Portfolio Magazine, November/December 2016 by PORTFOLIO publications

November / December 2016

Special festive competition

WIN! Family stocking-fillers galore & food hamper

FROZEN

It’s showtime!

Craig Revel Horwood INTERVIEW

An Ice experience at Sweden’s Icehotel 365

Let us entertain you

With the best party homes for sale & Gizzi Erskine’s favourite feasts

How to sell your home at Christmas + 20 pages of stunning interiors

SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE

Gifts Glamour FREE

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INSIDE 5 6

Calendar, page 27

Collection, page 64

9 14

ZSTa : An elegant extension

16 18

Home Tips : How to sell your home in December

Legal matters : Howlett Clarke discuss positive initiatives for home buyers

27 35

New homes : Channel views from Southern Space Talk Money : Investments – what are the risks?

Property News

Calendar : Out and about in November & December What’s Trending this month

Property who’s who : Princetons’ launch in Kemp Town

COVER STORY : Competition - Christmas gifts for all the family in our special giveaway bonanza!

54 63 64 74 New homes, page 9

Hill House & Home Truths

COVER STORY : Frozen – Sweden’s Icehotel 365 On the Drawing Board : Our latest planning pinboard Winter Collection : Let us entertain you, in these party spaces Out and about : Property professionals lunch ... 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 Stephen Lawrence www.snapitnow.co.uk

Frozen, page 54

Craig Revel Horwood, page 112

WIN! A standing desk in our special competition

Put it away : RED Joinery’s innovative storage solutions

Benchmark Windows : Showcasing äir doors

90 95 96

Interiors : A festival of festive glamour

Recipe, page 99

Shopping : Christmas gifts for the home

Escape to the country : Lewes and Southease Restaurant review : Holy cow! Miller & Carter Brighton Celebrity recipes : Gizzi Erskine’s winter favourites

102

Style : The highs and lows

104 106 109 110

Bigger Picture : Jeremy’s Grand Tour

112

Competition Time, page 82

Local news from around the city Community : Seasonal charity news Golf Guy : Innovate or die warning COVER STORY : INTERVIEW Craig Revel Horwood

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

THE HILL HOUSE

any people don’t like change. Routine can be comforting and familiar, helping us to feel in control. I started life that way, and I see it now in my youngest son, who thrives on routine and – even as a toddler – would chuckle with glee on returning home to his own bed after holidays. One of the advantages of growing older, though, is a lessening need for stability and sameness, and a greater propensity to embrace change. This can be accompanied, I’ve found, by a reduction in the amount that one cares about what other people think – even more so if one happens to be pregnant, too. Don’t dare jump the queue in front of me right now, treat me as less than human because I happen to be female / shaped like a weeble / no longer 22, and don’t – whatever you do – try and tell me my views on Brexit / remaining in Europe are somehow invalid. I’m still not talking to my father-in-law post-referendum (it seems he too has age-related disinhibition, his circular emails on the subject of ‘foreigners’ and other delights tipped me over the edge), and if Donald Trump were to encounter me after a trip on Southern Rail these last few months, I doubt there’d be much of his toupee left clinging to that startlingly orange head.

"The last 18 months have seen so much change it makes my head spin" I am reflecting on change as we await the newest Hill family member; due one week today, this weekend is likely to be our last as a four-person (plus three cat and two dog) family. The last 18 months have seen so much change it makes my head spin. Political and social change aside, who in their right mind voluntarily leaves a very well-paid professional job, rebuilds their entire house (living in it for the duration), takes on a big new job a week before they find out they are pregnant (in their 40s!).. whilst tackling exchange students, faulty new cars, bankrupt builders, leaking roofs (and walls), broken bones and serious family illness…? The list is endless. It’s like someone hit the accelerator, and forgot about the brakes. As we hurtle towards Christmas and the end of the year – and I sit here and contemplate the pile of baby clothes and toys stacked up in the corner – I realise that’s what the universe has been trying to teach me (by teach, obviously I mean hit me hard about the head until the lesson sinks in), repeatedly: Change happens, whether or not you want it. You’re better off putting your energy into building the new (as Socrates said), than worrying and resisting it. Go with it in 2017 and see what happens – make that your Christmas present to yourself. I’ll see you on the other side of the labour ward.

HOME TRUTHS PUT THE KETTLE ON: I NEED TO START THE CAR Er, why? Are you taking your coffee to go? No, I need to defrost the windscreen! It's freezing out there. Leaving home to find your car entombed in ice is a right pain; there’s nothing like wasting precious minutes trying to scrape and spray the ice away to make you late for work. And cold. The trouble with hot water, though, if its cold enough it will just re-freeze, and you could be there all day.

I’ve got a credit card… and I can turn the engine on… Turning the engine on and waiting for the windscreen to warm inside out is, unless you own an exceptional vehicle, probably the slowest way of ditching the ice in the morning. According to science geek website iflscience.com, the most effective way to de-ice is fast and cheap: keep a mixture of one part water and two parts rubbing alcohol (isopropyl – available in hardware stores, and on ebay) to hand. Isopropyl has a freezing point of -89°C (-128°F) so the solution not only doesn't freeze, it actually helps to lower the freezing point of water and melts the frost away – like magic.

Crikey – it smells pretty heady. We’d better hide that stuff when Uncle Jack comes for Christmas. That’s a fair point, and may explain why it’s tricky to buy rubbing alcohol in pharmacies here. In the US, it is available very cheaply almost anywhere (which may explain a lot). It might work with the Christmas brandy, but I’m not sure I want to waste it that way. Of course, prevention is cheaper – and easier – than cure. Just don’t let the car ice up in the first place.

And how do you suggest I do that?

Kate Hill

Well, if you’ve got a garage or carport – use it. We don’t, so do the next best thing – simply remember to cover windscreens with newspaper or some cloth at night, and you’ll wake up to clear windscreens in the morning. Meaning you can use that hot water for coffee, and forget about the alcohol fumes (for now). PORTFOLIO 5

ARCHITECTURE

ELEGANT EXTENSION The challenge: a highly contemporary extension to a traditional and substantial detached residence. ZST architects take us through the project

The Brief: An exciting opportunity was brought to Brighton-based ZST architects to imagine and create a highly contemporary extension to a traditional and substantial detached residence. The owners of this secluded private home wished to extend the current kitchen to take full advantage of panoramic views available, southwards across the open countryside. The clients wanted to create a contemporary family living area that was refined, elegant and minimalist, clearly distinguishable from the original fabric of the building and yet harmonious by way of counterpoint. The existing rear living room was underutilised by the family because of its distance and separation from the remaining social spaces, despite offering excellent views to the south of the mature gardens and countryside. An adjacent courtyard, which provided the opportunity for outside dining, was similarly not taken full advantage of, mainly due to the weather! Over the years the original house had benefitted from a number of organic extensions which were small-scale in nature. All of these extensions read as if they are part of the 6 PORTFOLIO

original house and camouflage themselves, to a degree, through careful detailing and use of materials. The exception to this was the most recent rear extension, from 2001, which replaced a previous conservatory structure.

"The concept for the extension was as a floating horizontal roof plane, whose emphasis would offer clear counterpoint to the existing building form" This room, conceived as a flexible family space, appeared inconsistent with the house due to the shallow pitch of the roof, the large run of white UPVC glazing and the overall projection of this element onto the rear patio. ZST architects proposed the demolition of the incongruous family-room extension, replacing it with a new, minimalist, open-plan space to extend across the rear of the house,

incorporating the current outdoor courtyard. The proposal would serve to link a currently incoherent set of spaces (kitchen, family room and courtyard) to become a single area, casually defined through furniture zones, and all bound by the exceptional southward views to the mature gardens and countryside beyond. ZST architects worked closely with the clients in a design-led process to create a refined, sustainable single-storey structure, carefully detailed and proportioned. This elegant structure was designed to lightly enclose the spaces within, using transparency to blur the conventional boundary of interior and exterior. The appearance was intentionally distinct from the rest of the house, respecting the authenticity of the original home. As the views were to the south, ZST architects designed the extension to benefit from passive solar gain working in conjunction with high ‘thermal mass’ floors, and balanced this with the need to shade against over-heating and passive ventilation for cooling. The architects therefore sought to maximise the opportunity of this orientation and reduce the ongoing energy demands on the whole of the property. The concept for the extension was as a floating horizontal roof plane, whose emphasis

ARCHITECTURE

would offer clear counterpoint to the existing building form. Yet the materials were carefully selected to sit well with the original: a fine rusted-metal mesh forms the leading edge of this roof plane and blends well with the existing brick work. Back-lighting the mesh in the evenings creates a theatrical and dramatic impression. The overhang of the roof plane was to provide solar shading, taking the edge off excessive solar gain at high sun angles (midday summer sun). Furthermore, during these hot summer periods, bespoke sliding doors and a roof light aperture could also be opened to create crossventilation through the space. During other times of the year the lower angle of the sun can penetrate to the interiors and its heat will be preserved within the ‘thermal mass’ of the floor. The floor will give its heat back to the room in the cooler evenings and even into the cooler seasons. ZST architects worked collaboratively with the client to deliver a high-end result, creating a light, open kitchen and family area with a high-quality finish and a real sense of space from the fluid transition between the interior and exterior spaces. With enhanced technical performance, an improved functional arrangement and greater connectivity with gardens and far-reaching views, the clients are now enjoying the new family space in their bespoke, design-led home.

Client Testimonial “We had previously worked with Nick Stickland of ZSTa on other projects and we were not let down when we used them to work on the extension of our home. We ended up with a fantastic design that showed real attention to detail. For example, Nick suggested having the mirrored supporting posts so that our panoramic view remained clear. ZSTa were always helpful and pleasant to work with. A great result that has transformed our house, balancing the original old house and this modern extension." Sarah - Client

For design-led, bespoke solutions and sustainable outcomes, contact: ZSTa, 3 Dorset Place , Brighton BN2 1ST 01273 964 051 | www.zsta.co.uk | Twitter: @ZSTaUK PORTFOLIO 7

CLAREMONT HEIGHTS DENTON

Beautiful homes, exceptional views Coming Soon! A beautiful selection of three and four bedroom houses set in Denton, Newhaven. Prices from ÂŁ337,500 Reserve early to get ÂŁ5,000 towards your stamp duty, legal fees and moving costs.* Register your interest now

www.claremontheights.com 01273 487444 *Incentive based on early reservation and Southern Space reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

NEW homes

CHANNEL VIEWS Southern Space have appointed Oakley to sell their prestigious new development with exceptional views in Denton, Newhaven

laremont Heights in Denton, Newhaven offers a selection of three-and fourbedroom houses, situated in an unrivalled elevated position, offering stunning views across Newhaven, the Port and English Channel. There are 10 three-bedroom and three four-bedroom detached houses, all benefiting from garages, gardens and large viewing balconies. David Beaken of Oakley’s commented: “The detached show home at Claremont Heights is really impressive, sitting proudly on a large corner plot with stunning views towards the sea, it really is a must-see development. Southern Space have excelled themselves with this development, and the specification and sense of space throughout these houses is first class”. Claremont Heights is positioned at the top of Mount Pleasant on Claremont Road, within comfortable walking distance to the town centre and train station, with easy links to Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and London. David continued, “All the houses offer something a little different, but the quality of finish and attention to detail are fantastic throughout. The houses all offer versatile accommodation on several levels, meaning they suit a wide range of households.” Steve Underwood from Southern Space

commented: “We always look to include cuttingedge design, but it also has to be practical. Our aim is to think of everything, so at the end of the day you can relax, put your feet up and know it’s all been well done. We also believe in conservation, so in all our homes we take great care with insulation, energy-efficient lighting, heating and appliances, dual-flush WCs, and low-flow taps. This is genuinely Eco-friendly, and good for the household bills, too!”

"The houses all offer versatile accommodation on several levels, meaning they suit a wide range of households" When it comes to the design and finish the houses all have Symphony Woodbury range high-gloss white-finish kitchens, with Sylmar Maia solid work surfaces and fitted Bosch appliances. The bath and shower rooms offer Ideal Standard sanitary ware, with a dual-fuel chrome towel rail and Stone Pebble polished tiles. The flooring throughout the rest of the house is a mixture of oatmeal-coloured carpets

and engineered solid-oak flooring. Steve continued: “At Claremont Heights we’ve taken special care to build to the highest standards, while being kind to the environment too. From the day you move in, we want you to be truly delighted with the comfort, security and all-round quality of your new home. And it’s not just words - this commitment is recognised by each home receiving its National HouseBuilding Council-backed ten-year warranty.” Completion of Claremont Heights is set for early 2017, so you can be in your new home at the start of the New Year. The development will be formally launched in January, when customers will have a chance to view the show home. However, Oakley are offering the opportunity to take advantage of some generous incentives available to those interested in purchasing a home ahead of the formal launch. They are offering £5,000 towards your stamp duty, legal and moving costs*. David added, “The offer is available to those who are interested in reserving ahead of the show home launch in the New Year, and it offers early birds the opportunity to pick their favourite plot.” Prices start from £337,500 and there is a range of sizes and styles to choose from. For more information visit www.claremontheights.com or contact David Beaken on 01273 487444 or email david@oakleyproperty.com

*Incentive based on early reservation, and Southern Space reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time *Images used are computer generated images and should be used as a guide only and cannot be relied upon to detail exact outlook or finishes

PORTFOLIO 9

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TALK money

RISK ASSESSMENT Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money asks the question: Investments - what are the risks?

espite the interest rates being currently low, many people are still investing in building society or bank accounts. At times of change and stock market fluctuation cash investments provide security. It is considered a safe home for many people’s money, and a sensible place to keep funds you may need in the short term. It is well known that many other types of investment come with risk which can be offputting to some people. There are many types of risk which often people get confused, here I will explain three of the main types. At times of low interest rates the interest received on your cash investments may be lower than the rate of inflation. This means that the real value of your capital could reduce over time. The term for this is inflation risk. At the other end of the scale, people could buy shares in a specific company. This can be a much higher risk as you are relying on one specific company’s performance – this is called specific risk. You may invest in a number of different assets, such as investing in a portfolio arranged

14 PORTFOLIO

by a financial adviser. Typically this would spread your investment across a number of different assets according to your level of risk. This could include company shares, property, fixed interest or gilts and cash. By diversifying across a broad range of assets the overall risk level is potentially reduced. This type of investment, however, will be affected by the movements in the overall market – this is called systemic risk.

“The investment would be set at a risk level you feel comfortable with” To explain this further if you invest in a broad, well diversified portfolio the value of your investment will vary as the market fluctuates. However, as you are invested in a range of assets your money is more widely spread. This means that if one area reduces in value often a

different area will react differently to the market conditions. The different areas of investment have different risk levels, for example the shares in your portfolio will be deemed higher risk, however, the fixed interest or gilts will have a lower risk level. The investment would be set at a risk level you feel comfortable with. Investments of this type should be for funds you do not need to access in the short term. This gives the investment time to ride through market fluctuations. You should always leave sufficient capital in cash for your shorter term needs. If you would like advice on any of the above issues, or need independent financial advice please call me Claire Cook on 01273 224667. I offer a free initial consultation and would be very happy to assist. 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

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HOME tips

WINTER SALES Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe anyone who says that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell a home during the party season. You can make your home sparkle by maximising the twinkle factor while keeping festive decorating minimal

Six tips for successful seasonal selling

Minimalism rules for tasteful, nondistracting decorations. Less is more – keep to one colour of tinsel and baubles that complements your existing colour scheme for a stylish look, and don’t go overboard with the amount of decorating you do.

