INTERVIEW with Gardening guru Monty Don
BIGGER PICTURE
Brighton’s Oliver Heath on his Dream Home TV
May 2016
WIN!
Tickets to Brighton Festival & CFT plus pre-show supper
WONDER WALL
Amazing world of wallpaper
&
Oasis Colour
The region’s LARGEST property publication
Blissful break at
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Indoors and out, welcome in spring We relish every moment we can spend alfresco. So create a space where the day will never want to end. Bordeaux table: from £1,200, Tuscany armchair: £285, Corinium tray: £66 and Corinium lidded jar: from £48
Create your own designs at neptune.com Neptune Hailsham, BN27 1DQ, 01323 849 483, info@neptunehailsham.com
INSIDE 5 12 15
Rottingdean, page 20
20 24 30
Hill House & Home Truths All the regional property news What’s trending
Romesh Ranganathan, page 24
Area Feature : Village life in Rottingdean Calender : Out and about in May May Collection : Our pick of homes in Rottingdean
38 42
Talk Money : Happy new tax year
43 54
People profile : NEW! Simon Candler, Healy & Newsom
60 63 73
75 77 78
Legal Matters : Advice for landlords
Property professionals lunch : Networking Home style tips : Making an entrance Overseas : Fantasy homes in France Career Ladder : Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneur Development Manager, NatWest Gardening : May flowers New Homes : Rooms with a view - penthouses Chalk Architecture : Location Location Location
Home style tips, page 60
... 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 www.farrow&ball.com Assorted Painted Pots by Farrow & Ball
Gardening, page 75
81
84 Hemsley + Hemsley, page 94
COVER STORY : Wonder wall of wallpapers
88
Shopping : Illuminating ideas
90
Style : Suit yourself
92
COVER STORY: The Bigger Picture - Property TV
94 96 98
Travel, page 96
COVER STORY : WIN! Brighton Festival tickets and tickets to Chichester Festival Theatre & pre-show supper
Celebrity Menu : Sisters Hemsley + Hemsley’s courgetti spaghetti! Travel : Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa Local news : Round up of the City’s top stories
100
Golf Guy : The corporate golfer
103
Health Matters : A pain in the back
104
Interiors, page 84
COVER STORY : Monty Don in conversation Monty Don, page 104
The PORTFOLIO team Managing Director: Lynne Edwards Production Editor: Fiona McTernan lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com For advertising and general enquiries contact Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Chief Sub-Editor & Features Editor: Designer: Sally Wynn Daniel Frickelton www.portfoliopublications.co.uk portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Contributor: Kate Hill
Contributing Editor: Tara de la Motte tara@sussex-homes.co.uk
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
Y
THE HILL HOUSE
ou know how, in black and white movies – those featuring train travel, anyway – a conductor will come along the corridor, looking into the compartments (Compartments! How lovely!) shouting ‘All change!’ as plumes of smoke billow outside the carriage? Well, its like that. Sometimes, life’s conductor blows the whistle, and everything changes. We’re still crawling slowly towards finishing our renovation – at an arthritic snail’s pace. We WILL get building control in this month, we really will. We’re a bit stuck, though, if anything isn’t up to scratch, as our builder has gone bankrupt. Not because we didn’t pay him (and oh, how I wish we hadn’t, with all the problems there have been) – but because someone else didn’t pay. And so, if there’s a problem, we’re on our own. The news didn’t come as a total surprise, partly because I knew we’d had a dreadful experience (and we can’t have been the only ones), but also because the economy is more fragile than it might appear. Mr Hill House’s work is also confidence and economy-dependent, and for the last six weeks things have been unnervingly quiet. A new budget, political disquiet here and abroad and the spectre of a Brexit on the horizon: the implications go deep, and trade is slowing, at least from where we sit. It will be interesting to see if and how things go postvote: will it be all change, or will things pick up again?
“To our considerable surprise, the Hill House will (if everything goes well) have another family member to accommodate in October” But the other change – the other thing I hadn’t accounted for in our plans and work and transformation of an old and broken house back into a family home – is that, to our considerable surprise, the Hill House will (if everything goes well) have another family member to accommodate in October. I thought I’d hung up my maternity trousers as a sprightly thing of 30 when the current youngest Hill was born. It seems I was wrong. We’ve got a new deadline to meet: all change, please, ladies and gentlemen, all change.
Kate Hill
GLASS OF WINE, DARLING? Don’t mind if I do.. a spot of Merlot would be just the thing. Ah.
Oh my goodness – let me get some white wine Butterfingers! Red wine spills on pale upholstery or carpet are the stuff nightmares are made of. But don’t throw white wine after red – we might need it later. And it’s not an effective stain remover, either.
I’m both relieved (it’s a good white wine) and surprised: so what does work? Textiles expert, Professor Ingrid Johnson of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (fitnyc.edu), dispels the myth that there’s some stainbusting magic in white wine. Both, she says, are essentially fruit juice; one is just paler than the other. For fabrics that are slow to absorb, like carpet, upholstery or other thicker materials, salt is the best option for absorbing a fresh spill. For thinner, faster-absorbing fabrics like cotton, hot water should be enough.
Ah – here’s one I did earlier… what gets rid of older stains? Again, its not the white wine. According to Professor Johnson, your best bet if a stain has been allowed to dry is to drench the stain with hot water and apply a paste of any ‘oxi’ (oxidising) stain removing product mixed with a little water. Work it into the stain and leave on for at least 2 hours to allow the oxidising agent (usually peroxide), the activating substance and enzymes to do their stuff and remove the colour of the stain.
Two hours? We might as well finish the bottle Lovely – just mind where you leave your glass! PORTFOLIO 5
FOURTH AVENUE, HOVE
Guide Price £650,000
A wonderfully presented, three-bedroom mansion style flat just off Hove’s seafront. Stylish, elegant and on trend, this truly is an exceptional apartment. The property itself is arranged over two floors. It has dark hardwood oak flooring throughout, French inspired shutters, textured wall papers and Farrow and Ball colour schemes. The bright reception room boasts a wonderful feature fire place in addition to a front balcony with room for table and chairs with views of the sea. The kitchen has superb storage and plenty of room for dining. The master bedroom offers a sunny Westerly aspect with a fitted en suite. This truly is a wonderful home and is presented to exacting standards. Fourth Avenue is one of Hove’s most sought after residential locations and has easy access to the seafront.
3 94 Church Road | Hove | BN3 2EB
2
1
01273 778 877 | mishonwelton.com
WHATEVER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
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Harry Mishon
Megan Sciberras
Jack Harding
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LOCAL KNOWLEDGE from
LOCAL PEOPLE mishonwelton.com
2
2
HARTINGTON ROAD, HOVE
Guide Price ÂŁ1,200,000 - ÂŁ1,300,000
A fantastic Victoria Villa situated on Harrington Road. This home offers considerable character with a large South facing rear garden. With lovely light and spacious living accommodation over four floors, this house has character whilst still maintaining a modern theme. At the rear of the house, there is a stunning kitchen/breakfast room, which has been fitted with on-trend contemporary units which opens onto a veranda with views to the garden. The bright living room has huge sash windows at the front and a magnificent feature fireplace. The first floor offers two incredibly sized double bedrooms, a study/bedroom and a shower suite. The second floor has an additional two double bedrooms with a large family bathroom. The lower level has a large reception room at the front, modern shower room, a double bedroom with doors leading out onto the garden.
6 94 Church Road | Hove | BN3 2EB
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01273 778 877 | mishonwelton.com
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HARTINGTON VILLAS, HOVE
Guide Price £1,050,000 - £1,100,000
A most substantial, semi-detached, red brick Victorian residence of considerable character, together with a lovely south facing rear garden, situated in a central location, close to Hove mainline station. Internally, the overriding impression is that of light and space and a sense of “open” living. The huge bay fronted living room has superb features, with high ceilings, original cornices and mouldings, together with a fine fireplace. This room flows through to a fitted, kitchen/breakfast/family room with bi-fold doors opening directly on to the enclosed south facing rear garden. Over the first and second floors are 4 large double bedrooms. There was originally 5 so could easily be converted back into 5.
4
2
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sales@mishonwelton.com WHATEVER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
LEADERS
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Lawyers for Life™
OLD SHIP HOTEL FOR SALE DAY One of the best-known seafront hotels in Brighton is being offered for sale as part of a £130 million portfolio of ten properties. The Old Ship is part of the Hotel Collection. The group of regional hotels being sold has a guide price of at least £130 million. The sale is being handled by Savills and Rothschild, according to Propel Info, the online newsletter for the food, drink and hospitality sector. The Hotel Collection described the Old Ship as “reputedly the oldest hotel in the city. With parts dating back to 1559, the Old Ship Hotel is steeped in history and royal connections. The fourstar hotel has 154 bedrooms and, the Hotel Collection said, “400-year-old cellars available for private dining.” Savills’ head of British hotel transactions, Martin Rogers, said: “We are pleased to be bringing this significant collection of hotels to market. The distinctive heritage and character of each property has been maintained while generating a robust collective income.”
STAMP DUTY STAMPEDE
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
The rush to beat the stamp duty surcharge deadline has pushed average asking prices to a record high, according to Rightmove - and given the portal its biggest-ever monthly hit rate. The average price of a property coming to market has risen 1.3 per cent in the past month - equivalent to £3,843 - to set a record high of £307,033. The portal says the April 1 surcharge deadline helped ignite “an onward chain reaction,” energising the higher sectors of the market. “Chains need a buyer at the bottom to enable everyone to move, and that was boosted by investors looking to avoid [the surcharge],” according to Miles Shipside, Rightmove Director and market analyst. “While some felt that there would be a stampede of existing landlords selling to other landlords, these figures indicate that many of those who sold during the buy-to-let rush were actually first-time sellers looking to trade up. After several years of being held back from moving by post-credit-crunch price doldrums, they have now benefitted from a heady combination of price growth, historically cheap interest rates, and confidence of a quick sale, with purchasers working to a tight deadline,” he says. Despite demand from some buy-to-let landlords dropping away as the deadline neared, Rightmove says it recorded its busiest-ever month for visits to the website in March. Read more about these and other industry stories at www.estateagenttoday.co.uk
PROPERTY news
PROPERTY NEWS NEW BOUTIQUE SALES AND LETTINGS IN HOVE HW Estate Agents recently opened in Sackville Road Hove. The business was founded by Charlie and Liam, having gained years of experience dealing in many areas the property industry, including residential sales, lettings, new homes developments, land sites and commercial properties. They offer a bespoke friendly service to clients, so drop by and see them at 157 Sackville Road Hove. Tel 01273 359000. www.hwestateagents.co.uk.
ESTATE AGENT’S PERSONAL JOURNEY
GAME-CHANGING PROPERTY LEGISLATION
John Dale, Branch manager of Fox & Sons, Lewes Road, had a close and personal brush with cancer in 2013 & 2104. “I was having seizures, whilst going through different investigations at hospital as to why they were happening. In May 2014, it was discovered that I had a brain tumour, which was subsequently removed at Hurstwood Park Hospital, Haywards Heath in June. Thankfully, the surgery was a success but I had to wait for 2 weeks to find out whether or not the tumour was benign. It was. The whole situation was very challenging for my Wife (Jo) and our little boy (Teddi), who wasn’t even a year old. I felt like the luckiest man alive to have all the support, and wanted to give something back to those that are not so fortunate, and thought long and hard as to how to do this. So I decided that the best thing I could do was to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK. I initially hoped to get at least £200, but set myself a target of £600” To date John has raised £1,020 by having the amazing support from family, friends, friends of friends, work colleagues and even clients.
Chris Sawyer, Director of Sawyer & Co. and Fine & Country, Brighton & Hove, highlights the recent changes that affect the property industry. An additional 3% of Stamp Duty will be introduced on second homes in an attempt to curb the growth of the private rental market. In addition, HMRC is removing the ability of landlords to deduct ‘wear and tear’ from rental receipts before income tax is applicable. Other imminent changes include an increase of an average £58 for Council Tax on properties in Band D, the consequence of hundreds of councils around the country increasing rates by up to 4%. On the other hand, properties that are rented from a housing association or the council will see a rent decrease of 1% each year for the next four years, starting from April. Chris Sawyer says: “There is no evidence that these new measures will choke off demand in Brighton & Hove. We have seen steep price growth in our city. The popularity of the area as a place to live, the strong demand for rented property and the future prospects for long-term capital growth are all reasons why our area has become popular for landlords.”
PORTFOLIO 13
Welbeck Avenue, Hove £925,000 to £950,000 We are delighted to offer for sale this most attractive and wellappointed family home situated south of New Church Road, Hove, very close to the seafront and well regarded schools. This elegant house enjoys four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a beautiful kitchen breakfast room, parking and an established west facing rear garden.
Milnthorpe Road, Hove £475,000 A great opportunity to purchase a very well presented, three bedroom detached 1930’s house, with good sized kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, modern bathroom and a south facing garden, being situated close to schools, parks and recreations grounds, as well as the seafront, shops and stations.
Hogarth Road £725,000 A substantial four bedroom house arranged over three floors with two reception rooms, two bathrooms and a large kitchen breakfast room. The established rear garden is approximately 90ft in length with a brick built studio suitable for a variety of uses. The location is particularly desirable with easy access to Hove to amenities, as well as Richardson Road for local independent shops.
Healy & Newsom 19 Richardson Road, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex BN3 3RB 01273 74 66 74 | hove@healynewsom.co.uk | www.healynewsom.co.uk
NEWS
TRENDING THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW For five days in May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be transformed into the world’s greatest flower show. Some of the show-stopping displays include: photographic exhibits and a floral arch to celebrate the 90th birthday of the RHS patron, HM the Queen; A 60-foot carriage from Belmond British Pullman, which will form part of the 6,000sq ft planted-up station in the Great Pavilion; the RHS Garden for Health, Happiness and Horticulture, designed by Ann-Marie Powell; the Modern Apothecary Garden, designed by RHS Ambassador Jekka McVicar, and the memorable poppies tribute by Phillip Johnson at the entrance to the show. Horticultural showman Diarmuid Gavin is back with The British Eccentrics Garden. An acoustic garden will play musical notes to visitors. There will be spectacular show gardens, showcasing the exceptional talent of a handful of carefully selected garden designers. Alongside the Show Gardens are the smaller garden categories. The Artisan Gardens pay homage to traditional and contemporary artisan skills, and the Fresh Gardens category incorporates innovative materials and challenging ideas. RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 24th – 28th May. www.rhs.org.uk
FESTIVAL ANGELS ARCH-angels architects are headline sponsor of the 2016 Artists Open Houses festival and presented a preview of their own Interactive Installation at the recent launch party at The Old Market, Hove. The installation will be open at ARCHangels own Open House, ARCH-angels Architects House, at 121 Freshfield Road on the Kemp Town Trail every weekend in May from 12pm to 3pm. Also on display will be art from five of the architects from their ARCH-angels practice, with the whole house being open from 11am to 5pm. Visitors to their Open House are invited to step over the “Stand Behind The Line” tape and explore and engage with the design of a space. ARCHangels are also running a competition throughout the Festival to get kids inspired by the Open House trail houses and bring their ideas together to create a “Kids Dream Home”. More details of all of these events are available on ARCH-angels website. Judy Stevens, Director of Artist Open Houses said: “We are delighted to welcome ARCH angel architects as headline sponsors. They approach environment-conscious architectural projects with a balance between beauty, sustainability and affordability that makes them the perfect partner for the Artist Open Houses.” ARCH-angels Architects House, 121 Freshfield Road. www.aaarchitects.co.uk
NEW LIBERTY HOME COLLECTION Boutique interiors store Mister Smith recently ran an evening of inspiration with the creative team behind the new Liberty Home collections. Visit the New Road shop to see how these iconic prints have been translated into vibrant, modern designs while retaining the iconic patterns we love and associate with the wonderful world of Liberty. Mister Smith Interiors offer a vast range of fabric, flooring and wallpaper, and are an ideal environment in which to get creative and pull together a design scheme, whether you are choosing a fabric update or designing a full house redecoration. www.mistersmith.co.uk
WE LOVE:
PADDYWAX CANDLE Spring/summer means we can banish the cold weather to the back of our minds and throw the doors open, welcoming the warmer weather inside. And although we will be stepping outside to bask in the sun, many of us will be adding exotic, botanical-themed designs to our home furnishings. Paddywax Botany Scented Candle www.rooi.com
PORTFOLIO 15
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Princes Square £1,700,000 Six bedroom house with garages and swimming pool. EPC C
Albany villas, Hove £1,800,000 Five bedroom detached period home with parking. EPC N/A
Hilltop, Hove £925,000 Four bedroom detached house with low maintenance garden. EPC D
Lewes Crescent, Brighton £675,000 Two bedroom flat with garage and courtyard garden. EPC N/A
Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 159
BEAUTIFUL homes
HALL ON THE GREEN
I
n need of some tender love and care, with period charm and character in spades, The Hall on The Green in Southwick offers a slice of history with not just one, but two Blue Plaques! It is a beautiful Grade II* listed flint-stone building, built in two halves, namely The Hall and The Nether Hall. The former is believed to be the original building, with the latter added at a later stage. The architecture would seem to support this theory, with The Hall having a more cottage-like feel, while The Nether Hall’s high ceilings and somewhat larger rooms have more of the atmosphere of Regency period buildings. The Blue Plaques commemorate the artist Douglas Stannus Gray, a well-known painter of portraits, figure subjects and landscapes, who lived at the house from 1939, remaining there throughout the latter part of his life, while the second plaque pertains to novelist and travel writer SPB Mais.
