WhatHouse? Southern November 2016 by WhatHouse? Local

l r, or ca e o lo ap r d ur y p ou Yo ert to y op d pr ere liv de London & Southern Edition November 2016

OVERSEAS HOMES P6 MORTGAGES P11 WHATHOUSE? AWARDS P25 INTERIORS P48 GARDENING P54

Property of the month – Tanners Hill,

Lewisham P12

TANNERS HILL LONDON SE8

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

AVAILABLE NOW ON A SHARED OWNERSHIP BASIS affinitysutton.com/sales

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London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

CALA H O ME S

L A S T H O M E S , L A S T C HA N C E JUST ASK CALA

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ACT NOW OR MISS OUT All townhouses now reserved. Last few 2 bed apartments remaining, available from £599,950. 100% Part Exchange available * or ask about Help to Buy † . Open daily 10.30am to 5pm.

C A L A H O M E S AT M I L L B R O O K PA R K , M I L L H I L L , N W 7 1 P Q 0208 371 9437

CALA .CO.UK

WHNOV *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange and other incentives available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer. Visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria. †YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CALA Management Ltd. Registered office: Adam House, 5 Mid New Cultins, Edinburgh EH11 4DU. Security over your home is required. Help to Buy cannot be used in conjunction with part exchange. Availability of other incentives/offers subject to lenders criteria and CALA’s discretion. Your mortgage lender’s deposit requirements may vary, but you should usually expect to contribute a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price. Available on selected properties, and subject to the Government’s specific terms, conditions and qualifying criteria. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE. 5.2% APR typical. Telephone calls within the British Isles will be charged at local rate. Telephone calls may divert to a mobile service in which case call charges may vary. Some images have been enhanced in post production. Prices are correct at time of going to print.

25162 Millbrook Park What House 340x265 Newstyle 11.16.indd 1

18/10/2016 10:13

top ten developments 3

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

High-flying Bleriot Gate heads A Whathouse.com’s October Top Ten new homes in Surrey

Welcome!

Redrow Homes development in Addlestone, Bleriot Gate, was the most viewed Surrey new homes scheme on Whathouse.com in October. The collection of traditionally designed homes was one of two Redrow developments in the top ten for the county last month, and significantly ahead of the secondplaced development. CALA Homes took the second, third and fourth place in the table, with a hat-trick of schemes in popular commuter towns covering a substantial budget range,

from £475,000 to £1.85m. David Wilson Homes was in fifth place with its Leithfield Park development, which offers a range of highly acclaimed four- and fivebedroom house designs just outside Godalming. The overall top ten demonstrates the range of new homes that househunters are currently searching for and discovering details on, from apartments and houses aimed at firsttime buyers, available under the Help to Buy scheme, to luxury homes and a brace of retirement living schemes. Mark Vanson, Redrow Homes

The top ten in full…

(Southern Counties) sales and marketing director, says: “We are thrilled to learn that the homes in our Bleriot Gate development were the most viewed Surrey homes in October. We think this is a great tribute to the beautiful, contemporary designs of the homes themselves, as well as the desirable location, close to the town centre and railway station, as well as the M25/M3 junction. “Trends have shown us that Bleriot Gate is exceedingly popular with firsttime buyers looking to make the move out of London, and we have been very pleased to help potential housebuyers

to take their first step on to the property ladder. The Help to Buy initiative has proved to be immensely successful at Bleriot Gate, and we are very happy to see the initiative having such a positive impact nationwide and even more so to be able to be a part of it with our homes on offer here in Addlestone. “We’re pleased that our Kings Hundred development also made the top 10, we have seen huge amount of interest from local couples looking to upsize their home. Our Heritage Collection of homes coupled with our more premier properties have been really welcomed and well received in Bisley.”

Development Bleriot Gate

Housebuilder Redrow Homes

Location Addlestone

Starting price £529,950

Development Beaufort Mews

Development

Priest Hill Heights

Housebuilder

Location

Starting price

CALA Homes

Sunbury-on-Thames

Development Leithfield Park

Development Virginia Gate

Housebuilder

Location

Starting price

David Wilson Homes

Redrow Homes

Location Bisley

Starting price £569,950

Development Ash Lodge

Westvale Park

Charles Church Developments

Location Horley

Starting price

£430,000

Development Housebuilder

Englefield Green

£749,995

Housebuilder

£1.85m

CALA Homes

Godalming

Kings Hundred

Epsom

£750,000

Housebuilder

Development

CALA Homes

Weybridge

£475,000

Weybridge House

Housebuilder CALA Homes

Development

£349,950

Development

Caterham Lodge

Housebuilder

Location

Starting price

Churchill Retirement Living Walton-on-Thames £376,950

Churchill Retirement Living Caterham £325,950

s the world reels from the US election result, the UK property market just keeps on turning, having seen very little effect so far following the EU referendum in June and perhaps a little weary of doom-mongers speaking of the end of the world as we know it. This month, of course, the WhatHouse? team has been fully focused on the most important event in our calendar, the WhatHouse? Awards, taking place on Friday 18 November. Though an industry event, there’s an awful lot for househunters to gain by following the event and looking carefully at the results. There will be 60 to 70 winners in all, a host of large and small housebuilders constructing some of the very finest new homes across the country. If you are in the market for a new build, the winners of the WhatHouse? Awards 2016, like those in previous years, will be of particular interest if you are keen to spend your money – in what for many is the biggest single investment of their lives – on the very best that there is to offer. Don’t think that just because it’s an Award-winner, a new home need be astronomically expensive – among the 20 categories on offer, there’s a real mix of homes for firsttime buyers, families and retirees, as well as the occasional multimillionaire. Many of the properties that you’ll see on last year’s winners list, as well as the new ones announced on the afternoon of 18 November, are bought by ordinary folk, so don’t think you have to be on an elite list to be able to benefit from living in a property awarded one of the most coveted gongs in the UK property industry. In the run up to the Awards, we’ve been covering many of the entrants from lots of different angles, as you’ll see if you take a look through the ‘Know How’ section of Whathouse.com, covering a wide array of property types from across the UK, showing the tremendous variety of new homes that are being built. Any prejudice on new homes being anonymous boxes is well out of date, as you’ll also see from the variety you’ll see throughout the pages of this edition. Get your hands on our winter edition in January to get full details of all the winners, or if you can’t wait that long to find out, try www.whathouse.com/awards to discover them from 18 November. Happy house-hunting!

Keith

Keith Osborne, editor. ko@whathouse.com @keithosborne69

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily Telegraph. He presents the annual WhatHouse? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

A chance to win £50 It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House) One of our new followers from 14 November – 26 December 2016 will win £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

Keith Osborne started writing about property 14 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse. com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the WhatHouse? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Managing director Daniel Hill Editorial director Rupert Bates Editor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost Designer Sarah Davies Contributors Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham Fiona Brandhorst Ben Salisbury Sales director Adrian Talbot at@globespanmedia.com Senior sales manager Bob Faulkner bf@whathouse.com

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: info@globespanmedia.com W: www.whathouse.com Printed by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2016 Globespan Media Limited WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

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No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

LONDON NEW HOMES 5 New Developments Coming in 2017 Hounslow London • Battersea London • Sutton London Bluphan Essex • Brentwood Essex

• 1, 2 AND 3 BEDROOMS • LUXURY APARTMENTS • CROSSRAIL/CENTRAL LINE • COMPLETION JAN 2017

ST MARGARETS, TWICKENHAM TW7

• 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS • CROSSRAIL – BRENTWOOD • COMPLETION 2017 • LUXURY APARTMENTS

PARK GROVE, ACTON W3

• RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS • 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS • LUXURY APARTMENTS • COMPLETION NOV 2016

BISHOPS COURT, BRENTWOOD CM14

Tel: 020 7377 2048 www.blueprintproperties.co.uk info@blueprintproperties.co.uk 57 Commercial Street, London E1 6BD

6 six appeal

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, Algarve, Portugal • £POA These award-winning properties are proving popular with buyers looking for an investment property in ever-popular Algarve, with 76 Ocean Suites altogether, a low-rise collection of two- and threebedroom, air-conditioned seafront apartments complemented by a pool, and a host of sports facilities. An investment return of 5% per annum is guaranteed for the first five years. “We are very proud that the Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites have been honoured in two categories by the European Property Awards,” says Carlos Leal, general manager of developer United Investments

Portugal. “It is tremendously rewarding to be recognised by such distinguished and hotly contested awards, and this double accolade serves to further underline Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites’ position as the Algarve’s premier new luxury development.” These properties are just part of the Pine Cliffs resort, which also has aother apartments together with townhouses, villas and golf suites.

From: United Investments Portugal Contact: 0800 960 709

Six appeal Our pick of overseas homes for sale right now Botanic, Benahavis, Spain From €375,000+VAT

This eco-friendly development comprises 92 three-bedroom homes with south-west-facing large terraces. Each four-storey building is crowned by a spacious penthouse with spectacular solarium. Each block is set at a different level to optimise the stunning views from one of the most exclusive areas of Benahavis, La Reserva de Alcuzcuz. Inside, buyers will find high-quality specification throughout, with creamcoloured marble, brand-name kitcen appliances, LED lighting, air conditioning, and patio doors onto the terrace. Residents will enjoy fully landscaped areas around the development, featuring a wide variety

of fauna and indigenous flora in the area. Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director of Taylor Wimpey España, says: “Botanic residents can purchase their dream holiday home with amazing panoramic views whilst helping care for the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. With minimal energy consumption, each home protects the environment by using solar panels, highquality thermal insulation and sound-proofing.”

From: Taylor Wimpey España Contact: 08000 121 020

Zlota 44, Warsaw, Poland • From £255,000

This development is bringing world-class facilities to the Polish capital, with awardwinning design studio Woods Bagot including a 25-metre pool, a gym/fitness centre, a health and wellbeing spa, private cinema, golf simulator, children’s play room and business and conference rooms, to appeal to a huge range of residents – ideal for investors looking to minimise void times. One of the investors in this scheme is Robert Lewandowski, captain of Poland’s national football team. He says: “The tower provides some of the best residences in

Poland, whilst the sports and recreation centre allows me to complete my training program in the highest quality surroundings.” The 52-storey tower provides 287 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. There are interiors packages available, with nine options to suit a range of tastes.

From: BBI Residential Contact: +48 22 250 14 44

For the latest on the property market

six appeal 7

@What_House

Résidence Alexane in Samoëns, France • From €240,000 Some 60% of the properties already sold at this Alpine development are British, and the Brexit referendum result has not affected sales. Homes range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom duplexes, with a delivery date of summer 2018. Laurent Hallez of MGM French Properties says: “Sales in summer 2016 were excellent, with a 20% increase in the level of enquires compared to last year. This underscores our belief that despite uncertainty UK buyers will continue to invest in high-quality overseas property. Over the past few months, we have found savvy

Act One | Act Two, The Opera District, Dubai From £302,379 Major developer Emaar has released a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in these twin towers, one of 52 storeys and the other of 46. The podium of these towers houses the dramatic entrance lobby, while there are a number of leisure and retail facilities throughout. The stepped design of these towers creates balconies and roof terraces for some of the apartments. On the upper floors of both, the terraces of the spacious three-bedroom apartments will

overlook Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and Dubai Fountain. The spectacular penthouses on the uppermost floors will have large L-shaped terraces, and providing sweeping views over Downtown Dubai. Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties says: “Act One | Act Two will be the new ‘gateway’ to the Burj Khalifa. Residents will be on the doorstep of one of the world’s greatest cultural centres – the Opera District will be a celebration of the arts

and living here will mean being part of a greater movement. The generous apartment sizes, terraces overlooking the opera house and innovative architecture reflecting the Dubai Fountain make these apartments some of the finest in Downtown Dubai.”

From:Harrods Estates Contact: 020 7225 5867

British investors eager to buy up French property as they look to take advantage of the historically low interest rates and attractive mortgage packages.” This resort, just an hour’s drive from Geneva, is benefiting from infrastructure improvement, with new investment in better lifts and a much larger ski area, and has already seen delivery of a new ice rink and bowling alley to entertain holidaymakers.

From: MGM French Properties Contact: 0 20 3327 7671

244 East 48th Street , Manhattan, New York, USA • $14.65m Star interiors expert Meridith Baer – who has brought her magic touch to the homes of A-listers such as Julia Roberts, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert De Niro and Brad Pitt – has done the same to this 7,400 sq ft new build in Midtown East in this most fashionable quarter of New York City. This spacious property is set over six/seven storeys, with lift access to sic, and can happily accommodate a party with 100 guests. It is situated a street away from the diplomatic centre of the United Nations Plaza, with household names such as Bloomingdales and Bergdorf’s on

the doorstep and Central Park a stroll away. The finest materials and accessories have been used throughout, from Gaggenau kitchen appliances and hardwood flooring to marble bathroom finishes and a master bedroom completed with two walk-in wardrobes, bathroom and spa room. The floor-to-ceiling windows on the sixth floor would suite a lounge, office or studio, while the basement could be used as a gym or wine cellar.

