Portfolio Magazine April 2016

April 2016

NEW!

The Bigger Picture Top TV news PLUS Top Gear

TOM KERRIDGE’S Recipe for success

The most Beautiful Homes Cracking conservatories

LEWIS HAMILTON On track

& WIN TICKETS!

Sun Shade

Shutters & Blinds top trends

To Grand Designs Live show & A Place in The Sun Live The region’s LARGEST property publication

FREE

You do the shade.

We’ll do the shutters.

Handcrafted from the finest materials. Custom made in our own dedicated manufacturing facility. Finished in any colour you can think of and fitted only by our skilled carpenters. With our beautiful hardwood shutters, the one thing that shines through is quality.

Call us today on 0800 9 700 800 to see how we can add a touch of va va voom to your room. shutterlyfabulous.com

INSIDE 5

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Hill House & Home Truths

12

All the regional property news

15

What’s trending

19 Benchmark, page 6

Benchmark : Bring the outdoors in Grand Designs, page 19

COVER STORY : WIN tickets to Grand Designs Live

24

Calender : Out and about in April

30 39

April Collection : Conservatories with a twist

52 54

Selling tips : Doorstep impressions

60 71

Home tips : Water water

73 75 77

Talk Money : A nicer Isa

Legal Matters : Introducing Managing Partner Jackie Gillespie

Career Ladder : Jon Over M.D. Goldstone Homes Up My Street : Artist Jessica Zoob Overseas : WIN tickets to A Place in the Sun Live New Homes : Azure – pure seaside living

Jessica Zoob, page 73

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

07931 537588

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

Subscribe to our newsletter Cover: Image courtesy of Apollo Blinds www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/shutters.php

Beautiful Home, page 20

78

Chalk Architecture : A foodie revolution

82

Gardening : The spring garden

84 Tom Kerridge, page 94

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Shopping : A springtime spree

90

Style : Check out the icons

92

The Bigger Picture : Top Gear and top news from future TV

94 96 Busines lunch, page 96

COVER STORY : Interiors special blinds & shutters

COVER STORY : Celebrity Menu Tom Kerridge’s wicked cottage pie Business lunch : Food for Friends

100

Golf Guy : Interview Mid Sussex Golf Club

103

Chamber of Commerce : Construction Voice

104

Interiors, page 84

COVER STORY : On track with Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton, page 104

The PORTFOLIO team Managing Director: Lynne Edwards 07931 537588 • lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Chief Sub-Editor & Features Editor: Production Editor: Fiona McTernan Daniel Frickelton portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com For advertising and general enquiries contact portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Contributing Editor: Tara de la Motte Designer: Sally Wynn www.portfoliopublications.co.uk tara@sussex-homes.co.uk portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Contributor: Kate Hill

Contributing Editor: Maarten Hoffmann 07966 244 046 maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com

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.

EXPERT column

HOME TRUTHS

W

THE HILL HOUSE

e’re so close to building control sign-off that I can almost taste it. It’s a milestone: the point at which (in theory) you can breathe a sigh of relief, part company with your builder, and – should the process have almost bankrupted you – you’re free to put your home on the market knowing that buyers won’t be scared off by uncertified work.

Building control visit at key stages in a project, and this is a Good Thing: It’s their job to ensure work is compliant and safe. It ought to be straightforward. Of course, its been anything but.

My first encounter was bewildering. A wellie-clad woman in a frock stomped through my home at pace like a mud-covered dervish, barking questions. Lots of questions, because – oddly – ‘I haven’t looked at the plans. Have those stairs always been there? What sort of glass is that? You need to replace all the doors. Where’s my tape measure?’

It transpired that we had things still to do (and money still to spend).

We dug deeper in our pockets and replaced all internal glass with fire glass (what a crime it seemed to have to remove Victorian leaded glass panels from the original vestibule door) and added mains-wired smoke detectors into every room.

“We dug deeper in our pockets and replaced all internal glass with fire glass” Worried we’d be stuck with a house that – due to age and structure – could never comply, I did some research. Talked to builders and council officers. Looked up (and printed off) what building control had signed off on the same project in the identical house next door six months previously. And found that it really depends on who you talk to, who works your case and – presumably – how they are feeling on the day.

You might, with some late nights and Valium, be able to spot all the building regulations that apply to your particular project, but you can’t anticipate how they’ll be interpreted on the day, nor what else could be picked up. We may need more work, and more visits. And the visits, of course, cost. Funny, that.

So I’m armed with plans and certificates – the sign-off from next door’s extension, from our electrical and gas installations, the one that says our stove is safe and compliant, my first aid certificate and the kids cycling proficiency forms are in there too. Just in case. Wish us luck.

Kate Hill

I could just go for some toast There’s nothing quite like fresh bread. Brighton & Hove have an eye- and mouth-wateringly glorious selection of bakeries.

Let’s try a slice of that artisan sourdough...

I’LL JUST GET IT OUT OF THE FRIDGE The fridge? You put the bread in the fridge? What on earth did you do that for?

Um.. To keep it fresh?

Like everything else?

Some people think that putting bread in the fridge will stop it from going stale – but in fact, it does quite the opposite. Scientists at the University of Indiana’s ‘A Moment of Science’ service (indianapublicmedia.org) explain: It’s all in the chemistry of bread. As bread is cooked in the oven, usually small and closely packed starch molecules ‘open up’ and cling to moisture. As bread ages – and the cooler it gets – the starch dries out again, and the bread becomes stale. Kept at room temperature, it will stay moist for longer – the cooler it gets, the more it dries out.

Really? But we’ll never eat the whole loaf before it goes mouldy!

I wouldn’t bet on it – it’s quite good. Keeping bread in a dark place- the bread bin, for heaven’s sake – will help discourage mould spores. Or if you’re really worried, put half of it in the freezer – that will prevent mould AND keep moisture in until it’s defrosted.

Or we could have my parents round for some cucumber sandwiches to use it up?

I suspect your mother is gluten intolerant.

I’m going to make a sandwich for myself.

PORTFOLIO 5

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN Bi-folding doors are a great space enhancer and can provide a wonderful link between your home and garden. So if you are looking into buying bi-folds, don’t get caught out. Follow our simple steps below Make the best use of your space Any space can be enhanced, opened up, and its potential realised with the correct know-how. How about a moving corner post set so you can enjoy a full panoramic view across your garden? Doors can also fold both inwards and outwards, depending on the best use of available space.

Try before you buy We recommend that you arrange to see the products before signing a contract.

Doors should be simple and reliable to use, so if they feel fiddly or clunky, look elsewhere.

Trade shows, home exhibitions and installer showrooms allow you to view the set ups available and are an opportunity to talk through any questions with experts.

Security Look out for the latest kitemark-approved standards and choose doors with a minimum of a five-lever key cylinder. Hinges should be strong and designed to withstand

6 PORTFOLIO

break-in attempts and to weather damage.

Benchmark Windows can provide products with Magnum lock cylinders, unique eightpoint locking system and solid-cast Yale handles, making them one of the safest options available.

Safety first Look out for special safety features, such as ‘finger safe’ gaskets, which provide safe cushioning to avoid little fingers being trapped, and strong magnets on lead doors to prevent them slamming shut in the wind.

Personality Your home is a personal statement, so choose doors that fit your style and taste. Good bi-fold manufacturers will offer a choice of finishes, colours and styling, allowing full customisation of handles, hinges and colour-matched gaskets to create a perfectly integrated look for your home.

Dress your Doors Blinds for your doors are available in a variety

of styles, colours and fittings, including ‘integral blinds,’ which are placed between the two panes of glass and are ‘maintenancefree’. They can be custom fitted to bi-folds and to accompanying windows and significantly change the feel of a room, provide privacy, shade and a touch of colour. No dusting required!

Planning In most cases you won’t need planning permission. If you own a listed or historic property, you may need approval, so always check first.

Weather rating If you live in coastal areas, check for additional marine protection available against salty conditions, allowing your doors to last and perform year after year.

Guarantees A well-made set of doors should last for at least ten years, so you can rest assured you’re getting peace of mind with your purchase.

INTERIORS

“Your home is a personal statement so choose doors that fit your style and taste”

Confused by all the choice?

Come and visit our extensive showroom today at: Units 4 and 5, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF. Call 01903 756699 to arrange an appointment.

Or visit www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 7

PEMBROKE CRESCENT, HOVE

Guide Price ÂŁ1,650,000

A magnificent and substantial triple fronted Victorian residence of considerable character in a prominent corner position within the heart of the Pembroke Conservation area. This is a fine, large and welcoming family home which has been beautifully refurbished offering light and generously proportioned living space. It is arranged over three floors and exhibits a wealth of period character. On the ground floor the large kitchen diner, with French doors leading out onto a beautifully manicured garden, is the central hub of the house. There are three additional reception rooms leading off from the kitchen which allow for flexible living. The first floor boasts three double bedrooms with the master having an unusually large en-suite.The second floor has a further two bedrooms. Pembroke Crescent is located in a prime central location close to all amenities, with Hove Seafront close by as well as Hove mainline railway station with its regular links to London.

5 94 Church Road | Hove | BN3 2EB

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01273 778 877 | mishonwelton.com

WHATEVER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

YOUR CONNECTION FROM LONDON to BRIGHTON mishonwelton.com

NORTON ROAD, HOVE

Guide Price ÂŁ475,000 - ÂŁ500,000

A magnificent apartment of considerable character, with its own street entrance, spanning the entire garden level of this prestigious period building. Situated in a sought after location, this apartment is within immediate proximity of all amenities including Hove lawns and the seafront.The accommodation comprises of an entrance hall leading to a most fabulous and comfortable sash window reception room which boasts wonderful direct garden views. The kitchen is immaculately presented and comes with a range of integrated appliances plus access to the rear garden. A stunning bay fronted main bedroom with a westerly aspect complements this property beautifully, along with a wonderful en-suite shower room. The second bedroom has a wealth of wardrobe space and the main bathroom offers a oasis of calm after a hard day at the office. Arguably, one of the best features of this property is the large garden. Attractively landscaped and beautifully established, with large areas of level lawn, this really is the jewel in the crown of this fine apartment.

2 94 Church Road | Hove | BN3 2EB

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01273 778 877 | mishonwelton.com

OSBORNE VILLAS, HOVE

Guide Price £750,000

Located between Church Road and the seafront’s promenade. It is near to bars, restaurants and shops. this property offers a prime central location. This beautifully presented 3 storey period townhouse which has traditional characters combined with modern living. This mix between old and new flows throughout the house. The property provides a large living room which floods a lot light in. The property has large bay windows, a spacious dining area and a kitchen with state of the art appliances. This leads onto west facing rear garden.

The bedrooms are located on the first and lower floors. The lower ground floor also offers options of fitting a large kitchen or family sized bathroom, as well as the possibility of extending into the garden. Internal viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate this lovely period home.

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sales@mishonwelton.com WHATEVER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

PROPERTY news WORLD CANCER DAY

May 2016

WALL WONDER llp aper World of wa

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Fun Floral

The recent World Cancer Day saw money-raising events taking place in several branches all across the Hamptons International network.

In total, they raised approximately £14,675.00. Locally, our very own Hove office are delighted to have contributed £500 by organising a raffle for some great prizes, which were very kindly donated by local business, as well as a home-made cake sale.

All cakes and other assorted goodies were baked by the fair (if not terribly experienced, in some cases!) hands of the Hove Sales and Lettings team. The event went swimmingly, with lots of people visiting the branch to buy cakes and raffle tickets. Hamptons extend a huge thank-you to everyone who took part, donated their time, effort and fantastic prizes.

The photograph shows the raffle winner (Nick Cressey) receiving a bag-full of pies, kindly donated by the award-winning local business Higgidy Pies from staff member Martina Tiziani www.hamptons.co.uk

& blication

FREE

ty pu RGEST proper

LA The region’s

Next issue out 2nd May Pick up at hundreds of outlets across the region, or subscribe online now to join thousands of readers of our regular newsletter www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

SPELLING IT OUT A new property search engine has spilt (spilled?) the beans on estate agents (agent’s?) by creating a ‘Hall of Shame’ of spelling errors and related Englishlanguage problems contained in property details.

Home-properties.co.uk is a new search engine which, in the words of developer Martin Broadhurst, “uses text-mining algorithms to extract features and styles from property descriptions. He has applied the technology to agents’ property details from over 250,000 homes currently on the market, and has compiled a top 12 list of errors: 1. Seperate ... this spelling (which should be ‘separate’) appears 2,303 times; 2. Accomodation ... it should be accommodation (2,246) 3. Formally ... when it should be ‘formerly‘ (815) 4. Principle ... it should be ‘principal‘ when describing, for example, a bedroom (804) 5. Duel ... when it should be ‘dual’ as in ‘dual aspect’ (760) 6. Dorma ... it’s Dormer, of course (526) 7. Sort after ... surely everyone knows it’s ‘sought-after’ (299) 8. Stainless steal ... not a theft, but it should be ‘steel‘ (254) 9. Menage ... this equestrian feature should be ‘manege’ (244) 10. Independant ... should be ‘independent‘ of course (221) 11. Extention ... which should be ‘extension‘ (90) 12. Volted ... this should really be ‘vaulted’ (11) www.home-properties.co.uk

PROPERTY BUDGET In the recent budget, the Chancellor, George Osborne, has announced a number of measures which will impact on the property industry. The Chancellor confirmed that 3% stamp duty surcharge on the purchase of second homes and buy-to-let properties will go ahead from April 1st. He also announced that larger investors will not be exempt from the stamp duty changes – meaning all purchasers of buy-to-let properties will pay the additional tax.

The revenue generated, he says, will fund local housing schemes. In particular, £20 million will be put towards helping young families in the South West onto the housing ladder via community land trusts. This will affect the UK’s fledgling Buildto-Rent industry, which encourages institutional investment in the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

PROPERTY news

PROPERTY NEWS BOOK NOW PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS LUNCH The Spring Property Professionals’ Lunch will take place on Thursday, 14th April, 2015, at Pub du Vin, Brighton. Organised by Portfolio Magazine and Searches UK, 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. April’s Guest Speaker is Daniel Grainge from Spofforths LLP. As usual there will be an amazing prize with all money raised going towards the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

The cost is just £30 per person (including a 3 course lunch, wine and coffee). To book your place at the event on April 15th, email Melanie@searchesuk.co.uk.

WELCOME TO ELLIOTTS CARS Alongside an impressive new website, Elliotts have a new fleet of cars in the city: the Citroen DS3s arrived in March, with Red and Platinum cars based at Church Road, and White cars based at Hangleton. www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk

JOLIE-PITTS IN SURREY

SUMMER LAUNCH OF SINGLE OFFICIAL PRICE INDEX

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have moved their family into an expansive home in the south east.

The celebrity couple and their six children moved into their eight-bedroom, $21,000-a-month (or £14,700-per-month) rental in Surrey at the end of February. The Jolie-Pitt’s new family home is described as a ‘beautiful, White House-style’ home in an area popular with city commuters. In addition to eight bedrooms, the spacious estate has an indoor pool and gym and is close to the River Thames.

The family will call it home for six months while Brad films the sequel to zombie blockbuster World War Z. Angelina is expected to spend her time in the UK working on humanitarian projects. A UN High Commissioner for Refugees Special Envoy, she will focus on issues related to the Syrian refugee crisis and European Union politics.

Meanwhile, their six children, Maddox, 14, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, nine and seven-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox, are expected to enroll in the The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle school in London.

Angelina and Brad previously looked to buy a home in London, but were unable to find a property with enough privacy and security.

The arrival of a single, official house-price index came a step closer in March with a ‘user event’ organised by the Office for National Statistics ahead of the launch of the index itself in June.

Back in December 2010 the National Statistician recommended that ”a single definitive house price index and accompanying statistics should be produced by the official statistics producer community” and should be based on completion prices, should give a UK-wide picture, and be updated monthly. Since that time, the ONS has been working with the Land Registry, Land & Property Services Northern Ireland and the Registers of Scotland on achieving a single unified ‘official’ government index for the entire UK. This would avoid the apparent contradictions between different indices produced by different national regions and sometimes different government bodies.

After a series of minor delays caused by technical and methodogical issues, it now appears that the June 2016 deadline for the appearance of the new index will be met, with this month’s ‘user event’ being part of the build-up to the launch.

Read more about these and other industry stories at www.estateagenttoday.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 13

VISIT OUR AWARD-WINNING HOVE SHOWROOM for a stunning range of kitchen displays, furniture, worktops and appliances.

The Kitchen Store offers a bespoke consultancy service to help you choose your dream kitchen.

For friendly advice and inspired kitchen ideas take a closer look or call us today.

Showroom: 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD Tel: 01273 95 77 78 Or visit our Lancing showroom | www.thekitchenstore.co.uk

NEWS

TRENDING DRESSED BY THE KIDS DAY Oxfam is launching its first push into the mass participation market with a major new fundraiser, Dressed by the Kids Day. The first-ever Dressed by the Kids Day takes place on 29th April. It will see Oxfam challenge the nation to let children choose their wardrobe for the day and to raise sponsorship via text for doing so. Tim Hunter, head of fundraising for Oxfam, said: “Transform your look and transform lives. That’s Oxfam’s offer to families with our first-ever Dressed by the Kids Day on April 29th. Have fun and help raise £500,000 for Oxfam.”

People can sign up via www.oxfam.org.uk/dressedbythekids and participants will receive a unique text code to allow their family and friends to sponsor them.

A host of celebrities, including Amanda Holden, Sara Cox, Jo Whiley, Jason Donovan, and many more, have posed for esteemed fashion photographer Rankin in a series of cute and amusing outfits selected by their young children.

Dressed by the Kids Day, Friday, 29th April 2016. www.oxfam.org.uk

BRIGHTON MARATHON WEEKEND The 2016 Brighton Marathon will take place on 17th April 2016. One of the UK’s favourite 26.2-milers, with a stunning backdrop of the sea in one of the country’s most vibrant cities, the race gets bigger and better every year. Renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and roaring crowd support, the course winds through the city streets, finishing up on the spectacular Brighton seafront.

The marathon is just one part of the Brighton Marathon Weekend, an event that also encompasses The Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Mini Mile Races, the BM 10K and the Brighton Marathon Exhibition.

The 2016 event will start on Sunday 17th April at 9.15am in Preston Park, Brighton. www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk

TED TALKS: THE OFFICIAL TED GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING In Ted Talks, Chris Anderson, head of TED, reveals the inside secrets of how to give a first-class presentation. Anderson shares his five key techniques to presentation success: Connection, Narration, Explanation, Persuasion and Revelation (plus the three to avoid). He also answers the most frequently asked questions about giving a talk, from ‘What should I wear?’ to ‘How do I handle my nerves?’

Ted Talks is also full of presentation tips from such TED notable speakers as Sir Ken Robinson, Bill Gates, Mary Roach, Amy Cuddy, Elizabeth Gilbert, Dan Gilbert, Amanda Palmer, Matt Ridley and many more. This is a lively, fun read with great practical application from the man who knows what goes into a truly memorable speech.