The Green, Southwick, Brighton, BN42 4FY Guide Price: £1,200,000 Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Three reception rooms; Large gardens; Separate garage Best Bits: House of historical interest; Flint fronted; Overlooking The Green; Over 5000 sq. ft 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
Upper Street, East Dean, BN20 A stunning Grade II* listed Georgian manor house set in beautiful countryside in the heart of old East Dean with far reaching views over the South Downs and Beachy Head, built in 1750 and refurbished in 2006 for modern family living having been owned by the same family throughout it’s existence. The property comprises 8 double bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, 3 of which are en-suite, 3 large reception rooms and a large farmhouse style kitchen. Outside there are substantial gardens and ample off street parking for a number of cars along with several outbuildings. The property also benefits from gas central heating and includes a gas fired Aga and two wood burning stoves.
Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 159
£3,995 PCM •
Grade II* listed
•
Over 6,000 square feet
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Georgian House
•
Beautiful Location
•
8 Bedrooms
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Impressive Accommodation
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Close To Beach
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On Brighton College Bus Route
NEWS
HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL
news
Hamptons International Hove Lettings office share their news and views from a busy first quarter of the year, and it’s only getting busier... MARKET TALK Activity in the first quarter for us here in Hove improved dramatically, and this increased demand now presents an excellent opportunity to let. With increasingly more households, including affluent ones, renting for longer, there is a market for a higher-quality product. The key to our success is realistic advice, combined with the highest standards of personal and professional service, creative marketing and utilising our network of 85 offices that showcase your property locally, in London and internationally, to an active database of tenants. If you are thinking of letting a property, or acquiring a property locally for investment, or, indeed, thinking of selling your property in the next six months, please contact us for a market appraisal.
GOOGLE IT! Don’t take our word for it, take a look at our Google reviews, which show that over 96% of reviews for lettings scored us 5 out of 5. Just search Hamptons Lettings Hove on Google to see for yourself.
“A professional and switched on team who know their business providing a professional, friendly and proactive value added service backed up with good knowledge and experience we would highly recommend to those who are looking for a managing agent for their property.” (Peter)
HOT SPOTS Coming into the second quarter, we find this is the time of year where we begin to see a high demand for family homes. Last year we let the highest number of houses in quarter three, and July and August were our busiest months for family moves. We have a large number of families already beginning to register, and the hot spots that are being requested are, close to New Church Road, Hove Park, and we also have one applicant looking to spend up to £4,000 pcm for the right family home close to Surrenden Road.
CONGRATULATIONS
Tom Michell, our Senior Property Manager, has just celebrated his five-year anniversary of working for Hamptons International. (Pictured with his hamper!)
Victoria Winterson, in the Hove office, has been promoted to Associate, a very well-deserved promotion. Having previously worked for Hamptons in Guildford for 4 years, Victoria moved down to the Brighton & Hove branch in 2014. She is a pro-active member of the team and works hard to provide excellent customer service.
SPONSORSHIP This next quarter of the year is a busy one for Hamptons Hove. We are delighted to be sponsoring Brighton Dome and the 50th Brighton Festival as well as the Artist Open House Festival. Both of these events take place in May, so keep an eye out for our Artist in Residence boards and Brighton Festival volunteer T-shirts around the City.
Each month Hamptons new tenants are all automatically entered into a draw to win a Fortnum and Mason Hamper. Pictured here are our latest winnners! The Hamptons Lettings team have reached over 515 followers on Twitter, which is a great achievement. We put all new instructions on twitter before general marketing commences so follow us for new instructions,hot applicants and up to date news @HamptonsHove. On 26th February we held a cake sale and raffle in the office in aid of Cancer Research and raised over £500, which was wonderful. Thank you to all the local businesses who so kindly donated prizes.
Hamptons International Lettings | 82 Church Road, Brighton BN3 2EB | 01273 796 159 | www.hamptons.co.uk
VILLAGE LIFE You’ve probably glimpsed Rottingdean as you sped along the picturesque coast, but there is a lot more to this charming village than you might think
T
he historic village of Rottingdean lies just four miles to the East of Brighton, so even those Brightonians without a car can just hop on a 2, 2A, 12 and 27 bus and it will deliver you right at its heart. You can explore it all on foot from here, even stopping off at a few nice pubs along the way. If you are considering buying or renting property nearby, or maybe just want to spend a little more time exploring the area, here are just a few of the highlights. THE VILLAGE At the centre of the village is the delightful pond around which the community thrives. Rottingdean High Street has plenty to offer in the way of refreshments, with several pubs all serving food, and there is an array of independent cafes, tea rooms and restaurants. The village has a wide variety of shops, ranging from antique and charity shops, to bakery, hair and beauty salons, supermarkets,
20 PORTFOLIO
and an excellent greengrocer/delicatessen. Plus the ubiquitous estate agents! BEACH The beach is backed by chalk cliffs and is a magnet in summer for family picnics and days out. It’s great for kids, particularly, to explore the rock pools when the tide is out. For a little more exertion try walking or cycling along to Ovingdean/Saltdean, or even Brighton Marina along the undercliff walk, which has been the subject of significant improvement over recent years. KIPLING GARDENS Named after the village’s most famous resident, Jungle Book writer Rudyard Kipling, these delightful gardens are full of rustic village charm. The gardens were originally the grounds of ‘The Elms,’ the country house which Kipling rented between 1897 and 1902. Kipling wrote many of his Just So stories in the house.
The gardens had become overgrown over many decades, but were rescued and restored by the Rottingdean Preservation Society in the early 1980s. In 1986 the site was formally handed over to the council and has been maintained and improved upon to this day. Surrounded by flint walls and sitting close by to Rottingdean’s village green and duck pond, Kipling Gardens is a great example of a traditional English garden. ST MARGARETS CHURCH The church is in the northeastern corner of the Green, the ancient heart of the village. Although added to and improved, a place of worship has stood in this position since the Saxon period. St Margaret’s has a fascinating history and interesting architectural features, with many stained glass windows. It was listed as Grade II on 13 October 1952 and continues to thrive within the community, remaining in active use for worship.
Village pond photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/dgeezer
AREA feature
“If you want to know a little more about our beautiful surrounding villages right on our doorstep, then why not start in delightful Rottingdean?”
WINDMILL Beacon Mill, as it was known, was built in 1802 and was working until 1881. During the digging of the foundations, a human skeleton was found. The mill has been repaired many times over the years, but in 1969 it was found to be leaning to the north east, so a steel frame was erected inside the smock to support the mill and new sails were fitted. It remains an iconic landscape structure, perched the on the hills surrounding the village.
Photo credit: www.mishonmackay.com
THE GRANGE The Grange is a Georgian house, originally built as a vicarage. During WWII the Grange was used as an Officers’ Mess. During the 1950s it was taken over by the local authority to house the library and the museum. Its services were under threat in 1992, when The Preservation Society came to the rescue and in 1993 obtained a lease on the building until
2030 so that this important village building would not be lost. Today, as well as the Public Library, The Grange houses a Museum, an Art Gallery, a Tourist Office and, in the summer months, a Tea Garden. SCHOOLS Longhill Secondary School, St.Margarets C of E Primary School, Rottingdean Montessori Nursery School There is a also a very active arts community in the village which holds a number of annual events, including the recent Spring Music Festival. Fairs, clubs and activities are popular events, attracting visitors from afar. So if you are planning some days out for the kids, or would just like to know a little more about our beautiful surrounding villages right on our doorstep, then why not start in delightful Rottingdean? You may even find that you want to live there.
PORTFOLIO 21
maslen.co.uk
Campbell Road, Brighton
OFFERS IN EXCESS OF
ÂŁ550,000
FREEHOLD
A substantial bay fronted victorian terraced house. Arranged over three floors, generous accommodation includes 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms and a family bathroom. The property also benefits from a west facing garden and a fantastic first floor sun terrace. Located in a quiet road close to London Road it offers easy access to shops, cafes and bars. Energy Rating D55.
Maslen Estate Agents 290 Ditchling Road Brighton BN1 6JF t:01273 566777 e:fiveways@maslen.co.uk
LEWES ROAD
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WOODINGDEAN
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HOVE
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FIVEWAYS
BEAUTIFUL homes
WOODLAND HAVEN
A
rranged over three floors, a substantial and spacious six-bedroom, three-bathroom family home with a mature 90-foot west-facing rear garden which backs onto Three Cornered Copse. Located on a popular residential road in Hove Park and boasting over 2,500 square feet of internal space, this house will be an exceptional “20-year home” for any buyer. The property thankfully retains many of the original features you would associate with the 1930s; there is parquet flooring throughout the majority of the ground floor, many of the original fireplaces remain in situ, along with original stained-glass windows. Close proximity to local shops and excellent local schools round off what is a superb family home. Offered to the market with no onward chain.
Woodland Drive, Hove, BN3 6DJ Price: OIEO £900,000 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: 90ft West-facing rear garden; Retaining many original features; Backing onto woodland Best Bits: Exceptional location; Over 2,500 sq feet of living space; No chain Maslen Estate Agents 174 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DJ 01273 321000 www.maslen.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 23
CALENDAR of events
MAY
May is Festival season in Brighton & Hove and Sussex. Our pick of May events highlights some of the Festival events from around the county
7 - 26 May Brighton Festival Brighton’s annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events takes place in venues both familiar and unusual across Brighton & Hove for three weeks every May. Now in its 50th year, Brighton Festival continues to win critical acclaim for its ambitious and daring programme. As England’s biggest curated mixed arts festival, Brighton Festival attracts some of the most innovative artists and companies (and some of the most adventurous audiences) from the UK and around the world. Guest Director Laurie Anderson says, “Brighton Festival is so big and sprawling and exciting, and there’s so many different things going on – it really has a celebratory, crazy, art party feel to it.” Venues across the city. Full details at www.brightonfestival.org
6 May - 5 June Brighton Fringe Brighton Festival’s not-solittle sister, Brighton Fringe, takes place for four weeks every May to include two bank holidays and the summer half-term break. This vast celebration of all things creative features more than 1,000 individual events in nearly 200 venues. Expect inspired programming at Komedia, The Basement and The Warren, amongst others, and not one but two Spiegeltents … Fringe City 2016 takes place each weekend: (7 & 8 May, 14 & 15 May, 21 & 22 May, 28 & 29 May) from 1pm to 5pm on New Road, the perfect place to check out what Brighton Fringe is all about and sample some of the programme for free. New this year is the Brighton Fringe All-Nighter on Friday 27th May. Venues across the city. Full details at www.brightonfringe.org
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30 April - 29 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. Across the city and beyond. Full details at www.aoh.org.uk
30 April - 29 May HOUSE Visual Art Festival Throughout May, HOUSE 2016 presents new work by established and emerging visual artists, sited across the city in domestic, non-traditional and public spaces. The eighth annual festival is an opportunity to see a diverse range of new projects by international and British artists, exploring this year’s theme of Home. Artist Gillian Wearing is HOUSE 2016’s Invited Artist. Turner Prizewinning artist Gillian Wearing has invited anyone from around the globe to film a short clip of their curtains or blinds opening to reveal the view from their window. Like the curtains going up at the beginning of a stage play, each view is a pictorial unveiling of a landscape, cityscape or even a brick wall. The project is one of the largest collaborative films ever, with contributions from all over the world. Plus installations and exhibitions across the city. Venues across the city. Full details at www.housefestival.org
CALENDAR of events
20 - 30 May Charleston Festival
From 21 May Glyndebourne Festival Escape the ordinary this summer and head to Glyndebourne for a Festival of unconquered passions, divided loyalties and political intrigue. Glyndebourne Festival 2015 starts on 21st May with Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. It continues with Mozart’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia from 22nd May, Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen from 12th June, Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro from 3 July, Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict from 23 July and Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 11th August. Make an occasion of visiting Glyndebourne: explore the grounds, visit the Archive and Gallery, and always – of course – have a picnic on the lawn during the Festival’s extended interval. Glyndebourne Festival 2015 runs from 21st May to 28th August. Glyndebourne Opera House, Glynde www.glyndebourne.com
16 May Ronnie Spector Ronnie Spector returns to the UK for concerts this Spring with Ronnie Spector Sings the Fabulous Ronettes. This is the iconic rock singer’s first show created specifically to pay tribute to the music of the ultimate girl group she co–founded as a teenager from New York’s Spanish Harlem. Ronnie and her American band will perform all the Ronettes hits – “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You,” “Do I Love You,” “Walking in the Rain,” and more - as well as songs originally recorded by the group that became successful for other artists, such as “I Can Hear Music” (Beach Boys) and “Chapel of Love” (Dixie Cups). Spector’s last UK appearance was in December 2015, when her show played London’s Barbican to critical acclaim: “Her voice still with that mix of innocence and lasciviousness” (The Times). April 2016 saw the release of the first new Ronettes recording in 49 years, “English Heart”. De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, 7pm www.dlwp.com
Located in the glorious South Downs in East Sussex, Charleston was, from 1916, the home of Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Pioneers of early 20th century British art, Bell and Grant created a hub of artistic and intellectual activity. Home also to Clive Bell and John Maynard Keynes, guests included Virginia Woolf, Roger Fry, Lytton Strachey, T.S. Eliot and E.M. Forster. Charleston is now open to the public and provides the stunning setting for the Festival. This year’s Festival of literature, art and ideas includes talks from Ian McEwan, Melvyn Bragg, Jeanete Winterson, Graham Swift, Rose Tremain, Robert McCrum and many more. Charleston, Firle, Lewes. Full details at www.charleston.org.uk
12 May Romesh Ranganathan: Irrational Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand-new show exploring the rationality of his worldview. ‘Irrational’ will see Romesh examine the issues close to his heart and explains why everybody else is wrong about them. The last two years have been incredible for Ranganathan, with his two critically acclaimed Edinburgh Festival shows, ‘Rom Wasn’t Built In A Day’ and ‘Rom Com’ being nominated for the coveted Edinburgh Festival Awards for Best Show 2014 and Best Newcomer in 2013. This new show promises to be as much of a hit. Romesh has come a long way since quitting his career as a maths teacher, making a real name for himself with his live and TV work, including a regular spot on The Apprentice: You’re Fired. The Hawth, Crawley, 8pm. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
3 - 7 May King Lear Renowned Shakespearean actor Michael Pennington, four-time Olivier award-nominated, plays the title role in a new production of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. Director Max Webster (The Lorax, Old Vic; Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe; Twelfth Night, Regent’s Park) leads a creative team including designer Adrian Linford, Olivier Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Chivers and composer Matthew Bugg for Royal & Derngate Northampton’s major new production. In Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, an ageing tyrant’s decision to divide his kingdom tears his family apart, sparks catastrophic civil war and destroys all that he has. Driven from his home, King Lear endures madness and great suffering as he battles a great storm. Yet with madness he finds reason, after betrayal he discovers loyalty and through his suffering a better world emerges. Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton
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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 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. High 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.
MONTPELIER CRESCENT, BRIGHTON - OIEO £400,000
HOVE OFFICE: 01273 778844
Two bedroom top floor apartment in historic Brighton crescent. Ideally situated for all that Brighton and Hove have to offer, this beautiful top floor flat is located in one of Brighton’s most iconic Regency crescents. Elegant white walls and feature sash windows combine to create a fantastic example of contemporary living in a period property. Set inside a distinctive Grade II listed building with a stucco facade, with all the amenities of Seven Dials right on your doorstep and Western road and the seafront within easy reach. EPC Rating D.
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
BEAUFORT TERRACE, BRIGHTON - ÂŁ535,000
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.
KINGS WALK, SHOREHAM BY SEA - ÂŁ675,000
PORTSLADE OFFICE: 01273 383830
Spacious four bedroom house with sea views close to Shoreham beach. Sitting on the corner of a quiet road in a sought after area, this spacious house commands beautiful sea views and easy access to Shoreham beach. Large rooms, an abundance of natural light and a large south facing balcony with sea views all combine to make a beautiful family-sized home. A short walk to the beach and the local amenities, it benefits from plenty of outdoor space and there is scope to extend subject to attaining necessary consents. EPC Rating D.
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL homes
MOVIE STYLE
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his luxury five-bedroom, contemporary, detached house, with its own cinema room, is discreetly set back from the road in a highly sought-after area of Hove. A sweeping driveway leads down to the glass and grey steel facade of this immensely elegant property. Solid wood doors, glass balustrades and an abundance of floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors all combine to create a beautiful example of contemporary architecture at its very best. EPC rating B Modern technology features have been incorporated throughout this elegant and immaculate house, with the utmost attention to detail. From the cinema room to the light installation on the first floor hallway, every aspect of this home is finished to an incredibly high specification.
Onlsow Road, Hove, BN3 6TA Price: £1,300,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Cinema room; Solar panels; Underfloor heating Best Bits: Detached, contemporary house; Five bedrooms; Landscaped garden 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
Norfolk Road, Brighton
EPC: Exempt
Elegant 4 Bedroom Grade II Listed Period Townhouse. A beautiful three storey, terraced townhouse with roof terrace and courtyard in a central Brighton location. Set in a quiet road in Brighton’s highly sought after Montpelier area, a timeless black and white tiled path sits in front of an impressive, family-sized period home. Sympathetically decorated throughout with refurbished, canted, sash bay windows and a classic cast iron balcony, this is a beautiful example of contemporary living in a period property.
Tel: 01273 739911
Avondale Road, Hove
£850,000
EPC: D
Elegant 4 Bedroom Double-Fronted Edwardian Villa. With Garage And Off-Road Parking. A beautiful bay fronted, end of terrace house with extensive off-road parking and a wealth of elegant Edwardian features. Conveniently located on a quiet tree-lined road, this expansive and versatile house features stained glass, leaded sash windows, tall ceilings and spacious rooms offering contemporary family living within the grandeur of a period property.
