ISSUE 112. June 2014
Sweet dreams
Beautiful bed ideas
Mortgage Market Review Luxurious let
Sussex Square stunner
The facts
You do the shade. We’ll do the shutters.
Handcrafted from the finest materials. Custom made in our own dedicated manufacturing facility. Finished in any colour you can think of and fitted only by our skilled carpenters. With our beautiful hardwood shutters, the one thing that shines through is quality.
Call us today on 0808 163 1425 to see how we can add a touch of va va voom to your room. shutterlyfabulous.com
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welcome Issue 112 June 2014
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For all enquiries please contact:
Lynne Edwards - Sales & Marketing Director lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com
white strip purple outline for when purple background is not suitable - with purple text edging?
As I write, we are at the start of a proper summer heatwave so by the time you read this it may all be over. Whilst it lasts however, we all predictably get out and do the same things, tend the garden, dust off the barbeque, fix up the house, plan a holiday and buy houses! Yes its true – despite Brighton & Hove being a property hot spot, there is still a seasonal uplift of sellers and buyers, both local and from London it seems. It is a competitive marketplace but don’t let that put you off – it’s still one of the best investments you can make. As usual this month, we have our regular legal and financial advice columns so that is a good place to start making your dreams come true. It may surprise you to know that we all spend over 8,000 days of our lives in bed so it is important to buy the right bed. Our interiors editor Tara takes a look at this subject on pages 44. Enjoy the sun.
Lynne Ian Trevett – Managing Editor ian.trevett@absolutemagazine.co.uk
Lynne Edwards - Sales & Marketing Director
pantone purple: 2623
Daniel White – Deputy Editor
Maarten Hoffmann – Motoring Editor
Tara de la Motte – Interiors Editor
Sally Wynn - Designer
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44. TIME TO SLEEP A comfortable bed dressed in luxurious bed linen will ensure a restful night’s sleep, transforming your bedroom into a haven of comfort and calm. As we spend a third of our lives asleep it is important to create the ideal sleeping environment, so choose your bed with care and invest in some beautiful bed linen.
Alan Prior Publisher
Absolute Lifestyle Limited The Pinnacle Group Premier House 11 Marlborough Place BRIGHTON BN1 1UB Tel: 0870 005 2211 Fax: 08700 052 082 info@absolutemagazine.co.uk www.absolutemagazine.co.uk
Absolute Magazine and Pinnacle would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support, and wish them every business success. The contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing; nevertheless, we cannot endorse, and readers should not rely solely upon, the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein, without prior consultation with the service provider.
Printed by Afinis Design and Print 01903 875940, nick@afinis.co.uk
Front Cover: Supplied by Joe Nash Watson. Tel 01273 733500 www.nashwatson.com
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14. MARKET PLACE A traditional stone farmhouse in france, 5 websites we love and Celebrity homes are just a few of the great things you can see in our Market Place pages this month.
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48. MOTORING The Volkswagen Golf seems to have been around since the stone age and there cannot be a person in the country that has not owned one, or at least driven one, at some point in their lives.
CREATIVE | DIGIT AL | WEB experts in digital communication
AT A GLANCE
Home 02 - 41 • Interiors 42 - 47 • Motoring 48 - 50 • Sport 51 • History 52 • Business 53 - 56 • Perfect Weekend 57
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Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB
STANFORD CLOSE, HOVE An imposing and substantial detached 5 bedroom family home, standing in large mature gardens at the end of this sought after residential cul-de-sac, where property is rarely available for sale. The house affords, lovely light, spacious and generously proportioned living accommodation, making it a comfortable and versatile family home which offers considerable potential for further improvement and enlargement. Occupying a very pleasant and quiet location, which is nonetheless ideally located within close proximity of Hove Park and Hove Recreation Ground and within easy reach of Hove Station.
£1,350,000
WOODLAND DRIVE, HOVE, £895,000 Mishon Welton are pleased to offer this attractive and substantial detached tudor style residence, occupying a prominent position, within lovely good sized mature gardens, with westerly aspect at the rear, overlooking Hove Park at the front. The property offers light and particularly spacious living space over three floors making it a comfortable and versatile family home.
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01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com
HIGHVIEW DYKE ROAD, HOVE A stunning detached modern home situated in the ever-popular Hove Park Area. This wonderful corner property offers light and spacious accommodation throughout with quality fittings abound. Further benefits include five bedrooms with four offering en-suites, designer kitchen, solid oak flooring, electric gated entrance. No Onward Chain
Price on application
wanted We have many buyers looking for property in Hove who are ready and keen to buy.
THE DRIVE, HOVE, ÂŁ399,950 A wonderful two bedroom period flat with outside space and parking. This lovely property offers its own street entrance, large entrance hall, west facing living room, conservatory, modern fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, en-suite bathroom and family bathroom. Further benefits include gas central heating, no onward chain and a share in the freehold.
- HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -
If you would like an up to date valuation for your property from one of the most experienced agents in Hove, or simply a chat about how the property market is moving, then please contact us.
HAMPTONS Dream Home
Area: Withdean Road, Brighton A beautiful property with unique features, including; 2 staircases, long private driveway and large secluded gardens. This attractive, detached, five bedroom family house is situated in this highly desirable location and offers spacious family living over two floors. This home is approached via a long private driveway leading to the front of the property.The house itself has three reception rooms with the living room having lovely open working fireplace. There is a large kitchen/ breakfast room and additional cellar rooms. The house is extermely well secluded within its own grounds with mature plants trees and shrubs. The front garden has an established tree canopy.
“An amazing detached property for a great family home with Hamptons.”
£1,800,000 T: 01273 230230 www.hamptons.co.uk
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
EW
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Roedean Road, Brighton- £1,750,000 Well presented 6 bed detached house with sea views. EPC E
Princes Square, Hove £1,600,000 5 bedroom detached house with secluded garden and garage. EPC D
EW
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Hove Park Gardens, Hove- £1,250,000 4 bed detached ‘Arts and Crafts’ house with rap around garden. EPC E
Withdean Road, Brighton- £1,800,000 A detached 5 bedroom family home offering privacy being set back from the road. EPC E
Stepney Court, Brighton- £625,000 City centre 2 bedroom apartment. EPC C
Shirley Drive, Hove- £1,000,000 Detached 5 bedroom house on large plot. EPC F
Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 159 10│
June 2014
Princes Street - £1,575 PCM - Charges Apply* Fantastic Grade II listed apartment in Central Location with high ceilings and parking. EPC TBC. Tel: 01273 796159 Email: brightonandhovelettings@hamptons-int.com
Courtenay Terrace - £2,000 PCM - Charges Apply* Superb seafront apartment in highly desired building. Unfurnished and available beginning of June with fantastic sea views from most rooms. EPC 69. Tel: 01273 796159 Email: brightonandhovelettings@hamptons-int.com
Dyke Road - £1,595 PCM - Charges Apply* Brand New Development. Executive two bedroom two bathroom apartment with parking in sought after building & location. EPC TBC. Tel: 01273 796159 Email: brightonandhovelettings@hamptons-int.com
Stanmer Park - £2,500 PCM - Charges Apply* Newly constructed contemporary 3 bed Townhouse Located within Stanmer Park. EPC TBC. Tel: 01273 796159 Email: brightonandhovelettings@hamptons-int.com
Marine Parade - £1,500 PCM - Charges Apply* Two bedroom penthouse apartment on Kemp Town Seafront with balcony and parking. Available immediately unfurnished. EPC 77. Tel: 01273 796159 Email: brightonandhovelettings@hamptons-int.com
Palmeira Avenue - £1,400 PCM - Charges Apply* Modern 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with underground parking and balcony, walking distance to the Train Station, seafront, and shops. EPC 79. Tel: 01273 796159 Email: brightonandhovelettings@hamptons-int.com
*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that June apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges
June 2014
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AUSTIN GRAY Dream Home
“An historic, uniq
family home with la
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que, detached, arge garden.”
Area: Station Road, Preston Park BN1 6SF A truly, unique, individual, substantial, detached, five bedroom, family home measuring in excess of 4000 sq. ft / 372 sq mtrs in an enviable secluded setting of almost an acre within a moments walk of Preston Park mainline railway station. Built circa 1830 as the main farmhouse serving the then newly opened Strawberry Tea Gardens. Run by Rogers & Ayling, the gardens were improved and renamed Tivoli Gardens in 1851 - 1852, increasing in popularity with the removal of the Preston tollgate to Withdean Farm in 1854 and the opening of Preston Park railway station in part to serve the gardens. The lower half of the gardens was laid out with tree-lined walks, arbours, shrubberies and flower gardens, while the upper part had a large sports field and children’s swings; a private footbridge over the railway, which bisected the site, connected the two. In 1888 the house and gardens were bought by Robert C Gazeley, who developed much of the land surrounding the house. The property was renamed The Homestead during this period, and in 1930 was partly rebuilt. In the late 1940s the property was bought by Buster Lloyd-Jones, a famous vet, and he renamed it Denes Close. Lloyd-Jones ran a world renowned veterinary practice at the property with clients such as Winston Churchill and members of the royal family reputed to have been regular visitors. He also founded Denes Natural Pet Care, which still operates today nearby in Hove. Having been subject to considerable improvement in recent years by the current owners, many of its features today include; megaflo high pressure water system, Indonesian marble mosaic flooring to the kitchen, wired smoke alarm, cantilevered roof over sliding doors to the kitchen / breakfast room with its flower meadow roof above, Indian sandstone patio and paving, recently constructed oak framed double garage with office accommodation above.