From: Leslie J. Garfield Contact: (+1) 212 371 8200

MOVE INTO AUTUMN

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26/05/2016 10:45

mortgages

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Going up! Lenders begin to raise maximum age limit on mortgages

s first-time buyers get older and people work for longer, many millions of borrowers are expecting to pay their mortgage until later in life. However, until recently it has been tough for older people to get a mortgage as most lenders have upper age limits on their home loans. Now, however, figures show that an increasing number of lenders are raising the maximum age of repayment.

AROUND 30 MUTUALS WILL NOW LEND TO OLDER BORROWERS More and more people are paying a mortgage later in life. Figures from the Financial Conduct Authority show that from 2014-15 there was a 3% rise in the number of borrowers who will be over the age of 65 when their mortgage ends. With the UK now having 11.6million people over the age of 65, according

to the Building Societies Association (BSA), a change to maximum age limits on home loans is becoming a pressing concern. Now, there are signs that things are beginning to change. At the start of October, the Guardian reports that there were around 30 building societies willing to lend to borrowers up to – and in some cases over – the age of 80. Figures from the BSA show there are now seven societies which will lend up to age 80, 10 which will lend up to 85, and 13 with no maximum age limit at all. Many large lenders have changed their criteria. The Leeds Building Society, recently raised its maximum age for residential applications from 75 to 80, while in July, Nationwide unveiled a new maximum age for borrowing of 85, both for existing customers and those remortgaging from other lenders. In March, meanwhile, Halifax raised its age limit by five years to 80, with the requirement that anyone

borrowing beyond retirement must provide proof of income. “Lenders are reviewing and raising their upper age limit because they recognise people no longer uniformly retire at 65 or 70,” says mortgage expert Brian Murphy. “They also realise that some older borrowers have got pensions or other incomes that allow them to service mortgage payments well into retirement. It’s reasonable to expect that other lenders who currently have lower upper age limits may well consider raising them in the future.”

Let’s get digital

If you’re an older borrower, the good news is that there are no additional charges or higher rates to pay. Both Nationwide and Halifax says that their rates are no different from those on mortgages for all other borrowers, and that there are no extra costs or insurance requirements.

MANY HIGH STREET LENDERS SHOW NO SIGN OF RAISING THEIR AGE LIMIT The Guardian reports that while many

lenders are changing their upper age limit, others show no sign of budging. Mortgage expert David Hollingworth told the newspaper: “Even though the regulator never placed any specific maximum on the age of a borrower at the end of the mortgage term, the majority of lenders have elected to impose a maximum age of 70-75.” Barclays and NatWest retain an upper age limit of 70, while TSB, Tesco and Santander all require borrowers to pay off their home loan by age 75.

Young people happy to take out their mortgage with a ‘challenger’ bank

anging h attitudes towards online financial services and a distrust of major banks mean that more than half of millennials would now consider taking out a mortgage with a ‘challenger’ bank. Challenger banks have grown in popularity in recent years. Many of these have only a small number of high street branches and some only offer online services. New research has found that 51% of millennials – people reaching young adulthood around the year 2000 – would consider taking out a mortgage with a challenger bank. The EDM Mortgage survey revealed that just 8% would not consider a mortgage with a challenger bank such as digital-only services Atom, Starling and Tandem. Younger people are also more likely to trust technology to help them get a home loan. More than two in five (41%) said that they would be willing to use an app to buy a mortgage, while three in five (61%) of all millennials said it would be desirable if their mortgage lender were to provide an app. A quarter of millennials (25%) say they would be “happy” or “very happy” to take out a mortgage online using a robo-advice service or deal with an

automated adviser that is based on artificial intelligence. However, more than one in three (36%) say they would not consider using an ‘automated’ advisor. Of those millennials willing to use an app, 59% said they would for reasons of speed. Other reasons cited include being used to using apps (50%), the ability to arrange a mortgage at any time (41%), getting a better deal (37%), greater accuracy (15%) and the reduced risk of fraud (5%). Three in four (75%) of those who responded to the EDM survey said that they would be unwilling to use an app say they think something as important as a mortgage should be explained face-to-face. Joe Pepper, managing director at EDM, comments: “Millennials are the most tech-savvy generation ever. While our research shows many of them still prefer to negotiate something as important as a mortgage face-to-face, the fact remains that technology is an inherent part of their lives. “The digital approach of the challenger banks will increasingly appeal to them going forward and traditional lenders will have to become more digital themselves if they are to compete with the challenger banks in the longer term.”

12 property of the month

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Tanners Hill, Lewisham, SE13

anners Hill is a stunning new development by Affinity Sutton in Lewisham, an area that recently emerged as one of the capital’s leading hotspots for firsttime buyers. Tanners Hill launched this summer and already 50% has been reserved; demand is as high as expected and the development is attracting notable attention locally. There are 43 new apartments available here on a shared ownership basis, ranging from one- to threebedroom properties, all with large private balconies or gardens, offering highly desirable outside space. The development is situated just a short distance from the heart of New Cross, a vibrant and eclectic community, home to Goldsmiths Art College and numerous independent shops and local businesses. Lewisham Shopping Centre is nearby, with over 65 shops including well-known high street names as well as independent boutiques, coffee shops and cafés. Tanners Hill is located within close proximity to a number of excellent transport links; Deptford Bridge DLR is closest with direct services to Canary Wharf; New Cross Station and St Johns station offer direct services to London Bridge and are both within walking distance from the development. Lewisham Station is also within easy reach from Tanners Hill, just two stops on the DLR, with direct services to Charing Cross in around 15 minutes making this an extremely well-connected place to live. Not only is purchasing at Tanner’s Hill an attractive lifestyle proposition it is also arguably a great investment. Property prices in Lewisham are expected to experience some of the highest growth rates in London by 2020, providing a great chance for those who have been priced out of the local market to get on the housing ladder through shared ownership and to benefit from capital growth in the years to come.

Pricing A 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment is available at £85,000 (full purchase price is £340,000), with a 5% deposit needed of just £4,250. A 25% share of a two-bedroom apartment is available at £104,375 (full purchase price is £417,500), with a 5% deposit of just £5,219. Similarly, a 25% share of a twobedroom wheelchair-accessible apartment is available at £110,000 (full purchase price is £440,000) with a 5% deposit needed of just £5,500. A 25% share of a three-bedroom apartment is available at £146,875 (full purchase price is £587,500), with a 5% deposit of just £7,344. To book an appointment to visit the show apartment contact us on 0300 100 0303 or visit our website, affinitysutton.com/sales

For the latest on the property market

@What_House

property of the month 13

Surpassing all expectations for 25 years

Bewley Homes was founded in 1991 on the simple philosophy of providing quality, aspirational homes in highly desirable areas. 25 years later weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to announce that this passion and set of core values remains as steadfast today as it did all those years ago.

Call 0845 68 68 600 or visit www.bewley.co.uk

london

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Agent insight

We speak to Simon Deen, director at central London agent Aston Chase, about the resurgence of London’s Regent’s Park as a super prime residential address

Simon Deen of Aston Chase What the history of residential development in Regent’s park? It’s had three waves of property development over its 205-year history, initially in the 1820s then another during the 1970s, with the current revival over the last few years transforming it into the capital’s premier parkside address. In 1818, HRH Prince George, the Prince Regent, decided that he wanted to develop the

The Park Crescent, from Amazon Property parkland with his own summer palace, complete with palatial townhouses and villas for his family, friends and associates. The new palace was never built because in 1820 he became King George IV and moved into Buckingham Palace, however, other elements were built including London’s only Royal Crescent of townhouses – known as the Park Crescent, and 10 terraces of houses including Cornwall Terrace and Cambridge Terrace.

When did prices start to rise? Why did many of the grand houses become offices? The economic downturn and huge social changes triggered by the two world wars caused a significant residential decline in Regent’s Park post-1945. The lack of offices in the West End and City due to bomb damage led to many of the Regent’s Park terraces being turned into offices, while others were subdivided into smaller apartments.

Q&A: Barry Angel, The Albany Group

We speak to the executive chairman of The Albany Group about his company’s current projects. Hi Barry, please tell us a little about yourself and The Albany Group. The Albany Group is a specialist development and investment company

which was established in 1984. We create luxury residences, mansions, spacious apartments and unique office conversions which are completed to the highest quality and specification.

This changed when oil and gas prices boomed during the 1970s leading to a second wave of property development in the park. The newly minted Brunei, Kuwait and Saudi royal families, as well as large non-residential organisations, purchased and refurbished villas. In 1975 Cornwall Terrace became the headquarters of British Land and in 1976 part of Park Square became the headquarters of The Prince’s Trust. In 2005 around a third of the property in Regent’s Park was occupied by commercial premises and residential values averaged £1,000 per sq ft. At this time many of the homes consisted of unmodernised apartments on shortterm leases, which depressed asking prices and long-term value growth. Subsequently, the Crown Estate offered vendors and developers new 150year leases; whereas previous leases were only 60 years. This change dramatically raised the attractiveness of properties in Regent’s Park with developers, investors and real estate funders.

What developments are you working on right now? We have just launched new apartments at 2 Kew Bridge, a newly converted former office building fronting onto

Just over five years ago in 2010 when the former British Land headquarters at Cornwall Terrace was converted from offices back into townhouse mansions on long leases priced from £29million to £80million. The properties sold for a reported £3,000 per sq ft and were purchased by multi-millionaires from Europe, India, Russia and Asia, including property tycoon Nick Candy and members of the Qatari Royal

the River Thames with exceptional waterside views. First-time buyers will be able to purchase via the government backed Help to Buy London scheme. The development is in a fantastic location, a few hundred yards from Kew Bridge train station, next to the Royal Botanical Gardens and situated on the River Thames. A stunning new penthouse, which has been beautifully interior designed, is launching soon, so watch this space! We also have just completed apartments at West Heath Place, a luxury collection of apartments in NW11; and a stunning eight-bedroom luxury residence located just off The Bishops Avenue, named Fairways. Is there an approach to design and customer care that differentiates Albany Group from the competition? We take a very personal approach with each of our developments and therefore we have very happy customers who love our product. We blend the character of a property with modern design and high-specification finishes such as oak flooring, bespoke designer kitchens and fitted wardrobes. Many housebuilders will take a design and replicate it on a number of schemes but when purchasing an Albany Home property, the proud owner will appreciate the unique design and excellent finish. Has the luxury property sector taken a big hit from financial and political changes over the past couple of years? Recent political uncertainty, stamp duty and Brexit, has certainly had

family. Amazon Property surpassed this when they secured £3,100 per sq ft for 5 Portland Place. This kick-started the repositioning of Regent’s Park from a historically important but undervalued location back into one of London’s most soughtafter residential addresses. A host of former offices and unmodernised properties across Regent’s Park were converted back into new luxury residences. Residential values for the best homes in Regent’s Park now average £2,500 to £3,000+ per sq ft. Has anything else contributed to its resurgence? A host of high-profile celebrities chose to make Regent’s Park their home including designer Tom Ford and artist Damien Hirst. The two local shopping streets – Marylebone High Street and Chiltern Street – are now lined with chic cafés, restaurants and luxury boutiques. Park Crescent has just been launched by Amazon Property (see last month’s What House? article) which includes lateral, mezzanine and duplex apartments with five-star hotel-style concierge, fronting onto eight acres of private residents’ gardens and the 410 acres of Regent’s Park. Prices start from £3.950m with new 150year leases. We anticipate significant interest from British families relocating from north-west London, and buyers from Europe and the Middle East. Find out more at www.astonchase.com; 020 7724 4724

an impact on the property market. Our customers have shifted from investors to first-time buyers and owner occupiers and we are finding that properties for sale at under £1m are the most popular choices at the moment. Many purchasers are now looking in Zones 2 and 3, as opposed to Zone 1, where they are going to achieve good long-term capital growth and get good value for money. Are there any prime areas of the UK where you haven’t yet worked that you think would be interesting to tackle? Our core business is focused around greater London, however we are also branching to overseas markets and we have a new scheme in Long Island City, New York, launching in 2017. You are already involved in the Private Rented Sector – what are your predictions for that area of new homes development over the next few years? I anticipate that London will eventually become a destination to rent rather than own a home, particularly with the rise of PRS schemes coming onto the market in the coming years. What projects do you have in the pipeline and what can buyers expect to find when they come to market? We have an exciting new development pipeline across London in locations such as Haverstock Hill, Brentford, Golders Hill Park and a large residential scheme in Old Oak Common, Willesden. Each is in planning or under construction, with launches planned for late 2017 and early 2018.

W BR R AN E D LE A SE E N

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1 BEDROOM DUPLEX APARTMENTS FROM £485,000

2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, DUPLEX & TRIPLEX APARTMENTS FROM £475,000 - £825,000

2, 3 & 5 BEDROOM HOUSES FROM £495,000 - £875,000

Marketing Suite and Showhomes open Thursday - Monday 10.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm

W W W. T H E ACA D E M Y W O O LW I C H . C O. U K

020 3689 7811 R E D L I O N L A N E | W O O LW I C H C O M M O N | L O N D O N | S E 1 8 4 A S Internal CGI of East Officers’ Quarters, external of The Officers’ Mess. Prices correct at time of publication.