TED Talks: The official TED guide to public speaking is published by Headline on 3rd May 2016

RACING IS BACK The new season at Goodwood jumps from the starting stalls with a fusion of fabulous artisan food and high-class racing to indulge the senses. Opening day, Saturday, features an artisan food festival alongside an established sevenrace card. On the East Parade Lawn will be a veritable feast of superb dishes from Goodwood’s organic Home Farm - the largest lowland organic farm in the UK. This can all be enjoyed right next to the racehorses limbering up in the Parade Ring.

There will also be a Final Furlong food market - accessible from all enclosures - featuring bespoke stalls filled with the best local produce from artisan suppliers. The perfect place to browse, sample and shop for fine fare, with one of the best trackside views of the racing. See more at www.goodwood.com Racing is back on at Brighton Racecourse too.

See more at www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

WE LOVE:

BOOMA BOOMERANG

WIN

The Wicked Outdoor Booma has a flight range of 15-20m and featuring an advanced triblade design, this world famous boomerang offers a stable and accurate return flight – every time. Incredibly easy to throw and catch, it comes with full throwing instructions. It is so versatile and perfect for beginners yet still a challenge for advanced throwers.

Follow the instructions on the back of the packs and you will be able to throw and catch your boomerang on your first few attempts.

The Wicked Sonic Booma costs £7.99 from www.toysrus.co.uk We have a Booma to giveaway, so just answer this simple question and email it to competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com Q: What is the boomerang’s country of origin?

PORTFOLIO 15

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Hill Drive, Hove £2,450,000 Six bedroom detached house with gated entrance. EPC C

Ovingdean Road, Ovingdean £1,750,000 Mediterranean style split-level five bedroom house. EPC D

West Drive, Brighton £1,250,000 Four bedroom inside/outside contemporary home. EPC B

The Drive, Hove £775,000 Superb, large four bedroom, two reception room flat. EPC E

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

BEAUTIFUL homes

OPEN DAY April 8th 10am-2pm

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stunning five-bedroom house arranged over three floors, situated at the top of Hill Brow, boasting panoramic southerly views over Hove towards the sea, being one of three newly-built homes. The property is situated in a highly sought-after prime residential area comprised mainly of detached houses. The house presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial new home offering circa 3800sq ft of contemporary accommodation in Hove in this unique elevated location.

Hill Brow is conveniently located adjacent to Dyke Road Avenue with easy access of Brighton bypass, providing access to the A23.

The house has been designed to reflect modern living in its highly desirable setting. The sympathetic use of materials, finishes and colour throughout are of the quality and standard one would expect in a home of this nature. The neutral, stylish effect enhances the generous proportions of the property, which also includes a unique feature fireplace and chimney design.

Hill Brow, Hove BN3 6QG Price: ÂŁ2,000,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Extras: Brand-new development of three stylish homes: terracing, southerly seaward aspect Best Bits: Garage; Garden; Generously proportioned accommodation Hamptons International 82 Church Road Hove BN3 2EB 01273 230230 www.hamptons.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  17

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

SHORT LET

Hove Park Villas, Hove This stunning Victorian 5 bedroom detached residence situated in a most desirable location includes a former coach house which has been converted into a home office/cinema room. The property comprises of:- Entrance hallway with exquisite black walnut floorboards leading to two reception rooms also with black walnut floorboards. A linked passageway from the second reception room has been cleverly converted to make a built in office area & leads to a large fitted Kitchen/diner with 7 meter wall of white gloss storage cupboard space & includes a centre island, with ‘one touch’ powered drawers & integrated appliances include an induction hob, two fitted ovens, plate warmer, dishwasher, wine cooler & American Fridge/Freezer with ice dispenser. Bi-folding doors lead out to the lovely garden which is mainly laid to lawn with a raised cedar deck area.

This house offers 5 double bedrooms, two with en-suite shower rooms and one has a balcony plus there is a further family bathroom. EPC 66.

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

£4,000 PCM •

Newly Refurbished

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Converted Coach house

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Under floor Heating

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Rear Garden

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Off Road parking

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Five Bedrooms

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Two Reception Rooms

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Solar Water Heating System

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Car Port/Garage

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Wood Burning Stove

READER offer

WIN

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Inspiration starts with a visit to Grand Designs Live: at London’s ExCeL 30th April – 8th May. We have tickets to give away!

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rand Designs Live, the UK’s top contemporary home show, returns to London’s ExCeL from the 30th April to 8th May. Presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, and based on the hugely popular Channel 4 series, the show offers visitors a unique opportunity to see all the latest trends for the home.

With areas dedicated to interiors, technology, kitchens, bathrooms, build and gardens, there’s something for every room in your home.

And, with over 500 exhibitors, you can shop from a great selection of brands, with hundreds of items not available on the high street.

With all this and much more, make sure you plan a grand day out this May!

WE HAVE 5 PAIRS OF COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS FOR GRAND DESIGNS LIVE. PLUS, A 2-FOR-1 TICKET OFFER. WIN a pair of tickets To win a pair of tickets to the Grand Designs Live show, send an email to: competitions.portfolio@gmail.com with Grand Designs Live in the subject box, and answer this question. Who presents Grand Designs?

2-for-1 on weekend tickets** If you can’t attend during the week or would prefer to come at the weekend, we also have a great 2-for-1 ticket offer on weekend tickets. Simply log on to www. granddesignslive.com, follow the link to book your tickets, and enter the code PM241 to claim. Or call the ticket hotline on 0844 854 1348. **T&C’s - Transaction fee of £1.70 applies per order. Tickets must be booked in advance. Offer ends 29th April, 2016. Offer valid on standard admission tickets only. Saving based on the door rate.

Grand Designs Live, ExCeL, London, 30th April to 8th May www.granddesignslive.com

PORTFOLIO 19

BEAUTIFUL homes

REGENCY COUNTRY HOUSE

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n exceptionally fine Grade II listed home with views over the Adur Valley to the South Downs.

Annington House is an exceptionally fine Regency country house situated in a glorious rural position within the South Downs National Park, approached by a country lane and about one mile to the south east of Steyning.

Of classic proportions, it is believed to have been built in about 1813, and has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme to provide a six-bedroom home of exceptional quality and comfort, ideal both for a family and for entertaining.

In addition to the elegant reception rooms, kitchen and family room, there is also a second-floor apartment, plus ground-floor staff/relatives wing and extensive cellars, including wine cellar.

Annington House, Bramber, Steyning, BN44 3WA Price: On Application Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 plus dressing room Reception rooms: 4 Grounds: Outside there is a swimming pool, outbuilding, stables and parkland grounds including paddock In all about 9.5 acres Hamptons International Country House Department 01403 262828 www.hamptons.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  21

maslen.co.uk

Park Crescent Terrace, Brighton

ÂŁ550,000

FREEHOLD

A beautiful and rarely available 4 bedroom, 2 reception room Victorian house.

Located in sought-after Park Crescent Terrace the property is in need of some modernisation.

Nevertheless, it benefits from a wealth of period features including fireplaces, sash windows, tall ceilings and a pretty walled rear garden. Available chain free.

Energy Rating: D61 Exclusive to Maslen Estate Agents.

Maslen Estate Agents 39 Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 3HQ t:01273 677001 e:lewesroad@maslen.co.uk

LEWES ROAD

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HOVE

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FIVEWAYS

BEAUTIFUL homes

LIGHT HOUSE

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n attractive bay-fronted two-bedroom period house which benefits from many features, with spacious accommodation and a large rear garden. The lounge area is of an excellent size and is beautifully light, with a further light and spacious dining room and modern fitted kitchen on the ground floor. The first floor provides a master bedroom, a further double bedroom, a family bathroom and also a boarded attic. There is also the added bonus of a well-insulated four-season summer house which could be an ideal office/study.

Princes Road, Brighton, BN2 3RH Price: ÂŁ475,000 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Large garden; Spacious accommodation; Boarded attic; Wellinsulated summer house Best Bits: Excellent decorative order; Through lounge/dining room; Attractive rear garden Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road, BN1 6JF 01273 566777 www.maslen.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  23

CALENDAR of events

APRIL

Our pick of April events. Great music, theatre, comedy and festivals

5 - 9 April Jackie: The Musical Once there was a time with no mobile phones, no apps, no texting, no e-mails and no Twitter. Angstridden teenage girls waited with bated breath by the letterbox for their weekly issue of Jackie Magazine... Jackie accompanied millions of girls through their teenage years in the ‘70s and ‘80s, years of boy trouble, ironing hair and problem-solving from resident agony aunts, Cathy and Claire. The magazine supported and inspired those girls and, best of all, it was great fun.

Jackie: The Musical revisits those heady days and tells the story of a fifty-something divorcée who revisits her stash of well-thumbed Jackie magazines for the same reason she first read them nearly forty years earlier: advice on how best to navigate the opposite sex.

Featuring Janet Dibley, former Jackie Editor Nina Myskow, choreography by Arlene Phillips and a sound track of seventies icons Donny Osmond, David Cassidy and Marc Bolan, played live on stage.

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

5 April Ben Watt Band (Featuring Bernard Butler) In 2014 – after sixteen years and nine albums as songwriter-performerproducer with Tracey Thorn in best-selling duo Everything But The Girl, a further ten at the helm of his award-winning electronic label Buzzin’ Fly, a DJ residency on BBC 6Music, and two prize-nominated books – Ben Watt returned to his roots as a solo singer and songwriter. Hendra, his second album, arriving thirty-one years after his indie chart No. 1 debut, met with wide acclaim at home and abroad for its eloquent lyrics and stripped-back aesthetic and pipped Anna Calvi and Blood Orange to win Best ‘Difficult’ Second Album at AIM Independent Music Awards 2014.

Fever Dream - released on Unmade Road through Caroline International on April 8 2016 - takes Hendra’s sonic template of opentuned folk-jazz, distorted string-bent rock, and soulful rumination, and adds a fresh, grainy intensity.

De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea. 7.30pm. www.dlwp.com

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6 April The Sessions: A Live re-staging of The Beatles at Abbey Road Studios Set in a state-of-the-art reproduction of the iconic Abbey Road Studio 2, The Sessions will stage new live renditions of the timeless albums recorded there by The Beatles. Inspired by Here, There and Everywhere, the memoir of the show’s Creative Consultant and Grammy-winning former Abbey Road sound engineer Geoff Emerick, The Sessions will be the closest an audience can get to experiencing The Beatles live and at the height of their glory.

45 people will take to the stage to ensure that the experience is as sonically faithful to the original recordings as it is euphonic. The seven vocalists will comprise two ‘Johns’ two ‘Pauls’ two ‘Georges’ and one ‘Ringo’ in order to recreate the albums’ vocal harmonies. A further seven musicians will use rare, vintage, historically accurate instruments to recapture the Beatles’ renegade multi-instrumentalism, while a twenty-one-piece orchestra will help awaken the dramatic, uplifting power of the legendary albums and songs, using the exact musical arrangements of the originals.

Brighton Centre, 7.30pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk

9 April Courtney Pine If The Ropetackle isn’t already on your radar, it should be. This fantastic small venue punches way above its size in attracting big names who love this intimate venue as much as the loyal audiences do. Highlights of April’s stellar line up include Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham on 7th April, Courtney Pine on 9th April, The Darius Brubeck Quartet on 21st April, Romesh Ramganathan on 23rd April and Seth Lakemen on 24th April. You have to book early, so don’t blame us when gigs sell out!

At the time of going to press there were still tickets available for sax supremo Courtney Pine live in concert with his full band. The legendary British jazz artist presents an evening of calypso, ska and Afro-Caribbean music with his House Of Legends show.

The Ropetackle, 8pm. www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

CALENDAR of events

30 April - 2 May Foodies Festival The foodie celebration of food and drink returns to Brighton for a May Bank Holiday feast on Hove Lawns 30th April, 1st & 2nd May. Now in it’s seventh year, Foodies Festival is the culinary staple in Brighton’s social calendar, welcoming over 30,000 food & drink hungry visitors, who enjoy a three-day gastronomic celebration on Hove Lawns with friends and family. Expect demonstrations, stalls, artisan produce, pop-up restaurants, street food and much more.

There will be Michelin-starred chefs cooking in the Chef’s Theatre, wine, beer, and cocktails in the Drink’s Theatre, and kids can learn to cook in the Children’s Cookery Theatre. Or enjoy Afternoon tea in the beautifully decorated Vintage Tea Room, where teas, handmade cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam are served on china from a tea trolley by vintage-styled tea ladies and gentlemen, with vintage music for ambience.

Hove Lawns. For full details visit www.foodiesfestival.com

23 April Julian Clary

22 April - 21 May An Enemy of the People Ibsen’s thrilling play is a searing examination of the intricate workings of power and influence, and an investigation into who holds real authority in society.

Brilliant Dr Stockmann, Chief Medical Officer of the Baths, has made a shocking scientific discovery about the standards of sanitation at the popular local spa. Luckily, technology has a ready solution: the polluted baths must close immediately so that cleansing and rebuilding work can be carried out. But not everyone sees things quite so simply. What about the impact of closure on tourism, property and commerce? What about the town’s wider image and reputation?

Chichester Festival Theatre. For times and prices visit www.cft.org.uk

Julian Clary, national trinket, author, TV and radio star is coming up your way… The Joy of Mincing is Julian Clary’s celebration of 30 years as a camp comedian. Spilling the beans on the ups and downs of his sordid love life, the true and heart stopping account of how he saved Dame Joan Collins’ life. On stage Julian will proudly wear his well-deserved M.B.E (Mincer of the British Empire). It was the last thing he expected to receive when he knelt down in front of Prince Charles in the scullery at Buckingham Palace… He will be handing out honours to the lucky few in the audience too. This is Julian at his filthy best. Live and unplugged. Come and witness a masterclass in camp comedy.

Brighton Dome, 7.30pm. www.brightondome.org

30th April - 29th May Artists Open Houses Festival The largest event of its kind in the UK, around 200 houses and studio spaces across the city open their doors to exhibit the work of over 1,500 artists and makers. Last year over 200,000 people visited the festival.

Artists Open Houses offers the chance to buy artworks directly from the artists and makers themselves. There is a hugely diverse selection of artworks on show, from original paintings, prints, graffiti arts, ceramics and textiles to photography, sculpture, crafts, jewellery and many other media.

The houses are grouped into one of 14 trails around different areas of the city, from the fishermen’s houses of Hanover to the urban warehouse spaces of the North Laine and cottages of the South Downs village of Ditchling.

Artist Marion Brandis is the 2016 brochure cover artist, and will be exhibiting her work at The Old Market, Hove alongside 2015’s winner of Best Open House, Dion Salvador Lloyd.

Across the city and beyond. Full details at www.aoh.org.uk. See feature on AOH participant international artist Jessica Zoob on page 70 Ceramic gull by AOH May 2016 cover artist Marion Brandis, photo: Bernard G Mills.

PORTFOLIO 25

52 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FN • Tel 01273 778844 113 St. Georges Road, Brighton BN2 1EA • Tel 01273 685111 10 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GA • Tel 01273 383830 BEAUFORT TERRACE, BRIGHTON - £550,000

BRIGHTON OFFICE: 01273 685111

Stylish three bedroom linked-detached bay fronted family home. Conveniently located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought after Hanover area, this extended family-sized house has a secluded mature rear garden. Period features and bay windows blend seamlessly with contemporary interior design features and a wealth of natural light in this three bedroom house. Beautifully extended to maximise the space available it is easy to see that this home has been designed with a great attention to detail. Benefiting from sea views and plenty of open space it is ideally located for easy access to all that Brighton and Hove has to offer. EPC rating E.

BURTON VILLAS, HOVE - £850,000

HOVE OFFICE: 01273 778844

Elegant Edwardian five bedroom semi-detached house. A beautiful three storey, bay fronted house set in a quiet tree-lined street in Hove’s highly sought after Wilbury District area. Tall ceilings, wooden floors and stained glass leaded windows combine to create a truly period feel while a stunning open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room with trifold doors creates a contemporary finishing touch. EPC Rating E.

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

TIVOLI CRESCENT, BRIGHTON - £615,000

BRIGHTON OFFICE: 01273 685111

Beautiful 1930s extended four bedroom terraced house. An elegant three storey, bay fronted house with large tiered rear garden and views towards Preston Park. Set in a quiet and attractive road in Brighton’s highly sought after Tivoli area, a classic tiled path leads up to an elegant bay-fronted home arranged over three floors. Multi-paned windows, spacious rooms and elegant colour schemes all combine to create a beautiful example of contemporary living in a period property. Situated within walking distance of the shops and amenities of Matlock Road, this beautifully presented family home is also within easy reach of Preston Park train station. EPC Rating D.

GRAHAM CLOSE, PORSTLADE - £285,000

PORTSLADE OFFICE: 01273 383830

Two bedroom semi-detached house with garage in quiet cul-de-sac. Situated on a quiet and pretty cul-de-sac in a sought after area of Mile Oak, this semi-detached house enjoys plenty of outdoor space. Benefiting from plenty of natural light, the contemporary interior of this wellpresented home offers two equally-sized double bedrooms and has a warm and inviting feel. There is plenty of potential to extend the ground floor and to add a loft extension. EPC Rating E.

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

ELEGANT DUPLEX

T

hroughout this expansive duplex apartment, modern interior design features have been incorporated with imagination and the utmost attention to detail. From the en-suite bathroom to the vaulted ceilings, every aspect of this exclusive home is finished to a high standard.

Situated in the very heart of Hove, this newly decorated, light and spacious duplex forms part of a beautiful collection of loft-style apartments in an elegant red brick Victorian warehouse.

Originally designed in 1839 by Thomas Lainson, each individually designed apartment has been sympathetically converted to retain the architectural values of the period with modern day interior design.

Sleek, double-height glass doors sweep open to reveal the landscaped inner courtyard and decked walkways of this elegant building, and the instant sense of peace and quiet is emphasised by the beautiful sound of birdsong.

An extra-width, contemporary grey door opens onto a spacious entrance hall featuring beautiful hardwood timber floors which continue throughout this extensive home.

Palmeira Yard, Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Price: £620,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Modern kitchen: Sought-after area; Well-appointed Best Bits: Grade II Listed Building; Contemporary Victorian warehouse conversion; Spacious open-plan living space Fine & Country 46 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com 28  PORTFOLIO

fineandcountry.comTM

Fine & Country 46 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN

Pembroke Avenue, Hove

EPC: F

Elegant Semi-Detached Red Brick House.

Located in the highly sought after Pembroke Conservation Area, this spacious home offers a wealth of period features and plenty of potential to extend (subject to consents).

Set back from the wide tree-lined road, the interior of this elegant period property features an undeniable sense of grandeur. Overlooking superbly planted gardens this prestigious property offers both the benefits of a quiet setting and easy access to the seafront.

Tel: 01273 739911

Somerhill Avenue, Hove

£1,200,000

EPC: C

Substantial south-facing family home with a rural ambience in the heart of the city.