£1,750,000 T: 01273 232232 www.austingray.co.uk
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MARKET PLACE
The
interview This week we talk to Andrew Stenning Managing Director of SearchesUk, a leading conveyancing search provider..... Q. Hi Andrew, what are you up to? A. It’s a very exciting time for us at the moment as we have just launched a new product for home buyers called Buyer Protect Q. All we want to know Andrew is “will it save us money?” A. Yes! We offer a product which will provide the purchaser with a combination of a refund of search, mortgage and valuation fees. Q. So if my purchase falls through I’ll get these costs back? What’s the catch?
A. There is no catch. The cover is valid for a number of things including bad survey, down valuation etc. Q. At what point do you need to buy this, and what if I have multiple fall throughs with all these greedy vendors around at the moment? A. When your Solicitor or Conveyancer orders searches from Searches UK they can select Buyer Protect and Search Protect. Simples. Q. How can I find out more? A. You can find out more about Buyer Protect and Search Protect by visiting www.buyerprotect.co.uk or just ask your solicitor
Calling all golfers - BHEAA Presidents Cup Golf Day 30th June 2014 At Singing Hills, Albourne, West Sussex
This prestigious golf event is open to all, and apart from the obvious enjoyment of playing the gorgeous 27 hole venue, you can look forward to a fun day of networking, and raising money for good causes with old contacts and new friends. There will also be a number of prizes and forfeits on the day. For more information contact andrewhovey@leaders.co.uk
INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fox & Sons helps buyers and sellers find their next home
Ground-breaking new buy-to-let product brings exciting opportunities for landlords. Leaders, Brighton & Hove
Home sellers face a significant challenge when it comes to finding their next home in the current property market, according to leading local estate agency Fox & Sons With demand for properties massively outweighing supply, the agent is seeing many home owners achieve very good sales on their existing property but struggling to find their next home due to a shortage of properties to buy. In response to this issue Fox & Sons has launched the ‘Help to Find’ service so that sellers are not only getting the best price for their existing property, but also support in finding the home of their dreams for their onward purchase. As part of this service, the Fox & Sons team proactively targets the types of property the vendor is interested in buying while simultaneously holding an open house for their current property in order to get the best price possible for their home. “The housing market has changed so much over the last year,” says Branch Manager Robert Harding “We now have lots more buyers with better access to mortgage finance in the market, but properties are in short supply. In this context, home owners who want to take their next step up the ladder are finding it easier to sell but not to purchase their next home. “Our Help to Find service has been designed to assist home buyers and sellers with their next purchase as well as their sale,” For more information on this initiative contact your local Fox & Sons branch for a free market appraisal of your home and to find out about its ‘Help to Find’ service on 01273 508761 or email: prestonpark@sequencehome.co.uk
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A ground-breaking new buy-to-let finance product is turning heads in the lettings market and opening the eyes of landlords to exciting new possibilities. The product is so innovative that at Leaders we believe it could be a significant game-changer for many landlords, enabling them to dramatically boost their rental yields and expand their portfolios. This is a unique and exciting product which enables landlords to borrow more without having to re-mortgage and without having to make any monthly payments during the term of the loan. It is an equity loan, so instead of paying interest and capital repayments, the lender takes a share in the capital appreciation of the property at the end of the loan period. If the property hasn’t increased in value at the end of the term or when it is sold, all that is owed is the amount originally borrowed. If the property goes up in value then the lender takes a share in the capital gains. This is hugely exciting for landlords and we are pleased to be able to give impartial advice on whether this product will help enhance their investment, and if so, exactly how best to utilise it. For more information please contact your local Leaders branch: Brighton North Laine, New Rd: 01273 675571 Brighton, Western Rd: 01273 720714 Brighton, Fiveways: 01273 561534 Hove: 01273 321721
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websites we love right now www.viralnova.com/cool-business-cards How to make a lasting impression at the next networking event. Some amazing and wacky ideas for business cards. Check out the cheesegrater and the fitness instructor. www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/june June 21 is the longest day of the year, and the extra light and warmth encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth. Top tips for keeping on top of it all. www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/freehouse-prices for mortgage advice and masses more. All you ever wanted to know about property and links to ALL the best resources online.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b040tlwh Under Offer. Estate agents on the job. If you’ve missed the TV series about what estate agents REALLY get up to, you can watch it now on catch up.
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www.houzz.com/house-interior-design-photogallery For ideas about how you can improve your home, the best place to go to is straight online. There is a plethora of pictures, ideas, and information available to inspire you from your armchair.
MARKET PLACE
HOT
Overseas Property Sunshine Lifestyle
Description: A traditional stone farmhouse with outbuildings, but with many modern features and comforts. The house has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with around 11 acres including grassland, good outbuildings, stables and a holiday cottage. Price: £491k Agent: Hamptons International; 020 7265 6595 w w w. h a m p t o n s - i n t e r n a t i o n a l . c o m / e n / property-details/?propertyref=FRLESSH35063BS14
France is one of the most sought after second home destinations for British buyers looking to purchase abroad due to ease of access from the UK, value for money and the range of properties available. Hamptons International has over 5,000 properties available to buy in France ranging in price from £50k right up to £15 million in a range of popular locations from Aquitaine, Dordogne and Brittany to Cote D’Azur and Corsica.
• France is the second most popular destination, after Spain, for UK buyers wanting to buy abroad • According to Hamptons International, 33 per cent of international buyers purchased in the PACA (Provence Alps Cote d’Azur), with 15 per cent in the Alps, 12 per cent in Paris and 8 per cent in Languedo Roussillon • The average spend of a British buyer is €384,000, this ranges from €100,000 in lower Normandy to €550,000 in PACA amd €586,000 in Paris • Overall prices in France have been falling slightly over last couple of years (down 1.7% over last 12 months with bigger falls in rural areas) • There are some areas where prices are beginning to rise - for instance prices in the Alps have risen 5.3% over the last 12 months • Number of properties sold is usually in excess of 700,000 pa - the two exceptions were in 2008 (673,000) and 2009 (594,000) when the market was at its lowest • Interest rates are at a historical low but banks will no longer lend to individuals who have no deposit - this has depressed the number of French buyers, keeping prices low • Latest figures are from 2012 show: * 10,600 sales to “non-residents” in 2012 (30% down on 2011) * We expect this figure to grow to around 15,000 in 2014 as international buyers come back to the market.
WE LOVE
Paul Taggart, Associate Director of Hamptons International in Brighton & Hove says: “Over the past year, we’ve seen a 20 per cent increase in local people looking to purchase a second home in France and due to the strength of our international network, we are delighted to be bringing both our expertise and these properties to our local investors first hand. 2013 saw a real surge in British buyers purchasing property in France and it is undoubtedly a great choice for British investors - over the last 12 months prices have fallen by 1.7 per cent, with bigger falls in more rural areas. Perceived value aside, France is a country which offers a beautiful array of properties, great weather and a relaxed way of life and should be top of any buyers list!”
For more information on the event on buying property in France please contact 01273 230230
CELEBRITY HOME We love Bang & Olufsen’s new BeoVision Avant TV With the innovative BeoVision Avant, Bang & Olufsen redefines the television’s place in the home. Sublime Ultra High Definition (4K) video performance and jaw-dropping acoustic authenticity are built in. But BeoVision Avant also amazes with magical convenience
based on a strong understanding of how we want to live with the television – and how high-end multimedia entertainment can go hand in hand with uncompromising design. Bang & Olufsen rethinks the television with intuitive simplicity and mechanical innovation. For more information please contact Bang & Olufsen of Brighton & Hove, 56 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FP. Tel 01273 205448
Tickerage Mill, a refurbished Grade II listed Mill House in a very private location, is where, in 1961, Vivien Leigh sought refuge at after her divorce from Laurence Olivier. There is a picture of Vivien standing in front of the mill in the brochure. Here she entertained lavishly with many famous guests including Princess Margaret, Geilgud, John Merivale, Churchill and Robert Helpman who designed the walled garden. The marble fireplace in the master bedroom is a remnant of her occupation, having been shipped back from Venice by Vivien. Other illustrious owners include the artist Richard Wyndham, who purchased the property in the 1920s, and added what is now the kitchen as his artist’s studio with a large oriel window overlooking the mill pond; and Sir Ronald Armstrong Jones (Lord Snowdon’s father) and Kenneth Letts the manufacturer of Letts Diaries. Tickerage Mill is an enchanting country estate in a private setting approached over a no through lane, then a long private drive. Surrounded by gardens and grounds, the main house is a beautifully refurbished, historic Mill House believed to date from the 17th Century and listed Grade II – of ‘special historic or architectural interest’. It is understood that the property was originally an iron mill; its tall chimneys and the heavily wooded surroundings an indication of the iron industry that the area was once associated with. The current owners acquired the Mill in 2005 and have since carried out a programme of extensive refurbishment, resulting in a superbly appointed country house, retaining the period character of the property and perfectly complementing its stunning grounds. Guide price: £3.5 million Savills Country Department: 020 7016 3780 | www.savills.co.uk
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52 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FN • Tel 01273 778844 113 St. Georges Road Kemp Town BN2 1EA • Tel 01273 685111 10 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GA • Tel 01273 383830
CROSS STREET, HOVE
COLERIDGE STREET, HOVE
Stretching back almost 200 years this former fisherman’s cottage has a very recent, rich show business background. The home for 40 years of Shirley Shan Sangster lead singer of The Kaye Sisters, this cottage oozes nostalgia from every room. Now for sale by her daughter, it clearly holds many memories from growing up. Largely in its original layout the property is ripe for a full renovation and offers potential to extend. Any modernisation will have an eye on the preservation of the cottages remaining original features.
