Issue 10
FREE
9 september 2011
South Downs ProperTY (value ÂŁ3.00)
Your local specialist property publication
Residential sales, lettings, developments & commercial proper ties in the South Downs National Park
The where & The Who
Cowdray
Bathrooms Take the plunge
ÂŁ5m auction Eco Homes l Lettings l Market update
WELCOME
Comment Mellow fruitfulness
Autumn has arrived and – never mind the mists – the property market hopes it will bring some mellow fruitfulness. The secret of a successful sale is getting the price right, say agents.
Southdowns Builders Ltd
Your Local Specialists in Brickwork, Roofing and Leadwork
‘Manholes to Mansions’
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This issue reports on some stunning houses on the market, including one frequented by leading pop band The Who in the Seventies, and also on a buoyant lettings market. South Downs Property takes you to an eco home, and then back to Cowdray Park, where the £5 million auction starts on 13 September. The market trends from the researches of the Halifax, Nationwide and Rightmove are encouraging. So perhaps this autumn will prove fruitful.
Nick Keith Editor 01730 235 668
ISSUE 10
FREE
9 SEPTEMBER 2011
South Downs PROPERTY (value £3.00)
YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST PROPERTY PUBLICATION
Residential sales, lettings, developments & commercial proper ties in the South Downs National Park
The where & The Who
nick.keith@lifemags.co.uk
Cowdray
Bathrooms Take the plunge
£5m auction Eco Homes l Lettings l Market update
Cover: Cowdray House prepares for the big auction by Christie’s. Photograph by Florence Howes
Editor / Publisher
Nick Keith nick.keith@lifemags.co.uk
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Florence Howes florence.howes@lifemags.co.uk
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Photography
Michel Focard, Florence Howes
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www.southdownsbuilders.co.uk 1
P r ope rt y u p d ate
The what, the where, and The Who Agents find that houses are selling – if the price is right. By Nick Keith Signs of life in the property market are underlined by the opening of a new Knight Frank branch in Haslemere early in September. Russell Grieve, the head of the office, says that a property can sell within four to five weeks if the price is right. “The market is stuck only where houses are for sale at the wrong price,” he adds. “There is a steady number of buyers – both UK national and international – and the area has a stable property market.” For instance, a house in Chiddingfold attracted nine bidders and achieved a six-figure increase on its guide price of £1.35 million.
North Heath House, near Pulborough (Henry Adams) Inset: The Who (clockwise from top left), Keith Moon, John Entwistle, Pete Townsend, Roger Daltrey
In Fittleworth, Knight Frank has the attractive Corner Cottage, on the market for £795,000 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Knight Frank, 01428 770560 Also in Fittleworth, Henry Adams (Storrington) has Keepers Cottage on the market for £1.5 million. Believed to date back to the 18th century, the house has been imaginatively linked to a converted barn.
Omega in Durford wood, near Petersfield (Knight Frank)
Omega in Durford Wood, near Petersfield, is an unusual property with superb views of the South Downs. Built in the 1980s and set in more than six acres, the privacy of the house begins with the long drive. Outside there are a triple garage, a detached twobedroom lodge, stabling, a tennis court and a swimming pool.
The interior is bright and spacious with high ceilings and many intricate exposed beams, particularly in the vaulted living room, complete with minstrels’ gallery. There are four bedrooms in the original house, and more bedrooms on the ground and first floors in the converted barn where the master suite has a private mezzanine dressing room. Approached by a long driveway, there is also an outside swimming pool, and good equestrian facilities with stabling and paddocks.
“Who are you?”
The Who, one of the biggest UK bands of the last 50 years, are believed to have stayed at North Heath House near Pulborough in their heyday. A series of discoveries by owners Bill and Yelena
Inside there are six bedrooms and what Knight Frank describes as “a good balance of principal rooms providing family and entertaining space”, including a conservatory. The guide price is £2.25 million. If barn conversions are high on the list, Fordley Barn at Fernhurst is set in 4.5 acres of open countryside, with two tennis courts in the south-facing garden. Inside, too, there is a good sense of space, with an open-plan vaulted sitting room and dining room, a galleried family room and study, and kitchen/breakfast room. Upstairs, the master bedroom is en suite with three more bedrooms. The guide price is £1.25 million. Sefton House, Arundel (Strutt & Parke)
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www.southdowns-property.co.uk
P r ope rt y u p d ate
Keepers Cottage, Fittleworth (Henry Adams)
The Chichester office of Strutt & Parker offers a broad sweep of properties, including Sefton House, a Grade II townhouse with five bedrooms, close to Arundel Castle, for £1.285 million; and The Leaward, “a fine country house” in 13 acres at Bury, near Pulborough, with 5 bedrooms, plus a 4 bed holiday cottage and equestrian facilities, for £1.75 million. Strutt & Parker, 01243 832600
Walters suggest that the band, including Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon, used to escape to this country home, owned in the 1970s by their former road manager. Bill says: “The pool was severely damaged prior to our moving here in 1987. We were told that the damage was caused by a car being pushed into the pool during a period of late-night revelry, but unfortunately the crane used to raise the vehicle crushed the side of the pool as it was lifted out. Thankfully, that was all repaired long ago and we’ve since had many years of enjoyment from it.” This cedarwood house, now on the market with Henry Adams, Billingshurst, for £595,000 was imported from Canada in 1935. The first impression inside is of space and light, according to the agents. There are four bedrooms, two large reception rooms and a modern kitchen. Outside, the private garden has extensive open lawns and a heated swimming pool. A large double garage and large open plan office have replaced the original garage, which may have once been a recording studio. Bounds Green is a rose-clad Sussex cottage in Cocking Causeway, run as a bed & breakfast by Russell and Jeanie Denyer and on the market with Henry Adams, Haslemere, at £595,000. “The idea of combining work and home with a Bed & Breakfast only started last Christmas,” says Jeanie, “but the response has been phenomenal. We also discovered an immaculate 30ft well in the back garden which you couldn’t even see before,” says Jeanie. The 18th century house features a ‘barn’ sitting room of over 22ft by 14ft with an open fireplace. The gardens were opened to visitors last year in aid of Macmillan and some 79 visitors came to see the beautiful results of all the hard work. Henry Adams: Billingshurst, 01403 782991; Storrington, 01903 742535; Haslemere, 01428 644002.