Keep your Christmas decorating in line with the style of your property – cottages suit traditional and classic styles, whereas new apartments can take more contemporary decorating. Keeping in style means your decorations become part of the house rather than competing with or over-shadowing it.

nna Hart is an expert in staging homes for sale, working with house sellers to maximise their chances of selling as quickly and as profitably as possible. She says: “Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t sell your house at Christmas. It may be more difficult to sell during the traditional housing market ‘slow’ months of December and early January, with fewer active buyers due to a widespread family and party focus, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There’s even a wonderful opportunity for sellers, as buyers at Christmas are likely to be serious ones, so you could well secure a great sale while everyone else is out stocking-filler shopping or regretting the office party.”

"Tasteful and stylish decorations can enhance the warm, homely feel of your living areas, as long as they don’t take over the whole show" So how do you make sure your doors are fully open to the Christmas-time buyer without ignoring the festive season altogether? Balance and subtlety, that’s how. But first of all, you must follow Anne’s single cast-iron rule: no Christmas decorations in property photos. And only in the home over the minimal festive

Thanks to www.zoopla.co.uk

period and only then with care. During December itself, the decorations will only serve to distract buyers from the room you’re trying to show them. Christmas trees and decorations ‘date’ your photos, so if you are still on the market in the New Year, people will know immediately how long your house has been for sale. Particularly bad is leaving those decorated photos on your listing into spring; it will send a very negative message that no-one wants your house. So if you are just about to put your house on the market or you’re planning to during the next month, leave the decorations in their boxes until after your house has been photographed. When the time does come for putting the tree up and decking the halls, here is your opportunity to make a conscious decision. Do you want to prioritise your house sale or Christmas this year? If it’s your house sale, then decorating with a subtle hand is the best option. Tasteful, stylish decorations can enhance the warm, homely feel of your living areas, as long as they don’t take over the whole show. But if you do want to shower your house with a Christmas cannon and give the festive season all you’ve got, then you should make this decision in the knowledge that buyers may be overwhelmed by your decorations and may not be able to fully appreciate the space they’re trying to view. It’s completely fine to do this; just be aware that you could be putting your house sale on the back burner until January. Read more helpful tips in Anna’s e-book www.annahartconsultancy.co.uk

If you’re not so keen on a minimal or stylish look, try keeping your Christmas decorating to one room only, typically the living room. This will minimise the effect while still allowing you to indulge your own taste.

Make sure your Christmas tree isn’t too big for the room; in the same way as wedging a king-size bed into a small double bedroom will make that room appear very cramped, an over-sized tree will also make your room seem smaller than it is. Size matters with rooms, so scale back your tree size to complement and enhance your room, and make sure viewers don’t have to squeeze past the tree to get to the window or the next room.

Be conscious that all the extra things we tend to have in our houses over December can make the house look very cluttered. Extra furniture for guests, bags of presents and giant food stocks take up valuable space you need to be showing off, so try to keep these items out of sight for viewings.

If you really don’t think you can follow these tips, then it might be a good idea to come off the market until the New Year. No viewings may actually be better than bad viewings, and you can start your marketing again, once Christmas is over, with a renewed sense of purpose and focus.

PROPERTY news

PROPERTY NEWS BUY-TO-LET ENQUIRIES SOAR AS MARKET RETURNS Buyer enquiries from potential landlords and investors are now up 30 per cent since May, according to Rightmove, with newly-marketed rental properties up six per cent in the third quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2015. London continues to lead the way for new supply, with a year-on-year increase of 15 per cent over the same period. Asking rents are up slightly this quarter, rising 0.5 per cent to £779 per month. It’s the North West that has risen most this quarter, up 2.0 per cent, followed by Scotland, up 1.5 per cent. London continues its downward trend, staying under £2,000 per month and annually down 1.5 per cent.

ZOOPLA STAFF MOVE INTO CENTRAL LONDON DIGS Zoopla has moved into a new headquarters, a 45,000 square foot property adjacent to Tower Bridge in central London. The new offices will host almost 500 of its 750 staff working on the Zoopla and PrimeLocation portals as well as utility switching site uSwitch and industry software supplier Property Software Group. The premises include what Zoopla Property Group’s press release described as “themed areas, meeting rooms and break-out spaces” and include a living room, dining room, wine cellar, study, media room, conservatory, library, terrace and even a treehouse. Since its launch eight years ago, ZPG has grown from a handful of employees into a FTSE 250 business with over 750 employees. “This move marks another exciting chapter in our journey, and it is great to have all our London-based staff under one roof,” says Alex Chesterman, Founder and Chief Executive of Zoopla Property Group.

ESTAS IN LINK UP WITH FEEFO The ESTAS Group, which runs the national customer feedback scheme and produces the largest annual awards event for the residential agency sector, has announced a new partnership with the global rating and reviews company Feefo. Feefo is a company requesting genuine customer reviews on behalf of businesses. Founded in 2010 it has offices in the UK, US, Asia and Australia, and works with over 2,500 brands in total. With The ESTAS Group, it will work on recognising excellence in customer service and, in their words, “building trust and transparency across the property industry.” “There’s a lot of synergy between the two organisations, both being committed to highlighting excellent customer service in the property sector.” says Simon Brown, ESTAS founder. Andrew Mabbutt, chief executive of Feefo, says that the UK property sector is “a huge focus” for his company “and one where we know genuine verified customer feedback can make a big difference.

18 PORTFOLIO

HAMPTONS RELAY AROUND THE REGIONS Relay Around the Regions is a Hamptons International, company-wide fundraiser, in which over 300 individuals from around the business travel between their 85 branches using various modes of transport, passing on the ‘baton.’ This took place in October, coinciding with the ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ national campaign and raising money for Cancer Research UK. Over twenty different types of transport were used, from running and cycling to kayaking and even tractor! Hamptons have been supporting Cancer Research UK since 2013 and have raised over £170,000 and counting. Read more about these and other stories at www.estateagenttoday.co.uk

AWARD WINNING FIRM

OAKLEY’S MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING The Oakley team in Lewes joined thousands of others around the country in their support of Macmillan Cancer Support last month. Oakley hosted a Macmillan coffee morning at their High Street office and raised over £180. Director David Beaken commented: "It was amazing to see so many friends, colleagues and clients out to support the cause. To raise nearly £200 for Macmillan was amazing, and I know it will be gratefully received." As well as coffee and lots of homemade cake, there was a raffle taking place, with some fantastic prizes, including vouchers from the kind people at Lemongrass and Bill's, along with a golf day at Goodwood, donated by Kew Electrical. If you would like to support Macmillan and the team at Oakley, you can donate £5 by texting BUN 9GWF to 70550.

Residential Conveyancing

Lawyers for Life

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ZST ARCHITECTS: END-OF-SUMMER PARTY AND INTERACTIVE #BRIGHT50 WALL Brighton-based ZST architects hosted a party last month at Brighton University's new Edward Street venue, and cocktails were catered for by local company Gin and Bear it. Using a 4m x 2m map, ZSTa invited their guests to pin their ideas on and help push the conversation about their #Bright50 campaign forward. Established for three years, ZST architects have quickly found themselves deeply involved in the regeneration of the city. Their Bright50 campaign invites Bright ideas from the public to regenerate Brighton & Hove to celebrate the Brighton Festival’s 50th anniversary. Using their connections, they hope to collaborate with other businesses to bring these ideas to life. They will be taking this discussion further by launching ‘Bright Future’ in 2017 to help keep the residents' voice present in the regeneration of Brighton & Hove. ZST architects have been active in suggesting the regeneration of sites, including Edward Street, The Gasometer &amp, Victoria Gardens, and these have all been identified for potential redevelopment within the council's Local Plan. www.zsta.co.uk

investor with a portfolio of properties you will need a specialist conveyancing solicitor to conduct your property sale or purchase and once you instruct Cunningtons, a fully experienced legal professional will be assigned to work on your behalf. We understand that moving house can be a very stressful time and our team will make sure your move goes quickly and smoothly.

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Tel: 01273 725229 Freephone: 0800 9777 887 www.cunningtons.co.uk

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brandvaughan are the only student letting specialists to guarantee your rent at no extra cost.*

talk to us now about letting your student property in the new year. your student lettings experts...

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student listings manager 01273 22 11 01

ARLA

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student listings manager 01273 22 11 01

CITYSCAPE SNOWDOGS BY THE SEA

“I need a home” Auction of Snowdogs sculptures - Tuesday 6th December 2016 at Brighton Corn Exchange www.snowdogsbythesea.co.uk/auction Photo: Vervate photography

LEGAL matters

NEW YEAR, NEW HOUSING Warren Robertson, a partner at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke looks at positive initiatives for house-buying

here was discouraging news for first time buyers after Philip Hammond announced that the Help to Buy scheme closes at the end of the year. The initiative, which was introduced by George Osborne, allowed buyers to purchase properties with a 5% deposit, subject to eligibility, with the Government then guaranteeing the next 15%. It has so far helped around 86,000 people onto the property ladder. Whilst prices may have declined in some areas post-Brexit, affordability is still a significant problem in many places. The South, including Brighton and Hove, is a prime example. The justification is that Help to Buy has achieved what it set out to do. Other commentators have added that it has only worsened the supply and demand problem as there are simply too few homes available. It had been hoped that the changes in the Conservative Party following David Cameron’s resignation may have resulted in either the scrapping or watering down of the changes in the buy to let market. Changes in tax rules, due to come into force in February, will hit a significant number of buy to let landlords, and it is expected many will choose to exit the market rather than run properties at a loss. An extra 3% Stamp Duty has been payable on second homes for some time now. The irony of the buy to let changes is that it is estimated an extra 1.8 million rental properties will be needed by 2025. This could mean that house buying becomes increasingly

unaffordable whilst there will be an increasing shortage of rental properties. Rent will likely rise to offset additional landlord costs and any shortage of available properties. Should this happen, both owning and renting properties could become ever more expensive. Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas remain popular, and that is unlikely to change. As would be expected, eco builds and developments with a strong green focus are increasing features around the city. Sources of renewable energy are becoming more the norm.

"The irony of the buy to let changes is that it is estimated an extra 1.8 million rental properties will be needed by 2025" Large new developments are also required to set aside a certain number of units for social housing, which could be for key workers such as doctors, nurses and police. Typically, this is achieved by shared ownership, where a person buys, say, 50% of a property and rents the remaining 50% with an option to buy further shares in the future.

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

It could be, with increasing pressures on supply and demand, coupled with affordability, that different forms of ownership could become a feature in the future, shared ownership just being one of those. The Brighton Rocket development in St James Street, for instance, has been offering 40% shared ownership, so a £335,000 property can be bought for £134,000 with rent payable on the remaining 60%. The new development at Brighton Marina has similar offerings starting at 25% ownership. Affordability will continue to be an issue locally, but perhaps one that can be tackled by an innovative approach going forwards, and developers embracing different forms of ownership as opposed to seeing them as an inconvenience they legally have to comply with. QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke has over 240 years’ experience in Conveyancing in the UK and offer a no-move, no-fee guarantee. Contact someone from the team for one-toone friendly advice on 01273 838742. Solicitor Warren Robertson is a partner at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke 96 Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UJ 01273 838742 www.howlettclarke.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 23

att

Estates a

DITCHLING | OIRO £1,900,000 Beautiful 'Arts & Crafts' style detached country house - 7 bedrooms - 7 reception rooms - 3 bathrooms - Bespoke, handmade kitchen - Facility to provide self contained annex - Impeccably kept landscaped gardens & grounds of approx. 1.2 acres - 2 detached studios

DITCHLING | OIRO £795,000 Spacious and detached chalet bungalow - Larger than average plot - Light and airy feel - 4 bedrooms - 3 reception rooms - 2 bathrooms - Detached double garage - Detached 2 storey brick building in the rear garden

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

BEAUTIFUL HOME Ditchling

ith origins dating back to the early 1900s ‘Cleves’ is a sizable family home, and was once the residence of Edward Johnson, the famous calligraphist, known for designing the font used on all the London underground signage.

The property provides plentiful space with a large, light reception hall feeding all the principle reception rooms. The majority of the reception rooms are south-facing and have wonderful views out over the rear garden. Particular features of the property are the bespoke handmade kitchen, parquet flooring and the master suite with walk-in dressing room, en-suite bathroom and a south-facing balcony looking over the beautiful gardens and towards the South Downs. The large gardens are stunning and regularly feature in the Ditchling open gardens.

Lewes Road, Ditchling, BN6 8TU Price: OIRO £1,300,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: South-facing balcony; Beautifully landscaped gardens; Parquet flooring Best Bits: Master suite with en-suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room; Glorious views of the South Downs Chatt Estates 34 High Street, Ditchling, BN6 8TA 01273 844500 www.chattestates.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 25

ConCept By

Christopher Dean

Creative DireCtor & Choreographer

BRIGHTON CENTRE 4-8 JANUARY 2017

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT! 0844 847 1538 www.brightoncentre.co.uk

*calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access charge

CALENDAR of events

November/December Our pick of November and December events. Ice-skating, pantos, and comedy and cultural legends

Hig Our hlig ht

2 November to 5 March Photo-punk:

40 images from the birth of punk by Ian Dickson and Kevin Cummins A new display at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery will explore the birth of UK punk through 40 photographs by Kevin Cummins and Ian Dickson, as the music, fashion and cultural movement celebrates its 40th anniversary. Exhibiting together for the first time, these vanguard photographers created extraordinary images of new wave bands including The Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Clash, Buzzcocks and Siouxsie & the Banshees. Initially self-taught, Brighton’s Ian Dickson started photographing rock stars in 1972 and joined the NME in 1973. After a short stint with National Rockstar, he was offered the position of staff photographer with Sounds, and was in the front line when UK punk exploded in 1976. After studying photography in Salford Kevin Cummins quickly became the premier documenter of Manchester’s burgeoning punk scene. He had a 25-year career with the NME, where he became chief photographer, going on to be a founding contributor of The Face and a contributor to myriad national and international publications. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. brightonmuseums.org.uk

Photo courtesy of Ian Dickson

November 5 to January 15 Royal Pavilion Ice Rink The South East’s most beautiful winter ice rink, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, will open for its seventh year from November 5 on the Royal Pavilion’s East Lawn in Brighton. With the former Royal pleasure palace as the backdrop and huge rink side bar and restaurant with a 40 metre terrace, this hidden gem of a rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those who want to skate in a twinkling setting as well as sit down to eat après ice. Royal Pavilion, 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE

10 November Billy Bragg Billy Bragg, bard of Barking, singer songwriter, political activist, and musical historian has made no secret of his obsession with the songs and the mythology of the Americas, not least those of his artistic and philosophical forebear Woody Guthrie. With his friend and collaborator, US singer songwriter Joe Henry, he has made an album that focuses on the transformative part the railroad played in disseminating the songs that gave birth to the rock’n’roll era. St. George’s Church, Kemp Town, Brighton, 7.30pm

More events continued over the page

CALENDAR of events

14 December A Celebration of David Bowie and Philip Glass Charles Hazlewood conducts Army of Generals and members of the British Paraorchestra in David Bowie and Philip Glass’ Heroes Symphony and Low Symphony The British Paraorchestra (BPO) is the world’s first professional ensemble of disabled musicians, founded by Charles Hazlewood and television director, Claire Whalley in November 2011. Following their world debut at the Paralympic Closing Ceremony in 2012 alongside Coldplay, the BPO is pioneering a global movement to recognise and showcase disabled musicians with extraordinary abilities. De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, 7pm. www.dlwp.com

13-31 December Brighton: Sunny Afternoon Sunny Afternoon is a Christmas show with a difference. Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Sunny Afternoon is an irresistible musical with slick theatricality and ingenious storytelling at its heart. It tells the captivating tale of how one of Britain’s greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to stardom. Step into swinging 60s Britain and discover how The Kinks found their definitive sound that rocked a nation and influenced generations. Featuring the iconic hits You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, All Day and All of the Night, Lola, Sunny Afternoon and many more, this production fizzes with energy, and is a fresh new ‘Great British Musical’ (The Times) that will make your spirits soar.

