PhD Premiere Autumn/Winter 2014

THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE & PROPERTY MAGAZINE

A U T UM N / W I N T E R 2 014

Première

W W W. P R O S P E C T. C O . U K

For the finer things...

UTOPIA JUST SAY THE WORD

Utopia

/juːˈtəʊpɪə/ noun An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect synonyms: ideal place, paradise, heaven, heaven on earth, Garden of Eden

ALEXANDERHOUSE.CO.UK

ALEXANDER HOUSE HOTEL AND UTOPIA SPA TURNERS HILL, EAST GRINSTEAD, WEST SUSSEX, RH10 4QD / 01342 714914 (LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM LONDON)

Première Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of Première magazine There have been a number of changes in the last 12 months that have impacted the housing market, but one thing remains constant and that is the positive activity and increase in transactions. The mortgage regulation changes have been a negative for some potential buyers whilst the help to buy scheme has assisted many first time buyers and upmarket movers. The general confidence across the market is very strong even with the threat of interest rate rises and the general election looming, and positivity is consistent through all price ranges.

Our speciality is the higher end of the market and we have seen major ripples from London pushing housing wealth out of the capital after amazing price rises. The increasing flow of buyers and tenants from London, coupled with strong local demand has seen our exchanged sales increase by over 200% and 100% in lets in comparison to this time last year.

Our unique marketing includes London Days, magazine and broadsheet advertising and multi-website marketing ensuring maximum exposure for your property. If you are considering buying, selling or letting at any stage, I look forward to hearing from you and in the meantime, I hope you enjoy our publication.

BRACKNELL 01344 869 169

CAMBERLEY 01276 686 457

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MAIDENHEAD 01628 563444

M AY F A I R 0207 467 5330

READING 0118 955 9700

WA R F I E L D 01344 300 700

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WOKINGHAM 0118 979 9005

PUBLISHED BY

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This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. Liability: while every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it.

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COVER IMAGE If you'd like details on the cover image, please get in touch: premieremag@pelusa.co.uk from Prospect

SHAUN STEVENS

Director Tel. 0118 979 9005 Mobile. 07970 280830 Email. sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

3

Wiltshire Road

Wokingham Guide price £1,300,000

from Prospect

“Located in the heart of Wokingham Town Centre, this detached family residence occupies a stunning plot in excess of half an acre. EPC Rating D”

prospectphd.co.uk 4

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Contents Editorial...

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FA S H I O N Perfect timing with the beautiful Patek Philipe 5170J

25

T R AV E L The Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort in Bulgaria provides us with a beacon of luxury

29

TECHNOLOGY A guide to the very best in music streaming systems for your home

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KITCHENS Style Inspiration for the heart of the home

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CITY BREAKS Take a trip to Milan and embrace Italy’s capital of chic

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MOTORING The evolution of the supercar – the revolutionary BMW i8

Augmented Reality: T H I S M A G A Z I N E I S A U G M E N T E D R E A L I T Y R E A D Y. A U G M E N T E D R E A L I T Y I S T H E E X C I T I N G N E W T E C H N O L O G Y T H AT B R I N G S PA G E S T O L I F E .

WHERE YOU SEE THIS ICON

O N A PA G E , U S E Y O U R S M A R T P H O N E A N D TA B L E T

T O U N L O C K E X T R A C O N T E N T A B O U T T H E P R O P E R T Y. F O L L O W T H E S I M P L E I N S T R U C T I O N S B E L O W T O A C T I VA T E .

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5

The Avenue

Crowthorne ÂŁ1,625,000

prospectphd.co.uk 6

from Prospect

“A stunning, individual detached residence located on one of Crowthorne’s premier roads.

EPC Rating C” To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 7

Kensington Drive

Camberley £1,200,000

from Prospect

“A stunning detached residence in excess of 3700 sq ft, positioned on a private plot towards the end of a gated development of 10 properties. EPC Rating C”

prospectphd.co.uk 8

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

A love of History

For a life in Futures

Open Mornings

Testing Materials

For a life in Fashion

Open Morning

St George’s Junior School

St George’s College & Sixth Form

01932 839400

01932 839300

Friday 26th September 2014 9:00am – 12pm

Saturday 27th September 2014 9:30am – 12:30pm

Saturday 27th September 2014 9:30am – 12:30pm

Leading independent co-educational Roman Catholic day schools in Surrey offering a values-led education for all.

Book now at www.stgeorgesweybridge.com A Registered Educational Charity No.1017853

Wick Hill

Finchampstead ÂŁ1,500,000

prospectphd.co.uk 10

from Prospect

“A character residence offering a delightful mix of period splendour with contemporary twists, set in stunning formal grounds of 1.1 acres with a further 2.4 acres of woodland. EPC Rating E�

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 11

Tales from the Riverbank...