Newly modernised two bedroom maisonette situated in this popular Poets Corner location offering easy access to nearby Hove mainline railway station. The property comprises: good sized lounge with bay windows, two double bedrooms, modern kitchen/ breakfast room and newly fitted bathroom. There are also the added benefits of the property being share of freehold and being sold with no onward chain. Viewing Recommended.
£399,950
£249,950
SHIRLEY STREET, HOVE Well-presented two bedroom two storey Victorian house with good sized decked rear garden and superb garden room. Situated in this popular central location moments from Hove mainline railway station. Various shopping facilities, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars can be found nearby in Blatchington Road, George Street and Church Road. The seafront and other parts of the city centre are also easily accessible. The house has good size through lounge/Dining room, modern kitchen, two double bedrooms and a spacious modern bathroom, decked rear garden being larger than average for this central location. The outside garden room will be ideal as a study/games room. Viewing recommended.
£395,000 20│
June 2014
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
PEMBROKE CRESCENT, HOVE Sawyer & Co are delighted to offer this rarely available ground floor flat with quite spectacular west facing rear garden. Pembroke Crescent is a sought after prime, central location close to all amenities including Church Road main shopping thoroughfare and Hove seafront, bus services connecting with the City Centre pass regularly along New Church Road and Hove main line railway station is within half a miles distance. The property itself would benefit from modernisation throughout and comprises: lounge/ dining room with bay windows, two double bedrooms, separate kitchen and bathroom plus delightful gardens to front and rear. There are the added benefits of no onward chain along with the property being sold with the whole of the Freehold.
£375,000
LEWES MEWS, BRIGHTON
ADELAIDE CRESCENT, HOVE
Built in 1999 as part of a modern gated mews development, this south facing, mid terrace home sits tucked away behind Lewes Crescent and in contrast to its Regency style. In neutral decor throughout with some ingenious cupboard space making the most of its snug rooms, this is a home that would be ideal for a couple or a family with older children being close to Roedean and Brighton College. Enviably close to the marina and seafront, this home has a superb location at the very edge of the city. EPC Rating C.
There are superb sea views from this large three bed, two bathroom top floor flat in one of the most sought after locations in central Hove. Take the lift directly into the spacious entrance hall, the well planned accommodation spans the entire top floor of this beautiful regency building. There is the additional benefit of a west facing sun terrace at the rear. The flat is being sold with no ongoing chain. Viewing recommended.
£499,950
£525,000
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
Brighton office now open
in association with Sawyer & Co
Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN
Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911
Kings Gardens, Hove Fine and Country are delighted to announce this unique and rare opportunity to acquire this stunning first floor apartment offering spectacular views of the sea overlooking Hove lawns with a full length sun drenched private balcony. As one of only 4 detached buildings on Brighton and Hove seafront, it is one of the most desirable locations on the South Coast with direct rail connections to London Victoria from Hove station and easy access to the M23 and A27. Kings Gardens was built in 1886 to the very highest standards and has been fully restored and styled by Swedish Interior Design using Ecos organic paints and non toxic materials, special attention to original features create a unique interior based around a carried out by Master Craftsmen to sympathetically bring soft light Swedish colour scheme.
Tel: 01273 739911
£1,300,000
Roedean, Brighton Award Winning Seaview Penthouse! This luxuriously appointed duplex apartment enjoys panoramic views of the Brighton coastline and South Downs countryside. The private spacious roof terrace with 6 person jacuzzi and Bowser & Wilkins sound system and mood lighting leads off the the huge open plan kitchen lounge through a wall of glass bifold doors. Master suite with dressing room, luxury ensuite and further south facing private sun terrace. Underfloor heating, CCTV, Remote controlled LED mood lighting, music system, blinds ... it’s all at your fingertips!
Tel: 01273 739911
Call +44 (0)1273 739911 brightonandhove@fineandcountry.com
£1,275,000
brightonandhove.fineandcountry.co.uk
guestlist Where? Hove Club, Fourth Avenue, Hove Why? BHEAA meeting with Agents Mutual Property Portal
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Who? 1. Kevin Weatherill, Louise Brice, Ian Springett, Simon Lemcke and Chris Sawyer 2. Lynne Edwards and Ian Springett 3. Jason Brand, President BHEAA, Chris Oakley and Phillip Mann 4. Sally Hubbard and Nick Kelly
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Photos: Lesley Taylor www.infinityphotographic.co.uk
Local estate agents met with Ian Springett, CEO of Agents Mutual, at the Hove club on 23rd April Agents Mutual has been formed by some of the UK’s leading estate agents and letting agents to create a new property portal. The website will be 100% owned by estate agents and ltd by guarantee to prevent it being bought out or sold. It will focus on providing the best possible service to both estate agents and the property seeking public. Mr Springett announced that they now have £6m capital in place in order to move to implementation and plan to launch the new website in January 2015. Approximately 2000 estate agents have already signed up, many more have expressed an interest in joining and support appears to be building in all areas across the country. The local event arranged by the BHEAA was very well attended. Chris Sawyer of Sawyer & Co and council member of the BHEAA said: “We met with Agents Mutual last year and immediately agreed it was something the BHEAA should get behind. Now that Agents Mutual are funded and gearing up to launch next year we thought it was a good time to get them back to update the agents in Brighton & Hove. It seems that there is pretty unanimous support for it both locally and across the UK.” For more information contact Chris Sawyer 01273 778844.
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June 2014
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9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove 27 Offices in Sussex 37 Offices in London
HAMILTON COTTAGE, MANOR ROAD, WORTHING Fox & Sons are delighted to offer for sale this unique five bedroom detached family home. The house is situated to the west of Worthing town centre, set back from Manor road the house itself is located behind electric gates. The gates are operated remotely by an intercom welcome system and open up onto an LED lit drive way that leads to a double car port with lockable storage cupboards. From the impressive front garden the front door opens into an entrance porch and leads into the main hall way. Leading from the hallway you will find the lounge, drawing room, dining room and downstairs cloak room. The drawing room has a sash window to the front, feature fire place, and doors leading to the conservatory. The dining room leads into the kitchen which features a middle island with induction hob, range of light wood fronted base and wall units and windows which overlook the courtyard. At the rear of the house there is a downstairs bedroom/office. The upstairs of the property comprises of four bedrooms.The master bedroom includes a dressing room, en-suite and balcony. The family bathroom includes corner shower unit, wc, vanity unit with wash basin and storage space. Situated outside is a self contained annex that includes a studio room, bathroom and kitchen area. The main garden is a lawned area with fruit trees paths and borders that lead to a raised fence and gate enclosed area boasting a heated swimming pool, summer house and brick built BBQ. EPC TBC
Price ÂŁ775,000 Contact Mark Holding Worthing Office 01903 209055
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www.rightmove.co.uk www.primelocation.co.uk www.fox-and-sons.co.uk ROEDEAN CRESCENT, BRIGHTON A four bedroom, three reception room detached house. The property is situated on an elevated plot with stunning sea and downland views. The house has a large garden to the front and rear and is ideal for expansion EPC D
Price £1,500,000 Contact Edward Middle Kemptown Office 01273 688148
ROEDEAN CRESCENT, BRIGHTON A five bedroom, two reception room detached house.The property is presented on an elevated plot with stunning sea and downland views with Downland to three sides and sea views. The property benefits from a double garage and large garden, ideal for expansion STNPC. EPC D
Price £1,400,000 Contact Edward Middle Kemptown Office 01273 688148
THE ROTYNGS, ROTTINGDEAN A Wonderful Detached House. The property consists of 5 BEDROOM Dining Room, Modern Fitted Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Bathroom, En-Suite Bathroom & Cloakroom. OMS, 3 Reception Rooms, Conservatory Garden laid mainly to lawn with terracing EPC TBC
Price £900,000 Contact John Dale Rottingdean Office 01273 309968
WALDEGRAVE ROAD, BRIGHTON A beautifully restored semi-detached Victorian villas with contemporary kitchen with Bosch appliances, contemporary bathroom, Farrow & Ball decorations and a lovely westerly rear garden. The property now provides a modern home of character. EPC TBC
Price £565,000 Contact Robert Harding Preston Park Office 01273 508761 - HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -
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THE June COLLECTION STAR LET
A ground floor two bedroom flat with a good size box bay fronted sitting room, double bedroom, modern fitted kitchen and bathroom, occasional bedroom two/ study and a west facing decked garden. The propery has gas central heating and is available immediately.