17 – 31 December Chichester: Peter Pan

Theatre Royal, Brighton. For full details, times and prices, visit www.theatreroyalbrighton.com

Chichester Youth Theatre present J M Barrie’s magical tale: 'The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.' With Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, Director Dale Rooks has been presenting captivating productions for over a decade including the Christmas show in the Festival Theatre. In 2015, CFYT received the prestigious UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People for Running Wild. Chichester Festival Theatre. For full details, times and prices, visit www.cft.org.uk

16 December David Brent & Foregone Conclusion Life On The Road is the debut album by David Brent & Foregone Conclusion, available now. David Brent is the character created and made world famous by the brilliant Ricky Gervais as part of his ground breaking, award winning BBC2 comedy ‘The Office’. The album was released in conjunction with the original motion picture David Brent: Life On The Road. Tickets for the live shows featuring Ricky Gervais’ alter ego David Brent have been selling out… Only Ricky Gervais could make a fictional middleaged sales rep being uncool both entertaining and excruciating. Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk

CALENDAR of events

24 November Catherine Tate The critically acclaimed, awardwinning comedian and actor Catherine Tate, in her new live show 'The Catherine Tate Show Live'. In never seen before sketches, the tour will unite some of Catherine's best-known characters from her hugely successful BBC series 'The Catherine Tate Show'. The cast will include 'Nan' Taylor; Irish nurse Bernie; Geordie Georgie; Essex girl Sam…and the return of a certain argumentative teenager… Guest starring Mathew Horne & Nicky Wardley. Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk

13 December Super Furry Animals 19 November Professor Brian Cox Live Coming to venues across UK and Ireland in autumn 2016 is the hotly anticipated tour by physicist, TV presenter and author Professor Brian Cox, OBE. The show will take audiences on a dazzling journey through space and time, delving into ‘high science’ and freewheeling on the edges of the known cosmos. Whether an avid science reader or a total novice, Professor Brian Cox Live will test the limits of our knowledge and make highly complex ideas accessible to all.

21-23 November Billy Connolly Legendary Comedian, Billy Connolly brings his High Horse Tour to the Brighton Centre. Hailed as the UK’s most influential comedian of all time, voted best comedian of all time by the UK’s Channel 4, and included as one of the Huffington Post’s favourite UK comedians. Billy Connolly is a stand-up comedian, actor, musician, TV presenter and artist. After an apprenticeship as a welder in his hometown of Glasgow, he became a professional performer in 1962, forming “The Humblebums” band with Gerry Rafferty, before pursuing a solo career as a comedian. Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Super Furry Animals are on the move again, boarding their boogie bus for the Fuzzy Logic/ Radiator Tour. It's good news for Furries fans, young, old and in the middle, the band has announced a multi-format reissue of their 1996 debut, Fuzzy Logic on BMG, including top 20 hits, Something 4 The Weekend and If You Don’t Want Me to Destroy You. A bonus disc of essential tracks, titled Lost On The Bypass Road also emerges from the deep well of the Furries archive to accompany the release. Brighton Dome, 8pm. www.brightondome.org

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

18 November Vivienne Westwood: Vivienne Westwood in conversation with Caroline Lucas

One of the icons of our age: Fashion designer, activist, co-creator of punk and a global brand, Vivienne Westwood’s career has successfully spanned five decades and her work has influenced millions of people across the world. Told in all its glamour and glory, and with her unique voice, unexpected perspective and passionate honesty, Westwood's newly published diary, Get a Life!, is fresh and unpredictable. It is generously illustrated with her own selection of irresistible images. Her thoughts are as fascinating and provocative as you would expect from Britain's punk dame - a woman who always Come back says exactly what she believes. Copies of Get a Life will be on sale on the night at a special price. in the New Brighton Dome, 7.30pm. www.brightondome.org

Year for our top picks in January 2017

maslen.co.uk

Hollingbury Road, Brighton

Â£375,000

LEASEHOLD TO INCLUDE A SHARE OF FREEHOLD

A fabulous 3 bedroom maisonette situated in this extremely popular residential area close to fiveways The property benefits from many features with generous accommodation arranged over two floors and a great roof terrace with far reaching views. Energy Rating D64.

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

LEWES ROAD

WOODINGDEAN

HOVE

FIVEWAYS

BEAUTIFUL HOME Hove

n exceptional family home. This well-presented, spacious, bay-fronted 1930s semi-detached family home is situated within close proximity to Blatchington Mill School and Hove Park

with easy links to the A27 and A23. The property benefits from a well-stocked 60ft west-facing rear garden with patio and raised decking, west-facing balcony, three double bedrooms, a single detached garage and a wealth of original features. Further benefits include the advantage of extensive loft space, with scope for development, subject to the necessary consents.

Frant Road, Hove, BN3 7QS Price: ÂŁ569,950 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Extras: Close to Blatchington Mill School; Convenient for motorways; Excellent condition throughout Best Bits: 60 ft west-facing garden; Wealth of original features; Balcony Maslen Estate Agents 174 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DJ 01273 321000 maslen.co.uk PORTFOLIOâ&#x20AC;&#x2021; 31

Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas & New Year We look forward to helping you with a successful move in 2017 R VE E O RIC LD G P SO KIN AS

R VE E O RIC LD G P SO KIN AS

Beaconsfield Villas Blakers Park BN1 £895,000 Freehold

The Old Forge, Portslade Village BN41 £450,000 Freehold

Exceptional & substantial four bed period home.

Stunning Grade II listed house. Beautiful throughout,

Two bathrooms, Landscaped gardens. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

two bedrooms, west facing garden. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

R VE E O PRIC D L G SO KIN AS

Clyde Road, Preston Circus BN1 £685,000 Freehold

Kensington Place, North Laine BN1 £600,000 Freehold

Substantial four bedroom period home.

Beautiful Grade II listed period house in the heart of North Laine.

Beautiful throughout. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

R VE E O PRIC LD G SO KIN S A

Hollingbury Park Avenue, Fiveways BN1 £550,000 Freehold

Waldegrave Road, Blakers Park BN1 £725,000 Freehold

Elegant three bed period home, grand principle rooms,

Gorgeous four bedroom period house in highly sought after location.

level 70ft garden. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

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

A small selection of Exceptional properties Sold by Knight & Knoxley in 2016 R VE E O RIC LD G P SO KIN AS

R VE E O RIC LD G P SO KIN AS

Yardley Street, Preston Circus BN1 £550,000 Freehold

Beaconsfield Road, City Centre BN1 £445,000 Freehold

Attractive three bedroom house, stunning throughout,

Lovely three bedroom period home, full of original features,

close to city centre. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

fantastic location. View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

R VE E O PRIC D L G SO KIN AS

London Road, City Centre BN1 £385,000 Leasehold

Elm Grove, BN2 £207,000 Leasehold

Exceptional two bedroom apartment with landscaped garden.

Beautiful First floor split level apartment, close to City Centre.

View Next Generation Virtual Tours at www.knightandknoxley.com

R VE E O PRIC LD G SO KIN S A

Blakers Park, Brighton BN1 £650,000 Freehold

St Andrews Road, Preston Park BN1 £545,000 Freehold

Attractive semi-detached period home in highly sought after location.

Stunning Three bedroom maisonette with panoramic roof terrace.

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

Happy Christmas

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our clients for their business throughout 2016.

Celebrating 25 years in 2017 In 2017 it will be 25 years since we first opened our doors. We look forward to celebrating a milestone of connecting landlords with professional tenants.

Want to know more about our services? We will be delighted to help, call us today. 107 Queens Road | Brighton | East Sussex | BN1 3XF

T: 01273 202089 | www.parksletting.com

NEWS

TRENDING BRIGHTON’S ARTIST OPEN HOUSES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2016 Brighton’s Artist Open Houses returns this Christmas for three weekends, starting on Saturday, November 26. The festival is the perfect way shop for unique presents this Christmas in a relaxed setting - with a glass of mulled wine and mince pie in hand! Artists from all over the area will open the doors to their homes and studios, showcasing a diverse selection of unique artworks and Christmas gifts - all available to buy directly from the artists themselves. The 2016 Artist Open Houses Christmas Festival will take place in Brighton, Hove, the South Downs village of Ditchling and beyond. Artists Open Houses Christmas 2016 Festival runs for three weekends: November 26 & 27, December 3 & 4, December 10 & 11. www.aoh.org.uk. Artists Open Houses 2016 is sponsored by ARCH angels Architects. Image credit: Golden Pairs from Art Across The Line

DONALD TRUMP'S CHILDHOOD HOME While Donald Trump's bid for the White House is imminent (election 8th Nov) we can reveal that his childhood home is on the market. We are betting that whoever buys it will be willing to pay a premium for a piece of American history. The Queens, New York home where the presidential hopeful lived as a baby is up for auction. The opening bid is $849,000. The house is located in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood. According to the listing, the "Brick & stucco Tudor features five bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a living room with fireplace, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with sliders to sun room, paneled study, and hardwood floors." It also has a full, finished basement with bonus room, full bath and two outside entrances, and a "summer kitchen."Neither Trump nor the Trump family owns the house now, the listing states. The October auction of the property was postponed so there is still time to declare an interest!

WE LOVE: LUXURY ADVENT CALENDARS! We love a high-end beauty product calendar in the countdown to Christmas. This is one of our favourite luxury beauty advent calendars that will keep on giving every day until Christmas Day… JO MALONE INDULGENT ADVENT CALENDAR Jo Malone’s take on a timehonoured British tradition; indulge in the excitement of the season with twenty-four surprises, each in its own numbered drawer in an elegant townhouse box in signature cream and black, to mark the days as Christmas approaches. Available from www.jomalone.co.uk. £280.00

CINECITY - 14TH BRIGHTON FILM FESTIVAL: 11 -27 NOVEMBER, 2016 CINECITY, the region’s biggest celebration of cinema, celebrates its 14th edition this November with the very best in world cinema and a packed programme of premieres, previews and treasures from the archive, live soundtracks and free education screenings and special events. CINECITY 2016 opens on Friday, 11 November with a special preview of Free Fire, Ben Wheatley’s new action thriller. The Festival closes on Sunday, 27 November with a one-off screening of a hugely original comedy directed by Maren Ade. A related exhibition runs at Spotlight Gallery, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and at the University of Brighton Gallery at Grand Parade. www.cine-city.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 35

portfolio-NOV-DEC-2016.indd 35

24/10/2016 15:20

Montpelier Crescent, Brighton

£425,000 - £450,000

Absolutely breath-taking and refurbished to an incredibly high standard, this two double bedroom apartment situated on the raised ground floor of a converted period building is in the highly desirable Montpelier Crescent in Brighton. This superb property is a mere 100 ft to the array of shops and eateries in and around the 7 dials, Western Road and Brighton Railway Station.

Buy & sell with the experts. Four of our favourite properties this month. Visit our website at justinlloyd.co.uk to view all our properties. Kingsway, Hove

First Avenue, Hove

£350,000 – O.I.E.O

£425,000

Beautifully presented one bedroom apartment situated on the first floor of a converted period building with south facing balcony and stunning direct sea views. The property is in an excellent location on the seafront in Hove, adjacent to the beach and Hove Lawns.

A beautifully presented raised ground floor two bedroom apartment in a converted period property in the very popular 'Avenues' area of Hove, being close to both the seafront and Church Road with its many cafes, shops and restaurants. The property has high ceilings, many period features and its own private garden.

“Having dealt with estate agents in London, Brighton and Manchester we can honestly say that Justin Lloyd are by far the market leaders.” Vendor comment, September 2016

£280,000

A fantastic and extremely well presented one bedroom flat in the heart of Kemp Town with fantastic sea views and a modern feel throughout. This flat has been completely refurbished and finished to an extremely high standard. Situated in Kemp Town this flat has superb local amenities too, not only being a short distance to the seafront but there are many lovely cafes and restaurants right on your doorstep.

Highly Commended

The International Property Awards 2013-2014

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

Eaton Place, Brighton

Real Estate Agency East Sussex

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

BEAUTIFUL HOME Horley

nvestors’ Dream! Potential for five separate units which would incorporate either a large rental income or have a huge re-sale value STNP.

This substantial yet charming detached residence is located in the ever-popular village of Smallfields. With this particular property, we ask that all potential clients look over the development’s floor plans to see what could potentially be developed with this house. It would consist of five separate units: two two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats, bringing a value of roughly £1,300,000 if done well, and sold individually. So there could be a superb return for a relatively simple job. There is also the rental potential once developed; this would bring in roughly £60,000 per annum, allowing for the rough costs for the work, a minimum of a 6% yield is achievable.

Chapel Road, Smallfield, Horley, RH6 9NW Price: £795,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Two garages; Large rear garden Best Bits: Investment opportunity; Potential for five flats; Charming detached house Justin Lloyd Estate Agents, 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH 01273 692424 www.justinlloyd.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 37

DIY

NATURAL TOUCHES

A fresh, green wreath is the perfect door accessory and easy to make at home. Create some sparkly pine-cone decorations, too, for a homespun, festive feel-good factor SIX EASY STEPS FOR MAKING YOUR CHRISTMAS WREATH Make your front door look welcoming and festive this Christmas by making your own wreath. Outdoor wreaths will last from four to five weeks, so preparations can begin in late November. Step 1, Collect your essential ingredients: • 10-inch length 0.90 gauge stub wires • Sphagnum moss and foilage • 8-inch wire wreath frame • Binding wire • Mossing twine/string • Scissors • Secateurs Step 2 Tease the moss into a thickish ‘sausage’, removing any stones, twigs and lumps of mud etc. Then bind onto the wreath frame using mossing twine or binding wire. Trim off any excess moss and loose ends. Continue this until your wreath frame is completely ‘mossed.’ 38 PORTFOLIO

Step 3 Select plenty of suitable evergreen foliage to be used. Holly, Ivy and Cupressus are all perfect. Trim your foliage to to approximately 3-4 inch lengths.

through the loop at the top of the bauble and push into the wreath), ribbon bows or any other small Christmas decorations of your choice. The finished wreath can be hung from a door, using either a loop of ribbon or wire.