Moons Brook Cottage , Wisborough Green (Batcheller Monkhouse)
With a guide price of £595,000, Moons Brook Cottage is half a mile from Wisborough Green, and is described by agents Batcheller Monkhouse as “a delightful period property”. It has been extended at various times and now needs modernization. The cottage has an old timber frame at its core, with a dining room, sitting room, kitchen and breakfast room, three first-floor bedrooms, separate dressing room and a bathroom. Outside, there are spacious gardens, a swimming pool, and a detached double garage (partly used as an office). Batcheller Monkhouse, 01798 872081 Chesterton Humberts is asking for offers in excess of £2 million for Hinton Manor at Catherington. This, they say, is “a historic family home in a wonderful setting” of 4.4 acres with a cottage, a lake and a swimming pool. Inside, the Manor has five bedrooms, a drawing room, dining room, study, sitting room, kitchen/ breakfast room and an orangery. Chesterton Humberts, 01730 862033
Cautious optimism
At Strutt & Parker, Chichester, senior negotiator Nigel Clements reports “an uncharacteristic uplift in activity throughout the summer which looks set to continue into the autumn. There are distinct ‘hot spots’ within our area that will always attract strong interest from buyers, namely the South Downs belt and the select “sailing” villages around Chichester Harbour. “The key to maintaining these encouraging activity levels is realistic guide prices, even in the more desirable locations. It is likely that the prevailing interest rates will remain low for the foreseeable future, so the outlook for the autumn is cautiously optimistic as long as vendors’ aspirations remain sensible.”
Hinton Manor, Catherington (Cheserton Humberts) www.southdowns-property.co.uk
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Lynchmere, Haslemere
Guide ÂŁ1,300,000
A striking family house in a wonderfully private and sought after setting Entrance hall, kitchen, drawing room, dining room, cloakroom, conservatory. Master bedroom with ensuite shower room, 3 further double bedrooms, family bathroom, separate W.C. Double garage, garden shed, log shed. Mature gardens in all about 0.635 acres. Contact Haslemere 01428 770560 haslemere@knightfrank.com
Three Gates Lane, Haslemere
Guide ÂŁ1,500,000
Beautifully presented family house in extensive landscaped gardens close to Haslemere town centre Entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast/family room, utility room, cloak/bathroom, porch. Master bedroom with en suite, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom, separate W.C. 3 bay garage, workshop, log store, studio/media room with shower room, propagation room, loggia. Mature south facing gardens approaching 1 acre, swimming pool, small barn, greenhouse, kitchen garden, sun terraces, natural springs. Contact Haslemere 01428 770560 haslemere@knightfrank.com
Weydown Road, Haslemere
Guide £2,500,000
A large family home in extensive grounds occupying a prime position on one of Haslemere’s most desirable roads Family room, drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen, conservatory/breakfast room. Recreation suite: sitting room, gym, sauna, shower, games room and studio. Master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 4 bay garaging, home office and tennis court. Mature gardens in all about 1.492 acres. Contact Haslemere 01428 770560 haslemere@knightfrank.com
Plaistow, West Sussex
In excess of £4,000,000
A classic Grade II listed 16th century farmhouse linked to a magnificent and historic reception barn in a beautiful setting overlooking its own deer park, lake and woodland beyond Grade II listed 16th century farmhouse. For sale freehold as a whole or in 3 lots. In all about 170.5 acres. Lot 1: Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, study. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms (3 en suite), shower room. Swimming pool, sauna, tennis court. Entertaining barn. Cottage. Stable block, garage, barn, 7 bay cart store. Parkland grounds leading to a beautifully landscaped 1 acre lake. Deer park. Fishing lake. Woodland. Pasture and paddocks. Potential for family shoot. In all about 126 acres. Lot 2: Redundant farm buildings with an opportunity to build a dwelling sitting in 14.5 acres. Lot 3: 30 acres of pasture land over two fields. Contact Haslemere 01428 770560 haslemere@knightfrank.com
Let’s go
lett i n g s
If the residential market has been
muted, there has been no let up for
lettings, which is booming. By Nick Keith While the cost of buying a home for first-time buyers is now £110 a month lower than renting, according to the Halifax, lettings agents in the South Downs report that their market is buoyant. The Halifax reports that the average monthly costs of renting a two bedroom flat in July 2011 were £677 a month, while a firsttime buyer would pay £567. In 2008 the average cost of buying was 29% (£212) more than the average rent paid. In spite of this trend, Neilan Williams has had “a very successful summer period and just can’t get enough properties in the Elm Cottage, Slindon (Hancock and Partners)
Ian Wiggett, of Hancock & Partners, says that the lettings market has generally boomed in 2011. “September tends to be one of the busiest months of the year and so far that is proving to be the case. There are a good number of quality tenants looking to rent and also a reasonably good supply of properties although there is still a shortage of properties in both the upper and lower ends of the market.
