Fine & Country Abode - Issue 3

CONTENTS

the property and lifestyle magazine COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE Winter is coming / 14 Invest in a second home / 15 Household bills / 26 - Autumn 2017 -

Brought to you by:

WELCOME

- welcome I’m delighted to once again welcome you to another edition of Abode magazine. Our spring and summer editions were extremely well received, and we hope you enjoy our autumn issue just as much!

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t Fine & Country, we have over a decade of experience in providing the highest quality service to both prospective buyers and sellers and look forward to continue building upon our success in the future.

the property and lifestyle magazine COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE Winter is coming / 14 Invest in a second home / 15 Household bills / 26 - Autumn 2017 -

Adrienne Dobson Regional Sales Manager

We sell more than just bricks and mortar; we provide a bespoke and imaginative promotional approach to sell the story of a home, enhancing the lifestyle of a property and focusing on the seller’s favourite features to truly bring the home to life.

This month we’ll once again be showcasing a selection of the beautiful homes we have to offer, along with providing advice about investing in a second home and giving an overview of the bills you should expect to pay each month.

Again, we welcome your feedback and hope you enjoy!

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Brought to you by:

- what’s inside -

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Winter is coming

Invest in a second home

Is it time to consider the benefits of a new boiler?

Are you looking for a secure place for your hard-earned cash? There’s never been a better time to invest in property.

Office Addresses

Editorial & Advertising

Partners

Fine & Country

Narrative Communications

136 The Stables, Wynyard Village Wynyard TS22 5QQ

For editorial please contact Kristy Harmer

Tel: +44 (0) 1740 645 444 Email: info@fineandcountry.com

Tel: 07969 849 129 Email: kristy@narrativecommunications.co.uk

www.fineandcountry.com

Design & Publishing Narrative Communications www.narrativecommunications.co.uk

For advertising please contact Alan Dickinson Tel: 07982 719 373 Email: alan@narrativecommunications.co.uk

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CONTENTS

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Properties for sale

Sold properties

Household bills

From investment properties to forever homes, we have something for everyone this season.

A last look at some of the fantastic homes we’ve completed on this quarter.

Are you paying over the odds?

What's inside Winter is coming 14 the property and lifestyle magazine

Invest in a second home

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Properties for sale

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Sold properties

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COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE Winter is coming / 14 Invest in a second home / 15 Household bills / 26 - Autumn 2017 -

Household bills 26 Brought to you by:

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SCOTT NUTTALL | Mobile: 07772 007 647 | Email: siberianstoves@outlook.com

THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT

THE FUTURE'S WARM At Siberian Stoves Showroom in Shildon we can provide over 600 types of stoves straight from the manufacturer, ensuring that you get the most from your guarantee. > Provide Rip out & Rebuilds

HETAS accredited in:

> Twin-wall Systems

> Hot Water Systems and Safety Course

> All aspects of Tiling, Hearth, Inserts, Oak Beams and bespoke surrounds undertaken > Free Survey to discuss your needs and what you envisage for the completed look > Knowledgeable and enthusiastic team

> Water Supply Regulations > Solid Biomass Heating Systems > Part L Energy Efficiency in Domestic Heating > H003 Dry Appliance > H004 Wet Appliance

Come and visit us at our showroom for excellent knowledge and exceptional professionalism.

> H006 System Chimney

SIBERIAN STOVES Ltd. PROFESSIONAL STOVE INSTALLER

SHOWROOM | Unit 25 South West Durham Business Park Dabble Duck Industrial Estate | Shildon | DL4 2QN | www. siberianstoves.co.uk

transform your home with

siberian stoves Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

SCOTT NUTTALL | Mobile: 07772 007 647 | Email: siberianstoves@outlook.com

SIBERIAN STOVES Ltd. PROFESSIONAL STOVE INSTALLER

SHOWROOM | Unit 25 South West Durham Business Park Dabble Duck Industrial Estate | Shildon | DL4 2QN | www. siberianstoves.co.uk

- WINTER IS COMING -

Should you replace your boiler?

As the winter draws closer, it’s time to consider whether or not you could benefit from a new boiler.

W

hile your current heating system might be working well at the moment, it’s always worth thinking about a service ahead of the cold snap when your supplier will undoubtedly be busier and you may have to wait a great deal longer for a call out.

