House & Lifestyle | 260 by House & Lifestyle

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Welcome YOUR FREE LOCAL PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Happy New Year! We hope the festive season was full of sparkle and delights, and you are feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead!

ISSUE #260

If that extra mince pie you snuck onto your plate is still weighing a little heavy on your conscience, don’t despair, isn’t that what new years are for? We learn more about TV presenter Davina McCall’s secret of intermittent fasting, and how it could benefit our lifestyles. Joe Wicks explains why 15 minutes is enough time to change your life, and gives us a few recipes from his new cookbook – as a helping hand towards healthier living. Experts share the biggest bathroom trends with us that are guaranteed to make a splash and keep your bathroom looking good for years to come. For anyone looking to step out the box, we explore the pros and cons of a winter wedding, which if you are willing to risk the weather – could save you money! If you are stepping into 2024 desperately in need of a getaway but

Dining at it's finest.

01202 208 612

www.cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk

only have a shoestring budget, don’t miss our guide to the best affordable British bolt-holes. Cover_260.indd 1

Removals, Storage & Shredding

01202 681397 www.maidmans.com

ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

01202 287857

Blinds, Shutters, Pergolas & Awnings www.broadview.co.uk

We don’t just move your home... Household Removals • Commercial Removals • Storage • Secure Shredding For your FREE quote call: 01202 681397 Email: info@maidmans.com www.maidmans.com Unit 1, 2 Willis Way, Fleets Lane Ind. Estate, Poole, Dorset. BH15 3SS.

ABOUT US

C O N TRI B U TO RS

House & Lifestyle is a monthly magazine with approximately 150,000 readers and available in hundreds of outlets throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Pick up a free copy each month from supermarkets, newsagents, estate agents, theatres, garden centres, shopping centres, health clubs, hotels, train stations, bus stations, bars, clubs, restaurants, garages, doctors surgeries, dentists, cafes, pubs and many other retail outlets. House & Lifestyle magazine is published by GWP Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. The views expressed in House & Lifestyle are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. GWP Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for content and / or advertising copy supplied by third parties.

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J A N UA RY 24

21/12/2023 21:20

Are you looking for the best start for your daughter?

Explore our early years education and care Kindergarten and Reception (Age 3-4) Discovery Sessions Weds 28th Feb, 24th April 9.30am-11.30am

Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Junior School (Age 3-11) Open Morning Thurs 14th March, 9.30am-12pm.

Book your place www.talbotheath.org/openday The TH difference, take a look at what is included in our fees, £65 all day 8-3.30pm. Includes a hot healthy lunch cooked on site and all snacks. Care with ‘tea’ available until 5.30pm at a small extra cost. Flexible hours. Morning / afternoon sessions, choose your own package. • Through school specialising in nurturing girls from Kindergarten to 6th Form • Unique Early Years Curriculum • Qualified EYFS trained teachers • Forest School in our own beautiful woodland • Acres of outdoor space and sports facilities • Indoor swimming pool (timetabled lessons in Reception) • STEAM sessions (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths)

New! Family and Toddler Group, a hive of activity for 0-4 years. talbotheath.org/honeybees

• Access to our state of the art design studio • Access to individual school iPads • Emphasis on reading, library sessions and buddy reading • One to one personalised targets and next steps • Interactive phonics programme from age 3, giving a confident start in Reception • Daily communication with our parents as well as appointments and open sessions • Weekly French and Music sessions • Topic linked trips, transport in our own minibuses

IN THIS ISSUE

32 Inside issue

260

INTRO 8

NEWS The latest news stories

LIFEST YLE 20

TA L B O T H E AT H The future starts here…

INTERIORS 24

CUSTOM MADE Crafting dreams; The art and innovaton of Custom Made furniture

MONOCHROME 9 Ways to mix up your monochrome scheme

CORAL INTERIORS Create your dream home or holiday home in 2024

118 J A N UA RY 24

CONTENTS JANUARY 2024

82 40 INTERIORS 94

SOUTH C OAST STONE Experts in bespoke natural stone projects

FOOD & DRINK HOM E IM PROVEM ENT 90

114

Recipes

UNIQUE TECH SOLUTIONS

120

Is your smart home working against you?

THE LORD BUTE The Lord Bute Hotel and Restaurant in Highcliffe

M OTO RI N G 104

JOE WICKS

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

NEWS

129

By Mark Slack

B E A U T Y B E YO N D NEEDLES The big red reset button 2024

124 104

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

L AT E S T N E W S | JA N UA RY

READ ALL ABOUT IT The latest news stories in your area.

S A F F E RY TOA S T S S U C C E S S : CAS I D H E’ S P R O M OT I O N TO PARTNER CELEB R ATED Partners at Saffery held a drinks reception at Renoufs Wine Bar in Westbourne, for the local professional community, to celebrate Casidhe Baleri’s promotion to Partner. Head

Bournemouth

office,

Roger

Wareham said, “Casidhe is a great example of how Saffery develops and grows our own talent within the business. Casidhe is

G R E AT S U C C E S S F O R D I V E R S E ABILITIES’ GAL A BALL

a fantastic asset to the Partner group and will no doubt play a significant role in the long term future of the Bournemouth office,

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity

generosity not only ensured a fantastic night

enabling us to continue our growth plans

raised an incredible £89,000 at it’s Gala Ball

was had by all, but also empowered us to

whilst importantly maintaining our quality

held at the Lighthouse, Poole last month.

raise £89,000 to support children and adults

excellent client service that our reputation

with disabilities in Dorset.”

has been built upon.”

with a glittering drinks reception, generously

The evening also included a live auction,

Casidhe commented, “A huge thank you to

sponsored by Dolphin Centre, followed by

and the opportunity to win great prizes

everyone here this evening. I could never

a night of fine dining, games and live music

throughout the night.

have imagined when I walked through the

The event had a magical under the sea theme,

from Jodie Elms and Funky Dumpty.

Saffery door, 12 years ago, that I would Mark Aitchison, Chief Executive of Colten

have made a partner! I have a brilliant team

This year’s Gala Ball, held at the Lighthouse

Care, said: “We are proud and privileged

around me.”

was an unforgettable glamourous night for

to support Diverse Abilities and its vital

all attendees, and would not be possible

services for children and adults with

without the support of sponsors: Franses

disabilities and their families. Colten Care

Jewellers, Colten Care, Freo Wellbeing,

was delighted to play a part in making

Dolphin Centre, and Forelle Estates.

this event extra special for everyone who attended.”

Mariana Swain, events executive at Diverse Abilities, commented: “We extend our

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk to find out more

heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors,

about the charity supports children and

whose unwavering support enabled us

adults with physical and learning disabilities

to create an extraordinary evening. Their

through a range of services.

DIVERSE ABILITIES

SAFFERY LLP

www.diverseabilities.org.uk

www.saffery.com.

J A N UA RY 24

J A N UA RY | L AT E S T N E W S

WINK WORTH WESTBOURNE L AUNCH ST U N N I N G N E W C LI FF TO P D E V ELO PM EN T

NEW YEAR, NEW K I T C H E N AT K I T C H E N H O U S E LT D Want to kickstart 2024 with a free bottle of wine? Let the team at Kitchen House wish you a very Happy New Year! Here at Kitchen House we want to show the amazing value in our “German Made” kitchen furniture, so for a limited time in January we are offering an exclusive deal to the House & Lifestyle readers. Bring into the showroom a competitor’s quote for a comparison, where you can see for yourself the difference in quality and design, and earn yourself a free bottle of wine to take home and enjoy! Get in touch with us on 01202 546546 or sales@kitchenhouse.co.uk, and pay us a visit at 116-118 Castle Lane West, BH9 3JUwe can’t wait to create your new kitchen!

Sonnet, 5 West Cliff Gardens

The open day will be Saturday 13th January T&Cs for offer apply.

between 10 am and 2 pm. Please contact Winkworth Westbourne will be holding

Winkworth Westbourne on 01202 767633

an open day to celebrate the launch

to register your interest.

this

stunning

brand-new

seafront

development on the West Cliff. Built by award-winning local developers AJC Group and occupying one of the premier spots on the West Cliff, the all of the two and three bedroom apartments enjoy uninterrupted panoramic

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When you want an award winning agent in Westbourne... CALL 01202 767633 TO BOOK YOUR FREE MARKET APPRAISAL

2022 - 2023

LETTING AGENT IN BOURNEMOUTH

LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH WEST

(BH2-4)

Proud to have over 430 positive Google reviews

4.9 «««««

(DORSET)

for every step...

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

L AT E S T N E W S | JA N UA RY

ENHANCED IT SUPPORTING BOO C H A R I T Y I N K E N YA Enhanced IT Director, Simon White has recently returned from a trip to Kenya supporting Boo Charity, of which he is Chairman. The aim of Boo is to empower, support and help African children who are disadvantaged through economic poverty. Projects include the provision of food, shelter, healthcare, education, life-skills and emotional support. The overriding principle and ethos of Boo is to provide children with care, whilst nurturing and developing opportunities to lift them from poverty so that they no longer

GOADSBY ASSIST LE WIS-MAN NIN G HOSPIC E C A R E W I T H T H E I R R E TA I L E X PA N S I O N

need to rely on charity. The volunteer led charity’s mantra is ‘to give opportunity, not

Goadsby’s Retail Department are pleased to

and

charity’, creating sustainable solutions that

have recently been involved with assisting

market, I hope we have been able to secure

contribute to the long-term well-being of the

local charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

sites that will be strategically beneficial to

communities it serves.

in expanding their network of shops across

the success of Lewis-Manning’s fundraising

the region.

for the foreseeable future.”

Charity supporters, during which they

Lewis Manning Hospice Care is a charity,

Su said, “We developed our retail strategy

return to view first-hand the ongoing charity

providing end-of-life care and support to

to cement the retail position by acquiring

projects, progress being made and to assess

patients and their families with life-limiting

new shops so we can reach more people,

additional fundraising focuses needed.

illnesses. Revenue from its charity shops

grow the profile of the charity and our retail

play a big part in helping to deliver a range

presence within the Dorset communities in

of support services to patients.

which we serve.

the UK in time for our annual Boo Charity

Edd Watts, Manager of Goadsby’s Retail

“Edd at Goadsby has become integral to

Ball which took place at AFC Bournemouth,

Department, has worked alongside the

our acquisitions team, helping us to grow

attended by many of our Dorset supporters.

charity in recent years to help double their

the chain to nine shops, with plans to open

A fun event at which we raised over £18,000”

existing network, with new shops opening

another four shops over the next two years.

in Swanage, Poole, Winton and Ringwood,

We are extremely grateful to Edd for all of

with further openings in the pipeline.

his property expertise and commitment to

connections

within

the

property

The trip to Kenya is made annually by Boo

Simon comments, “It’s definitely been a successful trip this year, returning back to

Anyone wishing to learn more about the

the charity.”

charity or to offer their support is urged to

visit

www.boo-charity.org.uk

enquiries@boo-charity.org.uk

Edd has worked closely with Su Newcombe, the charities Retail Director in identifying

Su concluded, “If you are planning to

key locations for the charities expansion

declutter this Christmas, you can donate

in the region, either through Goadsby’s

your preloved things to us at one of your

existing landlord portfolio or by sourcing

local shops https://lewis-manning.org.uk/

new premises through his contacts within

shops/ and help to provide extraordinary

the property sector.

hospice care in your community.”

Edd Watts, commented: “It has been a

To find out more about Lewis-Manning

pleasure to work with Su and the team at

Hospice Care and ways to get involved, visit

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care over the last

www.lewis-manning.org.uk/

couple of years. With our local knowledge BOO CHARIT Y

LEWIS - MANNING HOSPICE CARE

www.boo-charity.org.uk

www.lewis-manning.org.uk

J A N UA RY 24

J A N UA RY | L AT E S T N E W S

M A R W E L L W I L D L I F E C E L E B R AT E S C O N S E R VAT I O N S U C C E S S Marwell Wildlife is today celebrating after

WAZA Conservation Award 2023 for its

long-term conservation efforts have helped

tireless efforts to re-establish scimitar-

bring the scimitar-horned oryx back from

horned oryx back in their habitats in Tunisia.

the brink of extinction.

S H O OTI N G C O M PE TITI O N TO R AISE MONE Y FOR DISABILIT Y CHARIT Y Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity,

Marwell has worked with the species since

is hosting a brand-new event to raise

The species was declared Extinct in the Wild

the zoo opened in 1972 and along with

money to provide support for children and

in 2000 but has today been downlisted to

Edinburgh Zoo, donated the first group

adults with disabilities across Dorset. The

Endangered in the IUCN Red List thanks to

of oryx to the pioneering reintroduction

new event will be a Shooting Day held at

conservation efforts from partners around

programme to Bou Hedma National Park

Purbeck Shooting School near Wareham.

the world, including Marwell Wildlife.

in Tunisia in 1985. Since then, Marwell has

Once

common

across

North

Africa,

co-managed reintroduction projects to a

The event, held on Sunday, January 28 will

further three protected areas in Tunisia.

see teams compete for first place, guided

scimitar-horned oryx disappeared from the

by a team of experts.

wild by the end of the 1990s due to over-

Since 2011, Marwell has its own expert

hunting and prolonged droughts.

team based in Tunisia, who work with local

Mariana Swain, events executive at Diverse

communities to give local park rangers,

Abilities, commented: “This is a great team

After extinction across its global range, the

vets and students the skills, knowledge and

building activity to get involved in right at

scimitar-horned oryx is now re-established

resources they need to ensure threatened

the beginning of the year. Even if you’ve

in the wild and its fate has been reversed.

species have a much brighter future.

never been shooting before, there are a

Marwell Wildlife, which today manages the

To find out more about Marwell Wildlife and

day to help and guide you. You might even

WAZA International Studbook for scimitar-

to support the charity, go to marwell.org.uk

discover a hidden talent!”

team of experts on hand throughout the

horned oryx, was awarded the prestigious Teams of four can enter for £380, to compete over six stands to find out who takes home the trophy. There is a shotgun start ay 10am, and there will be elevenses, mulled cider, and cake, as well as lunch provided. Money raised by the teams will help to provide vital support at the charity. Established in 1995, Purbeck Shooting School has grown to one of the finest sporting clay facilities in the UK with some outstanding topography and mixed vegetation. Find out more and sign up at diverseabilities. org.uk/shootingday. MARWELL ZOO

DIVERSE ABILITIES

www.marwell.org.uk

www.diverseabilities.org.uk

Holiday lets made easy. Pricing ranges from 18-24% for a fully managed service of your rental income depending on the circumstances of your property. Call us on 01202 287351. Guest support • Cleaning • 24/7 Check-in • Maintenance & repairs • Perfect pictures

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

R E TA I L T H E R A P Y | G A R D E N I N G

05 Retail therapy

GARDENING

06 10

07 09 08

01 | IVYLINE Outdoor Pot Plant Support Bronze H64cm D26cm, £34.99 ~ 02 | IVYLINE Outdoor Wired Plant Protector Zinc H48cm W36cm, £34.99 ~ 03 | THE RANGE Garden Trading Aldsworth Wooden Plant Stand, £100 ~ 04 | NATIONAL TRUST Children’s Grow Your Own Bucket, Tomatoes, £6 ~ 05 | IVYLINE Outdoor Honeycomb Trellis H84cm W62cm, £59.99 ~ 06 | DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE Classic 4 Tier GroZone, £49.99 ~ 07 | IVYLINE Outdoor Matlock Metal Window Box, £39.99 ~ 08 | HOMESENSE Kneeler, £12.99 ~ 09 | NATIONAL TRUST Burgon and Ball Oak leaf gloves, moss, £18 ~ 10 | THE RANGE Caledonian Rectangular Bed, £157.99

J A N UA RY 24

ED RV SE RE

SONNET

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% 70

R AL

ESTD

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OPEN DAY ON SATURDAY 13 TH JANUARY, 10 AM – 2 PM

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PRICES FROM £555,000

Winkworth Westbourne 01202 767633 winkworth.co.uk/westbourne | westbourne@winkworth.co.uk

2022 - 2023

2023

LETTING AGENT IN BOURNEMOUTH

LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH WEST

ESTATE AGENT IN BOURNEMOUTH

(BH2-4)

(DORSET)

(BH2-4)

Buying-to-let and managing your rental investment It has been yet another incredibly busy year for Winkworth and we look back over 2023 as to how the lettings market has stood up to the ever changing political and financial situations we have faced during the last twelve months and the effects this has had on the private rented sector. It is safe to say that there is still a huge shortage of homes available for tenants to rent and this problem seems to be increasing year on year. The demand throughout 2023 has been unprecedented and the simple fact of the matter is that there just are not enough homes available on the rental market for the ever increasing demand facing the private rental sector. This lack of supply, coupled with the additional costs landlords have been facing, continued to underpin the price growth which saw our average rent increase by circa 10% in 2023. It is estimated that rental prices will continue to rise throughout 2023 and there seems to be no current solution to deal with the shortage of rental properties. 2023 has once again seen a stark absence of measures to incentivise existing or potential landlords to invest in the private rental sector and the previous initiatives introduced by the government have pushed many landlords into selling the properties they owned as it is just no longer financially viable for them to keep them.

