AUGUST 2015
T I M E T O H AT C H P L A N S
THE LAKE DISTRICT Play real life Swallows and Amazons
KATIE MELUA
A pair of NAVIGATE sandals worth ÂŁ80!
shares a zesty summer salad
DO YOU TELL A GOOD STORY?
Why bedtime reads are so important
Find your perfect home
A hand-picked selection of the best properties to buy in CB23 & CB24 Distributed to more than 10,300 homes across the North West of Cambridge
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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
KINGFISHER COURT, EARITH
£395,000
A modern four bedroom riverside town house with garage and private mooring, located in a small gated development • • • • •
Modern town house Master bedroom en suite Four reception rooms Double garage No onward chain
Light and spacious Located in a small gated development, this modern town house offers riverside living with beautiful views from the rear of the property, overlooking the garden to the river. The property has a double garage and a private mooring, and comes with no onward chain. Light and spacious, this elegant property offers four bedrooms and four reception rooms. On the ground floor accommodation comprises a utility room, cloakroom and garden room, with patio doors to the rear garden. Attractive, light wood flooring runs through the dining room and living room, and the spacious, modern living room benefits from two double glazed windows and doors to a balcony with views over the river. The master bedroom also looks out over the river and has fitted furniture.
Riverside garden and private mooring The gated rear garden is predominantly laid to lawn with both flower and shrub borders and incorporates a decked seating areas with underneath storage drawers. A pathway leads to the waterfront. There is pedestrian access from the double garage to the rear garden.
Welcome August 2015 The fifth issue of Nest is all about being cosy – whether that’s glamping in a Yurt, in the Lake District National Park, curling up with your children to make the most of holiday bedtime reading, or knocking together a simple summertime salad as recommended by singer Katie Melua. Our giveaway this month is a pair of NAVIGATE sandals from SOLE, perfect for striding out on some walks or bike rides and designed to be supportive. Closer to home, we offer a hand-picked selection of properties marketed through our Willingham office. Whether you are
buying, selling, or just interested in ideas for your own nest, we hope you enjoy this issue. If you have any questions about any of the properties, or would simply like some advice or a chat, we would be delighted to help in any way we can.
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07 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
Jeremy Trott Director Hockeys Estate Agents 01954 260940
08 T R AV E L N OT E S
13 Cover image and travel feature images ©Tiree Dawson – www.tireedawson.co.uk
COOK
COMPeTITION
wIN a pair of NAVIGATE adventure style sandals from SOLE, worth £80 Summer footwear keeps our feet feeling fresh but too often the flat-soled design of fashion flip flops can be a real pain. This is because they give little cushioning and force our toes to scrunch and our stride to shorten to keep them on. Not only is this tough on our feet, but it causes calf strain and lower leg fatigue. If you suffer from foot pain in the summer, consider switching to SOLE sandals which have an orthopaedic footbed that moulds to the shape of your feet to give unique support from your toes to your heels. The shaped heel cup, metatarsal support pad, arch support and hidden toe ridge combine to: • Align your feet correctly to improve your posture • Equalise pressure distribution • Reduce plantar fascia strain • Increase balance and feel • Maximise natural heel cushioning
Choose from: • SOLE Casual Flips (£55) - with a cork footbed and woven fabric straps. • SOLE Sport Flips (£50) - versatile, waterproof and ideal for the beach, pool and park. • SOLE Sport Slides (£50) – ideal if you don’t like toe thongs and perfect on holiday. If you’re planning long summer walks, you can trust the SOLE NAVIGATE sandals (£80) to keep a spring in your step. The adjustable nylon straps keep your feet nicely in place while the Polygiene® Anti-odour Treatment keeps them feeling fresh. NAVIGATE makes summer walking a breeze!
What sort of sole design commonly causes foot pain? a) Arch-soled b) Soft-soled c) Flat-soled We have one pair of NAVIGATE sandals to give away. Please send your entry & address to nest@hockeys.co.uk no later than September 1st 2015. www.yoursole.co.uk
23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
HIgH STreeT, KNAPweLL
£750,000
An impressive five bedroom, four reception room period property that has undergone recent extension. • • • • •
Five bedrooms Versatile accommodation Swavesey Village College catchment Beautiful gardens Picturesque location
Spacious family home A stunning period home that has undergone a series of extensions and improvements, located in a highly desirable and picturesque village. Backing onto meadlowland owned by the RSPB, this five bedroom house offers versatile accommodation throughout in a sought-after village. Knapwell is a small village about eight miles to the west of Cambridge. Elsworth CE Primary School is two miles away and the catchment secondary school, Swavesey Village College, has an excellent reputation. Enter the property through its impressive oak front door and you will instantly notice period features such as stone floors and exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace in the dining room, with a multi-fuel stove. This is an impressive property finished to a high standard.