Distinctive collection of luxury new homes across Kent

How very Redrow Redrow Homes’ have developments throughout Kent, with fantastic commuter links to London making it a prime location to live. New homes in Ebbsfleet, Tonbridge, Marden, West Malling, Aylesford, Ryarsh, Maidstone, Sittingbourne. Help to Buy is available across all developments. Abode at Ebbsfleet Green Ebbsfleet DA10 0BE

Stratford International

12 mins

20 mins

St Andrews Park Halling ME2 1AW The Parsonage & Highwood Green Marden TN12 9JY

St Pancras International

1 hour, 1 min London Charing Cross

58 mins Ryarsh Park West Malling ME19 5LA

London Bridge

1 hour, 9 mins

For more information about Redrow in Kent visit: redrow.co.uk/kent * Help to Buy is a Government-backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. Help to Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift, smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitor advised by Redrow Homes is used. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Images typical of Redrow homes. Details correct at time of going to print. Travel times taken from Google. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

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Can you dig it? Family fun day draws crowds prior to the launch of The Quarry in Erith in 2017

i d-October saw a family-based crowd of over 400 people and a fun day event to find out details of a brand new development of properties to Erith, which will be formally launched to buyers in spring 2017. The Quarry will provide at least 600 new homes, most of which will be aimed at family buyers, together with a brand new primary school with over 600 places, set to open in 2018. The scheme marks the regeneration of a long-neglected part of the London Borough of Bexley that provided industry and employment to the area for nearly 200 years, until quarrying stopped in the 1960s. The event gave local people the chance to meet developers L&Q and the Anderson Group, together with the architects Studio Egret and a specialist ecologist, enjoying a host of activities such as face-painting, panning for ‘gold’ and an appearance by the star of Cbeebies’ Minibeast Adventure, Jess French. Visitors were also able to take a look

at the site of the new development from a viewing platform providing the view to the River Thames and Rainham Marshes beyond that many of the new homes will offer.

Cathy Lloyd, sales and marketing director at L&Q, says: “The fun day was a great way to welcome the community to The Quarry and talk to people about everything this exceptional

development will have to offer. Erith quarry has played an important role in the lives of local people for many years and we are pleased to be involved with the next chapter of its history.” Andrew Jay, group managing director at The Anderson Group, adds: “We’re really excited to be working with L&Q to reimagine this vital piece of land at the heart of Erith into a sustainable neighbourhood which will deliver much-needed new homes, green community spaces and a landmark primary school.” The street layouts at The Quarry will use the site’s sloping topography to maximum advantage, with cars tucked out of sight in undercroft parking and most residents enjoying the farreaching views towards the river. There will be a large number of very modern property designs, using plenty of glazing for the mist natural light and a modern interior specification. The homes will be surrounded by numerous green spaces and an ecology area the size of three football pitches, all linked with a network of walkways and cycle paths.

Rooms with a view

Stunning cityscapes await buyers of these luxury central London apartments

Jess French says: “It was great to be a part of The Quarry’s fun day. I loved chatting to local Erith children about all the amazing creatures they can find in their patch! I look forward to seeing The Quarry come to life and provide homes for lots of wildlife, as well as inspiring local people to connect with their natural environment.”

Find out more and register interest at thequarryerith.co.uk

new range of beautifully designed apartments has been unveiled in a prime position in central London, with a starting price of just over £1m demonstrating the prestige of its location and specification. GRID Architects and interiors experts Goddard Littlefair have worked with developers Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar on Belvedere Gardens, the third building at the Southbank Place development. As the name suggests, these homes are located to the south of the Thames, facing Jubilee Gardens, offering river views of some of the capital’s most-loved landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall and the London Eye. These new homes are taking shape on the famous Shell Centre site, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the panoramic views. Buyers can choose from 97 apartments over 20 storeys, with a mix of 23 one-bedroom units, 58 with two bedrooms, 13 with three bedrooms in addition to one threebedroom duplex and two penthouses. Prices currently start at £1.05m. The design of these homes has been inspired by the site’s heritage, namely its location of the Festival of Britain in 1951, with the ‘Festival Star’ emblem embossed and debossed across the façade. With a bronze hue taken from the Houses of Parliament across the river, the designers have created unique feature door handles, and set the tripleglazed windows in bronze anodised aluminium frames, with bronzefinished Dornbracht mixer-taps and bronze-detailed lighting throughout. Individual interiors also have stone, timber or carpeted flooring, soundproof sliding partition doors and smartcontrolled mood lighting throughout.

Kitchens have touch-control cabinets, stone worktops and Miele appliances, while there’s bespoke cabinetry in the bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes to the master bedrooms and full-height built-in wardrobes to guest bedrooms. Residents enter the building through a grand oak panelled door, into the private entrance lobby, and have access to an exclusive lounge and terrace as well as a fitness centre with an opulent mix of facilities comprising his-and-hers steam and sauna rooms, gym, treatment rooms and wet room. All Southbank Place residents can use a 25-metre swimming pool, expansive gym and individual exercise rooms. Martin Goddard, co-founder and director of Goddard Littlefair, says: “We have developed sophisticated interiors, designed to leave a lasting impression and enhance the rare character and setting of these apartments. The spaces have been carefully considered to make the most of the open aspect, the natural light and the superb river views. The rich mix of materials and textures complement and harmonise with the architectural concept and link to the mid-century design of the surrounding area.” Craig Casci, founding partner of GRID Architects, adds: “We have worked carefully to ensure that the unique design of this building becomes a landmark in its own right; the visually striking exterior complemented by incomparable views from within.” There is a marketing suite for this development in the County Hall building nearby, giving house-hunters the chance to look at the specification and design in detail and talk one-onone with the sales team. Find out more at www.southbank-place.com; 020 7001 3600

AFFINITY SUTTON

EAST CITY POINT, CANNING TOWN East City Point is located in Canning Town, a vibrant East London neighbourhood at the centre of a Â£98 million regeneration project that will reform the local area.

1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND 2 BED DUPLEXES COMING SOON New local high street, hotel, cinema and gym facilities Zone 3 location with excellent transport links, Canary Wharf only a short journey by tube Finished to a high standard specification with private balcony, terrace or winter garden to most homes Register now to visit the show home

COMING SOON, REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR UPDATES

NINE ELMS AND EAST CITY POINT ARE BOTH AVAILABLE ON A SHARED OWNERSHIP BASIS

Priority will be given to people from the local area and eligibility criteria applies. Computer Generated Images.

AS_SOS_WhatHouseMag_DPS_340x550_Nov16_v2.indd 1

AFFORDABLE LONDON LIVING

NINE ELMS, LAMBETH Situated in the heart of one of the most exciting regeneration projects in London, Nine Elms Point will play a transformational role in this key riverside area.

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE The apartments boast quality high gloss fitted kitchens Balconies or terraces to all apartments with stunning views of surrounding landscaped gardens On-site amenities including a Sainsbury’s and residents’ gym Zone 1 transport connections nearby

RESERVE YOURS NOW, PRICES START FROM £113,750 For a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment, with rent payable on the remaining share from £427 per month. Service charges will apply.

0300 100 0303

affinitysutton.com/sales sales@affinitysutton.com

06/10/2016 14:59

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For the latest on the property market

London new homes round-up – from Shared Ownership to luxury around the capital

e latest figures from h leading new homes warranty provider NHBC shows a dramatic decline in the registration of new homes in London in the third quarter of 2016, against a stalling of figures nationally. While the national figure was almost identical to the same period last year, with 35,953 homes registered from July to September 2016 against 35,954 from July to September 2016, the number in London fell significantly, from 6,988 last year to just 3,856 this year. NHBC covers around 80% of the new homes built in the UK, indicating that its figures are an accurate reflection of the industry as a whole. National completions were up nearly 5% year-on-year, to 33,241, while London’s fell by over 11% to 5,538. Meanwhile, Mayor of London Sadiq

Khan has given proposals for devolving the regeneration of the capital’s railway stations to the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, saying that such a measure will accelerate the construction of up to 80,000 new homes close to key transport links. “For too long, London’s rail commuters have been getting a bad service – with nightmare delays, cancellations and overcrowding increasingly the norm on our suburban rail routes,” said Khan. “[This] business case sets out in detail the huge benefits Londoners will feel from devolving suburban rail routes to TfL. Our plans will not only use TfL’s skills and expertise to improve the daily commute for millions of Londoners, but act as a catalyst for new jobs and homes in outer London.” Here we pick our favourite new build homes for sale across London, appealing to budgets from under £100,000 to over £5m:

Maple Court in Streatham, Lambeth (Notting Hill Sales)

Elephant Park in Elephant & Castle, Southwark (Lendlease)

A collection of apartments and family homes is now available to buy with Shared Ownership at this development, to suit purchasers needing one, two or three bedrooms. Apartments have private balconies and plenty of in-built storage spaces while all houses provide spacious living areas opening out to a rear garden. This scheme is tucked away from the main road, so all homes are protected from the bustle of traffic and passers-by and provide a calm oasis, yet are very close to local shops and amenities. Buyers with children can find a number of

This project is probably the last major regeneration within Zone 1 in London, a 15-year undertaking to replace the old Heygate Estate with around 3,000 new homes and a host of new public spaces, streets and shops. Two phases – Trafalgar Place and a 37-storey tower called One The Elephant have now been fully sold, with many properties occupied. The latest phase for sale is West Grove, with 593 units, where buyers have a choice of studio suites and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Lendlease will introduce the

schools within very each reach of home here. Transport is key to many Londoners, and this collection of homes is within walking distance of railway stations at Streatham Hill and West Norwood. Journey times are around 10 minutes to the connection hub of Clapham Junction and 20 minutes to Victoria station. It’s a short bus ride to catch the Tube at Balham. Prices: F rom £134,000 (40% share) Find out more at www.nhillsales.com; 020 3815 1234

West Grove Club to residents, with the aim of bringing them together with mutual interests and relaxation and work. This will be based in two lounge areas, overlooking a landscaped courtyard, and offer a gym and garden terraces. The development is well-located to make the most of the area’s wide array of bus routes and the two Underground lines served by Elephant & Castle station. Prices: £540,000 Find out more at www.elephantpark.co.uk; 020 3675 9955

Seventeen in Sutton (L&Q) These 28 Shared Ownership oneand two-bedroom apartments are just moments from the shops and entertainment of Sutton High Street and a two-minute walk from Sutton railway station, with regular trains to London Victoria and Farringdon taking 30 and 41 minutes respectively, perfect for local workers and commuters. Family buyers will also appreciate a number of nearby schools. Buyers can expect to find great interior design and specification, with fully fitted kitchens and appliances, carpeted bedrooms and built-in wardrobes to the master

bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring lots of natural light inside, while each home also has private outdoor space too. Cathy Lloyd, sales and marketing director for L&Q, says: “The Shared Ownership homes at Seventeen provide first-time buyers with the opportunity to buy their own home in an area where property prices have risen by 16.8% in the past 12 months.” Prices: From £98,875 (35% share) Find out more at www.lqpricedin.co.uk; 0333 0033 0750

@What_House

Aldwych Chambers in Strand, City of Westminster (CBRE/JLL) There can be few locations more truly central than this, just off Strand and on the doorstep of London’s entertainment heart, with its myriad of theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, bars and restaurants just moments away. It is also close to the Thames and offers city and river views. Despite its proximity to the crowds, this development offers its residents a tranquil corner to enjoy. It is formed of just 20 apartments, duplexes and penthouses. It has a hi-tech secure entry system and each property has a private line to the concierge. Homes have high ceilings, underfloor heating, comfort cooling, smart home technology and Italiandesigned kitchens. Jamie Gunning, executive director at CBRE Commented: “The Strand is becoming a popular choice for investors and owneroccupiers who are drawn to the excellent transport, vibrant culture and nightlife. Aldwych Chambers is in a fantastic location, a stone’s throw from the Strand’s delights and the Inns of Court, yet situated down a very quiet street.” Prices: From £1.075m Find out more at www.aldwychchambers.com; 020 7583 0793

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Tanners Hill in Lewisham (Affinity Sutton)

Pinnacle No10 in Muswell Hill, Haringey (JAMM Living/SAS Investments) Six four-bedroom houses were recently released at this luxury development in the fashionable north London suburb of Muswell Hill, which is peppered with celebrities as well as a great collection of shops, cafes and bars for residents to enjoy. Each of these new homes has a high specification, useful technology and a private garden. This development is the first in the town centre for some 40 years, so demand for these houses and the accompanying apartments (already 60% sold) is expected to be high. The project is already well under way and scheduled for completion before the end of this year.