Step 4 Bunch together three or four of these trimmed lengths of mixed foliage, and using a 10-inch 0.90 gauge stub wire, bind them together into bunches. You will need around 15-20 bunches of wired foliage to cover an 8-inch wreath frame. Step 5 Push the wired foliage bunches into the mossed base, starting with the outside edge. Continue to push the wired foliage into the moss base. Do make sure that all pieces slightly overlap. They should all go in the same direction, and they will all need to lie reasonably flat. Step 6 You will now have a completed wreath base! The completed wreath can be accessorised or decorated with wired baubles (twist a stub wire Thanks to www.nationaltrust.org.uk

DO It Yourself

HOW TO MAKE PINE-CONE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Creating sustainable decorations is not only a brilliant way to make your Christmas a little greener, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also lots of fun. Plus, you get to kick up the last of the autumn leaves and get into the wild to forage for natural materials. What could be better than that? Collect your pine cones Nature has its own way of decorating our woodland paths and countryside in Winter. This is the time when pine cones drop off their branches. They're just as beautiful outside as they are in, so we've come up with a few ideas to spruce them up for the festive season. Glittery pine cones Simple but effective, these sparkly pine cones look great on a Christmas tree. Just take a medium or large pine cone, paint on some glue and then mix and match your favourite glitter colours. You can make it less messy by doing this over a magazine and pouring the excess glitter back in the pot, or by putting the glitter and pine cone into a sandwich bag and shaking it up. Snow-topped pine cones A favourite, these look lovely grouped together in a bowl or vase, or just scattered on window sills and around a fireplace. Just take a big, open pine cone and apply white paint to the edges to look like snow. Once dried, you could add a little sparkle by dotting some of the scales with glue and adding silver glitter. Mini-Christmas-tree pine cones Lots of fun, and you get to use pom-poms! Make your own mini-Christmas tree by choosing a large, open pine cone. Dip or cover in green paint. When dry, glue small pom poms or beads onto the face-up ends of the pine cone scales. Add a dusting of glue and glitter after painting if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to create a tinsel effect. How to hang your pine cone A quick and easy way is to tie a piece of thin ribbon (twine and elastic are also good options) around the top scale, or stem if it is still attached. Then take the ends of your ribbon and tie a knot or bow. For a bit more razzle-dazzle, slip a couple of jingle bells or beads onto the ribbon ends before you tie them.

Marine Parade, Brighton

Guide Price: £500,000-£525,000

Perfectly placed for seafront living. Wonderful converted Georgian second floor apartment with picture postcard views and use of the private residents gardens. Two double bedrooms, high ceilings, sash windows and solid oak flooring. Exceptional finish and idyllic location with stunning seaviews. Short stroll to Kemp Town Village.

Queens Park Road, Brighton

Asking Price: £750,000

Simply Charming. A Victorian terrace house set over four floors in the sought after Queens Park area. The property has an abundance of original features including high ceilings, working fireplaces, sash windows and wooden flooring. Four double bedrooms, two/three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room leading to a secluded patio garden. Splendid family home located near Queens Park/Kemp Town Village. Elegant and stylish.

29 Upper St James’s Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1JN

Brighton Marina

Guide Price: ÂŁ900,000-ÂŁ925,000

Stylish harbour side living. Stunning town house superbly located within a gated private community. Exceptional finish throughout. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms and family kitchen/breakfast room. Abundance of outside space. Private mooring.

Tel: 01273 605530

info@paulbottandcompany.co.uk www.paulbottandcompany.co.uk

01273 777123 goldinlemcke.com

Dyke Road, Brighton

Guide: £1,250,000

Stunning detached family home that has been extensively remodeled and improved to an exceptionally high standard and located in a favoured residential location within the catchment area of Stanford School, Dorothy Stringer and Varndean.

· Stunning detached house · Four double bedrooms · Large rear garden · Off-road parking

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

property@goldinlemcke.com

selling homes In Brighton & Hove since 2002

Shirley Drive, Hove A superbly presented detached house located in this extremely sought after location. Having been completely refurbished throughout internal inspection is essential to fully appreciate the true qualities of this home. Greatly benefiting from being sold completely chain free.

Guide: £975,000 · Beautiful detached house · Four double bedrooms · Excellent rear garden · Completely chain free

BEAUTIFUL HOME

BEAUTIFUL homes

Hove

his magnificent, double fronted contemporary style home is situated in an impressive, slightly elevated, position in one of the best residential settings in the Hove Park district. In recent times the property has been extensively enlarged, remodelled and improved to create a luxurious and comfortable family home with an emphasis on light, space and modern styling. Beautifully presented and appointed throughout, with an attention to detail, this superb home stands in quite lovely, beautifully landscaped, award-winning gardens by Marshalls National and Regional Awards and should be viewed internally to fully appreciate the quality this home offers.

Hove Park Way, Hove, BN3 6PW Price: ÂŁ1,450,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 5 Extras: Double-fronted, detached house; Landscaped, award-winning garden; Four double bedrooms Best Bits: Plenty of off-road parking; Cinema room; Built-in speakers around the whole house, controlled via iPads Goldin Lemcke 160-162 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DL 01273 777123 www.goldinlemcke.com PORTFOLIOâ&#x20AC;&#x2021; 43

UK Tourism

Bear Grylls, Cairngorns, Scotland (Photo credit BGV)

PROPERTY

RIGHT ROYAL SERVICE Princetons Property Services: a fresh take on Brighton and Hove’s property market

‘W

e want to offer Brighton and Hove residents a fresh approach to buying, selling, renting and letting their homes,’ says Jennifer Macdonald, a property expert with 10 years’ experience. ‘I don’t take for granted the trust vendors put in us to sell their most valuable asset; we value fairly and are dedicated to working hard for every one of our clients.’ Princetons Property Services, recently established by Jennifer and Peter Lyons, aims to provide a considerate, helpful and highly personal estate agency service. Peter owns a successful building company and is enthusiastic about helping clients with their property and survey concerns. This expertise sets Princetons apart and gives clients the assurance that they’re in safe hands. ‘We both

"Princetons Property Services, recently established by Jennifer and Peter Lyons, aims to provide a considerate, helpful and highly personal estate agency service"

know the local market really well. And it’s very important to us that our clients return time and again. So we base our reputation on being fair, hard-working and utterly trustworthy.’ Princetons’ prominent office is located in Kemp Town Village. ‘Our clientele tend to know what they want,’ says Jennifer. ‘And we’re only going to be happy when we’ve found it for them. That’s Princetons' ethos, and we think that’s what will make us stand out.’ For more information on their unique service, contact Jennifer or Peter on 01273 606 326, or you can email them on: info@princetonsps.co.uk Princetons Property Services, 6 St George's Road, Brighton BN2 1EB PORTFOLIO 45

CHRISTMAS gift guide

WIN!

This fabulous festive hamper! The Sussex Hamper Company, based in Hove, supplies hampers of sumptuous Sussex produce which will make superb gifts, particularly if you’re thinking about Christmas. Each hamper contains a tempting selection of treats, including premium wine, beer and spirits, handmade chocolates and sweets, luxury biscuits, preserves, condiments and dips – all from Sussex-based producers. The Medway (pictured) contains a delicious array of fudge, biscuits and chocolates, along with chutneys, a warming walnut liqueur and a selection of local wine. www.thesussexhampercompany.co.uk

We have a Medway Hamper worth £236 to give away! For your chance to win this fabulous hamper, just send your name, email address, and a contact phone number to competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com to reach us by 18th November. Please put Sussex Hamper Company in the subject box.

We are giving away ALL of the stocking fillers featured over the next two pages! Yes, one lucky winner will win a bumper Portfolio Christmas stocking. Well, we say stocking, but it’s going to need a sack! For your chance to win this fantastic set of Christmas goodies for all the family, just send your name, email address, and a contact phone number to competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com to reach us by 18th November. Please put Christmas Stocking in the subject box. Christmas Sack: www.johnlewis.com

Hamper image credit: photographer Sarah Ketelaars, www.sarahketelaars.com

WIN! This sackful of gifts! We are giving away everything you see here! Who doesn’t love a stocking filler? The gifts that make you smile, especially when they are poking out of a classic Christmas stocking. We have found something for everyone…

JOY TO THE WORLD A great gift that includes a self preserving tub of Self Preserving Dream Cream to soothe your wintry skin as well as a piece of Santa’s Post Box soap. Joy to the World Gift Set £9.95 www.lush.co.uk

SAY IT WITH WINE Put a festive message on a bottle of wine or fizz. The label can be personalised with any name or message and applied to any of the wines in their collection. Wines come giftwrapped and boxed. From £15 + P&P www.bottlebazaar.co.uk

FESTIVE WRITING Get into the festive spirit and write your cards in full seasonal style with a Christmas tree pen. Christmas tree pens £1 www.uk.flyingtiger.com

MUTT MUG Start the day with tea from a classic Crufts Silhouette Mug. Crufts silhouette mug £10.00 www.cruftsofficialshop.com

MAKING UP Made from a meticulously curated selection of fabrics from Central Asia and Mali. Green Kismet makeup bag £22.00 www.nomaddesign.co.uk

ELF YOURSELF These cute make-it-yourself Elf sets are a super stocking filler and great fun to make with children. DIY Elf £3 www.uk.flyingtiger.com

CHRISTMAS PUPPY An iconic toy that celebrates Hape's 30-year heritage, the WalkA-Long puppy promotes fine motor skills, dextery and hand/eye coordination. Hape Walk-a-long Puppy £14.95 www.harrods.com

48 PORTFOLIO

HEAVEN SCENT Voluspa's vermeil collection of scented candles delights the senses, with each product revealing a surprise luxe gold interior. Double-wick, glass, embossed candle with gift box - Incognito £35.00 www.voluspa.co.uk

BEARD BOX Beard Oil and Moustache Wax together, presented in a beautiful gift box. The Bearded Man Co Boxed Gift Set of 10ml Beard Oil and 15g Moustache Wax £16.00 www.thebeardedmancompany.com

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS The Advent Gift Box Company create great bespoke Advent Calendars that can be bought ready-filled or as a craft kit. Ready Made 3D Advent Calendar, £15.00. Twelve Days of Christmas Gift Box, £25 www.adventgiftbox.co.uk

TREAT YOUR PET Treat your dog with this Squeaky Christmas Polar Bear Tug Toy. Squeaky Christmas Polar Bear tug toy £7.50 www.cruftsofficialshop.com

CLICK THREE TIMES ‘there’s no place like home’ These slippers will take you all the way to a ruby red glittering bath full of floral carnations and spicy clove oil. Ruby Red Slippers bubble bar £3.95 www.lush.co.uk SWEET DREAMS Be equipped for dreamy nights with the Blue Frankie Sleep Mask, filled with British lavender, for a perfect night's sleep. Blue Frankie lavender-scented eye mask £19.99 www.nomaddesign.co.uk

WARM CUDDLES Made with embroidered felt, this two-litre hot-water bottle is perfect for keeping warm and cosy while in bed or snuggling up on the sofa. A Perfect Cuddle Felt Hot Water Bottle £14.99 www.uk.aromahome.com

24 SCENTS This alternative advent calendar comes crammed with enough beard oils to see him right through to well after Christmas! The Bearded Man Co Christmas Beard Oil Advent Calendar £29.99 www.thebeardedmancompany.com

HANG IT UP Everyone needs a Christmas stocking. These, from Tiger, are stocking-filler price too so you can have more than one! Christmas Stockings £3 www.uk.flyingtiger.com

For your chance to win this fantastic set of Christmas goodies for all the family, just send your name, email address, and a contact phone number to competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com to reach us by 18th November. Please put Christmas Stocking in the subject box.

CREATIVE KIDS Pipity make art and crafts fun and easy to organize. The activity case has a built-in easel and the portfolio is an expandable art and craft keeper. The Pipity Activity Case, Portfolio and Avtivity Books £4.99 to £24.99 www.pipity.com

HEAD & SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST We had the biggest market share and took on the most properties out of all these agents in 2016. Source: Rightmove.co.uk Figures show number of properties taken on from 01/01/16 to 30/10/16.

PROPERTY MOVES NATIONAL CORPORATE

LOCAL INDEPENDENT

319

ONE BRANCH

335

MULTI BRANCH

343

MAJOR CORPORATE

366

LOCAL INDEPENDENT

366

527

416

Another reason why we have been voted Best Letting agent in Brighton and Hove for the Fourth year running, also Best Branch in the South East for the third year!

from pads to maisonettes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll soon be planning madly w

Kingsway, Hove

£950 pcm inc Heat/Hot Water

Lovely one bedroom with amazing sea views

Richmond Terrace, Brighton

Spacious two bedroom flat in iconic building

with property moves...

Hardy Close, Shoreham Beach

£1,350 pcm

Recently refurbished family home on Shoreham Beach

£1,575 pcm

Walsingham Road, Hove

Fantastic four bedroom period home

£2,500 pcm

STIRLING PLACE, HOVE GUIDE PRICE £600,000, FREEHOLD • • • • •

Extended period terraced house Dual aspect lounge/dining room South facing rear garden Modern fitted kitchen Five bedrooms

5 • • • •

Two family bathrooms/WC En-suite shower room Close Hove station, schools and the seafront Quiet residential City Centre location

2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL

01273 773399

hove@elliottsestateagents.co.uk

& 2 Queens Parade, Hangleton BN3 8JG

01273 322766

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

MEADS AVENUE, HOVE £625,000, FREEHOLD SELLING HOMES SINCE 1993

• • • • •

Beautifully presented detached family home 4 bedrooms Ground floor cloakroom/WC 3 reception rooms Conservatory

4 • • • • •

Family sized eat in kitchen/breakfast room Utility room Garage/off street parking Attractive front and rear gardens Idyllic cul-de-sac location

BEAUTIFUL HOME Brighton

quite stunning penthouse apartment located on the fifth floor (top) of this striking double-fronted period building, right on Brighton seafront.

Contemporary-themed and beautifully presented, the property is approached via a passenger lift and enjoys sun terraces which extend along the south and west aspects, and, due to the orientation of the building itself, the flat enjoys what can only be described as some of the best coastal views within this stretch. Unusually for a period building, the flat has allocated parking. This apartment boasts beautiful sea and coastal views and is only a few hundred yards from the iconic i360. Both the feature south-aspect lounge and the master bedroom have bi-fold doors to maximise the view.

Berkeley Court, Brighton BN1 2PJ Price: £925,000 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Tastefully decorated, Beautifully presented, Passenger lift Best Bits: Striking modern kitchen, Beautiful sea and coastal views, Few hundred yards from iconic i360  Elliotts Estate Agents 2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL 01273 773399 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk PORTFOLIO 53

AN ICE EXPERIENCE Icehotel 365 in Jukkasjärvi, northern Sweden, is a permanent ice experience with an ice bar, ice gallery and ice suites

hese are busy times by the riverside in Jukkasjärvi, northern Sweden. November 2016 sees the opening of Icehotel 365, a permanent ice experience with an ice bar, ice gallery and ice suites. With a little help from the sun, it will be open 365 days a year. Icehotel 365 will offer visitors a long-awaited alternative to the classic wintertime Icehotel: a way of combining their ice experience with dogsledding, the northern lights or a boat trip on the river, beneath the midnight sun.