On a short avenue that leads directly into the local park, this style of expansive home is more commonly found in the city’s outlying suburbs. There’s an almost rural feel to its established south-facing garden providing an intense backdrop of varying shades of green. Solidly built in the late 1920s the majority of rooms are south-facing for a home that’s both light-filled and naturally warm with interior decor of simple white contrasting with natural wood flooring. Wide bay windows and patio doors allow the sunlight to stream in with superb flow between ground floor rooms opening out to a raised terrace running alongside.

Tel: 01273 739911

£1,295,000

Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911

THE collection

THE APRIL COLLECTION Conservatories, orangeries, call them what you will, these provide a classic link between home and garden. Here are some of the nicest homes with conservatories currently on the market

Stunning views Hilltop, Brighton Set in a highly sought after private road of 11 houses, this bright and spacious detached family home offers versatile and spacious family living. The living room has double doors leading into the south facing heated conservatory with censored roof windows. From here are double doors leading to the beautiful low maintained landscaped garden with mature trees, shrubs and olive tree which are all self watered via the watering system. There is a good size family kitchen, also with double doors leading out to the garden. Four good sized bedrooms with master having a generous en-suite shower room and stunning south facing terrace with far reaching views over the City and to the sea beyond.

Price: £925,000 Hamptons International | 01273 230230 | www.hamptons.co.uk

Tudor style Woodland Avenue, Hove A beautifully presented four bedroom detached Tudor style home, situated in this sought after family location, close to Hove Park. The property is offered with no onward chain and comprises on the ground floor a reception hallway, cloakroom, through lounge/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, separate utility room, conservatory and office/bedroom five. A turned staircase leads to the first floor with four double bedrooms, en-suite and separate family bathroom. There is also a balcony from one of the rear bedrooms.

Outside to the rear is the most attractive rear garden providing direct access to the Three Cornered Copse, whilst the front benefits from private off street parking.

Price: OIEO £850,000 Mishon Mackay | 01273 821800 | www. mishonmackay.com

Top spot Peacock Lane, Brighton This handsome property boasts generous, versatile accommodation with three/four bedrooms in addition to a good size attic room which the existing vendor used as a guest suite. The ground floor is a real gem featuring a spacious lounge/dining room, an extended kitchen/ breakfast room which was refitted not so long ago, a utility room, study and a beautiful conservatory. There is an attractive carriage driveway along with a garage providing plenty of off road parking. The secluded rear garden has a southerly aspect.

Price: £825,000 Spencer & Leigh | 01273 565566 | www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

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DITCHLING | Offers In The Region of £1,250,000 Centrally positioned - Detached family house - Large well-appointed rooms - Potential for further extension (stnc) - Landscaped gardens - Double garage - Further timber outbuildings inc. garage & workshop - 4 bedrooms - 3 reception rooms - 3 bathrooms

DITCHLING | £949,950 Modern detached house - Good sized south facing rear garden - Prominent village location - Integral garage - Driveway with parking for several cars - A wealth of oak throughout - 5 bedrooms - 2 reception rooms - 3 bathrooms

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

BEAUTIFUL homes

FINE LOCATION

A Poynings Road, Fulking, BN5 9NB Price: GUIDE £2,250,000 - £2,500,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Terraced pool area with plant room; Heated swimming pool; Inglenook fireplace with oak bressumer in the dining room Best Bits: Floodlit all-weather tennis court; Planning permission granted for further extension; Beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds: approx 3½ acres

pproached via electric double gates and over a classic brick block carriage driveway, Downside occupies one of the finest locations, prominently positioned beneath the South Downs. The property offers space in abundance, with well-appointed, naturally lit rooms. A clear feature of the property is the large kitchen/breakfast room with a bespoke, handmade ‘Morris & Murray’ kitchen and a triple-aspect view over the beautifully landscaped rear garden and grounds. Four further reception rooms and a large reception hall provide good formal and informal family spaces for entertaining and relaxing. The first floor provides five bedrooms, of which one is a beautiful triple-aspect master suite with dressing area and modern en-suite bathroom. The gardens and grounds amass to approximately 3½ acres and encompass a terraced swimming pool area, established and productive kitchen garden, tennis courts and landscaped lawns. Further to this, there is detached garaging for four cars. Planning permission has been granted for a front and side extension.

Chatt Estates 34 High Street, Ditchling, East Sussex BN6 8TA 01273 844500 www.chattestates.co.uk PORTFOLIO 33

simon lemcke get to know the man at helm of our hove sales office

consort house guide price £3,000,000 - £3,250,000

beds: 6 | living rooms: 4 | area: approx 4,600 sq ft | location: sussex square CA

Experience the elegance of the Regency period in this exquisite, extremely rare, Grade 1 listed town house once owned by HRH the Princess Consort of Thailand, with outstanding sea views, six bedrooms and a sixty-five feet long private garden in Brighton’s most exclusive Crescent designed by Busby and Wilds. This unique house has been sensitively brought into the 21st century by another partnership of exceptionally talented designers, and now offers extremely modern technology as well as a double height conservatory on the ground/first floors, a west facing balcony and a fabulous family/cinema room on the lower ground floor.

This majestic home is within minutes of the sea and the fashionable Kemp Town Village with its Bohemian mix of cafés, shops and restaurants. The cosmopolitan marina, a golf course and the best theatres of Brighton are also all within easy reach as are the Georgian Lanes and the Brighton Pavilion. Close to one of the top ten schools in the country, the award winning Brighton College, this exceptional home’s proximity to Brighton Station with its excellent links to Gatwick and London make this a viable proposition for those needing to travel.

Without doubt, this is one of Brighton’s premier residencies.

register your interest | call 01273 683 111

book a valuation

find out the value of your property with a free valuation

hove: kemp town: preston park:

01273 22 11 02 01273 683 111 01273 504 441

roedean way, bn2

dream villa

£2,995,000

beds: 5 + 1 sc | living rooms: 3 | area: 4204 sq ft | location: roedean

In a private and exclusive location looking over the English Channel, this beautiful Italianate Villa has four bedrooms and a master suite in the main house and a separate guest/staff suite in the Campanile. Designed for elegant entertaining – at one point the Emir of Kuwait enjoyed teas in the gardens- this luxurious yet comfortable family home has stunning sea views and classically landscaped gardens centred on a heated pool and pool house. Close to the Marina and within minutes of the fashionable coastal resort of Brighton and Hove, this house also has an up to the minute security system, secure garaging and a drive with remote controlled gates and a hardstanding for your guest’s cars.

elm close, bn3

£1,750,000

sophisticated style

beds: 5 double | living rooms: 2 spacious | location: tongdean

This detached, five bedroom home is a beautiful blend of modern luxury countryside charm. It was built just four years ago, but externally it is sympathetic its older neighbours, whilst inside only the finest materials and fitting have been to create a light and contemporary space. Light flows throughout the house, every room being double aspect, and large skylights stream the light through, a central well. It also boasts five bathrooms; four en suite, a double garage, wraparound garden with two outdoor work cabins, an integral sound entertainment system, and two generously proportioned reception rooms. newly built, it is incredibly well insulated, but it also has energy efficient double windows and an economical Megaflo heating system.

hove office

call: simon lemcke 01273 22 11 02

kemp town office

tivoli crescent north, bn1 unique panorama

guide price

£1,200,000 - £1,250,000

beds: 4 | living rooms: 2 | area: 2331 sq ft | location: preston park

On an exclusive road in Withdean, and with breath taking views from all floors, this elegant 1920s house has been sensitively refurbished to create a sophisticated family home. With a luxurious ground floor for stylish entertaining, four double bedrooms, two offices, and five unique garden terraces, this house is exclusive, and is also just a short walk from the commuter station at Preston Park.

call: david vaughan

01273 683 111

preston park office call: jason brand

01273 504 441

Carlisle Road, Hove

£1,425,000

Absolutely stunning 4-5 bedroom double fronted detached house in Hove with fantastic west facing rear garden. The property is in a highly sought after area located between the seafront and New Church Road, whilst being easy walking distance to the array of local shops and eateries on Church Road.

There is also a substantial loft space with potential for conversion, subject to the necessary consents.

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Buy & sell with the experts.

Four of our favourite properties this month. Visit our website at justinlloyd.co.uk to view all our properties.

Claremont Terrace, Brighton

Dyke Road, Brighton

£1,050,000

£1,250,000

Stunning five bedroom Victorian house with a landscaped west facing garden measuring over 100 foot long and driveway parking. This beautiful home is in a superb location, walking distance to Preston Park and moments from Preston Park Train Station - making it ideal for commuters. The property is also being sold with approved planning permission to extend the living accommodation to the rear of the property.

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2

A truly magnificent and substantial 2300sqft+ five bedroom Edwardian house with 70” mature rear garden, garage, garden room and additional driveway parking. This spacious property is in the popular residential area of Brighton being close to Preston Park station, as well as having ease of access in and out of the city via the A23/A27, making this area extremely popular for families and commuters alike.

3

“An extremely efficient service form start to finish. The team at Justin Lloyd were informative, available and above all honest in their advice and assistance.”

Vendor comment, January 2016

5

£1,100,000

A magnificent and enchanting country house, part of which dates back to 1642 which has subsequently been extended to create this wonderful four bedroom family home. Set within beautiful gardens, complete with swimming pool, gazebo and seated rose arches. The property boasts a wealth a period and characterful features, particularly in the Grade II listed, original 17th century building, as well as ample off road parking.

4

The International Property Awards 2013-2014

Call us now 01273 692424 Email info@justinlloyd.co.uk Visit justinlloyd.co.uk

3

Wheatsheaf Road, Henfield

Highly Commended Real Estate Agency East Sussex

2

Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH Hove 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD

3

3

BEAUTIFUL homes

PERIOD GEM

S

tunning five bedroom Victorian house with a landscaped west facing garden measuring over 100 foot long and driveway parking. This beautiful home is in a superb location, walking distance to Preston Park and moments from Preston Park Train Station - making it ideal for commuters. In more detail the accommodation comprises: Raised Ground Floor - entrance hallway, drawing room, dining room, modern fully fitted kitchen leading to the garden; Lower Ground Floor - hallway, sitting room, double bedroom, wet room; First Floor - two double bedrooms, single bedroom, family bathroom; Second Floor - double bedroom. The property is also being sold with approved planning permission to extend the living accommodation to the rear of the property.

Clermont Terrace, Brighton, BN1 6SH Price: £1,050,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Off-street parking space; 115 ft west-facing rear garden; Approved planning permission to extend the living accommodation Best Bits: Stunning five doublebedroom period house; Beautifully presented throughout; Wealth of period features Justin Lloyd Estate Agents, 111 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1DD 01273 692424 www.justinlloyd.co.uk PORTFOLIO  37

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

Commercial Litigation

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

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

Life and Family

Personal Injury

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

• Road Traffic Accidents • Medical Negligence • Accident at Work and on Construction Site • Fatal Accidents • Structured Settlements

Wills and Trusts

For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:

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

info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411

www.engleharts.co.uk

TALK money

“Although the growth on these investments cannot be pre-determined or guaranteed, in the longer term they should outperform investments in cash”

A NICER ISA Are you making the most of your ISA investments? Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money looks at the stocks-and-shares ISAs

T

he low interest rates are a good thing for many people as they have benefited from low mortgage payments over a number of years. This has helped support the economy since the credit crunch, but what about the long-suffering investors? Many are retired and have previously relied on the interest rates on their investments to help support their retirements. For some it has become almost a full-time job seeking out rates, looking for cash ISAs and reinvesting their cash over and over again to get the best rates on their funds.

Some have taken fixed-rate cash ISAs with pre-determined end dates. This gives them a fixed rate of interest over a certain period of time, but once the initial rates have ended, the follow-on rates are often disappointing.

As interest rates are so low, people are often looking at alternatives for investing their money. Many know that they can transfer their cash ISAs from provider to provider without using this year’s ISA allowance, but often don’t know that they can transfer cash ISAs to stocks-and-shares ISAs.

The name “stocks-and-shares ISA” may put some people off; they may think that the whole investment must be in stocks and shares, but this isn’t the case. These types of ISA can invest in a number of different assets, stocks and shares, property and fixed interest, a lower risk asset class. Stocksand-shares ISAs can be geared to a lower level of risk, just like other investments.

One of the first things an independent financial adviser should ascertain is the level of risk a person is happy to take, along with their capacity for loss. In the past, this would have been a verbal discussion. However, many now use structured questionnaires which will indicate a level of risk for a client.

These questionnaires are then assessed and a full discussion follows to ensure the investment is made at the correct risk level, and a level which the person feels comfortable with.

The adviser will then work out the amount that should be left in cash investments, such as the building society, cash ISAs or current account. This will cover amounts for any pre-

known purchases, an emergency fund, and perhaps an amount to supplement income for a period of time. Investments into stocksand-shares ISAs and other vehicles will be for longer-term investments, ensuring there is time to ride out any fluctuations in the market. Although the growth on these investments cannot be pre-determined or guaranteed, in the longer term they should outperform investments in cash.

If you would like advice on the above or any other financial matter, or to review your arrangements, please call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667. I offer a free initial consultation and independent advice.

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.

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

PORTFOLIO 39

LET NASH WATSON TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT

FOR SALE HOVA VILLAS FIVE BEDROOM MAISONETTE £895,000 Fine perception of detail and great taste is here aplenty in this Victorian build that provides the backdrop for a décor tour de force taking in midcentury influences right through to modern day. When the light comes in, this generous home really connects.

FOR SALE CORNWALL GARDENS FIVE BEDROOM HOUSE ÂŁ925,000 Social, stylish and extremely desirable, this capacious Edwardian house has, from top to bottom, a great choice of colours that help to convey a vital, confident narrative. The grand kitchen and dining room area form the hub and set a high standard that continues throughout this family home.

SALES LETTINGS VALUATIONS 01273 733500 HOME@NASHWATSON.COM

Citywide sales & lettings www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

Preston Drove, Preston Park, Brighton

Guide Price: £995,000 – £1,095,000

A substantial, detached family home directly opposite Preston Park, which was constructed in 1931 as part of the former Stanford Estate. The property maintains many fine features, including a grand entrance hall with oak wood panelling, which follows into the living room, having an original feature fireplace. Ideal for families is the 21’ kitchen/breakfast room, ground-floor cloakroom and formal dining room. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms and a family bathroom, with the master bedroom having a walk-in dressing room which could easily be converted to an en-suite. The loft has been converted via a matching staircase to provide a fifth double bedroom and large walk-in store room. Undoubtedly, the beautiful rear garden with mature trees measuring in excess of 100’ in length, is a rare find for this location and also benefits from a painted summer house and vegetable garden. Vehicle parking is catered for on a private driveway which gives access to an attached garage with mezzanine storage platform. Viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate this well-cared-for home, which is exclusive to Spencer & Leigh.

108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 565566

www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL homes

HIDDEN GEM

T Peacock Lane, Surrenden, Brighton, BN1 6WA Price: ÂŁ825,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Situated in a quiet, private road; Three/four good size bedrooms; Additional converted attic room; Larger than usual conservatory Best Bits: Extended kitchen/breakfast room; South facing rear garden; Carriage driveway & garage Spencer & Leigh, 108 Old London Road, Patcham, Brighton BN1 8YA 01273 565566 www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

ucked away in a quiet private road, you could well be forgiven for thinking that this property was situated in the countryside and not just outside the bustling city of Brighton & Hove. This handsome property boasts generous, versatile accommodation and is offered for sale with three/four bedrooms in addition to a good size attic room which the existing vendor utilised as a guest suite. The ground floor is a real gem featuring a spacious lounge/dining room, an extended kitchen/breakfast room which was refitted not so long ago, a utility room, study and a beautiful conservatory. There is an attractive carriage driveway along with a garage providing plenty of off road parking. The secluded rear garden has a southerly aspect and makes a lovely space for children to play or to entertain family and friends. Opportunities such as this are usually snapped up quickly therefore early internal viewing is recommended.

PORTFOLIO  45

2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL hove@elliottsestateagents.co.uk 01273 773399

www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk Also in Hangleton

SHIRLEY AVENUE, HOVE Elliotts are delighted to offer this well presented detached bungalow (with loft room), occupying a prominent corner plot, with delightful well tended gardens plus garage and driveway, situated in this popular road within Hove’s most sought after residential area.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Large corner plot Gardens on three sides Double glazing Central heating Immaculately presented Additional loft room Three double bedrooms Interconnecting lounge and dining room Dual aspect kitchen Garage Long private driveway Hove’s premier residential area

GUIDE PRICE £750,000 FREEHOLD

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Large plot Detached bungalow Fabulous landscaped c100’+ rear garden Three bedrooms Eat-in size kitchen Separate utility/side loggia Fabulous split level living area Additional cloakroom Garage and driveway parking Superbly presented Gas central heating Double glazing Premier residential district

BENETT DRIVE, HOVE Elliotts are delighted to offer this immaculately presented and deceptively spacious detached bungalow with fabulous established rear garden extending over 100’, full of scope and potential, located in Hove’s most prestigious residential area, within just a few hundred yards of Hove Park.

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £800,000 FREEHOLD

BEAUTIFUL homes

SUPERB VIEWS

T

his deceptively spacious detached family home is in a tucked-away location in the heart of the highly sought-after Withdean district of Brighton. The house has particularly spacious accommodation and is well arranged over two floors, with the ground floor occupying the majority of the accommodation, including an impressive reception hallway, three separate reception rooms, including a living room, dining room and TV room, separate well-fitted kitchen and feature rear atrium. In addition, on the ground floor is a double bedroom which is currently being used as a study, and a family bathroom with separate shower cubicle. On the first floor are three bedrooms, plus a fourth bedroom currently being utilised as a dressing room, and a shower room.

At the front of the property are a tiered garden and private driveway, plus garage with space for up to four cars. To the rear of the property is an attractive garden: a lower patio area has ample space for garden table and chairs, with steps up to a south-facing lawn. A good-sized roof terrace enjoys a superb open outlook with distant views.

Tongdean Rise, Brighton BN1 5JG Price: £725,000 Bedrooms: 4/5 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Three separate reception rooms; Feature rear atrium; Roof terrace Best Bits: Superb far-reaching rooftop views: Tucked-away location: Soughtafter Withdean district Elliotts Estate Agents 2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL 01723 773399 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk PORTFOLIO  47

Brighton Marina 01273 622007

Brighton Central 01273 720714

Fiveways

01273 561534

AN INCREDIBLE WATERSIDE DESTINATION • 175 superb new homes available this summer • Shops, restaurants and bars on your doorstep • 50 minutes to London by train • Europe’s largest marina • 24/7 concierge

FURNISHED SHOW HOME NOW OPEN Contact your local branch or visit www.brightonmarinaliving.co.uk

Hove

01273 321721

North Laine 01273 675571

LEADERS

If you are buying or selling a property you couldn’t be in safer hands since

Lawyers for Life™

BRIGHTON HOUSE PRICES ADD £4,000 IN THREE MONTHS Homeowners in Brighton & Hove have benefited from a £4,000 boost in the value of their homes in just the last three months. Andrew Hovey from Leaders, Western Road looks at the trend

F

igures from Zoopla show that an average property in the city is now worth £4,286 more than it was in the previous quarter, while house prices are £13,671 up on this time last year.