Exploring the riverside delights of Maidenhead & Sonning

Whether you are a short walk from the water or have river frontage, the charm of areas such as Maidenhead, Bray, Cookham, Wargrave and Sonning is evident in the interest received when properties are marketed.

These wonderful towns and villages offer something for every walk of life, whether you are interested in fishing, sailing or simply listening to the birds whilst on picturesque walks.

There is an abundance of private and public schooling for growing families whilst fine dining is catered for in the guise of restaurants such as The Fat Duck, The Waterside Inn and The French Horn.

Further leisure facilities include some of the area’s finest golf courses, numerous outdoor pursuits and the Internationally renowned events, Royal Ascot and Henley Regatta.

Living in a Thameside village can be a dream for many people and there are a number or picturesque villages along the Thames that offer the riverside lifestyle.

Properties in these areas can often require a specialist marketing approach with many homes being of a unique nature.

The approach PhD offers has been key to the recent riverside success as explained by Shaun Stevens, Director.

“We only deal with the higher echelons of the market for sales and lettings, meaning your property receives the focus and attention it deserves to achieve the best price. Our unique access to the London market via our Mayfair Office and London Day portfolio presentations gives us access to large numbers of buyers and tenants looking specifically for property in riverside towns and villages.

We have recently sold a number of properties in riverside areas and it is always a pleasure to deal with some of the areas finest homes in the most desirable locations. From young to old, the river offers a lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of a busy town or city.

The Mariners, Woodhurst Road, Maidenhead - For Sale £995,000

Islet Park Drive, Maidenhead – Sold £899,950

All of these areas offer convenient access to London and Heathrow, whilst the edition of Crossrail over the coming years will make access even easier.”

Frizers Farmhouse, Sonning Eye - Sold £875,000

Hart House, Thames Street, Sonning - For Sale £1,595,000

If you have a property in riverside village or town and would like further details about our specialist estate agency services, please contact Premier Homes of Distinction on

01628 563444

and email sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

The Street

Swallowfield £875,000

from Prospect

“A charming detached residence nestled in the delightful semi-rural village of Swallowfield, with accommodation in excess of 2500 sq ft. EPC Rating E”

prospectphd.co.uk 14

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Hotel Indigo Rome - St George: a superb base from which to explore the marvels of Rome.

Discover the community of creators in our neighbourhood among wonderful galleries, boutiques and workshops of every kind lined up next to great testimonies of the Renaissance.

Feel Like a Local

facebook.com/hotelindigorome

Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George Via Giulia 62, 00186 Rome T +39 06 686611 F +39 06 68661230 Email: stgeorge@hotel-invest.com www.hotelindigo.com/romestgeorge

Lodge Road

Hurst ÂŁ1,150,000

prospectphd.co.uk 16

from Prospect

“Located in the delightful village of Hurst and positioned on a stunning plot in excess of 1 acre.

EPC Rating D�

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 17

FA S H I O N

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Better late than never WA T C H F I N D E R & C O ’ S ANDREW MORGAN TA K E S A C L O S E R L O O K AT T H E S U B L I M E PAT E K P H I L I P E 5 1 7 0 J

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As Patek Philippe is world leader when

it comes to fine watches and exquisite complications, it may come as quite the surprise to learn that the watchmaker hadn’t produced a simple, hand-wound in-house chronograph until as recently as 2010. As bizarre an oversight as that may be, it’s completely true, and the rectification of that omission is what we have here: the rather special Patek Philippe 5170J. The 5170J is the successor to the 5070, a Lemania-based chronograph and the first Patek Philippe to breach the forty-millimetre mark. It’s a favourable watch in its own right, but it’s the 5170J that’s earned a special place in the halls of Patek Philippe. Available from around £40,000 on the pre-owned market, the 5170J has a Calatrava-influenced yellow gold case that takes a step back from the fussiness and size of the 5070, opening up the dial space, shrinking the diameter and bringing back the delicacy the watchmaker is known best for. The dial itself is equally as well-balanced and free of unnecessary clutter, offsetting the chronograph sub-dials to better highlight the in-house nature of the movement inside.

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And that’s what this watch is all about: the calibre CH 29-535 PS. Although the previous Lemania-based watches were heavily modified, they were nevertheless still movements from another manufacturer rather than a calibre designed and made

by Patek Philippe in-house. The CH 29535 PS more than justifies its existence at first touch: the winding crown and chronograph pushers are creamy-smooth to operate, plus the power reserve is up by five hours over the Lemania in the 5070.