“We’ll simply be better positioned to meet market demand for both the midnight sun and the northern lights, so we can attract visitors to summer and winter activities north of the Arctic Circle,” says Yngve Bergqvist, founder and creator of Icehotel and Icehotel 365. The 2,100-square-metre facility will be filled with ice and snow from the Torne River. With the arrival of winter, it will become a permanent ice experience and part of the classic Icehotel. Icehotel 365 will include nine luxury suites, each with sauna and bathroom, and eleven art

suites, all sculptured by selected artists, as well as a large ice bar that serves champagne, and an ice gallery. The elegant design of the new building combines Icehotel’s iconic arched architecture with traditional building methods, ensuring its exterior blends in well with the surroundings. The temperature will be -5°C (23°F) year round in the new building – and the refrigeration unit that keeps Icehotel 365 cold during the summer runs on energy from a solar cell facility currently under construction

54 PORTFOLIO Photo: Christopher Hauser

OVERSEAS

Photo: Asaf Kliger

at Icehotel. Jukkasjärvi is 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, and in summer the sun remains above the horizon for 100 consecutive days. Deluxe Suites with warm bathroom & private sauna When Icehotel 365 opens up its doors, overnight guests can enjoy a good night’s sleep amongst art and sub-zero temperatures. There are two types of suites in Icehotel 365: deluxe suites and art suites. Both room types are exclusively designed by this year’s invited artists and include mattresses from

Photo: Asaf Kliger

"Every room is totally unique with its individual art, and the deluxe suites have their own private warm bathroom, with an exclusive sauna from Tylö, and all other amenities"

the Swedish bed manufacturer Carpe Diem Beds. Every room is totally unique with its individual art, and the deluxe suites have their own private warm bathroom, with an exclusive sauna from Tylö, and all other amenities. Icehotel 365 will be revealed on November 10th, and the art will be presented by Arne Bergh, Senior Creative Director at Icehotel. The founder of Icehotel, Yngve Bergqvist, will talk about the idea behind the hotel and the new ice bar will have its grand opening. For more information visit www.icehotel.com

PORTFOLIO 55

Photo: Peter Kindersley

Photo: Markus Alatalo

GARDENS

WINTER WALKS As autumn turns to winter It’s time to wrap up warm, put on the wellies and get out on an invigorating winter walk. We select some of the best National Trust walks in Sussex

rom avenues of frost-covered topiary and borders packed with scent and colour, to ice-rimmed lakes and spectacular coast and countryside, the National Trust cares for some great places just waiting to be discovered during the cold winter months. Blow away the cobwebs as you ramble through frosty country gardens and peaceful woodlands. Here’s a selection of the best winter wonderlands cared for by the National Trust in Sussex: PETWORTH HOUSE AND PARK, WEST SUSSEX The beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown parkland surrounding Petworth House offers 700 tranquil acres filled with winding trails, ancient trees, and a majestic herd of fallow deer. Download the Ancient Tree Trail, which reveals some fascinating facts about these parkland veterans, or seek out the incredible views that inspired our most famous landscape artist, on the JMW Turner Trail. After your walk, warm up with a delicious soup in the café or pop into the shop to browse for gifts, including locally crafted jewellery. Park, Pleasure Grounds, café and shop open every day except 24/25 December. For more information, call 01798 342207 DITCHLING BEACON Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look south out to sea,

56 PORTFOLIO

north across the Weald or east-west across the Downs. As the name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon. Visible for miles around, the beacon would be maintained, ready to light in times of imminent invasion. The site is also of archaeological interest, with remains of an Iron Age hill fort.

“Blow away the cobwebs as you ramble through frosty country gardens and peaceful woodlands” Neighbouring Ditchling Down lies to the west of Ditchling Beacon, and is a prime example of chalk downland. Walk the path along the scarp slope, passing through the disused chalk pits grazed by sheep. NYMANS The gardens at Nymans are packed with colour and scent, even in the depths of winter. A downloadable walk (see National Trust website) takes visitors into the ancient woods and valley beyond the garden, to explore hundreds of years of woodland history. Follow medieval tracks to mysterious Mesolithic sandstones, towering redwoods (including the tallest tree in Sussex), lakes, and beautiful

cascades built by First World War soldiers. For a winter challenge, set out on a woodland adventure geocaching trail and discover hidden treasure using a GPS device. SLINDON ESTATE Experience a glorious mix of downland and farmland, woodland and wildlife-rich hedgerows on the 3.75 mile beermat walk, which begins and ends at the George Inn, Eartham. Walk up a gentle incline to 19thcentury Nore Hill Folly where a well-sited bench allows walkers to enjoy the panorama below; you’ll be rewarded with views across the coastal plain and if you’re lucky you might see the Isle of Wight, even the spire of Chichester Cathedral. For more information call 01243 814730. Plus: Village café warmers: Visit the picturesque village of Slindon and warm up in the Forge – a community café that stocks hot drinks, meals and treats, and its very own blend of coffee! You can share your pictures of your trips to winter gardens and landscapes with the National Trust on: Twitter by tweeting @southeasnt Facebook: /NationalTrustLondonandSouthEast Instagram by sending your pictures to #southeastnt For more information on any of the gardens visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast.

St Leonards Gardens, Hove - £674,950 An immaculately presented, bright and spacious three bedroom semi-detached house with off street parking and large rear garden. The property is situated within the South side of New Church Road, with close range of local amenities, the seafront and Hove Lagoon, as well as Wish Park, well regarded schools. This location has very good road and transport links; Hove and Portslade stations are close to hand providing links to London Victoria.

Goldstone Road, Hove £699,950 to £724,950 A stylish and well-appointed family home (1,895 sq ft / 176m2) in very close proximity to Hove mainline railway station, having been sympathetically redecorated throughout to a high standard yet still maintaining many original features. The property offers versatile accommodation and is arranged over three floors with the option to keep the lower ground floor as a self-contained, one bedroom apartment or to have a whole house, creating a possible four bedroom, two reception room residence with a south facing garden.

Kingsway, Hove £700,000 to £740,000 A rarely available, period property situated within an enviable location having Hove lagoon on your doorstep where you can enjoy seafront walks and seaside living . The property has been tastefully modernized and redecorated throughout, however has retained original charm and features with the inclusion of fireplaces, mouldings and ironwork and doors. There are three double bedrooms, the master bedroom has a South facing balcony with lagoon and sea views, a good size garden, and bespoke kitchen breakfast room. Sold with no onward chain.

Healy & Newsom 19 Richardson Road, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex BN3 3RB 01273 74 66 74 | hove@healynewsom.co.uk | www.healynewsom.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL HOME Brighton

n opportunity to acquire an extraordinary three storey period house with its own woodland (about 0.5 acres). The rear of the house boasts amazing views - internal viewing is recommended to appreciate this rare property.

Internally the house is decorated and partly finished in a sympathetic vintage style in keeping with the properties era. This really is a great opportunity for someone finish the property to their own specification and to enjoy arguably one of the largest gardens in Brighton. The property is situated within the Round Hill Conservation Area which comprises mainly of late 19th century terraced buildings, many are very important architecturally to the history of Brighton. London Road station is close-by for those needing to commute and Brighton station is also accessible; The Level playing fields, the city centre and the sea front is also situated around one mile away.

Wakefield Road, Brighton BN2 3PF Price: OIEO ÂŁ750,000 Bedrooms: 3 plus attic Bathrooms: 1 plus cloak room Extras: About 0.5 acres of woodland; Breathtaking views from rear elevation of South Downs, the city out to the sea beyond; arranged over three floors plus the attic Best Bits: Wonderfully designed interior; Plethora of period features; Situated in Round Hill Conservation Area Healy & Newsom 19 Richardson Road, Hove BN3 5RB 01273 746674 www.healynewsom.co.uk PORTFOLIOâ&#x20AC;&#x2021; 59

HOVE - £975,000

Located in this prestigious and sought after road is this detached three bedroom family home having recently been completely modernised by the current owner with the added bonus of granted planning consent for further extension. Large west facing garden. Private drive and parking.

WITHDEAN - GUIDE PRICE £799,950 - £824,950

A stunning four bedroom family home situated in a quiet tree lined road offered for sale in exceptional condition with impressive split level lounge dining room, landscaped rear garden with panoramic views and off road parking.

108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 565566

www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

Citywide sales & lettings www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

WESTDENE – Offers in excess of £675,000

Amazing space is the best way to describe this four double bedroom extended family home with open plan living room/kitchen and diner having bi-fold doors giving access onto the rear garden. Block paved driveway for four vehicles plus a garage.

HOLLINGDEAN - £445,000

SHOW HOME - A unique and impressive newly built contemporary development of seven three bedroom ECO houses finished to a 'code 4 sustainable design' in a popular residential area close to Fiveways, local amenities and all travel networks in and out of the city.

10 South Street Portslade. Tel: 01273 421777

www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

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

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

Preston Park £645,000

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

An attractive end of terrace house retaining its period charm in the Preston Park conservation area. The property has two reception rooms, a separate kitchen/dining room, modern bathroom suite and benefits from a front and rear garden.

Central Brighton OIEO £424,950

An attractive recently renovated two bedroom artisan cottage situated in the North Laine conservation area. The accommodation is presented to a high specification, having engineered oak floors & walk in shower room with a modern bath and benefits from front and rear patio gardens. * The above photos have been festively enhanced. Please contact Oakley for the original images.

oakleyproperty.com

Sponsored by:

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

n The Drawing Board will showcase planning permissions granted, scheme ideas and ideas for Brighton’s regeneration and future. This month: The Brighton Zip Wire is approved and we look at the rooftop revolution. If you are a property professional, or just have a great idea, get in touch on the channels below.

BUCKINGHAM ROAD RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Buckingham Road Planning APPROVED at committee on 12th October. The proposal is to convert 76-79 Buckingham Road back to housing and replace 80 Buckingham Road with a new residential building with community facilities at the lower level.

BRIGHTON ZIP WIRE APPROVED The Members of Brighton and Hove planning committee approved the Brighton Zip Wire in a meeting held on 12th October. The attraction will add to the vibrancy of the seafront and is considered a suitable replacement for the Brighton Wheel, which, until recently, has operated from the site for the past 5 years. Developers say the zip wire will attract 32,000 visitors a year and will be open 10am until 11pm 364 days a year, weather dependant! This exciting visitor experience allows people of all ages to enjoy and experience the thrill of travelling along the beach descending from a height of more than 20m to a landing

"This fits well with the council strategy to bring new life to the seafront, particularly to the section between the pier and the marina" No.80 Buckingham Road was originally on the ground of the Brighton Grammar School, which was converted into the Sussex Maternity Hospital in 1910 before closing in 1968. The building was then demolished and replaced with the current building. A new building on the site of No. 80 Buckingham Road will provide residential use on the ground floor and four upper floors. The new unit for community use is provided at street level, which could be used in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the local community. The development was proposed by Buckingham Developments and MAKE architects.

stage 300m along the beach. A café will provide seating for 140 people with an open glass fronted terrace providing a beautiful location to dine and watch the sun set over Palace Pier. Not only a great tourist attraction the new Brighton Zip wire will create just over 30 full time jobs estimated to be worth 1.7m Planning committee chair Cllr Julie Cattell said: “This fits well with the council strategy to bring new life to the seafront, particularly to the section between the pier and the marina. This should complement other businesses in the areas such as the pier and the Volks Railway, without affecting people’s enjoyment of the beach.”

ROOF TOP REVOLUTION With over 800,000 visitors expected a year the i360 is delivering a view of Brighton most haven’t seen all looking down on the wasted roof top space of Brighton and Hove. Cll Robert Nemeth has spoken out for the need for Brighton and Hove to have a roof top revolution. “In a place where people like to pretend that they are green, one might expect at least a few token solar panels, but there are hardly any. There should be thousands or them. The rooftop revolution that I am proposing isn’t about tarting-up Brighton’s rooftops so that they look good from above, though that would be a bonus. My hope is simply that the new views that are afforded by the i360 inspire residents to let their imaginations go wild so that we can start making use of all of this forgotten space.” Cllr Nemeth. Can you think of anything that can be done to the local roofs insight of this new Rooftop revolution drive? Here at ZST architects we have developed a concept for the regeneration of Tower Point for our client and we hope this will drive more to utilise this underused area.

New facelift for the Hilton Metropole after local graffiti artists Aroe MSK created his signature character for the i360 viewing pleasure.

Do you have more ideas? Submit to #BrightFuture @ZSTaUK or @PortfolioMagUK PORTFOLIO 63

THE collection

THE Winter COLLECTION This is the season when we love to entertain at home, and these homes all have something special to offer for the party season. Just add friends, family and fizz…

Rooftop conservatory Bristol Gardens, Brighton Built in 1824, this elegant four-bedroom, double-fronted house has a wealth of original period features, a secluded courtyard, a spacious roof terrace, a private underground cellar, and access to Kemp Town Enclosures. A saloon bar door leads to the lower ground floor, where the lounge and dining room lead out to the pretty courtyard. This floor is virtually soundproofed, making this the ideal space for entertaining. The kitchen and access to the private cellar can also be found on this floor. There is a spacious roof terrace, and roof top conservatory, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views across the city and the Sussex Downs in all weathers.

Price: £750,000 Mishon Mackay 01273 670067 | www.mishonmackay.com

64 PORTFOLIO

THE collection

Entertaining space St James's Street, Brighton This immaculately presented, two-double-bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of a modern purpose built block, with south-facing balcony and 40ft living room in the heart of St James’s Street. The superb property is perfect for entertaining large numbers and is in an excellent location, in the ever-popular Kemp Town, moments from the array of local shops and eateries, as well as the beach and Brighton Pier. In more detail, the accommodation comprises: entrance hallway, the magnificent open-plan living/dining room with modern, fully fitted kitchen leading onto the full-length balcony. Plus, two double bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a separate cloakroom.

Price: OIRO £500,000 Justin Lloyd 01273 315612 | www.justinlloyd.co.uk

Elegant dining Hampton Lodge, Hassocks Road, Hurstpierpoint An imposing, Grade II-listed Georgian house of immense character and stature, set in the most idyllic gardens and grounds of approximately two acres, with farreaching panoramic views of Wolstonbury and the South Downs. This exceptional Georgian house offers spacious and flexible family living with beautifully landscaped grounds. The stunning dining room, complemented by a substantial basement wine cellar, is just one of the many highlights of this outstanding home.  With a separate 3-bedroom annexe, this property boasts nine bedrooms and six bathrooms as well as a swimming pool.

Guide Price: £2,750,000 Chatt Estates 01273 844500 | www.chattestates.co.uk

Family friendly Balfour Road, Brighton Versatile living accommodation is arranged over four levels of this beautiful Victorian period home. Having been sympathetically refurbished by the current owner, the property retains period features throughout, benefitting from grand principal rooms and high ceilings throughout. The dual- aspect living area and dining area with period fireplace and stripped and polished floors are perfect for entertaining, with a custom-built, contemporary kitchen accessed directly off the dining area. The boutique-style fitted, contemporary bathroom will impress your guests. To the rear of the house is a beautiful tiered garden with raised sun trap deck area, perfect for late summer evenings. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Price: £625,000 Freehold Knight & Knoxley 01273 286666 | www.knightandknoxley.com

PORTFOLIO 65

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

Hanover Mews, £525,000

01273 677544

This 3 bedroom family home is situated within one of Brighton's favourite Mews, within the highly sought after area of Hanover. The Hanover area is particularly popular with young professionals and families as it is well located for access to Brighton City Centre, shops on London Road and Lewes Road, parks, Brighton seafront and it is within 10 minutes of Brighton train station; approximately 1 hour from London Victoria. This location is also well served by local bus routes providing wider access across the city and to Brighton and Sussex Universities. This property is beautifully arranged throughout and has several additional benefits including fitted window shutters, cloakroom, contemporary single storey lounge extension, a wonderful private rear enclosed garden and allocated and visitor parking. EPC rating C.

Jesmond Road, £650,000 - £675,000

01273 820280

A fantastic four bedroom semi-detached family home with a landscaped, 100’ long, west-facing rear garden in an established Hove location just off New Church Road and within 690 metres of a school with an 'outstanding' Ofsted report. Set over three floors with a wc. on each level, the second reception room has been opened up into the kitchen; this open space has made a fantastic large room which is the hub of the house, with the added benefit a separate reception room as well.