Local property specialist Leaders, which operates five branches in the city, has noticed an upturn in Brighton and Hove’s property market in recent months, with high demand from buyers pushing up prices in many areas.

Andrew Hovey, Branch Manager at Leaders in Western Road, says: “Property owners in the city have seen the value of their homes increase at a strong rate in recent times, with an average household gaining more than £1,000 per month.

“This has created an ideal opportunity to sell at a good price and use the proceeds to make your next move”

Conveyancer Of The Year The Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2012 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times

31 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG Tel: +44 (0) 1273 725229 www.cunningtons.co.uk

“Many people do not realise how much their house or flat is now worth, such is the pace at which the market has been moving.

“This has created an ideal opportunity to sell at a good price and use the proceeds to make your next move. You might be surprised by just how far the equity in your property would go on another purchase.”

In particular, those who own a detached home in Brighton and Hove have seen its value shoot up by 9.85 per cent (an average of £46,338) over the last year. This is significantly more than any other property type, making a move increasingly lucrative to this group.

High prices are certainly not confined to detached homes, though, with flats now worth an average of more than £250,000 and terraced houses closing in on a typical value of £400,000.

Andrew adds: “Anybody thinking of moving away from the city or downsizing can also cash in on recent house price rises by selling their property and taking advantage of the funds generated in the city’s booming market.”

For more information and advice on selling your property, contact one of Leaders’ branches in Brighton and Hove or visit leaders.co.uk.

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

Hove £1,100,000

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

4

3

2

3

2

T 020 78390888 E enquiries@tlo.co.uk

2

North Laine £479,950

An attractive and spacious detached house offering versatile accommodation and benefitting from a good sized garden, a generous in/out driveway, off road parking and views to the coast.

Hove Park £459,950

London Office 40 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NS

1

A spacious three bedroom semi detached house close to Hove Park with easy access to Hove Mainline Railway Station and benefitting from a detached brick garage and good size rear garden.

1

2

An attractive town house which extends over three stories and situated in the North Laine area of Brighton. The property benefits from a good sized garage and roof access through skylight.

Central Brighton £725,000

3

2

2

An impressive three storey grade II listed house is well presented throughout, offering versatile accommodation and benefitting from several period features and potential for a garage (STNC)

oakleyproperty.com

DO It Yourself

WHY NOT DO IT YOURSELF: ...first impressions

When it comes to kerb appeal, it’s all about the first impression... What does your front door say about you?

F

irst impressions count the most, so however stylish your interior, it could well be the colour of your front door that reveals most about you…

Here is what your front door might be saying about you. And if you want to ring the changes and update or refresh your front door, see our tips below for how to achieve this yourself.

The Red Front Door Red is the colour of passion. It is vibrant, lively and exciting and so too is the person behind the door. People who choose to paint their front door red are often some of the most welcoming and hospitable souls. This explains why, traditionally, red has represented a hospitable home. A red door says ‘welcome’ and it means it.

The Orange Front Door Orange is the colour of warmth. It is an expression of energy, happiness and confidence.

People who paint their front door orange are often social butterflies. They love to entertain and certainly don’t shy away from the challenge of playing host.

The Yellow Front Door Yellow is the colour of logic. It represents the left side of the brain, responsible for critical thinking and original thought. As the lightest colour in the spectrum, it also inspires feelings of cheerfulness, fun and positivity. The person living behind a yellow door is going to be both logical and lively, with lots of vitality for life.

The Green Front Door Green is the colour of health and wealth. It is tranquil and traditional. The individuals living behind the green door are often successful

52 PORTFOLIO

and ambitious. They value the well-being of their family as well as working hard and selfimprovement.

The Blue Front Door Blue is the colour of peace. It is calming, relaxing and honest. Someone who chooses to paint their door blue will value the peace and tranquillity it brings and will view their home as a place of refuge from the pressures of the outside world.

They will also be grounded, honest and true to themselves.

The Purple Front Door Purple means extravagance. It reflects wealth, fantasy and risk. The person who picks purple is comfortable taking a risk or two. They will also enjoy the finer things in life, indulging in treats and pleasures where ever they can. More than that, though, the person behind the purple door will dream big and even consider themselves free-spirited.

The Pink Front Door Pink is the colour of love. The passion and boldness of red is softened by the purity of white, making it romantic, loving and thoughtful.

The person living behind a pink door is the neighbourhood’s hopeless romantic! They will make a good partner and a great friend, thanks to their caring nature and thoughtfulness.

The Brown Front Door Brown is the colour of earth. It is warm, stable and organic. The person behind this door will be grounded, down-to-earth, warm and friendly. A darker brown could reflect a more private soul, looking to avoid too much interaction with the outside world.

The Black Front Door Black is the colour of sophistication. It is classic, authoritative and stylish. Painting your front door black makes a bold statement. It tells the world your home is a place of order and control.

The person living behind the black front door has a place for everything and everything in its place. They are a strong, sophisticated person of substance and style.

The Grey Front Door Grey is the colour of contentment. It is calm, practical and reserved. The person who has a grey front door will be looking for a quiet life. They don’t like to stand out too much and are happy making the compromises often demanded by modern life, to ensure stability and balance in their lives.

White is the colour of perfection. It represents wholeness, equality and, perhaps surprisingly, creativity. White has connotations of wholeness and equality. The person living behind the white door will be open to all sides of an argument.

They are also likely to be highly imaginative, able to fill the blankness of white with ideas and creativity.

The Glass Front Door Last, but by no means least, the glass door. Like the material itself, the person behind the glass door has nothing to hide. They are friendly, outgoing and open.

So, does your front door suit you or will you be making a change?

Thanks to New Home Finder. www.newhomefinder.co.uk

DO It Yourself

How to paint a front door Front doors require a certain amount of maintenance, such as regular cleaning, weatherproofing and the occasional (welldeserved) spruce up. A new coat of paint is a welcome opportunity to choose a new colour and refresh your home’s first impression.

TOOLS & MATERIALS • screwdriver • hand sander • sandpaper • primer • exterior paint Step 1: Choose New Paint Colour Choosing a new colour for your home’s front door can be overwhelming, whether you’re going for a fresh coat of neutral or taking the plunge with a high-contrast hue. Tape a few swatches to your door. The colours will appear quite different outdoors than they do inside your home. Consider the other colours in your home and its surroundings. Use natural greens in the plants surrounding the front door as

Thanks to DIY Network. www.diynetwork.com

inspiration, or accents from tiles or flagstones.

Step 2: Remove Hardware and Prep Door It’s easier to achieve a professional-looking finish if you take the time to remove the locks and knobs. You can tape them off and paint around them, but it’s not the best approach. If you’re considering new hardware, now is the time to get it. Clean the door and use a hand sander to roughen the flat surfaces of existing paint. This will help give the primer a better surface to adhere to. You may have to hand sand in the crevices and around the trim).

Wipe the entire door clean with a dry rag to remove dust.

Step 3: Paint Edges and Details Begin by brushing inset or trim details by hand with a paintbrush so that you can lay an even base coat. Use the brush to feather out the edges of the paint so that there are no drips.

Step 4: Apply Primer Depending on the final colour, you may want

to get the primer tinted. By doing so, you’ll probably need fewer coats of paint. When the primer has dried, run the sandpaper lightly over the surface to level out any irregularities in the primed finish. Use the rag to clean off the sanding dust.

Step 5: Roll Paint on Flat Surfaces Use a small 6” roller with a low-nap texture (or a high-density foam roller) to apply a smooth, consistent paint application across all of the flat surfaces, including the edges of the door.

Step 6: Use Brush for a Hand-Painted Finish Low-nap and foam rollers are ideal because they leave minimal stippling on the surface. But to achieve a really nice finish, use a paintbrush to lightly brush over the final coat of paint while it’s still wet to level out roller marks and leave a smooth “hand-painted” texture.

Step 7: Reattach Door Hardware When the paint has had a full day to dry and cure, reattach the locks and knobs.

PORTFOLIO 53

LEGAL matters

LEADING LADY

Howlett Clarke profile their new Managing Partner Jackie Gillespie: First Lady of QS Howlett Clarke

J

ackie Gillespie’s journey to equity partner, head of the litigation department and now also managing partner of Howlett Clarke began when she spent a week, in 1998, undergoing work experience.

She absorbed a wealth of experience and knowledge from everyone around her and quickly progressed from legal secretary and, continuing to break traditions, she was the first person to secure a place on the firm’s training programme, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2002.

Now that Jackie has accepted the position of managing partner and been in the role for about a month, we thought it would be a good idea to catch up with her and talk about her personal success as well as business development as a whole.

What have been your career highlights over the past 18 years at Howlett Clarke?

Securing a training contract with Howlett Clarke was the beginning of many highlights within the firm. There is always such fierce competition for training contracts, as much now as then.

I enjoyed doing my very best for clients and achieving good results, sometimes against all odds.

I was honoured to be offered Head of the Litigation and Personal Injury department and then partnership. Achieving the LEXCEL accreditation alongside our Investor in People award was a highlight of many years’ effort.

54 PORTFOLIO

What would you say has been key to your success at the firm?

Hard work and dedication to the job, as well as the ability and willingness to do whatever is required to ensure the best outcome for the client.

What advice would you give to someone in a similar position to yourself, when you first became equity partner?

Be ready to adapt to the change from employee to owner of the business. The commercial reality of running the business is quite different to the day job of fee-earning work, but both are equally rewarding.

“Law firms are evolving as they need to in order to meet the demands of their clients and potential clients” With more and more firms turning to fixed-fee legal services, how do you see this impacting on the legal market?

It provides an opportunity for more people to have the benefit of legal advice and access to the help they need at a price they can afford.

This is essentially why Howlett Clarke offers the Ask the Legal Expert Service and Business Advice Service at low cost.

Law firms are evolving as they need to in order to meet the demands of their clients and

potential clients and fixed fees should therefore be welcomed as a win-win for both law firms and clients. Howlett Clarke has been at the forefront of this: we already provide fixed fees in three main areas of law.

Finally, where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

The firm is steeped in history and tradition, with a modern, forward-looking outlook, and I see myself as a custodian of that legacy. I would hope to still be Managing Partner at Howlett Clarke and to ensure its growth and continued success.

Howlett Clarke will celebrate their 243rd birthday this year, making them the oldest legal practice in the Brighton & Hove area. For more information about them, see their website here: www.qualitysolicitors.co.uk/howlettclarke Jackie Gillespie is a Managing Partner at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ 01273 327 272 www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke

See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

COMING SOON

Howard Road

St Helen’s Road

£1,450pcm

£425,000

3-4 bed house with good sized rear garden.

Newly renovated. Suitable for families. EPC – D Halls Elm Grove 01273 691688

Lovely 3 bedroom family house with large through lounge/diner and contemporary kitchen. F/H. Halls Elm Grove 01273 691688

Edburton Avenue, Fiveways

Park Manor, London Road

£625,000

£1,150pcm Halls Fiveways 01273 236000

Three-bedroom Victorian house, wealth of character, two reception rooms. EPC – D Halls Fiveways 01273 236000

A two double bedroom, recently refurbished apartment, new kitchen. EPC – C

Regent Street, Brighton

Davigdor Road

£534,950

£1,275pcm Halls City Centre 01273 571955

Fantastic City Centre Penthouse.

Halls City Centre 01273 571955

Spacious 2 bed flat, en-suite & bathroom, allocated parking.

Estate Agents

Hampton Place Central Brighton

“Simply spectacular three storey mainsonette, with a finish that will take your breath away”

OIEO £575,000 Share of Freehold

Arrange a viewing or property valuation on 01273 622664

Toronto Terrace Hanover “Q Estate Agents present this terraced Hanover cottage with a stunning, unique and stylish finish” Sold (over asking price)

Freshfield Road Kemptown

“The high quality renovation of this two bed maisonette sees a perfect blend of period character and modern finsh” £365,000 Share of Freehold

Ventnor Villas Hove “High ceilings, log burning stove, immaculate interiors and bright, spacious rooms.

A very special flat.”

OIEO £360,000 Share of Freehold See more properties at www.qsalesandlettings.co.uk

Clyde Road, Brighton BN1 £600,000 A beautiful and substantial three storey, four bedroom Victorian villa. Located in a highly sought after residential enclave, just behind Preston Circus and the Duke Of York’s cinema. South facing garden, period features and scope to extend or split into two dwellings.

View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

Beaconsfield Road, Brighton BN1 £445,000 Located close to Preston Park & Brighton City centre, this beautiful semi-detached family house offers versatile living space over three floors. Three bedrooms, large dual aspect reception room, custom built kitchen, period features and delightful landscaped walled rear garden. Added benefit of large loft room with velux. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

01273 28 66 66 CLYDE CORNER, PRESTON CIRCUS, BRIGHTON THE NEXT GENERATION OF ESTATE AGENCY

Yardley Street, Brighton BN1 £575,000 Located in one of Brighton’s most desirable and sought after residential enclaves this beautiful period house is arranged over three storeys and retains period features throughout. Large south/west facing level rear garden, three bedrooms, kitchen/ dining room, family/reception room and large contemporary bathroom/shower room. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

INFO@KNIGHTANDKNOXLEY.COM WWW.KNIGHTANDKNOXLEY.COM KNOWLEDGE & KNOWHOW

BEAUTIFUL homes

VICTORIAN CHARM

W

aldegrave Road lies within the highly sought-after Preston Park Conservation Area, close to Blakers Park. This beautiful semi-detached family home is arranged over three floors and is packed with period detail and charm. To the rear is a lovely east-facing garden which has a fantastic open aspect to the south, so the sun is in the garden all day.

There are two separate reception rooms, a kitchen diner with windows overlooking the garden, three double bedrooms, a large family bathroom, with both bath and shower and an additional W.C. The property is well-situated for transport links to London and East Sussex from Preston Park, London Road and Brighton mainline stations.

Brighton beach and the city centre are within easy distance. Local shops are a short walk away, including an award-winning bakery, independent butcher, greengrocer and great coffee shops. There are also excellent junior and secondary schools nearby.

Waldegrave Road, Brighton, BN1 6GE Price: ÂŁ650,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Semi-detached; Large landscaped garden; Preston Park Conservation Area Best Bits: Highly sought-after location; Beautiful family home; Period features throughout.

Knight & Knoxley Clyde Corner, 2 Clyde Road, Preston Circus, Brighton BN1 4NP 01273 286666 www.knightandknoxley.com PORTFOLIO  59

HOME tips

WATER WATER Be waterwise in your home by making a few simple changes to your routine, just follow the tips below

WATER-SAVING TIPS IN THE HOME Washing machines and dishwashers Make it a full load when you use your washing machine or dishwasher.

Miss just one wash a week and you’ll save over 5,000 litres a year. New dishwashers use less water than washing by hand.

Cleaning your teeth Leaving the tap running when brushing your teeth wastes 8,000 litres of water a year.

Chilling water in the fridge Place a jug of water in the fridge for a supply of chilled water, rather than running the tap until it runs cold.

Washing vegetables Wash vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap. Soaking vegetables makes them easier to peel and a running kitchen tap wastes more than nine litres of water a minute.

Boiling the kettle By not overfilling the kettle you can cut its energy use by a third. Only boiling the water needed in kettles could save the UK more than £1 million a week.

60 PORTFOLIO

Washing the car Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car, not a water-wasting hose.

Bath or shower?

A bath uses around 80 litres of water whereas showers use an average of 35 litres. Swapping a daily bath for a shower could save nearly £50 a year.

Shower savings Some showers use more water than others.

Electric showers are already efficient and power showers use lots of water.

Choose a water efficient showerhead to save water and energy. Spending one less minute in the shower each day can also save £10 a year off water bills.

Cleaning your teeth Leaving the tap running when brushing your teeth wastes 8,000 litres of water a year.

Flushing the loo Flushing the toilet accounts for 30 per cent of the water we use. Install a save-a-flush bag and you’ll save one litre of water each time.

Save-a-flush bags are free to Southern Water customers – simply complete our online form at www.southernwater.co.uk.

DO IT YOURSELF: DRIPPING TAPS A dripping tap can waste a lot of water – up to 10,000 litres per year, more than one bathful a week. Most dripping taps only need a new washer, which can be very simple to fix.

Here’s how to do it: • Turn off the mains water supply at the stop tap • Turn the dripping tap on full • Unscrew the cover and loosen the hexagon using a spanner • Remove the whole tap top • Lift out the jumper plate and, using pliers, unscrew the nut • Remove the old washer • Fit the new washer • Re-assemble the tap • Turn the water on again.

Thanks to www.southernwater.co.uk, www.southern.savewater.co.uk, www.diy.com

WATER BUTTS Collecting rainwater in a water butt will help keep your garden, and the environment, healthy. Just one water butt holds enough rainwater to fill a watering can 25 times and average rainfall in the South East can fill your butt up to 450 times a year.

Plants much prefer rainwater than tap water and using less tap water helps save money on water bills. Rainwater is a free resource you can use to help keep your garden green in every sense of the word.

Unlike hard mains water, rainwater won’t leave limescale deposits or increase the alkalinity of the soil.

The best way to collect it is in a water butt connected to a downpipe. If you put it on a stand, you’ll be able to fill a watering can straight from its tap. If you have a big garden, you can connect two butts to a single downpipe by using a flexible hose link kit. Water butts can be used for more than just watering plants. A water butt pump will enable you to use rainwater for cleaning too.

Top tip - Water butt pumps: A plug-in pump adds pressure to stored water from a butt, enabling you to use the stored water to feed sprinklers or irrigation systems.

Safety first: If toddlers, young children and pets are going to go anywhere near your water butt, make sure you fit one with a lockable tap to prevent any accidents.

Always keep the lid fitted on your water butt for safety and to keep insects out.

Choosing a water butt All good DIY superstores and garden stores have a wide range of water butts of varying sizes including slimline butts for smaller properties. Try B & Q for a good selection.

How to install a Water Butt You can install your water butt yourself in these 6 simple steps: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Start by choosing a suitable and convenient downpipe for your water butt and putting the stand beneath it. Place the water butt on the stand and mark its height on the downpipe.

Next, cut the downpipe 3cm below this point with a hacksaw.

Attach the rainwater diverter fitting to the downpipe. The cut section of downpipe fits onto the bottom of the diverter.

Measure 8cm down from the top of the water butt and drill a hole for the water butt connector.

Attach the connector to the water butt by pushing it through the drilled hole. Then screw the fittings into place.

Next, you’ll need to attach the water butt connector to the rainwater diverter with the fittings that came with the butt.

Put the lid on the butt and lock it into place. You’re now ready to start harvesting rainwater.