STATION rOAd, Over
£625,000
A highly versatile six bedroom property benefiting from recent extensive refurbishment and a large plot. • • • • •
Recently updated Six bedrooms Swavesey Village College catchment Walking distance to guided busway Master bedroom en suite
elevated position giving views Recently updated, with a hi-spec kitchen and bright, light decor throughout, this versatile six bedroom home is set in approximately one third of an acre and is situated within Swavesey Village College catchment. The property’s elevated position allows for views over fields, yet it is conveniently very close to the guided busway, which provides direct access into Cambridge with only a few minutes walk. A practical, spacious property, the layout allows for a study, laundry room and separate utility room, and a breakfast room that is separate to the dining area. The kitchen has integrated appliances, arch cooker hook and a preparation sink. Outside, as well as extensive parking, the rear garden has raised decking, lawn and patio areas.
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©BBC Photo Archives
FAMILY
Actress, comedian and authoress Helen Lederer is a regular on the CBeebies Bedtime Hour and knows how to bring a story to life Just ten minutes every day of reading aloud together will help your child to grow into an eager, confident learner, according to The National Literacy Trust. “They’ll develop listening skills and acquire new words that reach far beyond their reading ability and it applies long after they become independent, capable readers.” During the long summer holidays, why not invest in reading together at bedtime? Actress and authoress Helen Lederer is a regular on CBeebies ‘Old Jack’s Boat’ and Bedtime Hour. She says: “The best thing about reading aloud is being able to ‘do‘ the voices. This takes the listener into a new level of engagement and makes the tale even more immediate and fun. If the narrator is committed to trying out the funny accents as well as high and low pitches, the listener can become truly
immersed in this imaginary and colourful world. As an actress I have learned never to inhibit myself when trying to communicate. The same goes with storytelling – the nursery rhymes require pauses and louder and softer voices for maximum impact – just as a dramatic pause can keep a child focused on the page – quite literally.
ANTICIPATION “Allowing the young listener time to pause, to look at the pictures and comment on what they think might be happening is another good way of making stories come to life. To make the experience interactive will sure up drifting minds and make all those concerned feel part of the party. As a reader, I become as engrossed and move about the story matter as I hope the listener does. Some of Jaqueline Wilson’s stories have brought a lump to my throat – even in the confines of a dark little studio. But once the storyteller is committed – so will the listener be. The created world of the writer will be given its best chance to live on, and on, to generations of children. Bernard Cribbins in CBeebies ‘Old Jack’s Boat’ did all of the above and much more – he has a loyal following of children keen to be told the next tale. As one of the actresses in the series, I play Miss BowlineHitch. I have great fun on my tricycle and want to listen to his stories myself!”
The perfect way to end THEIR day The National Literacy Trust shares some tips on how to make the most of bedtime stories. • Find a quiet place and turn off all other distractions; this will encourage your child to listen. • Use sing-song or funny voices for characters or for phrases that are repeated throughout the book. • Use props, such as your child’s favourite cuddly toy, to help bring the words alive, and add actions to your words. • Don’t rush. Give your child time to respond and to talk about the pictures together. • Share favourite books again and again. Repetition helps children to understand and remember the language they hear. For more tips visit the www.literacytrust.org.uk. To find out about Helen Lederer’s novel, Losing It, shortlisted for the Edinburgh First Book Award, visit www.helenlederer.co.uk
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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
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THe SPINNey, BAr HILL
£185,000
A well presented two bedroom semi detached bungalow in a sought-after location, overlooking a playing field. • • • • •
Popular over-55s development Enclosed rear garden Well appointed kitchen Lounge/diner with patio doors Close to local amenities
Attractive plot on popular over 55s development Located on a popular over-55s development, this wellpresented two bedroom semi detached bungalow occupies an attractive plot overlooking a playing field, with two lawned areas to the front and an attractive rear garden which is enclosed by wood panel fence. Laid to lawn, with mature flower and shrub borders, it provides a pleasant outlook from the lounge/diner, with sliding patio doors giving access to a patio area. The house has been decorated to a high standard throughout and has two generous bedrooms, one with a fitted double wardrobe and a window overlooking the garden. The shower room has a three piece suite comprising corner shower cubicle with heated towel rail and seat vanity wash basin unit. This is a smart, attractive property in a popular location.