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

Beaconsfield Villas, ÂŁ1,250,000

01273 508761

This imposing, white-painted, double fronted five bedroom semi-detached Victorian Villa with landscaped front & rear gardens is situated in the sought after 'Golden Triangle', renowned for its central setting for Brighton station, London Road and Preston Park stations, excellent schools and of course, the picturesque Preston Park itself. A truly outstanding family home, offering incredibly detailed and rare period features; including ornate ceilings, moulded cornice work, colourful tiling, grand fireplaces, wooden flooring and etched glazing. Forming a substantial (approx 2,300 square feet) and versatile family home which comprises three reception rooms and a fabulous kitchen/family room on the ground floor with five double bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper floors.

leaders.co.uk

Meet Brighton Marina property guru Greg Hall Greg Hall is Brighton Marina’s number one property expert. He has more than a decade of experience in the industry and is both passionate and knowledgeable about the marina and the lifestyle it offers. Here, we find out more about the man behind Brighton Marina’s most popular and successful estate agents…

So what first attracted you to the property industry? I became fixated with the property market from a very early age. As a child, we moved to many new places across a number of countries, so finding the best place to live was a challenge I quickly came to love. I still get great satisfaction from helping people to complete their dream move.

Where do you call home? I once thought of Guernsey as home, but since moving to Brighton several years ago I have fallen in love with the city. I live in the heart of the marina, just a stone’s throw from the branch, and adore the lifestyle it offers. I am somebody who really values living by the water.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

How does being part of the Waterside Properties network help your customers? Being able to market our waterside properties across a network of affiliated branches across the UK helps us to bring properties to the attention of more potential buyers and tenants quicker and easier than many of our competitors. We also offer our clients an exclusive opportunity to have their homes promoted at the Southampton and London boat shows.

And finally, what’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on a viewing? There are plenty of weird and wonderful stories, but the one that comes to mind is a dead Christmas tree I saw in a house in August. I asked the seller about it and he explained he had kept it as it was the last tree he and his partner bought before they split up. It still had the decorations in place!

Tough one. I think it would have to be either Palm Beach, Florida or Connecticut. I have a lot of family in the USA and love spending time there, but either way I would want to be on the coast.

Brighton Marina has undergone a rapid transformation. What’s happened so far and what is planned for the next few years? Two brand new towers comprised of luxury one, two and threebedroom apartments have already been built and nine more towers are due to follow in the coming years. The pinnacle of the development will be a stunning 40-storey tower, which will be a first for the UK coastline. In addition to the new apartments, there are plenty of other projects planned to bring more shops, restaurants and homes to the marina.

You lead a team of marina property experts. What makes them so special? What sets the team apart is our desire to go the extra mile for all our customers. Whether people are selling, letting, buying, renting or investing, we will do all we can to help them achieve their goals. A warm and friendly approach is also guaranteed!

Greg Hall Branch Manager, Brighton Marina

Book a free valuation with the waterside experts by

Successfully selling and letting at Brighton Marina

EE R AG T LE

Brighton Marina £1350pcm

Brighton Marina £600,000

ST LD SO

Brighton Marina £4500pcm

Western Concourse £130,000

Trafalgar Gate £888,000

Brighton Marina £585,000

calling us on 01273 622007 or visit us at leaders.co.uk

solicitors Incorporating Johnson McCabe

local & independent

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

Civil Litigation

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

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

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

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

For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:

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

Life and Family

info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411

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

www.engleharts.co.uk

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

LEADERS

SELLING FAST Greg Hall, Branch Manager at Leaders Waterside in Brighton Marina on the last chance to move into new Brighton Marina apartments…

he final opportunity to buy and move into a completed luxury apartment within the new development at Brighton Marina is now being offered to buyers across Sussex. Greg Hall, Branch Manager at Leaders Waterside in Brighton Marina, which is selling the range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in the 853-home complex that is currently under construction, says Phase 1 of the

project will shortly draw to a close and buyers will have to wait more than a year for their chance to move into a Phase 2 property. He explains: “The Brighton Marina development has proved to be incredibly popular so far, with the vast majority of the state-of-theart apartments we have brought to the market already sold - and many are now being lived in. “We have just 22 apartments remaining from almost 200 available in Phase 1, so people need to act quickly to secure one of these. If you miss out now, the next phase won’t see you moving in until the early part of 2018, when a new selection of apartments are completed in Phase 2.”

and the apartments are among the highestspecification homes in the country. “Anybody who has always dreamed of living in a beautiful home by the sea should take a look at how Brighton Marina is being transformed and consider making it their new home. “The apartments are also proving a hit with investors and are able to deliver a great rental return, so people looking for a lucrative buy-tolet investment should also get in touch.”

All of the apartments within the development - which will eventually span 11 luxury towers offer sea or marina views, spacious terraces or balconies and high-quality interiors, including designer fixtures and fittings. Greg adds: “This is the most exciting residential project the south coast has ever seen

LONG LETS Joanne Darroch, Senior Branch Manager of Leaders, Brighton and Hove says that long tenancies define successful Brighton rental market

enancies in Brighton’s booming lettings market are typically more than twice as long as the national average. Tenants who rent through local property specialist Leaders stay in a property for an average of 39.7 months, considerably higher than the company standard of 36.2 months and the national average of just 18 months. Joanne Darroch, senior branch manager for Brighton and Hove at Leaders, says: “Longer tenancies are good news for both landlords and tenants and are a sign of a strong local rental market. “They provide landlords with a steady income over a longer period of time, helping them to achieve a greater return on their investment. High tenant demand also ensures that, when a tenancy does come to an end, the property is filled again quickly.

“For tenants, longer tenancies provide security and the chance to make a property truly feel like home. It also means tenants are not required to find the time and money needed to move home as frequently.

"Maximising the length of tenancies is always our aim in order to meet the needs of both landlords and tenants" “What’s more, many landlords choose to reward long-standing tenants by minimising

any increases in rent and meeting reasonable maintenance requests, so it pays to be a reputable and committed tenant.” Void periods are also known to be low in Brighton and Hove, with the average Leaders landlord waiting 10 days for their property to be filled by a new, quality tenant once it becomes empty. This is in comparison with a national average of 22 days. Joanne adds: “Maximising the length of tenancies is always our aim in order to meet the needs of both landlords and tenants. But when they inevitably come to an end, it is important for landlords to be able to experience only a minimal void. “By working with a quality letting agents such as Leaders, landlords can be confident that their property will be marketed effectively and let quickly.”

For more information and expert advice on selling, letting, buying or renting in Brighton and Hove, please contact your local Leaders branch or visit leaders.co.uk. PORTFOLIO 71

83 Bates Road, Brighton, East Sussex sussex@cliveemson.co.uk 01273 504232

A selection of Brighton & Hove Lots SOLD in 2016 Ladies' Mile Road

Windmill View

25m 50m Ordnance Survey75m© Crown Copyright (2016).All Rights Reserved. Licence Number LIG1016. Plans are for location purposes only. Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. Plotted Scale - 1:1407

Patcham Fawcett, Ladies Mile Road, Brighton, East Sussex

Gloucester Road, Brighton

Windmill View, Patcham, Brighton

Franklin Road, Brighton

Freehold mixed residential and commercial property in central location

Three freehold parcels of land within a residential housing estate

Freehold residential investment arranged as six purpose built flats

Guide: £625,000-650,000

Guide: £1,000 Plus

Guide: £750,000 Plus

Sold for £840,000 (July 2016)

Sold for £11,000 (July 2016)

Sold for £940,000 (June 2016)

Little East Street, Brighton

Old Steine, Brighton

London Road, Brighton

Lansdowne Place, Hove

Freehold City Centre premises

Three bedroom flat

Three storey maisonette

Freehold investment

Guide: £240,000-250,000

Guide: £190,000-200,000

Guide: £200,000 Plus

Guide: £750,000 Plus

Sold for £352,000 (Sept 2016)

Sold for £220,000 (July 2016)

Sold for £278,000 (July 2016)

Sold for £1,045,000 (Feb 2016)

Old Steine/Marine Parade, Brighton

Eaton Gardens, Hove

Elm Grove, Brighton

Freehold ground rents of landmark building

Purpose built flat in central location

Two bedroom flat in need of updating

Guide: £750,000 Plus

Guide: £250,000 Plus

Guide: £125,000-130,000

Sold for £750,000 (March 2016)

Sold for £240,000 (June 2016)

Sold for £171,000 (March 2016)

THE FIRST SUSSEX & SURREY AUCTION OF 2017 TAKES PLACE ON TUESDAY 7TH FEBRUARY AT THE HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE

NEWS

CLIVE EMSON AUCTIONEERS The latest news from Clive Emson Auctioneers

news

JOINT AGENTS

CLIVE EMSON ONLINE Over the past six months we have been reviewing the way we interact with both buyers and sellers and can now proudly announce some exciting changes to the way we do things! Changes include our new and improved website, new-look newsletter, adverts, digital media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, along with the launch of Clive Emson Online Auctions. We are regularly asked by clients to offer properties outside of our core business area in the South of England, and while turning business away is not always a good thing, we made the decision that if we could not offer the same level of service to our buyers and sellers, we should not be doing it. Not anymore! Clive Emson Online Auctions can now offer the same level of service through our new online platform, operating 365 days a year, offering property across the length and breadth of England and Wales. The seller will now have the ability to list the property when they want, for as long as they want, for up to a maximum of four weeks. For more information about online auctions, please contact Sam Kinloch on 01273 504232 or email sam@cliveemson.co.uk.

INVITING ENTRIES FOR 2017! 2017 is again shaping up to be an exciting year, with another eight five-day auctions arranged across the South of England. The first auction in the New Year will take place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on Tuesday 7th February, starting at 11am. Last entries for the February auction will be Monday 9th January, so please contact one of the team if you have any auction-related questions or are considering placing a lot into one of our sales. Tel 01273 504232 sussex@cliveemson.co.uk Photo: From left to right: Richard Payne, Emma Attrell, Sam Kinloch and James Emson

At Clive Emson Auctioneers we pride ourselves on the fantastic relationships we have built over the years with many of our local estate agents, letting agents and property companies. Providing a high-profile auction facility that is not in direct competition with other agents allows us to work jointly with them to achieve the best price for our clients. Sharing the commission on an equal basis, we paid in excess of ÂŁ900,000 to our joint agents in 2016 alone. If you would like information on how to become a Joint Agent, please contact a member of the team. Tel 01273 504232 sussex@cliveemson.co.uk.

AWARDS Our Chairman, Clive Emson, was honoured at the KEiBA awards in June this year, receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent award.He was also a finalist at Kent Charity Awards, nominated as Trustee of the Year for the work he has done for the Young Lives Foundation. The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an independent childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity established in 2007 and dedicated to delivering quality services tailored to ensure they achieve effective outcomes in the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged children and young people.

Clive Emson Auctioneers, 83 Bates Road, Brighton, BN1 6PF 01273 504232 | www.cliveemson.co.uk

PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS LUNCH

Smith, use, Charlotte Tom Backho r ecke Roman Schn

, field Mans s i r h C rpe, n Tho Aaro usseva o Issi R

Simon Conn, Lynne Edwards

Andrea Harding, Dominique Scott, Chris Sawyer

er, ngschlaeg Stefan Oli s le Kim White, w o B kins, Steve Sam Daw

Antony Singh, Am y Trevellick, Clare Ashmore

he Dome room, at the Pub du Vin, Ship Street was packed full of property professionals last month for the final networking lunch of 2016. The biggest-ever attendance also resulted in the most money raised for the Rockinghorse Childrens’ charity - £570. The raffle prize was afternoon tea for 2 at new restaurant Skyfall, and tickets to Brighton Races The speaker, Tom Backhouse, Managing Director of Terrafirma Mine Searches Ltd., delivered a scary talk about sink holes and how to avoid them.

Vicki Gilbert, Sheila Bailey, Phil Gilbert

To book into the next event in January 2017, contact: stephanie@searchesuk.co.uk Andrew Stennin g, Simon Gregg, Stephanie Prior, Kerry Mayo

74 PORTFOLIO

n cClinto drian M A , r e il c zdemir Salih O

designers choice bringing KITCHENS to LIFE

Visit our showroom: 9 keymer road, hassocks, west sussex, bn6 8ad Tel: 01273 841048 Web: www.designers-choice.co.uk email: designers.choice9@gmail.com

OVERSEAS

COSTA DEL GOLF Andalucian Open returns to 'Costa Del Golf' as golfers go in search of the perfect pad close to the fairway

he prestigious Andalucian Open is returning to one of Europe's most idyllic golfing destinations, the Costa del Sol, this September. Pro lady golfers Lydia Ko and Michele Wie will go head to head in the event, held between 22nd and 25th September and set to be broadcast to over 100 countries. Having hosted over fifty tournaments in the last four decades, this region of Spain is more than prepared for the thousands of visitors expected to attend this prestigious event. As the Costa del Sol continues to host international events, the attraction of highquality golf in the area is making local property increasingly desirable to fans of the sport. The latest figures released by the Real Federación Española de Golf show that 68% of golf courses in Spain now have a direct or indirect link with a real estate development and it seems those situated on the Costa del Sol are firm favourites. According to the most recent statistics from property consulting agency Aguirre Newman, the time it takes for a property to go on the market for sale in Spain and then be purchased by a buyer has been reduced by more than half this year. The number of new builds being introduced to the market has increased by nearly 5% in comparison with 2015 figures, further emphasising the growing demand. This is the first such rise since 2007.

Seeking to provide the perfect property for golf lovers, leading Spanish homebuilderTaylor Wimpey España has recently announced that the highly anticipated show house within their Horizon Golf community is now available to view.