CAMBRIDGE ROAD, HOVE

A WELL PRESENTED TWO BEDROOM LOWER GROUND

W

FLOOR PATIO/GARDEN FLAT in a CONVERTED PERIOD

NE

BUILDING, located in this SOUGHT AFTER STREET off WESTERN ROAD, HOVE. The accommodation comprises entrance lobby, entrance hall, 19’6 WEST ASPECT LOUNGE, KITCHEN, TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, EN SUITE BATHROOM, EN SUITE SHOWER ROOM, REAR PATIO/GARDEN, WALK-IN STORAGE CUPBOARD, OWN STREET ENTRANCE, GAS FIRED HEATING, EPC D.

OIXO £325,000 LEASEHOLD

AN UNUSUAL AND QUIRKY TWO BEDROOM

BRUNSWICK TERRACE, HOVE NE

MAISONETTE with a ROOF TERRACE in a CONVERTED

W

GRADE I LISTED BUILDING ON HOVE’S FINEST SEAFRONT TERRACES. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, 21’9 LOUNGE/DINING ROOM, SOUTH ASPECT KITCHEN, MASTER BEDROOM with LARGE STORAGE CUPBOARD, ROOF TERRACE, GAS CENTRAL HEATING.

£299,950 LEASEHOLD MARINE PARADE, BRIGHTON W

NE

A WELL PRESENTED TWO BEDROOM THIRD FLOOR FLAT in a CONVERTED PERIOD BUILDING located in this SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION ON BRIGHTON SEAFRONT with STUNNING DIRECT VIEWS TO THE BEACH, SEA AND BRIGHTON PIER. The accommodation comprises entrance lobby, hallway, BRIGHT SOUTH ASPECT LOUNGE/DINING ROOM, MODERN KITCHEN, TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, EPC D.

£325,000 LEASEHOLD

brices sales & lettings

SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF

BEAUTIFUL homes

ROOFTOP DINING

A

sympathetically and stylishly refurbished three-storey, Grade II listed maisonette retaining a wealth of period features and charm, located in this highly sought-after street between Western Road and the seafront. The accommodation comprises double-aspect lounge and dining room, balcony, south-aspect kitchen/breakfast room, lovely west-aspect roof terrace, three double bedrooms, family bathroom with period suite, further bathroom, utility room, attic, period features including feature fireplaces, oblique views to the sea, and gas-fired heating.

Waterloo Street, Hove, BN3 1AQ Price: ÂŁ1,100,000.00 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Beautiful and stylishly refurbished; Retaining a wealth of period details Best Bits: Full-width balcony; Three double bedrooms; West-aspect roof terrace Brices Sales & Lettings 30c Western Road, Hove BN3 1AF 0 1273 323000 www.brices.co.uk

PORTFOLIO  63

from pads to maisonettes you’ll soon be planning madly w

Seafield Road, Hove

£895 pcm

One bedroom gardne flat in central Hove

Hurst Crescent, Portslade

Lovely three bedroom family home

with property moves...

Combe Road, Brighton

£1,150 pcm

Spacious two bed in character building

£1,350 pcm

Grand Avenue, Hove

£2,600 pcm

Rarely available three bedroom mansion flat near seafront

Hill Drive, Hove ÂŁ915,000 Freehold A modern detached family house in favoured Hove Park, some updating required. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, Lovely rear garden.

Sole Agents.

Downs Valley Road, Woodingdean, Brighton ÂŁ695,000 Freehold Newly constructed detached family house set back from the road. 4/6 Bedrooms, 4 Bath, superb Kitchen/ dining/ family room.

South garden. Disabled user accessibility.

Graves Son & Pilcher, 51 Old Steyne, Brighton, BN1 1HU 01273 321123 | www.gravessonandpilcher.co.uk

PROPERTY

PROPERTY MILLIONAIRES TRIPLE The number of UK properties worth at least £1 million is expected to more than triple between now and 2030, according to a new report from Santander Mortgages.

S

antander Mortgages released a new report last month, produced in partnership with LSE professor Paul Cheshire, which shows that the number of £1 million+ homes will triple in the next 15 years, while average house prices will double, surpassing the half-a-million pound mark.

The report says that one in four London homes will cost £1 million+ by 2030 and that by 2030 the average property price in the UK will double - surpassing the half-a-million pound mark.

Today, less than half-a-million homes in the UK are valued at £1 million or more, but this is set to rise to over 1.6 million in the next 15 years.

Working in partnership with economist and LSE Professor of Economic Geography Paul Cheshire, Santander looked at the future of the UK property market with a forward focus on £1 million+ homes and what drives the market. Its “Property Millionaires: The Growing Housing Divide” report found that by 2030, 25 per cent of housing stock in London is expected to be valued at £1 million or more, rising to 70 per cent in two London boroughs.

While seven per cent of homes in the South East are expected to fetch £1 million+ by 2030, less than one per cent in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, North West, Scotland and the East Midlands are expected to do the same, highlighting a stark geographical divide.

Overall, the average UK property price,

which currently stands at £283,565 is expected to increase by 23 per cent by 2020 to £349,300. Fifteen years from now, in 2030, the average UK property price will have almost doubled (97 per cent increase), surpassing the half-a-million pound mark at £557,444.

“Do your research, find a mortgage provider that offers competitive rates and a range of products” Affordability While property prices are expected to soar, predictions suggest that incomes will not keep pace, resulting in an overall decline in affordability. At present in the UK, the average property price is 7.9 times the average income, but by 2030, this is expected to hit a multiple of 9.7. Again, this trend is elevated in London, where prices are currently 11.5 times incomes and predicted to rise to an eye-watering 16.5 by 2030.

Miguel Sard, Managing Director of Mortgages, Santander UK, said: “Property price inflation will tip many existing home owners into the million pound price bracket but could also price some aspiring buyers out of the market if they don’t have the right support. The current property market is

buoyant and the deals available to new and existing owners are extremely competitive, so those wishing to buy or move shouldn’t be put off.

“Regardless of the price point a buyer is considering, our advice remains the same: do your research, find a mortgage provider that offers competitive rates and a range of products to ensure that the right deal is secured, and, above all, ensure the repayments are affordable.”

Professor Paul Cheshire, LSE Professor of Economic Geography, commented: “By 2030 the divide between housing haves at the top and the have-nots at the bottom will be even wider than it is now. More owners will enjoy millionaire status, as homes that many would consider modest fetch seven figure prices in the most sought-after areas. Property price inflation is beneficial for existing owners, who will see their net wealth increase, but it will make entering the market more difficult still for new buyers, further highlighting the importance of the right timing, advice, support and financial planning, and not just having a mum and dad who bought a house, but a grandparent too.”

Analysis undertaken by Professor Paul Cheshire. Average property price taken from Land Registry for England and Wales; from Registers of Scotland for Scotland; and from Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency for Northern Ireland, December 2015. www.santander.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 67

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

REDHILL DRIVE, BRIGHTON Superb 4 bedroom, detached family home enjoying elevated views across Withdean. Built in the 1950’s and then comprehensively redesigned 4 years ago with a feature 30’ kitchen/family/living room with Cimstone work surfaces, master bedroom with dressing room and luxury en-suite, level patio leading to lawned rear garden. No chain.

GUIDE PRICE: £675,000 PRESTON PARK OFFICE: 01273 508761

HAVELOCK ROAD, PRESTON PARK Very spacious 4 storey Victorian semi-detached villa in Preston Park’s sought after “Golden Triangle” with versatile accommodation able to be used from 3 to 6 bedrooms with bathroom, en-suite and cloakroom.

Stunning kitchen/family room with separate utility room or study, additional entrance on lower ground, westerly aspect garden and patio with flint wall.

Ideal location for Preston Park, Blakers Park, Balfour and Downs Junior schools.

GUIDE PRICE: £700,000 PRESTON PARK OFFICE: 01273 508761

NEW CHURCH ROAD, HOVE A stunning four double bedroom, two bathroom family home situated in a superb position on New Church Road. This home includes off street parking, a garage, a lovely south facing rear garden, and an open plan kitchen / living space with a WOW factor which has been created by the current owners.

GUIDE PRICE: £750,000 - £775,000 HOVE OFFICE: 01273 820280

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

ST MARTINS PLACE, BRIGHTON A fantastic new development consisting of a selection of one & two bedroom apartments. All the apartments are fitted with engineered oak flooring, oak framed internal doors with polished chrome handles, triple glazed ‘tilt and turn’ windows, Gem stone kitchen worktops, high gloss Anthracite and white kitchen cabinets, Bosch induction hob and single oven, integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher, freestanding A+ rated washing machine. Mitsubishi air source ‘Ecodan’ heat pumps (for every 1kw input, 3kw is produced), MHVR mechanical heat ventilation recovery system (90% efficient in recovering waste heat), under floor heating throughout, 7W cool white micro interceptor LED downlights, ‘Twyford Celtic’ steel bath, Roca The Gap basin semi pedestal, ‘Curze’ contemporary mono basin mixer, Alaska back to wall pan soft close toilet seat, ‘Curze’ thermostatic shower, Porcelain ‘Mavric’ and relief tiles. There are facilities for recycling on the development.’

PRICE RANGE: £285,000 - £425,000 LEWES ROAD OFFICE: 01273 677544

FROM NEW BUILD HOMES … ...TO LARGE SCALE REFURBISHMENTS

SPEAK TO OUR TEAM ABOUT YOUR PROJECT TODAY! WWW.GOLDSTONEHOMES.CO.UK I 01273 455934 NEW BUILD HOUSING I REFURBISHMENTS I BESPOKE I SOCIAL HOUSING

CAREER LADDER This month we speak to Jon Over, Managing Director at Goldstone Homes Limited

WHERE IS GOLDSTONE HOMES BASED, JON, AND WHAT AREA DOES YOUR COMPANY COVER? Our head office is based in Shoreham and we work for private clients, developers, organisations and housing associations across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London.

DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION AND HOW DID YOU START THE COMPANY? My Dad had a construction company, and when I was a kid I would work as a labourer in the school holidays. It was hard graft but I used to think I was rich when I got £200 at the end of the week! I always wanted to earn money. During my time at university I set up a maintenance company as my work experience year, and after graduating I went to work for Morgan Sindall for three and a half years. In 2011 – at the age of 27 – I set up Goldstone Homes after taking voluntary redundancy. The business started out as a site-management company before turning into a property-maintenance company. In 2013 we became the Chartered Building Company we are today. We employ 12 full time staff, have been in our 2000q ft offices in Shoreham for around a year now and are about to post a turnover figure of around £2.3m.

DID YOU TAKE A TRADITIONAL ROUTE INTO YOUR CAREER? I don’t think I did. I worked on sites on and off from age 15 to age 21 and actually did a business degree at UCE, Birmingham.

However, I always wanted to run a business, and, because I had experience in the

construction industry, it was a case of ‘stick to what you know.’

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Every day is different. I think it is one of the toughest industries to work in as you have to overcome a huge number of issues and logistics problems to deliver a project. That said, when you complete a project and hand over the keys to someone, you can be proud of the work you have achieved as a team.

HOW IMPORTANT IS BUSINESS NETWORKING FOR YOU? I’ve realised it is hugely important. As the business has grown, we are always looking for new people and companies with which to form working relationships. Networking is a big thing for us this year, and we have recently joined The Boundary Club and will be attending other networking events and exhibitions across the South East. As a young business in a competitive market, it is now key to raise our newly rebranded profile to make more people aware of who we are and the size of projects we are capable of delivering.

HOW HAVE SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTED ON YOUR PROFESSION? I think with all types of industries it has its positives and negatives. For us it is a good way for companies or individuals to gain an instant snapshot of a work in progress and enables people to get an insight into how we operate on a day-to-day basis.

IN THREE WORDS, DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES THAT YOU THINK ARE MOST REQUIRED IN YOUR JOB. Hard work. Dedication. Vision.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? As a Managing Director of an established house-building and refurbishment company across the South East and London, with a turnover of around £15m. We want to establish a 2nd office in London and to grow the business by delivering excellent projects, developing our own sites and continuing to employ local, talented and ambitious people.

FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG PERSON STARTING OUT TODAY WHO WANTED TO GET INTO YOUR PROFESSION? You have to start from the bottom and work your way up. Working on a construction site is the most invaluable experience you will ever gain. You will learn more from working on one site compared to what you read in a text book. Alternatively, you can go down the apprenticeship route if you are looking to enter a trade, and there are some great local colleges that cater for this.

Jon Over, Managing Director Goldstone Homes Limited 01273 455934 | www.goldstonehomes.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 71

FEATURE home

HOME OF THE MONTH

...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine

4 bedroom detached house for sale Church Lane, Pyecombe, West Sussex, Guide Price: £650,000

D

olphin Cottage is a stylishly modernised four bedroom detached period house tastefully remodelled and blending character with modern living resulting in a delightful family home of unique charm and feel. Worthy of immediate inspection this delightful property sits on a pretty corner plot at the top of Church Lane and enjoys attractive well stocked southerly side and westerly rear cottage gardens and also has a further separate triangular shaped garden area behind the church.Internally, Dolphin Cottage is arranged over three floors, is tastefully decorated and enjoys some fabulous countryside views from various rooms.Other features we particularly like are the charming sitting room with its wood burner, the spacious open plan kitchen/family room with a 7 burner cooker range and lots of space for table and chairs, the master bedroom with its contemporary en-suite bathroom and lastly the large bedroom on the top floor which has some excellent downland views.

Mansell McTaggart- Brighton 138 Old London Road, Patcham, BN1 8YA 01273 508955 | www.mansellmctaggart.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

LOCAL talent

UP MY STREET... ...THIS MONTH WE SPEAK TO JESSICA ZOOB ABOUT WHERE SHE LIVES AND WHY SHE LOVES IT Jessica Zoob is an internationally renowned British contemporary artist WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I currently live in Lewes. I adore the quirkiness of this historic town. It’s wonderful to stroll down the high street and be able to see the Downs all around, and I’m only 15 minutes from the coast.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOUSE I bought my current house, a late Victorian endof-terrace, 10 years ago. I live there with my two daughters. It has three bedrooms and a bathroom and is open-plan, with a clean, white scheme. I want my art to stand out and I love having flowers around, so it is just a very simple setting for everything to sing out from.

WHAT HAVE YOU CHANGED ABOUT PROPERTY SINCE LIVING THERE?

YOUR

The property had been empty for some time when we bought it. We had a blank canvas to work with and could make it our own. We stripped it back to its bare bones, moved walls around, added rooms and did a loft extension. We added panelling on the walls and ceilings as well as a few select pieces of vintage furniture. I found this sideboard in a local salvage yard called Back To The Grain. The armchair is upholstered in fabric from my collaboration with Romo Black Editon; it’s called Pleasure Garden.

YOUR WORK REFLECTS BOTH URBAN AND RURAL THEMES. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, CITY OR COUNTRY? I find inspiration everywhere, but I am most drawn to the country. I love the feeling of being connected to the seasons by noticing how the light and the landscape change.

Even on the greyest day, the South Downs are beautiful, because they appear luminous in the chalky light.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER AREAS OF SUSSEX YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN? I am currently in the process of buying a new property with my new husband. It is a Tudor listed cottage in the Sussex countryside. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into a new project!

DO YOU HAVE A GARDEN? I have a very small garden at the moment, but my new home comes with 12 acres. I love gardening and can’t wait to create an amazing garden.

I crave meadows, a lake, woodland – in fact, my big dream is to create a nature reserve where birds, butterflies, bees and all manner of flora and fauna can thrive.

Jessica will be opening her studio for the first time ever during Artists’ Open Houses Festival. The studio will be open on May 7th & 8th.

Banff Farm, Upper Clayhill, East Sussex BN8 5RR. www.jessicazoob.com

Photo credit: Chris Snook

PROPERT Y PLUS RELIABILIT Y EQUALS LET TINGS

PROPERT YPLUSLET TINGS.COM 01273 777010

OVERSEAS

WIN A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE Get away from it all with a visit to A Place in the Sun Live: Olympia London, 6th to 8th May We have tickets to give away!

A

Place in the Sun Live is the official exhibition of the Channel 4 TV show and the largest overseas property exhibition in Europe, with over 150 exhibitors from around the world showcasing beautiful overseas properties from locations such as Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Florida and many more.

Alongside property agents and pavilions dedicated to individual countries are essential professional services, including expert advice on legal, financial, tax and currency. Industry experts will be on hand to talk you through the buying process and answer any questions you may have.

In attendance at Olympia London will be the stars of the TV show, Amanda, Jasmine, Laura and Ben. They will be appearing at The Hub to share their experiences from the TV show, offer their top tips for overseas property hunting and answering your questions. You can even meet them face-to-face at the magazine signing sessions.

WE HAVE SIX PAIRS OF COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS FOR A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE. WIN a pair of tickets To win a pair of tickets to A Place in the Sun Live, send an email to: competitions.portfolio@gmail.com with A Place in the Sun Live in the subject box, and answer this question: What channel is A Place in the Sun on?

A Place in the Sun Live, Olympia London, 6th to 8th May 2016.

For more information about the exhibition visit: www.aplaceinthesun.com/exhibitions

PORTFOLIO  75

PURE SEAFRONT LIVING

MARINE DRIVE - ROTTINGDEAN

ONLY TWO REMAINING SPECTACULAR 2 BEDROOM PENTHOUSE & SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE NOW - BOOK YOUR VIEWING TODAY

www.azurerottingdean.co.uk To book your viewing call: A development by:

01273 300 525 01273 829 300

generator a lifestyle worth living

NEW homes

MOVE FAST FOR A NEW HOME Move fast to secure a fabulous seafront home at boutique development Azure, in Rottingdean, built by niche property company Generator Developments

A

zure, a unique collection of luxury apartments in Rottingdean, has an exceptional waterside location set directly above the shore, offering the rare opportunity for true seafront living. This is a prestigious development that well and truly stands out from the crowd.

Built by niche property company Generator Developments, Azure represents the best in aspirational modern living. Only two apartments now remain for sale, both available immediately, so if you are interesting in making Azure your home, it is time to act fast. Furthermore, secondhome buyers who complete before April, when the stamp duty rise takes effect, will benefit from significant savings of on average £30,000.

The two remaining homes at Azure are a spacious three-bedroom apartment and a fantastic two-bedroom penthouse. Perched directly above the beach, both homes combine stylish design, immaculate finishes and large private balconies that wrap the length of the

property, offering unbeatable views along the coast.

Designed by award-winning architects, Azure takes its inspiration from the elegant, simple lines of Art Deco design, reworked in a contemporary style. Interiors offer flexible, airy

“Designed by awardwinning architects, Azure takes its inspiration from the elegant, simple lines of Art Deco design” open-plan living spaces filled with natural light that are ideal for entertaining, with sliding glass doors that lead out to the balcony. The signature style is sophisticated but neutral, providing a fresh canvas onto which the buyer can stamp their own personal style.