The aggressive clampdown on the private rented sector over recent years has had the exact opposite effect of what was intended to help tenants and has done nothing more than worsen the problem of lack of supply and rapidly increasing rents. Many of the measures the Government introduced were designed to benefit tenants and were arguably necessary in some instances however, rather than provide support to landlords to enable these measures to put be into place, yet further regulation was introduced increasing landlord’s costs even more.

Ben Jesty, Director

With the rapid increase in interest rates throughout 2023, the initiatives such as the controversial removal of the landlord’s ability to deduct the legitimate expense of mortgage interest against tax has hit harder than ever. The impact on landlords in many cases has been that their investments are actually losing money and the knock on effect has been landlords increasing the rent to recoup some costs thus squeezing tenants finances to breaking point. In 2020, the government announced they were planning on huge changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The proposals outlined were that private rented properties would need to have an EPC rating of C or more by 2025 on new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies. Whilst we all need to be making efforts to move towards more energy efficient

homes, this initiative was simply not financially possible for many Landlords and would have resulted in yet more exiting the sector. Thankfully for Landlords, during the latter part of 2023, the government have since done a u-turn on this for time being. THE RENTERS REFORM BILL Another initiative being introduced to protect tenants which has hugely divided opinion across the sector is the Renters Reform Bill. The bill is currently going through the lengthy parliamentary process before becoming law. 5 of the key points covered in the bill are: 1) Section 21 “no fault” evictions to be abolished Landlords will only be able to evict a tenant under reasonable circumstances however, in October 2023, the government surprisingly announced that the abolition of the Section 21 would only occur when “sufficient progress has been made to improve the courts.” 2) A single system of periodic tenancies The government’s ambition here is to simplify the existing tenancy structures. Assured Shorthold Tenancies for a fixed term of say 6 or 12 months will move onto a single system of periodic tenancies. Effectively this means all tenancies will instead be on a month my month rolling tenancy with no specified end date. The tenant will be required to give a landlord 2 months’ notice whereas landlords would only be able to evict a tenant under “reasonable” circumstances. 3) Notice periods for rent increases to be doubled The minimum notice landlords must provide of any change in rent will be increased to two months and rent increases will be limited to once per year.

4) Tenants given more rights to keep pets in properties Tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet in their home and landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent. A landlord must accept or refuse consent by the 42nd day after the date of the request. This can be extended by a week if a landlord asks for further information. Tenants will have to demonstrate that they have acquired insurance for their pet or that they are willing to pay the landlord reasonable costs to cover the landlord’s insurance in case of pet damage. 5) A new ombudsman covering all private landlords Landlords will be required to join a governmentapproved ombudsman. This will be regardless as to whether they use a letting agent or let the property themselves. The key points highlighted above will not be particularly detrimental to the majority of landlords and whilst many have been panicking as to the consequences of the bill, in my opinion, as long as the issues with the backlogs and red tape in the courts are resolved, the bill itself will not affect the average landlord. The Government seems to be missing the fact that the main objective of many of the initiatives they introduced, were to protect tenants and reduce their costs however, by penalising landlords, it is in fact costing tenants more in the long run and is reducing their ability to find a suitable home. They need to understand the huge importance of the private rented sector and that the vast majority of landlords offer excellent homes and treat their tenants incredibly well. They need stop penalising the good landlords for the small minority of rogue landlords who take advantage of tenants.

This aside, we have seen our portfolio of properties increase by 10% throughout 2023, bucking the trend both locally and nationally. This is mainly down to Landlords who have been looking after the rental of their property themselves, recognising the importance of having a professional deal with the management of their investment which in the long run, protects their interests and maximises their investment. At Winkworth, we work with our existing Landlords and buyers who are looking to purchase their first buy to let investment, or perhaps add to their portfolio in order to advise them on every aspect of the letting process. This ensures they can provision both now but also as new legislation and potential costs are introduced. We are constantly assessing market trends and work closely with our Landlords to ensure that the rent being achieved is both realistic enough to attract tenants but optimistic enough to maximise their investment. We minimise costly void periods for our landlords through constant contact with the tenants throughout the course of the tenancy enabling us to pre-empt when a property is likely to be available thus allowing us to line up new tenants through our large client database. Furthermore, much of the legislation and regulations surrounding letting a property, revolve around the health and safety of your tenant and should a Landlord fail to comply, there are both financial and even criminal penalties if they are not adhered to. Many landlords who manage their own properties rather than using a letting agent, are completely unaware of much of the legislation, leaving themselves wide open to potential costly problems. Over recent years, as the private rental sector grew rapidly and as a result, many new letting agencies entered the market-place in an attempt to take advantage of this growing business.

The UK needs more landlords as the demand is predicted to continue as almost 50% of all people aged 25 – 34 are currently paying rent to a private Landlord and the trend of over 60’s renting is continuing to rapidly increase with predictions that by 2040, over one third of this age group will also be renting.

The private rental sector is still somewhat unregulated and is therefore left open to abuse by small, financially unstable firms holding large sums of money. Although there are many schemes in place to regulate Lettings Agencies, few of them are compulsory, leaving clients who use these firms unprotected should the worst happen.

I am all for the government introducing initiatives to help tenants but these initiatives need to be imaginative and benefit both landlord and tenant to discourage good landlords offering quality homes from exiting the market and to encourage new landlords into the private rented sector.

There have been yet more documented cases recently both locally and nationally where lettings agencies have closed and both Landlords and Tenants monies have been stolen by rogue agents, some of which have involved large sums of money which have been unrecoverable.

...over 60’s renting is continuing to rapidly increase with predictions that by 2040, over one third of this age group will also be renting.

Proud to have over 430 positive Google reviews

Winkworth Westbourne 01202 767633 winkworth.co.uk/westbourne | westbourne@winkworth.co.uk

Excellent services received from Alex and William. Both of them are very professional, friendly and efficient. Their fees are very competitive and good value for money. Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a professional and responsive letting services in the area.

 Excellent service provided by Winkworth Westbourne, I cannot speak highly enough of them. My sale was extremely complicated for various reasons, the agent I worked with had the patience of a saint and couldn’t have been more helpful.

 Great all round job, getting me a quick sale at my asking price with minimal fuss. Friendly and professional service by Will and Rob from start to finish. Will definitely use Winkworth and especially these guys again in the future.



It may sometimes seem attractive to use Lettings Agencies who offer reduced fees and offers that appear to be extremely competitive; who wouldn’t want to get the best deal. However, it is extremely important to use a firm that voluntarily registers with the relevant regulatory bodies in order to protect your money and ensure that you are receiving the best advice by qualified members of staff. Winkworth Management are voluntary members of ARLA, NAEA and SafeAgent to name a few and have been established as a Letting Agency in Bournemouth, Poole, Southbourne, Ferndown, Wimborne and the surrounding areas for over twenty five years and look after the letting of over 600 properties. We have ARLA qualified staff and an in-house compliance department headed by Hugh Dunsmore-Hardy, a former president of the National Association of Estate Agents. This ensures that all of our staff are up to date with regards to the latest legislation, new regulations and industry best practice. Our client accounts are regularly audited and we adhere to a strict code of conduct with regards to our client money protection scheme which protects our Landlords and Tenants money against dishonesty. Should you be considering letting your property, are not entirely happy with the service you are receiving form your current letting agent or perhaps considering purchasing a buy-to-let property, please contact Winkworth to discuss the services we can offer on 01202 767313 or email bjesty@winkworth.co.uk The demand throughout 2023 has been unprecedented and the simple fact of the matter is that there just are not enough homes available on the rental market

4.9 

2022 - 2023

2023

LETTING AGENT IN BOURNEMOUTH

LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH WEST

ESTATE AGENT IN BOURNEMOUTH

(BH2-4)

(DORSET)

(BH2-4)

WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US SUPPORTING FAMILIES through separation, divorce and relationship breakdown. Contact us today to speak to one of our local experts:

contact@duttongregory.co.uk 01202 315005 Video conference appointments available

41823

www.duttongregory.co.uk

, uary Jan ine!* e in f w quot tle o g a e bot Brin fre get a

Finance Options! N OW AVAILAB LE

Designers & Suppliers of the “WOW” factor since 1987 01202 546 546

sales@kitchenhouse.co.uk | www.kitchenhouse.co.uk 116-118 Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH9 3JU (only 1 mile from Castlepoint) *Bring into the showroom a competitor’s quote for a comparison before 31st January 2024, and earn yourself a free bottle of wine to take home and enjoy!

SEEING IS BELIEVING

We create beautiful CGI’s for some of the best property projects on the South-coast. We’d love to hear about yours.

ARC ARCHITECTURE

PATHWAY DEVELOPMENTS

FORMAL PROPERTY GROUP

JUNO DEVELOPMENTS

make-believe.co

BRANKSOME PARK | £725,000

CREEKMOOR | £330,000

UPTON | £489,950

ASHLEY CROSS | £225,000

NEW INSTRUCTION! A beautifully presented 4 double bedroom, 3 bathroom end town house, set over 3 floors with carport and southerly facing garden. Comprising kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances, lounge with patio doors out to the garden. Conveniently located less than a mile to Westbourne and Branksome Chine Beach.

NEW INSTRUCTION! A 3 double bedroom semi detached home with garage, good size garden and off road parking. The home is vacant and sold with no forward chain with an opportunity for personalisation and some updating. The house has a spacious lounge/ dining room, separate kitchen, family bathroom, gas central heating and double glazing. SOLE AGENT!

Set at the end of a private road is this 3 fabulous bedroom, 2 bathroom, 3 reception room bungalow with wrap around garden and parking. Spacious lounge, kitchen/ dining room, reception room 3, and summer house with one side used as a workshop/ storage and the other as a ‘den’ and off road parking for 3 cars to the front.

An immaculately presented 2 double bedroom second floor purpose built apartment comprising of a entrance hall, south facing lounge, a fitted kitchen/ breakfast room with space for table and chairs, and a modern shower room. The property has double glazing, electric heating, entry phone system, and communal parking. SOLE AGENT!

WALLISDOWN | £350,000

TOWN CENTRE | £165,000

OLD TOWN POOLE | £465,000

POOLE PARK | £199,950

A 2 double bedroom 1930’s bungalow with a delightful kitchen/breakfast room, lounge with bay window, wonderful garden,set in a quiet road. The property offers to include stripped wooden doors, wood effect flooring, modern kitchen, new fully tiled bathroom, gas central heating, double glazing and off road parking for 2 cars. SOLE AGENT!

A ground floor one bedroom flat with own private entrance, a modern kitchen, en suite shower room, gas central heating and double glazing, parking space and use of a communal outside space. Set within a few hundred metres of the town centre and sold with no forward chain. SOLE AGENT!

Set in Old Town Poole moments from the Quay is this well presented townhouse with garage, driveway providing parking for 2 cars and lovely private rear garden. Accommodation includes kitchen/breakfast room, spacious lounge/dining room, 3 bedrooms, with a modern bathroom and is sold vacant, with no forward chain. SOLE AGENT!

NEW INSRUCTION! A stunning one bedroom 2nd floor apartment with use of a duplex residents’ gym and fabulous roof terrace in this contemporary development built in 2021. Set opposite Poole Park and ½ a mile from Ashley Cross, this apartment also includes kitchen, sitting area, contemporary shower room, parking space (with charging points) electric heating via slimline radiators and double glazing. SOLE AGENT!

ALDERNEY | £285,000

UPTON | £270,000

POOLE QUARTER | £230,000

POOLE PARK | £650,000

NEW INSTRUCTION! A very well presented 2 double bedroom semi detached house with new kitchen and shower room, new internal décor, garage, large car port, southerly facing garden and off road parking. Excellent outdoor covered space, ideal as an enclosed work area and utility/storage room. SOLE AGENT!

Set in a quiet cul de sac in Upton is this well presented 2 bedroom mid terrace home with good size lounge, modern kitchen, bathroom, fully enclosed garden, and private parking bay. Gas central heating, double glazing, allocated parking bay and further option for off road parking to the front. SOLE AGENT!

A well presented, second floor apartment comprising of two double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen/living room with a west facing balcony. Secure underground parking accessed via a passenger lift and all within 500 metres of Poole Town Centre and the Harbour. SOLE AGENT!

NEW INSTRUCTION! A fabulous 6th floor 2 bedroom 2 shower room, 1217sq ft apartment, with breathtaking views out over Poole Park and the harbour beyond from the 41’1” balcony. This apartment really is superb and commands an outstanding position of this simply beautiful development which was completed in 2017.

01202 377377 | poole@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com | 18 - 20 Parkstone Road, Poole

H O U S E & L I F E S T Y L E | TA L B OT H E AT H

The future starts here… Talbot Heath is a leading independent through school in Dorset that offers girls aged 3-18 an outstanding education within a strong and supportive community.

It was Bill Gates who said that the first five

‘Making the most of every opportunity’

years have so much to do with how the next

At Talbot Heath, developing confidence,

eighty turn out. At Talbot Heath we believe

resilience, perseverance through a broad

in the importance of strong educational

and rich curriculum is at the heart of what

foundations

collaboration

we do. Expert, dedicated and caring

with parents so that a holistic, consistent

practitioners deliver phonics, numeracy,

approach is fostered which ensures each

PE (including swimming), Modern Foreign

Our weekly Forest School sessions give

child’s social, emotional, cognitive and

Languages, music, art and design enabling

plenty of opportunity to be learner focused;

physical needs are met. So in a fast changing

our children to explore, play and initiate

assessing risk, making decisions, working

world full of increasing challenges, how do

their learning. Trips to local shops, parks and

collaboratively and being independent…

we prepare our children for the future?

libraries embed learning in real experiences.

and most essentially, having plenty of

and

muddy fun! ‘Keeping it real in a virtual world’ We appreciate that being digitally proficient is a vital element of growing up for today’s children. The ability to understand and use technology safely and responsibly starts at a young age here at Talbot Heath. Our pupils have access to a 1:1 school ipad to use as a tool to enhance and enrich their learning. Alongside this by using our woodland campus, our children understand and appreciate

the

importance

their

environment, their place within it and how to be sustainable. Whether it be growing vegetables, playing

with friends in the

secret garden or reading a book in the sunshine, we make sure that our pupils get the real childhood they deserve.

C O N TAC T

WEBSITE

ADDRESS

JUNIOR 01202 763360

www.talbotheath.org

Rothesay Rd, Talbot Woods,

SENIOR 01202 761881

J A N UA RY 24

Bournemouth BH4 9NJ

Talbot Heath Independent School for Girls aged 3-18

TR UNLO OF UE CK TH YO UR VA E PR L OP U ER E TY

LETTING MANAGEMENT & CO-HOSTING TRIPADVISOR • AIRBNB • VRBO

HOLIDAY LETTING INCOME FROM

£250 UP TO £3,500 PER WEEK! 01202 437 888 | www.bournecoast.co.uk

Not just any fire...

opening times Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm Saturday: By Appointment Sunday: Closed

location #10 Avon Trading Park Reid Street, Christchurch Dorset, bh23 2bt

free parking available

a superior fire

Knightwood LED Electric Fire

ga s f i r e s | e le c t ric fir es | stov es | f ir eplaces www.superiorfires.co.uk | 01202 588632

I N T E R I O R S | C U STO M M A D E

Crafting dreams; The art and innovaton of Custom Made furniture For over 20 years, Custom Made Furniture has been one of the area’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury fitted furniture. They create high-quality fitted furniture and complimentary free standing units for anywhere in your home; bedrooms, walk-in dressing rooms, vanity areas, bathrooms, home offices, living spaces, kitchens, utilities, under-stair storage, the list is endless!