Cissbury Road, Hove - £1,125.00 pcm Young Lee • 01273 232232
Tivoli Crescent North, Brighton
Ocean Heights, Roedean
King & Chasemore are excited to offer this stylish contemporary 3/4 bedroom detached house built in 2004 boasting stunning panoramic views from a delightful balcony and featuring a West facing rear garden. The property is located 5 minutes from Preston Park station, giving easy access to central Brighton, London Gatwick Airport (30 minutes) and London Victoria (60 minutes).
Award Winning Seaview Penthouse! This luxuriously appointed duplex apartment enjoys panoramic views of the Brighton coastline and South Downs countryside. The private spacious roof terrace with 6 person jacuzzi and Bowser & Wilkins sound system and mood lighting leads off the the huge open plan kitchen lounge through a wall of glass bifold doors. Master suite with dressing room, luxury ensuite and further south facing private sun terrace. Underfloor heating, CCTV, Remote controlled LED mood lighting, music system, blinds ... it’s all at your fingertips!
King & Chasemore • 01273 505141 • GP: £900,000 to £925,000
Withdean Road, Brighton
Lewes Mews, Brighton Built in 1999 as part of a modern gated mews development, this south facing, mid terrace home sits tucked away behind Lewes Crescent and in contrast to its Regency style. In neutral decor throughout with some ingenious cupboard space making the most of its snug rooms, this is a home that would be ideal for a couple or a family with older children being close to Roedean and Brighton College. Enviably close to the marina and seafront, this home has a superb location at the very edge of the city.
This attractive, detached, five bedroom family house is situated in this highly desirable location and offers spacious family living over two floors. This home is approached via a long private driveway leading to the front of the property. The house itself opens on to a reception hallway with the Living room having a lovely working fireplace and overlooks the front of the property, it adjoins the conservatory which offers views over the rear garden.
Hamptons International • 01273 230230 • £1,800,000
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June 2014
• Fine & Country • 01273 739911 • £1,275,000
- HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -
• Sawyer & Co • 01273 685111 • £499,950
A selection of some of the best properties in and around the City this month. A STUNNING and sympathetically REFURBISHED flat occupying the ENTIRE ground floor of this Grade I listed Regency building located in one of Hove’s most prestigious seafront squares. The property benefits from entrance hall with tiled flooring, 24’3 x 15’0 DRAWING ROOM with feature fireplace & oblique sea views, fitted kitchen, two bedrooms with SPLIT LEVEL MASTER BEDROOM, EN-SUITE shower room, bathroom.VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
STAR BUY
Brunswick Square, Hove - offers in excess of £425,000 Share of Freehold Brices • 01273 323000
Rottingdean Tallboys was built circa 1780 and was the original ‘Customs House.’ Containing many original features with oak flooring to the ground floor and ornate carvings. The property was run as a local store, but is now laid out as two flats. The ground floor flat has one double bedroom with ensuite shower room, sitting room, kitchen and cellar. The top floor maisonette which has its own access at the rear comprises sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside of the property there is a separate rear access way behind The Old Cottage Cafe, which leads to the rear garden where there is a useful outbuilding. The rear garden is a good size which is fence enclosed.
• King & Chasemore • 01273 301066
• offers in excess of £400,000
Nevill Avenue A truly fabulous 1930’s semi detached family home with a stunning mature south facing garden and retaining an abundance of original features postioned in hoves ever populr nevill area. The house has 3 decent double bedrooms a bathroom a ground floor cloakroom / wc a spacious reception hallway a very large through lounge dining room a south facing loggia / sun lounge and a kitchen. Outside the house has the most beautiful south facing garden , off street parking and a garage. There is even a glimpse of the sea from the first floor windows. A real family home close to schools shops and leafy parks.
A fantastic opportunity to acquire this rarely available 3 bedroom first floor apartment with stunning south facing views over Sussex County Cricket Ground. The property is held within a well kept period style building with share of freehold and also benefits from 2 bathrooms. EPC TBC
• Cromwell Road, Hove • Fox & Sons • 01273 777000 • offers in excess of £350,000
Westmeston Avenue, Saltdean
• Elliotts • 01273 773399 • £465,000 freehold
It’s all about the light! Upside down and inside out, this is a home that is very special indeed. With the living area on the first floor and bedrooms on the ground floor this home secures the full potential from its superb location. The design, specifically so that the immense space and light filling the home seem to bring the outdoors in, cannot fail to make a substantial impression, within the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the seafront. This home’s décor, refurbishment and creativity of design is the key to its impressive realisation. An ideal home for a growing family. Easy access to Brighton and Hove, and indeed London.
- HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -
• Fine & Country • 01273 739911 • £990,000 June 2014
│27
ROCK IT by Natasha Askaroff
Luxembourg Rocking Chair by Fermob, £485 Available in 20 different colours www.madeindesign.co.uk
Rocking chairs are sometimes associated with maturity and class. They are also often associated with parenting as the gentle rocking motion can soothe infants. Many adults find rocking chairs soothing because of the gentle motion. One’s brain may associate the rocking motion with that of the safety and comfort felt when rocking in a mother’s arms or cradle or perhaps even a mother’s womb. It has been shown that the motion of gentle rocking relaxes the body and allows people to sleep better. Rocking chairs are also comfortable because, when a user sits in one without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backwards until the sitter’s center of gravity is met thus granting an ergonomic benefit with the occupant kept at an unstressed position and angle. Varieties of rockers include those mounted on a spring base (or platform) called “platform rockers” and those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders.*
Vitra white Eames RAR rocking chair, £435 www.johnlewis.com
Kartell Comback Rocking Chair by Patricia Urquiola, £421 Available in 6 different colours. www.heals.co.uk
Sway by Markus Krauss Rrom £3100 Available in custom colours www.markuskrauss.com
President John F Kennedy was prescribed swimming and use of a rocking chair by his physician having suffered with lingering back problems. The president so enjoyed the rocker, he brought it on Air Force One when he traveled around the country and the world. He bought additional rockers for Camp David and the Kennedy estates, and gave them as gifts to friends, family, and heads of state.*
Ercol Rocking Chair, from £765 Available in white and natural www.thewhitcompany.com *All text taken from wikipedia
Race furniture rocker chair, £792 www.nest.co.uk
Windsor Rocker by Katie Walker £2295 www.heals.co.uk
INTO THE GARDEN -The month of June Every garden should look good in June as the glory of the garden gathers pace. June is the month when all of your hard work begins to be rewarded as you see the borders over-spilling with beautiful flowers – delphiniums, irises, Oriental poppies and the wonderfully fragrant rose.
passion flowers and delicate solanums. Train
Finally take yourself away from your own
your climbers along the top of walls and
garden and visit other gardens that are open
fences and they will soon smother them with
to the public during the summer months. For
their vivid blooms for most of the summer
a small fee, often for charity, many gardens
months.
open to visitors and it’s a good opportunity
Of all the plants in the garden the rose
•
Things to do in your garden this month •
the blades slightly if the weather turns
By Tara de la Motte
dry. Lawns mown regularly and edges
(Editor of Sussex Homes & Gardens) www.sussex-homes.co.uk
trimmed will make your flower borders really stand out. Keep your rose beds weed free by using the hoe regularly. If you would like a few
its highly perfumed flowers. There is a rose for
larger blooms on roses then remove the
every garden as they come in a wide range
side buds. •
garden can enjoy the beauty of a miniature rose.
Regularly dead head to prolong the flowering period of your plants.
•
Make sure you stake tall growing
Shrubs and climbers in June
perennials like delphiniums and
June brings with it a succession of fragrant
campanulas.
flowering shrubs, like ‘mock oranges’ lilacs
•
Keep fruit bushes and trees well watered
and lavenders which will fill your garden with
and weed tree so that you are rewarded
scent on a warm evening.
with better crops. If you are growing
Climbers are a favourite in any garden as they
strawberries, protect them from birds by
take up little ground space and they give the
netting before the fruit has time to ripen.
garden a well-furnished look. At this time of the year there are some wonderful climbers
•
Now is a good time to plant outdoor tomatoes but remember to stake them.
in bloom including, clematis, honeysuckles,
30│
June 2014
simply to discover new plants.
Mow your lawn regularly and raise
confirms the presence of early summer with
of colour, size and shape. Even the smallest
to gain new ideas for your own garden or
- HOMES|INTERIORS -
KINGS GARDENS, HOVE - OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £900,000 Share of freehold A RARE OPPORTUNITY to ACQUIRE this truly STUNNING second floor three bedroom DOUBLE FRONTED SEAFRONT property. The property benefits from UNRIVALLED SEA VIEWS, LARGE reception room, contemporary bathroom with separate shower cubicle and EN-SUITE shower room, BEAUTIFULLY FITTED KITCHEN with appliances, MANY PERIOD FEATURES, clear attention to detail, gas central heating. Must be seen! EPC rating F.