Tim Jackson, co-founder of SAS Investments, says: “We only build homes we would love to live in ourselves and Pinnacle N10 is the most complete realisation of the JAMM Living ethos we have ever delivered. The blend of hi-tech materials and cuttingedge architectural design allow the homes to be both incredibly energy efficient and exceptionally advanced. We are proud to be able to bring the final phase of this unique development to market.” Prices: £POA Find out more at www.martyngerrard.co.uk; 020 8444 3388

Already, over half this development is reserved but there is still an excellent choice of homes available, and a selection of 43 Shared Ownership apartments, with from one to three bedrooms, means there is still an affordable way to secure a home in this busy hub of the south-east of the capital. This scheme is located close to the heart of New Cross, with the renowned Goldsmiths Art College close by, and is within strolling distance of Lewisham Shopping Centre and a host of independent stores. Each of these homes has its own outdoor space, demonstrating that affordability doesn’t compromise what buyers can expect from their brand new property. This part of London has excellent transport links, and nearby Deptford Bridge DLR offers direct services to Canary Wharf, while New Cross station and St Johns stations offer routes to London Bridge. Prices: From £85,000 (25% share) Find out more at affinitysutton.com; 0300 100 0303

Corio in Bermondsey, Lewisham (Linden Homes) Regenerating one of Bermondsey’s many former leather industry sites, Linden Homes is converting the old Grange Tannery into a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, all under the eye of a 24-hour concierge. These homes also benefit from a private residents’ courtyard garden and all have their own private balconies or terraces too. Selected plots also have underground parking available, at an extra cost. Properties under £600,000 can be purchased through the Help to Buy

London scheme, and currently there are other offers to buyers (subject to terms and conditions) such as Part Exchange, Assisted Move and legal fees paid. Bermondsey underground station is just 15 minutes away on foot, and London Bridge 20 minutes away. It’s little more than 30 minutes into the City by the same means, or half the time on a bicycle. Prices: From £499,950 Find out more at www.lindenhomes.co.uk; 01883 787 246

Royal Dock Gardens in Custom House, Newham (East Thames Group) Shared Ownership is a brilliant way of getting on the property ladder close to the heart of London, and there are now 18 one- and twobedroom apartments available at this development in the East End that provide a base for routes into the City, the West End and the rest of Docklands – whether by bus, rail, bicycle or even cable car! Royal Dock Gardens is also close to London City Airport, for those needing to travel further afield regularly, and Crossrail arrives in 2018. Tony Harker, East Thames’ director of sales and marketing, remarks: “The length and ease of a commute is often an important

consideration to house-hunters. Royal Dock Gardens is not only ideally located for commuting into the city, but in addition it offers lots of alternative routes, which offers commuters some enjoyment within their daily travel experience.” Buyers of these apartments will find integrated kitchen appliances, oak hardwood flooring to the openplan living and dining areas and fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms. Each home comes with its own private balcony or terrace, with views over the communal gardens. Prices: From £115,500 (35% share) Find out more at www.east-thames.co.uk; 0300 303 7333

Dylon Works in Lower Sydenham, Bromley (Crest Nicholson) Set for a November 2016 launch, some 201 of the 223 properties to be built at this scheme on the site of the former Dylon textiles dyeing factory will be available through Help to Buy London. The development will also incorporate retail space, a café and a crèche. The properties will be set over eight storeys, with the overall design giving every apartment its own outdoor space (terrace or balcony) and a good view to enjoy. The location is excellent for those working in central London, with a 16-minute journey time by rail from Lower Sydenham station

into London Bridge. Stephen Stone, chief executive of Crest Nicholson, says: “Frequently cited as one of London’s up-andcoming areas, we are very pleased to bring our state-of-the-art Dylon Works development to Sydenham. Delivering modern, affordable, well designed housing has never been more important and we look forward to bringing a large volume of properties to the first-time-buyer market.” Prices: £TBA Find out more at www.crestnicholson.com

Computer generated images

SURPRISINGLY LONDON Gladstone Village, Cricklewood, NW2, an exclusive development of contemporary apartments and houses forming a new community on the edge of Gladstone Park comprising 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses and 2 bedroom apartments for sale, and 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for shared ownership.

2, 3 & 4 BED HOUSES FROM ÂŁ755,000 2 BED APARTMENTS FROM ÂŁ555,000 www.gladstonevillage.co.uk

0208 208 8355 020 8459 1133

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www.whathouse.com

The big day

WhatHouse? Awards Preview Welcome to the most coveted awards event in UK housebuilding

i th over 1,700 senior figures from the UK new homes industry under one roof at the Grosvenor House Hotel last November, the WhatHouse? Awards 2015 were the largest yet and we are on the brink of an equally impressive 2016 edition on Friday 18 November. While it is an industry event, the results are of real interest to new homes buyers and we will be providing you with full details of this year’s winners in our December edition. Here, we remind you of the select few rewarded with a Gold, Silver or Bronze award last year. You can see for yourself the company’s that the independent judging panel consider to be the very best at what they do, across the spectrum of new homes available, from starter homes to luxury mansions, charming conversions to cutting-edge contemporary designs, from urban regenerations to tranquil retirement locations.

These developers and housebuilders, large and small, will be delighted to boast of their win for many years to come, and no doubt in your search for a new build home, you may come across a number of them, or some who have triumphed year-on-year with steadily improving homes to meet the demands of discerning homebuyers. Remember to look for WhatHouse? winners on your new homes search. This year’s event will present prizes across 20 categories and name our Housebuilder of the Year, the most coveted prize in UK new homes. This year’s celebrity host is William Hague, now Baron Hague of Richmond, who has hosted the event before and who follows David Walliams from last year. Enjoy a host of articles related to some of this year’s entries on www.whathouse/know-how. All our listings on www.whathouse.com/ new-homes show a symbol to indicate winners’ schemes currently available.

Silver: Millgate Homes, Sundridge Park, Bromley, London BR1 Bronze: Ultrabox, The Woods, Kings Wood, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

Lakes, Snodland, Kent Bronze: Hyde New Homes, One Hove Park, Hove, East Sussex

“And the winners were...” WHATHOUSE? HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEAR

BEST STARTER HOME

BEST RENOVATION

Hill

Gold: Thames Valley Housing Association, Russell Square, Horley, Surrey Silver: Places for People, Roman Fields, Twechar, East Dunbartonshire Bronze: Hill, 243 Ealing Road, Alperton, London HA0 Bronze: Notting Hill Housing, Camberwell Fields, Camberwell, London SE5

Gold: City & Country, King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex Gold: City & Country, The General, Bristol Silver: PH Property Holdings, Hulme Hall, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire Bronze: Comer Homes, Royal Connaught Park, Bushey, Hertfordshire

BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: Redrow Silver: Berkeley Bronze: Barratt Developments Bronze: CALA

BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDER

– SPONSORED BY ROCA Gold: Hill Silver: City & Country Group Bronze: Churchill Retirement Living Bronze: Weston Homes

BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ALEXANDER JAMES GROUP

Gold: London Square Silver: Spitfire Bespoke Homes Bronze: Regal Homes Bronze: Millwood Designer Homes

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

– SPONSORED BY BRITISH GYPSUM Gold: Barratt Developments Silver: Linden Homes Bronze: Hill

HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY SHOW HOUSE Gold: L&Q Silver: A2Dominion Silver: North Wales Housing Bronze: Network Housing Group

– SPONSORED BY ALDERMORE

BEST HOUSE

– SPONSORED BY NHBC Gold: Q Developments, The Longfords, Teddington, London TW11 Silver: Kilpark Properties, Bronlei Woods, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey Bronze: Habitat First Group, The Water Garden, Lower Mill Estate, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire

BEST APARTMENT SCHEME

– SPONSORED BY WARWICK ESTATES Gold: St James, Riverlight, Nine Elms, London SW8 Silver: London Square, London Square Putney, London SW15 Silver: Oakmayne Bespoke, 10 Soho Square, London W1 Bronze: Martins Properties (Chelsea), 195-197 King’s Road, London SW3

BEST LUXURY HOUSE – SPONSORED BY LAUFEN

Gold: Q Developments, Laurel Grove, Kingston upon Thames, London KT2 Silver: Searchfield Homes, Waverley House, Farnham, Surrey Bronze: CALA Homes, Glenthorne, Bentley Priory, Stanmore, London HA7 Bronze: Antler Homes, Archdale Manor, Cheam, Surrey

– SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

BEST DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY SPICERHAART & NEW HOMES Gold: Hill/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17 Silver: Habitat First Group, Lower Mill Estate, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire Bronze: Hopkins Homes, St Michael’s Place Bronze: Bure Place, Aylsham, Norfolk and Freeman Homes, The Avenue, Ross-onWye, Herefordshire

BEST PARTNERSHIP SCHEME

– SPONSORED BY COLLYER BRISTOW Gold: Cavanna Homes/Clinton Devon Estate, Horizon, Budleigh Salterton, Devon Silver: Hill/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association/Waltham Forest Council, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17 Bronze: Lovell/Stroud District Council, The Paddocks and Old Common Mews, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire Bronze: City & Country/Millgate Homes/ CALA Homes, King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex

BEST LUXURY DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY NOLTE KITCHENS Gold: London Square, London Square Fulham, London SW6

BEST MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY BEKO Gold: Hadley Mace, Greenwich Square, London SE10 Silver: Inland Homes, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton, London UB7 Bronze: Hyde New Homes, The Barrows, Brighton

BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY GREEN LIGHTING Gold: Igloo, Four Hundred Caledonian Road, London N1 Silver: Hill/Cambridge City Council, Virido Concept Houses, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire Bronze: Radian, Exhibition Mews, Whitehill & Bordon, Hampshire

BEST RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY LOCAL WORLD Gold: BEN, Lynwood Village, Sunninghill, Berkshire Silver: Renaissance Villages/Helical Bar, Durrants Village, Faygate, West Sussex Bronze: Adlington, Adlington House, Portishead, Somerset

BEST BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED

BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: Hill, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17 Silver: Catalyst by Design, Portobello Square, London W10 Silver: Berkeley Homes, Holborough

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

– SPONSORED BY NICHOLLS & CLARKE GROUP Gold: Newcourt Residential, Alderbrook House, Weybridge, Surrey Silver: CALA Homes, Hurlingham House, Ascot, Berkshire Bronze: Berkeley Homes, One Tower Bridge, London SE1

BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN – SPONSORED BY COINS

Gold: Regal Homes, Banyan Wharf, London N1 Silver: Bernard Construction, The Warren Apartments, Tulse Hill, London SE27 Bronze: Octagon, The Grove Villas, Highgate, London N6

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN –

SPONSORED BY TCL

Gold: Beechcroft Developments, Orchard Gardens, Storrington, West Sussex Silver: Countryside, St Irvyne’s, Wickhurst Green, Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex Bronze: Redrow Homes, Lucas Green, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire

Inspired Homes live brilliantly prices from

ÂŁ262,950

Sutton - Help to Buy Launch 15th Oct! Inspired Homes strives to deliver luxury apartments, in central locations, at a price you can afford. We combine ingenious design with high quality fittings to deliver homes where you can Live Brilliantly.

To view all our homes visit www.inspiredhomes.uk.com or call 020 8688 6552 /InspiredHomesUK

/InspiredHomes_

For the latest on the property market

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whathouse? awards

One year on... A look at how some of last year’s major winners are currently living up to the standards highlighted by the judges in 2015 Best Large Housebuilder Redrow Homes What the judges said… “ Redrow retains its title in an incredibly tight category where the big beasts of the housebuilding jungle roam. In this category it is important to look behind the numbers; for what is key at the volume end of the market is not just what and how they are building, but what the big developers are doing to promote the need for more homes, putting their names and reputations out there. “ There is an imperative to shout coherently about what is required and why, in an industry that is such a key economic and social driver and engine of growth.

Best Small Housebuilder London Square its customer service. Redrow’s marketing continues to evolve and embrace online technology. Indeed, its Redrow TV channel includes a host of videos, highlighting not just the developments but the way Redrow staff engage with the communities in which they build, enjoy and deliver. “ As for the financial numbers, they are record-breaking, as the company heads into its fifth decade, pushing boundaries and constantly enterprising. “ To borrow from its own marketing: Very Redrow. Very Impressive.”

“ For every big builder with a story behind the numbers, there is a big builder who hides behind the big numbers. The public is convinced of the need for more new homes; they remain to be convinced by their quality, which is why the best – which we see in this category – must make themselves heard. “ Redrow once again led the field with initiatives throughout its business, backed by quality products, both traditional and contemporary, across England and Wales. “ It is strengthening its commitment to sustainability, continues at the forefront of industry training, and is revolutionising

Current highlight: Bleriot Gate, Addlestone, Surrey –

This scheme of one- to four-bedroom homes was Whathouse.com’s most viewed Surrey development of October 2016. www.redrow.co.uk

Sustainable Developer of the Year Barratt Developments What the judges said… “ In an industry where the word sustainability is much overused, Barratt Developments actively contributes to the sustainability agenda and understands its all-embracing nature. Backing this is high-quality reporting, which ensures that the company’s approach to sustainability is based on hard facts rather than hypotheses. “ In 2014 Barratt completed 14,838 homes, including joint ventures. It scored 86% in the FTSE4Good index and 81% in the NextGeneration benchmark and claims to be the only leading housebuilder to have its sustainability report (including data) externally assured. The company is committed to achieving Building for Life 12 on all new developments and to creating a net positive impact for biodiversity and ecology. It is planting 400,000 trees and shrubs at developments around the UK to celebrate completion of its 400,000th home. “ Sustainable sourcing is key. Barratt works closely with its supply chain and has created an Innovation Panel tasked

with finding products and services that can help it and the industry meet future challenges. All divisions are certified to ISO 14001. Quite simply, the determination to be sustainable not only influences the homes that the company builds but permeates its entire business model, making Barratt Developments a deserved winner of this award.”