BEDROOM STORAGE

From

£1,800

pieces offer an unrivalled build quality, with exquisite designs that make the most of your available space. No matter the size or style of your home, Custom Made’s master craftsmen will work Beautiful Fitted Bedroom Furniture

with you to bring your perfect bedroom

Your bedroom isn’t just for sleeping. It is

to life, whether you prefer contemporary

the sanctuary you retire to after a long

or classic, sleek or rustic, or anything

day, offering a space to recover, relax, and

in between.

escape away from the stress of everyday life.

“We can create different designs bedroom truly yours. Gone are the massmanufactured wardrobes, bedside tables, to suit any budget.” and storage boxes of old – their handcrafted At Custom Made they design bespoke fitted furniture that lets you make your

J A N UA RY 24

C U STO M M A D E | I N T E R I O R S

Bespoke Storage Solutions Whether

you’re

looking

organise

your belongings or display a valued collection, under-stair storage offers the perfect solution. It makes the most of an underutilised space, whilst allowing you to hide away belongings to create a more harmonious home! Sturdily built and elegantly designed, they are made-to-measure therefore fit neatly under your stairs and designed to blend seamlessly into your decor. Both practical and chic, they work cohesively with your other furniture for a unified appearance. Book a FREE Consultation Custom Made take pride and care in every project they do. Every item of furniture they create is handcrafted at their workshop in Poole by their Master Craftsmen using only the finest materials and techniques. To book your free design consultation with the team, call today on 01202 737555. Visit their showroom at Chalwyn Estate, Old Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4PE Storage has a reputation for being clunky

UNDER-STAIR STORAGE

and unsightly, but it doesn’t have to be. TV

From £1,200

www.custom-made-furniture.com

units, DVD storage solutions, shelving units, and corner units can all be designed to fit into your living room. Designed to complement existing decor, Custom Made furniture comes in virtually limitless styles and finishes, and is carefully

Living Space Design

fitted to make the best use of the space

Your living room is where you socialise, play,

available. Modern or traditional, bold or

and unwind; a place you can be yourself.

understated - their traditional craftsmen

Custom-made furniture units will enhance

will create fitted or freestanding pieces to

your living space, transforming it into a cosy

suit any aesthetic. They will work with you to

and functional area, that perfectly aligns

design pieces that reflect your personality

with your interior design preferences, whilst

and style, ensuring every aspect is in line

providing ample storage options.

with your expectations.

C O N TAC T

SHOWROOM

01202 737 555

Chalwyn Estate, Old Wareham

custom-made-furniture.com

Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4PE

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

Planning Permission? Been there, done that, got the t-shirts • Site appraisals • Pre-application negotiations • Planning applications and appeals • Certificates of lawfulness • Changes of use • Planning Enforcement matters • Development Plan representations / site promotion

KenParke P L A N N I N G C O N S U LTA N T S

Anniversary House, 23 Abbott Road, Bournemouth BH9 1EU 01202 538800 | info@kppcltd.co.uk | kenparkeplanning.com

Chartered Town Planners

NEW LIFT PACKAGES | REMOTE LIFT MONITORING REPAIR & MODERNISATION | LIFT MAINTENANCE

When you have a project and a need for a lift, look no further than Bourne Lifts, a leader in Bespoke Lift Installations, Repairs, Maintenance & Removal. Operating from our new offices at 408 Wimborne Road East, Wimborne offering quality Italian made high spec elevators. Our installations speak for themselves.

We look forward to exceeding your expectations CALL US ON 01202 582923 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

HONESTY, COMMITMENT AND QUALITY BESPOKE LIFT INSTALLATION, ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE 07808 813804 | 01202 582923 matt@bournelifts.co.uk www.bournelifts.co.uk 408 WIMBORNE RD E, WIMBORNE BH22 9ND

insanity is (deﬁned)

Doing the same thing and expecting a different result!

New year, new agent? Make 2024 your year to be hands off! A good letting agent is worth every penny when you know you can sleep peacefully at night. MOVE ON IS A MULTI AWARD WINNING AGENCY SINCE 2006.

01202 711169 | sharon@moveon.biz | www.moveonsalesandlettings.co.uk

Book your free valuation at lewis-manning.org.uk/house-clearance

Registered Charity No. 1120193

Book your free valuation at lewis-manning.org.uk/house-clearance

Specialists in house clearance and recycling and we are here to help you!

THE HOUSE CLEARANCE SHOP

01202 119310 house.clearance@lewis-manning.org.uk

THE SHOP THE HOUSE HOUSE CLEARANCE CLEARANCE SHOP 01202 119310 house.clearance@lewis-manning.org.uk

Specialists clearance Specialists in Specialists in house house clearance clearance and we are and recycling recycling and we and recycling we are are here you! here to here to help help you! you!

Registered Charity No. 1120193 Registered Charity No. 1120193 Registered Charity No. 1120193

01202119310 119310 01202 01202 119310 house.clearance@lewis-manning.org.uk house.clearance@lewis-manning.org.uk house.clearance@lewis-manning.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1120193

Book your Book valuation at Book your free free valuation valuation at at lewis-manning.org.uk/house-clearance lewis-manning.org.uk/house-clearance lewis-manning.org.uk/house-clearance

ISSUE 260 | HOUSE & LIFEST YLE

The Simplicity of a Basket

Last month I talked about clearing clutter from your home. When I create schemes for client’s homes, I always consider the amount of storage they need to suit their lifestyle. This month I wanted to share a ‘quick fix’ to an instantly tidy living room! As a busy, working mum with a young child; keeping the day to day miscellaneous bits tidy, is a challenge. However these stylish baskets have saved me!

Sold in various shapes and sizes they can easily be stashed under a console table or in an alcove to hide a multitude of sins buy still look stylish.

Whether it be toys, magazines, paperwork, shoes or throws.

Give us a call or pop into store in Burley to discuss your requirements.

T. 01425 293430

M. 07939 590876

| www.rpscreativeinteriors.com

Rock, Paper, Scissors Creative Interiors 4a Garden Rd, Burley, Hampshire BH24 4EA

New Year, New Home Offer Extended 10% Off Conveyancing Fees Until 31st January! Get a personalised estimate in just a few clicks with our Conveyancing Estimate Tool

hklaw.uk A Bournemouth T 01202 421111 E bournemouth@hklaw.uk A Dorchester

T 01305 251007 E dorchester@hklaw.uk

T&Cs apply – go to hklaw.uk

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

INTERIORS | MONOCHROME

Ways to mix up your monochrome scheme 01

Effortless and stylish, those varying tones have a powerful way of expressing themselves, says Sam Wylie-Harris. When it comes to duality in design, there isn’t a black or white answer as to why a monochrome scheme works so well in the world of interiors – it just does. The foundation for a minimalist style, there’s a sense of simplicity if you favour subtlety over drama, especially with varying tones of grey – or you can go bold with a stark black and white statement-making contrast. Either way, it’s no surprise this timeless classic is easy to update with modish pieces and decorative accessories. Here’s how to strike the right balance for visual impact… 01. LIGHT AND DARK If you’re updating your bedding, grey is the go-between for light and dark – and an instant refresh layered with white; plus a few lush ferns to help filter toxins. This charcoal

J A N UA RY 24

MONOCHROME | INTERIORS

grey set is made from stonewashed French linen with natural breathability and prewashed for softness. Charcoal Grey Bedtime Bundle, Duvet Cover, Sheets and Pillowcases, from £177, (was £263), Piglet in Bed | Piglet in Bed/PA 02. A TOUCH OF GREEN While the beauty of monochrome is all about styling your décor around a palette of black and white, every canvas needs a little colour… namely greenery. These bud vases are perfect for freshly cut foliage, olive stems and eucalyptus. Monochrome Bud Vase Trio, £13.99, The Wisteria Tree | The Wisteria Tree/PA 03. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Whether it’s an Americano or cortado, your favourite coffee will taste that much better in one of these striking mugs. George Cream & Black Spot Decal Mug – Set of 4, £10, Direct.asda | Direct.asda/PA

02 04

03 04. STATEMENT CUSHION When a

comes

statement

scatter

soft

furnishings,

cushion

with

sophisticated silhouette will enhance a plain sofa or armchair – and make it look and feel more luxe. ‘La Femme’ Screen Printed Cushion – Black, £59, Bon Bon Fistral | Bon Bon Fistral/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

INTERIORS | MONOCHROME

05. CHIC AESTHETIC Graphic art prints are super effective when

it comes to creating a chic monochromatic aesthetic – especially if you group them in different shapes and sizes. After all, there’s a reason why photographers still shoot in black and white; somehow everything looks more striking – and graphic. Palm Leaf Print, Black & White Palm Tree Photograph, from £49; Monochrome Coast, Black & White Beach Painting, from £59; Land Rover Defender Beach at Dawn, Black & White Photography, from £49; Surfer, Black & White Photography, from £49; Vintage Star Shell, Black & White, Shell Art Print, from £59; Framed, Beach House Art | | Beach House Art/PA 06. CURVACEOUS APPEAL If you’re bookending a bureau or sofa with side tables, these donut lamps lend interest with their curvaceous shape – and you can always style the white on one side and black on the other. Small Donut Lamps, £10 each, B&M in-store | B and M/PA

07. FLUID LINE These cool candles come with a concrete holder for a fluid line and look great grouped together. Available in Lime, Basil & Mandarin, Tobacco & Oak, Sandalwood & Black Pepper Amber Noir, Curious Rose, and Cherished Leather, we’d love to add all these fragrances to our scented stash.

06 07 J A N UA RY 24

Concrete & Wax Candles, from left: Large Candle and Holder Set, Grey, £55, Slim Candle and Holder Set, White, £38, Mid Candle and Holder Set, Black, £45, Concrete & Wax | Concrete and Wax/PA

MONOCHROME | INTERIORS

08. ADD DIMENSION

No monochrome scheme is complete without an accent chair, especially when you want to add interest with wicker, texture and timber. With sweeping arms, cane panel, deep seat and black finish, this piece will add visual interest and dimension to a neutral scheme. Borneo Black Wicker Chair with Boucle Latte Cushion, £224.99 (was £299.99), Desser | Desser/PA 09. WONDER WALL When you want to beautify your living space, this face line art print solves the decorating dilemma of how to create a wonder wall tailored to your exact spec. Made to order, you can always start with one panel and then really go to town when you realise your monochromatic muse is a huge hit. Moxie Abstract Face Art Wallpaper Mural, £25.95 per square metre | WallpaperMural/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

WE CREATE UNIQUE SPACES Studio 30 Interiors is a creative kitchen and multi-room design studio located in New Milton, Hampshire. We design and deliver luxurious and stylish kitchens and interiors for every room in your home. Our in-house team work collaboratively with you to design, supply and install beautiful interiors, from stunning designer kitchens, open plan living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms and more. We are proud to partner with many leading European brands including Dunavox, who offer a large collection of Wine Coolers, ranging from those with the capacity to store small, personal collections, to apparatus equipped to provide the necessary climate for larger collections (pictured above), available to see in our showroom.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Studio 30 Interiors, Unit 1 Parkland Place, Old Milton Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6DJ 01425 209900 | contact@studio30interiors.com

www.studio30interiors.com

SCAN ME to book an appointment

INVITING SOCIAL MOMENTS Kaelo Single Bottle Wine Cooler (pictured below) keeps your wine at its opening temperature so that every glass, of every bottle, is perfectly chilled. Kaelo easily integrates into any new or existing surface of your choice, perfectly pairing with your kitchen island or home bar. No trips to the fridge, no lukewarm sips. No stopping the flow of conversation around yours.

SECRET INGREDIENT Whether you are cooking or preparing meals, entertaining guests or relaxing with your children, Novy breathes life into the kitchen. Their silent and highly efficient cooker hoods and extraction models guarantee an ideal environment in which to live, work and play (pictured above)! *WINTER SALE: Subject to a minimum spend. Offer ends 31.01.24. Terms & conditions apply.

HOUSE & LIFEST YLE | ISSUE 260

THE RECIPE FOR A PERFECT LETTING AGENT/LANDLORD RELATIONSHIP INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

A ton of knowledge A bowlful of Can Do Attitude A cup of Problem Solving Half a cup of Empathy A pinch of Humour A scale full of Transparency And a dusting of Patience

Hope my toys are packed...

ADD A GOOD LANDLORD...

The new garden better be big!

AND FLEUR LETTINGS

CALL TODAY ON 01202 001080 TO BE PART OF A GREAT MIX!

We don’t just move your home...

fleurlettings.net

Household Removals • Commercial Removals • Storage • Secure Shredding For your FREE quote call: 01202 681397 Email: info@maidmans.com www.maidmans.com Unit 1, 2 Willis Way, Fleets Lane Ind. Estate, Poole, Dorset. BH15 3SS.

We don’t just move your home... Household Removals • Storage Commercial Removals • Secure Shredding

Household Removals • Commercial Removals • Storage • Secure Shredding For your FREE quote call: 01202 681397 Email: info@maidmans.com www.maidmans.com

THE BEST MORTGAGE Unit 1, 2 Willis Way, Fleets Lane Ind. Estate, ADVISORS ON THE PLANET! Poole, Dorset. BH15 3SS. MRS S. - NEW FOREST

For your FREE quote call 01202 681397 www.maidmans.com

I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your relentless hard work – I thought it was going to be impossible at one or two points but you did it and I cannot thank you enough! You all went way beyond your scope to make sure this happened – and quite simply you are the best mortgage advisors on the planet!

Email. info@maidmans.com Unit 1, 2 Willis Way, Fleets Lane Ind. Estate, Poole, Dorset BH15 3SS

CALL US TODAY ON 01202 874100

J A N UA RY 24

T R AV E L | C O SY C OT TAG E S

of the cosiest cottages for a winter escape in the UK

Ready to snuggle up in front of the fire? These cosy retreats from new book British Cabins and Hideaways could be just the ticket. Snuggling up in front of a fire is the ideal way to spend a winter weekend – especially after days spent hiking over craggy cliffs or through thick forests. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to find wilderness or a cosy place to rest; both are right here under our noses. Photographer Holly Farrier has scoured the Cornish coast, Scottish Highlands and Welsh countryside to find the best and most beautiful huts, holiday homes and cottages for switching off. Taken from her new book, British Cabins and Hideaways, these words and images are guaranteed to spark a warm glow.

