Portfolio Magazine, April 2017

April 2017

Springtime in the City

Hot Spots

Essential overseas buyers’ guide

Inside Jane Fonda’s ocean home WIN! Tennis tickets

Flawless floors Stylish solutions & exotic rugs

KATE HUMBLE Interview

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PORTFOLIO welcome

"I'm a sucker for cream eggs" Michael Bremner, Chef Patron at 64 Degrees, page 96

"Fonda said that she and Perry had looked at as many as thirty houses, but the moment she stepped onto this property, she knew it was the special one" Celebrity Homes, page 18

"Following on from the arrival of the i360 last year, the focal point of the Marina scheme will add another stylish and recognisable landmark to the seafront" Leaders, page 64

"At 2pm, baby and I have to switch over for our fix of Judge Rinder - he’s my new imaginary best friend"

Image: CottageintheHills – Stoneware side plate www.cottageinthehills.com

Hill House, page 7

WELCOME

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tatistics reveal that not only do we start looking more seriously at the idea of selling our homes in the spring, we also traditionally book holidays, too. Some high earners manage to combine both passions and buy their dream properties overseas as well. There are many reasons we like to do this, and long-term investment is still one of the main ones – although, watching sun-drenched property porn on the many TV programmes dedicated to the idea of owning and living in a property abroad is a pretty good incentive too. We’ve dedicated eight pages to this subject in the current issue (page 77), so start dreaming.

If the idea of a house in the sun is a little out of reach, there are still enough gorgeous ones in our own City worth viewing, and which are arguably a better investment. So, take a look in these pages to find the best agents and their best properties.

Country-loving girl Kate Humble has been on our TV screens a lot lately, and we caught up with her to find out more about her current projects and passions on page 112.

We’ve been out in the countryside ourselves this month reviewing The Ginger Fox in Albourne, which was a lovely surprise. Now all we have to do is strap on that FitBit step counter and walk off those calories – perhaps our walk at Devil’s Dyke (page 65) will help!

Enjoy the outdoors this month.

Lynne Edwards Managing Director

INSIDE 7 10

18 26 37 42

Competition, page 46

46

Overseas, page 77

Hill House and Home Truths Just the ticket from ZST architects

Jane Fonda's home, page 18

COVER STORY : Inside Jane Fonda’s ocean home Property News Calendar : Out and about in April Selling tips : Spring home sales COVER STORY : WIN! Tennis tickets

47

What’s Trending

55

New Homes : Making Waves in Hove

57 61

Talk Money : Time to review

65 67

Escape to the country : Devil’s Dyke

70

Legal up : Meet Crosby & Woods

71

Alter & Co : Making the most of your home

Welcome to my World : Mark Packwood’s lightbulb moment

April Collection : Conservatory special

For all advertising, editorial and general enquiries contact Lynne Edwards, Managing Director

Search @PortfolioMagUK for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

07931 537588

lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

Subscribe to our newsletter

Interiors, page 92

73 74

77

On the drawing board Do it yourself : Decorating small spaces COVER STORY : Overseas investments

84

Colour me calm - FREE colouring page

85

Health matters : Post-natal mental health

90

Gardening : Think Spring

92 96 98

101

Celebrity recipe, page 101

COVER STORY : Interiors - Flawless floors Bite-sized : City’s food & drink news Restaurant review : The Ginger Fox, Albourne Celebrity recipes : Wok star Ken Hom

104

Motors : Judy Murray’s doubles partner

106 108 110

Bigger Picture : TV highlights for April

112

Local news from around the city Golf Guy : Mid Sussex Golf Club story COVER STORY : INTERVIEW Country-loving Kate Humble

Kate Humble, page 112

The PORTFOLIO team Production Editor: Fiona McTernan portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com

Chief Sub-Editor & Features Editor: Daniel Frickelton portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com Contributing Editor: Tara de la Motte tara@sussex-homes.co.uk

Designer: Sally Wynn portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk Contributor: Kate Hill Published by:

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

or ses f nt u o h veme ro imp n io rs t

Commer ci residen al build tial c onv ings f ers or ion

Bui ldin or r gs fo ep r c lac on em ve en

s in en as ard are e g ial rg nt la side e

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fo rm e h rp o us ub es lic

s ing d l nt ui t b pme n a lo nd eve u d red r

major regeneration projects

Barn Conversions

What a development opportunity looks like

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la r g e s ites on ed g e o f tow the n

sJd – developing potential If you think your property could be developed, why not give us a call without obligation and in confidence.

Many of our clients retain our services and, in the majority of cases, pay our fees saving property owners significant costs.

We are alWays on the lookout for property With developmental potential

EXPERT column

H

THE HILL HOUSE

ow do you add value to your home? What with feeding baby Hill, coupled with carpal tunnel surgery (all these years of writing have finally caught up with me), my enforced sofa time has introduced me to the world of daytime television. I thought property programmes reached their zenith in the early 2000s (what was that thing Sarah Beeny used to present?), only to die and be replaced by Loose Women and the X-Factor. I was wrong. Property TV has simply moved over to daytime. Homes under the hammer, the £100K house, the Home Game... all these and more thrive between 9am-5pm. I’ve not encountered Lawrence Lewellyn-Bowen yet, but that’s surely down to scheduling. At 2pm, baby and I have to switch over for our fix of Judge Rinder (he’s my new imaginary best friend, but that’s another story).

HOME TRUTHS COULD YOU OPEN THIS CAN FOR ME? I’m so sorry, I had no idea your last servant had passed on...

No, its not that, its just that as a leftie I can’t use the tin opener. It runs in the family.. I am a right-brained person who uses their left hand...

No you’re not. New research published from a team of experts based in Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa in the journal eLife claims that your handedness – left or right – is nothing to do with which side of your brain is dominant or your neurological development. Right- or left-handedness is due instead to your spine – or more accurately, what happens to your developing spinal cord between the eight and twelfth week of pregnancy – and environmental factors, rather than regular inherited traits.

But I’m still special, right? There are more left-handed geniuses and film stars!

"The design advice to ‘keep it neutral’ is all well and good, but not at the expense of personality and warmth" What has (for the most part) gone, though, are the patch-it-up-with wallpaper, quick-fix, coat of (luminous orange) paint shows: These days, property programmes are much more savvy, focusing on things like building a new home for less, or homeowners competing to add the most value with renovation. New bathrooms and bedrooms seem to be a winner, kitchens and conservatories less so… and everything is finished in shades of beige.

When we were looking to buy the Hill house many (many) years ago, we knew what we wanted: an old wreck with character (no wiring, tons of original features), not a pre-finished tasteful box. The design advice to ‘keep it neutral’ is all well and good, but not at the expense of personality and warmth. Brighton is all about quirks and eccentricities, its period homes reflect this – It made me sad when we viewed properties minus their fireplaces, rickety sash windows and floor tiles.

I’ve had enough of 50 shades of beige. ‘Value’ isn’t just what the estate agent puts on your home – its how well it works for you, the joy you feel when you walk through the door, what it contributes to your street and community. Celebrate the original fireplaces, potbellied stoves and eccentric alcoves – if you’ve got them, make a feature of them, and make them work for you. Put glitter in your hallway and a mirrorball in the garden if it tickles your fancy: A house with a story and personality will feel more like home than an impersonal stretch of neutral tones. It pains me to admit, but perhaps Lawrence and I have something (small) in common after all?

Kate Hill

There is a little truth in that.

Approximately 10% of the worlds' population are left handed, so you’re special in that respect.

However, whilst the trait has been linked with intelligence and achievement (Professor Chris McManus, of University College London, argues that left-handers' brains are put together differently, in ways that allow them to process information in more creative and innovative ways), the link with IQ is unproven. Handedness may help you think about things differently, but left-handedness won’t necessarily mean you’re more clever than your right-handed partner. It's more common (by 20%) in men than women, and you may be more likely to have a quirky gender or sexual identity than a right-hander.

Yup. Definitely special.

There are less positive traits associated with left-handedness, though.

You are more likely to suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, and from specific types of mental illness including psychosis and schizophrenia. And you might not be that special: A 2014 study published in Developmental Psychology found that children who demonstrated a strong hand preference in early infancy, regardless of which hand they favoured, were more likely to have superior language skills than those who developed a preference later on.

I still need that tin opening though, despite my superior language skills and inflamed bowels..?

And that’s the other issue: with 90% of the world being right-hand dominant, at least 90% of the stuff in the world is designed for righthanders. On the plus side, you get a brain that by virtue of necessity needs to be more flexible and creative than a right-hander, just to cope with all those annoying door handles and traditional left-to-right handwriting. On the minus side, can openers and scissors, a breeze for right-handers, will make you all fingers and thumbs. Why don’t you make toast instead?

PORTFOLIO 7

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Units 4 & 5 Marlborough Road Lancing Business Park Lancing West Sussex BN15 8UF

JUST THE TICKET The challenge: In collaboration with Square One workshop, ZST architects were awarded the tender for the refurbishment of Brighton Dome’s new ticket office in the autumn of 2016

T

he existing room proposed for the new ticket office was a reasonably blank canvas, possessing only a few remnants of architectural character which comprise the heritage of this Grade 1-listed building.

Entering through the Church Road facade and into the East Corridor presents the real character of the Brighton Dome and the enduring memory of the space. The Dome is a prime example of exoticism that was an alternative to the more classic mainstream taste of the Regency style. The IndoIslamic revival exterior leads into interiors evolved through the Moorish designs of Philip Lockwood to 1930’s Art Deco and the feature ‘Jackfield’ tiling from Craven Dunnil. The influence of exoticism is very current today, albeit in a more measured, paired-back form. In particular, the attention to quality materials, careful detailing and craftsmanship are being rediscovered.

10 PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE

The Brief: The concept was to create a simple, timeless installation of enduring quality which bridges, harmoniously, the style of the past and contemporary needs and tastes of the present.

ZSTa gave careful consideration to the creation of a construction of permanence which is cost-conscious, pragmatic and ergonomic in function.

On entering the ticket office, the installation comprises two compositional elements. Straight ahead is a refined, monolithic block with framed screen back drop. To the side is a shadow wall with a clearly defined aperture at its centre. The shadow wall, cut with motifs borrowed from the Dome’s existing ornamentation, creates a sub-space within the room, with the framed screen creating a private work space behind and disabled access desk. Practically, the wall screens the work space behind, while, aesthetically, it balances the monolith of the main sales desk at the new symmetrical center of the room, as well as helping to balance the light and acoustics of the space.

The functional approach taken by the designers allowed the creation of a generous, welcoming ticket office that allowed for the processing of large numbers of people, with the main desk providing four point-of-sale locations.

Teamwork: This scheme was brought together by the collaboration of ZST architects and Square One Design Workshop. Together they hold a reputation for the design of high-end interiors, domestically and internationally, and the skills of the artisan crafts person with proven delivery of products with enduring quality.

In addition to ZST architects co-designing the Brighton Dome Ticket Office, they are also supporting it throughout 2017 via sponsorship. The next stages of the Royal Pavilion Estate development are being carried out by R.Durtnell and Sons Ltd. They have now started works on phase one of transforming the Grade I-listed Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Grade II-listed Studio Theatre in the joint development plans for reconnecting and revitalising the Royal Pavilion Estate.

For more information visit www.brightondome.org/our_future

"The functional approach taken by the designers allowed the creation of a generous, welcoming ticket office that allowed for the processing of large numbers of people"

Client Testimonial Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival says: “At a time when we are undergoing a major refurbishment of two of our historic venues, we’ve been delighted to work with Zsta on transforming what we had thought was a fairly limited space into something both beautiful and functional, and which sensitively integrates their designs into our existing Grade 1 listed buildings.”

For design-led, bespoke solutions and sustainable outcomes, contact: ZSTa, 3 Dorset Place , Brighton BN2 1ST 01273 964 051 | www.zsta.co.uk | Twitter: @ZSTaUK Images courtesy of www.sophielawsmith.com

PORTFOLIO 11

EXCEPTIONAL HOMES Outstanding properties in our beautiful part of the world

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 1 reception

DYKE ROAD

ASKING PRICE £650,000

A truly superb, mansion apartment, occupying almost the entire ground of this impressive, period residence, together with a quite magnificent, large, rear garden situated in a favoured prime central location, within immediate proximity of the Brighton Station and Seven Dials.

4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 2 reception

BERRIEDALE AVENUE

ASKING PRICE £950,000

A most substantial detached family home of considerable character providing exceptionally spacious and comfortable living accommodation over two floors and occupying a generous and larger than average plot within a sought after location close to Hove Seafront.

FIND MORE PROPERTIES ON MISHONWELTON.COM

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES Expert guidance to help find your perfect home in East Sussex

6 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 2 receptions

OSBORNE VILLAS

ASKING PRICE ÂŁ1,350,000

An attractive and substantial double fronted Victorian villa of considerable character, situated in a sought after road running from Church Road with its extensive shops and restaurants. This superb house provides considerable accommodation with superbly proportioned rooms, a delightful walled garden and a self-contained lower ground floor apartment.

Honest valuations in current market conditions Ahead of the game marketing strategies

#lifeinBN

Professional photography 3D Virtual Tours Social media marketing Professional printed brochures Top listings on Rightmove, Zoopla Daily sales progression Dedicated lettings team

94 CHURCH ROAD, HOVE BN3 2EB

In-house financial advisors

T: 01273 778 877

First class service from valuation to completion

SALES@MISHONWELTON.COM

CALL 01273 778877 FOR A FREE PROPERTY VALUATION ON YOUR HOME

NASH WATSON | MAKER GALLERY | HOME MAKER

Our core business is selling, letting and marketing. In addition our reach extends to styling and dressing houses and apartments.

We also curate art and exhibitions – and we publish. We celebrate our diversity and genuinely believe it gives us a more informed, inspired and creative approach.

Lisa Nash-Watson, Claire Paterson and Joe Watson serve up their experience covering sales, lettings, photography and design.

01273 733 500 | NASHWATSON.COM | HOME@NASHWATSON.COM

FROM HOUSE TO HOME

A strong narrative, fine dĂŠcor and many original features are woven into this wonderful house.

The main entertaining space is expansive and beautiful. There are so many set pieces found throughout this home, and in combination, the living spaces make perfect sense.

FROM HOUSE TO HOME

CELEBRITY Homes

JANE FONDA’S

BEVERLEY HILLS HOME We take a peek inside Jane Fonda’s stunning contemporary home in Beverly Hills, overlooking a canyon and the Pacific Ocean

18 PORTFOLIO

CELEBRITY Homes

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wo-time Oscar winner and actress extraordinaire, Jane Fonda is one of those rare, versatile people who thrive and excel in all situations, whether it be in the diverse homes she chooses, the roles she plays in film or in her personal life. From Vogue cover model, dance teacher, acclaimed Hollywood and Broadway actress and war protester to selling over 17 million exercise videos at age 79, Fonda shows no signs of slowing down. Jane has continued to make films and is currently costarring with Lily Tomlin in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie.

Jane has owned and lived in many beautiful homes over the years, from her New Mexico ranch, where she lived in jeans and cowboy boots, to her sleek and sophisticated home in the Beverly Hills Trousdale Estates, which she has recently put on the market.

Purchased in 2012 with long-time partner Richard Perry from TV director John Rich, Fonda said that she and Perry had looked at as many as 30 houses, but the moment she stepped onto

Photos: Jade Mills Estates

this property, she knew it was the special one.

In addition to the home’s open layout, connection with the outdoors and stunning views, Fonda, having always been highly eco-conscious, was impressed with the photo-voltaic electric panels,

"The 7,100-square-foot home’s glass walls and multiple covered and open terraces create indoor/ outdoor living spaces from which to enjoy sweeping canyon and ocean views" solar-heated pool, thermal glass double-glazed UV windows and bamboo floors.

The 7,100-square-foot home’s glass walls and elevator and multiple covered and open terraces create indoor/outdoor living spaces from which

to enjoy sweeping canyon and ocean views.

Though very sophisticated in its contemporary design, the home is warm and inviting, with multiple spaces for entertaining. The residence includes the main level with its dining and living rooms, butler’s pantry and bar, office, and large chef’s kitchen with adjoining family room that opens to a terrace. The first floor houses the media room with a full bar, cork floors and a gym opening out to a pool terrace. The master suite includes large walk-in closets and his-andhers baths with steam shower, soaking tub and heated floors. In addition to the outdoor viewing pavilion with fire pit, there is yet another special place - the meditation garden. Listing agents are Jade Mills and Valerie Fitzgerald of Coldwell Banker Previews International.

Jane Fonda’s stunning contemporary home in Beverly Hills, overlooking a canyon and Pacific Ocean, is listed at $12.995 million.

Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more historic, celebrity and spectacular homes.

PORTFOLIO 19

www.hamptons.co.uk TL OR

ET

SH

Albany Villas Hove £1,450 pcm Exclusive 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment, a short walk from Hove seafront. EPC C

R FO

L SA

Lansdowne Place £2,500 pcm A stunning 2 bedroom duplex apartment offering spacious accommodation and sea views. EPC E

E

Aria, Withdean Road, Brighton £2,250,000 A high quality, timeless and contemporary five bedroom, four reception room home which asserts a subtle individuality. Designed by award winning John Pardey Architects, this fabulous home offers a considered layout over three floors, with light, location and build materials all contributing to the elegance, simplicity and robustness both in- and externally. EPC TBC

Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 159

BEAUTIFUL HOME Shoreham

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ituated directly on the beach, this impressive & beautifully presented house is brought to the rental market offering stylish contemporary living over 3 floors with outstanding sea & coastal views & direct access to the shore.

The house benefits from a large reception/dining area which has beautiful double height windows & leads directly onto the rear garden and beach. On the first floor you will find the second reception room & large modern kitchen space. The house boasts five double bedrooms each with their own en suite bathroom. This unique property is located on the very much sought after Shoreham Beach, an area of natural, unspoilt beach & nature reserve.

Viewing is a must to fully appreciate.

Old Fort Road, Shoreham-By-Sea Rental Price: POA Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Extras: Off street parking; Garage; Sought after location Best Bits: Beautiful master suite with a balcony overlooking the coast Hamptons International 82 Church Road, Hove BN3 2EB 01273 230 230 www.hamptons.co.uk PORTFOLIO  21

EASTER TREATS CANVAS GIFT BAGS You are never too old for Easter Egg hunts and this set of two (blue and pink) Easter Treats canvas bags is perfect for filling with treats to give as an Easter present, for party bags or using for Easter egg hunts. £5.50 for the set of two. www.luckandluck.co.uk

MUST

SOAP EGGS This Sitting Hen soap sits with her three soap eggs on a bed of straw in a white porcelain dish. The natural vegetable-based soaps have a gorgeous fresh linen fragrance. Presented in a beautiful ribboned gift box with letterpress printing. Sitting hen and egg soaps in porcelain dish from Annabel James, £23.95. www.annabeljames.co.uk

HAVES GLASS EASTER EGG DECORATIONS These glass chicken egg decorations are a fantastic way to add a seasonal spring touch to house plants or cupboard handles.

The eggs are painted with farmhouse-style hens and polka dots and come in a set of three (one of each colour). Height 7 cm, Diameter 5 cm. By Gisela Graham. £13.50 from The Contemporary Home. www.tch.net

Hot cross buns, Easter Egg hunts, family time, there is just so much to love about Easter…

CARROT CRACKERS Have fun and brighten up your Easter table setting with these fantastic festive Easter table decorations. These clever fill-your-own carrot crackers are ideal for filling to the brim with chocolate eggs, sweets and treats.

Available from John Lewis. Talking Tables Easter Carrot Crackers, Pack of 6, 10.00. www.johnlewis.com

www.hamptons.co.uk

New Church Road, Hove Prices from ÂŁ450,000 Launching Saturday 25th March call and book your viewing slot between 10:30-12pm An intelligently designed, high-spec conversion which has created four delightfully distinct apartments on the hugely desirable corner of New Church Road and Wish Road.

Two first-floor duplex apartments both offer two double bedrooms, two bathrooms including en-suite. One has a separate kitchen and living room, whilst the other is arranged in an openplan configuration.

Also on offer are two terrific ground-floor apartments with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. These flats have the added advantage of their own front doors and outside space with one flat also having an off-road parking space and two large cellar spaces.

Ready for immediate occupation.

EPC TBC

Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 159

01273 777123 goldinlemcke.com

Tongdean Avenue, Hove, BN3 6TL A truly superb, five bedroom, detached family residence providing spacious and beautifully presented living space while occupying an impressive slightly elevated position with fine views towards the sea at the front.

£1,200,000 - £1,300,000 • First class residential location • Spacious accommodation over three floors • Superbly presented and appointed

FIND US 160-162 Church Road Hove East Sussex BN3 2DL

email

property@goldinlemcke.com

selling homes In Brighton & Hove since 2002

Derek Avenue, Hove, BN3 4PE A superbly presented, three bedroom, semi detached house located in one of the area’s most sought after roads, just off Hove Seafront.

The property has been modernised to a high standard throughout and benefits from a sunny west facing rear garden.

£675,000 • Favoured New Church Road location • Immaculate decorative condition • Off road parking and garage

BEAUTIFUL HOME Hove

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his attractive detached house stands in pleasant gardens, surrounded by high brick walls and a secure gated access in a prominent position on the corner of Woodruff Avenue and Shirley Drive.