Your child is unique, so why send them to a school where they become one of many. The Phoenix provides your child with the highest standard of education in a lively, stimulating environment. Every Phoenix child has a personalised learning plan to enable them to achieve their full potential. We believe that every child matters. The Phoenix, an independent foundation school set up by parents, for parents looking for a school that truly cares.
Nurturing Love for Learning – Developing Passions Discovering Strength – Building Confidence Tel: 01954 263113 www.thephoenixschool.co.uk head@thephoenixschool.co.uk Willingham House, 50 Church Street, Willingham, Cambridgeshire CB24 5HT
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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
THATCHerS wOOd, LONgSTANTON
£595,000
An impressive four bedroom detached house with modern kitchen and generous front and rear gardens, located in a highly regarded part of the village. • • • • •
Popular village location Double garage Generous gardens Close to Guided Busway Detached family home
Substantial family residence Located in a highly regarded part of the village of Longstanton, offering excellent access into Cambridge, this substantial family property is immaculately presented and fnished to an exceptional level throughout. Comprising living room, study, modern kitchen opening onto the family room, double garage, en suite master bedrom and generous front and rear gardens. The front door opens into the hall with a natural stone floor, with underfloor heating, storage cupbard and study with bay window. The large living room has double glazed doors to the rear garden and an attractive stone fireplace with inset gas coal effect fire. Not lacking in any wow factor is the modern kitchen with a comprehensive range of matching units, a five burner gas hob, extractor canopy and integrated appliances.
Outside space The rear garden offers plenty of privacy with a lawned area and underground rain water storage tank, enclosed by fencing, space for a shed, gated side access, a feature patio area, and a personal door to the double garage with storage space.
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Ten toddler-friendly jaunts in the English Lake District Castles, parks, and museums where they can meet Peter Rabbit, there are plenty of places to let toddlers of the reins whilst still getting your fix of the fells 1
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1. World of Beatrix Potter All 23 Beatrix Potter tales are brought to life in this charming grotto experience. Meet Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggle-Winkle and explore Mr McGregor’s garden. www.hop-skip-jump.com 2. Fell Foot Park This National Trust park at the southern tip of Lake Windermere has everything – an adventure playground, rowing boats, a cafe serving light snacks, ducks to feed and plenty of grassy banks to roll down. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 3. Sizergh Castle Explore this beautiful gothic National Trust castle (with very little that inquisitive toddlers can interfere with) and let off steam in the gardens, looking out for Mr Scarecrow, chickens and the water garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 4. Brockhole Visitor Centre This 30-acre site on the shores of Lake Windermere has easy pushchair access, a large adventure playground, mini golf, pony rides, treetop nets and an indoor soft play area for under fives. www.brockhole.co.uk
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5. Staveley Village Just on the border of the national park, there’s plenty to fill half a day - a fantastic playground and short riverside walks, and the much-loved Wilf’s Cafe in Mill Yard, with books, crayons and a children’s menu. www.wilfs-cafe.co.uk. 6. Wray Castle Don’t be led into thinking this is anything but child-friendly; a children’s adventure castle, with dressing-up and story-telling spaces, craft rooms and a room full of big soft bricks to build with. A short walk through the grounds takes you down to a small beach and you can take a boat across Lake Windermere. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 7. Lakes Aquarium Walk under the water, watch ducks diving and see otters, lizards and even tiny marmoset monkeys. Add to the enjoyment by arriving on a steam train from Haverthwaite or on the steam boat from Ambleside or Bowness-on-Windermere. www.lakesaquarium.co.uk
T R AV E L
Where to STAY Long Valley Yurts, Low Wray and Great Langdale Lying back watching the stars through the skylight, listening to the crackle of the wood burning stove, waking up to the sound of the birdsong with the prospect of a day of new adventures ahead is all part of the Long Valley Yurts holiday experience. Choose from a Yurt or Bell Tent and ‘live in the round’. Warm duvets, comfy beds, solar lighting and twinkly fairly lights, this is luxury camping - with hot showers. www.long-valley-yurts.co.uk / 01539 733044
Images ©Tiree Dawson – www.tireedawson.co.uk
8. Grizedale Forest Miles of bike trails, bridleways and walking trails, with 50 weird and wonderful sculptures to investigate and hours of hide and seek fun. It’s free entry and has a fantastic adventure playground, covered picnic area and a cafe. www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedale 9. Tarn Hows No visit to the Lake District would be complete without toddling or riding a buggy around this tarn above Hawkeshead. Plenty of interest along the way for little explorers, it’s only a 3km circular walk on a gravel path. Baby-changing facilities and an ice cream van in the NT car park. Look up Miles without Stiles at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk 10. Coniston Water Coniston is Swallows and Amazons country and a visit to the Ruskin Museum, to see Mavis, the 1928 dinghy that inspired the fictional Amazon, will surely spur the whole family on to explore the shore of Coniston Water. Stop for lunch at the Bluebird Cafe and throw pebbles or feed the ducks. www.thebluebirdcafe.co.uk
WHERE TO EAT Pull up a bench on the terrace or sit by the open fire at the only National Trust owned pub in the country, the Sticklebarn. In the summer, sit outside for woodfired pizzas, and there’s a great children’s menu and a choice of Mains or Lighter Bites for adults. The Sticklebarn pub serves real ales and Lakeland food, and there’s no better place to unwind after a day of adventure. One of the grown ups could even take the off-road cycle trail from Skelwith Bridge. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sticklebarn-and-the-langdales / 01539 437356
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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
HIgH STreeT, feN drAyTON
£395,000
COTTeNHAM
gUIde PrICe £250,000
A four bedroom spacious family home with large gardens, located within Swavesey Village College catchment.