RIGHT Kudhva cabins | Hollie Farrier/PA

FA R R I G H T Waterfall Cabin | Hollie Farrier/PA

J A N UA RY 24

C O SY C OT TAG E S | T R AV E L

Unique treetop camping pods Kudhva, Tintagel, Cornwall Perched peculiarly above the trees like the abandoned spaceships of some technologically advanced alien race, this quartet of two-person cabins is unique to say the least. Part of Kudhva’s self-labelled ‘landscape hotel’, the treehouse-like structures offer a dramatically different way to camp in the wild. Providing the feeling of sleeping in a tent while being infinitely more interesting (and lofty), their huge windows look out across a lush woodland canopy or the beautiful Cornish coast. As you’d expect of a regular campsite, the shower and cooking facilities are communal and located a short walk away, but that’s all part of the Kudhva experience, which feels like something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Great if you’re looking for somewhere a little (or a lot) different. HOW: Two-night stays for two from £200. Visit kudhva.com LEFT Kudhva cabins | Hollie Farrier/PA

Storybook sanctuary on the Welsh border Waterfall Cabin, Cambrian Mountains, Wales If it’s full-on fairy tale magic you’re after, head to this enchanting off-grid hideaway, whose setting is so idyllic you half expect a community of anthropomorphic mice to emerge from tiny doors in the trees. Positioned within the 1,000-acre Hafod Estate, this filmic stilted cabin offers everything you could possibly need for a romantic getaway, with a wood-fired outdoor hot tub, inviting hayloft bed and a suspended stargazing net where you can make like the Welsh and cwtch (that’s cuddle) under a twinkling sky. All stays last for three or four nights, giving you ample time to sample the local pottery’s throwing lessons, the nearby pubs and spectacular hikes around the estate, though if you’d prefer to spend the duration enjoying a lack of obligations, phone signal and other humans…well, it’s perfect for that too. HOW: From £160 per night (sleeps two). Visit kiphideaways.com

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

T R AV E L | C O SY C OT TAG E S

Tiny cabin with impressive eco credentials Architect’s Hut, Dorset This striking cabin’s contemporary facade and trendlend Scandi interior somehow perfectly complements its ancient, unspoilt surroundings, as befits its ecofriendly design, which aims to make sure that the beautiful countryside remains unspoilt. Ideal for weekend sequestration, this retreat comes surprisingly well-equipped for its size, with built-in furniture to maximise space and a focus on minimising the carbon footprint as much as the physical one. A super king-size bed, top-of-the-range waterless toilet and restaurantgrade pizza oven (with ingredients provided by a local pizzeria) elevate the experience to the point that you could happily stay on site for your entire trip, though the proximity to novelist Thomas Hardy’s house and the nearby vineyard’s tours and tastings might be enough to tempt you from hiding. HOW: From £115 per night (sleeps two). Visit kiphideaways.com

A B OV E & L E F T Architect’s Hut | Hollie Farrier/PA

R I G H T ( T O P) Trees at Tughall | Hollie Farrier/PA

RIGHT (BOT TOM) Eagle Brae cabins | Hollie Farrier/PA

J A N UA RY 24

C O SY C OT TAG E S | T R AV E L

Understated cabins with natural connection Trees at Tughall, Northumberland With their wooden construction, ancient woodland location, and powerful connection with the everchanging surroundings thanks to their huge viewframing windows, it’s not hard to see why the owners of this handsome trio of cabins named them after trees. All identical – though with diverse views – and all following Tughall’s guiding principle of distraction-free luxury, these two-person retreats offer everything you could need from a country escape and absolutely nothing you don’t, being gloriously free from clutter both inside and out. Magnificently remote, located on a working farm an hour north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and on the edge of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cabins Ash, Hawthorn and Willow all offer a superb base from which to explore England’s northernmost county with its dramatic coastlines and magnificent fortresses. HOW: From £310 per night (sleeps two). Visit treesattughall.com British Cabins and Hideaways by Holly Farrier is published by Hoxton Mini Press, £22.95. Available now. Words by Sarah Marshall, PA

Classic log cabins in a theatrical Highland setting Eagle Brae, Struy, Scotland Contemplating a Highland fling? This handsome collection of ten rustic log cabins is perfectly placed for an authentic Scottish getaway, immersed in 8,000 acres of rugged scenery close to both Inverness and Loch Ness and with traditional designs that are crafted entirely by hand – down to their chunky tree-trunk frames. Cabins sleep two to six guests, making them as great for couples’ retreats as they are family holidays or mates’ escapes, but the capacious Loxia, Aquila and Buteo cabins are particularly suited to groups (boasting mezzanine log beds that are ideal for kids), as well as a peaceful pond-side location. In addition to daily visits from the resident deer, guests can expect surroundsound birdsong and cinematic scenery, with bountiful on-site outdoor pursuits to choose from. The real McCoy of Highland holidays – kilt optional. HOW: A seven-night stay for two from £1,518. Visit eaglebrae.co.uk

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

Happy New Year! 2024! Many thanks to all the clients who supported, and had faith in us, to help them move, making us the No1 agent in Westbourne and surrounding area. Brown & Kay, 134 Office 2, 110 Office 3, 94 Office 4, 58 Office 5, 56

1st

out of 153 offices

Office 6, 52 Office 7, 52 Office 8, 49 Office 9, 44 Office 10, 40

Others (141), 1134

Office 11, 38 Office 12, 38

If you are thinking of selling this year, talk to us on the phone, via email or better still visit our branch in Westbourne, we would love to see you! Data is derived purely from Rightmove.co.uk’s internal statistics and advertisers on 19/12/2023. Sales agreed report for the following postcodes: BH2 5 | BH2 6 | BH14 9 | BH10 4 | BH12 1 | BH12 2 | BH12 4 | BH12 5 | BH1 1 | BH1 2 | BH1 3 | BH1 4 | BH4 8 | BH4 9 | BH3 7 | BH13 6 | BH13 7. Date: 01/01/2023 - 18/12/2023

Call Brown & Kay today Poole 01202 676 292 | Westbourne 01202 765 995

www.brownandkay.co.uk

SO LD

SO LD SO LD

We are so happy to have helped over 130 families move into their new rental homes this year! Mandy, Kim and Rachel are proud to continue to offer a more personal service for all our landlords and tenants so that we can continue to help clients across the BCP area in 2024.

Don’t just take our word for it...

Brown and Kay, in particular Kim and Rachel have been nothing short of outstanding throughout our move. “ Genuinely friendly and helpful and no ask is too big! They have been transparent and have gone above expectation every step of the way. I thoroughly recommend Brown and Kay for lettings!

«««««

”

have engaged with Brown and Kay to find a house. The whole team is very helpful, especially Kim “ Ifrom the letting team. Whole process of renting a new house was very smooth and very fast! ” ««««« Have rented through Brown and Kay for a couple of years now and have loved renting through them. Always efficient, “ excellent communication and genuine feelings that they care about your situation. Rachel and Kim are wonderful at their jobs and have made a recently difficult time so much easier. Would definitely recommend!

«««««

”

We have some exciting new year offers for all properties instructed to let in January 2024 so please contact Kim on 01202 765995 / kim@brownandkay.co.uk to discuss your investment!

Call Brown & Kay today Poole 01202 676 292 | Westbourne 01202 765 995

www.brownandkay.co.uk

Homes that reflect Homes that reflect Homes that reflect Homes that refl ect your personality your personality your personality. personality your

Affordable new builds, property Affordable new builds, property Affordable new builds, builds, property Affordable new property refurbishment, remodelling and extensions refurbishment, and extensions refurbishment,remodelling remodelling and extensions. refurbishment, remodelling and extensions

Your vision is our vision. We’ll be with you every step Yourvision visionisisour our vision. We’ll be every step ofof the way as as of the way as we build youryou dreams into reality. Your vision. We’ll bewith with you every step the way

Your vision is our vision. We’ll be with you every step of the way as we build your dreams into reality. we your dreams dreamsinto intoreality. reality. we build build your

M: 07774 759576 | 07980 564494

E: info@hiprojects.co.uk

M: 07774 559576WWW.HIHOMES.CO.UK | 07980 564494 E: info@hiprojects.co.uk M: 07774 559576 | 07980 564494 E: info@hiprojects.co.uk

M: 07774 559576 | 07980 564494 E: info@hiprojects.co.uk WWW.HIHOMES.CO.UK WWW.HIHOMES.CO.UK

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LIFEST YLE | WINTER WEDDING

The pros and cons of a winter wedding, from finances to flowers The pros and cons of a winter wedding, from finances to flowers Traditionally, wedding season runs from May to September, with the sunny summer months usually seen as the optimal time to tie the knot. Other couples choose to buck the trend and get married in winter, with a spike in weddings around Christmas time.

There’s no right or wrong, of course, but holding a ceremony in winter can help you save money, and you won’t be competing with the thousands of other couples vying for in-demand vendors and venues. There are some risks to consider – not least the weather – before deciding on an off-peak Big Day. We asked experts to discuss the main pros and cons of winter weddings…

PROS Cheaper than summer With the cost-of-living crisis continuing, keeping costs down is a major motivator for many couples. “Winter is a quieter season for many wedding pros, so providing you’re not choosing a date that ties into the Christmas or New Year bank holidays, you can make some serious savings as there is less competition for the dates,” says Zoe Burke, leading wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk.

J A N UA RY 24

WINTER WEDDING | LIFEST YLE

An indoor wedding could also be more cost-effective, says Matthew Shaw, founder and creative director of Sauveur: “You will primarily be looking at venues that can host everything inside which removes the requirement for a marquee and the logistics that come with it.” Venue hire is likely to be the biggest cost factor, but you could benefit from lower prices for things like caterers and photographers. “Many wedding vendors offer discounts for their services during the winter months,” says Jess Martin, wedding expert at party supplies company Ginger Ray. “You might be able to secure catering and other services originally out of budget in the summer months, helping to keep the costs down.” Cosier atmosphere Sometimes, summer weddings can all blur into one, but a cosy, Christmassy event feels special and unique. “Winter weddings have a vibe that you just cannot replicate in the summer,” says Burke.

A B OV E Couple on wedding day next to icy water | Alamy/PA

LEFT Couple on wedding day with snowy backdrop | Alamy/PA

RIGHT Winter wedding reception decorations | Alamy/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

LIFEST YLE | WINTER WEDDING

“It gets dark earlier so everyone tends to be inside

“This isn’t guaranteed of course – and depending on

together, often with lots of glowing candlelight, and the

your venue location, might be more of a con than a pro,”

colour schemes have a more decadent feel – rich berry

says Burke. “But imagine how wonderful your wedding

tones, velvets and warm metallics.”

photos will be if you have a backdrop of beautiful snow. Just make sure you plan accordingly!”

And you can plan a sumptuous menu to match: “Warming, filling meals, with mulled wine, hot chocolate

Festive decorations

and other gorgeous treats that just don’t work when it’s

A November or December wedding means you can

bright and sunny outside.”

incorporate festive decorations on your Big Day. “Many venues already have Christmas decorations for the

Shaw says: “Winter fashion is also a fantastic wedding

season which is a bonus,” says Martin. “Bring in elements

dress code. Think black tie, furs, and warm winter colours.”

like twinkling lights, candles, seasonal foliage and darker colours for a gorgeous winter decor scheme.”

Plus, there’s less chance of guests having ‘wedding fatigue’ following multiple nuptials during peak season,

Burke adds: “I’ve even heard of cases where the first

Martin says: “Having a winter wedding, especially one

couple to get married at a venue when the decorations

after Christmas, will be such an exciting occasion for

are due to go up get to choose the colour scheme. It

your guests to look forward to.”

doesn’t hurt to ask!”

It might snow If you’re really lucky – or choose the right overseas

A B OV E

destination – you might have the ultimate white wedding

Winter wedding table setting | Alamy/PA

with snowflakes cascading down.

J A N UA RY 24

WINTER WEDDING | LIFEST YLE

CONS Unreliable weather The primary reason why most couples aren’t keen on winter weddings is, of course, the weather. “Winter weather can be unpredictable, leading to potential challenges for travel and the venue,” says Martin. “Storms and wintery weather conditions may disrupt plans and require extra organisation to make the venue suitable, like umbrellas and blankets, while some venue options, like marquees, might not be suitable.” Plus, there’s the lack of natural light during the shorter days, she continues: “This could impact the timing of your events on the day, so ensure you have created an action plan with all your vendors that takes daylight hours into consideration.” Shaw says it’s important to visit your venue once the

Guests might be strapped for cash

sun’s set: “Venues can look very different when flooded

As well as your own wedding costs, you might want to

with daylight to after-dark and you’ll want to make sure

consider guests’ budgets, especially if they’ll need to

you’ve seen this.”

travel far or accommodation options are limited. “Budgets can be spread quite thin around Christmas which might mean your guests are on a tighter budget around your wedding than they would be in the summer,” Burke says. Similarly, you might be competing with festive events: “People’s diaries fill up with parties and family obligations, so I’d recommend getting save the dates out early.” Limited floral options “Winter is not the peak season for many flowers, which may limit your choices if you want floral arrangements as part of your decorations,” Martin says, but there are other alternatives. “This could mean you have to pay more to import the flowers or you have to choose a seasonal option that is more readily available – this isn’t to say it would be any less beautiful though.” Words by Katie Wright, PA Fashion and Beauty Editor

A B OV E & L E F T Couple on wedding day with snowy backdrop | Alamy/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

R E TA I L T H E R A P Y | W E D D I N G I N S P I R AT I O N

01 04

Retail therapy WEDDING I N S P I R AT I O N

01 | MONSOON Alexa beaded bridal dress ivory, £750 ~ 02 | MATALAN Matalan Menswear - Suiting ~ 03 | THE GLUTTONOUS GARDENER The Confetti Growbar £12.95 ~ 04 | HOBBYCRAFT Washed Brown Wicker Basket with Handles, 31cm, £7 ~ 05 | MONSOON Satin corsage bag, £50 ~ 06 | MONSOON Flower beaded hair band, £25 ~ 07 | THE GLUTTONOUS GARDENER Something Blue Friday Wedding Keepsake, £23 ~ 08 | HOBBYCRAFT Wooden Post Box ,48cm, £15 ~ 09 | HOBBYCRAFT Decorative White Twig Tree, 76cm £16 ~ 10 | GETTING PERSONAL Personalised Wooden Wedding Hanger, £12.99 ~ 11 | HOBBYCRAFT Mini White Wooden Crate, 24cm x 16cm x 10cm, £5.50 ~ 12 | GETTING PERSONAL Personalised Soundwave First Dance Print, £27.99

J A N UA RY 24

SALES - LETTINGS - LAND TOWN • COUNTRY • WATERSIDE • EQUESTRIAN • PLANNING

Blandford Forum £495,000

Isle Of Wight, Cowes £1,000,000

Ferndown Guide price £700,000

Planning granted for 14 dwellings | Key location on outskirts of Cowes | Close to local amenities | Planning Ref 20/02229/OUT

Four/five bedroom detached family home | Double garage with electric doors | Landscaped garden with BBQ Kitchen and Pizza oven | Luxury Porcelonsa bathroom

West Parley, Ferndown £400,000

Blandford St Mary £280,000

Branksome Park, Poole, £2,500,000

Poole £599,950

Corfe Mullen Wimborne £485,000

Lytchett Matravers £1,500,000

Stunning large family home | Semi Rural location | Large grounds with Equestrian Potential/planning permission has been granted for four stables | Beautiful far reaching valley views | Completely refurbished throughout

Ferndown £599,950

Blandford Forum £835,000

Ferndown £1,000,000

Impressive detached two double bedroom Bungalow on substantial corner plot

Six/seven bedroom detached house | Self-contained one bedroom annexe | Feature kitchen/dining /family room with bi fold doors | Landscaped enclosed garden with private access on to local nature reserve

01202 877 123

www.stqpropertygroup.co.uk

info@stqpropertygroup.co.uk

14 Victoria Road Ferndown Dorset BH22 9HZ Registered in England & Wales • Company Registration Number: 08902607

SALES - LETTINGS - LAND TOWN • COUNTRY • WATERSIDE • EQUESTRIAN • PLANNING

Lychett Matravers, Poole £1,350,000

West Parley £985,000

Moreton, Dorchester £1,650,000

Ferndown £525,000

Ower, Romsey £875,000

A beautiful well established country pub and gardens | Stunning setting in the heart of Dorset with own pub walk | Offered for the first time in 32 years due to retirement | Next to busy campsite offering exceptional summer trade | 4/5 bedroom extensive accommodation on the first floor

Stunning lakeside residence | 3 well stocked fishing lakes | Plot of approx. 6 acres | Two-bedroom, twobathroom property Abundance of wildlife and species | Development potential subject to permission

01202 877 123

www.stqpropertygroup.co.uk

info@stqpropertygroup.co.uk

14 Victoria Road Ferndown Dorset BH22 9HZ Registered in England & Wales • Company Registration Number: 08902607

B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E | S TA L L I O N P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T

Chatting with Ross Stallion Thinking of going down the holiday let route? We chat with Ross, a seasoned expert from Stallion Property Management. Ross brings a wealth of knowledge on optimising holiday lettings in Dorset, with a focus on maximising rental income through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

How can Stallion Property Management help property owners in Dorset and Hampshire

maximise

rental

income

through holiday letting on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com? At Stallion Property Management we think outside of the box, we make your property stand out from the rest giving you a larger piece of the holiday booking cake, and the

We use professional staging and photos

best thing about it is we live in an area that

to showcase each property ensuring

Today, he’ll share valuable insights into the

millions of people want to visit every year so

strategies Stallion Property Management

its a win win situation!

employs

boost

property

visibility,

bookings provide

and

ultimately

end-to-end

profit.

management,

including providing our own linen during

manage guest turnovers seamlessly, and

What sets your company apart in terms

changeovers, ensuring properties are well-

ensure property owners enjoy a stress-

of managing holiday let properties in

maintained and ready for the next guest

free experience. Get ready to uncover tips

Dorset & Hampshire?

– enhancing the overall guest experience

and tricks for successful holiday lettings as

Ross answers key questions about Stallion

paramount. Each landlord and property

Property

believe

that

communication

and less headache for the owners!

has its own WhatsApp group with our

How do you handle the process of guest

full-service property management in the

team so communicating with us is a

turnover for holiday let properties?

vibrant landscape of Dorset and Hampshire.

breeze and issues dealt with immediately.