Current highlight: Leithfield Park, Millford, Surrey –

A David Wilson Homes collection of uniquely designed five-bedroom homes now available, recently awarded top marks for the ‘Built for Life’ standards. www.dwh.co.uk

What the judges said… “ Small in unit numbers, big in turnover, huge in ambition. London Square is a remarkable story. Set up by former senior Barratt executive Adam Lawrence in 2010 when the housebuilding world was still reeling from the credit crunch, London Square, backed by Ares Management, has carved a niche name for itself in the capital and beyond, with beautifully designed, finished and nuanced schemes across the price spectrum. Its development pipeline now stands at more than £1.6bn. “ Its board of directors, brimful of experience and enterprise, knows how to spot land opportunities, unlock them and deliver. The 90 completed homes in the last year ranged from Ruislip starter homes, to stylish apartments in Putney, Fulham and Teddington. This year also saw the launch of The Star and Garter development on Richmond Hill, a remarkable restoration and conversion project that will doubtless interest awards’ judges in the years to come. “ This year also saw London Square selected for The Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For. Regular barbecues and table

tennis tournaments ensure it is not all work. For the first two years buyers are looked after by a customer care team, supported by a dedicated 24-hour helpline. “ Sustainability is a key driver too, as is education and health and safety, including interaction with local schools and communities. Marketing is bold and innovative and media engagement outstanding. A worthy winner.”

Current highlight: London Square Isleworth, London TW7 – A collection of 162 one-, two-

and three-bedroom apartments in west London, with a show apartment recently opened. londonsquare.co.uk

Housing Association of the Year L&Q What the judges said… “ L&Q takes the honours for the sheer scale of its impact in the markets in which it works and for the innovation it continues to show.

L&Q keeps a firm hold of its roots, making sure its big profits are used to support its social purpose in a big way – building affordable homes in volumes that place it solidly at the forefront of the sector and creating £14m of community benefit this year through the charitable L&Q Foundation.

“ L&Q is becoming a genuine competitor to the big housebuilders in London and the south-east. It’s now involved in 20% of London’s housing development output and is planning to build 50,000 homes over the next 10 years, a scale of building that would launch it into the top five or six developers, private or public, in the country.

“ L&Q is perhaps the first housing association to have built genuine market influencing power in its areas of operation. It stands out for its financial strength, thoughtfulness, influence and ambition.”

“ Most housing associations can only look on in envy at the financial muscle L&Q brings to bear – a surplus of £209m in 2014/15 alone – and the power of the L&Q brand in the market. But L&Q uses its brain as well as its brawn. Like the innovative ‘multi-generation house’ at the £142m Chobham Manor scheme in the Olympic Park: a number of family homes will include a separate annexe, offering independent living to grandparents no longer able to manage alone or adult children unable to afford a place of their own; designing in solutions to two of the big housing problems people now face in London.

Current highlight: Harvard Gardens, Elephant & Castle, London SE17 – L&Q is now offering

“ Yet while going head to head with the big developers on luxury £1m plus apartments or in large-scale private rented schemes,

homebuyers a four-bedroom duplex with stamp duty paid at this final phase of the Albany Place development. www.harvard-gardens.co.uk

28 advertorial

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Watford’s promising property market

n the first quarter of 2016, demand for property in Watford came in the top 10 across the UK, according to an online estate agent. Sustained demand, significant regeneration and infrastructure improvements are drawing investors, first time buyers and local buyers alike to Watford’s promising property market – in particular to notable new developments like Rembrandt House, the restoration and conversion of a historic print works. Phil Kapur of Henley Homes, the award-winning developers behind Rembrandt House, comments: “Our estate agent colleagues report that house prices in Watford have risen in

recent years and confidence remains high, with a strong buy-to-let market alongside affordability for local buyers. This market is fueled by the extension of the Metropolitan Line, alongside the significant investment in the regeneration of the town centre, including a new cinema complex, hospital and health campus, and a new road system.” For local residents and first time buyers leaving London and looking to the commuter belt, Watford remains attractive whilst prices are still achievable – in a prime Home Counties location. Emily Outrim, New Homes Manager at Sewell & Gardner comments, “First time buyers can still get much more

for their money in Watford than in neighbouring towns and nearby North London. Developments such as Rembrandt House offer desirable new homes within striking distance of Watford’s bustling centre, with access to transformed leisure opportunities and transport links.” Henley Homes has a recognised pedigree for the restoration/conversion of listed and landmark buildings. Their projects Baylis Old School (Kennington), Annie McCall (Stockwell) and Lumiere Apartments (Clapham) all transformed derelict buildings into thriving new communities. See more at henley-homes.co.uk The comprehensive restoration of locally-listed Rembrandt House will

bring loft style and a sense of urban cool to this emerging location. The transformation will see the spacious and light-flooded interior of this 120m-long Edwardian red brick building become a collection of 43 contemporary apartments, some with mezzanine levels. Sales are currently underway with completions anticipated in early 2017, giving purchasers a unique chance to own a piece of history in such a wellconnected yet affordable area. See more at rembrandt-house.com

Showflat opening Autumn 2016 1, 2 and 3 beds from £265,000. Agents: Marsh & Parsons (020 7368 4830) and Sewell & Gardner Land & New Homes (01923 252505)

For the latest on the property market

@What_House

Indicative interior image of another Henley property

advertorial 29

Quality homes across London and the South East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the 2015 WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year

hill.co.uk

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whathouse? awards 31

Hill top view We discover how 12 months as Housebuilder of the Year has been for Hill with sales director Tony Woodman

Hill’s Tony Woodman

Hi Tony, please tell us a little about yourself and Hill. As the sales director at Hill I oversee our residential developments across London and the South East. Hill is a UK top 15 housebuilder and we pride ourselves on delivering a variety of bespoke developments, including family homes, first-time buyer apartments, regeneration projects, as well as communities for those aged over 55. The company swept the board at last year’s WhatHouse? Awards, with eight wins and the Housebuilder of the Year title - how have the subsequent 12 months been? Last year’s fantastic wins drove this year’s whirlwind of activity and planning. We were really proud to win the top accolade, Housebuilder of the Year, and we promoted this widely across the business from our site hoardings and website through to our stationery and customer service vans. There was a surge in prospective buyers visiting our show homes thanks to our new award-winning status and since then we have also welcomed a host of exceptional talent to our growing team. Colin Campbell, our new head of strategic land, and Chris Walker, our new regional director for the western region, both said that our WhatHouse?

Magna

The Hill team win WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year in 2015

Awards and positive ethos played a key role in their decision to come on board. What developments are you currently working on? We are currently working on a fantastic array of developments, from London to Cambridge, north Norfolk to Surrey, west out to Oxford, including our four-bedroom family homes at Sycamore Gardens in Epsom and our duplex apartments at Base17 in Elephant & Castle. Our urban extension projects at Barton Park, Oxford, and north-west Cambridge are particularly innovative. We are working with Oxford City Council and Grosvenor Estates on Barton Park and with the University of Cambridge on North West Cambridge to bring more homes to these growing cities. We are really building a strong reputation for delivering Joint Venture projects through our high standards and ability to meet partners expectations. The fact we have so many on the go is testament to that. Is there a “star” development performing especially well, and what are the qualities that you think are attracting buyers? Currently Ninewells is the jewel in our crown. The award-winning scheme combines both great design with beautiful countryside views to draw in prospective

buyers. The development was designed to sit seamlessly with the surrounding Gog Magog Downs and it has attracted buyers who would have been put off buying a new build previously. The bespoke artwork, natural landscaping and community atmosphere reminds them of traditional village life and has helped many buyers make the transition from period property to new home very easily. It is also just a 12-minute cycle ride from the city centre and Cambridge train station, which means it can provide buyers with the perfect work/life balance - especially for those with a busy professional or commuter lifestyle who want to return home to a tranquil and relaxing environment. Do you find homebuyers value the award-winning status of your company and individual developments? Our customers certainly value the award-winning status and like to associate themselves with the fantastic quality homes that we provide. There’s nothing like telling your friends that you live on an award-winning development. Are schemes such as Help to Buy taken up by many of your buyers? Help to Buy is a fantastic government scheme which is really opening doors for first-time buyers. We have seen many of them use it to get onto the first rung of the housing ladder at our Magna and Base17 developments. Our team provides first-time buyers with the advice and guidance they need when taking that first step, which helps them to identify the best route to secure their own home, which is often much more affordable than they thought. Have the political and economic changes since the referendum made much difference to the UK

Barton Park

Ninewells

property market? Brexit was a shock for everyone and while there were concerns that it would have an impact on the housing market, we’re now more than four months in and we have not seen any lasting effects - it’s very much business as usual. The need for new homes is most certainly still a fundamental aim for the government, and we are continuing to increase the number of new homes we build and also the number of employees we recruit over the coming year. How do you think the latest housing minister, Gavin Barwell, can make a difference to the industry and to buyers? One question is whether he will take any steps to ensure the Help to Buy equity loan and Help to Buy ISA stay

alive and kicking post-2020. These schemes are helping those who might not otherwise have been able to fulfil their dream of homeownership, get on the housing ladder. Their discontinuation would be devastating for first-time buyers and we urge the government to keep them in place. What are your thoughts on how the market in the regions you’re building in will perform in 2017? We are not expecting much change in where we operate and expect sales to progress as they did postBrexit. In Oxford, where there are too few new homes being built, we are expecting a lot of interest in our Barton Park development. This is the first significant residential scheme to be built there for many years and we can’t wait to see it progress!

5 STAR AWARD WINNING QUALITY HOMES FOR 4 YEARS RUNNING

STUNNING NEW HOMES IN PRIME LOCATIONS Bedfordshire

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The Orchard, Meppershall

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Crescent West, Ashford

Tadorne, Tadworth

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Hampshire

Hermitage Park, Maidstone

Corner House, Caterham

Oxfordshire

West Sussex

Priory Manor, Ambrosden

Arun Place, Barnham

Regency Village, Wantage

Meadow Walk, Henfield

(Coming Soon)

Hazelwood, Binfield (0333 321 8645)

Buckinghamshire Chilterns Edge, Pitstone

(Opening Winter 2017)

The Stables, Medstead (Coming Soon)

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(0333 777 7073)

(0333 321 8643)

(Coming Soon)

Vyne Park, Basingstoke

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(0333 321 8647)

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(0333 777 7074) (Coming Soon)

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FOR ANY ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL

01883 346 464

SALES@CROUDACEHOMES.CO.UK

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surrey

@What_House

By George! A new super-prime home has been unveiled in one of Surrey’s top residential addresses, discovers Ben Salisbury

e veloper Lucas Design has unveiled a stunning new property, Whitelands, a newly built Georgian-revival mansion set in the lush grounds of the private estate at St George’s Hill, in Weybridge, Surrey. The exterior is well-proportioned and completed in red brick with stucco detailing. A canopied portico surmounts a grand central pediment, with sash windows, cornicing and balustrades all adding to a truly regal first impression. The mansion is approached via a sweeping driveway, with a water feature as the centrepiece. A ramp leads down to the underground garage, which has its own entrance to the lower ground floor of the property and a car turntable. This fabulous example of a modern mansion is set over three floors covering 14,187 sq ft and has five bedroom suites, formal and informal lounges, a dining room, a study, family and catering kitchens and a ballroom

that becomes a swimming pool. The ballroom has a hydraulic floor that converts to a 10-metre long variabledepth swimming pool simply by pressing a button and converts back to a ballroom in the same way with a drying time of around 20 minutes. The grand front door leads into a columned, double-height entrance hall with a six-metre bespoke, glittering chandelier. The ground floor has the main entertainment areas, including a formal drawing room which has sliding pocket doors through to the dining room, which has a grand square table to seat 12. French windows lead out onto the 1.1-acre garden, which includes extensive seating and a large entertainment area. The back of the mansion has the main family rooms, with a relaxed ‘snug’ in between the dining room and the showpiece kitchen. An arch leads through to the open-plan kitchen and breakfast room, with adjoining service kitchen and pantry. The kitchen features oatmealcoloured marble counter tops and white

cabinetry inlaid with both American Walnut veneer and soft US-sourced leather. A central island/breakfast bar features and all appliances are by Gaggenau; a separate service kitchen is adjacent. On the basement floor there is a media room, a wine and cigar room, a games room and a stunning sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. The ‘wellbeing spa’ was custom designed by award-winning experts Barr + Wray. There is separate staff accommodation attached to the property and an underground car park with enough space for six large cars. There is also a gymnasium utilising the latest in fitness technology. Lucas Design spent five years since purchase designing and building the mansion to the highest possible

Life of luxury

specifications, focusing on providing versatile living space, enviable home technology and beautiful interior design by Mayfair designers Alexander James. Matthew Lucas, director at Lucas Design, says: “Whitelands has been an exceptional labour of love, and has been designed to exhibit the essence of a modern-day mansion and provide all that a new owner could want in their property. We have worked with some of the best designers, artisans and suppliers in the world.” Whitelands is available for sale through appointed agents Beauchamp Estates with a guide price of £16.95m.