If you’re still relying on a conventional boiler (often referred to as a hot water tank), it may be worth upgrading to a combi boiler or system boiler; both of which save space in your home and allow for access to hot water as and when you need it.

Similarly to a conventional boiler, a system boiler uses a hot water storage cylinder, but removes the need for an additional cold water tank.

You’ll need to heat the water prior to use but a good level of hot water can usually be maintained by ensuring that the tank is heated around three times a day; once in the morning, once early afternoon and once early evening.

A combi (or combination) boiler is the system which is installed in most modern homes and is often the preferred choice as it provides both hot water and heat for your radiators on demand.

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Of course this system does still have its cons, the main one being that it is only capable of performing one task at a time – for example, you couldn’t wash the dishes while someone else showers.

Whatever your choice, the most important thing is to ensure that your system is serviced regularly, in order to avoid any nasty surprises once winter hits!

- Is it time to invest IN A SECOND HOME?

Are you looking to make your next investment but not sure where best to place your hard-earned cash? There has never been a better time to invest in property.

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lthough there are downsides to buying a second home, the extra stamp duty you will pay for example, these are far outweighed by the positives.

While interest rates on bank and building society savings accounts remain low, and recent events such as Brexit have caused a strong sense of uncertainty around stocks and shares, house prices have been steadily rising.

For those who can afford to take on a second mortgage (or even buy a property outright), there’s a certain comfort in being able to actually see your investment in front of you, rather than this simply appearing as numbers on a page.

One of the most important things to consider is whether to let or sell your property. Unlike the majority of investments, buying a second home could actually result in you making money right away as many investors will often choose to let the property at a much higher rate than their mortgage repayments.

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Others will choose to keep their second home unoccupied, and will use this time to make improvements which will allow them to sell the property at a higher value in a matter of months or years’ time.

Another important decision is where to buy as some locations will be more desirable than others. For example, if you’re looking to let to students, a city centre location is a must, but if you’re hoping to sell, you might want a property on the outskirts.

For expert advice on buying your second home, call the Fine & Country team today.

Swainston Close 5

Wynyard ÂŁ635,000

- For Sale A well-loved, classic home where quality counts, 2 Swainston Close is a rare find. The emphasis is on style over fashion to provide a timeless property with superior fixtures and fittings and a mature garden that the whole family can enjoy. Located in a private position in a quiet cul-de-sac, it has a comfortable ambience and extensive accommodation with three reception rooms and four or five bedrooms. The block paved drive leads to an attractive frontage with space for parking and a detached triple garage with converted loft space providing an ideal teenagers pad. A brick and stone portico shelters the double front doors that open into an impressive reception hallway with fabulous Amtico parquet-style floor and grand central staircase leading to a galleried landing. All the principal rooms are reached from here.

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FOR SALE PROPERTIES

Deerness Heights 4

Elwick ÂŁ550,000

- For Sale A superb and stylish modern country farmhouse home with beautifully presented rooms in a family-friendly layout designed around the needs of modern living.

Built in 1985, it stands in a private setting, protected by mature trees with a large, enclosed garden, off the green in prestigious Elwick, a welcoming village that’s ideally located for reaching all parts of the region and beyond. Inside, the detached home is designed perfectly to meet the needs of a busy family without compromising on tasteful design and with luxury features too. Approached via a hedge-lined blockpaved drive that leads through a five-bar gate to ample parking and a double garage, the entrance opens into a large hallway. Double doors lead into the chic drawing room which has excellent proportions, and access into the conservatory, which can also be reached from the kitchen to make an excellent entertaining space. Upstairs, the four bedrooms are all doubles.

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Where Girls EXCEL Open Mornings Saturday 30 September | Saturday 18 November From 10.00am - 12.30pm

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 23 November From 6.30pm

Durham High School for Girls offers a modern, relevant, exciting and challenging learning environment, preparing girls for the rapidly changing world they will face as adults.

Durham High School for Girls offers a modern, relevant, exciting and challenging learning environment, preparing girls for the rapidly changing world they will face as adults.