Our team takes care of everything from

Management’s

approach

cleaning and restocking essentials to promptly

addressing

guest

inquiries,

these come through as push notifications between our team, this means all enquires from guests are dealt with within 3 minutes of receiving them. Cleanliness is the key with any changeover so its extremely important to make sure our properties are looking showroom ready for the next guests arrival. Can you elaborate on the marketing strategies

employed

increase

property visibility on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com? We place our properties on three of the main platforms - Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo. As we are lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place, from April to September our properties are almost fully occupied. The key is keeping those properties full

J A N UA RY 24

S TA L L I O N P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T | B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E

during the winter months, for these we use other platforms targeting workers and contractors who may be coming to the area for work and need short-term lets. Every property is monitored and we always adjust our prices in accordance with the demand. Keep in mind we also educate our guests on different things they can do and see in the area giving their stay a more personal touch to ensure the booking. Can property owners customise the level of service they receive? Absolutely, some of our landlords like to be a bit more involved than others and have access to not only the calendars but also the messaging service so they can see all communication between ourselves and the guests. The great thing about this is the landlord can always block dates out in the calendar if they wish to use the property for

In what ways do you handle unexpected

themselves or even friends and family. Then

issues that may arise during a guest’s

some landlords just want us to deal with

stay?

everything and don’t want the stress and

The guests can contact us 24 hours a day

hassle of running a holiday let, everybody’s

seven days a week, we recently had a guest

different, which is why we tailor make our

who was flooded from the flat above them

service to our clients needs.

during their stay and this happened at two in the morning! Our team were there straight away and ended up putting them into another property whilst we dealt with the leak and help them move their belongings. These things happen and guests can get stressed so staying calm and friendly is key to ensuring everyones stay is a positive one, no matter what incidents may occur. Google reviews from our owners and our What’s the overall goal of Stallion

guest reviews on platforms such as Airbnb

Property Management when it comes to

and booking.com to see that the proof is

holiday letting in Dorset and Hampshire?

in the pudding! If you’re thinking of going

Our goal is to alleviate the burden on

down holiday let route or even having

property owners, maximise their rental

somebody help manage your current

income, and ultimately create a seamless

holiday let feel free to give us a call, even

and positive experience for both property

if you just want some advice or help to

owners and guests. We take pride in our

manage your own property, we will be

delivery and you only have to look at our

happy to help!

C O N TAC T

ADDRESS

WEBSITE

01202 287351

303 Holdenhurst Road,

stallionpropertymanagement.co.uk

contact@stallionpm.co.uk

Bournemouth, BH8 8BX

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

BRAND NEW BREAKFAST SHOW HAS LAUNCHED Karl Davies AND THE NEW PRESENTER HAS BEEN

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T R AV E L | B U D G E T H OT E L S

These are the best affordable British bolt-holes Book a UK break on a shoestring at one of the best value hotels recommended by editors of the new Good Hotel Guide. Who doesn’t love a bargain? Discovering a hotel that punches far beyond its price tag is an exhilarating experience and a relief for your wallet too. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options scattered across the UK – if you know where to look. Editors of the new Good Hotel Guide, now live online, scour the country for excellent hotels, inns and B&B for different budgets – and are always happy to reward those that are are impressively inexpensive. Willing to share their secrets with the rest of us, they’ve Cnapan, Newport, Pembrokeshire

cherry-picked some of the best.

New arrivals are greeted with tea and Welsh cakes at Judith and Michael Cooper’s pink-washed Georgian house B&B in a coastal town overlooked by Carningli (Mountain of Angels). There are five newly renovated bedrooms, one with an adjoining single bedroom to suit a family. They hold a licence, so guests can enjoy a drink in the sitting room or sunny back garden. A home-cooked breakfast includes such choices as a full Welsh, full veggie, kippers, or chickpea and apricot patties, vegan sausage, grilled tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms. This is a relaxing home-from-home, an ideal base for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and your hosts can advise on where to dine. HOW: B&B doubles from £100, singles from £80, family room (sleeps 3) from £120. Visit cnapan.co.uk

J A N UA RY 24

B U D G E T H OT E L S | T R AV E L

Burleigh Court, Brimscombe, Gloucestershire Four-star comforts rarely come at a more tempting rate than at this Cotswold stone Georgian manor house, remodelled by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, on threeacre grounds overlooking the Golden Valley. Bedrooms range from ‘cosy’ (not poky), supplied with tea, coffee, biscuits and organic toiletries, to one with a four-poster. You can eat very reasonably from a daytime grazing menu in the bar from Wednesday to Saturday, but you won’t need a second mortgage for lunch or dinner in the atmospheric panelled dining room, where a locally sourced menu includes such dishes as duo of Middle White pork with apple and gooseberry ketchup, and risotto primavera with micro-herbs from the garden. Right now, last-minute bookings get a 33% discount on dinner, bed and breakfast. HOW: B&B doubles from £149 (room only, £139), à la carte £49. Visit burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk The Barnsdale, Oakham, Rutland A tree-lined avenue leads to this stylishly revamped 17thcentury former hunting lodge minutes from Rutland Water, where a snug, colourful, boutique-style ‘classic’ double room will cost well under £130 with continental breakfast if you book directly and in advance. That’s cheaper than many B&Bs, and with all hotel facilities thrown in. They offer a three-course set lunch for just £25 and a £12 children’s menu, but, if you prefer to freestyle,

LEFT Brooks guesthouse | Good Hotel Guide/PA

A B OV E Burleigh Court | Good Hotel Guide/PA

RIGHT The Barnsdale | Good Hotel Guide/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

T R AV E L | B U D G E T H OT E L S

LEFT The Dial House | Good Hotel Guide/PA

BELOW Newbegin House | Good Hotel Guide/PA

RIGHT A bedroom in The Three Daggers | Good Hotel Guide/PA

the à la carte menu in 1760 Brasserie won’t break the bank, while lighter bites are available from noon to 5pm in the Rod Room, Orangery and Courtyard. HOW: B&B doubles from £129.50, à la carte £45. Visit barnsdalerutland.com The Dial House, Reepham, Norfolk From a Parisian garret to an Italian palazzo, rooms at this exuberantly quirky hotel are a celebration of the Georgian Grand Tour. Natural History has owl-adorned wallpaper, a cabinet of coastal curiosities, and doors to a private decked terrace. The Print Room’s walls, yellow as Norwich’s famous mustard, are hung with a collection of prints and engravings. The hotel, a former brewery, was recently acquired by bakery chain Bread Source, and no change is planned for the unique accommodation. A café is scheduled following restaurant refurbishment, and you can still get your hair bobbed by Shailey or Tanya at the onsite Country Salon – a snip at around £33. HOW: B&B doubles from £130. Visit thedialhouse.org.uk

J A N UA RY 24

B U D G E T H OT E L S | T R AV E L

Newbegin House, Beverley, Yorkshire

The Three Daggers, Edington, Wiltshire

On a quiet street just steps from the centre of an East

With a microbrewery, farm shop, wellness barn, hot tub

Yorkshire market town, Walter and Nuala Sweeney’s

and sauna, this rural inn in a historic village under the

Georgian townhouse B&B has the ambience of

north slope of Salisbury Plain is a good base for a visit

a characterful family home, filled with antiques,

to Stonehenge and Avebury stone circle or a drive to

photographs, books and knick-knacks, in keeping with the

Longleat. The 18th-century former Paulet Arms, rescued

building’s history and original features. A double-length

from closure in 2009, has three immaculate letting

family room has walls lined with books, marble fireplaces,

rooms with a nice traditional feel, and excellent group

a deep sofa and plump armchair – even a wooden rocking

accommodation in self-catering properties. This is a

horse. Extras include fresh milk, sherry and flowers from

proper local with above-average modern British, locally

the walled garden with its ponds and waterfall. Breakfast

sourced farm-to-fork fare, where dishes such as duck

is a feast, whether you fancy an omelette, smoked salmon

breast with plums and red wine jus sit alongside the

or a full Yorkshire. You sense that the Sweeneys do this

likes of haddock and chips and plant-based options.

very much for love, and for very little money. They clearly

On summer days you can eat wood-fired pizzas

don’t like to brag so you won’t learn much from their

in the sunshine.

website – visit the Guide’s to know more. HOW: Double/twin from £95, á la carte £37. Visit HOW: B&B doubles from £110, singles from £80. Visit

threedaggers.co.uk

newbeginhousebbbeverley.co.uk

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

T R AV E L | B U D G E T H OT E L S

Brooks Guesthouse, Bristol At the heart of the old town, this former office block and one-time backpackers’ hostel was born again in 2009 as a smart guesthouse that is gentle on the wallet. The recently refurbished bedrooms have tongueand-groove panelling and Cole & Son wallpaper, and a compact travertine-tiled bathroom with a power shower. More novel are the shiny Airstream-style retro caravans, each with 5ft bed and eco shower, on the Astroturf-covered roof. At street level there’s a paved courtyard, an honesty bar, and an open-plan living area where you can enjoy an excellent locally sourced breakfast (free for students when their family stay). The bars and restaurants of Wapping Wharf are a stroll away, or you can graze on street food in St Nick’s Market opposite. HOW: B&aB doubles from £104, singles from £90, caravans from £120. Visit brooksguesthousebristol.com

Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire If dogs mind their Ps and Qs, they not only stay for free but receive a welcome pack at this 18th-century hotel, built from the ruins of the Bishop of Hereford’s castle, in a hilltop town with the Welsh Marches a mile from the door. There are stunning views of hills from many of the individually styled bedrooms and the south-facing dining terrace. Superior pub grub is served in bar areas and the dining room from a varied and daily-changing menu, while Sunday roasts, including a vegetarian version, are just £16.95. HOW: B&B doubles from £130, singles from £110, à la carte £36. Visit thecastlehotelbishopscastle.co.uk To learn more about these and other hotels for all purses and purposes, visit goodhotelguide.com Words by Sarah Marshall, PA

A B OV E Brooks guesthouse | Good Hotel Guide/PA

LEFT Castle Hotel | Good Hotel Guide/PA

J A N UA RY 24

BLOCK MANAG EMEN T • LET T IN G S

Hawthorn House, 1 Lowther Gardens, Bournemouth, BH8 8NF Block Management 01202 391663 | Lettings 01202 553335

www.burnshamilton.co.uk

ASK THE EXPERT

When it comes to marketing your business House & Lifestyle magazine can help. Call 01202 287165.

A R E YO U S E L F MANAGIN G?

A R E YO U S E L F MANAGIN G? YOUR FREE LOCAL PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE #257

Up until recently, one of my personal properties was being

let as an Airbnb, but having been part of that venture for

4 or so years, I decided to go back to offering it as a long

term rental. My main reason was because the rental side

has seen such a dramatic increase in prices that it almost

matches the same as the Airbnb income, without the

hassle of cleaners not being clean enough (or not turning

up,) gardening and other issues that can happen. Now,

with my long-term tenant, I have all the bills covered and

they are responsible for the gardening!

In the last few months, we have noticed an increase

with self- managing landlords coming to us to take over

the management of normal rentals. These landlords

have successfully looked after their property/ies for

years, but they simply wanted to take a step back from

the legislations and continuous red tape, where just

innocently not being01202 aware of one thing could land them 681397

innocently not being aware of one thing could land them

Dining at it's finest.

01202 208 612

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T H E FA C T S

insurance and be fined £300, he could shoplift and be

fined £200, but be late with any legislative paperwork

could be between £6000 and £30,000. Let’s not forget

£95

any non-EU resident that has their permit not renewed

per month. could Advertise land you withfrom £10,000 per tenant!

could land you with £10,000 per tenant!

At Move On we confidently say ‘we take away the stress

and strains from landlords to give them more time and design.

and strains from landlords to give them more time and

peace of mind!’ This could not be truer with today’s ever

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H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

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ISSUE 260 | HOUSE & LIFEST YLE

CALLING ALL LANDLORDS! DO YOU HAVE A PROPERTY AVAILABLE TO RENT? Quality Residential’s experienced and specialist team are ready and waiting to help you maximise your rental income. Why choose Quality Residential?

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y | FA S T I N G

Davina McCall says intermittent fasting is her secret – what is it? The former Big Brother presenter says she used to snack all evening.

TV presenter Davina McCall has spoken out about why she started doing intermittent fasting. In an interview with Women’s Health UK, the 56-year-old, who recently hosted ITV1 and ITVX dating show My Mum, Your Dad, said she doesn’t eat any food between 8pm and 10:30am. “I used to snack all evening and didn’t see anything wrong with it as I was reaching for healthy foods, such as carrots and hummus… Since putting a cut-off point on my eating, I crave (snacks) so much less and wake up feeling better,” McCall told the magazine. So, what exactly is intermittent fasting and what do people need to know about it? What is intermittent fasting? Instead of just focusing on what you eat, intermittent fasting encourages people to think about when you eat. The idea is, you only eat during a specific time period, the theory being that this gives your body a break from digesting food – without depriving yourself. It’s often said that intermittent fasting mimics the traditional eating patterns of our ancestors, who would have to fast because of lack of food availability until they had hunted or foraged for it.

J A N UA RY 24

FA S T I N G | H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

What are the different types of

The study found that weight loss wasn’t

intermittent fasting?

dramatic but that people were more able to

People are advised to speak to their doctor

stick to the plan consistently – compared to

before trying intermittent fasting, because

calorie counting.

some fasts could be more taxing on the body than others.

Research published by the University of Glasgow, Teeside University and the

There is an 16/8 plan, where people only eat

Independent Public Health Consultant in 2018

during an eight-hour window but fast for

suggested intermittent ‘energy restriction’

remaining 16 hours (which includes night-

may be an effective strategy for the treatment

time). For example, eating between 10am

of overweight and obese adults – and more

to 6pm, and then drink water, milk, tea or

effective than not doing anything.

coffee for the remaining time. Fans of intermittent fasting claim they feel Some people, like McCall, opt for a longer

various benefits, from a boost in memory

eating window of 10 or 10.5 hours.

and cognitive function, to improve blood pressure and weight management. But

Another method is known as the 5:2 diet –

negative side effects have been reported

only consuming 500 to 600 calories for two

too,

days each week, and then eating a normal,

headaches and nausea.

including

insomnia,

irritability,

balanced diet on the other days. Some people say they find fasting for alternate

It’s also important to note that intermittent

days useful, but this is more extreme and

fasting isn’t recommended for everyone,

may not be safe for many people.

including if you are pregnant, have type 1 diabetes or have a history of disordered

What are the pros and cons?

eating. Anyone with pre-existing medical

A recent study by the University of Illinois

conditions should consult their GP before

Chicago found intermittent fasting is ‘as

making any major changes to their diet.

effective as counting calories’ – when limiting food to a eight hour window.

Words by Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA

A B OV E Davina McCall | Ian West/PA

LEFT Girl with a glass of water | Alamy/PA

FA R L E F T Davina McCall | John Stillwell/PA

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HOUSE & LIFEST YLE | ISSUE 260

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I N T E R I O R S | B AT H R O O M S

Bathroom trends guaranteed to make a splash Revamping your wash space with some wow factor is a win-win, says Sam Wylie-Harris. When it comes to home renovations, the benefits of a beautiful bathroom are right up there – after all, it’s your special sanctuary to de-stress and chill out. But it’s not a makeover to be taken lightly. From setting a budget to planning timescales, hiring a contractor, selecting fixtures and fittings, and the installation, the list of jobs to do is extensive. Indeed, according to the latest bathroom trends report by home renovation and design platform Houzz, 51% of homeowners last renovated their bathroom more than 16 years ago – which just goes to show your project needs to be right on point. Here, experts share the biggest bathroom trends that will still look good in years to come… 1. CONTEMPORARY SPACES “Contemporary bathrooms are the perfect blend of style and functionality, so it’s unsurprising this is the most popular style according to our survey,” says Amanda Pollard, senior editor at Houzz. “By definition, contemporary design is constantly evolving as it generally refers to what’s popular at the moment. However, it’s definitely possible to design a contemporary space that will stand the test of time.”

LEFT Vanity unit illustrating contemporary spaces trend | Aflux Designs/ Vigo Jansons Photography/PA

J A N UA RY 24

B AT H R O O M S | I N T E R I O R S

By incorporating one or two key elements, she says you can lift the look of the bathroom and make the scheme feel more luxurious and considered. For example, Pollard says designs that feature lowthreshold showers, wall-mounted toilets and soft-close drawers/doors, all help to create a space that feels contemporary and uncluttered. Ellen Cumber, director at Golden Design, says: “We’ve definitely noticed clients moving away from classic fittings and fixtures; we’re currently designing bathrooms with a lot of natural textures and handmade elements – for example, rough plaster or tactile handmade clay tiles. “The texture is what makes it feel fresh and current, rather than returning to the smooth faceless contemporary bathrooms of the Noughties.”