BRUNSWICK SQUARE, HOVE - OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £450,000 Leasehold An opportunity to acquire this THOUGHTFULLY AND SYMPATHETICALLY refurbished lower ground floor flat forming part of a Grade I listed building situated in the ever popular Brunswick Square on Hove Seafront. The property boasts PRIVATE STREET ENTRANCE, entrance lobby and 40’ entrance hall, 23’10 WEST ASPECT LOUNGE leading to a WELL FITTED KITCHEN, cloakroom/utility room, TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, bathroom with separate shower cubicle, INTERNAL COURTYARD AND REAR PATIO, gas central heating, meticulous attention to detail on all fittings.
brices sales & lettings
SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF
22 local branches, 150 associated branches in central London and the south east, 1300 branches countrywide
Osmond Gardens King and Chasemore are delighted to present to you this three storey semi-detached family home, which is situated in the much sought after residential location of Osmond Gardens. This beautiful house has ounces of potential and comprises: 13’ living room, 15’ dining room, 15’ kitchen, 10’ study, six bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate WC. In addition there are two large storage rooms, interlinked cellar rooms and beautiful front and rear gardens. In need of some modernisation this property would make an ideal family home being a stones throw away from Seven Dials and boasting living space perfect for entertaining.
Guide Price: £825,000 - £875,000 Call: 01273 206107
SALES
Rottingdean A stunning detached house which has seen many improvements by the current owners, including an extension to the rear. Situated at the end of a cul-desac in the hamlet of Ovingdean, this property enjoys fantastic far reaching sea views to the front southerly aspect. Offered for sale in excellent decorative order throughout, the accommodation comprises entrance porch leading to the entrance hall with downstairs cloakroom, study at the front, sitting room over looking the rear garden, stunning kitchen with integral appliances and breakfast bar opening into the dining room which has bi-folding doors to the rear garden. On the first floor there is a wide landing with airing cupboard, the master bedroom has fitted cupboards and enjoys the far reaching views all the way to the sea. Second double bedroom, family bathroom and the third double bedroom also looks over the rear garden. Outside the property at the front there is a long driveway allowing off road parking for several cars leading to a single garage, attractive lawn front garden with gated access to the rear. At the rear there is a patio with ample space for table and chairs making a great entertaining space with the remainder of the garden being mainly laid to lawn with mature flower and shrub boarders and a garden shed.
Guide Price OIRO: £560,000 Call: 01273 301066
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June 2014
- HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -
Third Avenue King & Chasemore are delighted to offer this highly sought after flat, with the sea at the bottom of the road, comprising two double bedrooms, double balcony, tastefully decorated first floor mansion style apartment situated in Third Avenue. Benefits include 25’4’ x 15 ft lounge, two double bedrooms, West facing balcony, separate kitchen, modern contemporary bathroom and boasting a wealth of period features.
Offers in excess of: £450,000 Call: 01273 206107
kingandchasemore.co.uk
Preston Park King & Chasemore are excited to offer this stylish contemporary 3/4 bedroom detached house built in 2004 boasting stunning panoramic views from a delightful balcony and featuring a West facing mediterranean style rear garden on three levels. Offering fabulous flexible open plan accommodation with Luxury kitchen and bathrooms. The high spec property also features a central ventilation and extraction system providing fresh air to the interior. Double length garage. The property is located 5 minutes from Preston Park station, giving easy access to central Brighton, London Gatwick Airport (30 minutes) and London Victoria (60 minutes).
Guide Price: £900,000 to £925,000 Call: 01273 289336
- HOMES|ESTATE AGENTS -
June 2014
│33
Claire Cook
from Talk Money Financial advice in the news Over the past few weeks, the financial world has been making headlines. The Budget announcing more flexible pensions.Then the Mortgage Market Review with lenders imposing more stringent criteria for lending. Reading the articles it would appear that the focus has been on the more extreme aspects, so here I am going to try and bring some perspective to what is actually happening. The Mortgage Market Review: You may have seen headlines saying that lenders were asking if people played golf, or if they ate steak! Although things have become more stringent, I certainly haven’t come across this yet. It is true, lenders are asking more questions. One of the main focuses of the new rules is affordability, lenders have to make sure that people can afford the mortgage they are taking. Although the new regulations took effect only on 26th April most lenders were well prepared, they had been honing their systems in preparation for quite some time, gradually changing criteria to the point that most of us had already become used to the new rules. A word of warning, if you are looking to take a mortgage soon, be prepared. Your lender will probably ask for a detailed account of your outgoings, they may also ask for bank statements which give a clear view of what you have been doing, and your lifestyle. So, perhaps steak should be off the menu for a while! Flexible pensions: Again, you may have seen headlines stating that “you would no longer have to buy an annuity”, but this has been the case for many years. Since 1995 people have had another option, at least until age 75. They have had the choice to invest their pension fund into an income drawdown plan taking the income directly from the fund; although for most people there was a cap on the income you could take. The cap has increased for this tax year,
TILES TILES TILES www.tilemates.co.uk
GLASS - CERAMICS - PORCELAIN NATURAL STONE - MOSAICS
and will be completely removed from next year meaning people will be able
VISIT US TODAY
to access their whole pension fund. (This aspect is still in consultation). The papers had pictures of pensioners with Lambourghinis, but would people really withdraw all their pension fund and blow it? Firstly, I have found that most people are very sensible with their pension money, they realise that it has to last. Secondly, any money you draw out (after your initial tax free cash) is taxable. So, if you withdraw the whole amount as a lump sum you could end up paying higher rate tax. This in itself will lead to people taking the money more gradually from their funds. Lastly, annuities will still suit many people, those who require the guarantees of an income for life. If you require independent financial advice on any of the above, please call me Claire Cook on 01273 224667. I would be happy to assist.
DESIGN, INSPIRATION, QUALITY Tilemates Brighton Ltd 60 St Richards Road, Portslade, BN41 1PA
Talk Money is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount invested.
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JUNE 2014 June
01273 412000 - HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
www.bellway.co.uk
Part Exchange. The easiest move you’ll make.
MODERNO Redhill Close, Brighton BN1 5FJ
Rich in attractive Regency and Victorian architecture, Brighton combines elegant history with flamboyant seaside fun and a vibrant love of culture. Theatre lovers can enjoy West end shows, while film fans can choose between two multiplexes and an art-house cinema. The town’s world famous pier is full of fun, with its own amusement park and fairground rides, fish and chip restaurant and choice of bars. The town itself offers a wealth of independent shops and trendy boutiques selling fabulous designer fashions and wildly original custom jewellery. To venture further, central London is approximately an hour and half drive away or a hours train journey to London Victoria.
3 & 4 bedroom homes from
£449,995
PART EXCHANGE BENEFITS • Stay in your existing home until your new house is ready • No estate agent fees • Stress free move
Help to Buy
Moderno is a very special place indeed, an enchanting collection of just 19 three and four bedroom exclusive family town houses in the so very popular seaside town of Brighton.
Call: 0845 548 3020
Selling from: Fox and Sons, 117 - 118 Western Road, Brighton BN1 2AD
HELP TO BUY also available*
*Help to Buy not in conjunction with any other offer. Pictures for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of going to press.
Bellway reserve the right to refuse a part exchange, terms & conditions can be found at www.bellway.co.uk.
LEADERS Dream LET
36│
JUNE 2014
- HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
Area: Sussex Square, Brighton This exquisite top-floor 2 bedroom abode in the prestigious Sussex Square development, brings together the best of old and new, as contemporary space is offered within an elegant period building. The property has been refurbished to an incredibly high standard and is the perfect example of chic, modern living. It is centred on a minimalist open-plan lounge and kitchen area, with a luxurious living room adjoining a cream gloss fitted kitchen that comes with a variety of integrated appliances. A master double bedroom is found at the rear of the apartment and boasts a fashionable feature fireplace. There is also a second single bedroom that can be used as a study if required. Perhaps the most exciting feature of the apartment is the access it allows to the popular Sussex Square private gardens. These gorgeous green spaces – plus the presence of the beach just 50 metres or so from your front door – mean there is ample opportunity for soaking up the sun or simply relaxing with friends outdoors.
£1,195 PCM T: 01273 720714 www.leaders.co.uk
- HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
JUNE 2014
│37
The monthly column from our local quality solicitors
Legal Matters with Howlett Clarke Absolute have teamed up with Brighton’s oldest law firm QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke to bring you a monthly insight into the latest legal issues, with top tips and advice.
Introduction of new commercial rent arrears recovery scheme Since time immemorial (well at least the Distress for Rent Act 1737) one method of recovering rent arrears has been to levy “distress” on the goods of the tenant. The landlord’s remedy of “distress for rent” theoretically applied to both residential and commercial property. However, statutory protections in respect of residential property brought in over many years, meant that the remedy in respect of residential property became, to all intents and purposes, irrelevant.