Tel: 01273 739911
£1,100,000
Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911
THE collection
THE MAY COLLECTION This month we are loving the historic village of Rottingdean. We profile some lovely Rottingdean properties currently on the market…
Period style Bazehill Road, Rottingdean Attractive six bedroom period property located in a sought after road in Rottingdean. The property offers contemporary styling such as modern bathrooms/shower room and kitchen/breakfast room combined with period features and detail such as oak beams, inglenook fireplace and wooden flooring. A second staircase links to the first floor bedrooms and the ground floor has the benefit of a spacious entrance/reception hallway with study. To the rear is a outdoor heated swimming pool, patio area and well maintained lawned gardens and shrubs, there is also a summer house and pool house.
Price: £1,000,000 Hamptons International 01273 230230 www.hamptons.co.uk 30 PORTFOLIO
THE collection
Luxury apartments Azure, Rottingdean Azure at Rottingdean is perfect for buyers who want true tranquility. Set just three miles from Brighton on the Rottingdean cliff-tops the last two luxurious apartments offer panoramic views of the sea and sky, each with a full length balcony from which the only sounds to be heard are the seagulls and the scrunch of the waves on the shingle. Starting at £940,000, with an exceptional specification and the choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms, Azure offers a rare combination of a peaceful postion, yet just a short distance to the vibrancy of Brighton’s legendary shopping, dining and fun.
Prices from: £940,000 Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 www. mishonmackay.com
David Webb Residential 01273 300525 www.davidwebbresidential.co.uk
Star home Tudor Close, Rottingdean This is a unique opportunity to own a special three bedroom house within a historical building which was once a hotel frequented by Hollywood stars. Constructed in 1929, this timber framed Tudor style development has delightful features, and charming communal gardens with a own large stone built shed and a garage. Grade II listed. The property is one end of an ancient farm building and boasts three double bedrooms plus two/three spacious living rooms.
Price: £750,000 Brand Vaughan 01273 683111 www.brandvaughan.co.uk
Impressive residence Northgate Close. Rottingdean village A hugely impressive four bedroom detached residence offering very spacious adaptable accommodation & set in a delightful west & south facing sylvan garden. Featuring a superb ground floor garden room with vaulted ceiling, & large reception areas. Located in the much sought after historic village of Rottingdean, just four miles east of the city of Brighton and Hove, this handsome and substantial property sits at the end of an exclusive close, just off the main Falmer Road and up Bazehill Road, within a short walk to shopping facilities, local amenities, the beach and promenade.
Price: £1,100,000 David Webb Residential 01273 300525 www.davidwebbresidential.co.uk
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DITCHLING | £750,000 Immaculately presented, spacious family house - Well-appointed rooms - Double aspect sitting room - Landscaped gardens Integral garage - Large driveway - Within minutes walk of the village centre - 4 double bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - 2 reception rooms
SAYERS COMMON | £475,000 Modern detached family house - Walking distance from the centre of the village - Well-appointed, light and spacious rooms Detached garage - Landscaped front and rear gardens - Private driveway - 4 bedrooms - 1 bathroom - 3 reception rooms
chattestates.co.uk | 01273 844500 34 HIGH STREET, DITCHLING, EAST SUSSEX BN6 8TA
BEAUTIFUL homes
VILLAGE VIEWS
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he property, with its spacious accommodation, is arranged over three floors. All the rooms are of an excellent size and typical of this era, and boast many period features, such as ornate open fireplaces and high ceilings. The ground floor accommodates a dining room and a light kitchen/breakfast room leading to the conservatory, which is currently being used as an art studio, and continues on to the quaint courtyard garden. The first floor provides a bedroom, bathroom and a sitting room benefiting from a southern aspect captured by the large bay window. The second floor provides two further good-sized double bedrooms, of which one boasts far-reaching views over the village.
High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9PU Price: ÂŁ525,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Conservatory; Courtyard garden, Cast-iron fireplaces Best Bits: Period features; High ceilings; Views over neighbouring chimney pots Chatt Estates 34 High Street, Ditchling, East Sussex BN6 8TA 01273 844500 www.chattestates.co.uk
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simon lemcke get to know the man at helm of our hove sales office
west drive bn2
flawless parkside price ÂŁ1,900,000
beds: 6 | living rooms: 3 | area: 3126 sq ft | location: queens park
Built between 1898-1901 with the elegant, airy proportions of the Age of Empire, this impressively located semi-detached house has spacious, flowing accommodation with an exceptionally beautiful classical finish but all the benefits of contemporary conveniences and technology Put pressure on pause when you step into this flawless six bedroom villa in an exclusive location directly overlooking the peace of Queen’s Park but within walking distance of the beach, schools and the Lanes. The history of this Victorian house is creatively reflected in an inspired, high quality refurbishment which seamlessly fuses contemporary advances with precious period detail. The result is a spectacular family home with rare, off street parking, a first floor veranda with leafy views and a stunning family kitchen opening to the spacious, secure garden, all within reach of the station, hospitals and Universities.
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
shirley drive, bn3 dolce vita
oieo
£1,500,000
beds: 7 double | living rooms: 4 | area: 6003 sq ft | location: hove
In an exclusive location in Hove, this is a luxurious but comfortable family home with a south facing garden and balcony which is also ideal for glamorous entertaining - there is even one driveway for the family and another one for guests. Park the car in the garage and leave the world behind in this stunning seven bedroom home complete with a media and party room and an indoor pool and Jacuzzi.
roedean road, bn2
breath taking
£1,250,000
beds: 5 | living rooms: 3 | area: 2630 sq ft | location: roedean
On one of Brighton’s most exclusive roads and with breath taking sea views from all floors, this elegant house has been beautifully designed to create a sophisticated yet comfortable family home of an exceptional quality. With a luxurious ground floor for stylish entertaining, sun terraces on each level and stunning landscaped gardens, this house also has an up to the minute security system, two garages and a hard-standing for several cars.
hove office
call: simon lemcke 01273 22 11 02
preston drove, bn1 exceptional vista
guide price
£850,000 - £900,000
beds: 5 | living rooms: 2 | area: 2182 sq ft | location: fiveways
Almost every room in this beautifully designed five bedroom house has sea views, and this is just one of the elements which make this house exceptional and unique compared to many other Victorian terrace houses in the area. It is elevated on the hill at Five ways and is one of a few houses with uninterrupted panoramic views across the city; from Kemp Town to West Hove. It is also undoubtedly clear that the current owners have a keen eye for colour and design, and a refined contemporary style. The whole house has been renovated using only the finest quality materials, and the result is breath taking. It also boasts a very large garden, a separate annex suite, and a cinema room in the loft
kemp town office call: david vaughan
01273 683 111
preston park office call: jason brand
01273 504 441
Wick Hall, Furze Hill, Hove
£420,000
Bright and spacious 5th floor two double bedroom apartment in prestigious art deco building in the heart of Hove. The property benefits from private balcony, well tended communal gardens, lift to all floors and an on site caretaker.
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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. Fourth Avenue, Hove
Westbourne Street, Hove
OIEO £275000
£265,000
A gorgeous and contemporary finished spacious one bedroom apartment in a period villa adjacent to the Hove Lawns, seafront and within The Avenues Conservation Area. Features include open plan living space, good sized double bedroom, a luxury en-suite bathroom and separate cloakroom. This property would make an ideal second home, beach side holiday flat or permanent city base.
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A beautifully presented one bedroom lower ground floor flat in a converted period building situated on a popular residential road in Hove, being close to all the amenities on Portland Road, sought after schools and the Hove mainline station. Outside there is a large east facing patio with side access.
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Marine Parade, Brighton
£349,950
One of a kind and truly stunning one bedroom seafront apartment situated on the second floor of a Grade II listed building in Kemp Town, with glorious uninterrupted sea views. The property is in a superb location on the seafront in Kemp Town but is also set back from the road behind a lovely communal garden
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Highly Commended
The International Property Awards 2013-2014
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“Absolutely the best estate agents I have dealt with. Justin Lloyd took on my property and sold it within a day. Amazing. I would not use another estate agent. Well done and thank you again.” Vendor comment, April 2016
Real Estate Agency East Sussex
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Call us now 01273 692424 Email info@justinlloyd.co.uk Visit justinlloyd.co.uk
Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH Hove 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD
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BEAUTIFUL homes
BESIDE THE SEA
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ruly magnificent and stunning four/five-bedroom double-fronted detached house in central Hove, with a fantastic west-facing rear garden.The property is in a highly sought-after area located between the seafront and New Church Road, whilst being within easy walking distance of an array of local shops and eateries on Church Road, a number of specialist health clinics, popular schools and about one mile from Hove Station. Occupying a substantial plot, and in one the most desirable postcodes in the City, this perfectly formed home is ready to be moved into, with no onward chain. In more detail, the accommodation comprises: Ground Floor-entrance hallway, double reception room, kitchen/ breakfast room, study, cloakroom; First Floor-landing, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom with separate WC. There is also a substantial loft space with potential for conversion, subject to the necessary consents.
Carlisle Road, Hove, BN3 4FR Price: £1,425,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 (include en-suites) Extras: Detached and double-fronted; Just off the seafront; Large family kitchen Best Bits: West-facing 70ft rear garden and terrace; 37ft through living space; Potential for conversion of loft Justin Lloyd Estate Agents, 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH 01273 692424 www.justinlloyd.co.uk PORTFOLIO 37
TALK money
NEW TAX YEAR, NEW ADVISER? No time to manage your pensions, investments and policies? A financial adviser will simplify the task for you. Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money tells you how
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f you already have pensions and investments, you may well have spoken to a financial adviser at some point. You may have an adviser linked to your plans or policies who has moved on or is no longer in business. Many people carry on with their plans and policies even though they are unsure what they are paying for or investing in. In today’s world most of us are very busy and looking at old pensions, investments and policies is at the bottom of the to-do list. It seems like a daunting task, but did you know that the work can be done for you? All you need to do is dig out your latest paperwork and meet with an independent financial adviser such as myself, who can gather all of the information on your behalf, check all the details, charges and performance and see if your money is working as it should for you. Many people approach me with a pile of old paperwork; it can look like a bit of a challenge, but after all the right questions are asked, it all starts making sense. As we gather the information on your behalf we gradually input the details onto our system, which allows us
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to look at your situation holistically, as well as to delve into individual details. Once we have the information together, we will advise you on the best course of action. This may be to do nothing and keep existing plans in place, or to consider transferring some funds into alternative pensions or investments. We may set up beneficiaries on your existing plans, or put policies into trust. We will advise and help with whatever needs to be done to get things in shape and working for you.
they can keep track of your funds and calculate exactly what you have invested in different areas, what risk level you are taking, and whether you are exposed to one area in particular. For example, you may have several investments and not realise much is invested in equities, or property. When investing, it is important to diversify your investments. This means that you would be invested in several different areas. The systems can now monitor this and give an overall view across all of the investments and pensions you have.
“Our systems can keep all of your investments and plans listed in one place”
For a free initial consultation and independent advice, please call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667. I would be very happy to assist.
From then on we can be your one point of contact to discuss all of your arrangements; we will monitor and review your finances going forward. No more calling around several companies trying to make sense of things. Our systems can keep all of your investments and plans listed in one place,
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
With over 20 years’ experience of connecting Landlords with professional tenants.
Letting legislation has recently changed.
Are you up to date? Call us today for expert advice & a complimentary valuation
01273 202 089 107 Queens Road | Brighton | East Sussex | BN1 3XF www.parksletting.com
SALES LETTINGS VALUATIONS 01273 733500 HOME@NASHWATSON.COM
LET NASH WATSON TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT
LEGAL matters
LANDLORDS TAKE NOTE Howlett Clarke on the Deregulation Act and Right to Rent. Plus changes to the section 8 Notice seeking possession
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ost private residential landlords will already be aware of the recent changes which have come into force as a result of the Deregulation Act and the Right to Rent scheme. They may be reeling from the additional burdens placed upon them, but now there is more to watch out for which distracted Landlords might overlook at their peril. Well, maybe not “peril” as such, but a little bit of drama makes a dry subject more interesting and it is fair to say that it would be painful to find a much-needed possession action is delayed as a result of a procedural irregularity. Financially, if nothing else. As of 6 April 2015 a new standard form of section 8 notice must be used by landlords who are seeking to recover property let under Assured Shorthold Tenancies due to a breach of that tenancy by the tenant. The Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies Forms (England) Regulations 2015 is not a thrilling read, but suffice to say it makes some changes to the previous section 8 landlord’s Notice seeking possession of premises let on an assured tenancy or assured shorthold tenancy pursuant to section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 (HA 1988). This is in
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the prescribed form as set out in Form 3 of Schedule 1 to the Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/620). Should Landlords have rental properties in Wales, they can rest easy and wipe the sweat from their brow: there is no change, as it remains governed by the Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997/194).
“Most private residential landlords will already be aware of the recent changes which have come into force as a result of the Deregulation Act and the Right to Rent scheme” Top tip: Serve the notice in duplicate and ask the tenant to sign and return the duplicate as an acknowledgement of receipt. You might even provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope to
make it easier for them. They may not, but you never know, and it would be helpful as it means you will have comfort about that aspect at least before you issue court proceedings. Howlett Clarke would like to announce the move of the Brighton office, found along Ship Street, to 96 Church Street as of June 2nd. For more details, see our website. Jane Bourn is a specialist Property Litigator/ Property Disputes Associate Solicitor at Quality Solicitors Howlett Clarke, with over 20 years of experience. Please do not hesitate to contact Jane on 01273 327272 if you would like assistance with evicting a tenant or other Landlord and Tenant or Property Dispute Issues. QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ 01273 327272 www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke
See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
PEOPLE
Photo Credit: Stephen Lawrence www.snapitnow.co.uk
Simon Candler If you thought you knew Healy & Newsom, you’ll love our new look. Come in and say hello to the team. www.healynewsom.co.uk
PRESTON PARK - £975,000
A substantial four double bedroom detached family home maintaining many fine features including a grand entrance hall with oak wood panelling, 21’ kitchen/breakfast room and a beautiful rear garden with mature trees measuring in excess of 100’ in length.
PRESTON PARK - Guide Price £850,000 - £900,000
This handsome five bedroom mock Tudor detached residence, is tucked away in a secluded location within a stones throw of Preston Park. Retaining much of the original character with unusual features such as a bedroom with mezzanine balcony and a secluded roof terrace which overlooks the rear garden.
108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 565566
www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL homes
Citywide sales & lettings www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
PATCHAM OLD VILLAGE - £950,000
A handsome five bedroom residence tucked away in a secluded position providing tranquil and secure living space. Unique contemporary interior with a landscaped garden and double garage.
WITHDEAN - £749,950
A newly constructed contemporary style four bedroom home built to a high specification with stunning southerly views. Stunning open plan living room, dining room and kitchen with large bi-fold doors and fantastic views.
10 South Street Portslade. Tel: 01273 421777
www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
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Hove Office: 01273 773399 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk • • • • •
WILBURY VILLAS, HOVE Elliotts are delighted to offer this stunning semi-detached period house full of character and with a host of original features, superb family accommodation over three floors including six bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms and a large interconnecting kitchen/family room, located in this wide tree lined cul-de-sac in Hove’s sought after Wilbury District.
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Six double bedrooms Three bathrooms Large kitchen/family room Two feature main reception rooms Additional third reception room/study Host of period features Level rear garden Popular Wilbury District Ground floor cloakroom Walking distance Hove City Centre and mainline station Spacious main entrance hall
GUIDE PRICE £1,200,000 FREEHOLD
Hangleton Office: 01273 322766 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk
HANGLETON VALLEY DRIVE, HOVE This very good sized and well presented Tudor style family home has been cleverly re-designed and extended. Arranged over two floors comprising of three double bedrooms, a superb bathroom, an additional ground floor cloakroom/WC, a glazed entrance vestibule, a reception hallway, a west facing L shaped lounge/ dining room and an extended kitchen/breakfast room. The property has a private driveway leading to a garage and a fabulous west facing rear garden.
OIRO £550,000 FREEHOLD
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Semi detached family home Large lounge/dining room Extended kitchen/break room 3 double bedrooms Stunning bathroom Ground floor cloakroom/WC Private drive and garage West facing rear garden Ideally located Close Hangleton Manor
BEAUTIFUL homes
SUPER SPOT
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fabulous and versatile 1930s detached residence occupying a prominent corner plot in Hove’s prestigious Tongdean district. The house has large and well-proportioned rooms associated with houses built around this period and enjoys an abundance of offroad parking, both to the front and to the side of the house, for numerous cars. In addition, the house offers extra scope and versatility, with the advantage of an adjoining garage complex which includes a double-length garage on the lower level, whilst above there is a large room which would make an ideal home office or consulting room, possible separate annex or a big games area. This area can be accessed separately if required. The main house is ideal for family occupation, with four double bedrooms, two of which have en-suites, whilst on the ground floor the house boasts large living space, with three separate, good-sized reception rooms in addition to an inter-connecting kitchen/dining room with adjoining utility room. To the rear, there is a nicely laid-out garden with large additional sun terrace, and to the rear of the plot there is an additional garage. This is a house of significant quality and size.
Mallory Road, Hove BN3 6TD Price: £1,250,000 Bedrooms: 4/5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Additional adjoining garage complex/annex; rear summer house; lots of off road parking Best Bits: Substantial 1930s detached family residence; Large corner plot; Three separate reception rooms Elliotts Estate Agents 2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL 01723 773399 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk PORTFOLIO 47
leaders.co.uk
25 April to 31 May th
st
We are valuing properties in your area. If you’d like to find out how much yours is worth for either sales or lettings, please contact your local branch today.