"All properties benefit from 24-hour security, communal gardens and swimming pool, as well as three 18-hole golf courses, a hydrotherapy centre and spa" Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España believes golf properties are attractive to holiday home buyers and investors alike. He explains, “For fans of the sport, golf properties provide the idyllic base for any holiday or retirement plans, with high-quality facilities right on the doorstep. Buyers should consider properties near a golf course that is also considered a resort, offering an array of additional facilities to keep the nongolf players in the party equally happy. Down

on the Costa del Sol, also known as the 'Costa del Golf', the plentiful sunshine and dry, warm days allow for visits throughout every season or, equally, an exciting rental opportunity.” Situated in the beautiful valley of Mijas, Horizon Golf is Taylor Wimpey de España's second development at La Cala Resort within the complex's famous Campo Asia golf course. With prices starting from €267,000+VAT, the private, gated development offers 55 terraced homes, all with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a cloakroom, as well as 48 2-or 3-bedroom apartments. Residents will enjoy stunning panoramic views over the golf course and La Cala de Mijas with each property. Horizon Golf features luxury finishes, including fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, designer bathrooms, bedrooms with motorized blinds and secure, fully lined wardrobes. All properties benefit from 24-hour security, communal gardens and swimming pool, as well as three 18-hole golf courses, a hydrotherapy centre and spa, with La Cala Golf Academy school and an array of sports facilities all close by. Residents can reach the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol in just 10 minutes, with Malaga airport only 30 minutes away. For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. PORTFOLIO 77

SHOPPING

CHRISTMAS

gifts for the home

There are so many gorgeous gifts for the home, from the festive seasonal items to the things that will cheer you up every day of the year. Add some festive fairy dust to your Christmas... ON THE TABLE Keep the family entertained over Christmas with a great table-top game and bring out the competitive streak in friends and family. Table Football from Tiger £25 www.uk.flyingtiger.com

GO CRACKERS The perfect accessory to an elegant Christmas table. This stylish set features silver and white ribbed-card crackers that are finished with a beautiful grey ribbon and miniature silver pinecone. Pull open to reveal the luxurious prizes inside, designed to be enjoyed by everyone at your dinner table. Luxury Crackers (set of 6) £40 www.thewhitecompany.com

LUXE LIGHT Capture the spirit of the season with this luxuriously rich and wonderfully warming candle. This fabulous three-wick candle comes in a beautiful white gift box. Pomegranate Large Candle £55.00 www.thewhitecompany.com

MAKE A WISH ‘Make a Wish Upon a Star' light-up, festive felt cushion, featuring beautiful embroidery and battery operated LED lights. Add a glow to your room with the flick of a switch. Make A Wish Light Up Cushion £30.00 www.bhs.com

78 PORTFOLIO

MERRY-GO-ROUND Every home should have a Christmas carousel. This music box merry-go-round is a great table decoration that will have little ones enthralled. Christmas Carousel from Tiger £8 www.uk.flyingtiger.com

SHOPPING

PARTY STARTER The ultimate party starter, these confetti rockets will ensure your celebration kicks off to a flying start. Confetti Rockets (Set Of 6) £22.00 www.thewhitecompany.com

SOMETHING NEW Always add some new decorations to your home each year. John Lewis Peacock feather bauble, Hummingbird bauble, Blue peacock swirl bauble, from a selection at John Lewis. www.john lewis.com SANTA SUIT If the man in your life doesn’t have a Santa costume, then we want to know why not? It’s the next best thing to having the real Santa visiting. Santa Costume from Tiger £25 www.uk.flyingtiger.com

CHRISTMAS SACK For when a stocking just isn’t big enough, this festive sack has plenty of room for larger gifts. Do Not Open Hessian Sack £12 www.marksandspencer.com

Books for the cook A great cookbook is the gift that keeps on giving. Here is our selection of the best new cookbooks, some seasonal, some classics

THE RIVER COTTAGE A TO Z by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Bloomsbury Publishing

OTTOLENGHI: THE COOKBOOK by Yotam Ottolenghi Ebury Press

RICK STEIN'S LONG WEEKENDS by Rick Stein BBC Books

LE MANOIR AUX QUAT'SAISONS by Raymond Blanc Bloomsbury Publishing

GIZZI'S SEASON'S EATINGS: FEASTS & CELEBRATIONS by Gizzi Erskine Mitchell Beazley

JAMIE OLIVER'S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK by Jamie Oliver Michael Joseph

NADIYA'S KITCHEN by Nadiya Hussain Michael Joseph

EASY INDIAN SUPER MEALS By Zainab Jagot Ahmed Ebury Press

PORTFOLIO 79

FEATURE home

HOME OF THE MONTH

...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine

Spacious flat in iconic building... Richmond Terrace, Brighton £1575pcm

truly stunning two bedroom apartment in one of Brighton's most iconic buildings. Very large west facing living area with high ceilings, beautiful oak flooring and double height windows. Modern open plan kitchen with integrated appliances and sound system, two spacious double bedrooms - Master with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, fantastic main shower room with character window, un/part/fully-furnished, gas central heating, beautiful common ways, concierge, communal gardens, very close to Brighton station. Viewing highly recommended, tenant fees apply, further details upon request.

Property Moves 109 Church Road, Hove BN3 2AF 01273 321333 www.propertymoves.co.uk

Making Moving a Pleasure If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service. In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients: • • •

Direct dial to your Solicitor No hidden charges Competitive fees

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

8/9 Old Steine Brighton BN1 1EJ

We deliver your dream

The City's largest tiling and bathroom showroom NOW features LAURA

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

ASHLEY bathrooms

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

www.eurotilesandbathrooms.com

WIN!

A Standing Desk The benefits of standing desks are well-documented, boosting calorie-burning and improving overall health. We have one to give away!

ick-start the new year with Varidesk, the easy way to lose some pounds and tone up while standing at your desk. Who knew becoming more active could be so simple? Make a change to a standing desk and see the direct impact standing can have on health. It’s an easy way for nine-to-five workers to burn off extra calories. If an office worker sits at their desk for eight hours a day, that’s 40

hours per week over 48 weeks. A staggering 1,920 hours sitting, just at work… That’s 80 full 24-hour days sitting per year. With a new year upon us, now is the time to take a stand and change your working routine. With Varidesk you will on average burn up to 50 more calories per hour than by sitting at your office desk. The benefits of a standing desk are many: not only burning calories, they boost

circulation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduce and prevent lower back pain and even increase productivity by 46%. Starting from just £150, Varidesk comes in a range of colours and models to suit each individual’s working set-up. The desk top moves from sitting to standing in three seconds, conveniently sitting on top of your current desk. To find out more visit www.uk.varidesk.com

WIN! WE HAVE A VARIDESK STANDING DESK TO GIVE AWAY! For your chance to win this, just email competitions.portfoliomagazine@gmail.com with your name, address and Varidesk in the subject box.

Fixed Fee Divorce & Family Advice available

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

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

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

INTERIORS

PUT IT AWAY Clever use of your space can create additional storage or an office area. RED Joinery have the solution

he festive season is a time for giving, receiving and – unless you’re blessed with acres of space – trying to find somewhere to keep all those thoughtful gifts. If your drawers and cupboards are full to bursting, it’s probably time for a sort out - and maybe some creative thinking about storage. It won’t take a Christmas miracle to tidy up your home, though: Brighton’s RED Joinery have more than a decade of experience in transforming chaos and clutter into sleek storage solutions. SORT IT OUT At this time of year, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by stuff – just when we want things to look their best for friends and family. If you can’t see the wood for the trees (or boxes) then some ruthlessness may be required. If an item has been sitting around untouched and unused for more than a year or two, get rid of it. Children’s toys may need a more frequent cull as their tastes can change as quickly as they grow – and plastic seems to breed regardless of how much you start with. Donate to a local charity, give to a friend or leave out for the pavement fairies – you’ll feel so much better when the decks are clear.

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

HIDDEN SPACES Space is precious, but you’ve probably got a lot more of it than you think. In addition to traditional storage, every home has hidden or under-used space that can be put to work. Placing bookshelves above or around doors, for example, can add storage capacity in smaller rooms and hallways. Alcoves, corners, eaves, corridors – every nook and cranny in your home – can be put to work if you do it right. To maximise space, first think about what you need to store: how much stuff do you have, how much space to you need, and what is missing from your current storage? Include extra space on your wish-list,too (because you’ll use it). Different types of stuff need different spaces: Shelves for books and objects, cupboards and cabinets for things you don’t want to look at every day, boxes for bedding or blankets.Chucking out that rickety old bookshelf and replacing it with something bespoke might seem extravagant at first – but if it doubles the available space, it’s got to be worth it. UNDER THE STAIRS Under the stairs is another much-neglected but versatile space. All too often, under-stairs areas are used as one big, messy cupboard – if they’re even used at all. Fitted out correctly, with a combination of shelving, drawers and cupboard space, this jumble of lost shoes and dust balls transforms into sleek storage central for the whole family. Storage experts RED Joinery have a well-designed under-stairs unit that will allow you to store your vacuum cleaner, mop and broom, recycling, sports equipment and even a sewing machine or two, AND leave enough space to give each family member a drawer of their own. Alternatively, the area could be opened up and fitted out as a compact office or work space (with desk and shelving), or even – depending on size – fitted with a fold-down bed as a guest sleeping area. Now, that really is useful. Contact RED Joinery on 01273 463799 or 07970 274626. Email: info@redjoinery.com or visit the website at www.redjoinery.com PORTFOLIO 83

INTERIORS

aïr TIME

Discreet and unobtrusive, aïr doors from Benchmark Windows blend beauty and utility, form and function

rom quirky and unusual architectural requirements to designs for extreme locations, aïr doors are coveted by those with an eye for detail and a love of creativity. Discreet and unobtrusive, aïr offers inspired solutions and boundless opportunities that will enrich any environment. Blending beauty and utility have long been the hallmarks of the most creative individuals of our time. aïr lift-and-slide doors are design classics that will stand the test of time. Investing in a set of high-end doors is

a once-in-a-lifetime decision. Combining incredible form and function, aïr endures, like all the best things in life. aïr lift-and-slide doors feature aïrglide technology, ensuring smooth operation for years to come. Strong stainless steel rollers enable huge panes of glass weighing up to 300kg to be easily moved with just two fingers. No tugging, heaving, or pushing. Moving the doors is not a workout. They slide and glide effortlessly. Tested to the utmost extreme, aïr is

precision-built to endure the most demanding environments and the harshest of weather. aïr lift-and-slide doors are tested to the extreme and can withstand gusts of up to 100mph. With sightlines from as little as 68mm, you can now enjoy captivating views without compromising performance. U-values start from just 1.38wm2k, making aïr some of the most energy-efficient aluminium doors available. aïr doors come with an impressive industryleading guarantee of 25 years. aïrcoat paint finishes open up boundless

INTERIORS

“Investing in a set of high-end doors is a oncein-a-lifetime decision. Combining incredible form and function, aïr endures, like all the best things in life”

design opportunities. aïrcoat is available in any RAL colour and comes with the option of a textured finish. With an impressive 60 microns of paint, aïrcoat is a durable, scratch-resistant colour finish with rich tones. aïr lift-and-slide doors also feature Teflon®-coated weather seals to prevent dirt from sticking. A quick wipe with warm soapy water is all it takes to maintain a lovely, clean and impressively new feel for years to come. aïr lift-and-slide aluminium doors offer exceptional weather, security, insulation

and noise-reduction capabilities that can stand years of daily use. Extreme testing, specialist engineering processes and inspired workmanship enables the timeless essence of our products to shine through in all conditions. For a greener, more efficient solution for windows, doors and conservatories, come and visit our extensive showroom and discuss your requirements and ideas. Why settle for anything less than spectacular? Call 01903 756699 to arrange an appointment, or visit www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 85

The gold standard for greener glazing.

Come and visit our extensive showroom to discuss your requirements and ideas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for a greener, more eďŹ&#x192;cient windows, doors & conservatories solution.

01903 756699 or visit www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk

Units 4 & 5, 83 Marlborough Road Lancing Business Park Lancing West Sussex BN15 8UF

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01273 55-55-55

HEALTH

SPARKLE AND SHINE Smile and the world smiles with you. But what if you’re not confident about your teeth? We look at the options for polishing that smile

he festive season is nearly here, along with all that glitters, sparkles and shines. And as we’re spending so much time out and about in our party clothes, we all want to look our best. But what can you do if your teeth are less than pearly white? Is there a quick fix for the party season, or do you need to take more drastic measures? This week we take a look at teeth whitening – just in time for Christmas. NATURAL TEETH According to a survey carried out for the Oral Health Foundation for National Smile Week this year, 48% of people are unhappy with the state of their teeth, with discolouration the main issue for 64% of them – and the numbers are increasing. There isn’t a Hollywood (or, increasingly, British) star without a bright, white smile. Even Kate Middleton allegedly had her teeth whitened before her marriage. But most people’s teeth aren’t naturally bright white. Teeth’s outer layer of enamel is fairly translucent, and pale in colour; it may pick up stains as we age, smoke, or drink the wrong things (red wine, acidic fizzy drinks and coffee are particularly harsh on teeth). Where enamel is thin, the next layer of the tooth – a substance called dentin, naturally yellowy-brown in colour – can show through, causing the teeth to appear discoloured. This can also darken over time. Very few people keep perfect white teeth throughout their lives (if they had them to begin with): Worn or stained enamel, and stains to the dentin layer, get to most of us in the end.

LIGHTEN UP So what can be done? Many of us will turn to ‘whitening’ toothpastes and other home remedies as a first port of call. Sadly, however, virtually none of the toothpastes on sale live up to their promises. They may be able to buff the enamel stains a little, but over time abrasive toothpastes may further wear the enamel, compounding the problem. Bleach-based products, including home bleaching sets, are unlikely to be strong enough (there are limits to the ‘strength’ of dental peroxide products that can be sold over the counter) to have an effect.

“There isn’t a Hollywood (or, increasingly, British) star without a bright, white smile” Professional whitening (which should only be performed by a regulated dental professional), generally involves a series of clinic visits while the dentist takes an impression of your teeth (to make ‘trays'), teaches you how to use these trays with prescribed peroxide solution, and checks on progress, and this can effectively lighten your teeth by several shades – so long as it is staining that has caused their discolouration. A second method is laser or ‘power’ whitening, where a bleach product is painted oto your teeth, and a light is shone on them to activate

the product. This is generally much quicker than the tray method, and significantly lighter teeth can be achieved in just one visit. Expect to pay upwards of £300 for whitening, and £700 for power whitening. It's also worth bearing in mind that teeth will discolour again, and you may well need a repeat visit within a few years. BRIGHT AND WHITE Where discolouration goes beyond stains, dental veneers – which can be porcelain or ceramic – can provide a more permanent solution. Veneers are affixed to the front of your natural teeth and can be made several shades lighter – veneers can also help to improve the appearance of irregular teeth, and fill small gaps. Expect to pay upwards of £350 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer used, and to need to replace them approximately once every ten years. Bear in mind, if you are lightening teeth by several shades, then all those most visible will need a veneer in order to avoid a multi-colour smile. Thanks to Evidence Into Practice Associates, a research and delivery organisation specialising in health, care and community.

www.eipa.co.uk PORTFOLIO 89

INTERIORS

SEASONAL HOMES

90â&#x20AC;&#x2021; PORTFOLIO

Embrace the winter season and keep your home warm and inviting, the perfect setting poised for the festive season to unfold

ith winter comes a renewed focus on our homes for socialising and cocooning. Whether planning a cosy evening in, entertaining friends, or in anticipation of the Christmas festivities just around the corner, take the time to create a relaxed and welcoming mood in your home. Decorating our homes for the winter season and creating a magical mood to combat the winter blues can be one of the most pleasurable activities. So dress your home to impress your guests and to bring warmth and opulence into your home.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Add instant warmth and elegance by swapping your summer cushions and throws for warmer fabricsâ&#x20AC;? Add instant warmth and elegance by swapping your summer cushions and throws for warmer fabrics. Velvet, tartan, wool or faux fur will look fabulous, cosy and inviting. And add warmth to floors with textured rugs in deep colours. As the evenings get darker, lighting becomes an even more essential part of making our homes feel more welcoming. Create an ambience with candles and side lights. The choice of light source is significant for creating ambience in our home. Luxurious scented candles will enhance the mood even more. During the winter months even the garden can be brought to life with atmospheric lighting. Drape fairy lights over tree branches and hang little lanterns on the low-hanging branches. Large storm lanterns will stop candles being blown out in a breeze. Forage in the garden, too, for dried seed heads and branches. Seed heads look striking in a metal vase or within a floral arrangement of rosehips, berries and evergreens. Mix these with a few pine tree branches for added scent. Vases of evergreens and fragrant herbs, like rosemary, dotted around the house will provide decoration and fragrance.