Developing an in-house chronograph is no easy feat, not even for a watchmaker as experienced as Patek Philippe. It took five years from design to development to completion to build the CH 29-535 PS, utilising as many traditional methods as possible while also introducing new technologies and ideas. Like the Lemania, the CH 29-535 PS is a column-wheel movement, the hardest, most accurate way of building a chronograph mechanism.

Added to that is the instant-jump thirtyminute counter and a faster beat of 28,800 vph over the 5070’s 18,800 vph. This is an impressive specification for a movement only 29.6 millimetres in diameter and 5.35 millimetres in height.

And the innovation doesn’t end there, because Patek Philippe filed six patents in the development of the CH 29-535 PS for the 5170J. These include a process for optimising the teeth profiles of the wheels in the chronograph mechanism to avoid play and the design of an eccentric column wheel cap for fine adjustment of the penetration between the clutch and the chronograph wheel.

But numbers and facts only tell part of the story. Patek Philippe invests as much emotion into its watches as it does skill and expertise, and the result speaks for itself. Curved levers, chamfered bridges and sparkling jewels align as one to form the calibre CH 29-535 PS, a visual journey kept a secret on the back of the watch, a view only seen by a select lucky few. Because the 5170J shows so much restraint in its design, it allows the movement within to really shine when it’s unveiled. It may have taken 171 years for Patek Philippe to make the 5170J, but believe me, the wait was well worth it.

Andrew Morgan is Editor of Watchfinder & Co.’s digital publication The Watch Magazine. watchfinder.co.uk / thewatchmagazine.com

CP Law Solicitors has during the last 30 years gained a wealth of experience in the following areas of law: • • • • • • •

Residential Conveyancing Family Law Dispute Resolution Wills & Probate Commercial Property Company Law Employment

CP Law Solicitors has been established in Wokingham for 30 years and recently opened a new office in Sunningdale.

CP Law adopts modern practices whilst still retaining personal contact which enables CP Law to provide excellent service and advice to the local business community and private clients.

www.cplaw.co.uk

Wokingham | Sunningdale | 0845 241 3100 CP Law Solicitors is the trading name of Charles Platel and Partners (Solicitors) Limited

Heathlands Road

Wokingham £ 4,650 PCM

from Prospect

“Located conveniently between Wokingham and Crowthorne, this substantial 1830’s detached residence occupies a generous plot approaching six acres. EPC Rating E”

prospectphd.co.uk 22

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Arbor Lane

Winnersh £950,000

from Prospect

“An extensive detached residence on a private plot in excess of 0.4 of an acre.

EPC Rating C”

prospectphd.co.uk

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 23

Nine Mile Ride

Finchampstead £799,950

from Prospect

“An individual detached residence occupying a delightful plot of 1/4 of an acre. EPC Rating D”

prospectphd.co.uk 24

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

S T Y L E & T R AV E L

This Little Light Of Mine...

I’m Gonna Let It Shine P I T C H E D O N A P L AT E A U O V E R L O O K I N G T H E B L A C K S E A SITS A BEACON OF LUXURIOUS ELEGANCE – T H E L I G H T H O U S E G O L F & S P A R E S O R T.

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Over the last 10 years Bulgaria has seen an exponential

increase in tourism, particularly along the Black Sea coastline.

An idyllic setting with beautiful unspoilt scenery of imposing cliffs, white sands and azure waters, coupled with a warm climate (averaging 28C in the summer months), has brought increasing number of tourists from Western Europe and Russia.

Such is its increasing popularity that growth has been at twice the pace of projected economic development, and the demand for luxurious accommodation has led to the creation of some fabulous resorts – none more so than the Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort.

Sitting on the Bulgarian Riviera, just north of the seaside town of Balchik and 45 minutes from Varna International Airport you’ll find the lavish Lighthouse Resort. It first opened as a championship quality golf course in 2008, but has since evolved into a large contemporary 5 star complex containing all you need for a blissful stay.

The Lighthouse Hotel is the newest addition to the resort.

Having opened in 2011 the stylish residence is pitched on a

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spectacular plateau on top of the white cliffs overlooking the Black Sea.The hotel comprises of 6 presidential suites, 12 club suites and 156 superior rooms. Each room is decorated in a contemporary white, cream and gold colour theme symbolizing the serenity of the year round sun. All rooms have private terraces either with sea views or overlooking the golf course.

In addition to the hotel there are a number of apartments and villas located across the resort which are also available for rent. With up to 4 bedrooms, and some including their own private swimming pools, these often suit larger groups or families who need a bit more space.

As you would expect in a leading resort there are a variety of places to enjoy the local gastronomic flavours or international cuisine. Tasting the catch of the day, fresh from the Black Sea is an absolute must. There are 3 separate restaurants to choose from, as well as 5 bars which will serve not only your favourite tipple but also a fine array of food.