As a girls’ school, we don’t just offer equal opportunities, we offer every opportunity! It’s not surprising that so many girls and parents choose single sex schools as it’s well known they dominate the top of examination league tables. As Headmistress, I am very aware that girls and boys mature at different rates and learn in different ways. At DHSfG, our girls benefit from being in an environment that recognises the differences and provides an education geared specifically to their needs. When the staff select subject content, for example in English Literature or History, they do so with girls in mind and know what will appeal to their interests and help them fully engage with the curriculum.

In a single sex school girls have the space in which their intellectual and physical confidence can blossom, both in the classroom and on the sports field. One of the great benefits of an all-girls school is that there is no gender stereotyping: our girls are leaders and excel as much in the physics lab as they do in the French classroom.

Durham High School for Girls Farewell Hall | Durham | DH1 3TB Tel: 0191 384 3226 Email: enquiries@dhsfg.org.uk

www.dhsfg.otg.uk School Charity No: 111995. Independent Day School Girls 3-18.

At DHSfG, we really do understand girls! We understand their friendship dynamics and preoccupations and this understanding means we can give them the right kind of support and create a safe environment in which they feel comfortable taking risks and asking questions. As a result, our girls become more resilient and sure of themselves.

The girls of today will be tomorrow’s leaders, which is why we believe that there should be no limits on their ambitions, either professionally or personally.

Women are expected to balance many roles during their lives and their path to future success will require leadership, confidence, independence, integrity and an instinct to achieve.

At DHSfG academic expectations are high, but careful support and guidance ensure that each girl makes confident choices that reflect her own individual abilities, interests and future plans. We believe that success in anything is best achieved through enjoyment and, as a girls’ school, we will open your daughter’s eyes to possibilities and help her to take the practical and imaginative steps necessary to achieve her ambitions.

Whatever she wants to be - aeronautical engineer, musician, doctor, retail manager, RAF pilot, fashion designer - it’s our aim to support and guide her.

With a range of visiting speakers, expeditions and exchange visits, partnerships with potential employers, colleges and universities and joint activities with boys and girls in other schools, a girls’ school we will prepare your daughter for the many challenges of life in the real world.

Tower House 5

High Coniscliffe ÂŁ625,000

- For Sale Tower House is an extremely attractive property with features that give it unique interest and interiors that combine with character with luxury and style.

Overlooking open countryside off The Green in the popular and convenient village of High Coniscliffe, it offers five bedrooms and generous living accommodation with beautifully maintained outdoor space. Both renovated and extended just four years ago, features such as ceiling beams have been retained within a high quality upgrade that's made it perfect for modern family living yet with period charm. The ground floor is divided successfully into living space, comprising a superb open plan kitchen and family area, a separate dining room and lounge, and bedroom accommodation. On the first floor there are two further double bedrooms, one of which is in the eponymous tower, and a fabulous bathroom.

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FOR SALE PROPERTIES

Rosemount 5

Durham ÂŁ595,000

- For Sale As practical as it is pretty, with private gardens and a spacious interior, 49 Rosemount is an excellent family home in a sought after location. Just three miles from the centre of Durham, it is close to the Arnison Centre of shops and restaurants, excellent commuter links, good schools and countryside. Occupying a substantial corner plot, the property is not overlooked and has beautiful gardens to three sides, with notable features including an established rose garden, a productive greenhouse and fruit trees. A sweeping block paved drive leads through the attractive frontage to a double garage with electric door. The attractive double front door opens into a bright hallway, which leads to all the principal rooms.

With four double bedrooms and potential for five, as well as three reception rooms, the interior space is generous and versatile, offering solutions for family life and entertaining as well as tastes of luxury.

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Garden House Wynyard SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

A neighbour of magnificent Wynyard Hall and converted from farm buildings formerly belonging to the hall, The Garden House is more than a match for the historic stately home in its ability to impress with its stunning setting, outlook and interiors. Dating back to the 18th Century, the residence fulfils the often quoted desire for a home with all the comforts and luxury features of new but combined with the character afforded by age and history. The Garden House more than meets both demands resulting in a spectacular home that is truly unique. In addition, it comes with detached two-bedroom, two reception room Reading Room Cottage with its own courtyard garden, and a substantial garage block with workshop, 43ft games room with bar and office created from the Old School House. Together with the outside space, the entire property offers the perfect opportunity for an extended family to live together yet retain independence.