Put very simply, the rules now require that before entering premises to take possession of tenant’s goods, a landlord first has to give a minimum notice period of seven days and that notice must contain information prescribed in regulations. I cannot go into the detail of the new regulations and procedures here but suffice to say that with the non-paying tenant now entitled to at least seven days’ notice, the fact is that, in many cases, the chances of finding goods on the premises worth taking possession of at the end of that period of notice, are somewhat reduced. The effect will be not only a reduction in work for bailiffs (who can probably look after themselves) but the need for landlords to be much more rigorous in assessing potential tenants. We might therefore expect to see an increased use of additional security such as the taking of substantial rent
That was not the case in respect of
deposits and personal
commercial property and until recently,
guarantees.
commercial landlords were able to instruct bailiffs to go in to commercial premises to levy distress against the tenant’s goods and, eventually, sell them to recover the rent arrears. As from the 6 April 2014, the old remedy of distress for rent has been replaced by new regulations referred to as Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) which changes everything.
38│
JUNE 2014
- HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
Tony Newey, commercial law specialist with QS Howlett Clarke. 01273 327272 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ.
leaders.co.uk
All rents quoted exclude other charges or fees which may be payable – for more information please contact your local branch or visit the branch page on www.leaders.co.uk - HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
JUNE 2014
│39
Share your flair for interiors and creating beautiful spaces. Would you be interested in your home or project being featured in a magazine? Many people simply love having their home featured in a magazine. To others an editorial piece is a highly effective way for individuals and businesses to gain some informal PR coverage. Fiona seeks out the loveliest homes as well as kitchen, extension and bathroom case studies to shoot and place in the media. There is no charge for this at any point. If you have a lovely home or project that deserves to be seen do get in touch. Publications include: The Independent | House Beautiful | Ideal Home 25 Beautiful Homes | Coast The Mail on Sunday | The Wall Street Journal Real Homes | Good Homes Sussex Life | The Times | Money Week Fiona Walker-Arnott
www.fwaphotography.com Booking@fwaphotography.com 07875505633
40│
JUNE 2014
- HOMES|COLUMNISTS -
Royal Pavilion View COMING SOON ÂŁ1,600.00 pcm A second floor two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment with lift access. Royal Pavilion View is located on the corner of Grand Parade and Edward Street with fantastic views over the Pavilion and within easy reach of the cosmopolitan North Laine and Brighton station. The accommodation spans over 694 square meters/64.5 square feet and comprises an open plan sitting room/kitchen with access to a good size balcony with views across the Pavilion and a modern integrated appliances in the kitchen. Two double bedrooms both with built-in wardrobes and two bathrooms. Please call for further information and to register your interest.
T LE
BY
Willbury Road - Similar properties required
123 Dyke Road Brighton
T LE
BY
Tisbury Road - Similar properties required
Raft furniture Tel: 01273 311610 www.raftfurniture.co.uk
By Tara de la Motte (Editor of Sussex Homes & Gardens) www.sussex-homes.co.uk
A Time to Sleep- beds & bedding A comfortable bed dressed in luxurious bed linen will ensure a restful night’s sleep, transforming your bedroom into a haven of comfort and calm. As we spend a third of our lives asleep it is important to create the ideal sleeping environment, so choose your bed with care and invest in some beautiful bed linen.
44│
June 2014
Comfortable Beds Throughout history the bed was acknowledged as the most important piece of furniture in the house. Beds today are very much inspired by ornate styles developed over the centuries and in particular the French designs continue to influence English taste today.
of a wooden bench and today with advances in technology and our understanding of the importance of a good night’s sleep, consumers have a greater choice on which bed to choose. Today beds come in a huge array of styles from intricate wrought iron to curvaceous timber sleighs and there are beautiful beds made from re-claimed teak that are both durable and stable, whilst
We’ve come along way since the middle ages
being environmentally friendly all making a
when a bed was a primitive mattress on top
decorative statement in the bedroom.
- HOMES|INTERIORS -
Raft furniture Tel: 01273 311610 www.raftfurniture.co.uk
A bed that is making a statement at the
floor, or even lift up onto legs to become the
enclosed in fabric that work independently
moment is the upholstered bed with scaled-
same height as the original bed.
of one another. Whatever you choose, always
up headboard upholstered in zesty fabrics like lime green with white and these beds are very contemporary in feel, whilst the scaled-up headboard creates a real impact in the room. The upholstered bed offers an opportunity to co-ordinate the bed with room décor while creating a feeling of intimacy. Equally popular is the four-poster bed being chosen for its plain elegance, without any drapes at all. However, if you like the more traditional four-poster complete with drapes then there
Today Divans can be upholstered to every taste, including tweed, narrow cord and textured fabrics in a range of smart neutrals.
opt for natural fillings as natural materials breath and regulate body temperature which leads to a good night’s sleep.
There are also fitted valances that disguise
Modern memory foam mattresses are
the built-in storage drawers.
ideal for allergy sufferers as they are hypo-
There are divans that zip-and-link together which are invaluable for bedrooms where access is difficult with narrow stairs and doorways; consisting of two divan bases that can be joined, and topped with two single mattresses that zip together.
allergenic with anti-microbial properties. There are even memory foam mattress toppers that will bring extra support, warmth and comfort to your bed. Toppers are available in various materials including goose feather and down, quilted cotton wool and hollow fibre polyester. These mattress toppers
are lighter, cotton fabrics to choose from that
According to ‘The sleep Council’ people
not only add comfort, but also protect and
are more suitable for today’s home. The four-
who sleep on uncomfortable beds sleep for
extend the life of your mattress.
poster is still the quintessential English bed.
nearly one hour less than those who own
Divans still remain a popular choice, although boxy in design, divans offer valuable storage opportunities; vital in smaller homes or guest
a comfortable bed, therefore choosing the correct mattress is vital to our health and wellbeing.
Visit your local showrooms and try a number of beds to make sure that you choose the right one as the size of the bed is all important when it comes to a good night’s
bedrooms. Many have double-built-in drawers
When it comes to traditional sprung
sleep; the more room available to move,
and some divans even fit a secondary truckle-
mattresses, pocket sprung are the ultimate
the greater ones chances of having quality,
style bed below that can slide out on to the
in luxury as they feature individual springs
undisturbed night’s sleep.
- HOMES|INTERIORS -
June 2014
│45
Raft furniture Tel: 01273 311610 www.raftfurniture.co.uk Luxurious bedding Beautiful bed linen carefully chosen can make bedtime all the more appealing, we love to sleep well and a bed made with good quality linen is a perfect beginning. In the past the finest bed linen was always woven in pure linen. However, after cotton was discovered, linen was replaced by cotton for bedding as it was less expensive and more accessible. In the past bed linen was almost universally white and just sometimes cream. But now days we see an exuberance of colour and design and more choice of fabric options including linen, cotton, silk and hemp. Pure linen is still the king of bed linen but it remains an expensive choice as it is costly to produce. Silk bed linen is pure luxury as it is soft and sumptuous and helps maintain comfort by regulating body temperature, both in summer heat and winter chill. Silk, like linen is an expensive option but utterly luxurious. We sleep better if our body temperature remains normal, so if you can avoid bed linens from man-made fabrics, instead invest in natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk or linen that feel wonderful and allow skin to breathe. This season we see bed linen in neutrals right through to striking florals, bright colours and bold patterns all making a strong statement. 46│
June 2014
“We’ve come along way since the middle ages when a bed was a primitive mattress on top of a wooden bench and today with advances in technology and our understanding of the importance of a good night’s sleep, consumers have a greater choice on which bed to choose.” - HOMES|INTERIORS -
Inspired by...
A good night’s sleep...
Brighton 35-36 West Street Brighton BN1 2RE 01273 311 610
www.raftfurniture.co.uk
By Maarten Hoffmann Motoring Editor and Features Editor of Absolute Business Magazine.