The property is beautifully presented and appointed throughout and provides lovely light and generously proportioned living space, making this a very comfortable and versatile family home. There are three separate reception rooms on the ground floor, centred around a spacious entrance hallway and four good-sized bedrooms, which emanate from the large first-floor landing, as well as significant potential for expansion into the roof space (subject to consents).

Additional features include quality modern bathroom and cloakroom suites and a superbly fitted kitchen/breakfast room, along with a good-sized utility room. To the rear there is a lovely landscaped garden, and to the front, parking for numerous cars.

Early viewing of this large and stylish home is very highly recommended by the owner's sole agents.

Woodruff Avenue, Hove, BN3 6PH Price: ÂŁ1,350,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Quality detached house; Spacious accommodation; Sought-after location Best Bits: Gated access; Off-road parking for numerous cars; Lovely rear garden; Exceptionally spacious Goldin Lemcke 160-162 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DL 01273 777123 www.goldinlemcke.com

PORTFOLIO  25

PROPERTY news

PROPERTY NEWS THE NEXT GENERATION Hamptons International marked International Women’s Day last month with a presentation at KidZania. Mary Beeton, Head of London Sales at Hamptons International, presented to the young audience on her experience as a woman working in property.

Mary, who has worked at Hamptons International – an organisation where 64 per cent of the employees are female - for 14 years, explained to the children how she joined the industry 22 years ago as a negotiator, before eventually joining Hamptons International and climbing the career ladder to become Head of London Sales, with responsibility for 36 branches. She spoke of how she juggles her career with her personal life and spending time with her three boys, aged four, seven and nine. KidZania London is the UK’s first educational entertainment experience, a real-life introduction to the world of work, where children learn the nature of work, the diversity and function of businesses, and work's overall contribution to well-being and prosperity in our world today.

Hamptons International is the exclusive property partner of KidZania London. At the Hamptons International branch in KidZania children learn about the estate agency industry. The branch has been designed to reflect the exact look of the other 96 branches within the Hamptons International network. www.hamptons.co.uk

PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS' LUNCH

SEARCHES UK CONVEYANCING FOCUS SPRING 2017 Searches UK have published the Spring 2017 edition of Conveyancing Focus. Produced by Portfolio Publications, this quarterly magazine for the searches industry features interviews, news, articles and more about trends in the market, new products and commentary from industry experts, plus an interview with gardening guru Monty Don. Existing clients will be sent the magazine and copies can be requested by emailing info@searchesuk.co.uk or via Searches UK’s website to download a digital version. www.searchesuk.co.uk.

26 PORTFOLIO

The Property Professionals Lunch provides the perfect opportunity to mingle with your peers and like-minded professionals in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to discuss new ideas and create fresh business opportunities.

The next Property Professionals’ Lunch will take place on Thursday, 13th April at Pub du Vin, Brighton. April’s Guest Speaker award winning Architect and Director Richard Zinzan from ZST Architects. With over 15 years of experience on a diverse range of buildings and budgets, Richard Zinzan is highly experienced in design management with 150 live projects currently, and is also Co-Director of ARCH Angels Architects. With an experienced studio ZSTa deliver design led, bespoke solutions with an emphasis upon collaboration to generate stronger more sustainable outcomes. The charity prize draw, in aid of the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, is afternoon tea for four people at the fabulous Hotel Du Vin Brighton.

The cost is just £30 per person (including a 3-course lunch, wine and coffee). To book your place, email stephanie@searchesuk.co.uk.

PROPERTY news

PARKS RUN Letting and Property Management specialist Parks ran the Brighton Half Marathon for local children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House.

The team ran the 13.1 miles in two hours and four minutes and raised a fantastic £1536 for the charity - smashing their original target of £1,000! Chestnut Tree House provide care for children with progressive life-shortening conditions, and their families.

Letting Director Antony Rummins and Marketing Coordinator Louise Mitchell presented Chestnut’s fundraising team with a giant cheque, and were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the hospice. www.parkslettings.com

37 BRUNSWICK SQUARE HOVE: A HOUSE OF DOORS Any developer or investor looking for an important piece of Hove history should be on alert as an entire house in historic Brunswick Square has come to the market with Mishon Mackay Land & Development, a magnificent building complete with a wealth of ornate and beautiful architectural features and grand internal doors. Matthew Hollywood, a Director of Mishon Mackay, explains: ‘It is a highly unusual and very rare opportunity to find so many architectural gems intact. We are delighted to be entrusted with the sale of such an important and historic Hove building.’

Currently arranged as eighteen letting units, 37 Brunswick Square offers tremendous scope for an investor. ‘Not only is this an interrupted freehold with vacant possession, with its coach house included’, continues Matthew, ‘but there is also the option of redeveloping the units as contemporary apartments, retaining and embellishing the charm and character of the original building.’ For anyone who has dreamed of the ultimate city home, there is even the possibility of restoring this magnificent building back to a single residence.

For further details contact Mishon Mackay Land & Development on 01273 829300 or email land@mishonmackay.com.

NATIONAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST EXCEEDS £50,000 FUNDRAISING AIM FOR LOCAL CHILDREN’S HOSPICES National estate agents Leaders has presented UK children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives with a cheque for more than £50,000 after reaching its fundraising target for 2016. The property specialist achieved its goal of raising £50,000 for its charity partner last year and has renewed the partnership for 2017, when it will aim to donate a further £50,000.

The latest cheque for £50,291 means Leaders has now raised £95,291 in total for Together for Short Lives since it was named the company’s official charity in January 2015. Together for Short Lives supports all 54 children’s hospices in the UK and is the voice for the 49,000 children and young people living with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Allison Thompson, Managing Director at Leaders, says: “Our employees once again went above and beyond when it came to fundraising in 2016. It is with great pride that we are able to make our highest charity donation in our 34-year history. www.leaders.co.uk

ONLINE AGENTS MUST RAISE PRICES One of the earliest entrepreneurs to found a website to allow for-sale-by-owner property listings back in 2000 predicts current online agents must increase their prices if they are to turn a profit. Nick Marr - who now operates The House Shop, a classified listings service for property - founded Homes Go Fast in 2000, now The House Shop, which operates as a listing service for estate agencies and private.

Interviewed in the Financial Times recently, Marr acknowledges that more recent and heavily-funded online entrants have made considerable impact, although he believes there may be a weakness in their business model. “A lot of these guys are not making any money. How much does it cost to get each customer when you are using TV ads and so on?” he asks in the article. They are going to have to put their prices up, and when people pay upfront, if you’re asking for £1,000 or £1,200, they might be uncomfortable with that. I think they are going to struggle. Read more about these and other stories at www.estateagenttoday.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 27

maslen.co.uk

St. Leonards Avenue, Hove

ÂŁ475,000 FREEHOLD

A well presented 3 double bedroom Yellow Brick Victorian family home.

Located on a popular residential road in West Hove, the property boasts a wealth of period features and has been tastefully improved by the current owner. Other benefits include a boarded loft with fixed staircase, low maintenance rear garden and close proximity to Portslade Station, local amenities and the Seafront.

Energy Rating D62.

Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 6JF t:01273 566777 e:fiveways@maslen.co.uk

LEWES ROAD

.

WOODINGDEAN

.

FIVEWAYS

BEAUTIFUL HOME Brighton

A

stunning three-bedroom 1930s semi-detached family home situated in this extremely popular residential area. The house is considered to be in excellent decorative order, having been refurbished by the current owner.

Benefits include modern fitted kitchen and bathroom, double-glazed throughout, off-street parking for two cars and a lovely rear garden. The area is very popular with families as it boasts excellent schools and is close to open parkland and the South Downs, so is ideally positioned for country walks, as well as being close to Brighton’s excellent public transport system and the A23. There are also a variety of local shops and amenities.

Carden Avenue, Brighton, BN1 8LL Price: £400,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Excellent condition throughout; Open-plan kitchen/dining room; Original fireplace Best Bits: Semi-detached; Offstreet parking for 2 cars; Excellent decorative order throughout Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 6JF 01273 566777 www.maslen.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 29

HURSTPIERPOINT | £995,000 Versatile and private detached family house - Semi rural location - 4 bedrooms - 2 reception rooms - 3 bathrooms - Approx 1.7 acres of gardens and grounds - 3 bay brick built car port with huge scope for conversion (stnc)

PLUMPTON GREEN | Guide Price £695,000 Rural Detached period cottage – Gardens and grounds of approx. 1.4 acre – Wealth of character features – Huge scope for further extension (stnc) - 3 bedrooms – 2 reception rooms – 1 bathroom – detached studio and workshop

chattestates.co.uk | 01273 844500 34 HIGH STREET, DITCHLING, EAST SUSSEX BN6 8TA

BEAUTIFUL HOME Keymer

‘W

hite Lodge’ has been extended over the years with accommodation now comprising over 5,500 sq ft, creating a spacious and much-loved family home with marvellous views over neighbouring farmland and the South Downs.

The large kitchen/breakfast room has ‘Smallbone’ oak units and a vaulted ceiling with oak beams and glorious views onto the garden. There is an abundance of formal and informal reception rooms, with the majority having spectacular views. The master suite is accessed by the principle staircase and boasts a large bespoke ‘Smallbone’ en-suite bathroom, and there is also the benefit of a balcony to capitalise on the amazing views. A guest wing, which is accessed via a separate staircase, provides two bedrooms and a reception room. The gardens and grounds extend to approximately 1.6 acres and comprise of formal lawns, an outdoor swimming pool with pool house, tennis court and an orchard. The elevated position showcases the stunning panoramic views over neighbouring farmland and towards the South Downs.

White Lodge, Ockley Lane, Keymer, RH15 0BP Guide Price: £1,450,000 Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 4 Extras: Integral triple garage; Gardens and grounds of approximately 1.6 acres; Stunning panoramic views Best Bits: Indoor pool complex with swim jet & steam room; Outdoor heated pool with pool house; Large vaulted kitchen/breakfast room with wonderful views Chatt Estates 34 High Street, Ditchling, BN6 8TA 01273 844500 www.chattestates.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 31

CLOSE HOVE STATION OFFERS OVER £750,000, FREEHOLD • • • • •

Lots of original character Tucked away central location Three storey Kitchen/breakfast room Fabulous interconnecting living space

5 • • • • •

2

2

2

3

4/5 bedrooms Two large bathrooms Small additional cellar Front and rear patio gardens Wider than average plot

2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL

01273 773399

hove@elliottsestateagents.co.uk

& 2 Queens Parade, Hangleton BN3 8JG

01273 322766

hangleton@elliottsestateagents.co.uk www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk

CLOSE HOVE PARK PRICE: £825,000, FREEHOLD SELLING QUALITY HOMES SINCE 1993

• • • • •

Beautiful extended detached family home Family sized kitchen/breakfast room Sea views Carriage driveway providing off street parking Dressing room adjacent bedroom one

5 • • • • •

Two useful utility rooms Vendors are keen gardeners Very versatile layout Numerous local schools Close to Hove Park and Three Cornered Copse

BEAUTIFUL HOME Hove

A

n imposing detached family residence with attractive Welsh slate mansard roof, located towards the end of this exclusive private cul-de-sac, in the heart of Hove's sought-after Hove Park District, ideally placed for stations and schools Constructed c 1930s, the house enjoys large well proportioned rooms, with the majority of the rooms having high ceilings, all adding to a sense of space. Accommodation is over two floors and includes four double bedrooms, two bathrooms on the first floor, whilst the ground floor boasts large living areas with two separate, yet interconnecting, rooms facing onto the rear garden, plus a fabulous combined kitchen and family room, which extends across the full width of the house, and a good-sized separate utility room.

Outside, and to the rear, the house has a glorious level rear garden enjoying a favoured southwesterly aspect, well established, with a variety of mature trees, shrubs and bushes.

Set well back from the cul-de-sac itself, behind an attractive manicured front garden, a long driveway provides access to a pitched roof garage. Well presented, in good decorative order, with gas-fired central heating and double glazing.

Radinden Drive, Hove, BN3 6LB Price: OIEO ÂŁ1,000,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Extensive loft area; Exclusive private cul-de-sac; Long driveway and pitched-roof garage Best Bits: Fabulous large southwestaspect garden; Signature combined kitchen/family room; Superb ground-floor living areas Elliotts Estate Agents 2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL 01273 773399 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  33

TIVOLI

BRANGWYN

Stunning family home | Five/six bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Panoramic views | Guide Price £850,000 - £900,000

Mock Tudor detached home | Four bedrooms | Westerly garden | No on-going chain | Guide Price £775,000 - £825,000

FIVEWAYS

WESTDENE

Terrace family home | Arranged over four floors | Four good size bedrooms | Glorious views | £675,000

Extended detached residence | Four bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Versatile accommodation | Guide Price £650,000 - £675,000

PATCHAM

DYKE ROAD

Extended detached bungalow | Two double bedrooms | Useful office/outbuilding | South facing rear garden | OIEO £545,000

Deceptive family home | Three double bedrooms | South westerly garden | planning permission granted to extend | £950,000

We live here, we work here, we play here.

Citywide Sales & Lettings

Find your place at:

www.spencerandleigh.co.uk 01273 565566

LIVE LOCAL

DANISH RETRO LIGHT TIME Like a UFO from some Scandinavian-design utopia, this brass lamp is simple and stunning and will look equally good at differing heights.

Product dimensions: Dia: 27 cm x L: 70 cm.

Brass LP ceiling lamp by House Doctor DK, £169.50. www.ovohome.com

MUST

If ever a piece of furniture could be described as cute, this is it. Gorgeous in its retrodetailing, and refined in it's design.

A delight around the home. Dimensions: 123 x 37 x 128 cm.

Danish Retro Wide Unit in Walnut, £3,200. www.wharfside.co.uk

HAVES ANTIQUE APPEARANCE

Form and function combine in these classic designs, which prove that useful can be beautiful too

The weathered, aged look gives these Scintilla Tiles tiles their unique character. These hardwearing ceramic black-and-white floor tiles have a star-shaped pattern, which is ideal for creating a statement floor and some period charm. Price: £29.95 / Sqm. www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

15% off at Walls and Floors in April with code PORTFOLIO15

DESIGNED BY ZAHA The ‘Forma’ grater, was Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid's last project for Alessi before her death in March 2016. Inspired by natural forms that are smoothed over time by water or wind, the scuptural black base and ergonomic stainless steel grater reflect her distinctive architectural style. £45.00. www.store.alessi.com

CULTURE

“Richard Wilson leads the cast in Alan Bennett’s Forty Years On” Directed by Daniel Evans Chichester Festival Theatre 21 April – 20 May www.cft.org.uk

CALENDAR of events

April Our pick of April events. Comedy stars, music icons, jazz legends, international theatre, and powerful drama

12 April, An Evening with Pink Martini In answer to huge demand from Pink Martini’s recent 21st Birthday tour, and the highly acclaimed new CD Je dis oui!, they return to Brighton Dome, accompanied by the stunning vocals of Storm Large.

This 12-piece Oregon-based ‘little orchestra’ have been promoting a genre-mixing, mulit-lingual repertoire of classical, Latin, jazz and classic pop on concert stages worldwide since 1994. Over the course of eight studio albums , the internationally beloved band have amassed an enviable list of collaborations, with artists including Rufus Wainwright, Carol Channing, Courtney Taylor Taylor of The Dandy Warhols and the cast of The Muppets.

'One of the worlds most elegant live bands. A repertoire embracing samba, chanson, Neopolitan ballads, Japanese Pop and much more besides' The Times

Hig Our hlig ht

Brighton Dome, 7.30pm. www.brightondome.org

22 April, Jasmin Vardimon's Pinocchio Jasmin Vardimon Company presents a brand-new adaptation of the classic tale, Pinocchio. Based on the original book by Collodi and performed by Vardimon’s multi-talented dancers, Pinocchio will bring to life the famous marionette as he embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy.

Showcasing Vardimon’s uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style, Pinocchio will combine physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human.

With insightful humour, engaging drama and an acute observation of behaviour Pinocchio will take audiences on a wonderful journey of discovery through the parameters of this timeless and beloved fable.

Theatre Royal, Brighton. 8pm. www.atgtickets.com/brighton

15 April, The Selecter & The Beat feat Ranking Roger These 2 Tone legends are teaming up to give fans a rare treat, hitting the road together for a number of dates around the UK and Ireland. Originally a six-date tour, due to demand they have now added eight more dates. Life-long friends, they are two of the main bands to come out of 2 Tone – a crucial musical and cultural movement which is still as relevant today as it was over 30 years ago.

Renowned for their energetic live shows, longevity has not diminished either band’s ability to put in a performance and get everyone in a room, or field, dancing. Don’t miss arguably two of the best live bands around playing full sets of their many hits, and more each night.

De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, 7pm www.dlwp.com

More events continued over the page

CALENDAR of events

2 April, Georgie Fame “Sends us home happy to have been in the presence of genuine cool” The Guardian With his much-loved blend of jazz and rhythm and blues, Georgie Fame has consistently worked in the highest musical circles and become a true icon of the British music scene. With more than twenty albums and fourteen hit singles, including the number-one singles Yeh Yeh, Get Away, and The Ballad Of Bonnie & Clyde, plus a long list of collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including Muddy Waters, Gene Vincent, Bill Wyman, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, among others. In Georgie Fame you have bona fide music legend!

In this special and intimate evening, audiences will be treated to Georgie’s hits alongside music from the artists who have inspired him – all interspersed with personal stories and anecdotes from his incredible career.

15 April, Harlem Globetrotters During their 2017 World Tour, the The Harlem Globetrotters, who recently wrapped a busy 90th year tour, will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson. The Globetrotters’ one-of-akind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction.

Brighton Centre, 7.30pm. brightoncentre.co.uk

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, 8pm. www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

14 April, Caro Emerald Since the release of her 2010 multi-platinum debut album ‘Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor’ Caro Emerald has fashioned her own niche.

Gorgeous and stylish, Caro blends retro jazz with sampling and modern pop to create her signature sound. Caro’s second album ‘The Shocking Miss Emerald’, released in May 2013, entered the Official UK Album Chart at No. 1, remaining in the chart for an entire year. With more than 2.5 million record sales, 40 million YouTube views, a host of awards, and a string of sold-out tours and performances at festivals throughout Europe, including Glastonbury and Isle of Wight, Caro has made her mark.

Brighton Centre, 7pm. brightoncentre.co.uk

11 April, Rick Astley Pop Icon and multi-million selling artist Rick Astley had a whirlwind 2016, from an original run of shows in April that all sold out immediately, to a BBC Radio 2 A-list single Keep Singing which raked in nearly 1.8m views on VEVO and has been streamed over 600,000 times on Spotify.

The Grammy-nominated star’s recent album 50 was Rick’s first studio album in over a decade, marking a return to his musical roots and marrying Astley’s distinctive, soulful vocals with Gospel influences in an entirely selfpenned album that draws on his experiences and inspirations and showcases his unmatched musicianship, with the star playing every instrument heard on the album.

Brighton Dome, 7pm. www.brightondome.org

23 April, Richard Herring: The Best Richard Herring, King of the Edinburgh Fringe, Metro columnist and the UK's Podfather (RHLSTP, AIOTM) picks his favourite routines from his 12 one-man shows and crams them into 90 minutes for your delectation. From his deconstruction of the genealogy of Christ to him proving that racists are less racist than liberals, via some of the best knob jokes in the business. Will your favourite routine make the cut?

A great introduction to this influential cult comedian for the newcomer and a welcome greatest hits for long-term fans.

Theatre Royal, Brighton. 8pm. www.atgtickets.com/brighton

CALENDAR of events

29 April, Courtney Pine Sax supremo Courtney Pine, live in concert with his full band Following his phenomenal sell-out concert in April 2016, legendary British jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine CBE returns to Ropetackle with his incredible House Of Legends show – an exhilarating evening of calypso, ska and Afro-Caribbean joy. No musician embodies the dramatic transformation in British jazz over the past twenty years more than Courtney Pine. The ground-breaking multi-instrumentalist has led a generation of exciting and innovative players who have broadened their styles to take jazz out to a wider audience.

In the 80s he was one of the first black British jazz artists to make a serious mark on the jazz scene when his debut album charted in the Top 40, and some 20 years on he continues to break new ground with a string of highly acclaimed recordings and relentless touring. Steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean, this House Of Legends show sees Courtney on top form, bringing together musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe for vibrant exchanges that tell tales of life from a truly multi-cultural point of view.

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, 8pm. www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

21 April - 20 May, Forty Years On

24 - 29 April, The Crucible

1968. A public school on the South Downs. The Headmaster is retiring and today is his last day.

His final task is to appear in the school play. The problem is, he’s yet to read the script. It soon becomes clear that ‘Speak for England, Arthur’ is not quite the celebration of school tradition the Headmaster might have expected.

A glorious comedy, Alan Bennett’s first play is a hilarious, and at times, unnerving enquiry into Photo Credit: Anthony Crolla Englishness, nostalgia and identity. Written at a time of tumultuous social change, it explores, with great satirical verve, the impact of the past on the present.

The company will be led by Richard Wilson as the Headmaster. Having directed FRACKED! for Festival 2016, the much-loved star of TV’s One Foot in the Grave appears as an actor at Chichester for the first time.

His recent stage work includes Krapp’s Last Tape (Sheffield Theatres).

When a group of young girls are discovered dancing in the woods trying to conjure spirits, the God-fearing people of a small New England town are told the devil and witchcraft are in their midst and must be rooted out at all costs. The town is quickly caught up in an unstoppable flow of paranoia, indictment and manipulation as personal grievances collide with lust and superstition, creating a crucible of suspicion where no person is safe from his neighbour.