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SOLD PROPERTIES

Wilton Grange Hartlepool SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

Wilton Grange is a fascinating and unique property with an intriguing past and potential for an equally interesting future. Grade II listed, it has the scale to be a boutique hotel, a pub/restaurant, children’s nursery, training centre or other kind of commercial venture, subject to gaining appropriate planning permission, or indeed a very substantial period family home for multiple generations.

Having been built in 1902-03 by local master builder Henry Barnes in an area of Hartlepool renowned for grand properties, many of which have been adapted from residential use, Wilton Grange was a training school for Hartlepool Hospital nurses in the 1950s, providing live-in accommodation for the young cadets. Externally it is largely based on Jacobean and Queen Anne style with many period features, including a spectacular plastered barrel-vaulted ceiling with stained glass feature in the vast reception.

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- Household Bills ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH?

When it comes to bills, no one is really sure if they are paying the right amount. While we’re often exposed to advice from experts, it can still be difficult to figure out what you should be paying – especially as there are so many contributing factors. > Council Tax

Guideline prices for Durham are as below:

While your council tax will vary depending on your local council, you’ll always pay depending on the value of your home and can make these payments over 10 or 12 months – whichever suits you best.

Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H

(Valued at (Valued at (Valued at (Valued at (Valued at (Valued at (Valued at (Valued at

up to £40,000) £40,001 to £52,000) £52,001 to £68,000) £68,001 to £88,000) £88,001 to £120,000) £120,001 to £160,000) £160,001 to £320,000) £320,001 and above)

£1,060 per year £1,237 per year £1,414 per year £1,591 per year £1,944 per year £2,298 per year £2,651 per year £3,182 per year

Single person occupancy discounts of 25 per cent are also applied for households comprising only one adult. *Valuations are controlled by the Valuation Office Agency and are based on the property value in 1991, not its current value.

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HOUSEHOLD BILLS

> Gas & Electric Gas and electricity users tend to be divided into three main groups; low, medium and high.

Low users are defined as one to two people, living in a one to two bedroom home. They tend to spend the majority of their days out of the house, and so only regularly consume gas and electric on an evening.

Costs to run a home like this are around £63 per month.

Medium users are usually small families of three to four people living in a three bedroom home.

They use more gas and electric as someone tends to be home at all times.

Costs to run a home like this are around £90 per month.

High users tend to be households of more than four people living in four or more bedrooms. They use energy consuming appliances such as washing machines on a daily basis and again, tend to be home at all times.

Costs to run a home like this are around £126 per month.

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> Water While some homes will still operate on a fixed rate, the majority of properties in the UK are now measured on water meters; meaning that you will only pay for the water you use.

While water consumption is calculated quarterly, you can again choose to make payments on a monthly basis and can expect to pay in the realms of: £30 per month for a single /double occupancy £54 per month for a small family of up to four people £65 per month for a family of five or more

Black Wood Wynyard SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

Occupying a pleasant position within this quiet cul-de-sac on the fringe of the exclusive Wynyard Woods development, 23 Black Wood is a ‘Rossendale 4' design and it offers spacious and versatile family accommodation. Boasting three superb sized reception rooms, a versatile study, well appointed and beautifully presented breakfasting kitchen fitted with a range of modern contemporary cream and grey high gloss units and granite surfaces, formal dining room and useful utility room to the ground floor. On the first floor there is a modern master bedroom suite with a separate dressing room further ladies dressing room fitted with Hammonds wardrobes and a fabulous en-suite bathroom/shower room. Three further double bedrooms all have ensuites facilities with two of the bedroom sharing a contemporary ‘Jack & Jill' en-suite. The property is reached via a private blocked driveway providing ample parking opportunities.

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SOLD PROPERTIES

The Old Barn Bishop Middleham SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

The Old Barn is a property that performs to the highest standard when it comes to offering an attractive and versatile family home in a convenient village location.

Converted and extended to a high quality from barns around 15 years ago, all the charm of the original rustic building has been retained including its stone frontage, exposed beams and trusses, while more modern features have been added including its very own dance studio.

The spacious internal layout means there are enough rooms whose function can be adapted according to an individual family's needs, while the half acre plot and generous bedroom accommodation add up to a significant property. Family life takes centre stage in the large kitchen that leads open plan into a daily dining, sitting and social area with French doors that open to the garden and a sunny stone patio for outdoor dining.

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