REVIEW
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The Volkswagen Golf seems to have been around since the stone age and there cannot be a person in the country that has not owned one, or at least driven one, at some point in their lives. 48│
June 2014
I remember being mightily impressed when
But then, it is German and if you can rely on
they first launched the GTi – the first hot
anyone to get it right, it is the robot factories
hatch and a car that defined the phrase. The
of Deutschland. And they haven’t let us down
original GTi was fast, well planted and a great
– the new model is excellent and continues
shock for us Brits was the incredible reliability,
the tradition of sound engineering, unnerving
as up till that time we had to make do with
reliability and high levels of refinement. All
the miserable efforts of British Leyland, Ford
Golfs are now turbocharged and power
and Triumph. It sold by the bucket load and
starts with the 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 2 litre and
changed forever our expectation of new cars.
with the 1.4 and up, have the clever knack of
So when they tinker with it and launch a new
shutting down two cylinders when you don’t
model, it takes cajones the size of a Panzer
need them to save fuel. I think anything less
tank.
than the 1.6 is a tad underpowered so that is
- MOTORING -
where l would spend my money and they are
The new Golf sits alongside the Audi A3 and
both smooth and offer plenty of punch.
the BMW 1 Series, which are both seriously
The ride and handling are both sensational with well weighted steering and suspension that offers a comfy ride and very little roll in the corners. The larger engines are smooth and refined and the Bluemotion version is remarkably fuel efficient and with solid resale values, this car is a very good long term
good cars so the choice comes down to which one you prefer to drive and to look at as they are pretty much equal in most other respects. Difficult not to notice that all three cars are German, proving yet again that if you want quality, style and refinement in a midsize car, German is the only way to go.
prospect. Although the Audi A3 holds it value
They don’t come particularly cheap but this
even better and is cheaper to lease, l still
is cancelled out when you take into account
think the Golf would be a slightly better deal
running costs and resale values so plumping
although it’s horses for courses – you pay
for a cheaper model will, in the long run, cost
your money and make your choice.
you more. I would go for the 1.6 petrol SE
Every model comes with stability control, airbags all over the place and the SE models get the new City Emergency Braking
model as that will give you everything you really need and will prove the best model to own when you come to sell it.
system that, supposedly, applies the brake
I always think that the game of golf is a
automatically if it is detects you are about to
good walk spoiled. This Golf is a good walk
crash at speeds below 19 mph. At 20, I guess
replaced with remarkable engineering and, if
you’re on your own! Plenty of space for four
you insist, you can get your Golf bats in the
adults in comfort and five if need be and it
boot!
has a clever adjustable floor in the boot that allows you to divide the luggage space in two and reduces the load lip. There is not a lot those dastardly clever designers have not thought of. It also has the maximum 5 Star in the Euro NCAP safety tests, which is great to know if you stuff it, you have an excellent chance of walking away and with kids in the back, this is seriously important stuff.
“ So when they
tinker with it and launch a new model, it takes cajones the size of a Panzer tank.”
TECHNICAL STUFF: Price: From £16,775 - £22.995 Performance: 0-60mph in 8.6 secs. (2 litre) Top Speed: 138 mph (2 litre) Economy: Bluemotion 88.3 mpg Emissions: 85 – 165 g/km
- MOTORING -
June 2014
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BRANDS HATCH HERO There are certain drawbacks to this job and having to find time in a busy diary to accept an invitation from Tony Rice at Coulsdon Audi, to travel to Brands Hatch and test all the latest high performance Audi RS cars is one of them. Really, the inconvenience of it all!
have to say l highly rate in its road going form,
awareness of as l was concentrating so hard
but this one is phenomenal with a 4.2 litre V8
but l hit Paddock Hill Bend at about 140mph
engine and 7-speed S tronic transmission you
with a touch of brakes and then up the hill to
get an endearing little exhaust pop every time
Druids, where full ceramic anchors are applied
you change gear in anger, which might get
to save meeting the barrier. Oh what fun. The
annoying unless like me, you make frequent
R8 is finely balanced with a 43:57 axle load
and unnecessary gear changes just to hear the
distribution and a thumping great Perspex
pop and burble. When in comfort mode, it
covered V10 power plant at your back. It can
is calm and docile but flip it to Dynamic and
really be chucked around corners and with
with 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, this is a very fast
the Quattro working hard, it makes the most
car with a very sexy noise.
imbecilic driver feel like Nigel Mansell, which
Or what about a family estate car that that does 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and will
in the long term l would suggest, can only lead to catastrophe.
The diary was cleared in about 2.4 seconds
proceed north of 155mph – ridiculous l hear
Suddenly my reverie is disturbed by some
and off to Brands l went – at speed. I was
you say. Well, get yourself into the driving seat
guy in the pits waving a finish flag at me but
welcomed by a smorgasbord of Audi
of the RS 6 Avant and that is exactly what you
honestly, my vision in that eye is not at all
engineering with almost the entire range of
get – it’s totally bonkers but in a very good
good, and it took another 5 laps before he
RS models available. Now if you don’t know
way.
managed to get my attention!!
My track time arrives at last and l calmly
A great day with a great range of cars on a
(running at full chat) make my way to the pits
great track and many thanks to Coulsdon
to be presented with the new R8, a shiny set
Audi – heaven died gone!
the RS, it stands for Rocket Science (not really) and is the equivalent of Mercedes AMG or BMW’s M Series – a great car then ‘breathed’ on, or as we used to call it, souped up. I first took the RS7 Sportback for a squirt around the local roads to get a feel for the latest RS technology and with 560PS V8 twinturbo, it’s definitely no slouch and then in for a quick change into the RS5 Coupe, which l
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of keys and green lights all over the iconic track. Well, died and gone to heaven does not quite describe it but there was very little rubber on those fat tyres when l had finished. Along Brabham Straight at a speed l have no
- MOTORING -
By Maarten Hoffmann Motoring Editor and Features Editor of Absolute Business Magazine.
WINNING
TIME Chris Nash is determined to end Sussex’s four-year trophy drought and he spoke to Daniel White about the hurdles ahead at the County Ground
Expectations are high at Hove this season. After four seasons without a trophy, the Sussex team have been through a transitional period and are well aware that the need for silverware is growing ever stronger. “From a team point of view, a lot has been said about how we haven’t won a trophy in four years,” begins Sussex vice-captain Chris Nash. “Having lost a lot of players back in 2009-10, we’ve got a new set of players who have grown together and we’re ready to go again. “So the big thing this year is that we want to win something, we want to push really hard for trophies and we feel like we can do that, we’ve got a lot of experience in the team and a lot of talent.”
The Cuckfield-born Nash first represented the county at the age of seven and was a part of The Golden Decade squad, which is regarded as the club’s most successful period in its history. The right-hand batsman is now a stalwart at the County Ground as well as being one of the most reliable batters throughout the squad; finishing fifth-highest run scorer in Division One last year, and he knows how they can right their wrongs from 2013. “We did talk about it,” he explains. “If we had performed well at home, we would have won the championship; we were phenomenal away from home and once we got our home form sorted we were suddenly a different team. So we need to play better at Hove, we need to win games at Hove and make it very hard to come here and get a result.”
- Sport|Cricket -
The 31-year-old missed the first chunk of this season after having surgery on a burst appendix in winter and, following his return to the side, he is confident that he can help Sussex push on and capture their first trophy since 2009. “Division One of the County Championship is one of the best domestic four-day competitions around,” he states. “It’s a very tight division where relegation can happen very quickly and also you can be challengers very quickly. “If you do get on a roll and star t winning games, you’re going to be up there, alternatively, it can happen the other way around so it is very tight, all nine teams can win it, that’s the reality of it, but everyone’s aim is to win all three trophies and we’re no different!”
June 2014
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BELLE VUE FIELDS Photos: www.7two9.com
Words by Mike Holland Amongst other things, Brighton was known in Regency times for its grand squares and terraces. These were the affluent parts of town and became much coveted by the fashionable and wealthy.
cannibalised by the owners of nearby Waterhall Mill. A watercolour displayed at nearby Preston Manor depicts the crowds watching as the mill is removed to Preston. This was obviously deemed to be quite a feat at the time.
Most of the seafront terrace houses were generally rented for the season, whilst the squares would be all year residences. Regency Square was, without doubt, one of the most important of its day and was built in the early part of the 19th century by the famous architectural partnership of Charles Busby, Amon Wilds senior and Amon Wilds junior.
By 1793, with the threat of a French invasion, large numbers of troops were stationed in Belle Vue field and at its height some 10,000 troops were encamped there. The camp quickly became known as a place for women to find partners and Jane Austen used it as a setting for her novel Pride and Prejudice. Finding the field rather small for such numbers, the camp was moved to another site in 1794 and, after returning to use it as a showground and fairground, it gradually lost its popularity in favour of The Level; a large expanse of flat grassland to the north of The Old Steine.
Prior to the building of Regency Square the site was simply a field known as Belle Vue Field, probably in connection with the long vanished Belle Vue House. The field was used as a military camp and often had some spectacular military parades. The field also hosted travelling shows and fairs along with various other gatherings. Interestingly, there was a windmill in the field known as West Mill, which is shown to be owned by one Mathew Bourne in 1744. The windmill stood in the field till 1797 when 86 oxen dragged it two miles uphill on a sled to the nearby village of Preston and renamed it Preston Mill. After several more re-namings it was demolished in 1881. Its machinery was 52│ June 2014
With Belle Vue Field no longer in real use, the site was acquired by businessman Flesher Hanson. Realising times were changing, with various developments cropping up along the stretch of seafront, he decided to take a wholly different approach to developing. He divided Belle Vue Field into 70 plots, leased them individually and put strict covenants in place. He demanded that each house be built to a specific style to ensure architectural elegance. In return, the leaseholders would have the right to buy and would end up with houses much larger than the average whilst - Culture|History -
Hanson, who did very nicely out of it thank you, never lifted a brick. Bands often played in the square’s central garden or directly at the southern end in Kings Road, which added to the pleasant atmosphere. However, residents were upset in 1866 when The West Pier, designed by Eugenius Birch, was built opposite the square’s central garden as the entrance booths affected sea views. By the mid 19th century most of the houses had become hotels, many of which survive today, albeit most with several name changes. The gardens were dug up in the 1960s to much controversy and a 520 underground car park built beneath. The garden was then landscaped and restored by the corporation with, unfortunately, a rather lacklustre approach, which seems to continue through the ages with Brighton Council. Most of the buildings still stand and are generally in reasonable condition thanks mainly to their listed status in the latter part of the 20th century. We shall see how the square fares as its views will be changing yet again apparently, if the much-fabled i360 is constructed. It will be interesting to see if this really will be the eighth wonder of the world as its champions insist. We shall indeed see!
guestlist What?