This bold new production of The Crucible, starring Charlie Condou (Coronation Street) as the witch hunter, Reverend Hale and Victoria Yeates (Call the Midwife), the falsely accused Elizabeth Proctor, serves as a stark and chilling reminder of the frailty of reason in the face of hysteria and the terrifying power of false accusations. The Crucible is an ageless allegory of morality, a scorching indictment of fanaticism, and a most powerful central work in American drama.

Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit www.atgtickets.com

Chichester Festival Theatre. Visit www.cft.org.uk

20 April, NT Live Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead Daniel Radcliffe, Joshua McGuire and David Haig star in Tom Stoppard’s classic comedy broadcast, live from The Old Vic theatre in London.

David Leveaux’s new production marks the 50th anniversary of Tom Stoppard’s brilliantly funny situation comedy, broadcast live from The Old Vic theatre in London. The play made a young Tom Stoppard’s name overnight. Against the backdrop of Hamlet, two hapless minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, take centre stage. As the young double act stumble their way in and out of the action of Shakespeare’s iconic drama, they become increasingly out of their depth as their version of the story unfolds.

Venues and cinemas throughout Sussex 7pm.

Visit ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk for details

See you next month for our top picks in May

If you’re looking for a new letting agent

why not choose the best?

Lettings: 01273 321333 | enquiries@propertymoves.co.uk | 109 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF

Check out these stats...

We were 1st out of 228

1st

branches in the area on Rightmove for New Instructions

We were 1st out of 165 branches in the area on Rightmove for Lets Agreed

1st

Based on Rightmove intel data from 01/02/16 to 31/01/17 covering postcodes BN1, BN2, BN3, BN41, BN42, BN43. Based on all data and all property types.

www.propertymoves.co.uk

Est.

1993

HOME tips

SPRING SALES

Spring is the time many owners choose to sell their homes. But beware: it’s a minefield out there. Here are some helpful tips to make the process a little easier RESEARCHING ESTATE AGENTS Choosing an estate agent to sell your house quickly and for the best price can be complicated. Some will offer you low fees or give an impressively high property valuation, but these can be red flags. Search for an agent who is experienced in selling property like yours. They will have a good pool of potential buyers and know what people are looking for in a property. Look in the local press and online, but also drive or walk around your area to see which agents are marketing other flats and houses in your neighbourhood.

Portals like rightmove.co.uk are a great shop window for looking at properties to buy, but they don’t tell the whole story. Estate agents can look homogenised and indistinct online, making it difficult to know who best to contact when it comes to selling your precious home.

42 PORTFOLIO

An estate agent who takes time to market themselves well and showcase their brand in high-quality publications could very well understand how best to innovatively market

"Portals like rightmove.co.uk are a great shop window for looking at properties to buy, but they don’t tell the whole story" your own property for sale. They should be willing to advertise your property outside of the traditional websites and show initiative

rather than rely too heavily on portals to do the job of selling for them. Agents who are wellnetworked and actively involved in their local communities can therefore demonstrate that they know their patch, and potential buyers – and that’s important.

Also, speak to friends, family members and neighbours to see if they can recommend an estate agent.

Once you've identified a few recommended companies that are selling properties similar to yours, visit their offices. For a true idea of how hard they'd work to sell your property if you were to market with them, you could even pretend to be a buyer interested in properties like your own and see how helpful the staff are.

You may also be interested in online-only estate agents, who tend to offer lower fees for a slightly different service.

HOME tips

"They should show initiative rather than rely too heavily on portals to do the job of selling for them"

CHOOSING THE BEST ESTATE AGENT Shortlist three potential estate agents and invite each to give you a property valuation.

Although getting a good selling price will naturally be top of your list, don't automatically go with the agent who offers you the highest valuation; they may be overvaluing your property in order to win your business. Make sure you check exactly what services each estate agent offers.

• • •

•

• For example: • Do they have a clean and orderly office?

• Do they have enough staff to do the job?

Why not pop into the office and meet a few of them?

• • •

Are they friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and enthusiastic?

Will they conduct viewings, or will you have to?

Are they a member of a professional body, such as the National Association of Estate Agents?

What marketing materials will they prepare (floorplans, photographs, online tours, and so on)?

How many relevant buyers do they have on their books, and will they tell them about your property?

Will they provide a 'for sale' board?

How well do they know your area?

Will they advertise in local magazines,

•

and what makes them different to the competition in terms of marketing techniques?

How much do they charge?

BEWARE OF OVERVALUATIONS Ask your favourite agents to value your home and explain how they intend to market it to get the best possible price. It’s a common misconception that you should simply choose the agent who comes up with the highest price for the property. Although it’s flattering to be told your home is worth more than you imagined, there’s a lot more to selling a place than slapping a high price tag on it.

Good luck!

Read more at www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/phil-spencers-top-tips/how-to-choose-an-agent www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property

PORTFOLIO 43

UK Tourism

BEAUTIFUL HOME

Bear Grylls, Cairngorns, Scotland (Photo credit BGV)

Brighton

T

his well-presented and generously proportioned retirement home is an excellent choice for those looking to slow down their pace of life and live in the well-maintained and friendly community that is Danny Sheldon House. It is warden-assisted and for the over-60s, with fantastic communal facilities.

Located on the top floor with lift access, the property is larger than average as far as retirement properties go. Sweeping roof-top views are to be enjoyed, and the property has a lovely, spacious, homely feel with a separate kitchen.

Positioned in the heart of Kemp Town, surrounded by easily accessible shops, cafes and a post office, there is also a very regular bus service taking you around the city and beyond. Brighton beach is a short stroll away, as are Queens Park and other nice walks.

Danny Sheldon House BN2 1JQ Price: £165,000 Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Communal garden; Excellent facilities for the over-60s; On-site house manager Best Bits: Friendly local community; Located in the heart of Kemp Town; Excellent transport links Princetons Property Services Ltd, Brighton 6 St. Georges Road, Brighton, BN2 1EB 01273 606326 www.princetonsps.co.uk PORTFOLIO  45

WIN

AEGON INTERNATIONAL EASTBOURNE TICKETS!

The Aegon International Eastbourne returns to Devonshire Park on 23rd June to 1st July, and as the men’s tennis re-joins the women’s for the first time in three years, 2017 is set to be a spectacular year

T

his year, Devonshire Park will play host to an array of world-class male and female players, with Eastbourne’s very own Johanna Konta leading the way. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have announced that British No.1 and World No.10 Konta will be returning to her hometown to play this summer.

Speaking about the announcement, Konta said, “Playing at Devonshire Park is very

special. I can’t wait to get back on the courts, just a stone’s throw from my family home in Eastbourne. I’ve seen exciting plans for the future of the venue, and the men coming back this year will no doubt add extra excitement. It’s always an amazing player field, and I'm sure the fans will enjoy lots of world-class tennis.”

Early-bird tickets are available, with a £5 discount applicable for adult Centre Court

tickets purchased before Thursday 4th May. Families can enjoy a free, fun-filled day of tennis on Friday 23rd June during the qualifying weekend, where they can watch some of the world’s top players compete for their place in the tournament.

Kids also go free on Saturday 24th-Sunday 25th June, and with adult tickets just £5, everyone can experience a day out at the tennis!

We have two pairs of tickets to give away for the Aegon International Eastbourne. For a chance to win, all you need to do is email competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com with TENNIS in the Subject Box, plus your name, address and a contact number.

The Aegon International Eastbourne runs 23rd June to1st July at the Devonshire Park, Eastbourne. To book, visit: www.lta.org.uk/aegoninternationaltickets To find out more about the Aegon International Eastbourne, visit: www.lta.org.uk/major-events/aegon-international-eastbourne/

AND A WORD FROM OUR RECENT WINNERS… Here’s what the winners of our recent Ockenden Manor spa break competition and a VIP box at the Theatre Royal competition had to say: Sara van Loock, winner of the Ockenden Manor spa break said: “What a view to wake up to. Our private Spa suite terrace at Ockenden Manor with the morning mists over the countryside. Perfect bliss. Ask for the Jasper suite! Thank you Portfolio Magazine, what a wonderful prize, and thank you Ockenden Manor, wonderful spa, superb food and service, amazing accommodation.”

46 PORTFOLIO

Sarah Earl, winner of the VIP box at the Theatre Royal to see Rambert: Ghost Dances said: “Thank you! We thoroughly enjoyed the show. I took a ‘dance crazy’ friend and she loved it too. The Box, Moet and Chandon, and huge quantity of chocolates were a bonus. Theatre Royal staff were friendly and helpful so thank you to them too. The moment Rambert hit the stage you could see that they were going to live up to expectations. Quite unforgettable... “

NEWS

WHAT'S TRENDING BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

ON THE COVER Spring / Summer 2017 collection of beautiful and rare Moroccan vintage rugs www.beldirugs.com

NEPTUNE INTERIORS SHOWROOM OPENS IN HOVE The beautiful kitchen and interiors specialists Neptune finally opened the doors to their Kingsway showroom last month.

Their considerable range of furniture, kitchens, soft furnishings, paint and accessories are on display and manager Janette Lewis and staff are available to help with any special design enquiries.

Neptune Interiors, 39 Kingsway, Hove BN3 4QD Tel 01273 458459. www.neptune.com

THE 2017 BRIGHTON MARATHON The 2017 Brighton Marathon will start on Sunday 9th April at 9.15am in Preston Park, Brighton and finishes on the seafront with 150,000 spectators and an unbeatable atmosphere. Also taking place during the 2017 Brighton Marathon Weekend are the BM10K and the Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Mini Mile. The BM10K on Sunday 9 April starts 45 minutes before the marathon: thousands of people run 10K along a fast, flat route through the centre of the city, finishing on Brighton's seafront and the Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Mini Miles Races on Saturday 8 April is one of the largest youth races in the UK. There are numerous ways to get involved even if you are not running… Team Brighton is made up of volunteers from all walks of life, from the community of Brighton & Hove.

Volunteer registration closes 5th April 2017 www.brightonmarathon.co.uk

Banff Mountain Film Festival Blue Film Programme complements the Red Film Programme shown in January, with an entirely different collection of films.

Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world's most prestigious mountain film festival.

Follow the expeditions of some of today's most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline-packed action sports and be inspired by thought-provoking pieces shot from the far-flung corners of the globe. Visit www.banff-uk.com for more details. Brighton Dome, 20 April. 7.30pm. www.brightondome.org

WE LOVE: HOT CROSS PANETTONE If you thought Panettone was just for Christmas, then think again. This spring, Waitrose is giving the Italian sweet bread an Easter makeover. Using a traditional Panettone recipe, the bread comes with a cross stencil and a sachet of spiced icing sugar, which includes cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, for decoration. The Waitrose Hot Cross Bun Panettone (£9/750g) will be available from the 27th March. www.waitrose.com

SHED-SCAPISM The garden shed has gone through something of a transformation in recent years. And it’s not surprising then that Cuprinol, the sponsors of Readersheds’ Shed of the Year, have coined the term ‘shed-scapism’ – a place where people can escape from their everyday stresses. This year’s Shed of the Year has the usual collection of Unique, Eco and Historic, but a collaboration with Cabin Porn has led to the introduction of a brand-new global category.

‘Since 2008, we’ve collected cabin inspiration from around the world, with an emphasis on handmade, authentic spaces.’ says Matt Cassidy from Cabin Porn.

‘Like Shed of the Year, we celebrate the joys of creating, building, and DIY spirit. The competition is perfectly suited to our mission – creating a home of your own – be it a remote off-the-grid getaway or a backyard shed hideout.’

The Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition for 2017 is open for registration.

To register your shed, visit www.readersheds.co.uk or www.cabinporn.com.

PORTFOLIO 47

Hove park, Hove - ÂŁ1,250,000 A delightful detached family home situated in the ever popular location of Hove Park. The house offers flexible living accommodation with 5 bedrooms and 4 reception rooms, beautiful South facing garden, parking for many vehicles and no forward chain.

Brunswick Street West, Hove - ÂŁ575,000 An excellent opportunity to acquire this 3 double bedroom Mews house tucked away in a fantastic secluded location. Although hidden away, the property is just a minutes walk from Hove Seafront. The house is presented in lovely condition throughout with spacious living accommodation.

20 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AE | 01273 733334 | www.baron-estates.com

BEAUTIFUL HOME Hove

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t Leonards Avenue is a delightful road situated just off New Church Road. The front door leads to a formal entrance hall with a bay-fronted living room and separate dining room. A super, 36'7 x 10'5 large family kitchen/breakfast room forms the heart of the home, and has bi-folding doors leading to a favoured west-aspect rear garden.

Stairs rise from the ground floor to a spacious split landing with a large bay-fronted master bedroom. Bedroom two and the family bathroom are also on this floor, along with bedroom three and an en-suite bathroom. The top-floor bedroom has two Velux windows and is a good size. An ensuite shower room with roof light accompanies this room, and the landing space has a fitted desk for an office.

These sought-after houses rarely come to the market due to their size and location. Hove Lagoon is a stroll away, as is the seafront, with comprehensive shopping in Station/ Boundary Road, with the station providing commuter links.

There are excellent local schools and parks in the area and the road is attractive and tree-lined.

St Leonards Road, Hove, BN3 4QS Price: £775,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: West-facing garden; Close to the beach; 1941 sq ft Best Bits: 36’7 x 10’5 Kitchen/Breakfast room; Three en-suites, Home office Baron Estates 20 Western Road, Hove BN3 1AE 01273 733334 www.baron-estates.com PORTFOLIO 49

9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove 27 Offices in Sussex 38 Offices in London

Freshfield Road - Offers Over ÂŁ900,000

01273 688148

This stunning family home can be found in the ever popular Queens Park area of Brighton. Throughout there are elegant period features and details. Arranged over 4 floors it offers 4 double bedrooms, a bathroom complete with roll top bath as well as a luxury shower room. Being on a hill there a delightful views from most rooms all the way to the sea. The living accommodation includes a Lounge complete with marble fireplace, deep skirting boards, detailed ceiling mouldings and attractive wooden flooring, a dining room, a large kitchen and the lower level is a utility room. Outside is a west facing lawned rear garden. Queens park itself is just a short walk away as are award winning local schools.

Old Shoreham Road - ÂŁ900,000

01273 777000

We are pleased to offer to the market this stunning semi-detached period property. Immaculately presented throughout this deceptively spacious house is comprised of a sizeable lounge with open fireplace, five large double bedrooms - one boasting a walk in wardrobe & en-suite and another a private balcony, modern family bathroom, large open plan kitchen/diner with French doors allowing ample natural light through and offering access to the southerly aspect rear garden, walled front garden and extensive loft space. Situated in a fantastic location close to Seven Dials, Brighton mainline station and directly opposite BHASVIC playing fields the property would make a perfect family home.

www.rightmove.co.uk www.primelocation.com www.fox-and-sons.co.uk

Hove Street - ÂŁ899,950

01273 820280

A huge opportunity to create a stunning family home with plenty of accommodation spread over three floors; this fantastic house located in a superb position in central Hove close to the seafront benefits from four bedrooms, two bathrooms, off-street parking, a west facing garden, and an almost completely selfcontained space on the top floor comprising a large reception room / bedroom with access to a west facing roof terrace and a second kitchen, ideal for an au pair or as an additional source of home income.

Arnold Street - ÂŁ450,000

01273 677544

This Beautiful Family Home consists of 3 Bedrooms with one En-Suite Bathroom, a Large Through Lounge/Dining, Separate Kitchen and a Family Bathroom.

The property is arranged over three floors and is Light & Airy throughout with Wonderful far reaching Views to the rear.

There is a WONDERFUL and SECLUDED Rear Garden enjoying a South/Westerly Aspect and there is also a Studio Room to the rear with power supply.

BEAUTIFUL HOME Brighton

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his semi-detached, red-brick Victorian home is a shining example of one of Brighton's most searched-for properties, with outstanding local Infant and Junior schools at Downs, London Road railway station on its doorstep and desirable features such as an open fireplace and a log burner in the through reception room.

Extensively restored and beautifully presented, this family home boasts a wealth of period features, including detailed mouldings, wooden floors, sash windows and bespoke shelving/storage solutions. The property offers substantial living & entertaining space, with a through reception room and spectacular 22' kitchen/ breakfast room, which leads outside to an attractive, Mediterranean-style rear garden.

There are four double bedrooms, a family bathroom, stylish en-suite shower room to the main bedroom and cloakrooms on the ground-and second-floor levels. The converted loft space has double-height Velux windows, with a central fold-out balcony providing views across Brighton rooftops.

This sought-after location is conveniently placed between the 67-acre Preston Park, Fiveways’ Deli's and the recently redeveloped Open Market and Preston Circus area, with its vast array of gastro pubs and the vibrant North Laine/Brighton city centre is within 3/4 of a mile.

Springfield Road, Brighton, BN1 6DH Guide Price: £825,000-£850,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 (1 en-suite), 2 separate WCs Extras: Four double bedrooms; Excellent schools and transport: station 200 yards away; Beautiful period features throughout Best Bits: Fold-out balcony; Log burner & fireplace; Mediterranean-style rear garden Fox & Sons 205 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6SA 01273 508761 www.fox-and-sons.co.uk

52 PORTFOLIO

solicitors Incorporating Johnson McCabe

local & independent

We are local, independent solicitors providing an expert legal service with a personal approach Property

Civil Litigation

• Buying and Selling Property • Re-Mortgages • Freehold Enfranchisement • Lease Extensions • Buying and Selling Investment Properties

• Employment • Debt Recovery • Property • Contentious Probate • Insurance Claims • Fraud Claims to include Defending SOCA Claims • Consumer Law • Neighbour disputes • Dispute Resolution/ Mediation of Claims

Business • Landlord and Tenant and Commercial Property • Buying and Selling Businesses and Shares • Employment Law • Licensing

Wills and Trusts • Wills • Probate and Administration of Estates • Inheritance Tax Planning and Trusts • Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection • Elderly Client Care

For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:

Vallance Hall, Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DE

Life and Family

info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411

• Family and Matrimonial • Co Habitation Agreements/Disputes • Civil Partnerships • Pre-nuptial Agreements • Divorce

www.engleharts.co.uk

Commercial Litigation • Commercial contract/ Consumer Disputes • Director/Shareholders/ Partnership Disputes • Insurance Claims • Construction and Engineering • Commercial Property Disputes • Professional Negligence Claims • Intellectual Property Disputes

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Computer generated image of New Wave, indicative only

Private Sale Launch Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd April, 10am–5pm, Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove, BN3 3AN Free Parking Available (on a first come first serve basis)

A dynamic new development of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom townhouses

embrace the alternative 1 Bedroom Apartments from £305,000 / 2 Bedroom Apartments from £390,000 3 Bedroom Apartments from £450,000 / Townhouses from £575,000 Perfectly positioned for Hove Mainline Station Gated parking available to selected apartments

All apartments have balconies or terraces Townhouses with west facing gardens & parking

CALL US ON

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NEW homes

MAKING NEW WAVES IN HOVE Hyde New Homes is proud to unveil New Wave, a dynamic new development of one- two-and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses in Hove

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deally situated on the axis of Goldstone Lane and Newtown Road, a fast-emerging and vibrant residential corner of the city, a stone’s throw from Hove Park and providing easy access to Hove station and the centre of town, each property comes complete with highspecification design, top-of-the-range fitted kitchens with handless units, resin worktops and integrated appliances, as well as automatic access to Hyperoptic award-winning fibre broadband.

The townhouses further benefit from large private gardens and off-road parking, ensuring they will not only make an ideal home for the new residents, but also aesthetically enhance the area for already established locals.

This development is perfect for young commuting professionals or those looking to enjoy the highlights of London, as it is situated just minutes from Hove station, providing easy access straight to the capital and further afield. For those looking for a more tranquil

lifestyle, Hove Park is just just a few minutes away, offering plenty of green space for nature enthusiasts or those with little ones to bring up.

“This development is perfect for young commuting professionals or those looking to enjoy the highlights of London” The development is in a fantastic location, set in the middle of two worlds. On the one hand, it is just a short stroll from the seafront, with all that the beautiful South Coast has to offer, and on the other it is close to the metropolitan shopping district of George Street. The area has a great range of shops and amenities, but with the welcoming community feel of a much

smaller town. For those looking for more of a social scene, there is a vast array of restaurants and bars close by for eating out, and the bustling centre of Brighton is not far.

Hyde New Homes was established in 2002 and is a major provider of new homes, offering a wide range of properties throughout London and the South East. As a developer, Hyde New Homes offers a range of assistance for those looking to get on the property ladder. At New Wave, potential residents are offered the Government’s Help-to-Buy Scheme, providing an excellent opportunity to secure a stunning home. With as little as a five per cent deposit required, New Wave is a fantastic first-home development for young professionals and families.

Prices start from £350,000 for a one-bed.

For more information, or to register interest, please call 01273 950 988 or visit www.nw-hove.co.uk.

PORTFOLIO 55

Contact 01273 508955 or email Patcham@mansellmctaggart.co.uk

FORGE CLOSE, PYECOMBE, BN45 7BJ

Prices from £650,000

A small select development of just six substantial newly built 4 and 5 bedroom detached houses with generous gardens, double garages and stunning views over the South Downs National Park. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a lovely rural village feel and yet just a few minutes’ drive from the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove. Show house available to view by appointment.