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leaders.co.uk
With local expertise and great customer service, whether you are selling or letting, our team have your area covered
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Hove Brighton Central
North Laine
Brighton Marina
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North Laine 01273 675571
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We are local, independent solicitors providing an expert legal service with a personal approach Property
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LEADERS
RENTING OFFERS GREAT VALUE, SAYS LEADERS Renting in Brighton and Hove could be a more affordable option than buying a property, according to new statistics. Joanne Darroch, Branch Manager at Leaders, Western Road looks at the trend WHY RENTING IS A SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE OPTION IN BRIGHTON Renting in Brighton and Hove is typically a more affordable option than buying a property, according to new statistics. Zoopla has named the city as one of its top ten areas in which tenants enjoy a more favourable market than those looking to purchase a home. With a median monthly rent of £1,200, tenants in Brighton and Hove typically pay less than a homeowner with an average mortgage cost of £1,601.
TOP 5 THINGS LANDLORDS SHOULD LOOK FOR IN AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY Buying to let has never been so popular, with high tenant demand and rising rents providing investors with an opportunity to enjoy a regular and reliable extra income. David Thorne, area manager for Sussex at Leaders, says: “Rental demand for all types of properties is already at an all-time high and experts predict that up to a quarter of all households in the UK will be renting by 2025. “As such, it is no surprise that investors remain extremely keen on property. But that is not to say every home presents a lucrative investment opportunity, so prospective landlords must do their homework to ensure a property will deliver the return they are looking for.” David has identified five factors every landlord should look for in a property before buying to let. 1) Local employment opportunities Quality tenants will be attracted to homes either close to or with easy access to their places of work. So consider where big businesses are based or areas with a number of local employers and look to buy there. 2) Excellent transport links Proximity to a rail station or the motorway network will make a home more appealing to people who need to travel for work, family or social commitments. Focus on investing in a well-connected part of town.
Joanne Darroch, branch manager at Leaders in Western Road, says: “The private rented sector continues to provide some of the most affordable housing across Brighton and Hove, helping people who cannot afford to buy a home to continue to live in the city. “The arrival of new landlords and more rental homes is good news for the local property market, as not only does this generate more supply and choice for tenants, but it also helps to keep rental prices competitive. “For those who aren’t in a position to buy right now or simply enjoy the flexibility that renting offers, there are a number of affordable options across the city. I expect this to attract even more tenants to the market in the coming months, strengthening Brighton and Hove’s position as a buy-to-let hotspot that delivers for both landlords and tenants.” In addition to any financial benefits, tenants in the city are able to enjoy access to one of the UK’s largest and most varied rental markets, making it simple for people to find their ideal home. From stylish apartments in the city centre to large, suburban family homes, Brighton and Hove offers all types of homes to meet all needs. Joanne adds: “Brighton is a fantastic place to live and renting is an affordable way to do so. The possibility of substantial capital growth also makes buying an extremely attractive choice, but for the lowest monthly costs it seems the rental market is the first port of call.” For more information on letting, renting, buying or selling a property, contact any of Leaders’ five branches across Brighton and Hove, or visit www.leaders.co.uk.
3) Quality of housing With tenants staying in one place for longer, they typically look for quality properties that can be a home to be proud of. Therefore properties which are maintained to a high standard will achieve higher rents and benefit from longer tenancies and fewer voids.
“Rental demand for all types of properties is already at an all-time high and experts predict that up to a quarter of all households in the UK will be renting by 2025” 4) Attractive local amenities Areas with plenty to offer will naturally appeal to tenants. Look for homes that are close to shops, pubs, restaurants and schools, all of which can draw people to an area. These properties could also benefit from a rise in value in the coming years. 5) Meeting local demand Working out who you are aiming to let to and buying a property to suit is a must. If you want to take advantage of a large local student population, investing in a house with four or five bedrooms is a shrewd move. Similarly, if a town is popular with young professionals, buying a stylish apartment is wise. For more information on letting, renting, buying or selling a property, contact any of Leaders’ five branches across Brighton and Hove, or visit www.leaders.co.uk. PORTFOLIO 51
Hill Drive, Hove, Hove A truly stunning detached house that has been modernised to an extremely high standard throughout and now offers unique accommodation that can only be truly appreciated by internal inspection.
Pembroke Crescent, Hove A beautiful and stunning four bedroom semi-detached Victorian period property arranged over three floors. Located in one of Hove’s most sought after locations with excellent size loft space.
£2,450,000 • Fabulous garden • 6 Bedrooms • Double garage
£1,200,000 • 4 Bedrooms • 2 reception rooms • Amazing rear garden
01273 777123 goldinlemcke.com
Hove Park Gardens, Hove A beautiful detached house set in its own gardens in this private road that many people do not know exists, within 2 minutes’ walk of Hove park.
£995,000 • 4 Bedrooms • Front & rear gardens • Garage + ample parking
FIND US 160-162 Church Road Hove East Sussex BN3 2DL
property@goldinlemcke.com
Lloyd Road, Hove A delightful four bedroom detached house in one of Hove’s most sought after roads. Internal inspection is highly recommended as the property offers scope for further improvement.
£925,000 • 4 Bedrooms • Lovely rear garden • Off-Road Parking
selling homes In Brighton & Hove since 2002
SOCIAL event
Phil Graves & Robert Paine (Graves Jenkins) Lynne Edwards (Portfolio Magazine)
Daniel Grainge (Spofforths LLP) giving his talk on tax
Robert McDonald & Coral Milner (Edward Harte Solicitors LLP) Grant Crossley & Becky Cheney (Robinson Low Francis) Gez Wilmot (Davenport Investments)
PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS LUNCH Katie Tizzard & Sam Elsby (Smoover Ltd) Alison Jones & Jo White (Spofforths LLP)
The recent Spring Property Professionals lunch event attracted lots of new faces amongst the 70 networkers.
James Wadsworth & Matt Sutton (Emerald Finance) Grant Crossley (Robinson Low Francis)
The event raised more money for the chosen charity Rockinghorse through a raffle prize with a difference. The lucky winner Simon Gale from St Giles will be taking ‘tea with the tigers’ at Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire! A bonus spontaneous auction lot donated by Phil Graves of tickets to see BHA at the Amex Stadium raised over £150 too. Harriet Bastiani (Thomas Eggar) James Wadsworth (Emerald Finance) Paul Padgham (PDP Electrical ) Alex Sherwood (Sherwood Solicitors) James Ruff (St James’s Place)
The topical and ticklish subject of tax and in particular how it can affect land and property transactions was tackled by Daniel Grainge from Spofforths LLP
Laura Truss (Lawton & Dawe Properties Ltd) Katie Davey (Juice 107.2) Louise Mcevoy (Searches UK) Kevin Weatherill (Elliotts Estate Agents)
Next event is 14th July, so make sure you book your space now with Melanie@searchesuk.co.uk
Fiona McTernan (Portfolio Magazine) Richard Zinzan (ZST architects)
Claire Cook & Paola Harper (Talk Money)
54 PORTFOLIO
Robert Desbruslais (Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors) Andrew Stenning (Searches UK)
Simon Gale (St Giles) receiving his prize for tea with the tigers
Robin Marten (Marten Properties) Susan Hinman (Susan Grace Hinman Photography)
Residential Estate & Letting Agents • Land & New Homes Brighton & Hove City Office Residential Sales & Lettings 3-6 North Road, Brighton East Sussex BN1 1YA Sales 01273 688881 Lettings 01273 688884 E brighton@oakleyproperty.com
Central Brighton £725,000
Lewes Town & Country Residential Sales & Lettings 14a High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LN T 01273 487444 E lewes@oakleyproperty.com
3
2
2
An impressive three storey grade II listed house. Well presented throughout, offering versatile accommodation and benefitting from several period features and potential for a garage (STNC).
North Laine £479,950
2
1
2
An attractive city centre town house which extends across three stories having well laid out accommodation. The property benefits from a good sized garage and roof access (through the skylight).
London Office 40 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NS T 020 78390888 E enquiries@tlo.co.uk
City Centre £430,000
2
2
1
A splendid two bedroom regency cottage presented in excellent order and centrally located in a pedestrianised twitten. The property benefits from an attractive front garden and rear patio gardens.
Brighton OIEO £650,000
4
3
1
A spacious four bedroom house with versatile accommodation close to Preston Park Mainline Station and offering scope for extension (STNC). The property benefits from garages, off road parking and an attractive rear garden.
oakleyproperty.com
Estate Agents
Coleman Street Brighton
“Simply spectacular finish to this three bed terraced home. Immaculate from head to toe”
Guide price of £470,000
Arrange a viewing or property valuation on 01273 622664
Gwydyr Mansions Hove “A unique opportunity to own the largest mansion flat in one of the most sought after blocks in Hove” £650,000 Sold by Q Estate Agents
Hanover Street Hanover “Set in the Hanover conservation area, this lovely three bed house has character and charm and a spacious through lounge dining room” OIEO £450,000 Freehold
Washington Street Hanover “Exposed brick, stripped wooden flooring, a butler sink and flint walled garden. A stunning three storey, three bed house” Guide price £450,000 Freehold See more properties at www.qsalesandlettings.co.uk
The Old Forge Brighton BN41 £450,000 Freehold A unique Grade II listed house with exceptional period features throughout. Beautiful landscaped gardens with detached garage suitable for home office or conversion. 25ft reception with inglenook fireplace, custom built kitchen, large bathroom and two spacious bedroom suites.
View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com
Preston Road Brighton BN1 £280,000 Share Of Freehold A magnificent period apartment with landscaped west facing rear garden. Grand proportioned principal rooms with high ceilings and period detailing. Contemporary kitchen/dining room with direct access to garden. Large master bedroom suite, contemporary bathroom and study/work area.
View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com
Blakers Park Brighton BN1 £650,000 Freehold A beautiful semi- detached family home in the sought after Golden Triangle area of Blakers Park. Exceptional throughout, two receptions, kitchen/dining room, three bedrooms and period features. Large level landscaped gardens.
View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com
01273 28 66 66 CLYDE CORNER, PRESTON CIRCUS, BRIGHTON THE NEXT GENERATION OF ESTATE AGENCY
INFO@KNIGHTANDKNOXLEY.COM WWW.KNIGHTANDKNOXLEY.COM KNOWLEDGE & KNOWHOW
BEAUTIFUL homes
PANORAMIC VIEWS
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n exceptional and completely unique period home with a sensational panoramic roof terrace offering far-reaching views over the English Channel and Brighton city skyline. Originally built in 1890, this substantial end-terrace period home oozes character and retains period features throughout, mixing traditional tones with a contemporary twist. The property is on one of the widest plots in the street which means the rooms are all large and well-proportioned. Located in the highly sought-after Golden Triangle area of Blakers Park, and close to the city centre, this property offers very capacious living space over the upper four levels. Grand reception room with high ceilings, period fireplace and six box sash windows, giving excellent light and atmosphere. Beautiful custom-built kitchen/dining room, with a combination of oak units with integral Neff appliances. Three spacious double bedrooms, master bedroom suite with en suite shower room, accessed through architectural floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Family bathroom with contemporary suite and bamboo flooring. Well-fitted cloaks/WC area. South-facing panoramic roof terrace with sensational 360-degree outlook over the city skyline and impressive dusk-toevening views.
St Andrews Road, Brighton, BN1 6EN Price: ÂŁ545,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Period features; End-terrace; Blakers Park Conservation Area Best Bits: South-facing panoramic roof terrace; Versatile living space over four floors; Custom-built kitchen/dining room; Grand reception room with open fire Knight & Knoxley Clyde Corner, 2 Clyde Road, Preston Circus, Brighton BN1 4NP 01273 286666 www.knightandknoxley.com
PORTFOLIO  59
HOME tips
MAKE AN ENTRANCE Your hallway is the first part of your home people see and should be as stylish as the rest of your home. If your stair carpet, skirting boards and floors have seen better days, then it’s time to give your hallway the facelift it needs
T
he hallway is the first room your guests will see as they enter your home, but a pile of discarded shoes, coats, umbrellas and keys, which always have a habit of accumulating by the front door, can give people the wrong first impression. Put hallway storage at the forefront of your mind, especially with a small hallway, and you can create an area that’s both attractive and practical. STAIR FLAIR Your staircase is the focal point of your hall and money spent on stairs is money well spent. For a wow factor, a quality stair runner – Roger Oates and Fleetwood Fox both offer a vast range of bespoke flatweave runners – is an investment that is well worth making. Stair rods are making a comeback too. A modern approach is to have them only on the first flight of stairs, creating an impact in the hallway. However, styling or revamping your staircase doesn’t have to be costly or difficult. If your bannisters or treads look a bit gloomy, a lick of paint will freshen them up. If you choose to stick with wood, then make the most of its natural warmth and character with a clear varnish or light wood stain. Think about feature lighting for your 60 PORTFOLIO
staircase. Wall lights following the curve of the stairs will visually widen the wall space, while spotlights shining up through the step can add some essential lighting into darker hallways and emphasise the textures within the wood. Finally, you can add dramatic effects to your staircase and hallway with wallpaper or framed pictures or photos. Why not make the wall leading upstairs your feature wall? Damask prints or oversized botanicals will make a bold statement. See our wallpaper feature on page 84 for wallpaper ideas. THE HALLWAY IS A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACE Yes, it’s the entrance hall and therefore a ‘social’ space. However, it also needs to be practical and provide storage for coats, shoes and more. Identify and address these functions to create a streamlined space… Make the most of light The secret to making any space feel bigger is light. You can really open up your hallway, however narrow it might appear to be. Think light colours, light patterns and neutral tones. Banish clutter If your hallway has become a dumping ground for your family’s shoes and coats, then it is time
to get creative. Do you need all those shoes on view? Thought not… Coats, shoes and bags need to be organised… Get off the ground Even the smallest solutions such as coat hooks and wall-hung units will make a huge amount of difference to your hallway. The main aim is to keep clutter off the ground. A high shelf rack is a useful spot for coats and scarves and ensures floor space is kept clear. Think about flooring Hallways are high-traffic areas – so save that cream-coloured carpet for the bedroom or living room. Wood, laminate and floor tiles are the way to go. Amitco and Kerndean offer stylish, contemporary flooring that is on trend and super practical. Freshen up doors Refresh the paintwork on internal doors off the hallway, or treat yourself to some new internal doors. Light it up Nothing transforms a space like lighting. Make a statement in your hall with a glass chandelier, especially if you have high ceilings.
Thanks to www.housetohome.co.uk, www.diy.com and www.mistersmith.co.uk
“Your staircase is the focal point of your hall and money spent on stairs is money well spent”
Roger Oates runner from a selection at Mister Smith, www.mistersmith.co.uk
Mirror Mirror Add an elegant full-length gilt or silver mirror for a touch of class. This will also make your hallway appear wider and lighter too. Console table Console tables are great multi-functional devices, a place to display pictures, or flowers, and also a great place to store small items. Look for a narrow-but-wide design that has drawers, racks, shelves or even a pull-out desk so it can double up as a temporary office space. Wicker baskets placed at the side or underneath create useful storage for hiding away umbrellas and other items that congregate in halls. Don’t cut corners Every inch of your hallway counts, so use your corners in a clever way. Angled furniture, such as a corner shelving unit, is a great way to squeeze in vital storage where space is at a premium. Cubbyholes Lots of storage units cleverly provide individual cubbyholes for each member
of the family to store their belongings. This is ideal if you have lunch boxes and PE kits to manage… Storage under the stairs Recessed storage is ideal here. Built-in pull-out drawers, or sliding doors, will also help keep the look streamlined. You could even build a reading nook or study area under the stairs with built-in shelving to make the space work harder. Make furniture work twice Look for dual purpose items. IKEA do a full-length hall mirror backed with a coat rack. A storage bench that doubles up as a seat for taking off shoes is a real bonus. Go bespoke If you really want to maximise your hallway, a tailor-made unit with built-in shelves and drawers will fill the available space intelligently, and look great too. Cohesive colours Prevent the hall from looking too cluttered by sticking to a cohesive colour scheme - a neutral palette with some bolder accents.
HOLLAND ROAD, HOVE
A BEAUTIFUL and STYLISHLY PRESENTED FIRST FLOOR
W
CONVERTED FLAT forming part of this PRESTIGIOUS
NE
DEVELOPMENT in CENTRAL HOVE. The property comprises large entrance hall, 29’2 x 25’8 SOUTH ASPECT LOUNGE/DINING ROOM, SOUTH ASPECT 14’5 x 10’2 KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM with fitted appliances, TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, TWO BATH/SHOWER ROOMS, UNDER FLOOR HEATING, 13’0 CEILINGS, PASSENGER LIFT, viewing is highly recommended. EPC RATING D.
OIXO £600,000 BRUNSWICK PLACE, HOVE
A BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS THREE BEDROOM SECOND
NE
AND THIRD FLOOR MAISONETTE in a CONVERTED
W
GRADE II LISTED BUILDING located off one of HOVE’S FINEST SEAFRONT SQUARES. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, SPLIT LEVEL HALLWAY, 19’5 x 18’3 LOUNGE/DINING ROOM, 16’3 x 11’3 WEST ASPECT KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM, THREE BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, SEPARATE WC, FEATURE EXPOSED BRICK CHIMNEY BREASTS, PERIOD FEATURES, OBLIQUE SEA VIEWS, GAS FIRED HEATING.
OIXO £525,000 LANSDOWNE PLACE, HOVE W
NE
A SPACIOUS THREE BEDROOM SPLIT-LEVEL, THIRD FLOOR (TOP) FLAT in a CONVERTED GRADE II LISTED BUILDING on this HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER STREET off WESTERN ROAD, HOVE. The accommodation comprises split level entrance hall, WEST ASPECT LOUNGE/DINING ROOM, MODERN KITCHEN, THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, PERIOD FEATURES THROUGHOUT, SHARE OF FREEHOLD, GAS FIRED CENTRAL HEATING.