2. STANDOUT SHOWERS Showers seem to be the focus in many new bathrooms, says Pollard, with many homeowners choosing to enlarge their shower substantially during renovations – often at the expense of the bath. “One in five of our survey respondents removed their baths altogether,” notes Pollard. “With the extra floor space this creates, we’re seeing designers add large walk-in showers, often featuring luxurious rain/waterfall shower heads.” Indeed, Emma Merry, director at Emma Merry Styling, says a large walk-in shower has become a staple in modern family homes for many of her clients.

ABOVE Vanity unit illustrating contemporary spaces trend | Golden Design/ Jonathan Bond Photography/PA

LEFT Walk-in shower illustrating standout showers trend | Emma Merry Styling/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

I N T E R I O R S | B AT H R O O M S

“The absence of a cumbersome bathtub saves space, making the bathroom feel more open and inviting,” says Merry. “The sleek, contemporary look of a walk-in shower is also attractive to families seeking a modern aesthetic.” Additionally, she says the accessibility and ease of cleaning a walk-in shower makes it a practical choice for busy family life. 3. THE RISE OF THE ‘SPA-THROOM’ Over the past few years, homeowners have been turning their bathrooms into an at-home spa experience, observes Pollard. “Wellbeing and self-care continue to be a priority, and bathrooms are increasingly seen as a space to escape to,” she adds. To create your own little haven, focus on the features that will help it feel serene, says Pollard. “Lighting, for example, can have a big effect.”

A B OV E Walk-in shower illustrating standout showers trend | Golden Design/Jonathan Bond Photography/PA

RIGHT Vanity unit illustrating rise of the spathroom trend | Carla Capdevilla/Houzz/PA

FA R R I G H T Freestanding tub illustrating rise of the spa-throom trend | New Space Architecture/PA

J A N UA RY 24

B AT H R O O M S | I N T E R I O R S

Think about incorporating multiple lighting sources,

“For many, an overcrowded wash space can create

such as brighter overhead lights and softer wall

feelings of stress, and in addition, it makes it harder to

lights; or under-cabinet LEDs to create a more

keep clean.” She continues. “We’re working with clients

relaxing atmosphere for when you want to unwind,

to incorporate bespoke joinery either built into the wall

suggests Pollard.

– such as a hidden cabinet – or via a larger vanity unit to store their everyday toiletries. The result is a serene

Taking inspiration from hotel bathrooms, Sara Ripamonti,

space, which feels relaxing.”

co-founder, Aflux Designs, says the ‘spa-throom’ trend combines luxurious materials and elements to create a

Moreover, Cumber says they’re creating bathrooms

private sanctuary of your own.

to linger in, perhaps with chairs, ottomans or other furniture to encourage spending time in there.

“Whether it’s wanting to feel refreshed at the start of the day or helping to unwind at the end, a cluttered

“Niches or shelves for candles and glasses of wine are

bathroom does the opposite,” notes Ripamonti.

also a must, as is beautiful low lighting for a calm and spa-like atmosphere.”

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

I N T E R I O R S | B AT H R O O M S

4. STACKED TILES Pollard says there is an increase in designs that feature vertically stacked subway-style tiles. “A fun variation on the traditional staggered brick pattern, these thinner subway-style tiles are positioned in straight vertical lines to create a quiet but impactful statement wall.” Caroline Nicholls, managing director at Slightly Quirky, says stacking tiles in this way works really well, as it can make the bathroom seem taller due to elongating the space, and draws the eyes upwards. “It’s also a little more unexpected than the traditional brick formation, so can feel more contemporary,” suggests Nicholls.”But it will remain timeless as the design isn’t too busy.”

J A N UA RY 24

LEFT

ABOVE

Walk-in shower with pink stacked tiles

Walk-in shower with green stacked tiles

illustrating stacked tiles trend | Slightly

illustrating stacked tiles trend | Aflux

Quirky/Anna Stathaki/PA

Designs/Vigo Jansons Photography/PA

B AT H R O O M S | I N T E R I O R S

RIGHT Vanity unit with twin basins illustrating light and bright trend | Fable Interiors/Anna Stathaki/PA

BELOW Vanity unit with circular mirror illustrating light and bright trend | Emma Merry Styling/PA

5. LIGHT AND BRIGHT “Neutral colours such as white will always remain a popular choice as it helps reflect light around the room – and therefore makes the space feel bigger, as well as creating a sense of freshness and openness,” says Ripamonti. “White also provides the perfect backdrop for any colour or scheme, whether it’s a classic or contemporary,” highlights Ripamonti. “This means you can add pops of other colours without overpowering the bathroom, as white remains the dominant colour.” Merry agrees: “A bright bathroom will never go out of style, so clients often opt for a neutral colour palette for the base – and then we will layer in different textures to avoid it feeling too clinical. “With the addition of marble worktops, natural stone tiles and wooden accents in the vanity units, this introduces a luxe aesthetic and lifts what could otherwise be a boring space.” Words by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

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LIF ES TYLE INT ERI ORS

•

FA U X W R E AT HS

•

FA U X W E D D I N G F L O WE R S

Step into a world where elegance and enchantment reside in every corner holding a treasure waiting to captivate you. The shop is full of treasures for your home and the new year brings a fabulous selection of must have goodies to make your homes look utterly divine. Including delightful luxuries, gifts, finest faux flower stems, faux flower arrangements, art from local artisans, sumptuous scented candle and room diffusers, and much more! With Grace offers luxury silk flowers, bouquets and arrangements for your wedding day, your home and for special occasions. Alongside Emma’s talent to source desirable gifts, which comes from her training in interior design, is the making of bridal bouquets and forever lasting for wreaths for every

season to adorn your front door. It’s certainly a hub of a shop and a destination to put on your must go-to list. If there is a wedding on the horizon and silk flowers are your desire, then an appointment most definitely should be made with Emma who will create a forever lasting bouquet for you and forever flowers for your entourage, from the finest silk flowers and faux foliage available. Follow With Grace on Instagram or Facebook to keep updated with all the lovely things Emma makes and chooses for you and your home.

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H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T | U N I Q U E T EC H S O LU T I O N S

Is your smart home working against you? Smart Home and Lighting Control Systems are designed to make your life more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. However, as the technology behind these systems continues to advance, it’s crucial to keep your setup in top shape to ensure you’re making the most of it. Stop driving your family crazy! Stop driving your family crazy with your faulty Smart Home and Lighting Control Systems. With expert advice, you can relax knowing that your Smart Home System is ready to work at the touch of a button. No more situations where your music isn’t working or awkward moments when you can’t get that perfect lighting for your dinner party.

Are you using old software? Just like your smartphone or computer, smart home devices require regular updates to maintain their efficiency and security. Regular updates not only help maximise the efficiency of your system but also patch those annoying bugs and glitches you hate. Are you making the most of your system? Many homeowners underutilise the features and capabilities of their Smart Home and Lighting Control systems simply because they’re unaware of what’s possible. A thorough assessment of your existing setup will help identify any overlooked features and help you unlock their potential. From voice commands and automation schedules to remote monitoring and integration with other devices, it will ensure you’re harnessing the full power of your smart home.

J A N UA RY 24

U N I Q U E T EC H S O LU T I O N S | H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T

When was the last time you upgraded your system?

Does your system actually work?

As technology advances, you may want to add new

As simple as the answer sounds, does your Smart Home

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C O N TAC T

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VISIT

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TECH & ELECTRICAL

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

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I N T E R I O R S | S O U T H C OA S T S TO N E

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At South Coast Stone we create beautiful,

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J A N UA RY 24

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S O U T H C OA S T S TO N E | I N T E R I O R S

Whether it be stone or ceramics/ porcelain our installers have a wealth of experience in installing all types of material to residential projects. From new build homes to highrise developments we have worked around the country installing to the highest of standards. With one of the most extensive ranges of materials and suppliers on the market our experts can provide you with an all round design and installation service tailored to your needs. With our capabilities and contacts we are able to offer an economical yet quality product and service our specialists are experts in all things stone. Once we have assessed your project and its location in

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C O N TAC T

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WEBSITE

01202 677188

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H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

HOUSE & LIFEST YLE | ISSUE 260

E C G FA N R NI S UL E A C

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GA R D E N I N G | V EG E TA B L E S

A beginner’s guide to growing your own veg in the New Year Garden designer and veg grower Resh Gala looks at 5 easy edibles to get you started. If you’re planning to turn over a new leaf in the new year and want to grow your own vegetables, expert grower Resh Gala has some simple tips and tricks. She believes that the secret to success lies in starting small. “I think the daunting part is when people try to turn the entire back yard into a large vegetable garden and want to do everything at once.” says Gala, whose new book Vegetable Gardening Made Easy takes newcomers through the basics. Here’s her advice… CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION CAREFULLY “The most important thing is to start with selecting the right location, in your back garden or on your patio, deck or balcony, and make sure that you find the location that gives you the maximum amount of sunlight,” she says. Then you can choose what to grow your veg in, whether it’s a regular bed, a raised bed or a pot. BE COST EFFECTIVE “When you’re a first-timer, you don’t want to go all out spending money on all the bells and whistles, so I highly recommend growing in containers when you start out,” she says. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, as long as you drill holes in the bottom of the container, you could grow veg in large buckets or other recycled containers. A B OV E

Alamy/PA

Vegetable Gardening Made Easy by Resh Gala | Cool Springs Press/PA

J A N UA RY 24

V EG E TA B L E S | GA R D E N I N G

1. Mint The easiest edibles to grow are herbs, she says, and especially mint. “This is really hard to kill, but don’t plant it in the ground, plant it in a container as otherwise it will take over as it’s very invasive. “People think mint is just for summer to put into wonderful refreshing drinks and to add as a garnish, but you can dry the leaves and then crush them, turn them into a powder and make delicious herbal teas.” 2. Lettuce “Lettuce is extremely simple and cost effective. As a beginner you don’t want to feel overwhelmed about how deep you should plant and space the seeds,” she says.“The advantage with lettuce is that you can randomly sprinkle the seeds on the soil, barely covering

Pot of mint | Alamy/PA

them and just make sure the soil stays moist, until you see the seeds start to germinate.” You can easily grow lettuce in containers and they will also grow in lower temperatures in autumn and winter. 3. Garlic Garlic is among the easiest crops to grow. “You can just plant it and forget about it,” she says. The only “Growing bags are another option, or old breathable

disadvantage is that it can take nine months to grow from

sacks (such as potato sacks). You might be able to get

seed to harvest, but if you plant cloves, each clove will turn

them at a farm shop.”

into a head – a whole bulb – of garlic, she enthuses. Plant in late autumn and your garlic should be ready in summer.

THINK ABOUT SOIL If you have tall raised beds or deep containers you don’t necessarily have to fill them up with compost. “I don’t recommend that you just go and dig up some soil from your garden because you might have very heavy soil that’s difficult to work or light soil which is lacking in nutrients,” she says. “You want the soil that you use for growing veg to be high in nutrients and organic matter.” For raised beds, the RHS recommends a general potting mixture of three parts organic matter (such as garden compost, leafmould or well-rotted manure), two parts sharp sand and seven parts topsoil. Gala recommends five easy edibles for first-timers to grow. RIGHT Resh Gala | Resh Gala/PA

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

GA R D E N I N G | V EG E TA B L E S

4. Cherry tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can be prolific – look for varieties like ‘Sungold’, Gala recommends. Grow the plant in a deep container, but you will need to plant them out in soil which is rich in organic matter. If you’re growing them from seed, sow them indoors in spring. You can take a shortcut by buying tomato plants in nurseries and garden centres in late spring, but make sure you don’t plant them outside until all danger of frost has passed, so it may be the end of May or June, depending where you live. “I like to plant my tomatoes very deep in the ground, so when you dig your planting hole, make sure it’s quite large. Bury at least a third of your seedling (small plant) under the soil. Take off the lower leaves and bury it into the soil. The stems are a bit hairy – they can send out roots from those hairy bits. Burying it deep will help it create a strong root system.”

Bush types are shorter and wider, great for smaller gardens, pots and growing bags. They don’t need

‘Determinate’ (bush) types require little or no staking,

pinching out but stems may need a small stake at an

while ‘indeterminate’ (cordon) varieties grow tall (up to

early stage to prevent wind damage, she adds, and

1.8m) and will need staking with canes or other supports.

when they are laden with fruits. Good bush varieties include ‘Red Alert’ and ‘Tumbling Tom’. 5. Courgette “Courgettes are extremely prolific and for a family of four you won’t need more than one plant,” she says. As well as using the main vegetable you can fry the courgette flowers and stuff them with ricotta or other cheese. Again, you’re best off sowing it inside and don’t plant it out until all danger of frost has passed. One courgette plant will grow happily in a large pot. Vegetable Gardening Made Easy by Resh Gala is published by Cool Springs Press, priced £18.99. Available now. Words by Hannah Stephenson, PA

A B OV E Growing cherry tomatoes | Alamy/PA

LEFT Courgette plant in a pot | Alamy/PA

J A N UA RY 24

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M OTO R I N G | N E W S BY M A R K S L AC K

M OTO R I N G N E WS Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.

R O A D T E S T: ABARTH 595 IS A C H A R AC T E R F U L G E M ! Iconic is a very overused word but particularly in regards to cars. However, there are a few cars that can genuinely claim to be iconic and the Fiat 500 is certainly one of them. In its modern incarnation, like BMW’s MINI, it is heritage reborn and continues to be a huge success for Fiat. It is hard to believe it has been around since 2008 and in Abarth form is a particularly fun drive. It’s not especially fast, but really emphasises that cars don’t need to be fast to be fun. The lead-in 595 offers standard fare such Priced from £23,225 the Abarth 595 line-up

as dual-drive electric power steering with

is all powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged

a sports function and fabric sports seats.

petrol engine driving the front wheels

Also present is air conditioning, Bluetooth,

through either a manual or CVT automatic

Car Play, Android Auto, front seat height

gearbox. There’s a firm but still comfortable

adjustment, auto lights and wipers, rear

ride with the benefit of confident cornering

parking sensors and powered and heated

across more twisting roads. The petrol

door mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels.

powerplant offers two power outputs, 165 hp or 180 hp, and compromises of the

Where the 595 shows its age is in terms of

595, 695 and 500e all-electric, with both

practicality with a small boot and only three

hatch and cabrio versions in the line-up.

doors. Huge fun on cross country roads and

Although it has been recently tweaked these

The Abarth 500e will take you 164 miles

easy round town, things are not so settled on

are tweaks rather than a major overhaul

on a single charge, so not long-distance

major A roads or motorways. It tends to be a

to its design. Therefore, it may be beaten

material but a striking commuter car.

bit noisy with a drone from tyre noise.

by competitors in terms of practicality and equipment but the Abarth has a character lacking in more mainstream rivals Apart from looking the part the Abarth sounds gorgeous at tickover, not in a broken exhaust kind of way but there’s a lovely burble and once on the road and pushing the revs the sounds continue to impress. It has such character compared to many modern cars and also broad appeal. This was one I was VERY sorry to hand back.

J A N UA RY 24

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OCEAN AUTOMOTIVE

M OTO R I N G | N E W S BY M A R K S L AC K

ROAD TEST: SUZUKI SWACE – A WELLEQUIPPED AND PR ACTICAL CHOICE When it comes to cars not everyone is after a sleek, sporty or uber-luxurious model designed for the fashion-conscious. Some people just want a nice car, decent amounts of standard equipment and the space to carry the family, and it being capable for runs to the garden centre and maybe a bit of work-related travel in there as well. With those thoughts in mind, I have been driving a perfect candidate for the role. and few options. Standard fare on the leadSuzuki’s Swace is a comfortable and very

in version includes climate, heated front

well-equipped estate that looks smart

seats, heated steering wheel, main beam

and comes with more than a degree of

assist, auto lights, keyless start, Apple Car

practicality. Based on Toyota’s Corolla

Play and Android Auto, intelligent cruise

Touring the Suzuki incarnation has some

control and rear parking camera. There’s no

subtle styling tweaks and a straightforward

built-in navigation but you can use the maps

range of two trim levels, one engine choice

app on your iPhone or Android smartphone. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is mated to a selfcharging system for the on-board battery to

systems that on hard acceleration the

provide a hybrid drive that ensures low Co2

revs rise while the forward motion takes a

emissions, great fuel economy and three

second or two to catch up, but otherwise

drive modes. The Swace is no performance

it’s a very smooth and efficient system.

machine, it isn’t meant to be, but has no problem nipping past slower traffic. The

As one might expect from Suzuki the

CVT automatic transmission occasionally

build quality is good and there’s a general

becomes rather audible, it’s a trait of these

premium

feel

throughout,

along

with

particularly comfortable seats. It’s fair to say that the graphics on the touchscreen do look a little dated and some of the accompanying buttons are a tad fiddly. However, the good news is there are buttons, as opposed to a touchscreen for everything, it’s all very clear and well laid out. Prices for the Swace start at £29,599 and for the level of standard equipment and space represents particularly good value. It’s a very likeable, comfortable and practical choice that doesn’t stint on features and doesn’t bewilder with numerous options, largely because of the high levels of standard equipment. It makes a compelling case as a first-class family holdall.