A two bedroom Victorian cottage located close to the High Street of this highly popular village.
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Period features Off-road parking Ground floor bathroom Front and rear gardens Popular village location
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Spacious family home Swavesey Village College catchment Four large bedrooms Large gardens Separate dining room
HIgH STreeT, SwAveSey
£425,000
COTTeNHAM
£420,000
An attractive four bedroom semi-detached period house with cottage garden and allocated parking.
A four bedroom property at the end of a cul de sac with large driveway and beautiful landscaped gardens.
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Swavesey Village College catchment High Street location Period features Four bedrooms Versatile accommodation
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En suite master bedroom with dressing room Modern kitchen with integrated appliances Detached double garage with block paved driveway Study Popular village location
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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
CrOMweLL PArK, Over
£310,000
HIgH STreeT, feN drAyTON
£650,000
A detached three bedroom bungalow offering spacious accommodation and a generous garden.
A substantial, five bedroom detached house with four reception rooms, occupying a large plot.
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Detached bungalow Spacious living accommodation Generous rear garden Popular village location No onward chain
Popular village location Four reception rooms Swavesey Village College catchment Generous plot Five bedrooms
Thinking of a move? We are happy to offer you a free, no obligation valuation of your property.
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(01954) 260940
COOK
Prawn, Mango & Avocado Salad Prep Time 10 mins • • • •
1 large mango 1 ripe avocado 2 large Cos lettuces 16 large cooked king prawns, peeled but tails left on
Dressing: • Juice of 2 limes • 1 tsp of palm sugar • 2 tbs vegetable oil • 1.2 chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
Katie’s Kitchen Katie Melua is one of the most successful recording artists of this millennium, selling more than 11 million albums, one million concert tickets and receiving 56 platinum awards. She confesses to not showing the same flair in the kitchen but shares one of her favourite creations here. Katie’s roots in Georgia, and her grandfather, a chef, inspired her love for healthy, fresh food. ‘Food was important, as were family gatherings. In Georgia, however rich or poor you are, when you have guests, the table has to be full. Growing up there, I had never seen processed or packaged food – everything was fresh and fruit had so much natural taste.” Touring is part of the deal with being one of the elite female artists in the world, but Katie maintains her healthy habits, with fruit and nut nibbles as a snack, and by using a catering company to provide most of the food. “At one-off gigs though, the promoter might take us to a local restaurant and it can be unpredictable! In Poland I went to a local restaurant and the food was all very garlicky, including the dessert. In China, I’ve been presented with dishes I couldn’t eat - pig’s innards, bubbling in pig’s blood. I couldn’t eat it!” Back in the kitchen, Katie confesses she has no inbuilt flair in the kitchen and can only
really follow clear recipes. “I take quite a scientific approach but when I’ve finished cooking, it looks as though the apocalypse has hit! My granddad must despair of me. I’ve learnt not to customise dishes because it will end up feeding the bin, not me!” Katie has sought some help - her mother in law gave her lessons on cooking Yorkshire Puddings, and she reveals that hers are now the best! “But I fail horribly at a full Sunday roast and I’ve had some real disasters with mixing up timings. Fortunately, my mum lives nearby and so after a tour, I can look forward to some good home cooked food!” One of my favourite dishes is Chicken Soup, Jewish style – I love it. I find it very warming, in particular everything that comes with it, such as the gathering of family on a Friday night. The thing that differentiates it from Georgian chicken soup is the matzo ball in the middle.” But keeping things simple, Katie has chosen to share a salad that she often makes for friends. “I usually make it as a starter – it goes perfectly with Champagne or Cava, mixed with a dash of Sherry. If I have friends round, they each get a little pipette and can add the amount of sherry they like! It must be the scientist in me!” Katie’s latest album ‘Ketevan’ is available at www.katiemelua.com