At the heart of the resort you’ll find the 18-hole championship Lighthouse golf course, designed by none-other than major

winner and ex-Ryder cup captain Ian Woosnam. The 6747 yard, par 71 course provides a fantastic test for lovers of the great game and is one of the most challenging in the Cape Kaliakra area. The links based design is complemented by several lakes and the natural contours of the dominating cliff tops. The views overlooking the Black Sea make it one of the most breath-taking in Europe. Alongside the course there is a selection of dedicated practice facilities to hone your skills and on hand you’ll find professional PGA instruction to try and help shave some shots off your game.

The resort also accommodates other sporting activities such as tennis, football and biking or down by the beach you can try out an array of water sports such as jet skiing, scuba diving, sailing or fishing.

After so much exertion what better way to unwind and sooth away the stresses and strains than by visiting the spa and wellness centre. The centre stretches over more than 3000 sq./metres and is set on two floors compromising of wellness facilities such as steam baths, jacuzzis, saunas, hammam, iced

cooling showers, lanconium and fitness centre. On the upper level you’ll find treatment and massage rooms, as well as a hair salon, manicure & pedicure facilities and cosmetics.

As you would expect the Lighthouse Resort is an incredibly popular location for weddings as well as being used for events and conferences. There are multiple packages available and expert guidance on hand to tailor your event requirements.

Moving outside of the hotel, not far away, you can visit the charming town of Balchik; a seaside settlement and fishing port with a wealth of local culture and history. Anyone visiting must go to the palace, which was once the former summer residence of Romanian Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria De Edinburgh, and take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens.

Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort offers visitors a truly exceptional stay, ideal for both couples and families alike. This area of Bulgaria is sure to become one of the most exclusive destinations on the Black Sea Coast and at the heart of this, much like a shining beacon, is Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort.

For more information visit www.lighthousegolfresort.com

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Enborne Gardens

Warfield OIEO £799,950

from Prospect

“Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this attractive detached residence is approaching 2500 sq ft. EPC Rating D”

prospectphd.co.uk 28

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY

I can hear music, sweet sweet music...

NOTHING SHOULD COME BETWEEN YOU AND THE MUSIC YOU LOVE, AND WITH INCREASING NUMBERS OF HIGH-END STREAMING AND MULTI-ROOM AUDIO OPTIONS, THERE IS NO REASON WHY ANYTHING SHOULD. W E T A K E A L O O K A T S O M E O F T H E F I N E S T S Y S T E M S O N T H E M A R K E T.

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Opening page: Meridian Control 15 Left, top to bottom: Meridian Control 15; Devialet 120; Simple Audio Roomplayer+.

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Simple Audio Roomplayer+ The Roomplayer+ is a compact high resolution music streamer. There are two models: The ‘Roomplayer +’ and ‘The Roomplayer+ with Amp’ featuring an onboard Class D amp that outputs 50 watts per channel and is designed for direct connection to a pair of loudspeakers.

You’re guaranteed outstanding sound performance from all your digital music, and as it streams up to 24-bit it is reassuringly future proof. Connect the Roomplayer+ with Amp to your choice of speakers and use Roomplayer apps for your computer, mobile and tablet to get a complete view of all the music you have digitally stored. Unique multi-user and multi-library features make it possible for the whole family to personalise the system.

When you want the sound all over your home, simply add additional Roomplayers for a supreme multi-room experience. Your Roomplayer apps will automatically detect any new Roomplayers on the network, so you can start playing music straight away. Roomplayer+ £599, Roomplayer+ with built-in Amp £699, www.simpleaudio.com.

Meridian Control 15 High end audio manufacturer Meridian’s Control 15 features an intuitive and beautifully designed touchscreen interface. Storage, playback and control functions are all taken care of by this elegant, high-tech design. Store circa 1000 albums on the integrated 500GB hard drive; your entire collection is then displayed and controlled on the 17-inch high contrast interface. It can be additionally operated via Meridian MSR+ remote control, or the Sooloos iOS app.

A simple tap of your finger takes you to your favourite album, or give the system clues based on your own criteria and it will develop a playlist for you.

For the ultimate plug’n’play convenience use Meridian’s digitally equipped DSP speakers, and for multi room options add the media Source200 which is operated direct through the Control 15. From £4,750, www.meridian-audio.com.

Devialet 120 This box exudes a beauty on the outside that is mirrored on the inside; a fusion of bleeding-edge technology and innovation. The Devialet 120 Features SAM (Speaker Active Matching) a

sophisticated digital processing that enables Devialet components to be precisely matched to a particular pair of speakers. It is, in effect, a form of bespoke audio tailoring, to ensure the amplifier and speakers fit perfectly together and thereby unleashing their full potential.