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N E W S BY M A R K S L AC K | M OTO R I N G

K I A S P O R TA G E T U R N S 3 0 Y E A R S O L D The Sportage, Kia’s best-selling car in the

Over its lifetime, the Sportage has proven

If every Sportage sold in the UK since its

UK, Europe and globally, is celebrating

to be an incredibly popular and important

introduction to the market in 1995 was

its 30th birthday having gone on-sale

vehicle with fleets and businesses, thanks to

lined up bumper-to-bumper, the line of cars

worldwide in 1993. The Sportage was

its affordable pricing, low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK)

would stretch from Kia UK’s head offices in

introduced in the UK two years later, with

rates, and focus on economy and practicality.

Walton-on-Thames, more than 870 miles

sales commencing in 1995.

The Sportage is frequently named as the

to the plant where the Sportage has been

number one compact SUV choice for

manufactured since 2007 in Žilina, Slovakia

Over 30 years, the Sportage SUV has seen

business users, topping sales charts and

– and 197 miles back again.

four generations come and go, and is now

winning numerous fleet awards. A plug-in

represented by the fifth generation. Over its

hybrid model was introduced with the latest

Available with a choice of hybrid, plug-in

five generations, Kia has sold more than seven

generation Sportage for the first time.

hybrid or petrol mild hybrid powertrains,

million examples of the Sportage worldwide,

and

including over 384,000 in the UK alone.

levels, the Sportage offers more choice

comprehensive

array

trim

than ever and has accumulated a wellAcross the same timespan, the Sportage has

stocked

transformed from a utilitarian, rugged SUV

30-year lifespan.

cabinet

awards

over

its

into a more luxurious and comfortable car aimed at young families and professionals.

Having first emerged into the public eyeline

The SUV market has grown dramatically

in endurance rallying, becoming the first

over the past 30 years, with a high seating

car to ever complete the both the Paris-

position and ample space for all now very

Dakar rally in 1993 and the Baja 1000 in

much in demand among customers in the

1995, the Sportage has clearly stood the

UK and around the world.

test of time over the last 30 years.

107

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

M OTO R I N G | N E W S BY M A R K S L AC K

R O A D T E S T: BYD DOLPHIN – AFFORDAB LE ELECTRIC M OTO RI N G NAI LED! I have seen some interesting names for cars over the 40 years of my writing career but perhaps the strangest was sampled a few weeks back. Chinese manufacturers are very strong on producing electric cars and manufacturer BYD, Build Your Dreams (yes, really!), has launched the Dolphin and has a second model to be launched shortly called the Seal. What then of the Dolphin? It’s billed as a

with such additions as a panoramic roof,

city car with the potential for longer runs if

wireless charging, heated seats and rear

needed, and if you can find decent public

privacy glass.

charging on your chosen route here in the UK. Prices start at £26,195 for the lead-in

In terms of overall size, the Dolphin is a

model and estimated range varies from 193

C-segment car, so think of Corolla and Golf

miles to 265 miles depending on model

to give you some idea of comparisons.

and battery size. Four trim levels – Active,

It feels a well-bolted together car and

Boost, Comfort and Design – offer standard

although there are the inevitable hard

equipment that includes LED lights, auto

plastics inside the car it manages to retain a

lights, high beam assist, adaptive cruise

look that doesn’t shout bargain basement.

control, powered front seats, powered and

The faux leather seats are comfortable and

panoramic roof might feel a little tighter my

heated door mirrors and plenty of USB

supportive with power adjustment on both

very tall colleague managed to easily enter

sockets. Move up the range and the already

front seats. Space is pretty good too, and

and exit the rear seats.

generous equipment moves accordingly

although the top-of-the-range version with On the road the initial rather loud motor hum is a surprise and something I haven’t experienced on other EVs, but it does soon fade to a more usual whisper quiet ride. There seems very little intrusion from wind and road noise which makes the Dolphin a refined drive. As with, seemingly, all new models it’s rather too techy even when more analogue solutions would prove easier. The air conditioning is a case in point where physical buttons work far easier than a touchscreen. Overall though there’s little to criticise with the Dolphin, it looks and feels classy for its price, has very generous equipment levels and drives well. If you want affordable electric motoring then the Dolphin may well have it nailed.

J A N UA RY 24

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OCEAN AUTOMOTIVE

M OTO R I N G | N E W S BY M A R K S L AC K

R O A D T E S T: H Y U N D A I I O N I Q 6 – A N A U TO M OT I V E TO U R D E F O R C E ! In a motoring world where all cars arguably

Prices for this most stylish of EVs start at

stores energy and helps power the car.

look the same there are some stand-out

a not unreasonable, by today’s standards,

The 77.4 kwh battery on all Ioniq 6 models

companies that manage to do things

£47,040,

which although not inexpensive

allows a 338 mile range, or 322 miles in the

differently. Of course, the styling of the

is good value for this class of car and the

dual motor, all-wheel-drive model. This

cars they produce can polarise opinion,

equipment that is on offer as standard. The

translates into the benchmark 62 mph

effectively becoming marmite cars. Some

lead-in Premium model includes matrix LED

being passed in 7.4 seconds or just 5.1

people love them, some people hate them.

headlamps, heated front and rear seats,

seconds in the dual motor version.

heated steering wheel, wireless charging, Hyundai has a good record of stand-out

privacy glass, rain sensor, power boot lid,

In the cabin the touchscreen technology is

styling but also in affordable form, so if you

keyless entry and start, powered heated and

a bit of a faff (aren’t they all) and the safety

want something different you don’t have

folding door mirrors and smart cruise control.

kit, that gets top marks from Euro NCAP, is a

to be rich and go bespoke. The Ioniq 6 is

pain because of the incessant bings, bongs

a good case in point. It has extraordinarily

The extensive list includes technology such

and dongs for everything in creation. All

sleek lines with swoops and curves on

as a pump as standard that transfers heat

can be switched off but each time you start

every panel, and a very swept rear roof line.

from the outside air to the battery, which

the car you have to switch them off again. To be fair this is the same on any new car,

Where styling seems to rule you often

not just Hyundai.

find the interior space is somewhat compromised.

On the road the Ioniq 6 is a comfortable,

surprisingly uncompromised internally with

very refined and relaxed drive, an excellent

limousine levels of legroom, especially in

long-distance cruiser with performance

the rear, and the swept roof line doesn’t

to match. Despite minor grumbles with

really hinder entry and exit for rear

touchscreen tech this is an automotive tour

seat occupants.

de force.

J A N UA RY 24

Well,

the

Ioniq

110

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FO O D & D R I N K | J O E W I C KS

Joe Wicks on why 15 minutes is enough time to change your life The cookbook author and PT reflects on how far his outlook on food, exercise and life has come. By Prudence Wade.

Now on his 12th cookbook, Joe Wicks isn’t

And while the internet can often be an

the same person he was when his first

upsetting place, there’s always joy to be

came out in 2015.

found. “I love those funny accounts, where people are making sexy puddings and

He’s become a global phenomenon, with

desserts and all that sort of stuff,” Wicks

4.7 million followers on Instagram as well

says with a laugh, referring to the viral

as being awarded an MBE for his efforts

videos where people make recipes in a

getting us moving during lockdown.

hammed-up and suggestive way.

Plus, he’s now a married man, and has three

While working out is a must for the PT

children with wife Rosie: Indie, five, Marley,

and cookbook author, he finds “staying

three, and one-year-old Leni.

consistent with my diet much harder than the exercise”.

But for Wicks, the biggest change is internal. He diet is remarkably healthy, but that hasn’t “The narrative around movement and

always been the case. “As a kid, we were on

mental health and physical transformation

benefits and we had a very low income,

has shifted, because now I’m talking a lot

A B OV E

so it was very much ultra-processed food

more about how exercise makes you feel,

Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks (HQ, £22) | HQ/PA

– probably 99% of our food was ultra-

as opposed to just the fat loss and the

processed,” he says.

transformation physically,” he notes. “It was quite beige and frozen, and I was a “I understand human behaviour, what’s

“I’m stressed, I’m overwhelmed at the

really motivating people. A lot of people

moment,” he admits. “I’m getting hit every

initially start to want to lose weight or lose

day with messages from people about

Recently, he’s been looking into ultra-

inches, but it’s not really what keeps them

what’s going on in Israel and Palestine, so

processed foods a lot more, and while he

going. I think what keeps them going is the

I’m finding it overwhelming.”

admits he does use things such as pre-

mental health benefits and how it makes them feel at the end of the day.”

very fussy eater.”

made pestos and curry sauces in his meals And Wicks’ go-to whenever he feels this

– to help get dinner on the table more

way is the same: moving his body.

quickly – he’s becoming increasingly aware

Wicks, 38, has been open on social media

of what he puts in his body.

with his own mental health struggles, and

“I need to exercise, I need to release some

when we speak, some issues are weighing

of that anxiety and that emotion, so it’s

“When you think about things like bread and

on his mind.

really powerful for me.”

yoghurts and tortillas and all the condiments

J A N UA RY 24

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J O E W I C KS | FO O D & D R I N K

“In this world we live in now, where time is so short and people are so busy and so hectic with the way we live, 15 minutes is a manageable amount of time to do one thing productive, which could be anything from doing a quick little workout, doing some meditation, doing some journaling, or even calling up a family friend and having a chat while you go for a walk.” These are what Wicks calls “daily wins” and he says they can be “a catalyst for more change”. Releasing

health

and

wellbeing

book in December might seem a little counterintuitive – after all, this is the time of year most of our health goals go out the window – but Wicks is an advocate for balance, all year round.

A B OV E

“Like today, I’m really busy and I’m really

Joe Wicks | David Loftus/PA

energised – I will eat more food. If I’m sedentary, I might just remove things and have a few more hours of fasting, and eat

we use, in isolation they’re OK – but if

when I’m hungry,” he explains.

you’re eating them every meal, or you’re eating sweet treats every day, biscuits and

“That’s probably just come with age –

cookies and things, you’re going to feel a bit

knowing my body a bit more. I’ve become

lethargic,” Wicks says. “You’re going to feel

really aware of what foods make me really

bloated and stuff – and it’s not just a guilt

unhappy and bloated – certain foods, like if

thing around the calories you’re eating, it’s

I eat ice cream or drink lots of fizzy drink, I

really how it makes you feel.”

get so bloated.

Even though he’s now become much

“So I’m learning what I used to think was a

more adventurous with food – for example,

treat isn’t really a treat any more.”

noting with glee that he loves sushi and

A B OV E Saucy spring onion chicken from Feel Good In 15, turn the page

sashimi, despite not really eating fish until

Wicks has channelled his wisdom into his

he was 25 – he says he’s always been an “all-

latest book, Feel Good In 15, with a whole

or-nothing guy”.

host of quick recipes, 15-minute workouts

for the full recipe | David Loftus/PA

Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks is published

and more. In the past, that might have meant eating

by HQ, priced £22. Photography by David

a whole tub of ice cream in one sitting –

A quarter of an hour might not seem like

but as he’s got older he’s adopted a more

much, but he’s convinced it’s enough time

intuitive approach.

to change your life.

Loftus. Available now Words by Prudence Wade, PA

115

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

David Loftus/PA

FO O D & D R I N K | R EC I P E S BY J O E W I C KS

J A N UA RY 24

116

R EC I P E S BY J O E W I C KS | FO O D & D R I N K

Saucy spring onion chicken SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

1tbsp vegetable oil

Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok and fry the chicken over a high heat for three to four minutes, so it gets some nice golden colour.

640g chicken mini fillets 40g cornflour 5tbsp oyster sauce

2. While the chicken is browning, whisk together the cornflour, oyster sauce, soy sauce and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.

4tbsp soy sauce 2tbsp honey 2 bunches of spring onions, finely sliced

3. Scatter in most of the spring onions, setting aside some to garnish, along with the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for one minute until fragrant.

4 garlic cloves, grated Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

4. Pour in the cornflour-soy mixture and coat the chicken and veg, then add the water, bring up to the boil and let the whole thing bubble away and get thick and glossy.

200–400ml water Juice of 1–2 limes, plus wedges to serve

5. Season with lime juice, to taste. Serve with rice and lime wedges and scatter with the remaining spring onions. Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks is published by HQ, priced £22. Photography by David Loftus. Available now.

Cacio e pepe beans

SERVES 2

1. Get the kettle on.

David Loftus/PA

2. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan, then sauté the shallot for two to three minutes until softened, stirring regularly. 3. Add the garlic and fry for one minute until fragrant, then throw in the tin of butter beans, along with any liquid from the tin. INGREDIENTS

1tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped

4. Bring up to a simmer, add the pepper, Parmesan and red wine vinegar. Don’t skimp on the pepper here – it’s the main flavour, and you want it to be almost spicy.

4 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped 400g tin of butter beans Half a tbsp freshly ground black pepper

5. Pour the boiling water into a saucepan and boil the broccoli and kale for two to three minutes until tender.

40g Parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve

6. Drain, season well and set aside.

1tbsp red wine vinegar 150g Tenderstem broccoli 100g kale

7. Serve the beans in two bowls, topped with broccoli and kale with a little bit of extra Parmesan. Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks is published by HQ, priced £22. Photography by David Loftus. Available now.

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H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

David Loftus/PA

FO O D & D R I N K | R EC I P E S BY J O E W I C KS

Stovetop plum crumble INGREDIENTS

300g plums (approx. 4), stones removed

SERVES 2

1. Add the plums, the one tablespoon of sugar and vanilla extract to a small saucepan with two tablespoons of water.

1tbsp, plus 20g demerara sugar 1/2tsp vanilla extract 30g salted butter

2. Cook over a high heat with the lid on for five minutes, then take off the lid and reduce the heat, cooking for a further two to three minutes, until the fruit is soft.

30g hazelnuts, roughly chopped 40g porridge oats 20g plain flour

3. In a frying pan, add the remaining demerara sugar, butter, hazelnuts, oats, flour and cinnamon and cook, stirring regularly, until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.

1tsp ground cinnamon 4. Divide the fruit between two bowls and sprinkle with the crumble mixture to serve. Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks is published by HQ, priced £22. Photography by David Loftus. Available now.

J A N UA RY 24

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B E AU T Y B E YO N D N E E D L E S | H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

The big red reset button 2024 As we step into the new year, let’s rethink the

self.’ Losing weight, living healthier, giving

whole “New Year, New You” idea. Instead of

up drinking—the whole deal. But deep

feeling pressured to make resolutions, why

down, I always felt like I couldn’t really make

not make January and all of 2024 a time to

those changes stick.

appreciate the good things in our lives? This idea, shared with me last year, is all about

As I got older, I realised it’s not just about

treating the year like a blank canvas.

having strong willpower. We’re not like reset buttons that can magically erase problems

Admit it—we’ve all seen January as a fresh

and memories. The appeal of a reset is to

Trying to live life with only part of yourself

start at some point, a chance to forget the

get rid of past troubles, but it doesn’t really

doesn’t really work. I learned that real

challenges of the past year and start over.

work that way.

strength comes from accepting everything

On many January 1sts, I’d find myself in bed

about myself, even the tough stuff. And this

(probably with a hangover), making mental

I found out that true happiness comes from

lists of big changes to become my ‘best

facing problems instead of ignoring them.

isn’t just for women—it’s for everyone. Change, I found out, is an ongoing thing, not just a one-time decision. The whole “New Year, New You” idea puts too much pressure on specific times for change, and it can lead to procrastination. Instead, let’s check in with ourselves all year, making small, steady changes. The problem with the ‘new you’ idea is that it forgets about the good stuff already in you. Instead of generic goals like ‘I want to be healthier,’ think about the reasons behind those choices. For me, January is a time to think about what makes me happy and what’s meaningful, appreciating the journey instead of getting stuck on what I didn’t achieve.