OIXO £335,000
brices sales & lettings
SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF
OVERSEAS
FANTASY HOMES Game Of Thrones properties - Medieval Chateaux for sale in France
G
ame of Thrones season six has arrived. The premiere of the last season set a ratings record for Sky Atlantic, with a total 1.57 million viewers, and audiences will no doubt be looking forward to the return of surviving characters, such as Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen and Sansa Stark. We thought now might be a good time to feature properties which wouldn’t look out of place in Game of Thrones.
15th Century Castle, Dordogne: EUR 3,600,000 Dating from the 15th Century, this ancient fortified Renaissance Chateau has been part of Perigord history for over 500 years. With 120 ha and several farm cottages and buildings, the Chateau dominates the hills and valleys of the Dordogne countryside. Of particular architectural note are the small chapel in one part of the Chateau and the listed Pigeonnier, which stands on eight columns in the grounds.
Chateau La Colombie, Lot et Garonne: EUR 4,600,000 This beautiful chateau has origins dating back to the 13th century, yet has been completely refurbished, integrating all the comforts and design elements for luxurious modern living. This includes a ‘jacuzzi with a view’ set on the top of a turreted tower, overlooking the chateau and its grounds, heated swimming pool, sauna, eight luxury bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, featuring a 70m2 master bedroom suite with a working fireplace, dressing room and ensuite bathroom.
Chateau Montbrun, EUR 16.8m From the tops of its crenellated towers to the base of its fortified walls, this property has history, tradition and romance cemented into every stone. Inside, it has been lovingly and lavishly brought up to date for comfortable living, with underfloor heating, internet facilities and impressive kitchen and bathroom facilities. All this with an eagle eye on the medieval structure and style of the building itself. The accommodation includes 16 bedrooms, sitting room, dining room, cinema, library, billiard room, staff rooms and offices, amounting to 3500sqm.
For more information see www.home-hunts.com / +44 (0)208 144 5501 PORTFOLIO 63
Hill Drive, Hove
ÂŁ3,950 pcm
High specification five bedroom detached house in sought after Hove Park
from pads to maisonettes you’ll soon be planning madly w
Hartington Villas, Hove
£850 pcm
Modern one bedroom flat very close to Hove station
Bath Street, Brighton
Newly built two bedroom house in central Brighton
with property moves...
Hurst Crescent, Portslade
£1,350 pcm
Lovely three bedroom family home in quiet residential area
£1,395 pcm
Varndean Drive, Brighton
£1,395 pcm
Newly refurbished two bedroom flat with communal swimming pool
Factory Mews, Arundel Place, Brighton £825,000 Leasehold Stunning newly built 4 storey Townhouse in Courtyard development at Kemp Town. 3/4 Bedrooms, 3 bath, lounge with south facing terrace. 30’ x 15’ Kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances, G.C.H. with contemporary radiators, garage. 10 Year new homes warranty.
Norfolk Square, Brighton £399,950 Freehold Listed Grade II cottage in central City location. Ideal buy-to-let, pied-a-terre, owner occupier. 2 bedrooms, tiled modern bathroom. Open plan lounge/kitchen, recent redecoration, internal and external. Gas central heating, vacant possession.
Graves Son & Pilcher, 51 Old Steyne, Brighton, BN1 1HU 01273 321123 | www.gravessonandpilcher.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL homes
BLANK CANVAS
A
spacious, newly-constructed family house in popular residential location at Woodingdean, near accessible local schools and shops, designed to be disabled user-friendly, this flexible accommodation comprises 17’ x 17’ master bedroom with en-suite and walk-in wardrobe, three further bedrooms, one with en-suite shower, family bath, south-facing lounge, stunning double-aspect 21’ x 17’ kitchen/dining/family room with utility and east-facing sun deck. Further ground floor bedroom with en-suite and carer’s room/study or suit as Granny annexe.
Downs Valley Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, BN2 6RP Price: £695,000 Freehold Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Extras: Gas central heating; Double glazing; Garage Best Bits: Private driveway with electric gates; Good-sized gardens; Disabled user-friendly – potential Granny suite Graves Son & Pilcher LLP 51 Old Steyne, Brighton, BN1 1HU Telephone: 01273 321123 www.gravessonandpilcher.com PORTFOLIO 67
DO It Yourself
HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN: ...Brick Barbecue
A barbecue is an essential part of outdoor entertaining, and it’s easy to build your own. Read on for our our tips, then sit back with a cool drink and enjoy You can’t beat the taste of barbecued meat or veg cooked on an open fire. Forget rushing to the garden centre to buy an expensive barbecue; set aside a day and you can have your own stylish brick barbecue. BEFORE YOU START Where to site your BBQ? Firstly, decide where to build your barbecue. The one drawback of a brick BBQ is that you can’t move it around, so think carefully about the location. You want to place it close enough to the house so that it’s easy to access everything you need, but not so close that smoke will blow into the house. 68 PORTFOLIO
It’s ideal to have your BBQ near to a seating area, so that the cook and the diners can socialise, but make sure the heat from the coals isn’t going to make your guests overheat or affect any surrounding items, such as wooden fences or sheds. Do also consider the route to the BBQ. If you are crossing a lawn, maybe add some stepping stones for a narrow path to the BBQ, or create a small path and fill it with shingle. Get the height right To ensure the barbecue’s grill is not too low or too high for you, work out the most practical and comfortable height before you start building. Thanks to www.gardenersworld.com and www.housetohome.co.uk
DO It Yourself
How to build a brick barbecue YOU WILL NEED Barbecue grill set Bricks, brick setts, sand, cement Spirit level, shovel, trowel Paving slab Length of hosepipe HOW TO DO IT
1.
Lay out the first level of bricks for the barbecue, using the cooking tray as a guide. Keep as many bricks whole as possible to reduce the need to cut the bricks.
2.
Mix five parts sand to one part cement, adding enough water to get a stiff consistency. Check the level of the site before spreading the first layer of mortar, compensating for any changes by adding more mortar.
3.
Use the spirit level to mark the outer edge of the barbecue in the cement. This provides a straight guideline for laying the first course of bricks. When the first layer of bricks is laid, check the level again, making sure that the corners are at right angles.
4.
Insert a metal tie into the mortar to join the inner wall to the longer wall, giving the finished structure added strength.
“You can’t beat the taste of barbecued meat or veg cooked on an open fire”
5.
Start laying the extra courses of bricks, starting at the corners. Stagger the vertical joints alternately to the width of a half brick.
6.
Use a spirit level to check that each of the barbecue’s corners is vertically straight. Check from all angles to ensure the finished structure is square.
7.
When five courses are complete at each corner, use a length of wood and the spirit level to check that the two sides are even.
8.
Build up walls to seven courses. On the left-hand and inner walls, turn the bricks side-on to create a ledge for the charcoal tray. Create a flush edge by using a half brick at the outer edge. After another three courses, add another course side-on to support the grill tray.
9.
To give a more professional finish on the exterior of the barbecue, take a length of hosepipe and draw it along each of the joints. Create a neat edge by adding a final course of brick setts then, when this is finished, check all the levels again.
10.
For a handy barbecue work surface, cement a large paving slab on top of the walls.
9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove 27 Offices in Sussex 38 Offices in London
FIRST AVENUE, HOVE Located in the highly desirable First Avenue. A fantastic base, within walking distance to almost everything from Hove Lawns and the beach to Hove station. In essence, the property benefits from a large open plan kitchen living room with a beautiful ornate ceiling and coving wrapping around the whole room. There is a feature fireplace and floor to ceiling sash windows. The master bedroom is a large room with built-in cupboards and overlooks the rear garden. The second bedroom is a single bedroom that makes a perfect home office. There is a luxury bathroom fitted with a stunning suite with a shower over bath. The rear garden is a huge feature of this flat and is something that is rare to find in such a central area of Hove.
PRICE: £500,000 HOVE OFFICE: 01273 820280
ARUNDEL TERRACE, KEMP TOWN This superior Four bedroom penthouse maisonette in Arundel Terrace has very versatile living space, with the present owners are using it as a three bedroom two receptions and also benefits from having a south facing balcony with breathtaking sea views. Being sold alongside the use of 6 acres of private communal gardens. These renowned enclosures are for the sole use of the residents of Sussex Square, Lewes Crescent, Arundel Terrace and Chichester Terrace, offering sheltered mature planting, open grass spaces, barbecue area and uniquely a private tunnel leading down to the esplanade & Brighton Beach, and it is believed that the passage gave Lewis Carroll the idea for the rabbit hole in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ while he was a resident there.
PRICE: £900,000 KEMP TOWN OFFICE: 01273 688148
www.rightmove.co.uk www.primelocation.com www.fox-and-sons.co.uk
HARRINGTON ROAD, BRIGHTON A stunning Edwardian semi-detached villa with extensive, well established south facing garden and off-road parking along this sought-after tree lined road, close to Preston Park, excellent local schools such as Varndean and Dorothy Stringer and the Preston Park railway station. Boasting some incredibly detailed, period features and beautiful stained glasswork leading into a central hallway with feature staircase and rare original ceiling lantern. The main reception room has a traditional open fireplace and oak flooring, while the dining room is ideal for entertaining as it leads through to the kitchen as well as having French doors opening to the verandah and garden beyond. There are three double bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor, the master is at the rear and features a large balcony overlooking the rear garden. The second floor has two more bedrooms and a huge attic which is can also used as an artist studio with its impressive height and huge capacity. Viewing essential.
PRICE: OFFERS IN EXCESS OF ÂŁ1,200,000 SELECT HOMES: 01273 508761
FEATURE home
HOME OF THE MONTH
...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine
4-bedroom semi-detached house for sale East Drive, Brighton OIRO: £1,250,000
A
very attractive late Victorian semi-detached parkside residence overlooking Queen’s Park, with well-proportioned rooms, period and contemporary features and mature gardens front and rear. A great family residence in a first-class location. Two reception rooms; Large kitchen/dining room; Four bedrooms; Shower room with underfloor heating; En-suite bathroom; Cloaks/WC on ground floor; Utility room; Cellar/storage space; Mature gardens front and rear.
Bonett’s Estate Agents 78 St Georges Road, Brighton, BN2 1EF 01273 677365 | www.bonetts.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: • • •
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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
CAREER LADDER This month we speak to FIONA ANDERSON, Entrepreneur Development Manager, about where she works and why she loves it
WHERE DO YOU WORK? Natwest Commercial
them with a collaborative working space where
Brighton, and I try to attend at least three events
Banking, Brighton.
entrepreneurs have free access to desk space,
a week. There are so many opportunities in
super-fast wifi and printers.
Brighton and it is a great place to establish good
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT POSITION AND
On top of this, they can benefit from mentors,
contacts.
A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK? In 2014, Natwest
coaches, workshops and the bank’s vast number
formed a partnership with a social enterprise
of customers and internal divisions, who might
HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HAD AN IMPACT ON
organisation
Spark,
be able to assist them with an introduction. In
YOUR PROFESSION AT ALL? Yes, absolutely.
and
the last year we have opened nine hatcheries in
Indeed, do follow me at #GoDo and LinkedIn
people accelerator. My role as Entrepreneur
bank premises around the UK, from Belfast to
for regular updates on what is happening with
Development Manager is focussed on three key
Edinburgh and, of course, Brighton.
Entrepreneurial Spark.
areas: the entrepreneurs, the wider Eco system
We will be opening another three by the end of
and bank staff. Through a 6-month programme
this year, with a total of 20 by 2020.
IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE BANK INDUSTRY, WHAT
of coaching, mentoring and enablement, with the
I am very privileged in that, as part of my role,
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING?
focus on the mind-set of the entrepreneur, the
I get to work with some very influential people
I would love to help young, ambitious people from
bank and Entrepreneurial Spark are able to help
inside the bank as well as in the community.
disadvantaged backgrounds become successful
entrepreneurs to be the best they can be. We are
I am also SO lucky to live and work in one of the
in some way.
a ‘people accelerator’ who help build people to
most diverse and interesting cities in the UK.
the
world’s
called largest
Entrepreneurial free
business
build businesses.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME AS AN
In a typical day I can host visits from a senior
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST-EVER JOB? I have
ANTIDOTE TO THE JOB?
director in the bank, council members and MPs.
come a long way from my first part-time job
When I am not helping entrepreneurs change the
Jeremy Corben visited us in September during
at 16, working in the lingerie department of a
world, I enjoy playing golf and walking. We have
the Labour Party conference in Brighton, and we
large department store in Cape Town. I worked
so many golf courses and hiking options around
are hosting Peter Kyle for a visit in June.
part-time during school and university to enable
Sussex; we are spoilt for choice. I am walking
myself to be self-sufficient and have my own
26 miles along the South Downs in June to raise
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?
money for clothes and partying.
money for Macmillan, a charity close to my heart.
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, I moved
All those jobs stood me in good stead to be able
to the UK in 2001 and have lived in Brighton for
to spend two years travelling around Europe
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A
the past 10 years. I worked in the motor industry
after I finished my studies. I had an amazing time
YOUNG PERSON WHO DREAMS OF STARTING
for most of my career in SA and joined the Royal
and then settled back in Cape Town and started
THEIR OWN BUSINESS? My advice to young
Bank of Scotland group quite by chance when I
working as a Business Manager in the motor
people wanting to start their own business is not
moved over here.
industry. Not my chosen field, but loved it.
to be afraid of failure. You will only succeed if you
I have worked for the group for 14 years, mainly
fail at least once in your life. Seek a mentor and
as a Relationship Manager, working with SME
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I
establish a close relationship with someone who
customers and providing support on banking,
particularly love the interaction with all different
can help you be the best you can be.
growth and cash flow.
types of people and organisations. Not many people get the opportunity to work alongside a
Fiona.i.anderson @natwest.com
IT SOUNDS INTERESTING AND NOT THE USUAL
group of very interesting entrepreneurs, from
Twitter: @fionaIanderson1
‘BANKING’ JOB. TELL US MORE... I have been in
Halaal Celebrations to The Cheesemakers Choice
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
this role for 10 months now, and I can honestly
and HisBe Foods.
/in/fiona-anderson-11297a5
say it is the best job I have ever done, and one of the most interesting in the banking world.
HOW IMPORTANT IS BUSINESS NETWORKING
We work with over 140 entrepreneurs every year
FOR YOU? I would say that networking is one
from our hatchery space in Brighton, providing
of the main ways I have established myself in PORTFOLIO 73
PROPERT Y PLUS RELIABILIT Y EQUALS LET TINGS
PROPERT YPLUSLET TINGS.COM 01273 777010
GARDENS
INTO THE GARDEN The beautiful month of May brings a taste of the summer to come. Tara de la Motte, on getting your garden ready for summer
Things to do in the garden this month •
• • • • •
T
he beautiful month of May is finally here. At this time of the year the garden is bursting with vibrant colour everywhere you look. Borders become filled with wonderful shrubs and plants and the soil becomes almost invisible, with everything growing so rapidly. As the days lengthen and the weather warms up, the garden becomes an inviting place to spend time relaxing in the sun, and, with this warmth, May brings a taste of summer to come. This is a good time to start planting up containers and hanging baskets. With summer just around the corner, containers will provide lots of colour right by your doorstep. Terraces, patios, pathways -and even the smallest outside space - can be brought to life with containers. Container-grown plants are so very versatile as they can be placed anywhere in the garden,
even within the border, for some added interest. All manner of vessels can be used for planting, providing allowance is made for drainage. The secret of success is to be generous with the plant material; let the plants spill out liberally, creating a wonderful display. When planting, compose a good shape, with the taller plants at the back or centre and a gradual decent to trailing foliage around the rim of the container. Nasturtiums, periwinkle or trailing rosemary will be perfect as they will spill over the sides in profusion. The ‘instant garden’ is easily attainable with pots. In a town courtyard or a balcony, containers can become the ‘garden’, and choosing evergreen shrubs can provide a garden all year round. With proper care, the right compost and a suitable container, just about any shrub can be grown happily in a pot.
From mid-May, summer bedding like petunias and marigolds can be planted out. Ornamental hedges such as box may be trimmed to retain their shape. Cut the lawn once a week as the grass will be growing rapidly by now. Continue to hoe the borders to keep weeds under control. Divide crowded perennials like hostas and replant. Give the container plants a balanced liquid feed.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the world’s most talked-about flower show - The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, which will take place this month, from 24th to 28th May. This is a real opportunity for garden lovers to gather lots of inspiration, to discover new plants and planting ideas. www.rhs.org.uk/Chelsea
“This is a good time to start planting up containers and hanging baskets”
See more garden ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
LUXURY PENTHOUSE APARTMENT WITH PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS ACROSS HOVE SEAFRONT
READY FOR OCCUPATION SUMMER 2016 • PRICE ON APPLICATION A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Just released a unique penthouse apartment crowning this boutique development of just nine exclusive luxury apartments Prepare to be impressed with this stunning apartment just a stroll from Hove’s famous promenade, featuring a spacious roof terrace offering panoramic views to the sea and beyond. Thoughtfully designed to create a light and airy living environment with generous open-plan living space plus three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Secure underground parking.
CALL 01273 829300 • WWW.MISHONMACKAY.COM
NEW homes
THE TOP SPOT
Mishon Mackay New Homes have Spring penthouses in fine locations across the City
A
penthouse apartment offers a truly luxurious living environment. With no neighbours above or adjacent, you can be assured of peace and tranquility. The views will usually be the best in the development, and the space is usually the most generous. And a penthouse often comes with additional specification, which just makes it even more special. Mishon Mackay New Homes currently have three penthouse apartments across the City and beyond, all with exceptional and unique qualities which are guaranteed to delight. The Penthouse @ 191 Kingsway boasts one of the finest locations on the Hove seafront. Directly opposite Hove Lawns, with direct sea views and a magnificent south-facing roof terrace, this glorious penthouse apartment offers Hove seafront apartment living at its best. With over 1500 sq ft of internal space, two parking spaces, three bedrooms and beautifully designed open-plan living space, this is the
perfect place for watching the dramatic sunsets or entertaining friends. The price guide is £1,500,000 and the property is scheduled for completion in early summer, 2016.