Full sales ahead: last chance to01444 buy259732 DITCHLING COMMON | BURGESS HILL | EAST SUSSEX | RH15 0SF

the beautiful South Downs has now

• Extensive Leisure Facilities • Library been released.

Occupying a premium • 14M Swimming Pool • On-Site Residents Bowling Green locationShop within •the village, Rafael Court•and Purchace Manor offer • 250 Acres Of Beautiful Grounds Minibus Service

W FE NG ST NI LA MAI RE

The final phase of this award-winning

retirement village AVAILABLE set in the heart of LAST FEW BRAND NEW APARTMENTS

a range of one and two bedroom apartments, many with feature arch PRICES FROM - £310,000 L/Hhigh ceilings and great windows, Service Charge and Deferred Fees Apply. views looking out.

St George’s Park is now anService established retirement village with 300 residents A selection of current Re-Sale apartments available. charge and Deferred Feesover Apply.

Maple Court

Ground floor, two bedroom, 2 bath apartment Direct access to patio area Central located, close to on site facilities For Sale - £365,000

and world class amenities which include the newly opened Leisure block with 14m pool,Oakview Jacuzzi, and Hobbies rooms. In addition CourtSauna, Gym, Fitness Room, The Games Cedars Oakview Court First floor apartment.

First floor apartment Ground floor thereOverlooking is a Café, Laundrette. villageHair Salon, Therapy Room Southand facing open apartment, direct square views over bowling access to patio 2 Bedroom, 2 been high with only a fewgreen and gardens 2 if beds, 2 bathrooms Demand has new apartments still available, so you Bathroom 2 bedrooms, 2 baths Dual aspect Living Well appointed Very well presented Room are considering moving St George’s Park with its superb setting and outstanding throughout For Sale £489,950 For Sale - £395,000 For Salecould - £370,000 be the place for you. facilities Call us today for a brochure or to arrange a visit.

For more information about various options and availability, please contact the marketing suite on 01444 259732

EXTENSIVE LEISURE FACILITIES INCLUDING A 14M POOL l SHOP l RESTAURANT l LIBRARY l 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SUPPORT l BOWLING GREEN l 250 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS l

TALK money

TIME TO REVIEW Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money looks at Investments and spreading the risk

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n the past when people arranged investments or pensions they were sometimes advised to invest into multiple plans with different providers. This was a form of diversification. By spreading your money around, it may lower the risk of making a loss. Often people would invest in funds which were managed by that particular life company’s fund managers. The only way of spreading your money around was to make a portfolio of different investments.

As time has progressed, providers have provided more choice in terms of funds available, your funds may be managed by an external fund manager who has links to the company you invested with. Often though, once the plans had been set up, many people did not review their arrangements. Therefore you could have been invested in the same funds for the whole term of your investment or pension.

Many people have no idea of the performance, or whether they are still invested in the best possible place.

By investing across different companies, although this diversifies your investments,

quite often it can lead to complication and difficulty in putting the information together for an overall assessment of your risk levels and performance. It can also make tax complicated, as each investment needs to be assessed separately.

“If you are struggling with paperwork from many different providers, it could be time for a review” Times have moved on and it is no longer necessary to take such a complex approach.

Investments can be made into many different funds under one overall investment. The funds can be reviewed and monitored to ensure that you are invested in the most appropriate funds throughout the term. Often people are much more diversified than they were before, with a

See more from Talk Money at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

good mix of funds at the risk level which suits their own circumstances and attitude to risk.

No longer is it necessary to have many different investments and sets of paperwork to deal with.

This simple, yet more diversified, approach often makes tax a lot simpler to deal with. Your ISA contributions can also be managed on your behalf to ensure you don't miss any of your ISA allowances.

So, if you are struggling with paperwork from many different providers, and you are unsure if your investments are in the right funds, it could be time for a review.

For a free initial consultation and an independent assessment of your situation, please call me, Claire Cook on 01403 330822.

I would be very happy to assist. www. talkmoney.co.uk.

Talk Money is a trading style Aspect 8, a member 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.

PORTFOLIO 57

Residential Estate & Letting Agents • Land & New Homes Brighton & Hove City Office Residential Sales & Lettings 3-6 North Road, Brighton East Sussex BN1 1YA Sales 01273 688881 Lettings 01273 688884 E brighton@oakleyproperty.com

Central Hove, From £485,000

Lewes Town & Country Residential Sales & Lettings 14a High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LN T 01273 487444 E lewes@oakleyproperty.com

London Office 40 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NS T 020 78390888 E enquiries@tlo.co.uk

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LAST REMAINING A choice of new three bedroom penthouse apartments. Ideally situated for Hove Mainline Railway Station, the properties benefit from passenger lift access, an allocated parking space, rooftop views and one with a balcony. The apartments are sold with a 10 year Build-Zone warranty.

Central Brighton, £1,750,000

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A beautifully renovated semi detached house offering versatile accommodation across four storeys. This attractive period residence benefits from a roof terrace with splendid views across Brighton, a good sized rear garden and ample parking for several cars. Ideal for Brighton Station, shops, cafes & seafront.

oakleyproperty.com

UK Tourism

BEAUTIFUL HOME

Bear Grylls, Cairngorns, Scotland (Photo credit BGV)

Hove

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rare opportunity to acquire this beautiful beach residence in one of Brighton & Hove's premiere private roads. This property has remained in the family ownership since Western Esplanade was constructed in the 1920s and extends to approximately 226m²/2433ft.

The house boasts direct access to a private shingle beach and a fabulous 38ft/11.58m first-floor sun terrace with breathtaking panoramic sea and beach views. Features include a generous reception hall, while the interior consists of four good-sized bedrooms with a master en-suite, dressing room/bedroom five, a separate family bathroom, three reception rooms and a fitted kitchen/breakfast room. The house benefits from a good-sized cellar (with restricted headroom), a garage and two paved terraces to the front of the property. The house is considered ideal for extension, subject to any necessary consents.

Western Esplanade, Hove, BN41 1WE Price: £3,250,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Good-sized cellar (restricted headroom); Two front terraces; Single garage Best Bits: Panoramic, uninterrupted sea views; Direct access to private shingle beach; 38ft/11.58m first-floor sun terrace; Spacious accommodation with scope to extend (STNC) Oakley 3 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YA 01273 688881 oakleyproperty.com PORTFOLIO 59

FEATURE home

HOME OF THE MONTH

...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine Two-bedroom apartment overlooking cricket ground for sale Cromwell Road, Hove BN3 3EF Price: £365,000

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erfect for a cricket lover, this lovely two-bedroom apartment offers panoramic views across Brighton & Hove, the cricket ground and the English Channel. Other benefits include: a west-facing balcony which is perfectly placed for watching the sun go down in the evening, access to a well-kept south-facing communal garden, double glazing, a garage, a live-in porter and a share of the freehold. The property has recently been decorated and has no onward chain. Energy rating: C77 What the owner says: "The best thing about the flat is the view; you can sit and relax in the evening sun and watch the cricket. The sea provides an ever-changing vista as you move through the seasons and with the ships coming and going. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Wight, and the sunsets are spectacular."

David Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 6JF 01273 566777 | www.maslen.co.uk

Making Moving a Pleasure If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service.

In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients: • • •

Direct dial to your Solicitor No hidden charges Competitive fees

We would be delighted to provide you with a free personal quotation. Please contact one of our team on: 01273 669139 or email: property@healys.com or visit www.healys.com and complete our online quotation form.

8/9 Old Steine Brighton BN1 1EJ

INTERVIEW

WELCOME TO MY WORLD This month we speak to Mark Packwood from The Replacement Bulb Company You’ve come from a long career in property management, so what motivated you to make the leap into lighting?

The birth of The Replacement Lightbulb Company comes from my frustration with finding lightbulbs blown all the time, particularly in hallways, whilst out on jobs. I found that this was often because it isn’t always as easy as it might seem to replace them.

For both individuals and businesses, finding the right product to buy at the best price and issues around health and safety often result in changing bulbs becoming a low priority. There is a lack of people, or companies, who can offer a simple, quick and economical service to resolve this. Electricians or other contractors will charge more and take longer to do the job.

They’ll also often turn down a smaller job as it’s not a “valuable use of their time.”

So, RLC was born to fix this problem.

Mark, perhaps the response to a question about what your company does might well be “it does what it says on the tin,” but perhaps you could elaborate...

Exactly – that about sums it up. The Replacement Lightbulb Company’s philosophy is to provide a straightforward, no-frills, fast and efficient professional service to companies and individuals alike. You can even book a time slot online, which makes it much easier for busy people. Offering such a specific and specialist service means we really can provide the best advice on bulbs and save our customers money.

Do you have a ‘typical’ client?

Our clients are a mixture of both companies and individuals – basically, anyone who is unable or simply unwilling to take on the task of replacing their bulbs. For companies in particular, they need to be mindful of health and safety requirements when dealing with heights to avoid any liability for injury to staff. For individuals, they can also be understandably concerned for their own safety – particularly the elderly or disabled.

All of the clients using our service also save themselves time; researching the best bulb to use for their needs is not often high on

the list of how they want to spend their time!

So, our expert team can assess this instead and recommend the right bulbs for their requirements and budget.

Just demonstrate briefly how you could save us money...

That’s an easy one: replacing your light bulbs with low-energy bulbs like LEDs will reduce the amount of power you are using without compromise. You’ll save money by using less power, but will also be reducing your carbon footprint.

We use a highly trusted supplier for our bulbs and are able to buy them at wholesale prices.

We don’t mark up the cost, either; that would be against our important policy of being honest and trustworthy to all of our customers.

"Our clients are a mixture of both companies and individuals – basically, anyone who is unable to take on the task of replacing their bulbs" Explain what is an LED actually is, and why do we need it in our lives now?

LED stands for low energy diode – which, put simply, means that they are designed to use less energy than a standard bulb but still produce the same output (the level of light). LEDs are a significant improvement in technology, and in comparison to standard bulbs (or incandescent bulbs), last much longer.

The LED bulbs may cost more upfront than a standard bulb, but the long-term cost saving is significant. By paying a little bit more for the bulb, you could reduce your household or business energy bills going forwards.

every lightbulb in the world with LEDs. In the meantime, if we could persuade everyone in the UK to replace just five of the bulbs in their homes or offices with LEDs, we could do away with one whole power station. A great step in the right direction!

What is your typical day, Mark?

I’m not sure a ‘typical day’ exists in my world!

Much of my time is spent in meetings sharing the virtues of replacing lightbulbs, or visiting businesses in Sussex to share this information with them and hammer home how easy it is to reduce their carbon footprint and bills.

My amazing team will be out and about helping our customers. We are really hot on providing a great level of care to anyone who uses our service, and so we will also follow up to ensure they are 100% happy with the work we have carried out. We also always have projects on the go, which take some planning.

Your business is a little different from your previous life as a property professional. Do you like the buzz of a new start-up?

I am definitely enjoying establishing RLC, because it really is a passion of mine to promote energy saving and protect the environment – especially when it’s so simple to make a change! I also am relishing providing a truly worthwhile service to great customers who appreciate our aims and are keen to contribute.

As you can imagine, I’ve heard many quips about how many people it takes to replace a lightbulb since I started this business. But I can tell you the exact number: One to design the change; One to implement it; One to document it; And one to maintain it!

If you need lightbulbs replaced quickly, and without a fuss, contact The Replacement Lightbulb Company on info@rlc or call 07779 169 262. www.rlc.today

If we use your services, are we helping to ‘save the planet’ !?

Absolutely! It’s our mission to save the planet! Our dream is to be able to replace PORTFOLIO 61

Looking for a luxury new home?

Leaders are delighted to offer Russell House, a stunning new development in the heart of the city, with high end design, style and quality.

The development offers a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments in central Brighton, with the opportunity to purchase much sought-after secure parking spaces.

01273 720714 leaders.co.uk 119-120 Western Road Brighton, BN1 2AD

Sales & Lettings

• Designer kitchens with quartz work surfaces and integrated appliances • Contemporary living areas throughout • Modern internal door sets • Engineered oak wood flooring and high-quality carpet • External terraces and balconies • Private parking spaces (at additional cost) • Lift to all floors

Russell House is already proving to be extremely popular with buyers and investors. It is rare for new apartments of this quality and design to come to the market in such a prime location in the city centre so an early viewing is a must.

Max Shave Sales Manager

Specifications throughout Russell House are second to none, with the development benefiting from quality fixtures and fittings, professionally designed interiors and spacious rooms. It exudes a sense of sophistication that will make anybody proud to call it home.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of these beautiful new apartments please contact on 01273 720714 or visit leaders.co.uk.

LEADERS

TRANSFORMING BRIGHTON’S SKYLINE Greg Hall, Branch Manager at Leaders in Brighton Marina on the 40-storey marina tower set to transform Brighton skyline

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he centrepiece of the ongoing development of Brighton Marina – an iconic 40-storey tower comprising dozens of new luxury apartments – is now under construction. Work recently began on the structure, which will feature approximately 150 new homes upon completion and stand above 10 other towers that will eventually make up the new-look marina once the project is finished in 2025.

Greg Hall, Branch Manager at Leaders in Brighton Marina, who are selling the 853 new apartments that have either been built or are scheduled for completion in the coming years, says the main tower is set to revolutionise the

skyline of Brighton’s famous seafront.

“It’s another exciting development for the city. Following on from the arrival of the i360 last year, the focal point of the marina scheme will add another stylish and recognisable landmark to the seafront,” he explains. “The new 40-storey tower will bring more state-ofthe-art apartments to the market, providing the opportunity to secure a luxury home with sensational views. All the apartments have panoramas of either the sea or the waters of the marina.

“They are also built to the highest possible standard, with spacious balconies and terraces, designer kitchens and an on-site concierge

service, among the many benefits of living in the new development. Brighton Marina is changing rapidly and establishing itself as one of the UK’s premier waterside destinations, so buying a property – either to live in, use as a second home or as an investment – is an attractive option.”

A range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses will be available in the main tower.

Leaders is pleased to be working with Fine & Country in the promotion of the marina development. For more information, contact Leaders in Brighton Marina on 01273 622007, or visit leaders.co.uk.

KERB APPEAL How to revolutionise your home's kerb appeal in just 24 hours! Andrew Hovey, Area Sales Manager for Sussex at property specialist Leaders, offers his advice

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etting the best possible first impression is the key to selling a property - and there is nowhere better to start than by improving the kerb appeal of your home.

Andrew Hovey, Area Sales Manager for Sussex at property specialist Leaders, has revealed five quick-and-easy upgrades homeowners can implement in less than 24 hours to ensure their house looks its very best as soon as prospective buyers set eyes on it.

He says: “The best idea is to put yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Take a look at your home and give an honest assessment of what you see. You only have one chance to give buyers the right impression, so it’s important to take it.”

Andrew’s top five tips for enhancing kerb appeal are:

1) Symmetry: simple and effective. Symmetry at the front of a house is pleasing to the eye.

Consider whether you could line up plants so

there is an equal number on each side, while any outdoor lighting will typically look nicer in pairs.

2) Make a statement with your front door. The front door is nearly always the focal point of any property, so making a statement with it is a wise move. There is no need to replace it; simply give it a fresh coat of paint in an attractive colour that complements the rest of the house.

3) Bring life to your garden. If you don’t have a beautiful landscaped front garden, don’t fear.

You can easily create your own by adding a few plants, hanging baskets or window boxes. Just drop by your local garden centre and breathe new life and colour into the front view of your home.

4) Make your home number one. Checking, cleaning and possibly replacing small items, such as your house number, letter box and locks, will create a feeling that your property has been

well looked after. If you have a welcome mat, make sure it is appealing. They may be small details, but they can make a big difference.

5) Lead them up the garden path. The first steps a buyer takes on your property will be up the garden path, so ensure it is clean, clear and inviting. Remove any trip hazards. This is particularly important for evening viewers, who may be unsure of their footing in the dark. You could even choose to add solar lights to show the way.

Andrew explains: “All of these ideas can be put into practice in just a day and are sure to have a big impact on how people view your home. Paying attention to the small details is what helps set some properties apart, so homeowners keen to sell should give themselves the best chance by focusing on kerb appeal.”

For more information and expert advice on selling, letting, buying or renting in Brighton and Hove, please contact your local Leaders branch or visit leaders.co.uk.

64 PORTFOLIO

WALKS

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Soak up stunning views across the weald and out to the English Channel from the top of Ditchling Beacon and Devil’s Dyke.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) | Time: 1–1.5 hrs Access: Loose surface, steep and uneven in some places. Some gates.

ROUTE INSTRUCTIONS 1 From the bus stop head up past the Devil’s Dyke pub (on your right). Follow the signposts through the car park passing through a metal barrier. Continue straight along the marked footpath.

2 Continue straight at the crossroads of paths, over the stile and down the hill, turning left onto the bridleway.

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6 Continue to the Royal Oak pub, then at the period garage turn right, keeping the small stream on your left and head through the gate.

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WESTContinue along the path into the wood keeping the water HILLon your right.

W DO

N

8 Continue to the gate which leads to an open area and into the valley bottom of Devil’s Dyke. For the best views follow the bridleway which leads up to the left side of Devil’s Dyke.

SADDLESCOMBE FARM 9 At the top of the slope the bridleway joins the South HIKER’S REST

Downs Way. Turn right here and continue to the road.

10 Turn right to follow the path alongside the road to return to the bus stop.

For more information about walks in the region, contact South Downs National Park Authority.

Tel: 0300 303 1053, or visit www.southdowns.gov.uk

PORTFOLIO 65

ADD AN ORANGERY With house prices at an all-time high, homeowners are looking for a way to maximise the space and value in their homes and also refresh their living space; adding an orangery can be the ideal solution

S

o how does an orangery differ from a conservatory? Orangeries are a type of extension - generally of a more substantial size and made up of more brickwork than a traditional conservatory, with a partially solid roof and carrying the signature feature of an orangery: a lantern roof. This is usually built into a flat roof, providing additional natural lighting, and, along with the greater height an orangery provides, can produce a highly effective design and give your home an air of elegance.

What should you consider?

1.

2.

3.

Make a Plan. How will your family make use of an orangery? Do you want to increase the living or dining space?

Think through your Design. What are the key details? Do you want a lantern or a flat roof light? Bi-folds or sliding doors? Where will you place the lighting? All these details can have a big impact on the finished result.

Prepare a Budget. Prioritise what’s most important to you and make sure you deliver on those things first. Expect to pay from around £20,000 up to £70,000 for an orangery, potentially more, depending on the size, materials used and the complexity of the design. An orangery is going to set you back a considerable sum of money, so you must choose a company you are happy with. You should make sure they have a good track record and, ideally, a long history in the business as well. Ensure they

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4.

5.

have proper certification with ASSURE, CERTASS, FENSA or GGF. Remember, you are adding Value. An orangery will add value by increasing the amount of year-round living space. It is a great investment that you can enjoy every day.

Check your Planning rules. You may be surprised to learn that as long as it is under a certain size and isn’t too close to a boundary, you may not need planning permission for your orangery. If your home has already been extended, it is likely you will need permission, so you must check with the planning department of your local authority to be sure.

"The greater height an orangery provides can produce a highly effective design and give your home an air of elegance" Orangeries are a little different from a standard conservatory in that they may require planning permission. You may be able to add an orangery to your house without the need for planning permission if you make use of permitted development, but you’ll need to follow the rules that apply to the position and dimensions of the orangery, among other criteria (see planningportal.gov.uk). Within designated areas – including Conservation Areas – you may need

to apply for planning permission even though you wouldn’t have this obligation elsewhere.

For advice and quotation, contact Benchmark Windows Ltd. 4-5 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing BN15 8UF Call 01903 756699 to arrange an appointment, or visit www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

THE collection

THE April COLLECTION Bring the outside in and let there be light with these homes for sale with conservatories or orangeries

Glass house Greenacres, Hundred Acre Lane, Streat Believed to date back to approximately 1925, the property is set off Hundred Acre Lane on the outskirts of the village of Streat near Ditchling. ‘Greenacres’ is a three-bedroom detached house sitting prominently within its plot of approximately 0.94 of an acre. Retaining much of its character, the property boasts five open fireplaces over the two floors. The ground floor provides three spacious reception rooms, including a large reception hall with a solid oak staircase and a drawing room with oak panelling, plus a glasshouse/ greenhouse extension leading off the kitchen/breakfast room. There is considerable scope to enlarge the property if required (subject to any necessary consents). The quintessential English garden wraps around the property on all sides and is bordered by farm land on the southern side.

Guide Price: £895,000 Chatt Estates 01273 844500 | www.chattestates.co.uk

Tranquil room Highview Way, Patcham This beautifully presented detached bungalow is tucked away in a quiet close, neighbouring Patcham Old Village. The open-plan kitchen/dining room is the social hub of the house. The versatility of the accommodation continues into a 16' conservatory which overlooks the secluded south-facing rear garden. There is a also a cosy bay-fronted lounge. The bungalow oozes potential, which can be utilised by extending the vast loft space, possibly adding two further bedrooms and a second bathroom. A useful outbuilding is currently arranged as an office with power, lighting, WIFI and additional storage space.

The low-maintenance garden has been thoughtfully laid out and provides a tranquil area to relax or entertain. There is plenty of off-road parking provided by a private driveway.