Find out more at www.beauchamp.com; 020 7499 7722

‘Stanyards’ , Hope Cottage, Hipley – £1.1m Chobham, £4m

This month, we look at two sought-after homes on the market with UK Sothebys International Realty. Find out more at www.sothebysrealty.co.uk; 020 7495 9580

‘The Chalet Estate’, Hampton, POA

This historic five-floor listed home has been restored by its owner back to its original splendour to reflect its distinctive heritage featuring Italian, French and Japanese influences. The house comprises four bedrooms and en suites with the master bedroom suite taking up the entire top floor, with a wooden-clad en suite bathroom fitted with hand basins made of marble and 24-carat gold. Four large reception rooms, including a lower ground floor indoor party room leading to a 21m manmade beach, two luxurious kitchens, a swimming pool,

indoor spa complex, cinema and a wine cellar that can hold up to 1,600 bottles complete this unique home. The property is surrounded by a 360-degree vista across the landscaped, oriental, lush gardens, 185m of mooring for up to 25 boats and parking for around 20 cars. This waterfront estate offers views over Hampton Court and the Thames and has scope for both private and commercial ventures. Located just 35 minutes from Waterloo by train and good access via road, this rare ‘one-off’ property would make a fabulous weekend retreat or full-time home.

This impressive, 10-bedroom Victorian country house set in secluded grounds of about eight acres dates back to 1883 and commands the highest point in the area, with magnificent panoramic views from its roof terrace. In the mid-1970s it was the residence of the King of Greece. The wonderfully proportioned formal reception rooms feature elegant fireplaces and impressive ceiling heights. The ground floor comprises a south-facing double drawing room leading to a further sitting room, a dining room with wood panelling, a kitchen/breakfast/family room, butler’s pantry, second kitchen, utility room and staff annex. There is also a 35ft billiard room with fixed seating and a fully fitted bar. The bedrooms are arranged across two

upper floors and on the second floor there is access to the roof terrace with fantastic views. The property is approached through an electric-gated entrance with an illuminated turning circle and extensive driveway parking. A half-mile running track skirts the perimeter of the grounds that include a fruit orchard, paddock, stabling for four horses, a floodlit, newly laid tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool. The property backs onto Chobham Common and has its own private access. Rail services to London Waterloo in 23 minutes are available from Woking. Local schools include Eton College, The Marist Schools, ACS Egham International School, St Georges and TASIS in Thorpe.

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LUXURY SPECIFICATION, HIGH QUALITY DESIGN AND A SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATION IS PROVING A WINNING FORMULA AT WEYBRIDGE HOUSE A combination of stunning design, luxury finishes and an exclusive location on Queen’s Road in Weybridge has resulted in a high level of demand for CALA Homes’ Weybridge House development which is now over 75% sold. Weybridge House brings Georgian style to this popular residential location and comprises just four elegant five and six bedroom, four-storey townhouses, together with 17 luxury one and two bedroom apartments in a beautiful gated development.

SYMPATHETICALLY DESIGNED The success of the scheme is due in part to the quality and implementation of the architectural detailing throughout. The exterior has been designed in late Georgian style, featuring a brick and stucco façade,

slate roof tiling and an impressive portico to each main entrance, giving the properties a great sense of stature and kerbside appeal. The elevations are skillfully designed to complement and enhance the local architecture along Queen’s Road with an arrangement creating a highly attractive terrace of properties of varying size and appearance. The roofs are of steeply pitched slate and incorporate both a Venetian feature window and dormer windows of varying sizes sitting behind the parapet walls. Recognised as the epitome of this late Georgian period, 6x6 pane sash windows are provided throughout to all elevations, reinforcing the overall quality of the development.

A mix of stock brick and stuccoed elevations reinforce the varied streetscene, while stone cornices, rubbed brick heads and stone cills provide consistent architectural details throughout.

REFINED MODERN LIVING With external finishes inspired by and sympathetic to their surroundings, you’ll find just as much character and personality on the inside too. Apartments range from 750 to 2,110 sq ft, while the four townhouses offer 2,750 to 3,330 sq ft of spectacular living space, set over four storeys. Full of light and contemporary space, with CALA’s highest specification throughout, many boast private patios and terraces and all benefit from secure, allocated underground parking.

All designed for the height of refined modern living, each of the properties feature contemporary kitchens with fully integrated energy efficient appliances, Villeroy & Boch porcelain sanitaryware, motionsensor LED night lights to the bathrooms and en suites, heated towel rails, underfloor heating, video or audio-based entry systems with remote opening, outside lighting with dusk-to-dawn sensors and real time energy monitors.

INTERIORS BROUGHT TO LIFE The spectacular townhouse showhome at Weybridge House allows buyers to see for themselves the thoughtful design, attention to detail and high specification offered by these stunning new homes. The showhome was created by Hayley Holland, senior interior designer at Vogue Showhomes, and demonstrates the latest interior design trends. Hayley explains: “A well thought-out showhome is vital as it shows visitors how the space can be used and allows people to imagine themselves living there. At Weybridge House, my focus was to create a high-end contemporary and sophisticated home keeping a family of young professionals in mind. The townhouse is in a stunning setting in the middle of an affluent leafy suburb so it was important to reflect this by bringing the outdoors into the interior by incorporating natural colours and textures. The colour palette is light, bright and fresh focusing on soft taupes and bright lime green to add a splash of vibrant colour – giving this home a true wow-factor. In the sitting room, I have designed a lavish formal space that will never fail to impress when entertaining guests for dinner parties. A predominantly neutral palette has been used throughout, with a burst of colour from the rich lime green coffee table acting as the room’s centerpiece. A bespoke media unit and hand-painted canvas really add a statement to this room too. The spacious kitchen/dining area has an inviting ambience featuring plush crushed velvet seating in lime green, adding depth against the dark wood table and high-specification kitchen units.

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The townhouse also features a fabulous TV room perfect for all the family time or as an enviable chillout space. Here, we have a relaxed modern space for informal entertaining with a large corner sofa, comfy bean bags and an impressive, bespoke TV unit for all-important relaxation time. A dash of lively teal has also been introduced into this room. Upstairs, the stunning master suite could easily be mistaken for an elegant boutique hotel bedroom. An unmistakable air of luxury has been created with layered cushions and throws alongside a plush sofa and coffee table placed at the foot of the bed. The leafy location was the inspiration for the children’s bedrooms. A woodland animal themed mural adorns the wall of one with an array of lush green accents throughout giving a real taste of being in the great outdoors.

Weybridge has excellent train links into London and easy road links to the M3 and M25 motorways. Weybridge House is one mile equidistant between Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames mainline stations, providing regular trains into London Waterloo in around 30 minutes.

DON’T MISS OUT There are now just three 2 bedroom apartments and two 5 bedroom townhouses remaining at Weybridge House, with prices starting from £775,000.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Weybridge House is located in the heart of the Surrey town of Weybridge. Nestled between the Wey and Thames rivers, Weybridge is a highly desirable commuter town and home to exclusive, leafy residential areas and renowned private estates. The fashionable bars, coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and salons on Queen’s Road are only a short stroll from Weybridge House. A cycle studio, art galleries and a choice of convenience stores are also in easy reach. Weybridge offers great leisure facilities, including David Lloyd Leisure (Brooklands), St George’s Hill Golf Club, Weybridge Cricket Club and Weybridge Lawn Tennis Club.

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two international schools nearby – The American Community School and Reed’s School which is linked with the Dutch Rijnlands Lyceum.

For families there is a great choice of schools in the area with Cleves Junior School, St George’s College and Oatlands Primary School, which achieved ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2010. There are also

For further information, please visit cala.co.uk

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For more information visit our marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5.00pm, call 01932 283 901 or visit cala.co.uk

CALA HO ME S

NHBC – the mark of a quality home Before you buy a new home, make sure it’s protected. With Buildmark you’re provided with 10 years’ warranty and insurance, giving you peace of mind that its good quality and that your investment is protected.

0344 633 1000 www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP.

K548 11/16

K548_What house_Consumer Advert_FINAL.indd 1

11/11/2016 12:10

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hampshire

Lymington – a buyer’s guide

This month, Iain King, director at Hayward Fox, sales and lettings agents in Lymington, imparts his 32 years’ experience of the local market

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LYMINGTON? It’s a lively yachting and sailing town at the mouth of the Lymington river enhanced by its yacht marinas, yacht haven and yacht clubs. The Isle of Wight ferry also operates from here to Yarmouth. The lanes and streets

around the quayside retain the flavour of an old harbour town with Georgian and Victorian cottages, houses and seafood restaurants and independent shops. The bustling high street supports an excellent variety of community facilities with a Saturday Charter street market, which runs the length of the high street.

Froyle standard

and Southampton are both within 45 minutes’ drive.

HAVE YOU SPOTTED ANY TRENDS?

HOW IS THE PROERTY MARKET PERFORMING NOW?

The early retirees aren’t necessarily buying the traditional two-bedroom flat or bungalow, although they will be looking at those types of property in 15 years or so. Instead they are tending to buy larger properties bigger enough to have their children and grandchildren to stay.

Lymington is very accessible, with the town’s station providing twicehourly access to Brockenhurst to pick up the London Waterloo service in around 90 minutes. London is reached via the nearby M27 and M3 with onward connections to the M25 and national road network. The international airports of Bournemouth

It’s doing fine. People get used to a boom or bust market and forget about the five years in between. Prices are moving gradually but we aren’t experiencing any alarming price hikes. Demand remains strong, coming from all over the south-east, especially from the retired or early retired market, which is the wealthiest generation you will ever see. It’s a great place to retire to. The buy-to-let market has understandably softened following the April rise in stamp duty for second homes. Average prices are in excess of £300,000 with the average detached home priced at £400,000 although premium homes can sell for well over a million pounds. We are currently selling an architectdesigned four-bedroom detached home tucked away in Broad Lane on the south side of the high street for £1,095m. We’re also selling a three-storey townhouse for £525,000, forming part of a brand new development of just seven properties in Avenue Road in an extremely sought-after location, with a level walk to the town centre.

most out of the layouts and generously dimensioned rooms throughout each home, the interior designers have also used some of the latest trends to inspire buyers to use or update their own furniture or styling ideas. The development is currently offering a range of three- and fourbedroom terrace houses, mews homes and semi-detached properties from £650,000 and selection of four-, fiveand six-bedroom detached homes from £1.325m. Part Exchange and Assisted Move schemes are available,

subject to conditions. Nearby towns of Farnham and Alton are just up the A31 from these new homes, with regular rail services from both (and from Bentley) making this a great option for London commuters. The major towns of Basingstoke and Haslemere are each around halfan-hour away, with a host of shops, amenities and leisure facilities. These spacious homes are also likely to attract an abundance of family homebuyers, and the great array of schools nearby is certain to

DO YOU HAVE TO BE PART OF THE SAILING SET TO ENJOY LYMINGTON? Not at all, I’ve lived here for 32 years and only been on a yacht four times! Sailing is of course a popular recreation and if you did want a small motor boat or sailing boat it’s a great place to have one. People also move down here for the New Forest with the extensive walking and riding available. Lymington also has a nine-hole golf course in an enviable position with views extending to the Isle of Wight, tennis club, bowls, cricket, rugby and football clubs, a wide range of schools and a recreation centre. Find out more at www.haywardfoxco.uk; 01590 675424

Glorious countryside surrounds these luxury properties from Linden Homes

o use-hunters looking to make the most of everything that the county has to offer when considering a new home in Hampshire are certain to find a host of appealing features about Froyle Park, the Linden Homes development taking shape adjacent to the 80-acre estate of a Jacobean manor house that is one of the area’s prime wedding venues. The scheme overlooks this unspoilt countryside, yet is within easy reach

of the A31 and the historic village of Upper Froyle, and just a short drive or bike ride of the facilities of the neighbouring village of Bentley. The development is reached from a tree-lined avenue, providing an elegant approach as well as a shield against traffic noise from the main road. The show homes here are beautifully decorated to suit the different house types, with a mix of conversions and brand new properties to suit different tastes and budgets. As well as demonstrating how to make the

gain approval from them, with Eggar’s School, Amery Hill school and Alton Convent School among the very best in the wider area. For buyers who can act quickly, there is £5,000 worth of John Lewis vouchers valid on selected plots for reservations before 27 November and completions on or before 23 December – a lovely bonus for those who can make it to one of these beautiful new homes in time for Christmas. Find out more at www.lindenhomes.co.uk; 01420 384170

Rethinking Retirement. At PegasusLife we are on a mission to rethink and reinvent the places in which we live as we get older. Drawing inspiration from our surroundings, we take time to consider who will want to live in each location and the things that matter to them: whether that’s space for the family, kitchen gardens, coastal views, access to the city or stretches of open greenery. We are currently developing 30 sites across the country, each one unique, with a range of services on offer. Get in touch to find out more.

Carriages is a collection of 28 one and two bedroom apartments offering views across Purley and the surrounding greenery.