The top-quality specification includes an

exacting level of detail featuring engineered wood flooring, underfloor heating and contemporary designer kitchens with handlefree units and stone worktops, complete with the full range of integrated appliances. Bathrooms have contemporary bathroom suites, centre-fill baths and separate showers with rainforest showerhead, while master bedrooms include walk-in wardrobes. Each home benefits from secure underground car parking and lift access.

Not only does Azure have a fabulous coastal location, it is just three miles from the bright lights of Brighton, in a friendly village setting on the edge of the South Downs. Offering a lifestyle that ticks all the boxes, Azure is in a class of its own, making it is easy to see why it has proved so popular with buyers.

For further information, visit: www.azurerottingdean.com or contact agents Mishon Mackay on 01273 829 300 or David Webb Residential on 01273 300525.

PORTFOLIO 77

EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY Paul Nicholson at Chalk Architecture celebrates the foodie revolution in the city

B

righton has been in the thrall of the

offerings available in Brighton are as diverse

converted into a subterranean restaurant with

foodie revolution for some years now,

as you’ll find on any high street in London.

no shop frontage. We await with bated breath

independent food heroes rub shoulders

The core products available are of the highest

to see what intrepid entrepreneur will take on

with the big national brands, with the latter

quality as well: coffee, real ale, bagels, gelato,

such a challenging pitch, one with no natural

slowly but surely making their way into the

sour dough, Neapolitan pizza, gourmet burgers,

light, outward aspect or obvious shop front. Will it be a national with a tried and tested brand

‘indie’ heartland of the North Laine. The latest two such incursions are currently on site, Wahaca on New Road (formerly Strada) and Franco Manca on Church Street (formerly Surf & Ski). Historically, the North Laine was the home of maker/retailers, fabricating wares in the rear of a workshop and selling out of the front onto the street. Over time the making element moved on and retail took control. In

“The food and beverage offerings available in Brighton are as diverse as you’ll find on any high street in London”

or a newbie relying on their guerilla marketing skills?

With such stiff competition for retail real estate, where does this leave the one-off innovators? The chicken wing guy or the Lady with Laksa? There are only so many pitches available at the Street Diner in the Brighthelm Garden, which is unfortunately only open once a week. The food stalls at the Trafalgar Street

recent years the centre of Brighton has been in the process of a further evolution away

falafel, endless choice. Every nook and cranny

arches didn’t last long due to the short-term

from product retail and into the hospitality

is being dug out, converted or repurposed to

lease running out to make way for a big new

sector. Across The Lanes and the North Laine

make way for further hospitality concepts.

glass-fronted restaurant space; again, I haven’t

there are fewer and fewer shopping bags in

The basement of the Chapel Royal on North

heard who is taking that one on. Potentially a

evidence. However, the food and beverage

Street, long since sold to a developer, has been

great space, though.

Discover inspiring, standout jewellery & accessory designers.

Shop online at www.collectiveboutique.co.uk

15% off orders for Portfolio readers with code PORT15* * Ts & Cs apply, see online boutique for details.

BUSINESS

Our first project at Chalk was in 2007, a Greek Cypriot street food restaurant concept

lads at Indigopubco going from strength to

to go yet on pushing the design forward and are

strength.

certainly not ready for a big reveal, but we’re very excited by the prospect. It will be a scheme

for a client based in Manchester, closely followed by the Wilbury Road coffee shop for Small Batch and the Connaught Pub for Martin Webb. Since then we’ve rattled out scores of retail-and hospitality-sector branded interior concepts across Brighton, the South East and London. The majority of our portfolio is very clearly weighted by these projects; we have

“2016 has taken off like a rocket, with some really exciting projects on the drawing board”

that is designed from the inside out and where the outside is configured by the surrounding public realm; not a building as such, more a piece of urban landscape that lets day-to-day users and the wider community take emotional ownership of the place. Somewhere to sit and chat, to play music, set up a stall, make something or gaze at the view: a place of street

completed a number of high-end residential

Over the last couple of years we have also

refurbishment & interior fit-outs as well, which

been working a big idea for a large mixed

has taken us into the international market:

use development, steadily piecing together

France, Ireland, China, Dubai. Yet the bulk of

land owners with developers, stakeholders

Chalk Architecture, The Cycle Hub,

our work is still Brighton-based and focused on

and possible tenants, with food and beverage

109 Stroudley Road, Brighton BN1 4DJ

food-and-beverage retail. The local demand for

offerings, retail solutions, public space and

Tel: 01273 448700

our service gathers pace each year, 2016 has

residential

Twitter: @chalkdesign &

taken off like a rocket, with some really exciting

interdependent components. It is potentially a

@chalkarch #FutureBrighton

projects on the drawing board: a new look for

new creative quarter for Brighton, potentially a

www.chalkarchitecture.com

Donatello, a new strategy for Small Batch, the

place for the indie retailers. We have a long way

https://m.facebook.com/ChalkArchitecture

accommodation

all

forming

theatre, a space of appearance.

GARDENS

INTO THE GARDEN Make the most of your Spring in your garden.

Tara de la Motte, on what to do in the April garden

Things to do in the garden this month • •

•

•

•

A

pril marks the start of a busy period in the garden. The garden is really coming to life as the sunshine warms the soil.

The once bare branches now glisten with jewel-like buds.

Although the nights are still cold, warmer days and April showers will help bring many trees and shrubs to leaf and often flower. So many evergreen shrubs, including early rhododendrons, camellias and some viburnums will bloom this month.

One of the many tasks to be done this month is to divide herbaceous perennials. Asters and Michaelmas daisies should be divided now, and this will stop the clumps from becoming too woody. This process will increase your plant stock, too.

April is a good month to plant evergreen trees and shrubs. The soil being warmer will

Cut back tender perennials.

Hoe the borders to get rid of weeds and then mulch with either garden compost or leaf mould.

Remove weeds and moss from pathways and pressure wash if possible.

Clean and check that all the garden tools, including the lawnmower, are ready for the season ahead.

Prune shrubs like Hydrangea, Ceanothus and Fuchsia.

Enjoy the April garden. help greatly. Before planting, make sure the ground is prepared well by removing weeds and digging in a good amount of garden compost or peat, then lightly mix in some bonemeal.

If you have a kitchen garden, the beds should have been prepared over the winter period and should now be ready for planting seedlings or seed sowing. If space is short, then plant vegetables that provide a good crop and also have ornamental value. Runner beans are good performers, and they look and taste good too.

Vegetables like ruby chard and beetroot can look striking when planted within your flower border. The flowers attract pollinating insects, ensuring good crops, but remember to feed them a little more as they will be competing for the same nutrients.

“The garden is really coming to life as the sunshine warms the soil”

WINDOW DRESSING

INTERIORS

The trend for blinds and shutters continues, with the range of styles available expanding to suit all types of windows

W

indows around Brighton and Hove are changing. House by house, dusty old curtains are being replaced by sleek shutters and blinds. Both can look beautiful, giving clean, modern lines whilst maintaining character – but which would you choose?

BEAUTIFUL BLINDS Their neat, economical design makes blinds an ideal choice for smaller spaces and contemporary-style homes. They can be just as beautiful as shutters, let more light in, and are simple to fit. They’re also useful for awkward windows: Curtains can be cumbersome in a large or square bay, yet blinds will slot in neatly.

Roller blinds give a simple, modern look and are very space-efficient.

Venetian (‘slatted’) blinds are popular and versatile enough for multipurpose spaces, studies and studios. They can also be an affordable alternative to shutters – with a similar (though not, alas, identical) look and feel. And all – happily – can be wiped clean.

“Their neat, economical design makes blinds an ideal choice for smaller spaces and contemporary-style homes” For contemporary living spaces, blinds made from semi-opaque, textured materials allow some light in whilst maintaining privacy.

Blinds give more options for pattern and colour than shutters, and their affordability means that if you get bored, it’s quicker and simpler to change them to something you like better – the ideal choice if you like to keep your home on trend.

www.sussexblindsandshutters.com

PORTFOLIO 85

INTERIORS

www.sussexblindsandshutters.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 86  PORTFOLIO

INTERIORS

SHUTTER LOVE Traditional wooden shutters are the hallmark of some of Brighton’s period seaside properties. They’ve been used through the centuries for privacy, protection and light control – and they look great, too. Usually full-window length, original shutters were made of wood and often kept bare of paint, their natural hues adding warmth to a cool Regency palette. Here in the UK, shutters are usually placed on the inside of windows, but in most Mediterranean countries they are fixed to external walls for added protection from intruders and insects, and heat control in the summer months. Shutters provide some privacy, blocking the view of downstairs rooms without cutting all light, and are also an additional barrier to burglars.

www.shutterlyfabulous.com

“They’ve been used through the centuries for privacy, protection and light control – and they look great, too” Solid-panelled shutters are the traditional choice for period homes, but ‘plantation’ (Louvre) designs are the current trend. These give a modern, colonial feel, and the slats can be adjusted to let in light, or closed. Plain or painted wooden finishes work best – the simpler, the better. Shutters can – and probably, for most period homes, should – be custom-built to suit your windows, with ‘tier-on-tier’ designs that allow for top or bottom halves to be opened independently, or half-height ‘café’ styles for privacy.

The real advantage of shutters, though, is cosmetic – lots of people love the way they look, and if drafts are an issue, you can add curtains in the winter months for extra insulation. The only downside is that, if you’re on a budget, they can be a more costly option for windows – and the higher the specification, the more you will pay.

Good-quality shutters should last a lifetime.

PORTFOLIO 87

SHOPPING

OUTDOORS Lighter evenings mean more garden time. Treat yourself and your garden with these outdoor and gardening accessories

PAINT POTS Paint your plant pots using Farrow and Ball exterior paint. Pictured: Pots in Brassica, Calluna Dayroom Yellow, Teresa’s Green and Pavilion Blue Exterior Masonry paint from Farrow & Ball. www.farrow-ball.com.

POTTING UP This Sophie Conran Potting Sieve is just the right size for sprinkling fine compost over your seeds (and not all over the potting bench). Supplied in a beautiful presentation box. Sophie Conran Sieve, £20.00 from The Orchard www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com.

ORDER ORDER These duck egg blue tins in a tray have been designed by Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball to bring order to all your gardening bits and bobs. Each set contains 9 pots in a tray. £19.95. Gardener’s Gubbins Pots from Annabel James. www.annabeljames.co.uk.

88 PORTFOLIO

IT’S A WRAP Four handy pockets at the front keep gardening essentials easily accessible - secateurs, hand tools, pruning knives, spools of twine, rubber bands, seed packets and more. The cotton straps can be adjusted for size. £15.00 from Sophie Allport Gardening. www.sophieallport.com.

DIG IT Beautiful quality tools printed with Orla’s classic olive green floral design with engraved wood handle and leather hanging loop. Packaged in an Orla Kiely gift box.

Orla Kiely Garden Tools, £20.00 from Quince Living. www.quinceliving.co.uk.

PERSONALISED CRATE This kit crate is personalised and measures 53cm x 36cm x 26cm. The sturdy crate is made of sustainable FSC pine. From Plantabox £33.95. www.plantabox.co.uk.

LIGHT SHOW The family-owned workshop of Virginia Casa produce handcrafted decorative earthenware in Tuscany, where their skilled craftsmen create beautiful ranges using traditional methods. £29.00–£116.00. Lanterns available from www.kensingtondesign.com.

FEEDING TIME This unique peanut feeder from Green & Blue is an award winning design.

Simple and stylish, this is the perfect bird feeder for all year-round. Peanut Feeder in White, £48.95 from Black By Design Ltd. www.black-by-design.co.uk.

CLEANING UP Made with 100% natural ingredients this pure vegetable soap is guaranteed to make you feel soft and smell lovely. The ‘Gardener’s Grapefruit’ exfoliating soap is exquisitely packaged making it a fabulous gift too. £4.99 from www.oakroomshop.co.uk.

BUSY BEE Create a buzz in your garden with the Thoughtful Gardener Bee House. £19.95 from Red Candy. www.redcandy.co.uk.

PRETTY IN PINK Dobbies Bright pink gardening selection for all your planting needs. Watering can £14.99; Pink secateurs £17.95; Garden kneeler £16.99; Pink Geraniums £2.99; Hydrangeas from £12.99; Pink planter £27.99; Bobbin of twine £6.99; Wooden plant labels £6.99 www.annabeljames.co.uk.

SHED TIDY Tidy up your shed and keep tools, rags, string and accessories tidy and to hand in this incredibly useful caddy. Features a carrying handle and divided sections to keep items apart. Shed Tidy in Grey, £18.95 from Annabel James. www.annabeljames.co.uk.

PORTFOLIO 89

STYLE

STYLE ICONS Samantha Wilding looks at what makes a man truly stylish

S

tyle is notoriously difficult to pin down; many people are fashionable but relatively few are truly stylish. In my opinion, it comes down to simplicity, elegance and individuality.

In this article I’m going to focus on two great twentieth century male style icons who have simplicity, elegance and individuality nailed. Their appeal is timeless, their images are unforgettable, and they continue to influence what men wear now. And take a look at Cary Grant’s fabulous rules for dressing (see the box) – you’ll see that most of these apply to women as well as men.

CARY GRANT – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SUIT Cary Grant had a reputation for being sartorially superior, as it were, and was often cited as one of Hollywood’s best-dressed men. His preference was for the clothes of a ‘well-dressed, sophisticated chap.’ He still looked elegant, even when being pursued across a dusty plain by a crop duster in North by Northwest (which, by the way, required six suit changes and dozens of ties…)

Interestingly, Mr Archibald Alexander Leach (as he was originally) never considered himself to be particularly well-dressed, saying that he didn’t strive to follow fashion. But I would argue that that was the key to his timeless elegance – he favoured classic tailoring, and had clothes made at tailors, including Schiaparelli in Rome and Dunhill in London.

No one wore a suit quite like him, and not all of them were bespoke. The man himself said, ‘Some of my suits are ten to twenty years old, many of them ready-made and reasonably priced.’ He tended to tread a ‘middle path’ when it came to his suits, so that they neither looked too conservative nor dated too quickly. His lapels weren’t too wide or too narrow, and his trousers were, likewise, neither too slim fitting nor too baggy (although we would consider them loose by today’s standards). He also advised choosing quality over quantity when buying key items, particularly suits and shoes: ‘permit me to suggest you buy the best you can afford, even though it means buying less.’

CARY GRANT’S DOS AND DON’TS: Mr Grant was often asked about his ‘rules’ for dressing, and in an article for GQ said, ‘I can’t think of any rules about clothes, since there really aren’t any….’. But he did go on to advise the following. Although these are aimed at men, the first four can apply equally to women: • Buy [shoe] trees to conform to the shape of your shoes, and keep your coats on curved hangers • Don’t stuff your pockets with heavy articles and bulging wallets filled with seldom-used cards. They ruin not only the neatness of your appearance but the actual tailoring of your suit. (Ladies: take note where your handbags are concerned) • Don’t overbuy. When you contemplate an article, judge whether or not it harmonises with items you already own • Take care of your clothes, keep them clean and in good repair • Do see that your socks stay up. Nothing can spoil an otherwise wellgroomed effect like sagging socks From Cary Grant On Style, GQ/The Week, 1967-68

STYLE

STEVE MCQUEEN – THE DETAILS MATTERED If Cary Grant was synonymous with ‘debonair’, Steve McQueen was the undisputed ‘King of Cool’. He was equally at home in a t-shirt and leather bomber, a polo neck and jacket (Bullitt) or sharp tailoring (just look at the three-piece suits in The Thomas Crown Affair). But the important thing about Mr McQueen was how much the details mattered to him; he cared about the sunglasses, watches and shoes that he wore, both on screen and off. These are the details that make the difference between looking good and looking great. He was also incredibly loyal to the brands and items he chose, creating his ‘signature’ look. Here are his choices: SUNGLASSES: Persol sunglasses, particularly the 714 range. These were brought out in 1960 and at the time were the first folding glasses.

They are still available today.

WATCHES: He wore many on screen, but Mr McQueen’s personal choice was the rare Rolex Submariner 5512, which was discontinued in 1978. His, incidentally, sold in 2009 in New York for $234,000 [roughly £168,000].

SHOES (ACTUALLY, BOOTS): Northampton firm Hutton’s ‘Playboy’ boots in brown suede were McQueen’s favourites. He wore them in a number of films, including The Great Escape, Bullitt and The Thomas Crown Affair. Sadly, Hutton closed down in 1990.

So, gentlemen - think about what you wear. Whether you prefer formality like Cary Grant or are happier in a more casual McQueen look, pay attention to the details. Care about your look. Be a style icon.

www.styleandgrace.eu | @alwayschicUK

“Simplicity, to me, has always been the essence of good taste”

TV – The BIGGER picture

TOP GEAR’S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Chris Evans recruits a car-studded line-up for punchy reboot of world’s biggest motoring entertainment show

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otorsport guru and Formula 1 commentator Eddie Jordan, world record-breaking German racing driver Sabine Schmitz, renowned motoring journalist and YouTube petrolhead Chris Harris, and car reviewer and TV presenter Rory Reid are today all confirmed to join Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc for the eagerly awaited return of Top Gear.

The new team will cover the entire automotive spectrum and bring with them their own unique and very individual love of cars that will resonate with every type of Top Gear viewer, from the family who enjoy the entertainment values of the show to aspirational car lovers and fanatical petrolheads.

Formula 1 heavyweight Eddie Jordan comes armed with a trademark no-nonsense, richly experienced view of the motoring world, and life in general, which is guaranteed to be anything but boring. The colourful Dublin-born entrepreneur has flirted with cars all his life,

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and as owner of the former Jordan Grand Prix team, gave many of the world’s most iconic drivers their first taste of the most powerful and loudest starting grid on the planet, including Michael Schumacher, who made his debut for Jordan in 1991, and Eddie Irvine.

“We really do have a bit of everything for everyone... [including] fellow lifelong petrolhead from the other side of the pond, Matt [le Blanc]” Sabine Schmitz, the legendary Queen of the Nurburgring, re-enters Top Gear folklore by becoming the show’s first female presenter in 15 years. Another familiar face to Top Gear viewers following her unforgettable

appearances in series 5 and series 11, she has already completed some filming with Chris Evans in a sequence that will leave even the most hardened speed–demons gasping for breath when it debuts on TV (sick-bags not included!).

Motoring journalist Chris Harris, the man whose very name sends shivers through many car manufacturers’ boardrooms, comes armed with a self-confessed determination to cause mischief and tell viewers insightful things about automobiles they probably didn’t even think they needed to know.

And newcomer Rory Reid, who was recruited to Top Gear from the show’s 2015 public auditions, is an award-winning journalist, has launched and presented for CNET’s Car Tech channel, and also had a starring role in Sky 1’s Gadget Geeks series.

Chris Evans said of his new Top Gear gang: “We really do have a bit of everything for everyone. A fellow lifelong petrolhead from the

TV – The BIGGER picture

other side of the pond in Matt; a fearless speeddemon in the irrepressible and effervescent Sabine; the encyclopedic, funny and wonderfully colourful character that is EJ; Chris, one of the world’s top no-nonsense car reviewers; and Rory, who simply blew me away in his audition and fully deserves his place on the team.”