Price: OIEO £545,000 Spencer & Leigh 01273 565566 | www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

More properties continued over the page

THE collection

"Overlooking the garden, the orangery has an almost 'colonial' feel and atmosphere"

Stylish orangery Court Close, Patcham, Brighton This stylishly presented four-bedroom detached house has been beautifully refurbished in a sympathetic manner, offering generous accommodation, which retains a lovely ambience by blending charm and character with modern contemporary living.

Particular features include the well-planned ground-floor layout, which has a delightful main living room with doors at one end, which open into the wide orangery. The orangery itself overlooks the garden and, with doors opening to a small raised decked section, it has an almost 'colonial' feel and atmosphere. There is a spacious kitchen enjoying bespoke units, and, being open plan with the dining room, it makes a very nice, sociable area. The real surprise with this property is the well-established large rear garden, which makes a wonderful outdoor space for lots of uses and also has a good-size timber workshop.

Price: ÂŁ899,950 Mansell McTaggart 01273 508955 | www.mansellmctaggart.co.uk

Entertaining space Carlisle Road, Hove This semi-detached four-bedroom family house is adjacent to Hove seafront.

There is a large feature living room overlooking the front, and to the rear of the living room is a separate sitting room. A particular feature of the property is the beautiful open-aspect kitchen/dining arrangement. The kitchen comes complete with granite work surfaces, integrated appliances and central island, with a tiled floor throughout. To the rear of the kitchen is a beautiful arched conservatory, which is currently arranged as a dining area. Open-plan with the kitchen, this becomes the central hub of the house. The conservatory leads onto the rear garden. A particular feature of the property is the converted attic/loft room, which is now presently being used as home study with a pull-down ladder.

Price: ÂŁ1,100,000 Hamptons International 01273 803521 | www.hamptons.co.uk

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THE collection

Garden view

Price: POA Mishon Mackay 01273 821800 | www.mishonmackay.com

Western Road, Hurstpierpoint

This well-presented house offers excellent accommodation throughout and would make the ideal family home. The kitchen is modern and fitted, whilst the living room is particularly spacious, with doors leading to the dining room, which in turn leads on to the conservatory. There is also a useful study/playroom area. Located upstairs is a family bathroom and four bedrooms, with the large master bedroom boasting fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom.

The home offers plenty of parking, with a garage and large driveway located to the front of the house. The pretty rear garden is laid to lawn and is well stocked with tree, shrub and plant borders. There is also a patio area that is perfect for alfresco dining.

"A conservatory with heating and stunning views towards the South Downs"

South Downs Cuckmere Way Hollingbury, Brighton This well-proportioned semi-detached bungalow has a dual-aspect kitchen/dining room and a generous rear garden with patio terrace. It is in excellent decorative order throughout, has a lounge with feature fireplace, a conservatory with heating and stunning views towards the South Downs. This spacious semi detached bungalow is well-presented throughout and, in brief, comprises two double bedrooms, a good-sized lounge, a modern fitted kitchen/dining room with a double aspect and views to the South Downs, a family bathroom and a conservatory. The property benefits from having central heating, double glazing, a good-sized, mature rear garden with a newly laid patio terrace and far-reaching views towards The South Downs National Park.

Price: £435,000 Oakley 01273 688881 | www.oakleyproperty.com

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LEGAL

PROPERTY EXPERTS Buying or selling? Let family-run Crosby & Woods guide you through the conveyancing minefield

L

ocal firm Crosby & Woods have built up a reputation over the years as the ‘go-to’ place for all conveyancing advice. Being in the centre of Church Road Hove, they are surrounded by the best estate agents in the city, and therefore convenient for would-be buyers and sellers to draw on their considerable experience on a wide range of property transactions.

It is well known that difficulties often arise with the purchase of leasehold flats, for example, so it is essential for all parties to have an expert on hand with knowledge and experience in this field.

Managing partner David Crosby heads up the friendly team of professionals, which has over the years grown to

cope with local demand. However, he still finds the time to attend many local networking events and supports many businesses in a variety of sporting events, often indulging himself in his love of golf.

If potential clients are thinking of buying or selling, then the familyrun firm will guide them through the conveyancing minefield, and hopefully take some of the stress out of the process.

For more information, contact David Crosby, Crosby & Woods, 75 Church Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2BB. 01273 734600 www.crosbywoods.co.uk

The team from left to right from bottom row is: Pat Richards, Daniel Curry, Marie Stock, Dean Skinner, Helena Boultwood, David Crosby, Dawn Roberts, Marilyn Gibson and Lucinda Dore

Fixed Fee Divorce & Family Advice available

Do you need legal advice from only very highly qualified & experienced legal professionals? Do you value personal service, speaking to your solicitor face to face, having easy access to your solicitor by phone and email, receiving advice in plain English? If yes, then please do contact us for expert legal advice on a wide range of legal matters including: • • • • • • • •

Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Deputyships Family Law (Divorce, Civil Partnership Dissolution, Financial Disputes, Children Matters) Residential Conveyancing – House/Flat Sales & Purchases as well as remortgages & equity release Commercial Conveyancing – Leases on shops and other commercial premises Personal Injury – all forms of accident claims Civil Litigation/Debt Recovery Benefit Appeals and Defending Benefit Fraud Investigations and Prosecutions Private criminal defence advice, including all road traffic offences

For a fully itemised and no obligation conveyancing quotation by return, please call or email us today A Recommended Law Firm

70 PORTFOLIO

“I am the space where I am” Noel Arnaud

e

I AM THE SPACE WHERE I AM Changing our home can change our whole experience of living. Grant Shepherd ARB, FRSA from Alter & Company on how to make the most of your home

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e live in an eclectic mix of building types across our city, from Regency town houses to Victorian terraces, Edwardian conversions and post-war apartment blocks. With a steadily increasing housing market, Brighton & Hove being in the top three best places to buy other than London, many have decided to improve rather than move, with one in five focused on improving their homes.

Research from Plentific.com reveals that, on average, a quarter of homeowners are planning to spend more this year on home improvements.

This begs the questions, what can we do with our homes and how do we make the most of them. For most, the home is the most valued possession they own, but a house is also a living place. At Alter & Company Architects we are commissioned to renovate, reorganise and expand different people’s homes. Each time we enter a new project we take on new rules, as each family has its own way of living and being.

You should start your journey of improving your home by asking the right questions: How long do you want to live in your current property?

How do you want to use your home? What is the aspirational vision for your home? From these answers we can determine to what extent you wish to change your house; it will also drive your project, whether you are trying to expand through greater needs for space or wanting to reorganise for better use, or just want to make more space for better economic return.

Renovation can have immediate effects upon one’s wellbeing. Even simple changes like redecorating, fitting new bathrooms and kitchens and removing internal walls can create better use of space. Many homes we visit suffer from a lack of order and good-quality of

light. A simple strategy of reducing circulation space, increasing storage and locating new windows can create greater natural light and spatial control, whilst enabling openness and connectivity, so that one can flow between spaces and improve communication.

"Renovation can have immediate effects upon one’s wellbeing. Simple changes like redecorating, fitting new bathrooms and kitchens, and removing internal walls can create better use of space" Without too much disruption one can expand one’s house by reorganising the different spaces. Swapping over room uses might provide you with a better solution for your living situation. Expanding into parts of your house that are disused might gain an extra bedroom space in a loft, or an extra bathroom under the stairs. However, do think about composition and proportion of the spaces you are making anew; if they are too small or oddly shaded, they won’t necessarily lend themselves to certain spatial uses.

A desire to stay in your home for the foreseeable future may be a high priority, and this may enable you to develop areas of your home beyond renovation and reorganisation. You might find that you just need a further room in your house, in which case extending your home might be the best option. There are three ways

you can extend: up, out and down. Extending your property up will mean constructing a roof dormer or mansard, a straightforward strategy which is being carried out all over our city.

However, try to think “out of the box.”

Extending out can be by extending to the side or the rear of your house. Think carefully about natural light and how to get better quality of light in to the deepest parts of your home.

Utilise all space. Alter & Company introduced a corner window seat on a project which has exploited an otherwise unused part of the building and given it a new use. Being playful when extending your home can challenge your current preconceptions of the spaces you live in.

Extending down and creating a basement room can be beneficial but comes with large financial constraints. Basement extensions work well spatially when gardens are at basement level so that the internal environments connect with garden activities.

Value in using a professional is tantamount to the greater success of a construction project. We explain our role in all our architectural projects as creator of space and controller of quality. If we, as the architect, were not part of the process and a project goes forward, who makes the decisions about the detail and design of your house? The builder? For Alter & Company this is a process of discussion that is then agreed and communicated through drawings, which are then used to keep control of what is desired. We are the space that we are in. Changing our home can change our whole experience of living.

Alter & Company Ltd, Studio 1C, 11 Jew Street, Brighton BN1 1UT 01273 720816 | www.alterandcompany.com PORTFOLIO 71

Sponsored by:

On the drawing board On The Drawing Board is our platform for Industry professionals and the public to discuss issues and ideas relating to planning

O

n The Drawing Board will showcase planning permissions granted, scheme ideas and ideas for Brighton’s regeneration and future. This month: we look at some of the developments taking place in the city. If you are a property professional, or just have a great idea, get in touch on the channels below.

SUPPORTING ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK #BRIGHTFUTURE TODAY – 29TH MARCH This is the first year Brighton & Hove has collectively participated in the English Tourism Week campaign, and the decision to do was only taken towards the end of January, so a rather urgent call to action was in order!

Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance member, Brighton & Hove Buses and Brighton City Sightseeing have ‘donated’ two buses especially for English Tourism Week. These will be used as stationary information ‘hubs’ and also as entertainment space. With one on the forecourt of Brighton Palace Pier and another in Ship Street, look out for a range of ‘pop-up’ events and theme days, along with some photo opportunities aboard the buses…

Brighton Tourism Week will run from 25th March to the 2nd April. ZST architects have teamed up with B&H tourism alliance Member B&H buses and Brighton City Sightseeing to

run their day called ‘#BrightFuture Today,’ The bus will be parked on Ship Street, Wednesday 29th March - 11:30am till 4.30pm. On board they will have an interactive map of the city and will be inviting the public to share their ideas of suggested changes and regeneration with a view to making our city even better! Using their local connections, they plan to work to make some of your ideas a reality.

BAOBAB DEVELOPMENTS TONGDEAN AVENUE, HOVE Baobab Developments have secured a planning permission to build a 5-bedroom, 5000 sq ft villa on one of the premier roads in Brighton and Hove. The design, by Manser Medal-winning architect Carl Turner, comprises three glassfronted wings around a central pool. Incredible detailing and design will ensure this is one of the best houses built in Sussex for many years.

Contact: hello@baobabdevelopments.com for more details.

to be developed in order for Brighton and Hove City Council to meet their ambitious housing targets, this type of site is critical to the City Plan. Sitting on an urban corner plot, the design aims to unify the residential street scenes to Bampfield Street and Buckler Street.

The proposal was approved unanimously at committee on 8th March.

AMEX DEMOLITION WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT? Much criticism has been put forward over the demolition of Amex House on Edward street, with the Regency Society branding it as an “extravagant waste of environmental resources.”

Many city residents are questioning why the building, characterised as “Brighton’s best post-war building,” was not simply used for something else. Irrespective of opinions, the ‘Wedding Cake’ is rapidly disappearing!

With ZST architects' offices based opposite the site, we all hope that the regeneration makes Edward Street a safer and more attractive place to work, live and play in.

D&R ARCHITECTS PORTSLADE HOUSING Deacon and Richardson Architects have secured planning permission for three houses and three flats on the site of an existing lawnmower retail and repair shop in Portslade.

With increasing demands for brownfield sites

Do you have more ideas? Submit to #BrightFuture @ZSTaUK or @PortfolioMagUK PORTFOLIO 73

DECORATING SMALL SPACES Farrow & Ball’s Head of Creative, Charlotte Cosby, gives us her tips on how to think big in small spaces

All images courtesy of Farrow & Ball, www.farrow-ball.com

DO It Yourself

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hen decorating smaller spaces, considering where to start and how to choose the perfect colour can often be a little daunting. Many of us are inclined to opt for a traditional white to give an illusion of space, but this can create a small, dull room lacking imaginative flair. Charlotte Cosby, Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball, craftsmen in paint and paper, has shared her top tips for decorating small rooms and bringing the walls within to life.

“Before painting your room it’s important to consider the amount of natural light and the direction the room faces, as this will have a significant impact on the appearance of each colour,” says Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte Cosby. She adds: “We often think the only way to create light and space in a small room is to paint it crisp white, but try using an off-white for a softer, more interesting alternative. Warm, yellow-toned neutrals such as White Tie or Matchstick are best for reflecting light.

“For those who wish to be bolder with their colour choice, opt for strong colours, which often soften a room and are the perfect distraction from its size and shape. Using our key colours for spring/summer, Radicchio or Studio Green, can help create an inviting retreat

while adding impact and depth to a room.

“Using a single colour in a room is a clever way to create more space. With no point of reference and without contrasts, you’re less aware of where things stop and start. Try applying just one colour, such as Vardo or Pitch Blue, over the picture rail and up onto the ceiling to make the room feel higher and give an illusion of loftiness.

“Using a single colour in a room is a clever way to create more space. With no point of reference and without contrasts, you’re less aware of where things stop and start" “If you’re hoping to use two colours in your room, consider choosing a darker shade for your woodwork to accent the scheme. By brushing a paler colour onto the largest wall space, you’ll create a brighter feel, while the darker trim gives you a very sophisticated, elegant look.

We’ve found that when skirting boards are very dark, it makes everything above them look lighter and airier. Try Mahogany, Railings or Mouse’s Back for a contemporary touch.

“Painting your own dado is another brilliant way of creating a more spacious feel with just two colours. Try painting the bottom half of the wall with darker shades, such as Railings or Blue Ground, to really anchor the room.

By brushing on a lighter paint above, such as Purbeck Stone or Ammonite, you’ll find the paler colour of the wall will then flow into the ceiling to help delineate your small space.

“It’s worth remembering that it can be just as effective to embrace the darkness of a small room by using strong colours such as Pelt or Brinjal to create a dramatic, intimate feel. Cloakrooms and powder rooms offer the perfect opportunity to inject bold colour without committing to larger, more lived-in rooms in the home.”

Renowned for their depth of colour and rich pigments, each of Farrow & Ball’s 132 paints responds extraordinarily to the changes of light throughout each day to create a uniquely beautiful look in spaces both large and small.

For more information visit: www.farrow-ball.com.

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Choice | Value | Service

Unit 6c Freshfield Business Park, Stevenson Road, Brighton BN2 0DF 01273 605445

Unit F Brookside Ind. Estate, Brookside Ave, Rustington BN16 3LF 01903 785226

www.eurotilesandbathrooms.com Facebook | Twitter | Cube Online 360 view | Free Parking

OVERSEAS

BUYING OVERSEAS Buying a property overseas can serve the dual purposes of being both an investment opportunity and a holiday home

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s thoughts at this time of year turn to planning holidays, perhaps one investment worth considering is buying a property overseas. This could be for your own use and inviting friends and family regularly to enjoy a familiar break – or as an investment opportunity for renting out almost permanently, thus guaranteeing the best possible return.

But how you buy your new investment is important, particularly with the weak pound and the uncertainty of Brexit. We spoke to Matt Williams from Moneycorp, who gave this advice: “If you are considering a property overseas this year, you will need to think about how to make the international money transfer in

order to pay for it. Most people turn to their bank when they need to send money overseas.

However, high-street banks do not typically offer the most competitive exchange rates and many find that their dream home costs more than expected as a result.

“Specialist providers such as Moneycorp offer exchange rates which are typically 3-4% better than those from high-street banks and which assign every client with a personal account manager. Your personal account manager will provide guidance on the foreign exchange market and explain the tools available to help you make the most of your international transfers.

Using someone like Moneycorp, you could

protect yourself from such negative market movements with a ‘forward contract.’ A ‘forward contract’ allows you to secure an exchange rate now which can then be applied to a currency exchange up to two years ahead. So if you are happy with the rate now but don’t complete on your property for a few months, you can use a ‘forward contract’ to budget ahead with confidence.” (Matt.Williams@moneycorp.com) So, the general advice is, do lots of research on your chosen destination, means of financing the property and reasons behind your investment.

We’ve selected just a few investment opportunities over the next few pages to whet your appetite.

“They offer luxury accommodation available to purchase on a classic freehold basis, and properties range in size”

LUXURY ALPS PROPERTY DEVELOPER LAUNCHES SHOW APARTMENT IN LES GETS Alpine Lodges, developer of the prestigious Keystone Lodge, Mammoth Lodge and Le C residences in Courchevel have constructed a

120-metre-squared show apartment on the site of their Annapurna and Kinabalu residences in Les Gets, Portes du Soleil.

Both residences are currently reserving off-plan, with completion expected in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They offer luxury accommodation available to purchase on a classic freehold basis, and properties range in size from 1-bed

to 6-bed apartments in Kinabalu, and 2-bed to 5-bed in Annapurna. They are both just metres from the piste and within the centre of Les Gets village. They'll feature a private swimming pool and luxury spa complex, lounge bar, restaurant, underground parking and a 24-hour concierge service.

The Les Gets show property is available to view by appointment only through the Alpine Lodges Les Gets sales office: +33 (0) 4 50 79 31 82 or email: info@alpine-lodges.co.uk PORTFOLIO 77

OVERSEAS

“The development is one of the largest the island has seen in the past 40 years”

BERMUDA Caroline Bay Bermuda (Caroline Bay) is a 182acre, ultra-luxury, master-planned, waterfront destination and community located in the serene west end of Bermuda in Southampton and Sandy Parishes. Formerly known as Morgan’s Point, the site of a U.S. Navy annex

TOP TIPS WHEN BUYING ABROAD Overseas property and finance expert Simon Conn has 35 years in the business, and here are his top tips: Ask questions about where a property has been built. For example, if it has been built on an area that should have been set aside for green belt or agricultural land, then the chances are there is a risk. Make sure you take advice from an independent, English-speaking lawyer - preferably not from the same area as the property.

In some cases there can be problems with properties that have been constructed with the wrong permits, granted as a result of corruption, or with no permits at all. An independent lawyer should be able to save you the heartache of seeing your newly purchased dream home demolished.

Consider planning permission and which licences the property needs. Not having the correct licences could have an impact on what utilities you can obtain.

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during World War II, Morgan’s Point was left unutilised for over two decades until Bermudian developers Craig Christensen, Brian Duperreault and Nelson Hunt saw the potential of what the site could be. The development, one of the largest the island has seen in the past 40 years, recently launched sales for The Cove, a Ritz Carlton Reserve Residence. The

Poor construction is a common problem.

Always obtain an independent valuation, ideally from a professional surveyor expert in that country, even if it is a new property, as this will highlight any problems. New properties can sometimes be built in poor soil and with insufficient foundations, substandard building materials, or in dubious locations, such as flood plains.

One of the most important warnings when purchasing abroad is when it comes to contracts. It is common to only receive one contract in the local language, in which case you must get a professional translation completed. If you are given two copies of a contract which include the original and a supposed translation, get the translation checked by a professional.

If you are buying a property to rent out, consider the cost of maintaining the property.

Decide if it is worth employing a managing agent to look after it for you, but do not forget to factor in their costs, as it will reduce your profit.

How often do you intend to visit the property yourself to ensure it’s kept up-to-date? If it’s a long-term let, think about the wear and tear on furniture and other fixed goods.

Distance away: If the property is a long way from your main home, you may need to get there to sort out any major problems.

Who is going to vet your tenants? If they

first phase of the development will have 149 branded residences, with 35 to be completed

by December 2017. The destination will also be home to a super-yacht marina, Caroline Bay Marina which will be completed in April 2017. In addition to the residences and marina, there will also be a Ritz-Carlton branded hotel (79 rooms) and three restaurants, amenities - including two pools- beaches with views galore, a worldclass spa, a kids' club and water sports and activities. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence and hotel is designed by SB Architects, and interiors by HBA. For more information, visit www.carolinebay.com

damage your property, you must have suitable cover and a deposit in place.

Make sure you check what licenses are needed in the area as you may not be allowed to rent out your property there.

Do not be put off buying overseas – it should be no different to buying at home.

Just take the relevant precautions to ensure that you are minimising any risks and things should be fine.

Contact Simon by email at simon@simonconn.com. Tel: 07739 033266 or visit www.simonconn.com

OVERSEAS

LUXURY RETREATS Relax and unwind from the comfort of your own home in these stunning properties with one-of-a-kind spa facilities or luxurious pool

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fter a long week, there’s nothing better than enjoying a relaxing spa weekend in a faraway retreat. However, imagine if you had access to 5-star facilities on your doorstep. These stunning properties across the globe all feature one-of-a-kind spa facilities or luxurious pools that would entice anyone to relax and unwind after a long working week.

TENERIFE Located in Guía de Isora on the west coast of Tenerife, the Abama Custom Villa Plots occupy front-line positions on the golf course. Each plot allows owners to custom design their dream home, including bespoke swimming pools featuring panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera.

FRANCE LE LODGE DES NEIGES, TIGNES Leading French property developer MGM has launched the ultimate ski-in-ski-out development in Tignes 1800. Comprising 63 luxury lease-back apartments, Le Lodge

With an average annual temperature of 18-24 °C, the Abama resort is the perfect year-round destination for poolside living.