Andlers Ash, Liss (Neilan WIlliams)
Petersfield and surroundings areas,” says Colin Williams, Director. “The current economic trends have shown that the popularity of letting is growing. In fact figures from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have shown that the demand for rented property is increasing at its fastest rate since the fourth quarter of 2008; a third more of the Institute’s members reported a rise in demand. “Similarly, research from Rightmove.co.uk showed that the return on investment for buy-to-let homes is around 6% and the amount of rental stock available has fallen 23% since last year. So this means there are plenty of people still looking to rent. The economic climate is leading more and more people towards renting which was started off by tightening up of mortgage availability for those not already on the property ladder.” He says that demand is such that the availability of rental property is going fast. Neilan Williams has Andlers Ash, a three-bedroom, two reception room detached house situated in a popular quiet location in Liss with easy reach of the village centre, the station and the A3. Rental: £1,250 pcm. Neilan Williams, 01730 233333
6
“For the rest of 2011 we expect the market to continue to be very busy as there seem to be more people looking to rent than to buy at the present time. Good properties that are well presented will continue to rent well and attract premium rents. Indeed some properties in the more exclusive parts of the South Downs are letting in a matter of hours.” In the village of Slindon, Hancock & Partners has Elm Cottage, an unfurnished listed period house with large gardens and views of the coast. Accommodation comprises a luxury kitchen, sitting room, dining room, family bathroom, four bedrooms, oil fired central heating, single garage and parking. The rental is £3,250 pcm. Other properties available include an unfurnished threebedroom period cottage in Aldwick for £1,250psm and a similar sized house in central Chichester with a cottage garden for £1.200pcm. Hancock & Partners, 01243 531155 Michael Sturt, at Gibson Gammon, says his firm manages a wide range of stock in the South Downs, and is looking for more property from East Meon, through Liphook, Liss and Petersfield down to Chichester via South Harting. “The local market is buoyant in the bread and butter range, up to £1,000, where lettings are always popular,” he adds. Gibson Gammon, 01730 262628
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
FINE
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
7
When choosing an Estate Agent Your Choice is Black & White
Stand out with...
Property Experts in Sales and Lettings 01730 233 333 www.neilanwilliams.co.uk 6-8 College Street, Petersfield, GU31 4AD
Residential Sales & Lettings 01730 233333
6-8 College Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4AD sales@neilanwilliams.co.uk lettings@neilanwilliams.co.uk www.neilanwilliams.co.uk
Liss
£995,000
A rare opportunity to purchase the perfect family home... Built in 1927 for a former MP, The Garth is a charming Arts and Crafts style detached which has undergone an extensive programme of modernisation and refurbishment. Situated in the heart of Liss Village, the electric remote-control gates (with CCTV and intercom) front straight onto the pretty high street. The lengthy driveway leads to a gravelled parking area (with capacity for 10 cars) and ends at a large Dutch-barn style double garage. The house itself is set within beautifully landscaped grounds of two thirds of an acre, which offer an excellent degree of seclusion and privacy. There are a range of outbuildings, and a dedicated children’s play area. The property is presented in immaculate decorative order, with bespoke kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms, and features include a “secret” second staircase which accesses the master suite. All work has been done to the highest possible standard with Cat8 wiring, sky feeds to all rooms, HDMI to the main receptions, and a top spec “Bowers and Wilkins” bespoke Sound/Media System throughout the house and grounds (available under separate negotiation). Neilan Williams politely request serious buyers only for this remarkable and unique family home.
