4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Deep-etched back-plate engraving

Showroom at No.1 Park Street, Maidenhead. To arrange a personal appointment, call +44 (0)1628 763040

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