The wider Abama resort features amenities of the highest calibre, with access to 10 restaurants, two of which have a total of three Michelin stars among them: the Ritz-Carlton, Abama hotel, Dave Thomas golf course, 7 tennis courts, 9 additional swimming pools, luxury boutiques, spa, kids' club and golden-sand beach.

Abama Custom Villas, from approximately €2 million, including plot, construction, permits, licences and fees.

For further information, contact Abama Custom Villas on +34 922 126011, or visit www.abamahotelresort.com

des Neiges (‘The Snow Lodge’) features an indoor swimming pool, children’s paddling pool, sauna, steam room, hammam, whirlpools and private gymnasium.

Purchasers at the four-star complex will have unrivalled access to an eight-seat gondola, which has been installed directly below the development, reaching the slopes of Espace Killy in a matter of minutes. Prices at Le Lodge des Neiges range from €250,000 for a onebedroom apartment to €650,000 for a fourbedroom apartment.

For further information, contact MGM French Properties on 0207 494 0706, or visit: www.mgmfrenchproperties.com

LA MANGA CLUB, MERCIA, SPAIN Established over 40 years ago, La Manga Club is a mecca for sports and wellness enthusiasts boasting some of the finest tennis, golf and football facilities in the whole of Europe. It has 28 tennis courts, 8 football pitches and 3 immaculate golf courses, as well as volley ball, boules and padel courts, over 15 restaurants and bars, a 5* hotel, 4* apart hotel, indoor and outdoor pools, an expansive 2000sqm spa, fitness centre and a rustic beach.

At the epicentre of the resort’s existing communities sit two rare plots that have just become available. These vast 2,000sqm plots have space to build breathtaking infinity pools with views over the Mar Menor and the national park, which rolls out beyond the resort boundaries. Each of the plots has been aligned with the very latest modern design to offer two exceptional six-bedroom, six-bathroom villas. Ideal for those seeking the very latest in high tech finishes and modern architecture, the properties make the perfect homes for entertaining large groups of friends or family, thanks to their Jacuzzis, infinity pools, large terraces, open-plan living areas and cinema rooms.

The total cost for a plot and custom villa is €2,500,000.

For further information, contact La Manga on +34 968 338 676, or visit www.lamangaclub.com

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OVERSEAS

HOT RIGHT NOW Investing in overseas property? Chris Mansfield from Davenport Property Investment explains how to make it a pleasure, not a pain

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here are some great-looking investments in the overseas property market right now, and some investors believe that the timing is just right to make a clever purchase.

Knowing how important expert, balanced information is to any successful investment, we asked Chris Mansfield (MD of Davenport Property Investment), to give us some guidance on how to avoid the pitfalls and get the property that you really want.

Chris started by explaining why now might be precisely the right time to make an overseas property investment: it’s a strategy being adopted by investors who believe that despite today’s weaker pound, as the difficulties of negotiating Brexit really start to emerge, sterling will lose further value. So an overseas property bought today would not only be attractive in the short-term, it would also mean that investors have diversified their capital, so are effectively hedging their portfolios.

Even if that scenario fails to materialise, many property investors are adopting a policy of “we can’t control the macro economics, and we don’t know what actually IS going to happen, so we’re taking control of our capital, and making pro-active decisions accordingly”.

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The first thing to do Chris advised that your first move is to be certain that you’re getting expert, unbiased, information from a source you know you can trust. Some property investment companies might tell you that property-investing is easy and safe. Chris emphasised that at Davenport, they’ll tell you the opposite: it can be difficult, and if you get it wrong, it can be very far from safe. That’s why he insists on total transparency about each investment. With no exaggerating, and no mis-selling.

“An overseas property bought today would not only be attractive in the short-term, it would also mean that investors have diversified their capital” Beware of legal pit-falls Another piece of advice from Chris was to get the correct legal advice. He explained that he always suggests to clients that they take

specific advice for the jurisdiction in which they’re buying. To help clients achieve that, Davenport has introduced a complete end-toend Concierge Service, “Davenport Property Portfolio,” for clients who want complete peace of mind when buying overseas.

Where’s hot right now?

That depends on what you’re looking for.

Investors should always be clear about what they want from their cash: is it income, capital growth, or lifestyle? If it’s income, for example, there are some extremely good, secure, returns in German property right now. For the strongest capital growth, you’ll probably need to consider off-plan, and for lifestyle, choose your location. For example, there are great opportunities in both France and Spain at this very moment.

Make that call…

Since Davenport started in 2007, they’ve helped hundreds of investors to, firstly, avoid the pitfalls, and then help them make their money make them more money. So if you’d like to experience straight away what property investing, properly explained, actually feels like, call them now on 01273 763 900.

OVERSEAS

ITALIAN PROPERTY FOR PERSONAL USE OR INVESTMENT We asked Linda Travella of Casa Travella Ltd to offer some suggestions for Italian properties that would provide a good rental return and could provide properties for family holidays

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inda selected two of the most popular areas, Lake Como and Tuscany and highlighted what is important when wishing to rent your property.

Ease of access is an important point, and making sure the property is furnished to a good standard, with a flat-screen TV and WiFi. There is outside space to enjoy your aperitif, everyone wants to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine…

The rates you can obtain will vary with the season, but some ideas are: The first property is situated at Sala on Lake Como and is for sale at only €285,000. It has stunning lake views, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, living room with open-plan kitchen and doors onto the balcony with amazing lake views. It boasts a shared pool and garage and is about an hour from Milan's Malpensa airport. It is being sold furnished. You could obtain around €8,000 to €10,000 per annum just by renting for

a few weeks, leaving time for you to enjoy the property with friends and family.

The second property is situated in Southern Tuscany, close to the village of Creti, in a beautiful, typical Tuscan residence with stunning views over the countryside to Cortona.

“A typical Tuscan residence with stunning views over the countryside to Cortona” The spacious property has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, is furnished to a very high standard and has use of the shared pool.

The residence is a restored village, and the property has original features, with delightful

contemporary-style furniture. There is parking and a private terrace as well as a private garden, and the property is being sold fully furnished and ready for rental. Perugia airport is just 40 minutes' drive away and there is a train service to Florence from the local station.

The property could be rented for €120 to €220 per night depending upon the season.

Price is €425,000 Linda Travella can currently be seen presenting the programme “Live the Dream, Italy” on Sky 238, Property TV, between 8pm and 10pm, week nights. She is also featured in the other Italian programmes, giving advice and interviewing an Italian lawyer.

For more information about properties in Italy, contact lindatravella@hotmail.co.uk, or call 0044 (0) 1322 660988, or visit www.casatravella.com PORTFOLIO 81

OVERSEAS

FRENCH ALPS: CHALET LES CINQ SENS – LA CHAPPELLE D’ABONDANCE Chalet les Cinq Sens is a new development in the centre of La Chapelle, d’Abondance a

picture-postcard alpine village, minutes down the valley from Chatel in Le Portes du Soleil.

The development will be made up of five chalet-style apartment buildings, comprised of 48 one-to four-bedroom, large apartments - with 2-bedroom apartments approx. 70 SQM (the average in the Alps is under 50 SQM).

St. Aubyns, Hove

YOUR BEST INVESTMENT MAY BE CLOSER TO HOME

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ur own City of Brighton & Hove is among the top areas in the UK for return on investment so perhaps if your priority is financial security and ease of management, consider this slightly less risky option Best of Brighton Holiday Lettings is one of Brighton’s leading independent holiday letting agents with a fantastic selection of properties within Brighton and Hove and the nearby Sussex area. They specialise in high standard, fully furnished properties for holiday lets and conference/business accommodation for periods ranging from 3 days to 6 months.

Their experienced homeowner team of Carol, Suzanne, Jane, Abi and Elliot, understand

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the importance of maximising the potential of your property, and they have a wealth of knowledge of the area and the holiday homes they market. As one of the family brands

“Best of Brighton provide an excellent service. They have let my flat for the last 7 years. It is let on average for 42 weeks of the year.

This provides me with a rental income 2-3 times the amount a basic shorthold let would achieve” Customer owned by The Original Cottage Company, they also have a central team of marketing, I.T and accountancy experts at their fingertips to help

Each apartment has a large balcony to take in the spectacular surrounding mountains, and those first few investors will be lucky enough to benefit from the southerly orientations of development.

The development is located right in the centre of the village to take advantage of the excellent restaurants, shops and bars, with the ski lifts of Petit Chatel and La Chapelle just minutes away on the free ski bus, located just 50 meters from the development. In summer the pretty Abondance Valley is a great base for walking, fishing, mountain-biking or just relaxing.

The first three buildings are now on sale from only €145,000 – a great investment opportunity.

For more information call 0207 590 1624 or visit www.ernalowproperty.com @ernalowproperty

Bedford House, Kemp Town

and support their own local experts.

Holiday Lettings provide a source of income which is a great way to generate a return on your property investment. They know that by holiday letting you can generate significantly more income each year compared to a residential let, and you can also benefit from tax advantages of owning and letting a FHL. Average yields for holiday letting are 10% compared to 6% for residential lets and with 2017 set to be the year of the staycation, there are plenty of reasons to invest in a property for holiday letting - you can also enjoy your investment as a personal holiday destination!

The team LOVE talking about property, so if you have any questions about how they can help with your investment then please either pop into their Brighton office, send them an email, or give them a call.

Best of Brighton Holiday Lettings 3 Kensington Place, Brighton, BN1 4E 01273 308779 www.bestofbrighton.co.uk

LET with us We’d love to talk to you about how we can maximise income on your property.

www.bestofbrighton.co.uk

COLOURING PAGE Colour me calm - Owl

“Take time out during your stressful day to colour in, or download a free design" www.tescoliving.com

HEALTH

"Don't struggle alone, don't fear the unknown, ask for help and let your smile re-grow"

Post-Natal Mental Health Post-natal depression is more than just the baby blues, but effective support and treatment is available, especially if help is sought early on

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or most women, most of the time, having a baby is a wondrous, happy, exciting and miraculous event. It’s also a time of tremendous change, physically, socially, emotionally, psychologically, and economically.

With all these changes happening at once, it is not surprising that mental health problems are relatively common post-natally. The combination of hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, huge responsibilities to a beautiful, entirely dependent human, as well as changes in relationships and how a woman defines herself can all contribute to the emotional turmoil.

Over half of new mothers will experience some form of the “baby blues” 3-4 days after giving birth. This can consist of mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety and increased sensitivity, but usually stops after 3 to 5 days, and does not require treatment.

However, there is a more serious form, generally known as post-natal depression (PND for short). This usually develops within one to two months after giving birth but can occur any time in the first year after having a baby. PND is a depressive illness which affects approximately 15 in every 100 women, a third of which have symptoms that started during pregnancy and

persisted after giving birth.

PND’s symptoms are not dissimilar to general depression and include feeling low, unhappy and tearful much or all of the time. Women may feel unable to take any pleasure from anything, including their baby. They are usually exhausted and lack energy and enthusiasm. Paradoxically,

"PND’s symptoms are not dissimilar to general depression and include feeling low, unhappy and tearful much or all of the time" sleep may be disturbed; even when the baby sleeps, women suffering from PND often cannot sleep, despite feeling exhausted. Consistently worrying about things, having feelings of guilt and shame, along with other anxious and negative thoughts, can all contribute to this.

Appetite is often affected and high levels of anxiety are common. Women with PND can also worry excessively about their babies’ health.

They may fear that their baby is ill, crying too much, not gaining enough weight or is even too quiet. The physical symptoms of anxiety can include a thumping heart, racing pulse, sweating and breathlessness and fear that they may be having a heart attack.

PND can vary in severity. In some cases there is an improvement spontaneously over time with increased support from relatives and friends.

More severe forms of the illness may need the support of psychological therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) combined with antidepressant medications where necessary.

Although daunting, it is important to emphasise that treatment for PND is very effective, especially if help is sought early on. GPs, midwives and health visitors are all trained to recognise PND and put the right support in place for a positive recovery.

For further help and guidance contact: Brighton and Hove Clinic, 01273 747464 or email brighton@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk Written by Dr Glen Berelowitz PORTFOLIO 85

Sussex’s original wooden flooring centre For friendly advice contact 01273 423600 99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade, BN41 1GU www.woodenflooringcentre.com FREE PARKING AT BACK OF SHOWROOM

CONCREATE TRENDS Creating the latest concrete trends just got easier with innovative Concreate

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he trend for using concrete in contemporary interior design is at an all-time high, with a host of products and looks inspiring modern, urban and textured concrete styling that is both architecturally striking and hard-wearing. New and innovative Concreate floor and wall panels simply have the style without the hassle. The latest concrete looks can now be created using a new concrete material that is lightweight, costeffective, durable and easy to install, while mirroring the same high- end look of traditional poured and polished concrete.

Concreate is the first product of its kind manufactured with magnesium oxide cement to produce a lightweight, decorative engineered concrete panel that looks and feels just like poured concrete.

Sustainable, contemporary and stylish, Concreate is a versatile alternative to conventional poured and polished concrete surfaces. The ready-made floor and wall panels can be installed in just about any interior space and work alongside any material to create compelling architectural styling.

Here are just a few reasons why Concreate is an ideal choice to give your space a fashionable and durable concrete look without compromising on style or quality: Ease of installation: A room can be transformed within hours, completely dust-free and with no grouting or polishing as Concreate arrives presealed and pre-polished. The floors are fitted on a bed of fast-drying solvent-free adhesive, and the new floor can be walked on straight away.

Lightweight: Concreate floor panels are lightweight and can be installed on any type of sub-floor, with no weight bearing issues. So, from bedrooms to bathrooms and mezzanines to stairways, concrete becomes an option in any space.

Sustainable: Concreate uses only a small amount of traditional portland cement concrete making Concreate a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional concrete surfaces.

Aesthetic finish: The Concreate surface is intricately produced with a raw, brutalist aesthetic in mind, and is air cured, giving each panel a unique natural surface patina. The Concreate floor and wall panels are available in three natural shades, Natural Grey, Dark Grey and Mineral White.

Combine wood and concrete: Concreate panels allow wood and concrete flooring to combine with no transition gap. A common tongue and groove system is used on both the concrete and the smoke oak panel in the range, so you can create subtle room zones.

Architectural features: Dramatic lighting, floating stairs, bathroom panels, kitchen splash backs and feature shelving are just some of the ways you can get really creative with Concreate. Patterns can even be engraved.

Warmth: The surface of Concreate is very tactile. It absorbs ambient temperature and stores it as a thermal mass. This means that it can heat up quickly and maintains room temperature, unlike thick poured or tiled concrete floors. It is also perfect for under- floor heating.

Outdoors: The wall panels can be used in a myriad of ways outside to create decorative features such as garden walls, seating and planters.

Concreate’s unique floor and wall panels make creating a modern concrete twist in any interior space, on any floor, and even outside.

For more information, or to arrange a quotation, contact Wooden Flooring Centre Ltd. 99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade BN41 1GU Tel: 01273 423600 www.woodenflooringcentre.com

We design, create and install bespoke furniture to commercial, domestic and retail sectors.

Web site: www.redjoinery.com Twitter: @redjoinery Tel: 01273 463799 Mob: 07970274626

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RUG BUILDER

MODERN CLASSIC In charcoal and silver for a cool, contemporary look, the pile features a shimmering lustre that will look great in both modern or classical room settings. 100% Viscose Luxury Handtufted Indian Rugs. Available in sizes 1.7 x 1.2m, 2.3 x 1.6m, 2 x 2m, 2.9 x 2m. Blade Border rug from £179. www.kingscarpetshove.com

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Use the Make Me A Rug builder from Alternative Flooring to create your own bespoke rug. The extensive rage runs from natural flooring to iconic collections by architect Ashley Hicks and the Liberty fabrics collection. The room view builds the rug in your own virtual room. www.alternativeflooring.com

HAVES DECO RUG A kaleidoscope of colours with an eyecatching combination of up to 29 shade, creates a defining design statement on your floor. Hand-woven with a 100% viscose pile, these rugs are thick and heavy but silky soft and luxurious to the touch. Available in three sizes: 1.7 x 1.2m; 2.3 x 1.6m; 3 x 2m. MultiDeco rug from £179. www.kingscarpetshove.com

To protect or simply brighten up busy floors, just add a colourful rug to any room in the house for an instant Springtime effect

BOLD PATTERN This pure-wool multi-coloured rug features a unique pattern inspired by tribal designs from around the world. This stunning rug uses bold, solid colours that make for a very vibrant effect, sure to create a lively look in any room.

Origins Multi-Coloured rug: available in three sizes: 120 x 170 cm; 150 x 230 cm; 180 x 270 cm. From £165. www.harleyandlola.co.uk

Huge stocks of rugs available • • •

See our new online shop at: www.kingscarpetshove.com 111 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF Tel: 01273 721444

A great choice of fitted carpets for anywhere in your home.

Experienced and friendly staff with expert fitting fully guaranteed.

Members of ‘The Carpet Foundation’, meaning you are protected by the consumer code of practice, which is backed by ‘Trading Standards’.

HARLEQUIN Hand crafted, from China, acrylic pile in 24 fashionable designs and colours.

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GARDENING

INTO THE GARDEN Days are getting lighter and longer at last, with foliage unfolding and buds opening our gardens. Tara de la Motte, on what to do in the garden this month

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pril brings us a glimpse of the summer which is just around the corner, with the days getting lighter and longer and with things getting exciting in our gardens as every day yet another flower appears somewhere.

Foliage unfolding and buds opening, all creating drama in our gardens.

Even if you don't have a large outdoor space, an instant garden can be created just by using pots and being clever with planting. Pots can not only be moved around but can also be planted according to the seasons. When choosing plants for your pots, think about what will look pretty together. The chosen plants should all like the same conditions.

Avoid putting moisture-loving plants with ones which like a dryer soil. Remember, you can plant vegetables and herbs alongside flowers, too, for a striking and edible display.

Hanging baskets can provide instant

colour in the garden and April is a good time to start putting them out as we should have seen the end of frosts by now. To ensure your baskets and pots look their very best right through the summer, remember to regularly dead head, and this will encourage further flowering. Keep your pots and baskets well fed and watered and you will be rewarded with beautiful blooms.

April is a good time to sow hardy annuals.

Lavateras, nasturtiums and clarkia may be sown in patches or between clumps of late perennials. These annuals can be sown directly where they are to flower without much soil preparation, and once the seedlings appear, they can be thinned out.

This is a wonderful month to visit the many garden centres to look at and purchase plants that will enhance your garden in the coming months.

Things to do in the garden this month…

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• • • • •

Feed lawns with a light feed and cut regularly with the blades of the mower set low.

Mulch beds to eliminate weeds and keep in moisture.

Plant evergreen trees and shrubs.

Perennials like Asters and Michaelmas daisies can be lifted and divided.

Sow hardy annuals for summer display.

Prune shrubs like Hydrangea, fuchsia and ceanothus.

Enjoy your April garden as it unfolds

“This is a wonderful month to visit the many garden centres to look and purchase plants that will enhance your garden in the coming months”

“There are some exciting new floor finishes that offer just as much style and beauty as wood or stone, with more flexibility and simple hard wear�

INTERIORS

FLAWLESS Floors can be beautiful, functional and a key design tool in any home. This month we look at how to ensure your floors are flawless

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hat makes the perfect floor? Is it how it looks and feels, or is durability the key? Flooring is a major investment, so it needs to look and feel right. We look at the trends in floors that are stylish and practical.

FLOORED BY DESIGN Floor finishes are crucial to how space works, and there are lots of design tricks to make rooms seem larger, lighter or both. First of all, think simple.

The classic modernist trick of using the same floor finish inside and outside the house, continuing tiles through folding doors to the patio outside, helps increase the sense of space and allows you to enjoy your garden all year round. Even if you can’t go outside, using one colour or finish throughout will enhance the space and draw attention to other key features.

Larger-sized boards or tiles will open up space in your home. Laid crossrather than length-ways, they can make even narrow hallways feel bigger.

Lighter floor finishes are traditionally used to make space feel bigger and brighter, but any simple, good-quality finish used consistently will enhance the space. One key trend this year is for dark wood floors, which look beautiful and have the added benefit of not requiring twice-daily cleaning.

Brushed and textured finishes are also increasingly popular this year.

More of us are looking for original and one-off floor designs: A custom mosaic or parquet flooring, tailored to our space, can be a lovely feature, large or small.

ON THE TILES Flagstones, limestone, slate, ceramics, encaustic or even quarry: Tiles come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Small rooms can benefit from light-reflecting, paler, plain tiles. Larger sizes, or square tiles laid on the diagonal, can make a room seem bigger. Large, light areas can take darker colours, and texture will help add depth or define an area. Contrasting grout – darker grout with paler tiles, or vice versa - adds a contemporary finish.

There are other advantages to choosing tiles. Safe, hygienic and easy to clean, they provide a layer of noise and heat insulation. Underfloor heating will make them cosy in winter.

NATURAL STONE Natural stone tiles give a beautiful finish. Limestone - a soft, sedimentary stone - is perfect in halls and kitchens (make sure you use a good sealant, though). Popular with designers, it comes in a variety of shades from parchment to a soft honey colour. Travertine is similar to limestone but has a more variegated appearance, and is also available in a variety of forms, including polished, honed and tumbled. Marble (formed when limestone is super-heated under pressure over many years) gives a high-gloss polish, adding depth and light to rooms. Slate, granite and quartz are also back in vogue. Save the darker colours for light rooms and big spaces, though.