Eddie Jordan said: “I’m giddy with excitement to be joining Chris and the team. I have such enormous respect for all my fellow presenters and I politely ask that they go easy on these old bones. Cars are in my DNA, and although I’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish most things I ever aspired to in motorsport, presenting Top Gear is quite simply the icing on the cake.”

Chris Harris said: “Top Gear is the thing that helped shape my life with cars, my perception of cars and my obsession with cars, and I’m raring to give it a go. I’m also quite gobby and happy to get into trouble, so I’m hoping I can underpin the programme with journalistic credibility but still cause some mischief. And if it all goes wrong, well, I can say I was once onTop Gear, and just head back to being that annoying small bloke off YouTube.”

Sabine Schmitz added: “I grew up next to the Nurburgring, and have been racing for most of my life, so the chance to combine both driving and filming was too good an opportunity to pass up. I’ve appeared on Top Gear a few times in the past, so I know we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Rory Reid commented: “When I submitted my 30-second audition tape, I knew the odds were very firmly against me, as the auditions were open to absolutely everybody.

To be the only person to make it through the open audition process makes me immensely proud. I’ve been a Top Gear fan for decades, but more than that, I live and breathe cars in a way that is perfectly compatible with the show.

I’m looking forward to bringing my brand of knowledge, energy and humour to what promises to be a very exciting new series.”

Top Gear returns this May to BBC Two and TV screens everywhere. www.bbc.co.uk, www.topgear.com

ON SCREEN ...On our radar this month

GAME OF THRONES – SEASON SIX

HOUSE OF CARDS – SEASON THREE

UNDERCOVER – BBC APRIL

A list of this year’s television offerings would not be complete without another healthy dose of incident and intrigue in Westeros. The last season ended on quite the cliffhanger, with hero Jon Snow apparently being killed at the hands of his supposed allies. Snow may still return, if the internet is to be believed.

Starts 25 April, 2am, Sky Atlantic

Fans of the TV drama House of Cards are finally rewarded with the third season of the dark political drama now on Netflix. The series, starring Kevin Spacey as conniving politician Frank Underwood and Robin Wright as Claire, his ambitious wife and partner in crime, takes a cynical behind-the-scenes peek at government.

Starts March Netflix

Two black actors are to appear in the lead roles of a primetime British drama for the first time next month when Sophie Okonedo and Adrian Lester star in the new BBC1 thriller Undercover.

Undercover is about police officers and death in custody, Okonedo stars as a high-flying lawyer about to become the first black director of public prosecutions. Lester plays her husband and the father of her three children.

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CELEBRITY chef recipe

“Eat well, but eat what you want”

A DISH for all seasons Tom Kerridge tells Portfolio why comfort food has a place on his table, whatever the season

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ou can ask me about food anytime, anyplace – I just love talking about how we grow it, how we prepare it, how we serve it and how it makes people feel. So, by that logic, food should be all-encompassing in our lives, and unrestricted. Yet, on a daily basis that’s exactly what we do – we restrict and pigeon-hole food by season, by the time of day... even by whether we’ve been to the gym that morning! And with British Summer time just around the corner, we’re soon going to be awash with all those so-called seasonal favourites: salads, sugary summer flavours and perhaps the odd barbecue.

For me, exploring good food is enjoying it without boundaries, so I’m going to go against convention and offer up a dish that most people would associate with winter-warmer grub – a

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cottage pie. And why not? It’s rich in flavour and texture, and the feeling of satisfaction at the end of a long day, with the sun still peeping through, cannot be matched.

Flavours do not know what time of day it is. They don’t care about whether they’re enjoyed in a kitchen or on a veranda, so don’t hold back because of the conditions around you. As we know, the traditional ‘seasonal’ foods are available all year round now anyway.

Strawberries in winter, anyone?

If I could give one piece of advice for the summer, it would be to eat well, but eat what you want. Don’t leave rustic flavours until the autumn leaves start falling; enjoy them now!

Tom Kerridge’s Best-Ever Dishes is published

by Absolute Press. RRP £25.00

TOM KERRIDGE RECIPE Expert chef Tom Kerridge reveals one of his childhood favourites: cottage pie with blue cheese mash When I was a kid, my mum used to knock up a great cottage pie, and her secret ingredient was a little bit of curry powder. Topped off with cheesy mash and served with buttered peas, it’s my ultimate childhood memory. I admit this version is a bit fancier than Mum’s; it has two types of cooked beef to give it extra dimension and texture – long-winded, perhaps, but definitely worth the effort.

SERVES 4–6 • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

1.

500g braising steak 50g plain flour Vegetable oil, for cooking 700ml beef stock 300ml dark ale 2 star anise 1 cinnamon stick 500g minced beef 2 onions, finely diced 2 carrots, finely diced 2 celery sticks, tough strings removed, finely diced 2 tablespoons curry powder (see p. 290), or use a good-quality bought one Few splashes of Worcestershire sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the mash topping 6 floury potatoes (King Edward or Maris Piper), about 1.2kg, peeled and diced 150ml milk 50g butter ¾ tablespoon prepared English mustard 150g blue cheese (use your favourite), grated 1 teaspoon paprika

To serve Buttered peas

Preheat the oven to 150°C/Gas Mark 2. Cut the braising steak into 2cm dice, dust in flour and shake off the excess. Warm a large frying pan over a medium–high heat, add a little oil and fry the braising steak until it gets a deep, rich colour all over. Drain the steak on some kitchen paper and transfer to a casserole.

Put the frying pan back on the heat and deglaze it with the stock and ale, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, then pour the liquid over the beef in the casserole. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick and bring to the boil. Put the lid on and braise slowly in the oven for 21/2 – 3 hours, until the beef is tender. Leave to cool.

When cool, remove the cooked steak from the casserole with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl in the fridge until needed.

Reserve the remaining cooking liquor.

Wipe out the casserole, then place it over a medium–high heat and pour in a thin layer of vegetable oil. Add the minced beef and cook, stirring constantly, until it’s

2.

3.

4.

thoroughly browned. The beef shouldn’t be grey, you want it to be dry, roasted and crumbly, the colour of the outside of a beef burger; this should take about 10–12 minutes. Drain in a colander to get rid of any fat, and set aside.

Return the casserole to the hob, warm a little more oil over a medium heat, and add the diced vegetables. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring from time to time, until they soften. Add the curry powder and stir, making sure the vegetables are thoroughly coated in the spice.

Add the drained minced beef and the reserved braising liquid and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and reduce the stock until it’s nice and thick. Add a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce and season. Leave to cool for 20 minutes.

When the minced beef has cooled a little, stir in the chilled, braised beef and mix thoroughly, but try not to break up the beef too much. Transfer to a large pie dish or ovenproof serving dish and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

5.

6.

7.

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 14–15 minutes or until soft. Drain in a colander and leave to steam and air dry a little. Meanwhile, warm the milk and butter in a small saucepan.

Either put the cooked potato through a potato ricer into a bowl or mash thoroughly with a hand masher. Beat in the hot milk and butter with a wooden spoon to form a semi-firm mashed potato. Mix in the mustard and season.

Take the chilled beef mixture from the fridge and pipe the mash on top, or spread it and make little peaks with a fork.

Sprinkle the blue cheese on top and dust with the paprika. At this point, you can store the cottage pie covered in cling film in the fridge for up to 2 days if you like.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

Put the cottage pie on to a baking tray, stick it in the oven and cook for 20–25 minutes until the middle is very hot. Remove from the oven and place under a hot grill, if needed, just to glaze the blue cheese. Serve immediately with buttered peas.

8.

9.

10.

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BUSINESS lunch

FOREVER FRIENDS From “hippie café” to hip veggie restaurant, Portfolio’s food writer, Daniel Frickelton, tracks the transformational arc of this iconic Brighton eatery; Food For Friends

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et me be perfectly clear: I am one of the “more than seventy per cent of Food For Friends customers,” mentioned in their superb cook book, who are not vegetarians.

Like the vast majority (apparently) of their punters, I enjoy the flavours, ingredients and alternative culinary experience of eating wellsourced and expertly cooked veggie food. Like my old friend Abdul, a refugee from Ali Bhutto’s ill-fated government, who rates himself a halfMuslim (loves a glass of Scotch whiskey, but doesn’t eat the pig), I reckon I must be a halfvegetarian. Although my diet is predominantly vegetarian these days, I still appreciate the occasional well-turned pâté with a dab of home

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made chutney, and still fall for the odd wellassembled burger with thrice-cooked chips.

I vividly recall my first meal at Food For Friends in 1996, shortly after arriving in Britain following a 22-year stretch in Denmark, where the first thing a waiter asks you is, “So, how would you like your pork done, sir?” Before that, I was an American, where everyone knows the Texas definition of a vegetarian: that would be a piss-poor hunter. Having lived in places where only the meat animals ate vegetarian food, and the people then ate the animals, it was a revelation to me to observe the massive interest in vegetarian cooking prevalent in Brighton in the late ‘nineties. Whether this

was due to high-profile celebrity veggies like the McCartneys or just the youthful, eclectic, unreformed hippie/boho culture of Brighton, hungry people were often queuing around the block at Food For Friends, patiently waiting for their turn to fill their plates and stomachs with hot, tasty, hunger-crunching vegetarian bakes and lasagnes from their cafeteria-style counter.

Although stodgy and somewhat unimaginative by the standards of the current incarnation (no pun intended) of Food For Friends, the hippie café fare was a clear Brighton favourite.

These days Food For Friends is a very different experience, although some things remain the same. The joint was still jumping,

BUSINESS lunch

“The set menu was replete with mouth-watering choices, and at £23.95 for three courses was incredibly good value”

although it was “just” a Thursday evening; the friendly, welcoming greeting and service are still very much a part of the ethos, and although the dearly-beloved, funny old cafeteria counter has disappeared forever into the annals of restaurant history, the new space is larger, calmer, more atmospheric, and the menu offerings will test your decision-making powers.

The set menu was replete with mouthwatering choices, and at £23.95 for three courses was incredibly good value. My companion started with satay tempeh skewers with a chilli, mango, bean sprout and herb salad. This fermented soy bean product is often described as a “meat substitute,” possibly because of its soft and savoury character.

Although not fibrous like meat, it had its own texture and, glazed in gorgeously sticky satay sauce, was lip-smackingly yummy.

My dangerous predilection for pâté was piqued by the appearance of wild mushroom and cashew pâté on the starters menu. I allowed myself to be seduced and was amply rewarded. Silky smooth, sinfully unctuous, this little beauty was served with wedges of toasted sour dough. Tiny, tart dollops of clementine gel and a spoonful of red onion marmalade provided the acidity needed to balance this dish to perfection. It was easily my choice for Man of the Match, and one of the nicest things I have eaten in Sussex all year. Vegetarian foie gras, minus the cruelty, calories and cholesterol.

Brilliant!

Lynne’s main dish of portobello mushroom, stuffed with feta cheese was a visual treat on the plate. Married with a dauphinoise of potato and turnip, graced with a bouquet of fine green beans, the whole was laced with a drizzle of

pungent red/green pesto and crème fraiche. It looked very inviting, and Lynne didn’t need to be asked twice.

Did I mention my irrepressible attraction to the occasional burger? The Food For Friends offering is called halloumi and portobello burger, and although this is in no way a misdescription, I personally think it should be called something more like “F4F loaded burger.” Have a peek at the restaurant’s website, mains menu, for a visual impression of what appears in front of you when you order this magnificent veggie burger: a tower of grilled halloumi power and portobello mushroom, loaded with pickled gherkin, fresh tomato slices, lettuce and more of that fabulous red onion marmalade, all tucked up nicely in a whispery-soft home-made brioche bun. A pot of honey and mustard mayo was holding hands with the thrice-cooked chunky chips, so it only seemed right to dip the chips in the honey pot and slather a bit of it on the burger, too. Having been raised in The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, I have had my share of burgers. This was my first vegetarian one, but it certainly will not be my last. Bravo, Food For Friends! This one is going on my Weber grill repertoire this summer.

The sticky toffee pudding was not sticky. It was a bit dry, in fact, but with a lovely flavour that danced nicely with the rich butterscotch sauce and ice cream.

Special mention: our wine choice was a CotesDu-Rhone from La Ferme du Mont, Premier Cote 2013. At £24 this was an exceptional tipple, chock-full of Rhone spice, warmth and fruit, the perfect accompaniment to our meals and superb value. You’ll have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a princess as sweet as this one.

FOOD FOR FRIENDS 17-18 PRINCE ALBERT STREET, BRIGHTON BN1 1HF 01273 202310 www.foodforfriends.com

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LOCAL news

LOCAL NEWS BRIGHTON 2 PARIS MAYOR’S CHARITY CYCLE RIDE The Brighton & Hove Property Consortium, supported by The Hyde Group and Colin Brace Properties, is organising the first annual cycling event in aid of the Mayor’s Charities. The Brighton 2 Paris, Mayor’s Charity Cycle Ride 2016, will be leaving from the Brighton i360 on Friday 6th May and will arrive at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Sunday 8th May, to be followed by a reception at the British Embassy.

The event is being sponsored by several local property companies, with headline sponsorship from Oakley Property. Chris Oakley announced his generous donation at the pre-launch event at The Grand Hotel on 29th February.

The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Lynda Hyde, said, “House building and the property industry already does so much for the city’s economy.

However, it is fantastic to see the property industry in the city focusing its efforts to raise substantial funding for three very worthwhile charities”.

The Mayor actively supports the Martlets Hospice, Argus Appeal and Grace Eyre. The ride organisers are looking for extra participants and organisations to become involved. If you can commit to raising money for these three very worthwhile charities, then this event will raise the profile of your organisation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and provide you with an opportunity to network with fellow property professionals. Brighton 2 Paris Mayor’s Charity Cycle Ride.

6th May to 9th May 2016 Details from brighton2paris@yahoo.com if you would like to take part in or sponsor the event

AMEX BACK ONBOARD FOR PRIDE 2016 THE city’s largest privatesector employer, American Express is back on-board as leading supporter of Brighton Pride Weekend. Taking place August 5-7, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community event is the UK’s biggest Pride festival, with 290,000 people celebrating across the city last year.

This year’s event is themed ‘Carnival of Diversity: Uniting Nations’, with American Express employees to participate in the LGBT Community Pride Parade. Mike Whyte, Vice President, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “We are immensely proud to be continuing our partnership with Brighton Pride and supporting their incredible work. We’re looking forward to being part of what promises to be another spectacular showcase of Brighton’s diverse community.”

Paul Kemp, Brighton Pride Community Interest Company, said: “We are delighted that American Express is on board again this year. Support from leading partners is crucial to deliver one of our City’s liveliest and best-attended events.

Businesses and organisations interested in supporting Brighton Pride should email: sponsors@brighton-pride.org

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STUDENT SKILLS COMPETITION AT SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND Over 90 students with special educational needs from colleges across Sussex, Surrey and Kent put their practical, creative and technical skills to the test at the Jim Green Memorial Mrs. Ann Green and Mr. Peter Green with Competition, hosted by Plumpton Rurals Team overall winners, Plumpton the South of England Showground last month. Now in its 18th year, the competition held in memory of a former Chairman and founding Council Member of the South of England Agricultural Society, Jim Green, aims to encourage teamwork and build confidence. Eight teams of students took part in the competition, with tasks including making insect habitats, planting spring flower beds and window boxes and baking bread.

Plumpton College (Rurals) Team, from East Sussex, raised the most points overall and went home with the coveted first prize, The Jim Green Memorial Trophy, presented by Mrs Ann Green and Mr Peter Green. The team won four of the competition categories, while Woodlands Meed (Chestnut) Team, from Burgess Hill in West Sussex, won three categories and Hadlow College (Creators) Team, from Tonbridge in Kent, won the other two categories. www.seas.org.uk

LOCAL news

BANK RE-OPENS BRANCH TO MAKERS AND PRINTERS

SPRING HAS SPRUNG FOR SELLERS Spring is a time for new beginnings, and particularly for those wanting to move home, according to local estate agency Fox and Sons in Hove. The team at the branch is currently gearing up for the usual flurry of buyers looking for a new home as the weather gets warmer, and is urging local home owners to beat the spring rush and get their homes on the market now.

Traditionally, Fox and Sons sees a significant uplift in market activity over the spring period, with parent company Sequence UK recording a 13% rise in customers registering their interest for properties over the past few years*: “This is one of the best times of the year to sell a property,” says Drew Bailey, Branch Manager at the Hove branch. “We always have a burst of activity when spring kicks in, so I recommend that anyone looking to sell this year takes advantage of this and gets their property on the market in good time for the rush.” As the sun comes out and flowers start to bloom, spring is also advantageous from the seller’s perspective.

“Spring flowers and sunshine can help make your property look so much more appealing and will give an enhanced marketing experience, with much more aesthetically pleasing photos to show your home off to its full potential,” explains Drew. “Longer days also allow for more viewings in daylight hours, so potential buyers get a much better first impression of your home.”

For more information on the local property market or to book a free market appraisal, contact your local Hove branch on 01273 820280 or email: drew.bailey@sequencehome.co.uk

NEWHAVEN DIEPPE FERRY ROUTE AT RISK There are fears for the future of the NewhavenDieppe ferry after the contract for the route was torn up. Danish company DFDS, who run the service, will cease operations in the summer after Eurotunnel won a long-running legal challenge. A future operator will be sought through a public tender, although there is no guarantee a ferry provider will be interested.

Barclays has re-opened a closed Brighton branch to the creative community to use for digital and maker projects. The Barclays Eagle Lab, in Preston Road, is open to customers and non-customers to learn about new technologies and techniques, such as 3D printing – as well as more traditional tools.

It was launched in March by Brighton and Hove Albion Executive Director Martin Perry. The £200,000 lab was tailored to the community, with the 3D printers and laser cutters allowing businesses access to tools to rapidly produce and test prototypes. It will also be available for community events, corporate team days, training sessions around topics such as cyber fraud and coding as well as more basic digital skills training.

Martin Bonner, Barclays Head of Business and Corporate in Sussex, said: “Brighton is a uniquely creative and entrepreneurial place and an ideal location for the first Eagle Lab in the South East.

“Bankers have traditionally been at the heart of the community, and our Eagle Labs initiative is reaffirming that community role by enabling people to embrace new and emerging technology.”

GINGERMAN RAISE £60,000 FOR ROCKINGHORSE Brighton-based Rockinghorse has received more than £60,000 from the Gingerman Group since it began a partnership with the charity in 2011. The group is run by husband and wife Ben and Pamela McKellar and is made up of four restaurants – the Gingerman in Brighton, the Ginger Fox near Hassocks, the Ginger Pig in Hove and the Ginger Dog in Kemp Town.

Together, they have raised money through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including a signature dish on their menus, with donations of £1 from the sale of a dessert in each restaurant.