Numerous high-end speaker brands (B&W, KEF, Sonus, Wilson, Focal) are already supported with more being added all the time. Playback using Devialet AIR, a proprietary wi-fi circuitry that allows bit-perfect, asynchronous audio streaming from any wi-fi compatible device (compatible with iOS, Android, Mac & PC). From £4,495 www.devialet.com.

Martin Dalgleish of Simple Audio Designs gives a rundown of the top

things to consider when investing in a music streaming system for your home: When considering a streaming system for your new home, try to choose a system (a) that sounds great everywhere and (b) doesn’t limit what you can do. When Simple Audio designed its Roomplayers, the company set out to improve the way we listen to music in the home for the better, whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you’ve been there for a while. We created a system that would provide the highest resolution audio from tracks stored on any device in the home as well as new music streamed directly over the internet. If you’re thinking of investing in a music streaming system for your home here are some things you should think about: 1. Look for a system that gives you the same great sound quality everywhere – when it comes to listening to music, great sound performance is vital. But your music shouldn’t just sound fantastic in one room, look for a system that gives consistently good performance throughout your entire home and across all music file types (MP3 up to 24-bit). It’s true for streaming services too; the service will often send your music streamer the highest resolution stream that your equipment can handle. And the higher the resolution your system can handle, the more future proof it will be.

2. Check your system will play all your music, wherever it’s stored – you’ll want to make sure that you can access all your digital music, whether you’ve ripped it from CD and stored it on a computer,

downloaded it to a mobile device, or direct from music streaming service provider. It’s even better still when all your music is visible in a single interface. Look for a system that makes it easy to tap into your own music, your family’s music, even your guest’s music for maximum enjoyment.

3. Choose a system that you can easily extend to more rooms in your home – you might want the ability to play music everywhere; you might decide that you only want music in two or three rooms to start with. Whatever you think at the start, make sure that if you change your mind you can easily extend your streaming system, room by room.

4. Consider your whole family’s music needs – some streaming systems can find all your music, but go on to place it all into one big pool of music in your system’s apps. This doesn’t seem like a problem initially, but when you realise that your sons ‘Tinchy Stryder’ is mixed up with your ’Tchaikovsky’ you will. Find a system that allows each member of your family to create profiles so that they can customise their own view of their music.

5. Make sure you understand the pros and cons of the various streaming technologies. There are three main methods for streaming networked audio around the home. (1) A wired Ethernet connection, which requires cables but provides a reliable and high quality network connection. (2) A wired connection using Powerline, which can comfortably stream high-res audio (up to 24-bit) in sync to multiple rooms in the home. Powerline uses existing mains cables (creating its own wired network) so there is no disruption to your décor.

(3) Wireless, which offers convenience but can reduce sound quality as music is often streamed at a much lower bitrate to make streaming viable. It is also susceptible to buffering and dropout if your wireless network is being used for other things.

To make a fully informed decision it’s always best to seek out well-respected high quality audio retailer for advice.

Martin Dalgleish is Director of the Simple Audio Design Centre and a veteran audiophile. Martin’s expert knowledge of home audio products and software is born out of a passion for audio as well as a few decades working in the highend audio world. www.simpleaudio.com

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Ravenswood Avenue

Crowthorne ÂŁ1,650,000

prospectphd.co.uk 32

from Prospect

“Positioned on a private plot approaching 1/2 an acre, this individual detached residence is located on a delightful tree lined avenue. EPC rating D�

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 33

From cool to comfortable at the touch of a button Our new spring collection including the new Madison sofa (featured), is now available in-store.

Come and explore all our stunning new ranges and remember if you are looking for creative inspiration you can book our free interior design service available from our team of professional interior designers in-store.

BoConcept Guildford 89 Woodbridge Road GU1 4QD, Kingston 20 Eden Street KT1 1EP www.boconcept.co.uk

STYLE & CONCEPTS

Kitchens G O U R M E T S PA C E S T O I N S P I R E Y O U R C U L I N A R Y S E N S E S

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First page: Freestanding Bespoke Kitchen Island – www.williamgarvey.co.uk Freestanding bespoke kitchen island by British furniture designer, William Garvey.

This project for The Lawns in Highgate was also short listed for the Stirling Prize.

Left, clockwise from top: Siematic – www.siematic.co.uk Leading German kitchen manufacturer Siematic has expanded its portfolio of finishes to include more veneer options to assist with the designing of open plan living and kitchen spaces. Natural walnut colour featured.

Astracast – www.astracast.com/uk Leader in the field of sink design, Astracast, showcases its Vantage Sio sink with chopping board accessories.