1 Cut the mango and avocado flesh into 2cm pieces. Discard the outer layer of leaves and cut the stems off the lettuces, leaving the hearts. Separate the leaves and add them to the mango and avocado with the prawns. 2 Make the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, sugar and oil with the chilli. Add the dressing to the salad, toss carefully to mix and serve immediately. 3 For a more luxurious accompaniment, make a creamy mayonnaise dressing – mixing 3 tbs mayonnaise, 2 tbs double cream, 2 tsp tomato sauce, 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 -13 drops of Tabasco sauce, 1 tbs lemon juice and 1 tbs brandy. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon over the salad or as a dip on the side. Serves 4
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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
Over rOAd, LONgSTANTON
£365,000
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A well-presented four bedroom house in a popular village location, with accommodation over three floors. • • • • •
Spacious family home Re-fitted kitchen Four double bedrooms Popular village location Master Bedroom en suite
Spacious three-storey family home
MITCHCrOfT rOAd, LONgSTANTON
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This spacious, three storey property benefits from open views to the front and boasts a spacious, re-fitted kitchen/breakfast room. This leads to an attractive conservatory which has been lined and insulated for year-round use, with French doors opening onto the rear garden and patio area. The kitchen has a matching range of base and eye level units and further space is created by a well-designed utility room with units and stainless steel sink unit. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a window to the front aspect and a fitted range of wardrobes, with an en-suite bathroom and a family bathroom and second bedroom on the same floor. Bedrooms three and four are on the third floor, with a shared W.C. Outside, the property offers a lawned garden, a single detached garage and parking.
£250,000
MOAT wAy, SwAveSey
£315,000
A three bedroom, three storey townhouse located on a popular development in a village location, with parking.
A detached two bedroom bungalow, with conservatory and off-road parking on the popular Cherry Trees development.
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Modern townhouse Popular development En-suite master bedroom Allocated parking Separate study
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Modern detached bungalow Popular development Well presented Conservatory Off-road parking
23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS
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NEWINGTON, WILLINGHAM
£395,000
An extended, detached, non estate five bedroom huse in a popular village with a large garden to front and rear. • • • • •
Extended detached family home Popular village location Re-fitted kitchen No onward chain Generous gardens
Modernised home with hi-spec kitchen This smart, modern property offers generous accommodation throughout and comprises two reception rooms, a re-fitted kitchen, and a good sized plot in a highly-regarded village location. Ground floor rooms are well connected with the living room and dining room being separated only by an archway. Laminate wood flooring runs through both rooms and the kitchen has a hi-spec finish with granite work surface, Neff induction hob, stainless steel extractor canopy and integrated appliances. The property has five bedrooms and one family bathroom, and outside there are mature, lawned gardens and two driveways providing off-road parking for several vehicles. The rear garden also benefits from two circular patio areas, greenhouse and a vegetable plot.
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LEE CLOSE, COTTENHAM
£335,000
A detached four bedroom house situated at the end of a cul de sac, with no onward chain. • • • • •
Four bedrooms Popular village location Modern kitchen No onward chain Garage and off-road parking
Quiet end of cul de sac location Ideally placed for both the primary and secondary school, this detached family house benefts from its prime position at the end of a quiet cul de sac. The property has two reception rooms, a utility room, en suite master bedroom and a single garage, and offers no onward chain. Downstairs, a cloakroom and utility room add practical living space for a family, and the living room benefits from a double glazed bay window to front aspect. The dining room has doors leading to the garden, which is laid to lawn with patio area. It is well stocked with shrubs and plants, enclosed by fencing, and has gated access to the driveway. With an en suite and family bathroom, the accommodation is very comfortable for a family, and the property is well placed for access into Cambridge.
New naturally lovely drinks for spring... We’re making 2015 deliciously fruity, fragrant and lovely with new pressÊs: Summer Fruits, Mango & Peach, Cox Apple with no added sugar, and new cordials: Elderflower & Rose and Mango & Peach.