Colin Williams
Toni Russ
Liz Cribbley
Lisa Williams
Sharon Wright
1 CLIFFORD HOUSE, PETWORTH 11 CLIFFORD HOUSE, PETWORTH CLIFFORD HOUSE, PETWORTH WEST SUSSEX GU28 0AH WEST SUSSEX GU28 0AH WEST GU28 PRICE GUIDESUSSEX £349,000 WEST SUSSEX GU280AH 0AH
PRICE GUIDE £349,000 PRICE GUIDE £349,000 PRICE GUIDE £349,000 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETELY REFURBISHED, EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH QU VEAN DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETELY REFURBISHED,REFURBISHED, EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH QUALIT EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETELY EXCEPTIONALLY APARTMENTS SITUATED IN THE TOWNS MARKET SQUARE AN EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT COMPLETELY EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENTS SITUATED IN OF THE TOWNSIN MARKET SQUARE APARTMENTS SITUATED THEREFURBISHED, TOWNS MARKET SQUARE APARTMENTS SITUATED IN THE TOWNS MARKET SQUARE
Petworth, West Sussex 3 g y in nl n O ai m re
Price from £275,000 to £349,000
An exclusive development of completely refurbished, exceptionally high quality apartments situated in the town’s Market Square * Communal Entrance Hall * Private Entrance Hall * Master Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room * ntrance Hall, Private Entrance Hall, Master Bedroom with Room En-suite Shower Room, Two Furthe Communal Hall,*Private Entrance Hall,Reception Master Bedroom with Ro * TwoEntrance Further Bedrooms Second Bathroom * Principal with Kitchen and En-suite Dining Area Shower * cond Bathroom, Principle Reception Room with Kitchen andTops Dining Communal Garden * Communal Gardens *Bathroom, Colour Video Entry Phone *Reception Solid Oak Kitchen Work * 5Kitchen RingArea, Gas Hob * Built-in * Bedrooms, Second Principle Room with and DiningOven Area, Co Communal Entrance Hall,Fridge Private Entrance Hall, Master Bedroom En-suite Shower * Built-in & Freezer * Fully Tiled Bathrooms * Built-in Wardrobeswith * * Wired for Surround Sound in Lounge Reception & Bathrooms * 37CDI Worcester Bosch Boilerand * Bedrooms, Second Bathroom, Principle Room with Kitchen Dining Area,
Entry Phone, Solid Oak Kitchen Work 5 Ring Gas Hob,5 Built Oven, Colour Video Entry Phone, Solid Oaktops, Kitchen Work tops, Ring in Gas Hob,Built BuiltIninFridge Oven, nce Hall, Private Entrance Hall, Master Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room, Two & F y Tiled Bathrooms, BuiltBathrooms, In Wardrobes, for Surround Sound in Lounge & Bathrooms, Freezer, Fully Tiled BuiltWired In Wardrobes, Wired for Surround Sound in Loung nd Colour Bathroom, Reception with Boiler Kitchen and 5Dining Area, Communal G VideoPrinciple Entry Phone, Solid Room Oak Bosch Kitchen Work tops, Ring Gas Hob, Built in Ove 37CDI Worcester 37CDI Worcester Bosch Boiler Freezer, Fully Tiled Bathrooms, Built In Wardrobes, Wired for Surround Sound in Lou www.southdowns-property.co.uk 10 37CDI Worcester BoschBuilt Boiler try Phone, Solid Oak Kitchen Work tops, 5 Ring Gas Hob, in Oven, Built In F
Petworth, West Sussex
Price Guide ÂŁ395,000 A rarely available spacious well presented four-bedroom family home situated in an enviable position with far reaching views * Entrance Lobby * Entrance Hall * Cloakroom * Sitting/Dining Room * Kitchen/Breakfast Room * Utility Room * Four Double Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Work shop/Store Room (garage) * Front and Rear Gardens * Private Parking
Duncton, West Sussex
Price Guide ÂŁ415,000 * Entrance Lobby * Entrance Hall * Sitting Room * Dining Room * Kitchen/Breakfast Room * * Cloakroom * Office/Family Room * Utility Room/workshop * Three Double Bedrooms * Bathroom * * Gardens (part under licence) and Parking * Oil fired central heating *
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
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B AT H RO O M S White basin from the Bouroullec collection for Axor with soft, free-flowing lines, no corners or edges. Flexibility is the key to this contemporary 70-piece collection of mixers, accessories, basins and baths. From Littlejohn Bathrooms, £814, basin; £293, tap.
Taking
the plunge
The bathroom is the place for indulgence and a bit of luxury. With minimal, sleek design and comfort, a modern bathroom is a haven for wellness and a spa-like feeling in your own home. By Geraldine Keith A good bathroom designer will advise on exactly how to customise your perfect bathroom from tub, shower, basin and loo, to decor, flooring, lighting and storage. While many people choose showers for an invigorating and quick start to the day, there is nothing like the luxury of a bath. Increasingly popular whirlpool baths soothe body and soul, improving circulation and muscle tone. With a Hydro Silence whirlpool bath the noise of the pump is gone, leaving just the sound of moving water.