The use of gloss black glass gives an ultra-modern feel.

Doca UK – www.docauk.com Concealment from Doca UK is where ultra-convenient meets super-sleek: the open shelving and appliances can be concealed and the space transformed with just the slide of a door.

Siematic – www.siematic.co.uk Siematic Beaux Art In Sterling Grey, also available in the 1,950 colours of the SieMatic spectrum.

The Beaux Art collection was created in collaboration with the highly respected kitchen designer Mick de-Guillio.

6 of the best kitchen essentials Below, clockwise from top left: Wooden Tray, Bastide des Oliviers – www.boutiqueprovencale.co.uk French Mint Enamel Casserole Dish – www.alisonathome.com Essex Lion Large Plate – www.in-spaces.com Fox tea towel, gift boxed – www.pierrotetcoco.com Congélateur CVB20LR1fridge –www.smeg.fr Cream 5 kilo Scales – www.thatonlineshop.com.au

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Forest Road

Hayley Green £850,000

from Prospect

“Located in the delightful parish of Hayley Green, between Warfield and Ascot, this detached home occupies a stunning plot approaching 1.3 acres. EPC Rating D”

prospectphd.co.uk 38

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

CITY BREAK

Forza Milan!

F I L L Y O U R D AY S S H O P P I N G F O R T H E L A T E S T F A S H I O N S , G A Z I N G U P O N W O R K S O F A R T A N D D I N I N G O N T H E F I N E S T I TA L I A N C U I S I N E . W I T H A C O S M O P O L I TA N M I X O F S T Y L E A N D H E R I TA G E M I L A N I S W I D E L Y R E C O G N I S E D A S O N E O F T H E W O R L D ’ S M O S T CHIC CITIES – THE PLACE TO SEE AND THE PLACE TO BE SEEN.

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Opening page: Milan Architecture.

Above, clockwise from top left: Naviglio Grande at dusk; one of Milan’s yellow trams; a statues of Duomo cathedral,with the Garibaldi district and The Alps behind; by the Naviglio Grande; Duomo of Milan; Vittorio Emanuele II gallery.

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Located in the north-western section of the

Must See

History

1. The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper).

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci has pride of place in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie and is viewed by many as the greatest painting of the Renaissance. An iconic image capturing the dramatic moment at which Jesus reveals one of his disciples will betray him, it was miraculously spared from Second World War bombing as the building around it fell.

Po Valley, Milan resides half-way between the river Po to the south and the great lakes (Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano) to the north. It is the largest metropolitan area by population and extension in Italy and the capital of Lombardy. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area is the 5th largest in the EU with an estimated population of about 5.2 million

Milan was conquered by the Romans in 222BC, becoming the capital of the Western Roman Empire. With its key positon on trade routes, the city flourished though the middle ages as a commercial and banking centre.

In 1802 it became the capital of Napoleon’s Italian Republic, before he crowned himself King of Italy 3 years later. In 1859 the new kingdom of Italy was declared, and Milan became part of it. To commemorate its first Italian king, the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II was built near Piazza del Duomo.

During the early 1900s, Milan led the industrialization process of the young nation, being at the very centre of the economic, social and political debate.

In post-war years, the city enjoyed a prolonged economic boom, transformed into an industrial world leader. It is nowadays the major centre for commerce, finance, design and fashion; attracting over 6 million visitors a year.

The Culture of Milan Milan features an immense cultural heritage and the traces of the country’s tumultuous past can be encountered almost everywhere. Similar to Venice and Florence, although not on such a large scale, Milan boasts a multitude of historic structures including monuments, museums and cathedrals. The city is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, whilst Caravaggio’s ‘Basket of Fruit’ hangs in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, and his ‘Supper at Emmaus’ graces the Pinacoteca Brera. The emblematic Piazza Duomo, dominated by its towering cathedral, and the adjoining Galleria are enough to occupy one’s time for the duration of their stay. But the city’s charms can also be understated; there are a multitude of delights from its dusty churches, via the narrow streets of the Brera district, to the beautiful courtyards glimpsed through iron gates.

2. Scale the Duomo Milan’s Cathedral - The Duomo - is an astounding sight. The 3rd largest church in Christendom, it extends high above the piazza del Duomo. Adorned by over 3,500 statues and 135 spires, the marble structure, which has a Baroque and neoGothic façade, has five bronze doors which were each individually carved by a different artist. The imposing structure took 500 years to complete. A must is to take to the roof and appreciate this beautiful cathedral in all its glory, from where you get a breath-taking view, and can even see the Alps on a clear day.