Photo: www.mistersmith.co.uk

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Photo: Cashmere Marble Effect Tiles, www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

Hunter Inglenook Photo: Vecchio Floreale Indigo Tiles, www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

INTERIORS

CERAMIC AND COMPOSITE TILES Of course, the choice of tiles is far wider than natural stone. Ceramic tiles can be more affordable, easier to work with, and offer a greater choice of colour and finish.

Older Brighton and Hove properties may still have original encaustic and ceramic tiles on doorsteps, in kitchens and hallways. If you’re interested in restoring this feature to your home, ask around neighbours and see if anyone has the originals to help get the look right. The simple, clean lines of ceramic tiles are perfect for contemporary spaces, and work in period homes, too: terracotta, encaustic and mosaic tiles are traditional in halls, bathrooms and kitchens.

“Vinyl flooring can bring the delicate appearance of wood or stone into any area of the house” NATURAL WOOD Floorboards are another strong trend for 2017.

The simplest choice for a real wood floor can be to sand, stain or varnish existing floorboards.

If they’re in good condition, this can give a simple, authentic look. If not, be prepared to have some of the boards replaced (with new or reclaimed wood), and select a stain that will blend new boards in with old.

Alternatively, there are two main types of wooden floor. Engineered or wood-laminate flooring consists of a plywood base with a coated veneer of real wood on top, and is usually cheaper than solid wood. Boards can be laid on top of existing wood or concrete floors.

The second choice is a solid hardwood floor - solid timber planks that can be laid straight onto joists or on top of existing wooden floors, which come either pre-finished (sanded and treated) or unfinished.

Single-strip flooring – with one ‘strip’ per plank – generally gives a cleaner, more ‘original’ finish than two- or three-strip boards (which can end up simply looking like a laminate). Parquet flooring, consisting of realwood blocks that can be laid over a variety of bases, is also very desirable, and if you’re

lucky enough to have some original parquet in your home, make a feature of it. Interior designers are using wood and parquet with other textures and finishes like stone and textile to create a contemporary feel.

FLOORS OF THE FUTURE There are some exciting new floor finishes that offer just as much style and beauty as wood or stone, with more flexibility and simple, hard wear. Lino is making a comeback: An all-natural floor finish, it’s extremely durable, withstanding heavy traffic and scratches, and lasts for decades. Lino comes in a wide variety of colours, from quiet neutrals to vibrant hues, and the colour runs all the way through rather than being printed on the surface. Choose from sheets or tiles. Sheet linoleum lends itself to vibrant designs through borders and insets, while tiles can be arranged in virtually any pattern imaginable.

Vinyl flooring – Karndean and Amtico are leading brands – is another hardwearing, beautiful floor. With a vast range of colours and patterns, vinyl flooring can bring the delicate appearance of wood or stone into any area of the house (even bathrooms). Easy to fit, vinyl is warm underfoot and long-lasting – something to make you fall in love with your home every time you come through the door.

CARPET If you still can’t bear the thought of not having carpet under your toes, here are a few options: Wool – Generally used for high-quality carpets, you’ll pay more for natural materials, but you’ll get a great looking floor covering that is made from sustainable fibre, is resilient and highly durable. It gets top marks for insulation, too – good for reducing heat loss and noise – and retains its appearance remarkably well.

Wool also feels beautiful and soft underfoot.

Wool-mix – Some consider a mix of 80% wool, 20% manmade fibres (such as polyamide or polyester), a practical combination for an all-purpose carpet.

Polypropylene – This synthetic carpet fibre is a popular choice, because it’s hardwearing and resistant to stains. It can be cleaned using a part-bleached cleaning solution, although always check with the manufacturer or retailer first. However, Polypropylene is flammable and not self-extinguishing.

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Photo: www.mistersmith.co.uk

BITE SIZED

Nick Mosley, Managing Director of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival CIC, rounds up the month’s food news

My Brighton’s tea time tour Take a tour of Brighton’s famous sights with Afternoon Tea at My Brighton – the city’s leading designer hotel.

Enjoy a gastronomic smorgasbord, including lily and jasmine tea, inspired by the Royal Pavilion, indulgent chocolate beach ‘pebbles’, tiny tubs of popcorn in honour of the Duke of York’s Picturehouse, cakes and macaroons, and open sandwiches from the brilliant Hell’s Kitchen on neighbouring Gardner Street. All washed down with a classic cocktail from My Brighton’s stylish Merkaba.

Prices from £18.50 per person to £24 per person, including a cocktail. www.myhotels.com/brighton

60 seconds with…

Michael Bremner, Chef Patron at 64 Degrees

Guilty secret food?

I'm a sucker for cream eggs.

First kitchen job?

When I was 15 I got a job washing pots at a country house hotel in Aberdeenshire.

Seafood or meat?

Meat. I love cooking and eating game, especially. We get some fantastic produce locally.

Favourite restaurant?

There are many, but my Phot: Ju lia Claxto n favourite meal in the last three years was at Relae in Copenhagen.

Chef you most admire?

Such a hard question…There's lots, but David Chang has always been a favourite.

Essential ingredient?

Salt. It makes everything taste better.

Favourite international cuisine?

I am really loving Vietnamese food right now. I could live on spicy beef pho. www.64degrees.co.uk

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Brighton Cocktail Week I’ve been working with my colleague Zoe Cunliffe from Mixology Group (www.mixologygroup.co.uk) on an all-new Brighton Cocktail Week that runs alongside the 12-day Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival in May. With over 30 bars and restaurants participating, each will offer five twists on classic cocktails using our sponsor liquors, all at just £5 each for wristband holders.

That’s an unbeatable deal on drinks at the best venues in the city, and a great opportunity to explore some of the hidden gems of Brighton’s cocktail scene.

Wristbands only available in advance from www.brightoncocktailweek.com order now as when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Phot: Julia Claxton

FOOD

Gail’s in town The march of quality food and drink outlets along Church Road in Hove goes on with the opening of Steven Edward’s Etch and a new branch of Gail’s Bakery at number 157 Church Road. This is Gail’s first outlet on the south coast, having been established in London since the mid-90s. Offering all the usual bakery fayre – including coffee and sandwiches – its the bread that’s the real stand-out product.

From French Dark Sourdough to German Rye, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Keep an eye out for the special edition Chocolate Sourdough that’s out in the run-up to Easter – perfect smothered with butter. www.gailsbread.co.uk/bakeries/hove

‘Common’ in to North Laine’s newest eatery I’ve always been a big fan of The Manor in Upper Gardner Street. After seven years of running The Manor at 52 Gardner Street, Andy and Georgina are re-launching their North Laine café as Common - a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant serving proper food made with love. Common is open for brunchy-breakfasts, lunches to linger over and excellent coffee and deserts. By night the two floors become a space for private dining, workshops and parties overseen by new partner in crime, Sophia.

“Brighton’s restaurant scene is taking off and our new direction feels timely,” says Andy, original Commoner and chef.

“We’ve built a strong team with great combined experience who can bring to life the potential of our amazing location.

We’re upping our game in terms of menu and experience, but won’t lose our friendly spirit, or sense of fun. Promise.”

Common’s seasonal menus showcase produce from local and small-scale suppliers, Andy and team cook everything from scratch. Georgina and restaurant manager James are working with legendary Brightonian Henry Butler of Butler’s Wine Cellar to create a perfect accompanying drinks list.

TASTY BITE A new Brighton classic set to open with Pascere Pascere, a new restaurant from Platinum magazine’s Food Editor, Amanda Menahem, is due to open later this year in The Lanes. Chef Tom Griffiths – formerly of Flank – will head up the kitchen. Elegant yet informal, Pascere will provide a relaxing environment where customers can experience warm, attentive service. Seasonal allday menus with small plates and an a la carte menu of classics, can be accompanied by a selection of wines by the glass.

For Pascere owner Amanda, food, wine and hospitality have been an enduring love.

“Wanting the best for my customers meant choosing a head chef very carefully”, says Amanda. “I love nurturing talent and as a fan of the Brighton food scene I wanted Pascere to be a launch pad for talented chefs who may go on to have their own restaurants.”

Tom Griffiths was a natural choice as Amanda’s first head chef. “Pascere will truly showcase Tom’s cooking. He brings the ability to create a first-class dining experience within our exquisite environment.”

SAVE THE

DATE : The B righto and D n&H o r 18-29 ink Festiva ve Food l M retur a yw progr amm ith an epi ns e of d c tours in a FREE nd trails p ners, lu E The W NTRY Sus s the sex & orld W the S pring eekend o n Bank Holid ay. brigh tonfo odfes tival.c om PORTFOLIO 97

RESTAURANT review

A WINNING FOX In search of more outstanding Sussex pub grub, Daniel Frickelton and guest go fox hunting in the shadow of the South Downs and get a nice surprise...

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ne of the best things about living in or near the South Downs National Park is that you are spoilt for choice when the hungries come a-knockin.' Although not as numerous as the sheep, a wide range of high-quality pubs and gastropubs cater for the tastes of just about any modern gastronomic preference and serve up a tempting range of locally sourced grub.

The Ginger Fox, located in a rural setting in the shadow of Poynings and Devil's Dyke, approximately seven miles outside of Brighton, is a fine example. Having begun life as a local, thatched-roof pub, the Ginger Fox is now a jewel in the crown of the The Gingerman Group, which also includes The Ginger Man, The Ginger Pig and The Ginger Dog, all of which are widely regarded as some of the best eateries in Brighton and Hove. Serving high-quality, seasonal Sussex produce, from local fish and meat, local ales, and award-winning wine from Ridgeview, The Ginger Fox is no exception to the rule.

We were looking for dinner on a Wednesday evening. Having lived in Scandinavia for many years, Wednesday is, for me, the least sexy night of the week. There's never much happening on a Wednesday evening: nothing on TV, no reason to dine out unless you like to avoid the weekend crowds. Wednesday is a good choice for scheduling your housing association's annual meeting, or any meeting, for that matter, if you are looking for a good attendance. So, we were surprised to find The Ginger Fox as busy as it was in the middle of the week. We will have to come back for lunch when the weather warms up so that we can experience the beautiful beer garden, which apparently boasts a separate raised-bed area for growing veggies, stunning views of the South Downs and a children’s play area featuring a fun treasure hunt-style trail.

The immediate impression as we entered was one of relaxed, friendly intimacy. The

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lighting is very soft and soothing, the staff unpretentiously friendly and welcoming. We liked the clean look of the dining area, free of bric-a-brac and clutter, with plenty of space between tables. My guest always notices when there is a candle on the table – even if just an electronic one – so we were feeling quite comfy and “at home” when Monika arrived with the wine list.

"The pureed fresh pear linked arms with the silky, “polite” oriental-soy dressing" A glance at the menu and specials board had already confirmed that this was going to be a “red” evening for us. We decided to give the overworked Malbec a rest and plumped instead for a Merlot from the Pay d'Oc region, in part

because we once enjoyed a fabulous bottle of Oc red with a piping hot cassoulet on a bitingly cold day in Carcasonne. This Merlot was strictly French, combining bags of juicy berryfruits with a balancing streak of Gallic astringency. Great value for money.

The menu offers an array of tasty ways to get your meal started. There are just four wellchosen starters, and, for the less hungry, four or five appetisers, including intriguing options like Apple Cider Glazed Sprouts with Feta and Pomegranate, or Braised Pork Rib Croquettes with Chipotle Mayonnaise, to highlight but two.

Next time...

We went straight to the starters, no messing about. The chef either knows my dinner companion, or a legion of like-minded ladies, very well. There it was, the one she always goes for, like a Frenchman for a snail: goat's cheese.

Well, Goat's Cheese Croquettes with Pumpkin Ketchup and Pumpkin Seeds, to be exact. Warm and crispy on the outside, oozingly comforting on the inside, with a soothingly, slightly sweet,

RESTAURANT review

dressing and bits of pumpkin seed crunch to give it some bite. She still mentions it at odd times, eyelids fluttering slightly, in a drowsy, sensuous voice.

No such nonsense for me. I am very fond of livers – from almost any creature – to the point of jaw-aching boredom. I decided to transcend my monotony, ignore the very tempting Duck Liver with Roasted Pineapple, Sesame Puree and Sesame Pastry (omg – you gotta admit...) and try something else I often fail to walk past: cheek (see my review in the March issue of this magazine). Braised Pork Cheek, on this occasion. I could smell this dish before I ever saw it, as it gave off a savoury vapor trail as Monika brought it to our table. Once before me, I had to savour the wonderful aromas of this dish for a minute before digging in. The celeriac puree and pickled celery enhanced the savoury soul of the main ingredient, succulent braised pork cheek, and the pureed fresh pear linked arms with the silky, “polite” oriental-soy dressing. A clever, clever dish that would have sufficed as a perfect main.

Continuing with what was a meat orgy that any self-respecting Viking would have made the subject of a runic epitaph, I ordered the homemade Saddlescombe lamb pie from the

specials board. If you like pie, prefer a light, golden-brown crust with not too much fat or suet, and you can get into copious chunks of slow-cooked, succulent local lamb in their own gravy on a bed of steamed Savoy cabbage with a generous spoonful of creamy mash, then this dish must go straight to the top of your “To Eat” list. Nuff said...

"Small dark-chocolate truffles filled with silky salt caramel, seemingly made from the tears of angels" The other main, Confit Guinea Fowl Leg with Red Cabbage, Celeriac Puree and Mash was also off the specials board. Being confit, it was falling-off-the-bone perfection, seasoned to within an inch of its thigh bone and delivering bags of savoury delight. The cabbage and mash merely enhanced the home-cooked tour de force of the guinea fowl.

We were sated at this point, so eschewed

the tempting desserts in favour of a small selection of homemade sweets to accompany our coffees. Small dark-chocolate truffles filled with silky salt caramel, seemingly made from the tears of angels, and a piece of soft, milky homemade fudge rounded off one of the best gastropub meals we've had around Sussex.

I can't speak for the Gingerman Group as a whole, but the winning strategy at The Ginger Fox is fairly obvious and, I expect, deliberate: 1) Create an ambience that is relaxed, friendly and intimate and hire staff like Monika, who can deliver this; 2) Buy the best local ingredients and resist the urge to over-complicate their preparation and presentation – emphasis on flavours; 3) Deliver value for money – stunning food and drink at very reasonable prices.

We're looking forward to the warmer weather and to biking out to the Ginger Fox for lunch, making use of their purpose-built, secure bike racks and free water bottle top-ups. See you there!

The Ginger Fox Muddleswood Road, near Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9EA. 01273 857888 www.thegingerfox.com

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DAYS out

NATIONAL TRUST EGG HUNTS The National Trust has teamed up with Cadbury to offer families around West Sussex the ultimate Easter experience, with their ever-popular Easter Egg Hunts

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his year, the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt (14 to 17 April*) will be inviting families to unleash their inner explorers on egg hunts through woodlands, heathland, along nature trails and through spring gardens blooming with life.There are no fewer than nine Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts to choose from around West Sussex, guaranteeing a fun-filled Easter for everyone. You’ll also find seasonal trails and family fun throughout the school holidays. Every time you take part in a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, you’ll help the National Trust fund vital conservation work to protect our special places across the South East. To discover a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at a National Trust property near you, visit: www.cadbury.co.uk/easter Alfriston Clergy House 14-17 April, 10.30am-4.30pm, £2 per trail sheet.

This medieval thatched Wealden hall-house and its picturesque garden are great for exploring this Easter. Surrounded by a delightful, tranquil cottage garden that’s bursting with wildlife for you to spot. The ideal place for you to go on an adventure around the garden in search of hidden bunnies.

Nymans 14-23 April, 10am-4pm, £3 per trail sheet.

Young explorers can have huge fun in the spectacular gardens at Nymans this spring.

Challenge them to find the topiary shapes and statues, brave the balancing logs and try denbuilding. Explore secluded hidden corners and secret paths on a nature-inspired Cadbury Egg Hunt at Nymans this spring.

Slindon 14-17 April, 11am-3pm, £3 per trail sheet.

With countless historic landscape features and its unspoilt Sussex village, Slindon Estate has something for every visitor. Join us on this year’s annual Cadbury Egg Hunt and discover the woods of Slindon. Explore their secret dips and hollows to claim your chocolate and solve all the clues left behind by Bunny.

Birling Gap 14-17 April, 10am -3pm, £3 per trail sheet.

Birling Gap is a great spot for coastal walks, rock pooling and fossil hunting – all while enjoying panoramic views of one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast.

Then you can refuel with a seaside picnic or drop into the café, shop and visitor centre. Bunny has been visiting his friends from the seaside at Birling Gap this spring. Follow the map with clues to each of the Easter eggs on the trail, answer the questions to complete the challenges and find your way to your delicious prize.

Petworth 8-23 April, 11am-4pm, £3 per trail sheet.

With acres of beautiful parkland, come wander in the footsteps of JMW Turner. Sir Wyndham Bunny is holidaying far away on Easter Island and would like to send a postcard to all his friends but has lost his address book. He needs your help to find his bunny friends and their addresses at Petworth and also complete some creative challenges along the way.

Standen 8-23 April, 11am-3pm, £3 per trail sheet.

With beautiful hillside gardens, winding woodland paths and views across the Sussex Countryside, Standen is perfect for a family day out. The Easter Bunny has visited Standen and has been hopping around the garden. Follow the trail to claim a chocolate reward.

Devil’s Dyke 15-17 April, 11am-3pm, £3 per trail sheet.

This spring, head to Devil's Dyke for a day of fun for all the family. Come along anytime between 11am and 3pm to collect your quiz sheet and map. Find the plastic eggs around the Dyke to solve the clues.

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Sheffield Park and Garden 1-20 April, 10am-4pm, £3.50 per trail sheet.

With acres of landscape garden containing lakes and waterfalls, Sheffield Park and Garden is perfect for your family day out. Join in on this year’s Cadbury Egg Hunt and help the Earl find his lost precious eggs. Look for them sparkling, shining and glittering in the garden as you follow the map to discover the Earl’s treasures and claim your chocolate reward.

Woolbeding Countryside 15 April, 10.30am-3.30pm, £3 per trail sheet.

Woolbeding Common is an ancient and wild landscape, offering glorious views and a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle. Drop in for a day of fun activities for all the family with egg decorating and rolling, a springtime Cadbury Egg Hunt along the River Rother, an egg shy and egg race.

For more information on National Trust events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

CELEBRITY chef recipe

WOK STAR Over three decades ago, Ken Hom brought Chinese cuisine to the shores of Britain with the astronomically successful Ken Hom’s Chinese Cookery.

Now, Ken has released his autobiography, My StirFried Life, and looks back on a career bringing Asian influences into our homes and kitchens…

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ome 32 years ago, it was difficult to find the freshest ingredients, but now you can find things anywhere, it doesn't have to be London. I love going outside of London to see how rich ordinary supermarkets are now. The array is almost unimaginable. It's exciting, and you can cook anything now. We live in a brave new world.

Anything properly cooked in a wok always works, no matter what it is. Combinations of lots of vegetables, with very little meat, I think, are the best, healthiest and tastiest options. It's the way we should be eating to lead a better life.

Number one, make sure you have all your ingredients ready beforehand. Get your wok very, very hot before you add the oil. When the oil is very hot and almost smoking, that's when you start to add ingredients. Do your meats first, then take them out, let them drain, then do your veggies. When you're cooking in the

wok with your veggies, don't add more oil, add just a little bit of wine, water or stock and cover it, and then let the vegetables steam. Then, return your meat back to the wok and add your sauces. You'll have a perfect stir-fry.

I always suggest that you start with the simplest stir-fries, and if you want to be really adventurous, get my Complete Chinese Cookbook, which has everything, at every level. Then, gradually experiment, go from one thing to another, and soon you'll see which dishes you like the best and what you're most comfortable with.

Sometimes I discover new ways of doing things, and I think that's a big part of what keeps me excited. I'm learning all the time, and travelling inspires me, because I'm exposed to new things. Different chefs are doing different things, and that actually provides a lot of material for my book and my learning process.

It keeps me from becoming an old codger!

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“Chinese chefs are masters at making foods not appear as what they are supposed to be, and that playful attitude is apparent in this delightful dish�

CELEBRITY chef recipe

SQUIRREL FISH This is a recipe that involves a whole fish. Remember, serving a fish in its entirety will bring plenty of good fortune to those at the table.

Chinese chefs are masters at making foods not appear as what they are supposed to be, and that playful attitude is apparent in this delightful dish. It is all in the technique of preparing the fish. Once fried, the fish curls up like a squirrel’s tail, hence its name. This is the classic presentation of a banquet dish for a sweet and sour fish. It is worth doing and is impressive, to say the least.

Serves 4-6 Recipe •

1 whole sea bass, about 1kg (2.2lbs), cleaned

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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Cornflour or potato starch for dusting

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900ml (1½ pints) groundnut or vegetable oil

For the sauce: •

300ml (10 fl oz) chicken stock

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4 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry

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6 tbsp light soy sauce

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3 tsp dark soy sauce

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3 tsp tomato puree

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6 tbsp Chinese white rice vinegar or cider vinegar

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2 tbsp sugar

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2 tbsp cornflour, blended with 4 tbsp water

Method First, cut off the fish head behind the gills and set aside. With a sharp knife, fillet the fish on one side and cut until you reach the tail bone. Do the same with the other side.

Gently pull the two fillets intact and attached to the tail bone. Cut the bone that is attached to the tail bone. You should have two fillets held together by the tail bone.