Set your bath mood with five Chromotherapy colour cycles in the Conforto whirlpool bath from Ripples, and have your back and shoulders massaged by three adjustable micro jets. Available in two lengths or as a corner bath, from £1,600
Stonearth Solid Wood Washstand with black granite countertop, £1152; basin, £198; Duravit tap, £329.77; Keuco crystal mirror door cabinet, £1162.80 from Premier Property
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The Baby Seaside by Italian designers Teuco from Ripples offers total luxury in your own home. Built-in, or freestanding, from £5,160. www.southdowns-property.co.uk
B AT H RO O M S Surface mounted Memento basin and furniture by Villeroy & Boch from Concepts Interiors. Clean simple lines for a modern stylish bathroom. Cost £5,400
Concepts Interiors 4 Beaver Park, Quarry Lane Chichester PO19 8NY 01243 538382 www.conceptsinteriors.co.uk Fired Earth 13A Eastgate Square, Chichester PO19 1JL 01243 538523 www.firedearth.com LittleJohn Bathrooms 16 Amey Industrial Estate, Frenchmans Road, Petersfield, GU32 3AN 01730 231050 www.littlejohn.co.uk Premier Property 01730 710028 or 07887 706440 www.premproperty.com
Marrakech hand-made and hand painted Bahia tiles from Fired Earth, in Aqua, Taupe, Grey and Cream. 15.5 x 15.5, £8.95 each. Surface mounted stone basin, £467.50 (until 1 October)
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
Ripples Chichester 5/7 Ambassador House Crane Street Chichester PO19 1LH 01243 776661 www.ripples.ltd.uk
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A RT S
Cowdray Park
Photos: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2011
stages year’s biggest auction
Christie’s will present the “largest country house sale of the year” in a three-day auction
Double portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence
at Cowdray Park, West Sussex, on 13, 14 and 15 September. The sale will offer approximately 1,200 lots from Cowdray Park, home of Lord Cowdray, and from Dunecht House, the Scottish home of Lord Cowdray’s brother, the Hon. Charles Pearson. Many of the works to be offered from the collections were acquired by Weetman Dickinson Pearson (1856-1927), the first Viscount Cowdray, and his son, Weetman Harold Miller Pearson, the 2nd Viscount. Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray, developed his family firm, S. Pearson and Son Ltd., from a small company in Bradford into one of the most successful business empires of the 20th century. In 1889 he won the contract to drain Mexico City by means of a Grand Canal. Having gained the friendship of President Porfirio Diàz, Pearson developed vast oil fields in Mexico. His firm became one of the largest construction companies in the world and, with his oil interests, he became extremely wealthy. He was for 10 years the Liberal Member of Parliament for Colchester, often referred to in jest as ‘the Member for Mexico’, due to his regular absences from the House of Commons. Weetman Pearson acquired Cowdray Park in 1909. On his death in 1927 an American newspaper described him as “one of the greatest pioneers ever sent out of Britain”. Pearson Plc is still a global giant, as a media and education company and the largest book publisher in the world. Estimates of prices range from £50 to £500,000 and the auction is expected to realize some £5 million. Among the works are: An oil on canvas double portrait of Anne, Viscountess Pollington, and her son John Charles (1810-99), later 4th Earl of Mexborough, by Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A (estimated price £300,000-500,000); an early 17th century portrait of a lady identified as Elizabeth I, but probably Catherine Carey, Countess of Nottingham (£250,000-£350,00) and a George V silver table (£15,000-25,000). Andrew Waters, Head of Private Collection and Country House Sales, Christie’s, says: “This historic three-day country house auction follows Christie’s long tradition of offering the finest British collections. Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray and 14
A George V silver table
his wife Annie, Lady Cowdray were among the most prolific and discerning British collectors of the early 20th century, coupling their considerable wealth with a taste for beautiful pictures, objects and works of art.”
The auction follows sales at Christie’s in London in July when a selection of nine works from Cowdray Park were sold for a total of £10.9 million. Thomas Gainsborough’s full-length portrait of Mrs William Villebois sold for £6,537,250, a world record price for the artist at auction. “Following the success of the sales in July, Christie’s are looking forward to opening the doors of Cowdray Park to the public for the first time,” Andrew Waters adds, “providing collectors an accessible opportunity to acquire works of art from the Pearson Collections.” Christie’s, www.christies.com
www.southdowns-property.co.uk
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15
eco home s
South Downs eco-home Paul Ciniglio is showing the way to the world in
reducing carbon dioxide emissions, by converting his own house into a ‘Superhome’
each unit he sends back to the grid, he receives an additional 3p. Although these figures may not seem large – the solar panels on Paul’s roof created 1,460 kilowatt hours in just eight months – that’s about £600 income. He expects to send half of the energy the panels create back to the grid each year.
Paul Ciniglio (above, right)has taken a big step towards change by altering his home in Stroud, Hampshire, to be much more energy efficient. He has achieved an 80% drop in emissions at Sunpower CO2ttage, which he has retrofitted to exemplary energy efficiency standard. It is regularly open to the public as part of SEA’s ‘Old Home Super Home’ network with over 300 visitors in the first year. At Sunpower CO2ttage, the south-facing roof is adorned with two different types of solar panel. The first is to produce hot water, relying on heat from the sunshine. Paul estimates he gets 95% of his hot water for free, and he jokingly says that “hot water heated by the sunshine feels better for showering.” The second type of panel creates renewable electricity which runs the electrical appliances and lights in his home. These photovoltaic panels rely on daylight intensity instead of heat; while they can work effectively all year, best performance is reached between spring and autumn. While the panels can produce more than 2,200 watts of power – more than enough energy for an environment-conscious household – on an overcast, drizzly August afternoon, they create 60 watts. Paul uses 7 watt light bulbs, so there is plenty to light. If his panel isn’t creating enough energy for what he requires, such as at nighttime, he can still draw electricity from the grid. As well as these solar panels helping the environment, they also help your wallet. For every kilowatt-hour of energy Paul produces at his home, he receives 41.3p under the new Feed in Tariff – even if he is the one using the free electricity he generates. And, for 16
Among many other changes, Paul has also invested in vastly improving the thermal insulation and air tightness in his home. Typically 35% of heat in the home is lost through walls, and 25% through the roof. A simple way of cutting down energy losses is to ensure your home is well insulated. In each room of the house and in the garden there is evidence of his efforts, including: an air source heat pump and low water volume radiators for central heating; ventilation with heat recovery; the ‘AAA’ energy rated stickers on his appliances and windows. Paul has also addressed water efficiency by using an ultra low dual flush toilet, aerated showerheads and spray taps in his bathroom and water butts. He expects to save money on his newly metered bills.