Built around a walled garden and central lawn, Hortsley is a collection of 38 one and two bedroom apartments close to Seaford’s high street and coastline.

carriagespurley.co.uk

hortsley.co.uk

Bordering Horsell Common, Moor’s Nook is a collection of 34 one and two bedroom apartments close to the historic town of Woking.

Hampstead Green Place is a collection of 59 one, two and three bed apartments in the heart of one of London’s most historic villages.

moorsnook.co.uk

hampsteadgreenplace.co.uk

Developments coming soon Cheltenham • Tetbury • Hampstead • Falmouth • Clifton, Bristol • Westminster Harpenden •Portishead •Wilmslow • Guildford • Brockenhurst • Canford Cliffs Chigwell • Horsell • Dawlish • Seaford • Purley • Bath • Lichfield • Sidmouth Banstead • Sandbanks • Lyndhurst • Central Bristol • Sevenoaks

020 7022 0880 | pegasuslife.co.uk

Retirement living, but not as you know it

PHOTOGRAPHY OF PENTHOUSE & BUILDING EXTERIOR

LUXURY PERIOD LIVING IN THE HEART OF FITZROVIA S I X LUXU RY 2 & 3 B E D RO O M A PA RT M E N TS A N D T WO T R I P L E X 3 BEDROOM PENTHOUSES – WITH ROOF TERRACES

Starting prices from £2,630,000 - Available NOW Close to Oxford Circus Underground Station & Tottenham Court Road Crossrail & Underground Station S H OW A PA RT M E N TS N OW O P E N - CA L L N OW TO A R RA N G E A V I EW I N G

thefitzbourne.com A D EVE LOP ME N T BY OA K MAYN E BES P OK E

JO INT SO L E AGENTS

Residential Marylebone 020 7486 8866

Residential London 020 7420 3050

Savills Marylebone 020 3527 0400

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sussex

@What_House

Space, man!

New homes make the most of Sussex countryside

i th horse-riding such a popular pastime, regularly attracting 1.3m Brits last year, Millwood Designer Homes is expecting a strong interest in a new development set in West Sussex countryside on a former stables site. The Paddock is a boutique development of just five detached homes in Ansty, a hamlet just west of Haywards Heath on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and not far from the South Downs National Park. Miles of countryside surround this new development, perfect for riders looking to make the most of the great outdoors in the scenic county. The scheme comprises a mix of fourand five-bedroom houses in traditional Sussex design, but complemented by a very modern specification matching style with energy efficiency. A number of reclaimed materials have been used so that the homes fit in beautifully with the established properties in the area. Philip Brown, sales director at Millwood Designer Homes, says: “Nearby Cuckfield and the South Downs offer beautiful riverside bridleways that horse lovers can enjoy throughout the year, making The

Paddock the perfect development in which riders can make the most of living in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” The village of Cuckfield, which is just one mile away, providing residents of The Paddock with all the necessary day-to-day amenities. Haywards Heath is three miles away, with a wider range of shops and facilities, including its station, with regular services to London, Gatwick Airport and Brighton, making the development a great home for commuters. A few minutes’ drive away is the A23, linking the coast to the capital. These new homes are perfect for families as there are a number of nearby primary, secondary and grammar schools, including Burgess Hill School for girls and Worth School, both of which regularly place highly in education league tables. Brighton College, a private school, takes children between the ages of three and 18. Prices at The Paddock start from £925,000 for a four-bedroom home and from £1.095m for a five-bedroom home. Find out more at www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk; 01444 360150

Period property of the month with Savills

h e Kingscote Estate is tucked away in the heart of the beautiful Sussex countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty nestled within the Kingscote Valley yet within easy reach of the villages of Turners Hill and West Hoathly. The estate originally formed part of the 1,000-acre Gravetye Estate, which was once owned by the famous English horticulturalist William Robinson. The farm extends to approximately 152 acres with an established vineyard and orchard, restored 15th-century barn, high-tech winery, shop, fishing lakes, principal farmhouse, converted coach house and extensive equestrian facilities. Premium wines and ‘cyder’ are produced by the estate’s own vineyards and orchard by award-winning executive winemaker Owen Elias. Mill Place Farmhouse is believed to originate from the 14th-century as a medieval hall house and retains exposed beams, leaded light windows, original carved panelling and doors, and open fireplaces. The ground floor features a quintessential farmhouse kitchen and a double-aspect drawing room with an impressive open fireplace, a sitting room, study, family room, an oakframed conservatory and cellar room.

On the first floor there is the master bedroom, three further bedrooms and two bathrooms. The fifth bedroom is an attic room with a dressing room, accessed by the steps from the master bedroom. Adjacent to the farmhouse, is a three-bay garage with storage. The two-bedroom coach house is currently used as a holiday let. An impressive, detached, timber-framed, 15th-century, restored tithe barn and visitor centre occupies a prominent position within a courtyard beyond along with a shop, offices, store areas and car park. There are many highly regarded state and private schools in the area including Cumnor House in Danehill, Worth Abbey and Ardingly College. Trains from Gatwick, 12 miles away, reach London Victoria in 30 minutes with further services from East Grinstead, Balcombe, Three Bridges and Haywards Heath. The area has excellent access to the A23, A22 and M25. This property is priced at £4.5m. Find out more at www.savills.com; 01444 446066

Rotherfield Garth, Henley-on-Thames

We don’t build homes to win awards (but it’s nice when we do) Our bespoke approach to housebuilding enables us to create homes of distinction in prime locations with an outstanding level of customer service. Whether it’s traditional family houses, homes inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, statement homes that epitomize luxury living or our unique Cotswold Collection of bespoke properties, you’ll see this ethos in all of our superb developments.

Developing in these prime locations Berkshire: Ascot // Birmingham: Harborne // Buckinghamshire: Gerrards Cross Gloucestershire: Broadway, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Fairford, Stow-on-the-Wold Oxfordshire: Henley-on-Thames // Somerset: Clevedon Warwickshire: Welford-on-Avon

Best Small Housebuilder

Residential Developer of the Year

Bespoke & Urban Developer of the Year

www.spifirepg.co.uk

44 kent

For the latest on the property market

Rural living

@What_House

‘Botany Wood’, Keston, Hope Cottage, Hipley – £1.1m offers in excess of £1.8m

This month, we head to the edge of the Kent countryside to visit two homes on the market with Alan de Maid. Find out more at www.alandemaid.co.uk; 01689 220 180

‘Trowmers’, Downe, guide price £1.9m A most impressive house situated near the centre of the village just behind the village pond. A foundation stone indicates that part of the house was built in 1711, however, the greater part was built in 1777. Originally constructed with three storeys and a tower, the top floor and the tower were removed in 1937 although the dome of the tower has been skilfully incorporated into the present structure above the existing porch. There have been many notable residents at Trowmers including Sarah Wedgwood, from the world famous Wedgwood ceramics family, who purchased this property in

1868. On many of the ceilings and walls are beautifully preserved plaques sculptured in plaster by Wedgwood reminiscent of Jasper ware. The accommodation includes three wellproportioned reception rooms including a wood-panelled dining room, a large reception lounge and study and seven bedrooms with two bathrooms and two shower rooms to the first floor. The attic has four rooms, which could be converted into living accommodation and there is also a good-sized three-room cellar. There is a large double garage with an electric-gated drive. Outside landscaped gardens of around 2.9 acres can be found with a paddock and two stables. The property could be registered as mixed-use whereby stamp duty would be reduced to around 5%. Downe Primary School is under halfa-mile away and there’s a wide choice of secondary schools within easy reach in both the state and private sector. Chelsfield and Orpington mainline stations are under four miles way, with fast trains reaching London in 25 minutes from Orpington. Junction 4 of the M25 is less than 6.5 miles, providing access to Gatwick Airport and the Channel Tunnel via the M20.

This unique 1930s-built detached house with its attractive pantile roof offers a beautiful location in the heart of Keston village, totally secluded and surrounded by conservation woodland. The property enjoys gardens of around an acre with large driveway. The house itself is beautifully maintained featuring four bedrooms to the first floor with three bathrooms, two of which are en suite. Downstairs off the main reception with a galleried hallway and flagstone floor there is access to a drawing room and separate family room, bespoke Amdega orangery, presented with integrated bar and access to a bespoke French-built Chalon kitchen/breakfast room. Complete with French oak floors and bespoke furniture there are views over gardens. For families seeking generational living or accommodation for an au pair the property also features an attached annexe to side which is completely self-contained with

First among equals

Housebuilder introduces its own scheme to help buyers get onto the property ladder

u lti-award-winning housebuilder Weston Homes has come up with its own purchase assistance scheme for first-time buyers and introduced it immediately to two of its current developments in Kent and south-east London. The First-Time SecureBuy scheme is a way for those buying their first home to secure the property they want far ahead of the time limits normally insisted on by mortgage companies. While these usual regulations usually see first-time buyers having to miss out to cash buyers and investors when developments are released offplan, this new scheme from Weston Homes allows them to reserve the plot they want some 18-24 months ahead of completion, and only apply for a mortgage six months before completion. Bob Weston, chairman and CEO of Weston Homes, says: “I am delighted to announce the First-Time SecureBuy initiative, which is exclusively available at Weston Homes to support our first-time buyers. This initiative will be available at all Weston Homes’ schemes, and is being launched to coincide with the launch of Langley Square in Dartford and Precision in Greenwich – both of which are

Bob Weston, charirman and CEO of Weston Homes

attracting a lot of interest from first-time buyers.” With the scheme, the buyer has to put down a £500 reservation fee and a 5% deposit 28 days later, on exchange of contracts. It also

secures the property at the price at the time of reservation, so that like investors, the first-timer can benefit from the increase in capital value between the reservation date and completion date. Moreover, the scheme also allows buyers to use the governmentbacked Help to Buy scheme, which only requires a 5% deposit from the purchaser and offers an equity loan of 40% in London or 20% elsewhere in England. Adding peace of mind to the deal, should a buyer under the Weston Homes scheme be denied a mortgage, they will be refunded their reservation and deposit, though any other costs, such as legal costs, incurred by the purchaser are non-refundable. First-Time SecureBuy will be available at Phase 2 of Langley Square in Dartford and at Precision in Greenwich, both of which were launched very recently. The second phase of Langley Square sees the release of 158 new homes, set in four buildings, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units priced from £202,000. Find out more at www.weston-homes.com; 01279 873300

a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. Externally there are large York stone terraces on different levels and in the grounds there is a weatherboarded summer house and detached garage. This family home is nestled within the woodlands situated on the edge of Keston village opposite Keston Ponds. There are popular primary schools in Keston, Farnborough, Lock bottom and Crofton. Secondary Schools include Darrick Wood, St Olave’s and Newstead grammar schools and Ravenswood as well as private schools Farringtons and Babington House, Bromley High School and Bickley Park. Junction 4 of the M25 gives access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Ebbsfleet International and Bluewater shopping centre. Orpington station is around 3.5 miles away and offers fast services to London Bridge in as little as 16 minutes. Hayes station is just two miles away with London Bridge being reached in around 29 minutes.

“ What will I do without you?”

Sick, in j and ho ured m pets ha eless ve r on us s elied ince 1897

Pets into Care Put their future in our hands

Our Pets into Care Scheme gives you peace of mind by caring for your pet should they outlive you. We understand how much your pets mean to you and how important it is that they are well looked after, no matter what happens. It is free to register your pet onto the Scheme but to help us manage the costs involved we’d be very grateful if you would consider making a donation or leaving us a gift in your Will. To find out more about our FREE Pets into Care Scheme please complete the coupon opposite and send to: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS Alternatively, call or email us and quote: PIC87 Telephone: 0300 777 1757 Email: legacy@bluecross.org.uk

Please send me: more information on Pets into Care a free, no-obligation pack on making or amending a Will Title:

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Thank you for your continued support.

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Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). *From time to time we may wish to communicate with you by phone with news about the pets you are helping and ways you can help in the future. If you are happy for us to do this, please fill in your details above. We will never sell or share your data. 17909 What House - 265 x 340 - pic87.indd 1

06/09/2016 15:10

11444.indd 1

Your Will is the most important document that you will write, yet it’s estimated that around 30 million UK adults haven’t done it. Writing your Will is rarely at the top of anyone’s To-Do list until well, it needs to be. We know that the thought of actually sitting down and doing it can be pretty daunting but, in reality it’s really not as complicated, time consuming or expensive as you think. It’s simply solid ﬁnancial planning that can, potentially, save your heirs thousands. Think of it as a plan to protect your assets and safeguard the future of everything and everyone that is important to you. A professionally drafted Will is vital in… Protecting your assets Avoiding damaging family disputes Inheritance tax planning

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Consequences of dying intestate

Protecting your share of your Property with a Trust Your property is probably your biggest asset and one that you want your children to inherit. But in the UK this is not guaranteed. How it works is this… on ﬁrst passing, the law of succession dictates that ownership of any joint asset automatically passes to the surviving partner. They are then at liberty to do with it as they wish. If the surviving partner remarries your property becomes part of their marital assets, posing signiﬁcant risk of your children being ‘accidentally’ or ‘side-ways’ disinherited. Similarly if they were to become bankrupt your property would be considered one of their assets and your children would not see a penny. It could even be used to pay their and their new spouses care costs. Legally severing the joint tenancy and becoming ‘tenants-in-common’ will allow you to then place your share into a protective trust.