“Mishon Mackay New Homes currently have three penthouse apartments across the City and beyond, all with exceptional and unique qualities” Innings House in Palmeira Avenue, meanwhile, has a divine penthouse which is ready now. Overlooking the legendary Sussex county cricket ground, and with direct lift access, four terraces, three bedrooms and a beautifully planned cook/eat/live space, the attention to detail is exceptional. There are two
underground parking spaces and the price is £1,200,000. If City penthouses are not your taste, then Azure at Rottingdean is perfect. Set just three miles from Brighton on the Rottingdean clifftops, this property offers absolutely dreamy views of the sea and sky, and a full-length balcony from which the only sounds to be heard are the seagulls and the scrunch of the waves on the shingle. With an enhanced specification, including a home technology package and integrated speaker system, this beautiful 2-bedroom penthouse is on the market for £1,100,000. “A penthouse really is the ultimate apartment,” says Mishon Mackay New Homes Director Julie Frith, “and we are delighted to be able to offer such a great choice at the moment.” For full details, call Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 or email newhomes@mishonmackay.com PORTFOLIO 77
FUTURE BRIGHTON: CATCH(ment) 22 Paul Nicholson at Chalk Architecture on middle class migration and the access to a “Good School”
A
the City to have four catchment areas,
the ability to move home in search of the best
from which there is no escape because
three with two schools and one with three
education for their children. The last best
of mutually conflicting or dependent
(Option B)
guess reported in the Argus was for this new
each secondary school being part of a
institution to be located at Brighton City College
also a very succinct way of describing the
catchment area having three schools
in the North Laine, athough It would seem there
difficulty of choosing where to live relative
(Option C).
is much wrangling and brinkmanship to be
dilemma
or
difficult
circumstance
conditions – in other words, a catch 22, and
•
•
processed prior to a deal being done on any
to local school options. There has been a lot of news lately about Brighton’s schools, not least the Council’s public consultation about the proposed changes to the catchment-area criteria for secondary schools. Unfortunately, this will be closed by the time this article goes to press, but you can read it on the BHCC website – www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/
“A child only needs one good teacher to have a dynamic and constructive impact on their outlook”
potential site. Labour Councillor Daniel Chapman is quoted in the B&H Independent on the 8th April making the point that there is a large cohort currently placed in the primary sector. These children will eventually move to the secondary system, creating challenges on already limited resources. An interesting point, but does the
children-and-education/school-admissions/ Add to this Brighton University’s aspiration of
public consultation noted previously take
creating a new secondary free school opening
into consideration age demographics and
catchment-area options:
in September 2018 somewhere in the centre
population density across the City? It appears
•
each school to have its own catchment
of Brighton, and you have the perfect storm
to have a far more politicised focus on social
area (Option A)
of decision-making chaos for those who have
engineering and mixing up children from
consultation-reorganisation-secondary-school. The council wanted your views on three
POP-UP SHOP OPEN DURING MAY At: 3 Gardner St, North Laine, Brighton
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15% off orders for Portfolio readers with code PORT15* * Ts & Cs apply, see online boutique for details.
BUSINESS
different backgrounds. None of us are naïve
schools and five independent or public schools.
from which to base a decision on switching to
to how the council is directed, given which
In the shifting sands and moving goal posts
a new catchment zone. One year the school
party is in charge at any one time. We all know
that are Ofsted reports and national league
improves, the next it drops back. Middle-class paranoia is a fickle hornet’s nest, geared by
that stats are interpreted to suit a particular argument. To be clear, I’m not disagreeing with having schools with a diverse population; one of my favourite local schools is Middle Street Primary, a colourful, dynamic and buzzing learning environment. Clearly, most people can’t move home and will have to deal with whatever new policy comes out of the consultation process, but for affluent middle-class families, ‘a move’ is very much on the cards if their allotted catchment
“For affluent middleclass families ‘a move’ is very much on the cards if their allotted catchment zone doesn’t suit their educational aspirations”
housing values and stirred up by conversation around access to “a good school.” A note of reassurance: a child only needs one good teacher to have a dynamic and constructive impact on their outlook. A multi-million pound education facility is all well and good, but a great teacher is priceless.
Chalk Architecture, The Cycle Hub, 109 Stroudley Road, Brighton BN1 4DJ
zone doesn’t suit their educational aspirations. Likewise, the London migrants will be looking
tables, the relative performance of these
Tel: 01273 448700
to tick off this box in assessing their move down
schools indicates that they are above the
Twitter: @chalkdesign &
from the Big Smoke. Between Rottingdean in
national average for exam results. However,
@chalkarch #FutureBrighton
the East, Portslade in the West and Patcham to
the haphazard evolution of the stats across the
www.chalkarchitecture.com
the North there are nine state sector secondary
years doesn’t really provide any clear guidance
https://m.facebook.com/ChalkArchitecture
Sussex’s original wooden flooring centre For friendly advice contact 01273 423600 99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade, BN41 1GU www.woodenflooringcentre.com FREE PARKING AT BACK OF SHOWROOM
N I W Chichester Festival Theatre
READER offer
and Brighton Festival Tickets WIN! Tickets and pre-theatre dinner at Chichester Festival Theatre We have tickets to give away! Chichester Festival Theatre is a fabulous venue and the perfect location to make a night of it by having a pretheatre dinner in the Minerva Bar & Grill. The prize comprises: A pair of tickets to An Enemy of the People, on any date between 17th – 21st May, plus a £60 pre-show dinner voucher for use in the Minerva Bar & Grill
An Enemy of the People stars Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, W1A, Paddington) in the role of Dr Stockmann, who, upon making a shocking discovery about the standards of sanitation at the popular local spa, sees his life turned upside
down. With its ever-relevant themes of whistleblowing, the power of the media, and economic versus environmental concerns, Ibsen’s electrifying play will have audiences debating long after they leave the theatre. For a chance to win this fantastic prize, email us by Friday 12th May at: competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com with your name, address and answer to the following question: Which Norwegian playwright wrote An Enemy of the People? Ts&Cs: Subject to availability. Non-transferable. Dinner for 2 in the Minerva Bar and Grill must be pre-show for chosen performance between 16- 21 May. Closing date: Friday 12th May For full Chichester Festival Theatre programme, visit www.cft.org.uk
WIN! Brighton Festival Tickets To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brighton Festival, we have tickets for five fantastic Brighton Festival shows: The opening night of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Laurie Anderson; Song Conversation, Dr Blighty; Philharmonia Orchestra, Charles Linehan and Of Riders & Running Horses. Five readers will each win a pair of tickets to the show of their choice. 1. Charles Linehan Company (opening night) Two new works from the man hailed as ‘one of our classiest choreographers’ (The Guardian) receive their world premiere at the opening weekend Brighton Festival 2016. Sat 7 May, 8pm, Brighton Dome Corn Exchange (Please note: as this is the Festival opening event, there is an early deadline for this show of Friday 6 May)
2. Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour A raucous piece of musical theatre adapted for the stage by Billy Elliott author Lee Hall. Age 16+ Tue 17 May, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal Brighton 3. Of Riders & Running Horses Six female dancers and a live band. A stirring and visceral event exploring rhythm and what it means to move together. Fri 13 May, 8.30pm, Withdean Stadium 4. Laurie Anderson: Song Conversation An exclusive performance from pioneering artist and musician Laurie Anderson. Tue 17 May, 7.30pm, Brighton Dome Concert Hall
5. Dr Blighty: Philharmonia Orchestra Well-loved English works and Indian traditional music are performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and violin virtuoso Kala Ramnath. Sat 28 May, 7.30pm, Brighton Dome Concert Hall For a chance to win this fantastic prize, email us by Friday 13th May (6th May for Charles Linehan Company) at competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail. com with your name and address. Please put the name of the show you would like in the subject box. For more details on these shows and the full Brighton Festival programme visit www.brightonfestival.org
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 01273 427 938 to see how we can add a touch of va va voom to your room. shutterlyfabulous.com
Visit our Hove Showroom
Quayside House, Basin Road South Opens Mon - Sat 01273 427 938 Shoreham Harbour, BN41 1WF
PLACES
Photo Credit: John Miller
National Trust Gardens Spotting a carpet of bluebells in a woodland is a highlight of any springtime walk in the countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
“The luxury and opulence a few rolls of wallpaper can provide is hard to beat, and the rise and rise of the feature wall, combined with developments in digital printing, have introduced a new world of options�
23 New Road Brighton BN1 1UF 01273 605574 sales@mistersmith.co.uk Croft Road Crowborough TN6 1DR 01892 664152 info@mistersmith.co.uk
www.mistersmith.co.uk
INTERIORS
WONDER WALL From traditional and classic to bold and graphic, wallpaper is back in a big way
www.mistersmith.co.uk
W
allpaper is having a moment: the luxury and opulence a few rolls of wallpaper can provide is hard to beat, and the rise and rise of the feature wall, combined with developments in digital printing, have introduced a new world of options, with murals and photographic or fine art images created to fit your wall. Whether you want to add an understated design for subtle interest or a bold statement pattern to give your room wow factor, wallpaper will add instant colour and impact to your scheme. ARCHIVE-DESIGN WALLPAPERS Wallpapers taken from the archives are historic but far from oldfashioned. You don’t have to live in an old house for these wallpapers to work, but, for best effect, choose a design that suits the scale of your home. For example, the small florals typical of the 1930s can look lost in a high-ceilinged room, while heavily patterned Victorian prints can overwhelm a small or low-ceilinged space. To make a beautiful wall covering the focus of the room, pick out key colours from the design and repeat them in plain fabrics and painted woodwork. To mix in other prints without outshining the wallpaper, stick to a limited colour palette. Alternatively, choose another print from the same collection - they’re grouped to coordinate, so the hard work’s been done for you. If you like an eclectic look, you can team an archive wallpaper with modern furniture, but echo the design - for example, a pattern with gentle curves will look better with furniture in curved shapes. If you want to find a paint that matches the tones used in an archive wallpaper, look at heritage and period paint collections.
www.mistersmith.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 85
INTERIORS
GEOMETRIC WALLPAPERS Large-scale graphic prints work particularly well in a contemporary scheme or a post-1960s home, while smaller, more subtle patterns are a good choice if you have more traditional furnishings or live in a period house. Take scale into account when you are decorating. A big print used on all the walls in a small room, or one with low ceilings, is too much, so use it sparingly or consider using a smaller-scale or simpler graphic design. Geometrics have come a long way since they were first popular in the 1960s and 1970s. To recreate that look, go for wallpapers in browns, oranges and greens. For a less retro scheme, choose colours that are fashionable now, such as chocolate with pink. Avoid having furniture and furnishings that fight with the print. You don’t have to restrict yourself to ultramodern styles, but sticking to pieces in one kind of wood or one plain colour - such as white or black - will help avoid an over-cluttered look.
www.mistersmith.co.uk
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
BOLD FLORAL WALLPAPER The latest oversized prints can look fabulous in both small and large rooms. The secret is to stick to a subtle design or one in soft colours if your room is compact, as this will stop the wallpaper from being overpowering. As an update on traditional flowered wallpapers, bold florals are not only for country cottages. They’re certainly not shy and retiring, but they are surprisingly versatile. It’s how you use them in a scheme that sets the tone: for example, for a contemporary look, team them with furniture in simple, modern shapes. Balance a strong floral print with lots of plain surfaces. Having large pieces of furniture - such as a sofa or cabinet - in one of the colours from your wallpaper will help create a more balanced room. METALLIC WALLPAPERS Designs with a pale background and a subtly metallic motif can be used to great effect to make a small room seem larger and brighter, as the reflective surface throws light back into the room. Wallpapers printed on foil backing tend to be a little more expensive than other metallic designs. However, they look fabulous and the investment is worth it - especially in rooms that don’t get much natural daylight - for the extra reflectiveness of the finish. Large prints and designs with a dark background create a more opulent look. They are ideal for adding interest to larger rooms but are best used sparingly in small rooms: for example, around a fireplace. Match the glamour of metallic wallpaper with fabulous furniture and accessories. Look out for mirrored, stainlesssteel and bronze furniture, and bejewelled cushions and throws. Silks, satins and velvets are great choices for upholstery. A well-placed table lamp, downlighter or uplighter in the corner of a room will make metallic-print wallpaper sparkle as it reflects the light. Thanks to www.housetohome.co.uk
86 PORTFOLIO
INTERIORS
www.muralswallpaper.co.uk
“The latest oversized prints can look fabulous in both small and large rooms” WALLPAPER TRENDS FOR 2016 1). Botanics The trend to blur the line between outside and inside continues and floral patterns have been blooming everywhere. From large-scale prints to vintage-inspired botanicals, they can be used in a variety of interior styles from classic to contemporary. 2). Geometrics For maximum impact try bold patterns in small spaces such as foyers and bathrooms. Geometric patterns are versatile, with timeless appeal. Hot for 2016 are random or weathered geometric designs. 3) Animal Prints Exotic animas are all over walls, literally. These papers will create a feeling of luxury with their sensual texture. Ideal for luxury bathrooms, accent walls and hallways.
4) Murals Life-size art murals create a brilliant contemporary look. Digital printing has enabled life-sized art from fine art though to oversized city scenes. These papers will come in panels, and murals are digitally made to fit your wall exactly. Try Rebel Walls for a great collection of digital papers, including maps. 5) Natural Materials Wallpaper that creates the illusion of natural materials is a huge trend. From distressed concrete to faux marble or wood paneling, these tromp l’oeil natural facades are dramatic. Think wood, stone and brick, with extra attention to gritty imperfection. 6) Metallic and Matte Look out for lots of turquoise and copper – the luxe color combo set to take over this year. PORTFOLIO 87
www.cole-and-son.com
SHOPPING
LIGHTING Great lighting can transform your interior. Having different types of sources at varying heights and levels of diffusion will give your rooms depth and dimension. Here are some ideas for inspiration
SPELL IT OUT Seletti’s eye-catching neon letters are based on the font of classic typewriters, and this special edition gives a bright red glow to the space. Love Neon Composition In Red, £239.00. www.heals.com
GOLDEN GLOBE This sparkling pendant lamp is created out of hundreds of small ‘flakes’ of copper, burned for that stylish flamed look. Mount in rows above a dinner table, kitchen counter or in the living room. Cooper pendant lamp, £115.00. www.cuckooland.com
HEART OF GLASS Marble is still a popular accent for 2016. The Lab lamp pairs a solid marble base with hand-blown glass shades. Also comes as a pendant light. £129.00. www.made.com
88 PORTFOLIO
EXOTIC TOUCH Feel like you’re somewhere exotic with this stylish ceiling light from Zuiver. The hammered surface gives you a luxury feel, something between old world and new world. £120.00. www.cuckooland.com
CRYSTAL BALL Combining industrial influences with decorative qualities, this crystal pendant transforms an everyday light bulb into an ornamental light fitting. Individually hand blown and hand cut. Lee Broom Cumbrian Crystal Bulb and Pendant. £199.00. www.johnlewis.com
PAPER SHAPES These origami-inspired paper lampshades from Wild & Wolf are printed using a vintage press with hand-folded creases and pleats. The sculptural designs come in four different shapes and colours. From Red Candy, priced from £34.95. www.redcandy.co.uk
BEST ANGLE A copper and wood, angled table lamp with a weighted base for extra stability. Millie has a fully adjustable, wooden, double swing arm and brushed copper-coated shade. Also available in brushed steel, from Atkin and Thyme £59.00. www.atkinandthyme.co.uk
MID CENTURY BUBBLE The Bubble Lamp was designed by George Nelson in 1947. This elegant mid-century wall light has stood the test of time. Bubble Wall Sconce by Modernica. Priced from £478.00. www.heals.com
CLASSIC POISE Anglepoise have been making classic desk lamps since the 1930s and are hard to beat for form and function. Pictured: Anglepoise Duo1227 Desk Lamp in Signal Red. From £175.00. www.johnlewis.com
FLUID FORM Melt Pendant by Tom Dixon. The molten form and finish of the Melt capture the glow and shapes produced during traditional glass blowing. A collaboration between leading British designer Tom Dixon and Swedish design group FRONT. Priced from £370.00. www.heals.com
PORTFOLIO OFFER: Use code PORTFOLIO to save 10% on all lighting at luxury-lifestyle emporium Cuckooland. Stylishly quirky homeware and luxurious original products. Offer expires 30th June 2016. Visit www.cuckooland.com PORTFOLIO 89
STYLE
SUIT YOURSELF Beautifully tailored spring suiting is the ultimate workplace investment, whether worn together or styled individually. This season, why not push the hardest-working items in your wardrobe that little bit further with some alternative styling options?
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suit or tailored separates in navy or grey is a classic option which can form the base for a Spring wardrobe that will up your game. Team with this season’s colours and textures for fresh look that means business. Here are four ways to make the suit work for any occasion.
Here are four ways to make the suit work for any occasion. 1. AS INTENDED The most classic way to wear suiting separates is – unsurprisingly – as a suit. Switch up the skirt for trousers on days in the office and put consideration into the additional details to keep things fresh. Whilst the vital elements stay unmoving, the versatility can be celebrated with the addition of luxurious shirting and indulgent footwear. These are the elements that will give the everyday staple a stylish slant. When dressing in the morning, take a moment to look at your outfit without the blazer. All too often it’s easy to throw something simplistic on as a base layer and forget about the impact that it has when the suit jacket comes off. Embrace this season’s elegant blousing – be it beautifully draped, silk styles or those printed with a spring-ready pattern – to inject your look with personality. 2. SMART - CASUAL The right suit blazer can translate well to the weekend when styled right. Carrying the ability to elevate even the simplest of separates, there’s a certain timelessness that comes with adding a sharply cut jacket to skinny jeans and a basic T-shirt. The Delo’s navy hue is particularly classic, and it takes on a fresh, spring-ready guise when teamed with soft grey denim and optic white. Block-heel sandals in rich suede will add a contemporary final touch and keep the look relevant for now. 3. OFF-DUTY Off-duty dressing holds an unwavering reputation for being a dressed-down affair, but this doesn’t have to mean your jeans and T-shirt uniform should be adopted every time you have day to yourself. With the addition of your tailored suit trousers, weekend heroes get a polished upgrade that’s just as easy to wear but ever-so -slightly more chic. Layer up in an oversized knit to balance the slim-leg Delo suit trousers and introduce a more relaxed guise than you’ll be used to seeing in the office. Metallic flats add a hint of shine and keep things youthful, and a felt fedora will secure this look’s fashion-focussed status.