Tough targets
The provision of heat and power to the UK’s 24 million homes is responsible for over a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is the principle gas associated with the cause of global warming. The Government, in line with the Climate Change Act, has plans to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 – this will be no mean feat. In order for this target to be achieved in the domestic sector, roughly 500,000 homes will have to go through whole house energy refurbishments similar to Sunpower CO2ttage each year until 2050. Although many houses being built now aim to be as near to carbon neutral as possible, 85% of current residences will continue to be occupied in the future and something needs to be done about these. Making big changes to your house isn’t cheap, and can be timeconsuming. Paul has spent more than £30,000, and six months on the modifications to his home. However, there are things you www.southdowns-property.co.uk
eco home s
can do to begin changing your home gradually. The key thing that Paul recommends is to start with simple cost-effective measures such as improving insulation, draft stripping and using low energy lighting. When considering more expensive measures it is important to think long term to justify the higher investment in making your home more energy-efficient. There are always options for replacing old appliances at the end of their life with new environmentally friendly models. If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it is unlikely to be working as effectively so it is a good thing to consider changing it before it breaks down – and lower your annual running costs in the process. ‘A’-energy rated windows are a good way of ensuring as little energy is lost as possible. You can minimize water consumption in various ways, many of them practicable things like not letting the tap run while cleaning your teeth.
The Green
Paul Ciniglio factfile Having worked in the construction industry for 27 years, Paul is the Sustainability Manager for the Radian Group, and his role is to reduce the environmental impact of the housing association’s activities. This relates to an existing housing stock of 17,500 units and a new-build programme of up to 1,000 units a year. He has a diploma and a first class Bachelor of Science honours degree in Building Surveying; he is a Master of Arts in Sustainable Development; and he is a member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences. Paul is a consultant to the ecohousing theme lead in the Whitehill Bordon eco-town, near where he grew up, for two years. He is vice chairman of the Building Research Establishment’s Housing Group steering committee. www.sustainable-energyacademy.org.uk/superhomes/ petersfield Natalie Todd
Deal
Tarquin Henderson reviews what’s going on through the green window at Westminster With its pledge to be the ‘greenest Government ever’, the Coalition has already taken steps to encourage homeowners to go green through incentives such as the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Next up to the plate is The Green Deal, due to come into action in October 2012. The Green Deal will be focused on improving the insulation within our homes. Working on the principle that it is generally better not to fill a bucket that is full of holes, it is aimed at improving the insulation levels of 14 million homes by 2020, rising to 26 million by 2030.
Why is this important?
Every year £2-3 billion is wasted because heat is being lost through poorly insulated homes. Three quarters of the energy we use in our homes is for heating and hot water. This accounts for 13% of the UK’s CO2 emissions. Tackle insulation and we can reduce our carbon emissions significantly. While improving building standards works for new buildings, the big challenge is dealing with the 26.6 million existing homes in the UK.
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The Green Deal is based on the idea of Pay As You Save (PAYS). Your home will be assessed by an accredited surveyor. Based on their report a number of measures could be recommended including loft insulation, cavity or solid wall insulation. You will not pay upfront but, based on a calculation of how much energy (and therefore cost) you are saving, you will pay back bit by bit through your energy bill. Announcements from Westminster over the coming months will begin to add more flesh to bones of this plan. It is, however, one to watch as it may turn out to be not only a green deal but also a great deal. We’ll see. Tarquin Henderson is a Director of ReEnergise Renewables, a Haslemere-based energy efficiency business. www.reenergiserenewables.com
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Can renewable energy
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We provide personalised, impartial advice on how renewable energy can help you reduce your heating and electricity bills We find the right solutions for your home and project manage from purchase to installation We offer guidance and access to finance to suit individual needs
Learn More: For an informal chat about how we can help you save money, please contact us at:
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FIRE SAFETY: is your business
A D V E RT IS E M E N T F E A T UR E
compliant?