3. Castello Sforzesco After the Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco is Milan’s main attraction. Built during the 15th century, it was home to the aristocratic court of Ludovico ‘il Moro’ Sforza, patron of Leonardo da Vinci. The enourmous citadel fell into decline under French rule, but was restored with the help of architect Luca Beltrami. Visitors enter via the enormous piazza d’Armi; gates lead into the Rocchetta (the oldest part of the castle, on the left), and into the Cortile (courtyard), where sculptures are often displayed, and Palazzo della Corte Ducale. The entrance to the Civici Musei collection of museums is also found here.

Museum highlights include the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, with displays on Da Vinci’s life; the Palazzo d’Arte, a fantastic showcase for design that was once home to the Triennale; the Pinacoteca di Castello, and Civiche Raccolte d’Arte Antica, a sculpture gallery.

4. Teatro alla Scala La Scala is the world-renowned opera house which was inaugurated in August 1778. The huge residence contains an enormous stage in front of 2,015 seats and is recognised as having some of the best acoustics in the world. Known for its draw of the world’s finest performers, it is still one of the leading opera and ballet

theatres. Named after the Santa Maria della Scala, the 1381 church that once stood on the same site, it has become a symbol of national pride and many great works by Puccini, Verdi and Bellini have premiered here.

Accommodation: 1. Seven Stars Galleria The prestigious Seven Stars Galleria hotel is a unique property, intimate and exclusive and with the highest level of service. Created by the celebrated architect Ettore Mocchetti, the Seven Stars Galleria is the all-suite sister property to Town House 8. Very much for the decadent visitor, each suite is catered to by a professional butler and you can even choose the type of bedding you want. Exclusively reserved for guests of the hotel, the Sinfonia restaurant proposes a different gastronomic menu every day. Very much a symbol of elegance, The Seven Stars has the honour of being the only hotel to be located inside the historical Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. 2. Principe Di Savoia The Hotel Principe di Savoia is a luxury 5 star hotel that has been the natural home for international travellers and cosmopolitan society since the 1920’s.

With 301 rooms and suites all ‘decorated to blend the warm and elegant atmosphere of 19th-century Lombard interior designs, with the unobtrusive integration of modern technology’. The neoclassical facade hides one of the world’s most luxuriously appointed hotels.

With its superb location on the Piazza della, the Hotel Principe di Savoia is a fantastic hotel for a city break.

3. Carlton Hotel Baglioni Baglioni hotels are synonymous with luxury, and the Carlton Hotel is another great example. Perfect for both leisure and business visits, it is situated on the pedestrian-only Via della Spiga Milan’s celebrated fashion avenue. Via Montenapoleone, the cathedral and the famous La Scala theatre are situated a short distance away. Having undergone a large renovation, the boutique hotel is filled with original art, rich brocade fabrics and one-of-a-kind furnishings, offering guests a refined hideaway. The popular Baretto al Baglioni restaurant is one of the most famous in Milan.

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Above, from left: A friendly waiter at Nabucco restaurant; The Teatro Alla Scala, Milan; Bustlting streets of Milan.

Shopping Along with design and finance, fashion is Milan’s biggest draw. Styles generally reach London and New York around a year after launch in Italy, so either hit the outlets for whatever is ‘on trend’ at home, or for the fashionista buying the latest means you’ll be up to date for a good while yet.

Quadrilatero d’Oro Milan’s boutiques fit into one square, bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant’Andrea and via Montenapoleone: the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Rectangle of Gold). Designer named stores include Armani, Chanel, Missoni, Prada and Versace. Caffè Baglioni, with its private entrance at via della Spiga 6, is a chic spot to stop. The area is best reached from metro Montenapoleone. The best feature in this elegant café inside the Hotel Baglioni is its private exit, which brings you out by Armani on via della Spiga.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II The magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II oozes elegance, and is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. Housed within a four-story double arcade in central Milan, the Galleria is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. It was built between 1865 and 1877. A soaring iron-and-glass structure known locally as il salotto bueno (the city’s fine drawing room) due to its numerous shops and importance as a common Milanese meeting and dining place. The

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arcade principally contains luxury retailers selling haute couture, jewellery, books and paintings, as well as restaurants, cafés, and bars. The Galleria is famous for being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan, such as Biffi Caffè (founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch). The ceiling vaults are decorated with mosaics representing Asia, Africa, Europe and America and at ground level there are mosaics of more local concerns including the symbols of Milan (a red cross on a white field), Rome (a she-wolf), Florence (an iris) and Turin (a bull). The bull is considered one of the main symbols of the Galleria - according to a legend, it bodes well to turn right round by 360° keeping the heel on the bull’s genitals and the eyes shut!

Gastronomy Antica Trattoria della Pesa One of the oldest restaurants in Milan and a great place to sample Milanese food.