They all display the charity’s collection tins and there have been charity dinners and donations of “money-can’t-buy” auction items. Mr McKellar said: “We feel our restaurants are part of the local community and I think that if you run a successful business and enjoy living in a great city like Brighton, it is important to give something back. When we decided to focus on one charity to really make a difference, our local children’s charity Rockinghorse was a logical step, and we will continue to raise for them.”

Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, and also supports the specialist Trevor Mann baby unit at the neighbouring Royal Sussex County Hospital. www.rockinghorse.org.uk

AMERICAN BURGER CHAIN TO OPEN IN BRIGHTON A cult US burger chain is to open one of its first British diners in Brighton in North Street. The company is set to open about 35 branches after the company which owns Domino’s Pizza bought the UK franchise last year. A planning application has just been submitted to put in a new shopfront on the unit in North Street, currently occupied by Mucho Burrito.

Smashburger has more than 310 branches, mostly in the US, but also in seven other countries. It was founded by former McDonald’s executive Tom Ryan, who introduced McFlurries. Smashburger is named for the way its burgers are cooked, by smashing the patty onto a hot buttered grill.

Meanwhile, the Mexican street food chain Wahaca has announced its opening date this month, April 15, at the former Strada restaurant.

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GOLF

MID SUSSEX GOLF CLUB: THE “X” FACTOR Portfolio’s GolfGuy tracks down Lee Andrews, General Manager and PGA Professional at Mid Sussex Golf Club, and the newly-appointed Course Manager, Paul Oliver, to discuss the future of the game

D

ecades ago, Spain and Portugal opted out of the European glut of cheap wine and olive oil and converted many hectares of vineyards and olive groves to golf courses. A lucrative new industry was born. Here in Sussex, West Chiltington Golf Course appears to be reversing this trend, having recently closed the golf course and sold the land to two adjacent vineyards.

Just a few years ago, shortly after West Chiltington G C had been taken over by new owners, I was banging a few balls on their newly refurbished driving range. I was amazed and delighted when Brian Barnes, cherished British golfing icon and son-in-law of the equally beloved Max Faulkner, sauntered into the neighbouring bay with his seven-iron and a bucket of balls. He didn’t mind me watching, so I did. Shamelessly gawped as this giant effortlessly knocked one ball after another further with his seven-iron than I could hit it with a fairway metal wood.

We chatted a bit in between shots about the early days when he and his father-in-law, Max Faulkner, had started the course. The oldest members still remember seeing Max out there, day and night, planting all the trees by hand, in all sorts of weather. Anyone who has ever played a round at West Chilts knows about the trees, and when the news of the sale of the course to two local vineyards reached me, my first thought was for the trees, and for Max. For the trees will surely have to go to make room for vines, and that will certainly be a wise business decision for the new owners. But I’m sure this news sends a shudder down our collective golfing spines. To find out if this is the future of golf, I had a chat 100 PORTFOLIO

with two of the management team at arguably one of the most successful golf clubs in Sussex, Mid Sussex G C, near Ditchling.

“We continue to make improvements, our membership continues to grow and we have the undiminished support of our owners” GolfGuy: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. I’m sure you’ve heard the news about West Chiltington G C (vigorous nodding all ‘round), so my first question is if you have given any thought to whether Mid Sussex will be going for chardonnay acreage in the near future or if you think there will be more traction in pinot noir?

Lee Andrews: (Wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes) Well, whatever variety of grape they chose would have to be able to withstand prodigious amounts of water, judging by the amount of rainfall all golf courses have had this winter. No, vineyards are definitely not in our business plan for 2016 here at Mid Sussex, neither in the short or long term. Our plan is to make a golf course and facility in which our members and guests can relax and enjoy themselves. We continue to make a profit year on year, all of which gets ploughed straight back into the business. We continue to make improvements, our membership continues to grow and we have the undiminished support of our owners, who have just committed to

a capital infusion of £200K, over and above normal running costs, to enable us to respond to members’ expressed wishes for improvements to the course and facilities in coming years. Paul Oliver, our new Course Manager, is a big part of our immediate future.

GG: There you have it, Paul. It’s all resting on your broad shoulders. Tell us a little about your background and plans for Mid Sussex G C. Paul Oliver: I have 14+ years of course management experience from Goodwood, The Park Course. Mid Sussex offered me the opportunity to head up my own team. I was impressed with their proactive management style and the fact that they are so responsive to the wishes of their members and provide the resources and autonomy I need to make necessary improvements. The members have been unhappy with some of the bunkers, for instance. They tend to fill with water, and even in the summer too many bunkers are G.U.R. So we will be fixing that, improving drainage, linings and doing some landscaping as well. A much-loathed bunker on the seventh hole will be grassed over, which should make it a bit easier to get a ball on the green on this hole. Members also feel that it takes too long to get around the course because of the deep rough lining the fairways, making them rather unforgiving in places. We will increase the fairways by providing shorter secondary rough, leaving a bit of the deep stuff for wayward shots, but improving forgiveness and enjoyment for all. Players won’t have to spend as much time looking for balls and then hacking them out of unforgiving rough.

GOLF

GG: : Looking out the window just now, I see that it’s raining again. Just what we needed, eh? A bit of moisture.

PO: Yeah, I must say that I’ve never seen a winter like this before – the wettest in nearly 100 years. Personally, I just want to get going with the implementation of our plans for the course. It’s very hard to be patient just now. I have so many ideas for developing staff: education, career development and inspiration. I have a new deputy starting this month, so we are chomping at the bit.

GG: Lee (Andrews), it’s no secret that golf courses are closing all around the country these days. We have talked about West Chiltington, and could also have mentioned Hassocks G C, where most of their land is now going to new homes development.

By contrast, Mid Sussex G C have just received very prestigious national recognition from England Golf, who have nominated your club for Golfmark Club of the Year for facilities demonstrating an “outstanding and innovative contribution to growing the game of golf.”That must make you all very proud, and it prompts me to ask how you manage to succeed where so many are failing.

LA: Yes, we are bursting with pride at being recognised for the results of all our team efforts. We are officially one of the top six golf courses in the country for providing facilities that grow the game of golf, of which we are the only one based in Sussex.

More on that in a moment. The short answer to your question about why so many golf courses are failing is that they have poor business models. Most traditional clubs have top-heavy hierarchies of officers who run everything and sit in their posts for three-year terms. If they perform badly and make bad decisions, you’re stuck with them for three years. If they perform brilliantly, there is no way to retain them or their success. Add in the universal threat posed by slow play, the fact that professional tournaments take four days and are tiresome to watch, and you have a potential recipe for failure. We need tournaments that are fast, snappy, exciting and over with in a day or two. Who even watches cricket day in, day out for four days? Nobody. Look at how 20:20 cricket has changed the cricket experience for the better. Golf needs to add other formats that are fun to watch, as cricket has done.

“We need tournaments that are fast, snappy, exciting and over with in a day or two” Getting back to the first part of your question, we at Mid Sussex do not sit around waiting for business to come to us. We reach out into the community in various ways to tap into the golf market. We attend monthly Boundary Club Lunch meetings at The Sussex County Cricket Grounds, where I meet business people of all sorts who have a set of golf clubs gathering rust and dust in their garages and attics. They use them once a year – badly (their opinion) – to participate in the annual charity event or the like, and then back into the attic go the clubs. They always seem amazed when I “know” this about them. I also attend the Friends of Albion monthly Thursday breakfasts and reach out to “annual” golfers in the same way. I offer them all a free lesson to assess what they need to work on, realising full well that most of these people are busy and won’t have much time to practice, but knowing many will play more golf with a little encouragement. Every Tuesday we have a ladies’ coffee morning with a golf lesson (2 hours) for a fiver. This is hugely successful.

I had to end the discussion at this point due to time and space constraints, but Lee and Paul could clearly have carried on for hours. But I am satisfied that I have nailed down Mid Sussex G C’s “X” Factor. The combination of a modern, efficient business model and an outward-looking, extroverted approach to marketing and new business acquisition have placed this club squarely at the centre of The Future of Golf. Lee, Paul and his team of six PGA professionals are dedicated to making golf fun again for all age groups and for families. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Go see for yourselves. Be a part of the future, today.

Have you been asked to play in a company golf day?

Group ‘brush up’ lessons – invite some clients or staff to join you for a great way to get back into golf 1 hour long game lesson 1 hour short game lesson 2 hour playing lesson Price includes green fees, balls and tuition for up to 4 players for only £160 (only £10 per person, per hour)

With thanks to our golfing expert, Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Club lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk PORTFOLIO 101

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CONSTRUCTING GREAT COMMUNITIES A recent Construction Voice event looked at the creation of healthy and sustainable places and strong communities alongside high-quality developments. Event Chair, Steve Bustin, explains

‘S

ite-specific’ is a term that tends to be bandied around in the theatre world, and it’s not often that it could be used as a label for a business event, but the latest Construction Voice event on 24th February was, in many ways, site-specific.

FieldBTN played host to its first event, in a temporary space created in the old rifle range of the Preston Barracks building. The space is temporary because ultimately the old barracks will be demolished as part of the redevelopment of the site into a mix of housing, student accommodation, shops and cafes by event sponsors U+I. This was a supremely appropriate location to debate the suggestion that construction is responsible not only for bricks and mortar but for constructing great communities too.

The event opened with straw polls on some of the topics likely to come up. When asked whether it was the role of the construction industry to create great communities, an overwhelming majority felt it was.

Town planner and built-environment expert Sorwar Ahmed kicked off by looking at the ingredients needed for the creation of healthy and sustainable places and strong communities as well as high-quality developments. He argued that people, place and partnership are the keys to making a great place.

Photos by Vervate www.vervate.com

Next up was Rob Sloper, U+I Project Director for FieldBTN. Rob talked about U+I’s interest and experience in place-making, talking us through a development they’re currently working on at The Old Vinyl Factory in Deptford.

Rob explained how they had set out to engage with the local community right from the outset, opening a café in an old railway carriage and inviting in local creative businesses to occupy disused railway arches. The site became cool and talked about – meaning that the flats to be built on the site were in demand and making the whole development more profitable – a win-win for both developer and community.

“People, place and partnership are the keys to making a great place” Specialist placemaking and wayfinding designer Richard Wolfstrome explored how to bring meaning to a place by developing participatory narrative and design elements to create desirable places with a greater sense of ownership. He explained how this could connect people to place and offered a formula for place ownership that took in community, vision, narrative, heritage and design.

The final speaker of the evening was Brighton

& Hove City Council CEO Geoff Raw, who comes to his current role from a background in town planning. Geoff explained how Brighton & Hove has a lot of strengths as a city and community, including the student population, a huge creative hub and a thriving tourist trade, but warned that the city also faces huge challenges.

He went on to suggest that the city council has a role in providing civic leadership on issues such as regeneration and community cohesion, but that developers had a role to play in these too, as they shaped the physical environment.

The discussion was then opened to the floor, with the panellists facing a variety of questions from a range of stakeholders, including architects and property consultants. One of the key themes of the evening was about the very definition of ‘community’ and whether it can be measured or quantified in any way. To round up the debate, a final vote was taken on the motion ‘Is it the role of the construction industry to form meaningful partnerships with communities?’, with the overwhelming majority of those present voting in favour.

The Construction Voice quarterly events are run by Brighton Chamber with event partners Graves Jenkins, Haydon Consulting and Robinson Low Francis. www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

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THE interview

ON TRACK Lewis Hamilton on life, celebrity and his enduring passion for racing

L

ewis Hamilton’s quest for a fourth world title began in earnest in Barcelona last month as he put Mercedes’ new F1 W07 Hybrid through its paces, before the next race in Shanghai. In a rare quiet moment, we sat down with the reigning champion for an exclusive chat about his whirlwind lifestyle, celebrity status and passion for music – as well as his ongoing rivalry with team mate Nico Rosberg and why he knows he has to raise the bar to stay in front in 2016…

Lewis, even in the F1 off-season you are in the media almost daily: riding with Justin Bieber in LA, skiing in Colorado with Lindsey Vonn, sitting in the front row at the New York fashion show. Are you the only driver who understands that F1 is also part of show business?

Possibly, possibly. You tell me. It appears that way, right?

Many of your colleagues were hiding over the winter, recharging their batteries. Don’t you need to recharge your batteries?

Yes, I do. I try to find a balance in my life.

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Sure, you need to be recharged and have full batteries for the season, and yes, the lifestyle that I live is definitely different to the other drivers. But who says that it has to be the way

“Mostly, we go through life without stopping for a second to look at what surrounds us. I made it a habit to do it every single day” they are doing things? My style works perfectly for me. It is all about enjoying every moment.

Maybe before you know it my Formula One career will be over and I want to make sure that I look back and can say that I lived it to the maximum, maximum, maximum! That is what I try to do. I enjoy my life. I move as much as I can - get to places and experience as many things as I can - and do my job in the best way I can.

For you, where do the sporting and show business sides of F1 racing touch?

F1 is a show. Fans are fascinated by the energy of the fight. Sure, they would also like to do what we are doing, but that is, of course, illusion. It is a bit like watching people in space: none of us will ever go to space. So where it meets is that we are still human beings - just like them - but in a way the projection is that we are some sort of higher species. That makes it a show. A lot of beautiful girls should be here, there should be music, and bands should perform. It should be a big spectacle, just like the Super Bowl.

Oh, my God, that is such a super-cool event…

Before you know it my Formula One career will be over and I want to make sure that I look back and can say that I lived it to the maximum, maximum, maximum!

You were there?

Yep, it was such a cool event.

Do you think of yourself as a celebrity?

I am pretty sure - and I know a lot of celebrities - that none of them would ever say that they

THE interview

are a celebrity. You don’t wake up in the morning, brush your teeth, look in the mirror and say: ‘Good morning, you celebrity!’

There are surely some who do that - and our guess is that you know some of them…

Maybe! (laughs) But in the end I am just a normal person who is doing something that happens to be in the spotlight. A lot depends on your own conscious decision - whether you go to a restaurant where you know you will run into media or not. And if you like the food there - you go. A lot depends on your own movements. And believe it or not, I am still surprised when I see images of myself in magazines - still!

When you collected your championship trophy at last year’s FIA Gala, you pointed out that you have been racing for 22 years - so 2016 will be your 23rd. Does it ever get dull?

No, not really. I don’t find it dull. Yes, I am at a point in my life where I say: ‘Oh, my God, 23 years is a long time.’ But when people come to me asking me am I excited about it, I can’t say I don’t have the same excitement. I imagine me

and racing as some sort of marriage: you have to rejuvenate it every year and make it more exciting. Some marriages are boring after 23 years, but some work - you just have to work to make it work. When I got into the car on Monday I was so excited - just like on day one of my racing career and the 23 years simply faded away. I was cheering for joy and turned on the radio so that my engineers could also hear it. I still find it so exciting. Now that I am getting older it is harder to get into shape, it is harder to keep that mental edge - that is a massive challenge.

Does that mean you have to train more than before?

Not more - but it is harder to train. The older you get, the harder it is to do the same things over and over. When I was a kid I was all energy. Now you are doing 20 push-ups and by number 12 you start to think: ‘Oh, my God…’ It is getting harder and harder to fight your weaker self! Now that I am getting older it is harder to get into shape, it is harder to keep that mental edge - that is a massive challenge.

Lewis Hamilton

What does it take to make Lewis Hamilton happy?

My dogs, good food, great company, great friends, family, music, kids, seeing life, feeling life. Mostly, we go through life without stopping for a second to look at what surrounds us. I made it a habit to do it every single day - even if it literally is one second - and absorb. There are such beautiful things to watch: when I am flying it’s the earth below me, or a beautiful beach, or a colourful bird. I take pictures in my mind.

At this stage of your life, what would satisfy you more: another F1 title or a number-one song?

Ha, for sure another F1 title. Still. A title lasts for a lifetime - a number-one song does not mean a lot these days. Now you have people with number-one songs who are not even talented.

So what are your musical ambitions?

It is a challenge rather than a goal. I do music because I love doing it. The moment you start to take it seriously, to the point of setting goals,

PORTFOLIO 105

THE interview

“Before you know it my Formula One career will be over and I want to make sure that I look back and can say that I lived it to the maximum, maximum, maximum!” it takes energy rather than gives energy. The moment I feel that I get serious, I step back, telling myself: ‘This is just supposed to be fun’. The sport takes energy, so you need to get energy from other places - and if that other place muscles into the ‘serious department,’ then you have to think twice.

So there are second thoughts that music could be your ‘life after F1’?

Let me say it bluntly: this here - F1 - is what I know how to do best. Yes, there are also other things that I do really well, but nothing compares to that. I know that and accept it. All the other things I enjoy. Who knows? If one day my stuff is good enough, you will hear it.

You just mentioned that there are people out there with number-one songs and no talent… …but I don’t want to be one of those! My sole focus is again on winning the title - but Nico has grown, so I have to lift my bar again.Lewis Hamilton Your fight with team mate Nico Rosberg added a lot of spice to the 2015 season. Can we hope for more of the same this year?

Another ‘Lewis and Nico show’?

I hope it is not purely a ‘Lewis and Nico show’ - I hope Ferrari gets involved in that show and that we will have fierce competition beyond me and Nico.

What are the chances of that? You did the most laps on day one, Nico on day two - but on both days Sebastian Vettel had the fastest time…

Well, that doesn’t say a lot. How much fuel did they run? What programme were they on? It’s all questions, questions. We will not have an answer until Melbourne.

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The much-talked-about friction between you and Nico - how much is reality and how much is media hype?

It is there. But it is a small fire that everybody pours a lot of gasoline on to make it bigger.

And then, of course, also me and Nico, we unintentionally pour more gasoline onto the fire, depending on who is winning a race. So it is real - a real competition.

Has Nico’s winning streak at the end of 2015 given you any sleepless nights? Any fears that the margin between you has become smaller and controlling him more difficult?

Honestly, it was good for him at the end of the year. I had good races - I got the points.

I did not do the bare minimum, but I did what I needed to do to finish the year. I didn’t do what I had to do to win the championship because I already had won the championship.

If you fight for the championship you have to bring that extra five or ten percent. After I had bagged the title I didn’t need that anymore. I used my energy elsewhere. But now my sole focus is again on winning the title - but Nico also has grown, so I have to accept that he is exceptionally fast, and so I also have to lift

my bar again. I don’t know how - but that is my goal.

Mercedes start out as favourites to win both titles again. Has the car still got it? Has Lewis still got it?

Difficult to say this early on. We are in the third year of this car and it feels like a constant growth - the car is better again. And that is hard to do, to make something even better that is already almost perfect. Now the question is what have the others done? Stayed the same?

Improved more? Who knows?

And has Lewis also still got it?

Yeah. I think I still have it.

So title number four is on your agenda?

I am excited about the race and the fight.

Mathematics is not on my mind right now.

Shanghai Race Friday 15 – Sunday 17 Apr 2016 www.sky.com This interview is courtesy of Formula 1. www.formula1.com

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