(Alternatively, you can ask your fishmonger to do this for you) Now, score each fillet (flesh side) in a criss-cross pattern. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Thoroughly dust the fish and the reserved fish head with cornflour or potato starch, shaking off any excess.

Make the sauce by combining all the ingredients, except the cornflour mixture, in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Slowly thicken the sauce with the cornflour mixture and set aside.

Heat a large wok until it is very hot. Add the oil and, when the oil is slightly smoking, quickly deep-fry the fish until it is crispy and cooked. Drain on kitchen paper. Now deep-fry the fish head and drain on kitchen paper.

Set the fish and head on a platter and pour over the sauce. Serve at once.

Recipe from Ken Hom’s My Stir-Fried Life Ken Hom’s My Stir-Fried Life is available now via The Robson Press. RRP £20.

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MOTORING

PEUGEOT’S DOUBLES PARTNERSHIP Mother of tennis superstar brothers, Andy and Jamie, Judy Murray, and the Peugeot 3008 SUV have formed the ultimate doubles partnership

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“Judy’s Peugeot 3008 SUV will enable her to visit communities across the country as she continues to deliver her ‘Tennis on the Road’ initiative”

eugeot Ambassador Judy Murray and the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV have formed the ultimate doubles partnership, after the Scottish tennis coach and mother of tennis superstar brothers Andy and Jamie took delivery of a 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT model.

Presented by Peugeot Head of Communications, James Parfett, the vehicle was prepared by Hardie’s of Stirling.

Judy’s Peugeot 3008 SUV will enable her to visit communities across the country as she continues to deliver her ‘Tennis on the Road’ initiative, which trains tennis coaches to increase participation in the sport.

The ‘Tennis on the Road’ scheme specifically aims to bring tennis to communities with limited opportunity to play, and, in turn, build a workforce of local people to ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy the sport.

With a capacious boot boasting up to 591 litres of space, rear seats which fold flat to extend capacity to 1,670 litres as well as a folding front passenger seat to create a truly versatile load space, the all-new 3008 SUV will be perfect for transporting large, bulky pieces of tennis equipment across the UK. Parfett said: “We recognise the importance of sport in every community, and Peugeot's partnership with Judy is about making tennis accessible to everyone.

“The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV is a car packed with simple, brilliant design features that will make Judy’s travels across the country as efficient as possible, even with a whole host of tennis equipment in tow.

The Peugeot 3008 i-Cockpit® recently scooped the Technology Award at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2017,impressing judges with its innovative design, leading-edge technology and high-class interior.

It also received a commendation in the Thatcham Research-sponsored Safety Award category.

The all-New Peugeot 3008 SUV was launched at the start of 2017 and can be fully configured and purchased online using Peugeot Order Online facility at www.peugeot.co.uk

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TV ROUNDUP Here are our TV hot picks for this Spring

SECOND-CHANCE SUMMER

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en strangers, all at a crossroads in life, are about to embark on an experience that could change their lives forever. In a brand-new, heart-warming series from the makers of The Real Marigold Hotel, five men and five women arrive in Tuscany to see if their dream to make a new start in the Italian countryside can become a reality.

Settling into La Banditaccia in the foothills of Mount Amiata, the group meet owner and local farmer Maurizio. With its vineyard, olive grove and space for a restaurant, this extraordinary location harbours many possibilities to make a new life. After a tour around the estate, they begin to understand the enormity of the scale of what they’ve taken on.

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As well as getting to know each other, the group of singles must adjust to communal living and get to grips with life on the farm. Learning to keep the wild boar at bay, they tackle their first Merlot grape harvest - with mixed results.

The group must integrate with the locals, trying out their basic Italian, and throw themselves into the trials of rural Tuscan living - with all the challenges that brings. As the cast get to know one another and their new surroundings, they reflect on their personal ambitions and begin to rediscover what really matters.

Second-Chance Summer will be showing on BBC, Spring 2017

TV – The BIGGER picture

GUERRILLA

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cademy Award winner John Ridley (American Crime, 12 Years a Slave) will write, direct and executive produce Guerrilla, a new 6 x 60’ series set to air on Sky Atlantic that centers on a couple whose passion propels them into making the leap from political activism to radical militancy. Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild® Award winner Idris Elba (Luther, Beasts of No Nation) will co-star and serve as an executive producer through his Green Door Pictures. Ridley will write the majority of the episodes and will direct the first two.

Guerrilla is a love story set against the backdrop of one of the most politically explosive times in UK history. It tells the story of a politically active couple whose relationship and values are tested when they liberate a political prisoner and form a radical underground cell in 1970s London.

Their ultimate target becomes the Black Power Desk, a true-life, secretive counter-intelligence unit within Special Branch dedicated to crushing all forms of black activism.

Whilst the series is set against a background of social and political activism, at its heart Guerrilla is about a relationship under pressure, and the reality that for any couple there comes a point when the choices they make have real and lasting consequences.

Idris Elba said: “It's been a long-time desire of mine to collaborate with Mr Ridley, and his work here is nothing short of a masterclass in character building and storytelling. TV is in for a treat.”

John Ridley said: " I am both humbled by and impressed with Idris’s passion towards bringing this story to life. I share his commitment for populating the culture with driven and complicated people of colour and believe we have great partners on the producorial level, and with our broadcasters Sky Atlantic and SHOWTIME.” Guerrilla arrives on Sky Atlantic from 13th April in the UK, ahead of a US airing on Showtime.

SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS

GOLF Surely the highlight of the golfing calendar, the 2017 Masters Tournament will be held April 6th –9th at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. This will be the 81st year of the tournament and the first of golf's four majors to be held in 2017.

Last year’s winner, England’s Danny Willett, will be back to defend his title in what is the smallest field of the four major championships.

Coverage on Sky from 6th April

HORSE RACING The most popular jumps race on the calendar takes place as 40 runners take on the daunting obstacles of Aintree's 30 Grand National fences over the course of four-and-a-half miles. The Grand National is on ITV for the first time this year after they won the broadcasting rights to show racing. Ed Chamberlain is their presenter, a familiar face and voice for any football fans out there.

After a series of alterations, the Aintree fences are not quite as perilous as they were once upon a time. However, they are still the most notorious obstacles in the business and enough to make the palms of any jockey sweat.

ITV, Saturday 8th April

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LOCAL news

LOCAL NEWS SALLY GUNNELL IS PATRON OF SUSSEX SEARCH AND RESCUE Sussex Search and Rescue has announced former Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth 400m hurdles champion Sally Gunnell, OBE, as the charity’s Patron. Sussex Search & Rescue is the primary volunteer resource used by Sussex Police to search for vulnerable missing people. The charity is on call 24 hours every day throughout the year.

The charity’s new Patron, Sally Gunnell, retired as a competing athlete in September 1997 following a successful running career which saw her claim two Olympic, three World, two European and six Commonwealth medals. Gunnell, who lives in Steyning, West Sussex, will now be the face of Sussex Search and Rescue, publicly showing her support of the charity and its volunteers. “I am delighted to be able to support such a wonderful charity,” said Gunnell. “The service that Sussex Search and Rescue offers is vital for our community and these volunteers give so much time and effort to help those who need them the most across Sussex.” www.sussar.org

MODULAR HOMES FACTORY IN SHOREHAM

BEST PLACE TO LIVE? Fifteen locations in the South East have been named among the Best Places to Live in Britain by The Sunday Times, including Hove, with Wadhurst in East Sussex named as the best place to live in the South East. The accolade comes in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, which is published annually. The supplements assess a wide range of factors, from jobs, exam results and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops in order to compile the definitive top locations to make your home.

Sussex areas in the Top 20 and the Sunday Times comment include: Wadhurst, East Sussex: “Wadhurst has long been a favoured destination for those fleeing London’s stratospheric house prices”; Chichester, West Sussex: “Affluent cathedral cities are another Best Places mainstay, but Chichester has more to offer than chain stores, antiques shops and attractive houses”; Crowborough, East Sussex: “If Tunbridge Wells feels too starchy, this market town just seven miles south could be for you”; and Hove, East Sussex: “Westward Hove is the airbrushed side of Brighton.” www.thetimes.co.uk

Up to 200 jobs are being created with the opening of a unique business in Shoreham. Futureform, a property developer and specialist manufacturer of modular buildings, has moved into new offices in Free Wharf, Brighton Road. The state-ofthe-art premises will be capable of manufacturing 1,000 three-bedroom houses every year. Customers visiting the factory will be able to pick their home just as they would a new car.

They can choose from a range of different house types among life-sized show homes on display at the factory. Boss Steven Barrett said: “We have opened the UK’s first showroom for modular housing and buildings of its type here in Shoreham. With the housing crisis at the top of the political agenda, we want to revolutionise the way people buy homes in this country as well as develop sites more efficiently and sustainably.”

The company says it will be creating more than 150 to 200 jobs, with roles such as sales and support, architecture and design, and planning and construction.

Futureform is offering homes under the brand of House Beautiful Homes. www.futureformltd.com

FIRST SKETCHES FOR £200,000,000 DEVELOPMENT Developers have revealed the first sketches of a proposed £200 million redevelopment scheme of 600 homes set on a former industrial estate. International developers Mountpark plan for the Sackville Trading Estate and Corralls coal yard in Hove also includes 50,000sq ft of offices and 20,000sq ft of "cultural-industrial space".

For residents, at a meeting in St Barnabas Church in Sackville Road, it was their first chance to see the scale of the project planned for their area. Philip O Callaghan, Mountpark Managing Director, said: "This will be a catalyst for wider regneration in the Hove Station area, and the larger Brighton and Hove area as well." www.mountpark.com

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LOCAL news

DONATELLO REVEALS WINNING NEW LOOK GOLFERS HELP LOCAL YOUNGSTERS The Starr Trust was delighted with the success of its sixth annual Golf Day, held on March 15th at the Surrey Hills Golf Course in Albourne and which raised £3,370 to help young people who live within the BN postcode. Ten teams of golfers from local businesses came together to enjoy a day out and a chance to network. The day was organised by local Hove hairdressers DNK Hair and the main sponsors, Beales of Worthing and Airsprung, helped to make the day a huge success with awards being given out, bids made on fantastic auction prizes and a delicious carvery dinner to finish off.

The winning team was Pavilion Plumbing with Nick Collins of Bluetone Communications winning individual 1st prize and Shane Brown of the Lighthouse Group winning ‘Nearest the Pin’. Starr Trust event organiser Tracey told us, “As ever, we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and delighted at how much we managed to raise. “ www.starrtrust.com

Brighton and Hove Albion centre-forward Glenn Murray and striker Anthony Knockaert popped into the ‘new look’ Donatello in The Lanes for pizza and coffee following the popular restaurant’s winning makeover. The Addis Family, who are Seagulls supporters and own and run Donatello, have created a fresh, contemporary style with leather booths, slick tiling and wood panelling, as well as a cool new-look decked roof terrace and a brand-new wine room for events and tastings.

Said Sue Addis from Donatello, “It was great to see the lads here for lunch and we welcome them and the team back any time. We are so pleased with the refurbishment, which we think looks fantastic, thanks to our architects, builders, tilers and conservatory construction team. Alongside our new look, we have kept the same values that are so important to us, offering delicious, home-cooked Italian food at great-value prices, perfect for families, football fans, shoppers, theatre-goers and everyone in between!”

True to their local values, the Donatello team used the expertise of local businesses, with Shaws of Brighton building the conservatory, JB Tiling Ltd doing the tiling and enlisting architect Sybille Haefliger of Chalk Architecture. www.donatello.co.uk

RAILWAY STATION TAXI RANK NOT WORKING

KIDS’ WEBSITE INSPIRES FAMILIES TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER Sussex-based entrepreneurs Sian & Dom Ritson have launched SnapperTime, a kids’ website which sparks children’s creativity, encouraging them to get active, and gives parents ideas for simple activities that are easy and fun to do together.

After a decade of working in film promotions together, they became experts in the field of ‘entertaining kids’ and engaging them through exciting design and with creative activities.The pair were inspired to create SnapperTime after their own children fell into the easy trap of TV and computer games.

Dom explains: “Worrying about kids and their screen time is nothing new.

When we were young our parents all worried about the amount of time we spent watching television (“you’ll get square eyes!”), and in response there were TV programmes like Why Don’t You..?, which encouraged us to get out and do something different. We see SnapperTime as being like that.” SnapperTime is free to join. To sign up, or for more information, visit www.snappertime.com

The current taxi rank at Brighton Railway Station is “untenable,” and a new solution is required, a senior councillor says. Transport committee chairwoman Gill Mitchell said the current situation was “not working for anyone,” but said meetings on finding a solution with landowner Govia Thameslink Railway had been “optimistic.”

Taxi drivers said only the complete overhaul of the road system could resolve the issue. More than 20,000 taxi journeys are made to and from the station every week with more than 1,100 taxis licensed to use the 17 taxi rank spaces. The problem has worsened since the completion of the £1.5 million Brighton Station Gateway Development two years ago.

Cllr Mitchell said part of the problem is that the rank is currently on private land owned by GTR. John Smith, GMB taxi rep, said: “We are the biggest city without a public taxi rank out the front of its station. There was talk about moving the rank round the back, but most passengers want to go down to the seafront so that’s going to cost more and add congestion and pollution.”

A Southern spokesman said: “We are working with the council to try and reach a solution and explore options that may address the concerns of all affected.”

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TALKING THE TALK AND WALKING THE WALK GolfGuy checks in with Lee Andrews, General Manager, and Paul Oliver, Course Manager at Mid Sussex Golf Course near Ditchling for an update on implementation of the five-year course improvement plan... and comes away well impressed

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s you approach Mid Sussex G C, the long driveway takes you past the ninth green and gives you a fine view of the ninth and tenth fairways. I was looking forward to my meeting with Lee and Paul, particularly because it is exactly one year since Paul Oliver assumed his new role as Course Manager and launched his five-year programme of course improvements, which Portfolio's GolfGuy reported in the February 2016 issue of the magazine. On this heartbreakingly gorgeous spring day, however, I confess that I was wishing I were out there chucking balls around.

The first thing you notice when you enter the club at Mid Sussex is something that is in short supply in many other golf clubs these days: there is a real buzz about the place. If patrons are not already on the course, they are enjoying post-round drinks and meals in the spacious restaurant and spike bar, checking out the hot new 2017 gear in the pro shop, messing about on the putting green and just enjoying life.

Which I reckon explains the swagger with which the boys approach me. There's a spring in their

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step and a healthy, relaxed jauntiness about them, and there's a reason for that.

“Here we are, one year into our five-year plan for making this golf course more enjoyable for our members, and we have already refurbished 47 of the 51 bunkers,” says Paul. “We thought we might get about half of them done, but the winter weather has been kinder to us than last year.” Lee concurs and adds that there have been very few cancellations of events

"The first thing you notice when you enter the club at Mid Sussex is that there is a real buzz about the place" this winter due to weather. “We haven't even required members to use winter wheels on their trolleys, but we have encouraged them

to use them if they have them.” A member who has been playing at Mid Sussex for the last 25 years recently told Lee that the course has been in its best winter condition ever this year. Some kudos.

It isn't just down to drier winter weather.

Paul and his team have established metalled paths leading from many tee boxes well out onto the fairways, thus eliminating a muddy walk following tee shots. Drainage has been markedly improved on many fairways and greens, a few troublesome bunkers – the 2nd, 7th, 8th and 18th holes – have been filled in to give golfers a fairer shot at reaching the greens in regulation, and the fairways have been widened by extending the width of the primary cut of rough to 12'7'' to reduce the amount of time spent searching for golf balls.

“We simply asked our members what changes they wanted to be made to the course and set about prioritising the tasks,” says Lee. Their efforts are paying off handsomely in the guise of happy members. Paul and his boys were doing some work near the 11th hole recently

GOLF

while a tournament was being played on the course. “Every single group that passed us remarked on the excellent playing conditions on the course,” says Paul. “That's what this job is all about for me. That's what puts a smile on my face.”

With four years of the five-year plan still ahead, Paul and his crew are already looking forward to the autumn. They don't just talk the talk here at Mid Sussex G C. They walk the walk.

For those of you wanting to make these changes and enjoy your practice and, indeed, your rounds of golf more, please contact me at lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

60 SECOND INTERVIEW WITH LEE Q. Most admired pro’s swing? A. Adam Scott Q. Favourite golf course in the UK? A. Loch Lomond Q. My tip to win the Masters golf? A. Phil Mickelson (loves Augusta!)

Q. The shot I hate the most? A. The straight one! Only joking ! As a coach I don’t dislike any, they are all a challenge to perfect Q. One rule of golf I’d change? A. Loads to help the enjoyment of the game. Why not putt with the flag in?

Q. My worldwide bucket list golf course must-plays? A. St Andrews Q. Which player I’d love to coach? A. Jim Furyk

With thanks to our golfing expert, Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Club lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

If you have any questions, please feel free to email: lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk.

Bring this article with you to Mid Sussex Golf Club, and when you pay for a round, another player can go free.

OR Book a half hour lesson and receive the second half price.

THE interview

GONE WILD Kate Humble talks about her current projects, including her book about the enduring partnership between humans and dogs

K

ate Humble’s time on Springwatch and Animal Park cemented her reputation as one of the UK’s favourite presenters and foremost wildlife experts. True to form, her latest project looks at the incredible and enduring partnership between humans and dogs.

It seems an impossible task to draw ire from former Springwatch presenter Kate Humble, but there’s one statement that’s certain to be rebuked by the perpetually windswept wildlife lover: sorry, I just happen to prefer cats. “Ah well, you know,” the 48-year-old retorts with mock exasperation. “We can soon sort that out!”

When it comes to converting people to canines, Humble is a force of unbridled enthusiasm. Having spent nearly a decade honing her craft alongside the garrulous Bill Oddie on one of the nation’s favourite nature programmes – Springwatch – the Wimbledon-born star has now published an in-depth exploration of the special relationship between humans and their best beasty friends. Heart-warming and moving in equal measure, Friend for Life: The Extraordinary Partnership Between Humans and Dogs is – according to its author – “a book that truly celebrates an extraordinary partnership that I think I’m safe in saying is unique between species.”

“It is a journey, if you like,” Humble explains. “My personal journey of learning and getting things wrong and going on a real emotional rollercoaster of getting my very first puppy, who happened to be a working dog, and trying to learn how to be the perfect partner to this dog.

“So there is my personal journey, with all its many ups and downs and a few tears and tantrums along the way, and as I was embarking on that journey I became more and more fascinated with the fact that dogs seem to have taken a role that no other animal has in human life.

There’s some fascinating undercover detective work to find out about the earliest stages of this burgeoning partnership.

“Then I started looking into all the ways in which dogs have actually made themselves invaluable, and that process led to the realisation that as a species I don’t think we can live without dogs now. I think they are so essential to every part of our life that they are our partners for life.”

It may come as a surprise to some, but even an expert like Humble encountered obstacles and a heavy dose of doubt in her desire “to be a partner to this little bundle of ginger-and-white fluff with enormous paws and peculiar eyes and a long nose.” In fact, there were times when she even considered giving up Teg to a better home.

“I’d never had a puppy before, and I’d never had a working dog before, so both those things were completely new to me,” she explains. “I had a lot of moments when I thought ‘I can’t do this’.” This led to Humble considering that the best thing she could do for her canine friend would be to give her to Adelaide Jones – secretary for the Welsh Sheepdog Society – who was helping her to train Teg.

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THE interview

“I actually contacted them and said I was an idiot and I’d taken on this dog and I had no idea what I was doing – I only have like 20 sheep! It’s ridiculous,” Humble sighs. “There were times I really thought I’d done this dog a massive disservice and I’d have to give her up – even saying it now is making me well up. She’s such an incredible dog, but I thought I couldn’t hold her back and be the one who ruins her.”

Thankfully for both Humble and Teg, the pair persevered and can now boast of not only a successful working relationship but also an Instagram page – WalkingwithTeg – that is her “way of connecting with the world”.

“It’s sort of like watching the news: you go outside and you sort of know what the world is doing,” she adds. “I want people who – even if they don’t feel like getting filthy or wet or cold or walking with a dog – could virtually walk with us.

And it does seem to be something that people have picked up on; they seem to enjoy their vicarious walks with Teg!” This canine crusade, along with Humble’s desire to connect each and every person in the country with the wildlife and wild places just outside their front doors, is proof of her love for all things natural. In her mind, it is also the underlying principle behind the enduring popularity of shows like Springwatch and Animal Park – the latter of which follows life at Longleat Safari Park and will be returning for its 11th series over the Easter holidays.

Springwatch, as any viewer knows, has always benefited particularly from its presenters’ infectious enthusiasm for celebrating the natural world – and it’s a programme that taps into the same dramatic vein that keeps people hooked on shows like EastEnders and Emmerdale. “It’s like the perfect soap opera,” Humble agrees. “Every year there would be the blue tit or lion cub that everybody hoped would hang on in there and survive. It’s something everybody felt they could be part of and I think it was that inclusiveness that has made them endure to this very day – and long may they last!

“These shows will help ensure the future of our natural world by making people love it and stay connected to it – and shows like Springwatch and Animal Park do that in spades.”

Friend for Life: The Extraordinary Partnership Between Humans and Dogs,

by Kate Humble, is published by Headline, priced £9.99.

114 PORTFOLIO

“This canine crusade, along with Humble’s desire to connect each and every person in the country with the wildlife and wild places just outside their front doors, is proof of her love for all things natural"

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