Book a FREE consultation mentioning House & Lifestyle magazine and receive a 20% DISCOUNT for all courses booked in January. (T’s & C’s apply). Call me now to avoid dissapointment, spaces are limited! DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF NON-SURGICAL AESTHETIC TREATMENTS WITH BBN - A RESULTS LED CLINIC.

Poole, Dorset

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119

Call 07976 938031

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

FO O D & D R I N K | T H E LO R D B U T E

The Lord Bute Hotel and Restaurant in Highcliffe From Essex boy to two AA rosettes. Celebrated officially

Chef

opened

Bradley the

Green

doors

has

became known as the ‘Earl of Oxford Street’,

the

the suite can accommodate up to 5 guests

revamped restaurant at the Lord Bute

on 2 floors.

Hotel, marking a new culinary era for the esteemed establishment. ‘The Lord Bute by

Bradley Green, renowned for his culinary

Bradley Green’, welcomed locals and food

prowess and years of experience, took the

aficionados alike, to a highly successful

reins from September 1st, following a brief

launch party that became the talk of the

closure to refresh the decor and ensure the

town. The restaurant is now open for

restaurant mirrors his commitment to quality.

lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner daily, with

While the hotel continued its operations

Mondays being the only exception.

unabated, Bradley took meticulous care to honour existing bookings and provided

In January you are invited to sample their

assurance that there would be no major

brand new ten course tasting menu served

disruptions in service. The restaurant retains

with their exclusive award winning Pommery

its illustrious two AA Rosette status.

‘Apanage’ Champagne, and why not relax

restaurants, ‘Green’s’, earning 16 awards and a top ranking in Time Out magazine.

and book a stay in their 5 star boutique hotel,

With roots in London, Berkshire and

Green’s also became the brand of choice at

or stay in the newly refurbished SELFRIDGE

Essex and a formative career in illustrious

the King Charles’s Royal County of Berkshire

SUITE (former home of Harry Selfridge)

establishments such as Il Bottaccio in

Polo Club. “I’m excited to get started at Lord

who built the world famous Selfridge Store

Mayfair,

Bute. Even though it’s not my first rodeo, I’m

in Oxford Street London from where he

acclaim with his top-tier brand of London

Bradley

Green

has

garnered

excited as if it is,” he remarked. With the promising inaugural success, ‘Lord Bute by Bradley Green’ stands poised to become a beacon of culinary excellence in Highcliffe, Christchurch, Bournemouth and

surrounding

areas,

intertwining

local preferences with Bradley’s revered culinary philosophy. Guests are invited to experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, while savouring delectable dishes in the enriched and hospitable environment of Lord Bute Hotel. Lord Bute is Licensed for civil marriages with

100

guests

with

hotel

accommodation.

C O N TAC T

WEBSITE

ADDRESS

T. 01425 278884

www.thelordbute.com

181-185 Lymington Road,

E. enquiries@thelordbute.com

J A N UA RY 24

Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4JS

120

 TWO AA ROSETTE 

THE LORD BUTE HOTEL & RESTAURANT

 TWO AA ROSETTE 

THE LORD BUTE HOTEL & RESTAURANT BY

5 STAR BOUTIQUE HOTEL L U N C H | D I N N E R | S U N D AY R OA STS EXCLUSIVE AFTERNOON TEAS W I T H P O M M E RY C H A M PAG N E CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS EVENTS LICENCED FOR CIVIL WEDDINGS F O R U P TO 10 0 G U E STS

0 14 2 5 2 7 8 8 8 4 www.thelordbute.com facebook.com/thelordbute Keeping everyone safe is important to us at the Lord Bute so we have installed the latest Philips Disinfection System in both our dining room and hotel rooms which kill 99.9% of all airborne viruses. More info can be found at www.luxiair.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y | WA S S M U F F I N

Wassmuffin Martial Arts Academy;

Sweat your way to a leaner, fitter, more confident you! Wassmuffin Mixed Martial Arts Gym is widely known to hold the reputation of friendliest MMA gym in town. With a vibe that’s not been paralleled they welcome all levels and all ages. There’s something there for everyone whether your looking to learn a new skill, get fit, self defence, build confidence, get strong, make new friends, lose weight, add to your social life, or possibly even learn some new dance moves – this is the gym to be at.

We have classes in Thai boxing, bootcamp,

Our new client deal enables you to try 30

boxing and MMA. Mixed classes, ladies

days for £30! As well as student membership

only, kids (age 4-9) and juniors (9-15).

for £40! And a child membership for £40! Along with sibling and family deals there’s

Classes are held early mornings, lunch

no reason not to try. It could be one of the

times, evenings and weekends. With six

best choices you ever made.

experienced coaches all with a different vibe and style of teaching means there really is something to suit everyone. The only regret our clients have had is they didn’t start sooner! We have hundreds of 5-star reviews, and the main comments that come up time and time again are how we feel like one big family, and the fun we have while training hard.

C O N TAC T

WEBSITE

L O C AT I O N

01202 729 270

www.fitterthanfit.co.uk

Wassmuffin Mixed Martial Arts Academy,

info@fitterthanfit.co.uk

J A N UA RY 24

686 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH7 6BT

122

Slipway Café:Bar Tel 01202 308510

Discover the new Slipway Café bar nestled by the tranquil Holes Bay in Poole Harbour it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Open daily from 10.30am there’s coffee and cake, afternoon tea, and a new light bites menu – it’s a great place to watch the world go by. Slipway Café Bar @ RNLI College, West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1HZ rnli.org/rnli-college/eat-drink-and-relax/slipway

W H AT ’ S O N | E V E RY B O DY ’ S TA L K I N G A B O U T J A M I E

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Interview with West End sensation Ivano Turco who plays Jamie in the new touring production

In his short career so far, super-talented musical theatre star Ivano Turco has already demonstrated formidable range: having made his professional debut playing Prince Sebastian in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella in the West End, he then transformed into reggae icon Bob Marley in bio-musical Get Up, Stand Up! But his latest role, as Jamie in the new touring production of heartwarming British musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, is particularly fulfilling because “it’s the closest character to my actual character that I’ve played,” he says. That’s in part because, playing the gay teenage hero and aspiring drag queen, Ivano is getting to embrace his queerness in a way that he hasn’t on stage before. “I really wanted to be able to experience playing within those realms, and to not have to put on several layers to try and be somebody else.” What this means in practice, Ivano explains, is that in the rehearsal process, he has found he doesn’t “have to do as much in terms of trying to figure out what Jamie’s mannerisms are, and all of these small nuances… it’s very freeing in that sense, in that I can put a lot of my natural movement into it.” One of the other aspects of the role that really resonates with Ivano is Jamie’s close relationship with his mother. “For the most part I grew up in a single parent household with my mother as well, so we really had that kind of connection,” he says, adding that “[like Jamie too] I know what it felt like to have a dream that was different from everyone else’s”. Since it premiered in 2017, Jamie has been a huge international hit, and Ivano believes a lot of that has to do with the pioneering nature of the character of Jamie himself. “He’s just a boy who happens to be gay, and wants to be a drag queen. I think that’s a refreshing lens

J A N UA RY 24

124

E V E RY B O DY ’ S TA L K I N G A B O U T J A M I E | W H AT ’ S O N

to have a queer character to look at through – [someone]

perfect.” Then to top that challenge, he took on the lead

who’s not burdened by their queerness. I know I really

role in Get Up, Stand Up! last year – off just two weeks

felt empowered by that, watching it.” Meanwhile

rehearsal, astonishingly enough. “The first Bob had a

another key draw, he thinks, is that “the music is really

year to prepare … so for me to try and get all that work

easy to digest. It’s a lot like what we listen to nowadays,

done in two weeks was … a challenge,” he laughs.

so it’s much more realistic [than most musical theatre].” As for what the future may hold? Ivano really isn’t If Jamie has had a remarkable run over the last few

thinking too far beyond Jamie, “dream show” that it is.

years, then so has its new star. Having set his sights on

“[This role] is my chance to put all my techniques that

performing ever since singing in church, when growing

I’ve learned over the years and over these other shows

up in Milton Keynes, he graduated from drama school

into overdrive, as this character is so much closer to

in 2020, only to find himself personally chosen by Lord

me. I feel like there’s a lot more power with it that I’ve

Lloyd Webber to be the male lead in his hotly-anticipated

been afforded.”

new musical. For a first gig, it was a wonderful, if nerve wracking, experience, he says. “To have a multimillion

Tickets are on sale now for the smash-hit and critically

pound musical resting on your shoulders was hard

acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,

to navigate for me and I found at times it was hard to

which returns to Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 9 -

really [appreciate my achievement] because there was

14 January 2024.

just so much work to be done. But then somewhere about halfway [through the run], because I really knew

Words by Hugh Montgomery

the show and what I wanted to do as an actor, it became

Photos credit Matt Crockett

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H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

W H AT ’ S O N | JA N UA RY

What’s on

IN JANUARY

With a vibrant mix of countryside, beaches and attractions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a selection of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.

TH E N UTC R AC KER

T H E W I Z A R D O F OZ

05 – 07 JANUARY

16 - 21 JANUARY

This

Lighthouse

Direct from The London Palladium, the sensational new

Poole welcomes the return of

new

year,

production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals

The

comes to Southampton. Starring The Vivienne as The

Nutcracker,

spectacular

productions of the world’s most

Wicked Witch Of The West.

popular ballets. Tchaikovsky’s

COOL COAST ICE RINK

instantly recognisable scores,

Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable

performed by a live orchestra,

adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old

complete

land of Oz.

this

delightful

experience.

26 DECEMBER - 04 FEBRUARY

There’s no place like Mayflower Theatre in January. The Nutcracker is a feast for

Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor

the senses, a family favourite

M AY F L O W E R T H E AT R E

ice skating rink on the South Coast, located

and the perfect introduction to

www.mayflower.org.uk

seasonally in Bournemouth International

classical ballet. The enchanting

Centre. Thousands of you enjoy our ice rink

tale

every year, as it’s the perfect day out with

with her Nutcracker Prince is

your friends and family. It’s even a great way

full of magic and wonder for

to stay fit and active over the wintery months.

audiences of all ages.

Clara’s

adventures

LUNCHTIME CONCERT 20 JANUARY

At Cool Coast Ice Rink, you can enjoy a funfilled ice skating experience regardless

The ballet is presented by The

Join them at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester on Saturday

of the weather outside. With our indoor ice

International

20th January between 12.30 and 1pm for a lunchtime

rink, we’ve always got you covered, literally!

Theatre.

Classic

Ballet

concert given by clarinettist Natalie Burton and pianist Rob Taylor.

Ice skating session times run from 9:00am until 8:45pm (times vary) 7 days a week.

Their programme includes music by Weber, Stanford,

Each ice skating session will last 60 minutes.

Paul Reade and Saint-Saëns.

They provide 15 minutes before your booked session starts so you’ve got time to get your

Enjoy a restful half an hour in the midst of your busy

skates on at the skate hire.

Saturday! Admission is free and all are very welcome.

BIC BOURNEMOUTH

LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE

ST PETER’S CHURCH

www.bic.co.uk

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

www.dorchesteranglican.org.uk/musicatstpeters

J A N UA RY 24

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JA N UA RY | W H AT ’ S O N

Dates for your diary ST E A M I L LU M I N AT I O N S 27 DECEMBER 0 6 JANUARY WAT E R C R E S S L I N E www.watercressline.co.uk

B AC K I N TO H E L L A T R I B U T E TO I SHOULD BE

M E AT LOA F A N D

SO LUCK Y

J I M ST EI N M A N

23 - 27 JANUARY

0 6 JANUARY BOURNEMOUTH

Dive deep into the heart-

PAV I L I O N T H E AT R E

warming and rib-tickling tale

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

of Ella and Nathan – a starcrossed couple with wedding jitters and tropical dreams. Will

I L LU M I N AT E

their love sail smoothly, or are stormy break-ups ahead? Only time and tunes will tell.

WINTER WOODLAND LIGHTS 12 - 28 JANUARY

I Should Be So Lucky is about family,

friends

and

being

The Hawk Conservancy Trust will once again become

there when it matters most.

even more magical, with beautiful illuminations and a

Featuring ten Number 1 singles

live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.

and over thirty era-defining songs from the Hit Factory, slip

This sparkling start to the year is one of the Trust’s most

into those summer sandals,

popular events, and this time you’ll get to explore a

pop on your shades and lose

brand new self-led trail, bringing the Trust grounds to

yourself in this whirlwind of

life like never before.

sun-kissed

adventures

iconic pop classics.

11 JANUARY - 18 F E B R U A R Y, 2 2 - 2 5 FEB RUARY THE BLUE POOL www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk

RO B I N H O O D 26 - 28 JANUARY REGENT CENTRE www.regentcentre.co.uk

and There’ll be even more lights, a new story to tell with new music and effects to amaze and inspire. To finish off a dazzling evening the trail will lead to you to the woods where their beautiful owls will take flight for a truly breath-taking new show.

TRANSPORT TORQUES 27 JANUARY

Feathers Restaurant will be open serving a delicious

B E AU L I E U

menu to keep you feeling warm throughout the evening.

www.beaulieu.co.uk

M AY F L O W E R T H E AT R E

H AW K C O N S E RVA N CY T R U S T

www.mayflower.org.uk

www.hawk-conservancy.org

127

H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K

P U Z Z L E S | TA K E A B R E A K

It is time to

TA K E A B R E A K

Pop the kettle on, put your feet up and take 10 minutes to engage your brain and solve these simple puzzles.

ACROSS

DOWN

C RY P T I C C LU E S

Bogus (8)

2 . Cure-all (7)

5 . Droop (4)

3 . Pillage (7)

9 . Soon (4)

4 . Landing gear (13)

10 . Gum (8)

6 . Foolish (7)

11 . Fragment (5)

7 . Club shape (7)

12 . Rice dish (7)

8 . Against (6)

13 . Listless (13)

13 . Sideways (7)

18 . Prize (8)

14 . Devalue (7)

19 . Pale (4)

15 . Attack (6)

20 . Copy (7)

16 . Irritate (7)

21 . Tag (5)

17 . Speak to (7)

22 . Solitary (4)

LAST ISSUES

23 . Lessen (8)

SUDOKU SOLUTION

LAST ISSUES CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 Reject ~ 4 Sachet ~ 9 Perpendicular ~ 10 Residue ~ 11 Amuse ~ 12 Brisk ~ 14 Ambit ~ 18 Under ~ 19 Pillage ~ 21 Penny-pinching ~ 22 Steady ~ 23 Glance | DOWN: 1 Report ~ 2 Jurisprudence ~ 3 Creed ~ 5 Acclaim ~ 6 Hallucination ~ 7 Turret ~ 8 Added ~ 13 Sprayed ~ 15 Rumpus ~ 16 Split ~ 17 Meagre ~ 20 Local

Willowlace Ltd the key to all your mortgage puzzles 01202 874100 | www.willowlaceltd.co.uk

J A N UA RY 24

128

IT’S SUNDAY ROAST SEASON…

Join us every Sunday as we let the good times flow with our famous Sunday Roast Session… Feast your eyes on our menu and secure your spot as we provide your choice of 3 courses filled with an irresistible selection of your Winter favourites alongside a selection of live music from Bournemouth’s best acoustic artists. (Live music played between 1 and 3pm)

Adult Roast - £19.95 | Kid’s Roast - £9.95 | +Bottomless Prosecco £20 Available between 1pm and 7pm

www.oishiibournemouth.com 01202 438000 | OISHII BOURNEMOUTH, ROYAL EXETER HOTEL, BH2 5AG

Bottomless Brunch! Only £28.95pp* AVAILABLE EVERYDAY 12 PM - 7 PM

2.5hr Bottomless drinks! Cocktails, prosecco, wines, spirits, lager, cider & mocktails!

Plus a tasty meal! Includes a meal from our brunch menu, light bites, gourmet burgers or pizzas. Or a roast on Sundays.

How to book? Visit www.dancingjug.co.uk Or call us on… Bournemouth 01202 553930 Charminster 01202 554511

We can’t wait to see you! WHERE TO FIND US? BOURNEMOUTH: 15-17 Poole Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 5PW CHARMINSTER: 27-37 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8UE

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS FOR ALL OF OUR EVENTS AND DEALS DAILY FOOD DEALS • HAPPY HOUR 12PM - 10PM • 2-4-1 COCKTAILS ALL DAY!

Landlords, have your mortgage rates gone up? Have you thought of holiday letting your property? We can help treble your rent! Stallion Property Management are holiday let experts covering

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