“Metallic flats add a hint of shine and keep things youthful”
STYLE
Beauty Box Here comes the sun…
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onger, lighter days have finally arrived. Which (hopefully) means more sunshine. And, of course, we should all be protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays on a daily basis, even when it’s cloudy. But sometimes sunscreens can be claggy or full of chemicals (or both). So I was pleased to discover Aveda’s new Daily Light Guard, the first all-natural sunscreen. This product uses 100% mineral-derived sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB rays (SPF30). You can apply it daily as the final step of your skincare regime, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. I found this product to be incredibly light and silky – it glided onto my skin. Now that the sun’s out, it means our feet are out too. Are your toes pedi-ready? One product I swear by to help my toenails stay in tip-top shape and ready to bare for sandal season is SolarOil by CND.
4. DAY-TO-EVENING Styling that works both in the office and translates well to afterwork events, drinks or dinners can be a tricky one to master without changing in between, but think outside the box and things might seem a little simpler than initially believed. The classic silhouette of a pencil skirt is a great starting point, and when imagined in the new-neutral, (navy) it takes on a slightly less corporate and more trend-focussed guise. By styling it with a top in the same hue, it creates a look that’s at once elegant and pulled-together. To really up the impact, add statement jewellery and open-toe shoes that show off a colour-pop pedicure. All items available at Reiss, 67 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ. 01273 770702. Or online at www.reiss.com
A blend of jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil and Vitamin E, Solar Oil penetrates and protects skin and nails. I often apply it to my toenails and massage it into my cuticles before bed – I find it strengthens them and makes the nail beds look... well, better. Healthier. It’s truly my ‘desert island’ product. 150ml of CND Solar Oil retails at £12.95 and is available at CND salons and from www.amazon.co.uk Aveda’s Daily Light Guard retails at £39 and is available at Aveda spas, stores and online at www.aveda.co.uk
Until next month….
Samantha
TV – The BIGGER picture
PROPERTY TV The UK’s first channel dedicated entirely to property has been a model of success since launching last year. We look at what’s hot on the box in the property world
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ast year Sky launched Property TV, a whole channel devoted to our favourite subject. Property TV was launched last year, after two years in the making, by founder Michael Hammond and co-director Nicky Davis, using a mix of industry and non-industry figures and the programme shows and reflects the continued national obsession with property. Davis, who has played a part in launching several TV channels across Europe, said at the time, “This channel is particularly special. It meets a recognised gap in the market for a channel focussed on what is, for most, our most valuable asset : our home.” The channel’s programme content which clearly falls into the entertainment genre, includes UK programmes such as Sarah Beeny’s Restoration Nightmare, Dream Homes (see below) and Mad About The House, which offers young cash-strapped couples the ultimate home makeover. ‘Never Do This at
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Home’ challenges everything we’ve been told not to do in the home in terms of warnings on bottles and containers with dire health and safety regulations, and TV favourite Charlie Dimmock’s ‘The Allotment,’ which takes a light-hearted look at the passion and fashion of ‘growning your own.’ The channel also features news and advice on buying and selling property and offers
“The Allotment takes a light-hearted look at the passion and fashion of ‘growning your own’” serious content to the industry by “informing and educating through new programme concepts.” Property TV can be found on Sky Channel 238
TV – The BIGGER picture
Programme profile: DREAM HOMES It’s everyone’s dream: to build your own house. Presenter Oliver Heath travels the length and breadth of Britain to meet the people who are doing more than just dreaming; they’re getting on with it.The series looks at what inspired fifteen couples to build their dream homes. For some, it’s the work of legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright; for others, the contemporary style of the Swiss überarchitect Peter Zumthor, the clean lines of Art Deco or “Seaside” - the revolutionary town of clapboard houses in Florida. Oliver Heath surprises each couple by producing air tickets to the place that has inspired them most. No need to rely on magazine pictures – these home builders are going to see for themselves. So, as their homes emerge from virgin sites, the developers fly off to see some of the most spectacular houses in the world and meet their owners and architects. With his eco credentials firmly in place, Oliver Heath discovers that more and more people are including green features in their homes. From the newly-weds, aged 25 and 23, who are building a house that will use alternative energy to cut out heating bills and including a kitchen made of re-cycled yoghurt pots, to the couple who have renovated an ancient priory using lime mortar and sheep’s wool insulation, or the architect in the Isle of Skye who is trapping the wind coming off the Cuillin Hills to power her ultra-modern home, this is a series that is at the cutting edge of green design. Dream Homes shows on Property TV, broadcasting on Sky 238.
ON SCREEN ...On our radar this month
BILLIONS
PEAKY BLINDERS
VEEP
We love the sound of Billions, starring awardwinning actors Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis. Billions is a bold drama set in the ego-driven world of New York high finance. It was created, written and executive produced by Brian Koppelman & David Levien (Ocean’s Thirteen, Rounders) and Andrew Ross Sorkin (Too Big To Fail).
Get your flat caps and Brummie accents at the ready, for the news Peaky Blinders fans have been waiting for has finally arrived. The third series of the hit drama, about a post-World War I Birmingham gang who sew razors into the peaks of their flat caps, is coming soon.. Starts May on BBC 1
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s President Meyer will have to deal with the fallout from a tied election (get ready for the Bush-Gore jokes), a hookup with Mad Men’s John Slattery and her inept staff. We’ll see if VEEP can stay on its Emmy-winning course after creator Armando Iannucci left the series after season four.
Starts May on SKY ATLANTIC
Series 5 is now on SKY ATLANTIC
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A SUMMER sampler Spiralizing sisters Hemsley + Hemsley tell Portfolio why pursuing healthy food needn’t necessarily mean relinquishing flavour Jasmine Hemsley: We both regard food as something of an emotional journey. Yes, of course it’s about taste and flavour, but real food is about friends and experiences and company, and we are always trying to style dishes with those elements as central to what we do. At the heart of everything is bone broth, but our dishes are diverse, current to both trends and the season, healthy and, more than anything else, tasty. I say ‘healthy.’ We should all afford ourselves a treat every once in a while. Ultimately, like most things in life, it’s about balance.
can be reinvented. I remember an era when the furthest that went was using the juice from meat as a gravy constituent. Thank goodness we’ve moved on so far from there now. Overall, it’s the most positive era we’ve had for food. It’s so much on trend and there is real accessibility to fresh produce and meat all months of the year and from all corners of the globe. As long as we’re sensible about what we put in our mouths, there is so much to savour.
Melissa Hemsley: On the provenance side, our ethos is to really think smartly about what you buy and how you use it. We hate wastage, or the idea that we cannot maximise every part of something. I’m always talking about ‘repurposing leftovers’, but there are so many parts of food that
“There is real accessibility to fresh produce and meat all months of the year and from all corners of the globe”
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CELEBRITY chef recipe
COURGETTI SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO & BUTTER BEAN PESTO In this dish we pair our favourite spiralizer veg - courgette - with a delicious nut and dairy-free butter bean pesto. The deep flavours of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, tangy lemon juice and a hint of chilli make this pesto a perfect accompaniment to our courgetti. Delicious for lunch, or as a light summer meal!
SERVES 4 For the Pesto • • • • • • •
400g tin butter beans, drained 2 fat garlic cloves 10 sun-dried tomatoes 75g fresh basil, reserve a few leaves to garnish 4 tbsp lemon juice Pinch chilli flakes Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Courgetti • • • •
6 courgettes 2 large ripe avocados, chopped Red chilli, chopped, for garnish 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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For the pesto, blend all of the ingredients and nine tablespoons of water to a rough paste in a food processor. Add extra water to loosen the mixture if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. For the courgetti spaghetti, peel spaghetti-like strands from the courgettes using a julienne peeler, collecting them in a large mixing bowl.
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Pour the pesto on top of the courgette strands and carefully stir until the courgette is evenly coated.
To serve, pile the courgetti spaghetti and pesto onto serving plates and top with the chopped avocado, reserved basil leaves, chopped chilli and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
4.
Good + Simple by Hemsley + Hemsley is out now on Ebury Press. RRP £20
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BUSINESS lunch
“It is perfect for that special event, wedding or just a weekend of pure indulgence”
SEA OF TRANQUILLITY Daniel Frickelton sheds his earthly cares and recharges his batteries in the restful seaside bosom of Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping, West Sussex...
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he idea of travelling a mere 40 minutes from the West Sussex village in which we live in search of a re-energising change of scenery seemed a bit daft, but the moment we entered the long, pastoral approach to Bailiffscourt, with its waterways, wildlife and virginal Spring greenery everywhere on display, our workaday worries began melting away like early morning frost under a waxing sun. The main building, looking very monastic in its mock Medieval raiment, enhanced the feeling of peace and tranquillity. The last time I had experienced anything like this was when I went on retreat decades ago at a former monastery in southern Denmark. At that time in my life, I was actively seeking a place of rest and spiritual refurbishment. At Bailiffscourt, the retreat benefits were an unexpected bonus. 96 PORTFOLIO
A half hour later, sitting in a west-facing garden enclosure, one of many such enclaves of tranquillity at Bailiffscourt, a pint of Sussex Gold from the local Arundel brewery in hand,
“This is a serious restaurant, with all the accoutrements of a first-class dining experience” I marvelled at the greenness of the grass beneath my feet, and at the absence of any sound other than birdsong and the diminishing whine of my tinnitus. Mother Duck, in H.C. Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, explains to one
of her brood that “green is good for the eyes.” I can report that it also has a beneficial effect on tinnitus. I wondered distractedly what might be happening in ‘the real world,’ glanced briefly at the newspaper on the table before me, realised I didn’t give a toss, took a sip of beer and revelled in the sun-drenched peace of being on retreat again. Glorious. My partner was getting a facial in the nearby spa. It was taking longer than the 45 minutes she had suggested – a good sign, I thought. I found the strength to reconnect mind and spirit and wandered out onto the verdant lawn separating the main building from the spa with its stunning indoor and outdoor pools. There was no sign of my lady, but the lawn was set up for croquet. Now, you don’t get to play much croquet when you grow up in America and then
TRAVEL
BAILIFFSCOURT HOTEL & SPA, CLIMPING STREET, CLIMPING, WEST SUSSEX BN17 5RW 01903 723511 www.hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt-hotel-and-spa
spend most of your adult years in Scandinavia, but, like most guys, I’m a sucker for any game involving a stick and a ball. The sardonic smile on madam’s lips when she found me on the croquet lawn spoke volumes about my technique. “So...is it easier than golf?” I said it was similar to golf in the sense that I found it hard to get the ball airborne. The smile changed to something conveying a deep sense of pity. Being solidly in retreat mode by now, I didn’t give a tinker’s damn. We strolled hand-in-hand past the spa, down a path bordering a copse, to the shingle beach as she recited the litany of creams, oils and exfoliating preparations that had been applied during her facial treatment. At the beach, a mere five-minute walk from the hotel, she perched, like Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid, on a rock and turned her artfully pummelled face to the warm evening sun. Her skin glowed. She radiated youth and vitality, and I felt myself falling in love all over again. “I don’t know what kind of snake oil they slathered on your face,” I said, “but it has melted ten years off your appearance.” That made her smile...which made her look even younger. I’m now wondering if men are allowed to have facials. Back in our room, showered and shaved, booted and suited for dinner, we tucked into the complementary bottle of champagne provided by the management. Our room, like the main hotel building in which it was located, appeared to be medieval in style. The doors were of massive, hand-carved solid oak, the windows
arched, and of hand-dressed stone. Foot-wide oak planks made up the floors, and the genuine stained-glass windows were dressed in heavy damask drapery. A proper hand-woven tapestry (there are tapestries everywhere in the main building) depicting a hunt scene covered the wall above the enormous stone fireplace. I half expected to find Henry VIII having a romp with a naked wench on the carved-oak fourposter that was our very comfy bed. The hotel’s brochure,
“There is nothing medieval about the amenities at this wonderful hotel” “A History of Bailiffscourt,” reveals the venue’s “best-kept secret,” that Bailiffscourt was only built in 1927, although it “gives every appearance of having many secrets.” The young architect, Amyas Phillips, serendipitously connected with Lord Moyne (of the Guinness brewing family) and his wife Evelyn, daughter of the 14th Earl of Buchan, and spent six years salvaging original building materials from the ruins of medieval edifices all over the British isles, in an effort to satisfy Evelyn’s insatiable appetite for all things medieval. Bailiffscourt is thus a rare and astonishing distillation of medieval building culture, a kind of living museum of original, authentic materials and architecture given a second chance. In the sense that it is convincing, it is also very successful.
There is nothing medieval about the amenities at this wonderful hotel. From the walk-in, Roman-style shower to the gleaming bath, the thick, fluffy terry cloth robes and spa toiletries in our bathroom, everything was of the highest standard. The dining room (The Tapestry Room), with its impressive stainedglass window comprising one wall and its large medieval tapestry adorning another, resembles a modest chapel, now attended by pilgrims such as us, seeking nothing more than a well-prepared meal. This is a serious restaurant, with all the accoutrements of a first-class dining experience: linen, silver, hand-polished glasses, a comprehensive menu that sharpens your appetite without pretending to be the encyclopedia of fine dining. Preparation and presentation are as you would expect from an establishment with such high standards, the service friendly, relaxed and impeccable. You may have gathered, if you have read this far, that we were utterly and delightfully surprised by this Sussex gem on our doorstep. It is perfect for that special event, wedding or just a weekend of pure indulgence. Bailiffscourt marries romance, style, taste and history to deliver a heady cocktail of pleasure and deep, homey relaxation in a location that is minutes away from Brighton, Arundel and Chichester. The biggest surprise for us was that we only had to travel 40 minutes from home to enter another world. A world of luxury, romance and peace. PORTFOLIO 97
LOCAL news
LOCAL NEWS TOP SOUTH DOWNS CHEFS BACK ‘EAT LOCAL’ CAMPAIGN Top chefs in the South Downs region are getting behind a campaign to encourage people to ‘eat local’ by sharing their signature recipes, using local, seasonal ingredients on Southdownsfood.org, the free local ‘food finder.’ Steven Edwards, former MasterChef: The Professionals winner and Sussex Young Chef of the Year, is the first in a line of celebrated chefs in Sussex and Hampshire to be South Downs Chef of the Month, with his spring recipe for local hake and cockles, asparagus and salmon smoked in the South Downs. Paula Seager, Co-Director of Natural Partnerships CIC, who is behind the campaign, said, “By buying local food and drink, we can reduce our carbon footprint, support our local economy and keep the South Downs beautiful, thus ensuring our farmers continue to farm – that’s what our southdownsfood.org campaign is all about!” To find out more, visit www.southdownsfood.org
SEARCHES UK IS A FINALIST IN THE MONEYFACTS AWARDS Searches UK have been selected as a finalist in the Moneyfacts Awards 2016 in the Best Conveyancing/Legal Search Service category. Finalists were determined based on the feedback from an intermediary audience, alongside Moneyfacts.co.uk’s own research of the industry throughout the year. The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 7th June, 2016 in the Pavilion at the Tower of London. Searches UK is the only search company to be included in this category and were independently chosen for their excellence in the sector. Andrew Stenning, Managing Director at Searches UK, commented: “We’re delighted to have been selected as a finalist in the Best Conveyancing/Legal Search Service category; it’s even more encouraging to have received positive feedback from individuals and firms across the industry that recognise the commitment and hard work our team carry out to ensure our clients are completely satisfied. We would also like to extend a sincere thanks to Moneyfacts. co.uk for letting us be a part of their awards evening.” For more information about any of the products and services from Searches UK, visit www.searchesuk.co.uk.
HIGH-PROFILE APPOINTMENT AT DMH STALLARD Renowned intellectual property (IP) and technology solicitor James Martin has joined top-100 law firm DMH Stallard LLP. James was previously a Director at City law firm, Fieldfisher. James’ track record in IP law has made him a regular speaker, lecturer and contributor in the media. He has acted in numerous high-profile cases, advising on trademarks, designs, copyright, patents, confidential information and domain name disputes. Tim Ashdown, Senior Litigation Partner at DMH Stallard, said: “This is a really exciting appointment and one that reflects our ever-increasing presence in the market in London and across the South East. James possesses a calibre of experience that is hard to match. His arrival demonstrates that our ambition to continue growing and attracting the very best people in the UK law sector is as strong as ever.” DMH Stallard employs 200 solicitors, including 60 partners and 100 people in other key roles. The firm was recently named Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2016.