Neil Casson of Energy Footprint explains the changes in Fire Safety regulations and how they can affect you. Based in Petersfield for the past five years, Energy Footprint specialise in conducting Fire Risk Assessments. Offering reliable impartial advice, they have conducted more than 2,500 assessments over the past two years, helping a range of clients ensure they are meeting the necessary legislative requirements. Change to the Regulations The law governing fire safety changed in 2005 with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which came into effect from October 2006, but it has taken some time for businesses, organisations and landlords to become aware of, and fully understand their responsibilities under the new law. The order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space. It does not apply to people’s private homes. What Does It Mean to Businesses and Landlords? Prior to 2006, businesses were required to hold fire certificates. These were abolished and the law now requires the ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure that a fire risk assessment (FRA) is carried out and a fire management plan is implemented and maintained. Who is the ‘Responsible Person’ and what must they do? Anyone who has control of premises, or anyone who has a degree of control over certain areas or systems, may be a ‘Responsible Person’. For example, it could be the employer, managing agent, owner or occupier of the building. The Responsible Person must, as far as is reasonably practical, make sure that everyone on the premises, or nearby, can escape
safely if there is a fire, whether they are employees, visitors or members of the public. They must ensure that a suitable and sufficient FRA is undertaken and a fire management plan is implemented and maintained. Who is responsible for enforcing the Order and what will they expect? The primary enforcing authority is normally the local Fire and Rescue Authority, although there are some special cases where other bodies, such as the Health and Safety Executive, have been appointed. If the enforcing authority has reason to visit your premises, for example as part of a routine audit or following a fire incident, they will expect to see a suitable and sufficient FRA and evidence of a comprehensive fire management plan. What will they do if these are not in place? The enforcing authorities have been issued with powers ranging from issuing formal notices, including preventing people from using all or part of the building, right through to criminal prosecution. In a recent case a hotel/pub owner (the Responsible Person) was prosecuted for non-compliance. Although there had not been a fire, and a Fire Risk Assessment had been carried out, both the hotel owner and the Risk Assessor were jailed for 8 months each and ordered to pay costs of £20,586.
Don’t run the risk, call us for a free no obligation chat today: 01730 262 703 www.energy-footprint.com Don’t miss the 7 October edition of South Downs Property, where Neil will talk about the practical steps involved in Fire Risk Assessment. The Energy Footprint team www.southdowns-property.co.uk
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Quintessential Character
01489 878 786 www.threevalleyconstruction.co.uk
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Restoring properties in the South Downs National Park
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Signs of
ma r k et u p d ate
stability
As house prices drift slowly downwards, there are some positive trends for buyers from the property researchers amid the gloom. Here are recent findings from Rightmove, the Halifax and Nationwide New sellers’ asking prices in August dropped by 2.1% over the past month, a year-on-year fall of 0.3%, according to Rightmove. This puts the average asking price for a property in the UK at £231,543. Only two areas in the UK saw average asking prices increase in August – Yorkshire & Humberside (0.1%), and Wales (0.8%). The average price at which new sellers market their properties remains similar to last year and to August 2007, when the credit crunch started. “While the repeated shocks to the financial system have severely limited transaction numbers compared to pre-credit-crunch levels,” says Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove, “the last four years have seen them stabilize. “Sellers’ initial asking price aspirations have remained remarkably stable, and in spite of the continuing global economic unrest, the UK housing market has several unique factors that should help to insulate it from downside risks.” The supply of new sellers is still 30% below August 2007 levels. This lack of confidence and/or ability to come to market stops an oversupply of sellers from bidding each other down. Additionally, Bank of England base rates now look set to remain unchanged until at least 2013. “We are four years into this journey, and it still looks like a long road ahead,” Miles Shipsides adds. “The UK does not have the chronic over-supply of property seen in many other countries, due to restrictive planning laws and tight central control of local government finances, leading to low levels of new build in both social housing and the private sector. “Demand for housing is high due to demographic changes, including net immigration, boosting household numbers. These factors give our housing market more balance and stability, but perversely prevent a possibly quicker but more painful route to recovery via lower prices with higher transaction volumes.”
Prices
House prices fell by 0.6% in August, according to the Nationwide, so the price of a typical home is 0.4% lower than a year ago. www.southdowns-property.co.uk
Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said that this doesn’t change the picture of relative stability in the market during the past 12 months. “Sluggish demand for homes, combined with only a gradual rise in the supply of available properties, has helped to keep property prices stable since last summer. We expect this trend to be maintained over the remainder of 2011, although downside risks have increased as UK and global growth prospects have weakened.” Meanwhile, the Halifax House Price Index has just published the following data for August:
Annual change
-2.6%
Quarterly change
1.0%
Monthly change
-1.2%
Average Price
£161,743
Martin Ellis, housing economist, said: “The underlying trend, as measured by the latest three months compared with the preceding three months, showed a modest improvement in house prices for the second consecutive month in August. The current low volume of sales tends to make house prices volatile from month to month. The 1.2% fall in August follows three months when prices have risen. “Low interest rates are likely to continue to support the market whilst increased uncertainty about the economic outlook and pressures on householders’ finances constrain demand. Overall, we expect broad stability in both prices and activity over the coming months.”