With a cosy ambience it is a restaurant bursting with history and atmosphere, where the taste of genuine and traditional flavours has been preserved.

Bar della Crocetta Upon their awning you’ll see the slogan ‘dove il panino è arte’ (where the sandwich is art). The menu lists over 100 panini, however if you’ve got time on your hands feel free to peruse the extensive list of ingredients to create whatever you fancy – wild venison is highly recommended!

Il Baretto al Baglioni A classic Milanese institution. Hugely popular with everyone from pop stars to politicians. ‘Il Baretto al Baglioni’ is the ideal place for dinner or to sip an aperitif in a stylish cocktail bar with an authentic English atmosphere. Offering a winning mix of ‘posh pub’ and trattoria that serves incredibly good versions of uncomplicated food. Worth going off menu and having the recommendation of the day.

Giacomo Milano Although this may look unremarkable on the outside, do not be deceived – here you will find one of Milan’s most exclusive (but not expensive) restaurants.

High fashion and local business meet in this understated yet stylish restaurant found on an anonymous residential street just 15 minutes from the historical centre.

The cuisine has an emphasis on fish and seafood prepared with wonderful Italian simplicity.

Transport Milan is served by three international airports. Malpensa International Airport - 45 km (28 mi) from central Milan and connected to the city by the “Malpensa Express” railway service. Linate Airport, which lies within the city limits, is mainly used for domestic and short-haul international flights. The airport of Orio al Serio, near the city of Bergamo, serves the low-cost traffic of Milan.

Italian design - sheer privilege

logica twin The tradition of the Sauna and the Hammam, the freshness of pure water, natural materials combined in a single exclusive product, all in the very best Italian taste

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Thames Street

Sonning ÂŁ1,595,000

prospectphd.co.uk 44

from Prospect

“A riverside home in the village of Sonning on a plot in excess of ¾ of an acre. EPC Rating E.” To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 45

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MOTORING

Electric Dreams THE NEW BMW I8 IS AIMING TO REINVENT THE SUPERCAR FOR A M O R E E N E R G Y- E F F I C I E N T W O R L D A N D T H I S FA N TA S T I C A L L Y F U T U R I S T I C S P O R T C O U P E M AY E V E N W I N O V E R T H E M O S T A R D E N T ‘ E L E C T R O - S C E P T I C ’ .

The i8 is BMW’s second launch from their revolutionary plug-in

car ‘I’ brand, the company says it represents “a new era of sustainable performance,” with ‘i’ symbolising visionary vehicle concepts, inspirational design and a new take on the meaning of “premium”, with sustainability as a key defining element.

The initial concept car for the i8 was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. In 2010, BMW announced the mass production of the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics and the i8 gasoline-powered concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The finished model is a vision of jaw-dropping, head-turning, futuristic glory. Sleek, stretched and low with classical sports car proportions and fresh interpretation of BMW design, the clean lines and a surface design based on a layering principal give it a truly innovative look. The doors open upwards like wings and it has a recessed air scoop carved out of the hood and on the sides.

Embracing the sustainability concept, the carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly uses 100 per cent renewable electricity whilst processing methods for recycled materials, together with the use of materials treated in an environmentally friendly manner, ensures that all components have a totally premium look and feel.

The stylish and comfortable interior is just as striking as the

exterior, reflecting the vehicles ultramodern look. The cabin contains a mix of soft leather and luxurious stitching that you would expect, whilst the mix of touch screens and interior lighting make you believe the car may just drive itself – but where would the fun be in that? Whilst we’re on the subject of lighting the i8 features the world’s first laser headlight technology, using 30% less energy and double the distance covered by basic high beams.

Now to what’s under the shell. Up front, an electric motor rated at 96 kilowatts (131 horsepower) and 184 lb-ft of torque is used for all-electric running at speeds up to 75 mph. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy capacity of about 5 kilowatt-hours. In the rear, the i8 will be the first BMW to use the company’s new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, rated at 231 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The result is a car that can reach an impressive 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds, and has a combined 52 MPG, but coupled with the electric motor it reaches a staggering 134.5 mpg.

A truly fuel efficient supercar – the future is definitely here.

Prices for the BMW i8 start from £99,845. www.bmw.co.uk

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Woodhurst Road

Maidenhead OIEO £999,950

from Prospect

“A detached residence with accommodation and garaging in excess of 4100 sq ft, situated within walking distance of Boulters Lock and the River Thames. EPC Rating C”

prospectphd.co.uk 48

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Wick Hill Lane

Finchampstead £1,195,000

from Prospect

“A substantial detached residence positioned at the end of a tree-lined road, occupying a private and secluded plot approaching half an acre. EPC Rating D”

prospectphd.co.uk

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 49

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from Prospect

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