1
Book launch - The Regimental Piano
2
Where? The Hove Club Why? Tim Parker has written a biography of D-Day hero and peace activist, Major Bob Orrell 3
4
Who?
5
1. Pat Camping and Mrs Pat Parker 2. John Honeysett and Noel Cash 3. Joss Peach - Piano 4. Ian Dodd 5. Tim Parker - Signing 6. Robbie Raggio, Mike Holland, Adam Trimingham and Ivor Caplin
6
7. Jo Renshaw, Hilary Webb (Illustrator of the front cover of The Regimental Piano) and Paddy Orrell
7
8. Noel Cash, Ken Mills and Jake Onyett 9. Alan Stewart-Seton Reid - Royal Navy WW2, Frank MouguĂŠ and Norman Griffiths - 2nd Tactical Air Force 10. Tim Parker - Signing 11. Mrs Pat Parker and Tim Parker
8
9
10
If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
11
Photos: Lesley Taylor www.infinityphotographic.co.uk
- Guest|List -
JUNE 2014
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30th
Brighton and Hove Business Awards Extend Deadline! Due to overwhelming demand, the organisers have extended the deadline for the Brighton & Hove Business Awards to Friday 30 May. This year marks the ninth BAHBAs and offers Brighton businesses the opportunity to enter up to fourteen categories. Previous winners of the Brighton and Hove Business Awards include some of the City’s biggest and best loved names including: Gresham Blake, Dental Health Spa, Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, The American Express Community Stadium, Hotel du Vin, Infinity Foods, Duke of York’s Picture House, Brighton Festival, Dockerills and Sussex University. 2014 sponsors include Allied Irish Bank,
media partners Absolute Magazine, The Argus
the person who has done the most to improve
and Juice 107.2FM.
the quality of life for people in the city.
The BAHBAs are supported by the Chamber
Previous winners of the title include local
of Commerce, Brighton & Hove City Council,
entrepreneur, Mike Holland, who was
the Brighton Business Curry Club and B&H
responsible for the restoration of Stanmer
Tourism Alliance. Tony Mernagh, Brighton &
House; local DJ Norman Cook and his work
Hove Economic Partnership, will chair the
within the Brighton community at the AMEX
proceedings once more.
stadium; Sue Addis from Donatellos, for her
“I would encourage everyone to enter and shout about our great Brighton businesses,” says Tony. “Winning an award can really make a difference as both a great marketing tool and a source of employee pride in the company.” The judges are looking for companies and organisations that really capture the spirit of Brighton & Hove. Innovation and leadership
unceasing local charity work and support of the city’s business community and another proud recipient, Roger Marlowe of Paskins Townhouse, for his work in promoting the Brighton hotel industry. Most recently Ryan Heal and Martin Perry have also been awarded this prestigious honour.
are considered more important than size or
So who do you think should receive the
revenue.
accolade of Outstanding Brightonian for 2014?
The search is also on to find the Outstanding Brightonian of 2014 in the Brighton and Hove
They might be an unsung hero or someone who we all recognise.
Business Awards.
Enter online now at www.bahba.co.uk.
Accountants, Qualifa, Graves Jenkins, Classic
Each year the people of Brighton and Hove
All finalists receive a free place at the awards
Consulting, Cluttons, Martin Searle Solicitors,
vote for the person they think has made the
ceremony which takes place at the end of the
Close Brothers Invoice Finance, MDHub,
greatest contribution to the city during the
Brighton Pier on Thursday 10 July 2014.
Midnight Communications, Brighton Pier and
previous 12 months. The judges are looking for
Brighton & Hove Jobs.com, Cardens
54│
JUNE 2014
- BUSINESS|AWARDS -
guestlist
What? 1
End Of
2
Where? Hove Town Hall Why? To raise money and awareness for Sussex-based domestic abuse charity, Rise Who? 3
4
5
1. Caroline Lucas MP and Caitlin Moran 2. All girl band, Vanquish 3. Suzanne Moore 4. Tracey Thorn 5. Linda Lewis 6. Audience 7. Alison Moyet 8. Brighton Belles
6
9. Julie Graham
7
10. Zawe Ashton 11. Rose Collis
8
10
9
If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk
11
Photos: Julia Claxton
- Guest|List -
JUNE 2014
│55
Tesla Model S
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Light foot LED
The Eco Technology Show is back in Brighton this month and we caught up with Commercial Director, Nicola Gunstone, to discuss the show’s importance Words by Daniel White This summer sees the return of The Eco Technology Show to the Brighton Centre after firmly establishing itself as the UK’s premier event for showcasing the benefits of technology innovations and low carbon solutions to communities, businesses and cities. Now in its third year, the show is continually building its reputation and Commercial Director, Nicola Gunstone, has seen how the style and size of companies attending has altered since its inception. “Eco tech is no longer on the margin; it is mainstream business now,” she explains. “Anyone with an interest in energy management, build, water, waste, transport, technology and resource efficiency will find attending the show an interesting and worthwhile investment of their time. “Similarly, anyone with an interest in treading a bit more lightly on the globe or just reducing their utility bills will find a visit to this completely free event worthwhile. Every visitor will come away armed with fresh ideas
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on how to install and use the latest energy saving technology and make the best use of the government incentives that are available.” This year the show includes top speaker for over 60 seminars as well as 140 exhibitors and Nicola is keen for it to continue its growth. She says: “This year’s show is going to be bigger and better than ever before with an impressive line-up of expert speakers and an exhibition of exciting exhibitors showcasing the latest products, some of which have never been seen before. “Greg Barker MP has recognised the growing importance of the show and will visit Brighton to give the keynote speech. Not surprisingly the show will provide a platform for a big debate on our energy future, including the implications of fracking, nuclear and renewable energy and this will be led by Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas.” The latest in low-emission and electric vehicles will also be on display along with - Green Business -
many more of the latest technological developments and it is a chance for businesses to save money in areas they realised possible. “The main advantage for a business in embracing eco technology is the cost savings that the technology will bring,” confesses Nicola. “Electricity and gas prices are going to stay high on any business’ agenda, heating and sometimes cooling of premises is a fundamental requirement for all buildings with offices and workers, not to mention the energy used in industrial processes. “However, many are not yet taking a long term strategic view and installing renewable energy solutions to tap into reliable, high performance and low cost energy solutions.”
The Eco Tech Show runs from June 26-27th at the Brighton Centre and registration is free so visit www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk to register or to find out more.
MY PERFECT WEEKEND Nicola Gunstone, Director, Eco Technology Show & Brighton Music Conference
Inevitably at 5pm every Friday my man is standing behind me at my desk trying to drag me to either the Freemasons or Hove Kitchen for the post week first drink. He normally succeeds. The whole office tends to then leave on mass behind the piper. Fridays always go one of two ways A.) we leave said pub and then meet others in another pub usually across town followed by grabbing a cheap dinner somewhere at one of the many great little restaurants in the North Laine or B.) we make our way home, grab a takeaway or floor picnic and watch movies whilst chilling out on the sofa which, when we are close to a show, is about all we can manage. Saturday morning, I like to get up and go to the gym as a get out of jail free card for the inevitable over-eating which always happens at the weekend. Then come home and get the chores out of the way and we both have some me time. Given we are in each other’s pockets all week at work this is bliss for both of us and necessary in order that we don’t kill each other. Then it’s either going to one of the many events going on each weekend in Brighton or catching up with friends. Saturday evening is my favourite night to go out for dinner or have a dinner party with close friends, a regular is Yum Yum Ninja. I have spent half my life in Sydney where you really are spoilt for choice for some really amazing restaurants and it is one of the only places I have been to in Brighton that matches it for Asian Fusion. Then upstairs to the Ninja bar for cocktails, as a good friend, Mick Fuller, has his Soul Shyne bargrooves residency there on a Saturday night and it is a chance to let our hair down amongst friends. Sunday morning is normally a very slow get up followed by brunch somewhere, then catching up with friends or family or going for a long walk somewhere, my personal favourite being the under cliff from the Marina to Rottingdean as you can grab a coffee or a pint half way. Followed by a late Sunday lunch at one of the many amazing gastro pubs in Brighton or in the surrounding country side, the Anchor Inn in Barcombe being a personal favourite. Sunday nights are always quiet getting ready for the coming week and usually watching a film before an early night ready for the early start at the gym on Monday morning.
- Perfect|Weekend -
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