Affordability
The proportion of disposable earnings devoted to mortgage payments – a key affordability measure – is at its most favourable for 12 years, according to new Halifax research. Nationally, typical mortgage payments for new borrowers – firsttime buyers and homemovers – at the historic average loan-tovalue ratio stood at 28% in the second quarter of 2011: the lowest level since 1999 and down by almost half from a peak of 48% of average disposable earnings in 2007 Quarter 3. There has also been a modest decline over the past year from 30% in 2010 Quarter 2, reducing mortgage payments relative to earnings further below the average of 37% recorded over the past 27 years. 25
New s
New branch Knight Frank opened new offices in Haslemere in early September. Pictured (l to r): Amy Craig-Ward, Russell Grieve, Sam Turner, and Nigel Mitchell (Head of the Guildford office) See Property Update, page 2
South Downs National Park
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Preserving the landscape Villagers of Froxfield and Privett have compiled a report on the countryside surrounding their homes in a bid to protect the landscape. The report, called the Local Landscape Character Assessment (LLCA), has taken a year so far, gathering the views of local residents through various consultations. They will submit their report to the South Downs National Park Authority, East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and Froxfield Parish Council, aiming to inform future planning decisions. Admiral Sir Brian Brown, chairman of the team, said they wanted to know why local people loved the landscape, what threats they envisaged, and what opportunities there were to improve it.
New s
Charity walk
Guy Leonard & Company is walking for charity on 17 September to raise money for Horsham 100 Charity for the Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy. This is a wonderful facility based at Ingfield Manor, Billingshurst. Horsham 100 aims to raise £100,000 for the school, which relies solely on public donations. A team from Guy Leonard & Company are relay-walking 100km (approx. 60 miles) across the South Downs Way to raise as much money as possible for the charity. “This in itself sounds a daunting challenge, but it also has to be completed in a 30 hour time limit,” says Neil Moore, Managing Director Guy Leonard & Co. “So it will mean walking through the night as well! The team and I would be grateful if you could consider sponsoring us for this valuable cause.
“We have looked at the landscape from every possible angle, including biodiversity and the cultural, historical and ecological background of the area”, he says.
“A vote of thanks to all sponsors, named individually, will be posted on our website. Sponsoring us is easy! Please go to our just giving page online at www.justgiving.com/ guyleonard100 or contact us for details of how to donate by cheque/cash, 01903 742354.
The project has been partially funded through a grant from East Hampshire District Council. Cllr Nick Drew, councillor for Froxfield and Steep, said: “I am incredibly impressed once again with the residents of Froxfield and Privett who are passionate about the care and protection of this lovely part of the South Downs.”
New website
haart has launched a new website, which is expected to receive over 50,000 visits from unique users a week. The website, which follows widespread consultation with haart’s customer base, has a celebrity endorsement from Jasmine Harman, presenter of Channel 4’s award-winning Place in the Sun programme. Says Andrew Woodcraft, Senior Branch Manager of haart of Petersfield: “haart has a long history of innovation in the property industry and the launch of our new website is another example of the focus we have on adding value for our customers – whether they are buying, selling, letting or renting.” www.haart.co.uk
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p i c k of the p r ope rt i e s / pla n n i n g
Pick of the Properties
South Downs Property selects some eye-catching houses
Praise for planning body Andrew Shaxson, Chairman of the SDNPA planning committee. Photograph by Michel Focard
northwood Farm, Graffham 3 bedrooms 18th century barn Stable block (disused) 2.6 acres
Agent: Knight Frank 01428 770560 Guide Price: £1.75 million
Centred round a courtyard, the main house dates originally from the 14th century. The ironstone barn has planning consent for a 3-bed house.
Environmental campaign group the South Downs Society has welcomed the approach of the Park’s new Planning Committee. The Society’s Planning Officer, Steve Ankers, said: “There have been strong planning policies in place in the Downs for a while, but now at last we have a dedicated National Park Authority with full responsibility for planning and we’re seeing the benefits.”
Telegraph house, Binsted, nr Alton
6 bedrooms Delightful gardens 3600 views Media room
Joint Agents: Savillis: 01252 729000 Hamptons: 01420 86868 Guide Price: £1.45 million
Grade II listed house in the South Downs National Park built by the Admiralty in 1829 as a semaphore relay house between London and Plymouth.
He added that the August meeting of the Planning Committee had taken “a good step forward in protecting the interests of the Park. For example, we’re very pleased to see that the idea of major new housing estates north and west of Polegate, at the foot of the Downs, has been dropped. And the Committee has also sent a strong message to West Sussex County Council that they don’t want to see a huge import of landfill material to Boxgrove Quarry – it’s just outside the National Park near Halnaker, but tipping on the scale proposed would generate a lot of lorry traffic and have a major visual impact.” Other decisions praised by the society – the unofficial “Friends of the South Downs National Park”– include rejections by the SDNPA planners of proposals for: a new sand quarry at Kingsley in Hampshire; for waste operations at Slindon Bottom and Stedham Mills in Sussex; and for a major new housing estate at the former King Edward VII hospital near Easebourne, West Sussex (as reported in South Downs Property).
Churchill House, Midhurst 5 bedrooms Separate annexe Walled garden Double garage
Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff 01730 812357 Guide Price: £2.25 million
Classic 18th century listed house, one of the best in Midhurst, with parking and a beautiful walled garden.
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“We’re keen to see the restoration and conversion of the old hospital buildings,” said Steve Ankers, “but not if it means over 200 new dwellings out in the middle of the countryside! Like the National Park Authority we’re keen to support proposals that reflect local social and economic need, but conserving this special landscape has to come first.” www.southdownssociety.org.uk www.southdowns-property.co.uk
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