BRIGHTON PIER IN THE NEWS The new owner of the Brighton Pier is delighted by the city’s passion for the attraction. Eclectic Bar Group Plc acquired the pier for £18 million last month. Luke Johnson, Executive Chairman of Eclectic Group, said: “I’m blown away by how much affection people have, particularly in Brighton & Hove, for the pier and how important it is to them, symbolically and actually, and it’s been really fascinating.” Johnson was not to be drawn on whether the pier would remain Brighton Pier or revert to The Palace Pier. “We’re thinking about all that, but we won’t rush to do anything and will take our time to consider any change. We’re now more or less into the summer season and making any material changes short-term wouldn’t be right, because it’d be far too disruptive.” www.brightonpier.co.uk
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LOCAL news
ARGUS DOWNSIZING The Argus is moving back into Brighton city centre after 23 years. Sussex’s daily newspaper is to move into first-floor offices in Dolphin House in Manchester Street. Staff will make the move in June. The newspaper’s existing building, Argus House in Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, has been sold to developer Hanbury Properties. The Argus moved from its offices in North Road, Brighton, to Hollingbury in 1993. The former North Road site was eventually used for housing but still bears a link to the past, with the name Argus Lofts. Managing Director of Newsquest Sussex, Dawn Sweeney, said: “I am delighted we are moving back into the centre of the city. The premises allow us to shape our business as we continue evolving into a multi-media enterprise with an ever-growing audience.” Argus editor Mike Gilson said: “While Hollingbury holds so much history for us, times move on, and the new Manchester Street office will give our journalists much easier access to the people they need to hold to account and the events and happenings experienced by thousands of our readers. Our reporters will be much more visible as they go about their business.
FREE WIFI IN THE CITY A free wifi network is being created in the heart of Brighton and Hove by BT (British Telecom), working together with the council on the project. The council said: “The “BrightonHovefreewifi” network will cover the busiest areas for tourism, shopping and leisure, providing free wifi for local residents, hundreds of businesses and the 11.5 million people who visit the city each year. A total of 40 BT wifi hotspots will be available on completion of the project, allowing visitors and residents to get online through their smart phones, tablets and laptops while ‘on the go’. The council said: “People within range of the network will be able to tap into free wifi following a simple on-off log-in. They will then be taken automatically to a landing page with links to the council website and VisitBrighton.com, the city’s main resource for visitor information. The council has chosen BT to build and manage the network for ten years. Access to the Brighton and Hove wifi service will be free and unlimited to all.” Visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/bhfreewifi.
PORTFOLIO SPONSOR BUSINESS AWARD PORTFOLIO magazine is proud to support The Brighton & Hove Independent Business Awards 2016, and in particular to sponsor the Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure category. As a hugely successful local monthly publication, which itself highlights some of the best local businesses in the city, the award is an ideal way for us to give something back to the local community while recognising the very best in this sector. Brighton & Hove is one of the country’s top tourist destinations and has some of the best hotels and restaurants, so this is a great opportunity to showcase them. PORTFOLIO has monthly travel, days out and food sections, including a celebrity chef recipe, which have become popular additions to the magazine. Therefore, our sponsorship of this particular award is especially fitting, so I would encourage all those in this industry to enter. Lynne Edwards, Managing Director, PORTFOLIO Publications Ltd.
SOUTH DOWN PROJECT The Shoreham Cement Works has been an eyesore for decades, and most people think that something should be done to improve it. The South Down Project is a group of locals who think this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring a world-class development to the area. Why now? The South Downs National Park are currently preparing their plan for submission to the Government. The Government are trying to find places to build new homes. The Local Authorities are trying to boost their economies, and the new National Planning Policy Framework promises more power for local people. If you think that what happens in a particularly beautiful part of the South Downs is best decided by you, then this could be your chance to have a say. The South Downs National Park will be presenting their findings and recommendations in their Local Plan to the Government in 2018. For more information about Shoreham Cement Works and the South Down Project, visit www. southdownproject.com. or www.southdowns.gov.uk.
BRITISH AIRWAYS I360 SIGNAGE PLANS Plans for British Airways i360 signage have been submitted for approval to Brighton & Hove City Council, and the attraction has also revealed how the venue will be branded to reflect its naming rights sponsorship by British Airways. The proposed signage for the attraction, opening this summer, will include one sign with the name of the venue above the front entrance on Kings Road and another sign with the name above the entrance to the beach building. In addition, flags with branding will fly on top of each of the 1866 West Pier Toll Booths. Eleanor Harris, Chief Executive of British Airways i360, said: “Like all other venues in the city, including historic buildings, we will have our name on the entrance so that visitors to the city know who we are. Our branding is very similar to that of our neighbour, The Grand, with our name visible above our entrance and branded flags flying. We have been sensitive to the Grade I listed site as well as the simplicity and beauty of the attraction’s design; and the material being used for the road sign will be brushed metal, which will be gently lit at night. We have consulted with the Council’s heritage officer in developing our designs. Graffiti Design, a local award-winning signage company based in Heathfield, will be creating the proposed signs. More information can be found at BritishAirwaysi360.com
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GOLF
GETTING BACK IN THE GOLFING GROOVE Many – perhaps most – casual golfers have a set of dusty, derelict golf clubs gathering cobwebs in their garages or attics which are taken out of hibernation once or twice a year and subjected to equally rusty rounds of golf by their owners. Sound familiar? Read on...
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play golf at least a couple of times a week, in all seasons and in all weather conditions, with a group of other crazies. We are all members of a Sussex golf club with good winter playing conditions (discounting the relatively few days of biblical weather we have all seen this past winter), and are all blessed with the ability to find time for our weekly rounds and a bit of regular practice time in which to straighten the kinks out of our swings. A few of us are retired from full-time work, others are able to flex their time, and all of us love exercise and fresh air. We also hate gyms. Although we are passionate about golf and like a bit of competition, it is the friendship and camaraderie that provides the glue that binds us together. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this steady commitment to our golf in a spirit of fun and friendship has resulted in equally steady improvement in our handicaps. Not everyone is so lucky. Probably the majority of people who like golf are up to their eyeballs in the demands of family and work responsibilities which severely restrict
the amount of time available for playing or practising golf, a situation exacerbated by the deplorable fact that a round of golf can take four to five hours to complete, mainly due to slow play. Add in driving time to and fro, an hour for a pre- and post-round meal or drink, and hey-ho!
“I’ll be over the moon if I just make contact with the ball and get it on the fairway” There’s not much left of the day to spend with family or other activities. As a result, far too many would-be golfers morph into Sky TV golfers, their golfing pleasure now reduced to sleepily following the vicarious joys of others (professionals) playing golf as their trusty old kit, like mute sentinels, continues its lonely vigil in the garage. My friend Chris (not his real name), a busy, successful solicitor, is a case in point. I ran
into him recently at a charity golfing event being hosted by our club. I hadn’t seen him for ages, and not at all on the golf course in recent memory. He was wolfing down a bacon sandwich between swigs of coffee, checking his kit in readiness for the first tee and generally looking a little rattled and distracted. Long time, no see, says I. Too true, says he, but we are just flat-out at the firm these days. In fact, I wasn’t going to play today. Had to cancel three meetings, but the tournament sponsor is a personal friend, so in the end I had to pull my clubs out of retirement and come along to support his initiative. This is probably the second or third time I have played in the past year. We turn our attention at this juncture to his retired – now reactivated – kit. The fairway metal 3-wood reminded me of James Michener’s excellent novel The Source, in which a team of archaeologists excavating the site of sacred ruins in the Holy Land take the reader back in time, layer by layer, eventually re-telling the history of the Palestine as each successive
Business Membership • 20 rounds of Golf throughout the year • 20 guest rounds for your clients • Promote your business on our website • Free Custom Fit or Club check • Use of Lounge Bar for meetings, coffee and client entertaining with 10% discount on casual food and drink Additional benefits layer is discovered. Looking at Chris’s golf club, I imagined the dirty footprints of historical rounds of golf encrusted on the sole plate, unspoken records of good times enjoyed on sparkling courses. Was that a grass stain from Sunningdale, the third layer down? Nervous laughter from my friend. Naw, I’m lucky to get out a half dozen times a year, always on local courses. As you can see, there’s not much time for cleaning them either. Not that it would make much difference when I’m on the first tee. My swing is so rusty that a few layers of gunk won’t make any difference. I’ll be over the moon if I just make contact with the ball and get it on the fairway, says Chris, glancing nervously in the direction of the first tee, where a group of players is cutting great gashes in the atmosphere with their practice swings. They are all laughing loudly...at anything. No one seems able to stand still. It’s not that expensive to get lessons, I suggest, ever helpful. He assures me it has nothing to do with cost. It’s the time. I would not be able to spend hours and hours practising anything I was taught. I really love golf, he says, but it is so disheartening to go out there on a beautiful day with high expectations and flub half of my tee shots and chunk all my wedge shots into the nearest bunker. I ask if that would suffice to rekindle his enthusiasm for the game: more consistent results with the driver and with chip shots around the greens? I can see that I properly have Chris’s attention for the first time. He admits that improved confidence in driving and chipping would go a long way toward rekindling his desire to play golf. And he feels it would be realistic to find the time to practice those two aspects of his game. There must be thousands of relapsed golfers out there of both genders who resemble Chris. They are busy people who love golf but have little time to spend on improving to a standard that makes it an enjoyable experience to play a round. There must be something a team of professionals could offer these people in the form of targeted lessons designed to improve the one or two faults that keep their stomachs tightened with anxiety at the prospect of standing on the first tee or having to chip over a bunker to the green. There will almost certainly be equipment issues as well. Some of my friend’s clubs looked to be ‘seventies vintage. Acknowledging that golf clubs can have considerable sentimental value – and maybe even antique value – it is nevertheless clear that technology has moved on since Chris acquired his kit. Hybrids are easier to hit than long irons, for instance, and drivers now have heads the size of dinner plates. Our good friend Lee at Mid Sussex Golf Club specialises in helping people like Chris, and can provide lessons designed for groups of corporate golfers. He and his helpful team can offer help and advice and, the pro shop should provide Chris with all the up-to-date kit he’ll need to get him out on those summer fairways.
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Free bucket of balls every day
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Use of driving range, practice course and putting greens
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Ample free parking
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Free wi-fi
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10% discount on selected items in Pro Shop
Only £600 a year + VAT
Suitable for small businesses and individuals, with the tax benefits of Corporate membership
Mid Sussex Golf Club Spatham Lane, Ditchling East Sussex BN6 8XJ 01273 841835
www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk 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
The widest-read business publication in the South East
PLATINUM T U O W NO
SUSSEX EDITION . ISSUE 23 . 2016
BUSINESS TRAVEL Shake hands in... Berlin
INTERVIEW WITH OLIVER BLOND Headmaster of Roedean
KRESTON REEVES
Is tax evasion acceptable?
PLATINUM
BMW X5 HYBRID Reviewed
THE BIG STORY
TABLE TALK New Sussex Food and Drink Feature
SIR JAMES DYSON
The man who cleaned up
Read all past issues at www.platinumbusinessmagazine.com
HEALTH
A PAIN IN THE BACK Back pain happens to most of us at some point in our lives. We look at how to treat and manage back pain
B
ack pain happens to most of us at some point in our lives. Ageing, lifestyle and related physical changes, sports and motoring accidents, and the cumulative impact of poor posture or seating can all contribute to a bad back. Should a pain in your back mean you’re flat on your back, or should you be moving around? This week we look at the evidence on treating and managing back pain. Prevention or cure? This is one area where taking the right steps can really help to prevent problems later. Staying fit, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping your core (abdominal) muscles strong, taking care with your posture when sitting and standing, and following health and safety guidance when lifting heavy objects will all help your back to stay healthy (see NHS choices for more information www.nhs. uk/Conditions/Back-pain/Pages/Prevention. aspx). Approaching treatment Back pain can be caused by many different things. Sometimes there’s an obvious illness or cause, such as a slipped disc (where a disc in the spine is damaged and presses on nerves), whiplash injury or compression of the sciatic nerve. Often, though, back pain is ‘nonspecific’, with no obvious cause. Most back
pain will resolve itself in a few days or weeks with no medical intervention other than pain relief, but if your back pain has lasted more than 6 weeks – or if it is bad enough to stop you working or undertaking other daily activities – you should visit your GP, who can advise you on the most appropriate treatments.
“Different forms of exercise will suit different people, and there may be specific programmes in your area aimed at improving back pain” Guidance on the management of lower back pain, published in 2009 by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (currently being updated: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ cg88 ), recommends that clinicians provide patients with information on how to manage their back pain (‘self-management’), and also suggests that both exercise and manual therapy can be effective as part of treatment. Manual therapy can include massage and other treatments where the soft tissue of the back is manipulated: there is some good evidence, for example, that chiropractic is
an effective treatment for lower back pain (www.nhs.uk/Conditions/chiropractic/Pages/ Evidence.aspx). Different forms of exercise will suit different people, and there may be specific programmes in your area aimed at improving back pain. Your GP can advise you on what is available locally, and what is right for you. Research funded by Arthritis UK, published in 2012, showed that a specific yoga programme was an effective and cost-effective treatment. Staying well If you’ve had an episode of back pain, it is important that, once you’ve recovered, you take steps to keep yourself and your back healthy in the future. Improving your fitness, maintaining a healthy weight, taking care with your posture and addressing any risk factors (seating, lifting, driving position) at home and work will all help to ensure you stay pain-free. Thanks to Evidence Into Practice Associates, a research and delivery organisation specialising in health, care and community.
www.eipa.co.uk PORTFOLIO 103
AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN Portfolio tracks down horticultural homemaker Monty Don as the summer garden season comes into full bloom
I
n any industry there are a few choice names who will always stand out as synonymous with their trade. For sport, David Beckham; for music, perhaps Paul McCartney; in fashion, Vivienne Westwood. And yet, while the serenity of the garden might be a world away from the high-profile, precision-aligned media madness of those British cultural heavyweights, the popularity of tending to one’s tulips, or turnips, even, is no less decorated.
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THE interview
“These days Monty is called upon for television appearances, trade events and a number of personal appearances”
And where life in the landscape is concerned, there is no smoother purveyor of that craft than Monty Don. The 60 year-old has seen off more than wireworm, flies and ants on his way to the top (he has been admirably vocal in the past about his battles with anxiety and depression ) and now sits at the top table of his trade. What Monty oversees in green-fingered terms is the evolution of the outside world, and one that continues to delight and challenge at every quarter. “I think that’s the beauty of it,” he begins. “Our gardens are always changing, always reacting and responding to the seasons, and always requiring our input, devotion and attention. So it’s a challenge that never ends, and as a passionate gardener, nor would I want it to.” The Herefordshire-based horticulturalist has now spent over half a century tending to the freshest of flowers, most succulent of produce, richest shrubbery and very greenest of lawns. “From as early as I can remember, I have always admired being outdoors,” he continues. “I was an active child and loved filling my lungs with oxygen. I loved too the combination of gardening and farming, and from a young age exploring the connection between the two
was exciting for me: how could we use the soil to create something important in terms of sustenance, but also beautiful in terms of something we looked at and enjoyed?
“I would argue that all organic food has richer taste and is better for you than any chemically grown food. I have a basic rule that I won’t put any chemicals into soil where I intend to grow food” “After the collapse of my jewellery business, and as a way of combating depression, I found a different passion for gardening, one that was as much about therapy as anything else, and I guess it has just gone on from there.” These days Monty is called upon for television appearances, trade events and a number of personal appearances, but he’s happiest when tending to his lot at home. And as the summer months approach, he has some
salient advice for those looking to refresh their gardens… provided, that is, that the word ‘organic’ features heavily. “Organic gardening is much, much better for the whole ecosystem,” he says with vigour. “Gardens are only part of the whole natural world, of which humans are another small part. “The main point of organic growing is to do as little harm as possible and to work in tune with nature as much as you can while, at the same time, growing food that is as delicious and healthy as possible. I would argue, as would any organic grower, that all organic food has richer taste and is better for you than any chemically grown food. I have a basic rule that I won’t put any chemicals into soil where I intend to grow food.” And the secrets of success are not so secret after all. “It’s all the simple stuff you would expect,” he continues. “Pay attention - look, listen, watch, see what’s going on. The main thing any gardener needs to do is work with nature from day one, and let nature be the guide.” This summer, Monty will be appearing at Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham, from June 16-19, an event that pulls together the finest horticultural minds from the UK and abroad. PORTFOLIO 105
THE interview
“I think the great thing about these shows is sharing experiences and chatting with people about their discoveries in the garden.” He continues: “I think there’s a miscomprehension that gardening is the same wherever, but. of course. soil condition and climate vary wildly across the UK, so the same methods and processes can offer vastly different outcomes, depending on where you are, and that’s what makes the whole thing so challenging, yet, at the same time, so rewarding.” When quizzed on what Monty is asked about the most, sadly it’s conversations about the dreaded weeds that fill most of his time. “I think in any relationship there have to be challenges, and the majority of gardeners I know will obsess more over weeds than they will any other kind of enemy in the garden. But the reality is, they needn’t. If you have a weed problem, you simply dig them out. It’s not a big deal – you just weed. It’s common sense. On the whole, these problems all even out and resolve themselves. I’ll never understand why gardeners are obsessed by problems; everything, if it’s in balance, will sort itself out. Gardening is not about solving problems – it’s about making things beautiful.
“I think the great thing about these shows is sharing experiences and chatting with people about their discoveries in the garden” “Ultimately, you have to work with nature from day one. Where does the sun rise? Where does the sun set? Where does the wind blow from, mainly? Which are the dry bits? Which are the wet bits? What’s growing well? “It may look to the outsider just like a mass of grass and weeds, but actually they are all plants, and every single plant will tell you something about the soil. Take stock of what is there even if, to the untrained eye, that’s not much. Everything will tell a story. Then, as you start to grow things, concentrate all your efforts into growing healthy plants in healthy soil. “But most of all, enjoy what you do – that’s the real secret of gardening.” Monty Don will be appearing at Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham, from June 16th to 19th.
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CULTURE
Photo Credit: Jamie Baker
Brighton Fringe Camille O’Sullivan sings the songs of one of her greatest inspirations, Jacques Brel, the master of emotional storytelling in song. At Brighton Spiegeltent, from 12th to 15th May. www.brightonfringe.org.
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