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15/04/2016 15:25

48 interiors

@What_House

For the latest on the property market

Pale perfection Neutral colours offer many wonderful opportunities to make a striking personal statement says Richenda Oldham. So let your beiges, taupes and greys take centre stage

h oosing an interior colour scheme certainly doesn’t get any easier for homeowners. These days there is a multitude of paint colours and wallpapers to wade through and, to make things even more complicated, colours and designs change annually in line with clothing fashion trends. Not surprisingly, many people are afraid to use colour. After all a room painted the wrong colour is an expensive mistake to make. Which is why so many people opt for what they think is a safe neutral scheme, but instead end up with a room that lacks vitality, personality and warmth. This is such as shame as neutral needn’t be boring and one dimensional at all. In fact, neutral colours have many underlying tones and can be incredibly beautiful and sophisticated. It’s just a question of how they are used. So if you want to be more bold than beige, follow these tips on how to decorate successfully with a neutral colour palette.

DIFFERENT SHADES The key to not letting a neutral colour scheme feel flat and dreary is to use different shades of your chosen colours, whether it’s cream, taupe, grey, beige, sand, oatmeal, ecru or any other neutral tone. This will help to break up the room and will add depth. Don’t forget you can use different types of wood, too, to add contrast – for example a beautiful pale oak floor with darker throw rugs will lift a room.

USE TEXTURE In a neutral colour scheme, texture becomes extremely important. So

choose your furniture upholstery carefully and pick fabrics such as crushed velvet, Chenille, brocade, damask, coarse linen, moire and even suede or leather. Add in shine with metals or glazed tiles and wood – both smooth and rough.

PATTERN AND SHAPES You can introduce pattern in many different ways from exposed brick walls and wooden panelling, to subtly printed wallpaper, or fabrics featuring the latest geometric designs. Interesting and beautifully shaped objects such as unusually shaped chairs or tables will provide eye catching diversion. Mix metal and wood and remember non matching items stop a room from becoming boring.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Louise Wicksteed, creative director and partner of interior design practice 1508 London, believes that when it comes to creating a neutral toned interior scheme, it’s important to also pay attention to the materials you choose to use. “Materials have a huge impact on the overall feel of the space. It is all about balance and proportionality, so if you are using cool materials such as marble or glass, these need to be softened by more tactile materials such as timber or fabric. Natural materials are definitely my favourite to work with, I love leathers, linens and ceramics in soft grey, oat and nude, as well as all the amazing timbers and marbles that are available.” Caroline Verity, creative director of Skipton Properties, said: “I’m a big fan of a neutral palette, mostly because it lets our homes shine through. To succeed

at neutral I’d suggest using a variety of materials. For instance, in my own home, I’ve gone for pale grey couches complemented by textured cushions, a metallic coffee table and walnut and leather chairs that were designed back in 1957. Neutral doesn’t have to mean bland, but it can be very elegant.” 1 Using a mixture of different textures, such as glossy tiles or kitchen cabinets, painted panelling and wood-effect finishes will give a neutral colour scheme vibrancy and depth. Anola natural elm kitchen, from around £6,800, www.caple.co.uk 2 An oatmeal coloured sofa and shaggy rug form the basis of this inviting living room scheme, backed up by contrasting, but complementary grey emulsion painted walls, chic silk curtains and polished wooden flooring. Sanderson oatmeal fabric sofa, £899.98, www.furniturechoice.co.uk 3 This bold contemporary dining room in the show home at Story Homes’ Orchard Place development in Appleby, demonstrates perfectly how darker tones (charcoal grey and nearly black) and metallics can be used to punctuate a neutral colour scheme, www.storyhomes.co.uk/developments/ orchard-place 4 This relaxing bedroom scheme is based on tonal variations of warm white and features a beautifully carved wooden bedstead and bedside table for added diversity. Walls painted in Valspar Seed Cathedral matt emulsion, £42.98 for five litres or £26.98 for 2.5 litres from B&Q 5 Neutral colours such as soft white or pale grey will help make a bathroom seem light and brighter, Fairfield 1700mm roll top bath. £995, www. lauraashleybathroomcollection.com

Shedding Light on beautiful interior design 020 8200 5556

interiors@new–id.co.uk www.new-id.co.uk

Show Homes • Private Client • Investment Property Furnishing

50 interiors

For the latest on the property market

Long time coming

Simmer me timbers! When the temperature outside is dropping, nothing warms the cockles of your heart more than hearty soups, stews or pot roasts. Richenda Oldham investigates the energy(and time-) saving world of slow cookers

Stitch in time

@What_House

1 With a generous six-litre capacity, the Tefal Cook4Me Connect Smart Multicooker is a versatile electric one-pot slow cooker that is easy to use and suitable even for people with no cooking experience. At least 100 recipes can be accessed on the free My Cook4Me smartphone app, which can be used to control the cooker via Bluetooth;, £299, www.currys.co.uk 2 Judge’s slow cooker range incorporates three different sized models - 1.5 litre (£30), 3.5 litre (£35) and 5.5 litre (£45) - to suit small, medium and large households. All the cookers are easy to use and feature three heat settings and a removable ceramic inner pot, which can be taken to the table for serving up; www.judgecookware.co.uk 3 The Crock-Pot AutoStir slow cooker features two detachable paddles, which means you can resist the temptation to take the lid off for a quick stir, as the cooker does the job for you at regular intervals. The cooker’s 5.6-litre capacity can cater for five to six people and its digital countdown timer means it switches to keep warm mode until you are ready to eat; £62, www.crockpot.co.uk 4 For stress-free cooking, why not let Prestige’s new 5.5-litre digital slow cooker take the strain? Avoid any meal time preparation rush by using its programmable digital control timer and variable temperature levels; £34.99, www.prestige.co.uk 5 Use Swan’s SF17010N slow cooker to rustle up delicious casseroles, stews, curries and braised dishes. Its 1.5 litre capacity makes it ideal for smaller households and it will even automatically switch to its keep warm function, so food stays at the perfect temperature; £14.99

The exquisite detail of lace has transferred from the catwalk to the world of interiors with some beautiful results. Richenda Oldham says it’s all about getting in touch with your feminine side…

This elegant lacquered side table features an exquisite lace design captured in gold leaf; £2,370, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk

The lovely lacy fretwork on these attractive ceramic tea, coffee and sugar canisters gives them a stylish vintage feel; £24.95 for a set of three lace canisters, www.livelaughlove.co.uk

These dainty lace-patterned tealight holders will look charming on a dining table either indoors or al fresco; £1 for a pack of two holders, www.poundland.co.uk

Create the perfect romantic bedroom with this string of 10 lace-covered LED fairy lights; £14.50, www.melodymaison.co.uk

Make a statement by printing walls, fabric or floors with a lace design using a wooden stamp, around £4, en.dawanda.com

Inspired by delicate Victorian lace, this Parsley Flower wallpaper features a single flower head, layered to create a new pattern; £40, www.in-spaces.com

interiors

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Compact bathrooms need good storage if they are to be kept tidy and uncluttered. Qube modular bathroom furniture in Aragon Flint, double drawer washbasin unit, £545, www.utopiagroup.com

Gloss finishes in light colours add a touch of luxury to any bathroom and are enhanced here by a blade of light along the top and bottom drawer edges. Scheme 800mm wall-mounted vanity unit in gloss calico, £462; mirrored column unit, £410, www.roperrhodes.co.uk

Some en suites can be created with just a simple dividing wall between the bathroom and bedroom. By keeping the flooring the same in both rooms, a fluid seamless look can be achieved. The Roca bathroom range, from £255, available from www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk by Smiths Briten.

Good lighting is an important factor in an en suite bathroom, particularly if there is a lack of natural light. Recessed spotlights and a fun feature light ensure that this bathroom is well lit. Aquamass Modulao Biblio freestanding bath, £13,900, www.cphart.co.uk

Master bedrooms with well-appointed en suite bathrooms are highly sought after and can increase the value of your home – nothing sends a message of luxury more than a freestanding bath or a generous walk-in shower, Bettelux enamelled steel bath with narrow 8mm wide rim, available in three sizes,from £1,773; built-in basin, £842, www.bette.co.uk

Bathing belles Small is definitely beautiful when it comes to en suite bathooms, which can be personal havens just a hop away from your bedroom. They can add value to your home, too, says Richenda Oldham

o thing beats the luxury and convenience of having an en suite bathroom for you to step into from your bedroom. In a busy family home, an en suite will dispense with the need to queue for the main bathroom and they needn’t take up that much space either. An en suite can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish. A basic en suite bathroom needs only a basin, lavatory and shower enclosure, which won’t take up as much room as a bath.

If you want to create a statement bathroom, then why not look at incorporating his and her basins or vanity consoles, a freestanding bath, such as a slipper bath or cast iron bath, a walk-in shower and a lavatory separated from the rest of the room by a partition or wall. If you still have room to spare, then you can even add furniture, such as an armchair or a dressing table. However, in reality most en suites tend to be on the small side, so before you get carried away with extravagant ideas, make sure that you

have measured up correctly and that you ensure the layout is correct before making any final purchases. Look for good space-saving ideas, such as fitted furniture (as opposed to freestanding). Wall-hung units, basins and short projection toilets are a great way of opening up space and will make a room feel larger than it actually is. To avoid clutter always make sure there is plenty of storage, such as wall cabinets, shelves or vanity units. Allowing adequate floor space is critical and when you are planning your layout, remember to make use of

awkward corners and recesses, which can be filled by corner units. It definitely pays to buy the best quality furniture and fittings that you can afford. Nothing looks worse than cheap tarnished brassware and if you are going to use your shower or bath a great deal, then it will pay dividends to get something decent that’s going to last a good few years. Little touches of luxury will make all the difference to a bathroom, so it’s worth investing in items like an LED illuminated mirror with a motion sensor and a demister pad or a soft-

close lavatory seat. Good strong task lighting is a must in a bathroom – spotlights are ideal for this – but remember that there are strict safety regulations that govern which fittings can be used in a bathroom. Unless you are refurbishing your en suite bathroom and replacing existing fittings with new ones, you will need the relevant building regulations approval for your new bathroom, including drainage, electrics and ventilation. Glass will also have to be checked to make sure it meets the necessary safety standards.

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26/02/2016 11:27

54 armchair gardener 1

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Scents of success S

Sweet peas are colourful, smell wonderful and make fantastic summer displays says Richenda Oldham. Best of all, they are easy to grow and will suit all types of gardens

weet Peas must surely be the nation’s favourite flower. Their iconic, colourful blooms make an eye-catching spectacle both in the garden and as cut flowers on display in the home, where their heady fragrance will soon infuse a room with the scents of an English summer. Best of all, they are long flowering and as long as you keep regularly deadheading them, they will keep producing flowers throughout the summer. They come in a huge variety of colours ranging from cool pastel pinks, blues and lilacs to vibrant reds, burgundies and purples and can be grown everywhere from borders and tubs to hanging baskets, trellises or wigwam frames. Sweet peas are as equally at home in a suburban allotment as they are in the gardens of a stately home and are easy to grow from seed, although they can be purchased as plants from garden

centres in the spring. Autumn is the time to plan your sweet pea planting for the following year and you can sow your seeds any time between October until March. You can choose seeds in mixed colours or single colours, which create a striking contrast when planted out with other flowering plants. Sweet peas have long roots, which means you need to plant them in deep containers, such as root trainers, which you can find in most garden centres. Alternatively you can use cardboard loo rolls. Fill the container with a multi-purpose compost, dampen the surface and push the seeds in to a depth of about 1in, one seed per container. Cover with clear polythene or glass, then once the seeds have germinated, remove the covering. The seedlings can then be left over the winter in a cold frame, a cool greenhouse or even just a crate in a sheltered position. Watch out for mice

though, as they love the seeds. The seedlings will do well as long as they are protected from frost. If the seedlings become too tall, you can pinch out the tips to encourage them to grow more side shoots. Sweet peas like sunny spots and the seedlings should be planted out after the final spring frost, about 15-20cm apart. They will need a rich moist soil, so well before you start planting mix rotted manure or compost in to the area you are planning to grow your flowers. You will also need to put your plants’ support frames in position ready for the sweet peas to climb up. Throughout the growing season keep your plants well watered, as dry soil tends to encourage them to go to seed more quickly. It’s also important to keep up to date with deadheading any flowering plants, before they produce any seed pods. Remember, the more you cut the flowers, the longer you will have a plentiful supply of blooms.

1 Sweet peas need support as they grow and can be tied onto canes, wigwams, arches or frames 2 The Oxford Blue variety has magnificent deep blue flowers, www.unwins.co.uk 3 Spencer sweet pea varieties are characterised by their large frilly fragrant blooms, www.potterandrest.co.uk

4 The Cupid Mix Sweet Pea is a compact, semi trailing variety that is ideal for hanging baskets or containers, www.potterandrest.co.uk 5 Continental Mix sweet pea, www.potterandrest.co.uk

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