INTERIORS

“The biggest focal point of all when entertaining at home is undoubtably the dining room”

92 PORTFOLIO Hunter Inglenook

The biggest focal point of all when entertaining at home is undoubtably the dining room. Here are our tips for how to dazzle with your festive table settings If you're looking to make an impact with your table setting, you can't beat a striking colour scheme. Silvers and golds will create a classy, classic feel, while purples, teals and blacks will establish a more modern aesthetic. Crisp white table linens and crockery will add freshness and look wonderful when paired with gold candlesticks and metallic ornamental touches. You can have fun with Christmas tree baubles, too, either hanging pedant-like over the table or scattered among the tableware. Or, for a more dramatic effect, combine hanging baubles with vintage ornaments, elegant candelabras and rich colour palettes. If you're looking for something a little more pared back and sophisticated, minimal tableware and black and gold accents should be just the thing. SHIMMERING LANTERNS AND BAUBLES Set a party atmosphere and decorate your dining table with glass hurricane lanterns filled with glimmering silver baubles surrounded by plenty of glowing candles. Mix and match Christmas decorations for a laid-back and elegant feel. METALLIC TOUCHES Gold and silver at Christmas will never go out of fashion, so choose metallic-edged crockery and mix with classic sparkling glassware. Finish with a white rose and glittering silver bauble at each setting to create a personal touch. DRAMATIC JEWEL TONES Mix rich jewel tones and gold for a theatrical, glamorous Christmas dining table. Opulent decorations teamed with large purple and blue hydrangeas will wow guests. NATURAL CHARM Choose a simple white and green colour scheme for a natural look. Display foliage and flowers in antique-style bottles for a pretty centrepiece.

Thanks to www.housetohome.co.uk

RELAXED AND RUSTIC For a relaxed Christmas table setting in an open-plan kitchen-diner, go for a pared-down red and white scheme. A simple table runner will lift the festive spirit. Small vases filled with greenery and berries are ideal as lowlevel table centrepieces. MODERN TEAL AND GOLD Impress your guests by dressing your dining room table with a mix of opulent gold and elegant teal. The warming colours will be a contrast to the crisp white winter outside and dazzling fairy lights will continue the comforting glow. SOPHISTICATED WHITE For a sophisticated dining room table setting stick to white linens and a chic dinner set with subtle silver detailing. Continue the glamour with silver crackers and baubles, and ensure there's plenty of elegant glassware for a smart finish. CLASSIC WHITE AND GOLD Keep crockery and glassware simple with elegant white china and clear glassware. A couple of glittering gold accessories will add a touch of sparkle to your dining room, while tall, elegant candles will finish the look beautifully. ELEGANT VINTAGE Go for a vintage-style Christmas dining room table with distressed and antique-look baubles, delicate glassware and plenty of candlelight. A simple ribbon tied around the back of each chair makes a pretty finishing touch. MINIMAL AND GLAMOUROUS Create an elegant look with minimal tableware and accessories in stylish black and gold. Still sticking with the black theme, you can add fun touches, such as stick-on moustaches, to keep the mood jovial. SPARKLING CENTREPIECE You can't beat gems and jewels for livening up a festive dining table. Simply add a wreath to the centre of the table and pop a bright jug with a big bundle of evergreen foliage in the middle. Finish off with jewelled napkin rings to add a touch of bling.

EVENTS BONHAMS LONDON TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN 2016

“The world’s longest-running motoring event’” Sunday 6th November 2016 Madeira Drive, Brighton

WALKS Itford Lewes Brooks

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Mill Hill

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0.5miles 0.5km

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY The second of our regular monthly walks in the fantastic countryside surrounding Brighton & Hove

Discover Lewes and Southease Walking the Glynde route, you can see Mount Caburn hill fort and National Nature Reserve, Glynde Place (an Elizabethan mansion), plus panoramic views of the South Downs National Park, Ouse Valley and Lewes. On the Southease and Lewes Brooks route, enjoy the path along the River Ouse and see the delightful villages of Rodmell and Southease including their interesting churches. The South Downs way section provides beautiful views. Looking for somewhere to stay? Try YHA South Downs (at Itford farm) www.yha.org.uk/hostel/southdowns Southease and Lewes Brooks Distance: 5.5miles/8.8km up to 4 hours Shorter route: 3.5miles/5.6km up to 2.5 hours Train: Regular services to Southease Station (from Seaford or Lewes) Access: Mostly flat, one steep hill

ROUTE INSTRUCTIONS 1. From the station turn left along the lane. Shortly after crossing the bridge over the River Ouse turn right through the gate and follow the riverbank path for about one mile. Just after the 2nd kissing gate turn left down the embankment. 2. Go along the bridleway track across “The Brooks”. As you enter Rodmell Village, pass the National Trust car park and then Monk’s House on the left. 3. Turn into the road on the right (signposted to Barley Field), then where the road bends 90 degrees, turn left along the footpath down the side of Place Bungalow.

farm track signposted “Northease farm” and climb up onto the downs. 6. At the top of the scarp, turn left and follow the South Downs Way across the junction on Mill Hill, then turn left through the gate that’s to your right. Follow the South Downs Way down the hill, passing through a gate at the bottom. 7. Turn left through another gate and onto a farm track, still following the South Downs Way signposts. Follow the track until you reach a fenced paddock on the right. Turn right up to the road. Cross the minor road and then the main road (take care!). Go straight down the side road to Southease Village.

4. When you reach cross paths turn right across a large field to the road.

8. Go straight ahead with the church and green on the right and follow the road back to the station.

5. Turn right onto the road (please use caution!) and follow the grass verge, crossing the road just before you reach Northease Manor. Just after the manor, turn left up a concrete

For more information about walks in the region, contact South Downs National Park Authority. Tel 0300 303 1053 or visit www.southdowns.gov.uk PORTFOLIO 95

RESTAURANT review

HOLY COW! If another steakhouse was not at the top of your list of 'what the world needs now...', a visit to Miller & Carter Steakhouse will convince you that the hype surrounding this recently launched restaurant is not just another load of bull... Daniel Frickelton was there

f you're reading this review, you're probably not vegan or vegetarian. If you are, you're clearly having a relapse... or, if you are the 'militant' kind of veggie, you may just be looking for some contentious material. Although my dinner companion and I are strict omnivores, our consumption of red meat lately has been low, limited mainly to the 'wrong' varieties – processed products, like bacon, sausage and ham. It was therefore a real treat for us to be given the opportunity to feast on a proper hunk of juicy red UK beef. Miller & Carter is located in what used to be The Black Lion, then The Harvester, just off the A23/A27 junction. I'm told that the Black Lion was for decades a bit of an icon for locals, a place for friends to meet up for a couple of pints and a pub meal. Due to its ideal location for business meetings, I have attended and hosted dozens of business events there over the past 20 years, and it was reassuring to see that Miller & Carter have kept the original 'footprint' and internal spaces of this popular venue. That said, what used to be a cosy-but-tired look and feel have been transformed into a

96 PORTFOLIO

warm, welcoming and glamorous dining venue. Gone are the old carpets, with the ground-in dirt of the ages, and the tatty old furniture and chintz. In their place are deep-pile carpets in a rich red and black pattern and smart, contemporary furnishings. We had just been to a popular

“The warm hues on the walls, the classy textiles and the subdued lighting all contribute to the overall effect of elegance, intimacy and romance” Brighton Indian restaurant a few nights earlier, and the contrast was very striking: the hard surfaces and bare floors in this large, crowded room with high ceilings were more suggestive of an echo chamber than an intimate dining space. Conversation was impossible. Carter & Miller, on the other hand, have got the right

formula. There are five or six separate dining areas throughout the building, all with thick carpets to dampen the sound of gnashing teeth and energetic, wine-fuelled discussion, and just enough discrete glass partitions to allow diners to see what's going on around them. The warm hues on the walls, the classy textiles and the subdued lighting all contribute to the overall effect of elegance, intimacy and romance. Come here with someone you love, because you will be talking a lot, in a normal tone of voice. The menu, on a large card, offers a wide range of cuts for meat eaters, and an attractive, but more limited, assortment of chicken and fish options. This is a steakhouse, after all. When you have made your mind up about whether to go for the rump, sirloin or tenderloin, you need to decide whether you want it on or off the bone. A nice touch. Some cuts have been aged longer than others. All are very reasonably priced. There are sharing dishes, such as the chateaubriand, and the 'Long Bone Tomahawk', a 30oz whopper of a steak that appears to have been named after a Native American porn star. Ok, I made that up.

We ordered a bottle of red (of course) to grease the wheels of the decision-making process. Among the well-chosen options were two Malbecs, both Argentinian. Wine writers seem to be trying to wean us off the Malbec grape these days, but it's hard to beat a glass of this robust, spicy punch in the gob, especially as a partner to strong cheeses and meat. We chose the Aruma Malbec, Domaines Baron de Rothschild and Nicholas Catena (£27.95), a partnership forged in Mendoza, Argentina. The result is a wine made in heaven. We have never enjoyed a better bottle of Malbec: perfect balance and freshness combined with fruity elegance and depth to yield something like drinkable silk. We feared starters might be too much food to follow with a steak dinner, but the portion sizes were perfect. The calamari Romana was piping-hot, crispy and golden on the outside and meltingly gorgeous on the inside. The Black Pearl scallops were skilfully prepared and served with a simple but memorable aioli laced with saffron. Natalie and her colleagues are very efficient

at Miller & Carter, Brighton, so we didn't have to spend much time trying to remember which bits we had ordered for our mains. My companion's Bistro rump fillet (8oz, £16.95) provoked a storm of questions about where exactly this cut came from on the animal. It looked like a large fillet steak, lean and tender, but with more beef flavour. Turns out that it comes from the centre of the rump, hence the flavour. The cut-with-afork tenderness was a delightful surprise. My 45-day aged rump (9oz, £17.95) fulfilled my most sanguine steaky wishes: skilfully cooked to rosy perfection, bursting with savoury juice and heartiness, this chunk of goodness had bite without lapsing into chewiness, and bags of beefy flavour. Considering the very high standards of ingredients and preparation of these dishes, the prices seem almost silly. We have had inedible steaks (well, shoe leather, really) in 'gastro-pubs' that cost considerably more. Never again. Our main courses were enhanced by their potato, variety of sauces (another decision) and salad companions. Having cut my teeth on steak and baked potato in my American

childhood, there was no real 'potato option' for me. My jacket arrived in a bowl, cut lengthwise into wedges and soaked in gorgeous creamery butter. A couple of dollops of M&C's extremely good sour cream, and I could have skipped all the rest. Actually, no. I wouldn't have skipped any of it. My only disappointment is that I noticed the interesting array of side dishes a little too late – after we had placed our orders. Bone marrow. Sigh... I would go the last mile on hands and knees as a pilgrim to the altar of Taurus for a nice bit of unctuous, velvety marrow. Next time, then. As we polished off the last bits of our fluffy vanilla cheesecake and mini-chocolate pot and ice cream, I reached across the table and took my friend's hand. Summoning my best Schwarzenegger voice and Clooney eyes, I said, 'We'll be back.'

Miller & Carter Brighton London Road, Brighton BN1 8YQ 01273 552886 www.millerandcarter.co.uk PORTFOLIO 97

CELEBRITY chef recipe

Gizzi Erskine photo courtesy of Jon Gorrigan

GIZZI’S FEASTS AND CELEBRATIONS Gizzi Erskine’s delicious, crowd-pleasing fare will take you through the festive season, from Bonfire Night and Thanksgiving to Boxing Day, not forgetting Christmas feasts

fter seven years as a professional body piercer in Camden, Gizzi Erskine decided to pursue her life-long dream of being a chef. In 2003, aged 23, Gizzi started training at the prestigious Leith's School of Food and Wine. She graduated top of her year and went on to win a placement at BBC Good Food magazine, where she started to establish herself as an award-winning food writer and stylist. A career in TV started with the popular C4 primetime show, Cook Yourself Thin, and she has since appeared on Iron Chef, Cookery School with Richard Corrigan and Drop Down Menu for C4, on Sky Living, alongside Gü founder James Averdick, and on Sky 1's Ones to Watch, mentoring the next generation of hot new creative talent. In 2014 she joined Jamie Oliver's Food Tube network on YouTube. Always at the forefront of any trend, Gizzi was one of the first to back the pop-up restaurant scene. Her food events - including K-Town in Shoreditch and Gizzi's Barnyard Party in Dalston - are legendary for those in the know. In 2013 she had the honour of hosting

the Observer Food Monthly awards alongside Jay Rayner, and in 2014 she programmed her own tent at Latitude Festival, headlined at On Blackheath, and appeared at both Meatopia and the Big Feastival. She has been designated one of the Evening Standard's 1000 Most Influential People four times. Crowd-pleasing for delicious gatheringsfor The Sunday Gizzi has fare been a columnist throughout the holiday season Times Editor for Halloween Magazine, Bonfire Night Contributing Thanksgiving Christmasand time has New Year’s Evefor & more InStyle written a wide variety of other magazines and newspapers, such as Marie Claire, Elle, Elle USA, Vogue USA, GQ, The Times and the Evening Standard. Her books include Cook Yourself Thin, Gizzi's Kitchen Magic, Skinny Weeks & Weekend Feasts and the bestselling Gizzi's Healthy Appetite. No one loves a get-together more than Gizzi, and in her latest book she shows you how to create delicious, crowd-pleasing fare for every occasion. Christmas dinner with all the £25 trimmings, a New Year's brunch or a frightful GIZZI ERSKINE feast for Halloween: whatever the occasion, you will find something special to share with the ones you love. Recipes include Boxing Day w w w. o c t o p u s b o o k s . c o . u k

MITCHELL BEAZLEY

turkey mole enchiladas, Bonfire Night sausage casserole, Thanksgiving clambake and dense chocolate Christmas cake. See more Gizzi here: Instagram @gizzierskine Twitter @GizziErskine

Gizzi’s

SEASON’S EATINGS

Feasts & Celebrations

FROM HALLOWEEN TO HAPPY NEW YEAR

GIZZI ERSKINE PORTFOLIO 99

CELEBRITY chef recipe

CHICKEN, CHORIZO & SPELT CASSEROLE "One-pot dishes don’t usually have an elegant finish to them, but some recipes manage to just preach buxom flavour in only a few stages. This is a kind of in-yourface flavour, but with a snazzy overtone. It is a rich casserole made with chicken and chorizo sausages but filled out with pearled spelt, which, like a stewy rice dish such as a paella, sucks up all the flavour. Finished with a heightened tang from lemon zest and parsley, it’s the kind of food people (or at least I) live for – all made in one pot!" SERVES 6  PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes COOKING TIME: 2 hours Recipe •

2 tablespoons olive oil

•

1 large free-range chicken, jointed into 10 pieces

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6 small, whole cooking chorizos, about 340g (113⁄4oz)

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1 large garlic bulb, cut in half horizontally

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2 onions, finely chopped

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1 bottle of dry white wine

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800ml (11⁄3 pints) fresh chicken stock, plus extra if needed

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a generous pinch of saffron

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2 bay leaves

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1 rosemary sprig

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a few thyme sprigs, leaves picked

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a small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves chopped

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300g (10½ oz) pearled spelt

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finely grated zest of 1 lemon

•

sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

100 PORTFOLIO

Method Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan (425°F), Gas Mark 7. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish. Season the chicken pieces with salt and put them into the dish, pressing them firmly, skin side down. Brown thoroughly in batches, until you achieve a lovely, deep caramel colour; this will create a great depth of flavour. Once the chicken is browned, remove with tongs and set aside. Brown the chorizos all over in the same dish, then remove and set aside. Next, lay the garlic bulb halves in the dish, cut sides down, and let them caramelize for one minute, but be careful not to let them burn, as this will create a bitter flavour. Remove and set aside. Add your chopped onions to the residual oil in the pan and fry them slowly for 10– 12 minutes, until they start to soften. Pour over the wine and chicken stock, add the saffron, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme and half the parsley, and bring to the boil. Add the chicken, garlic, chorizo and spelt to the casserole. The chicken needs to be 90 per cent covered with liquid, so top it up with a little more stock if necessary. Place the lid on the dish and transfer to the oven. Cook for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200°C/180°C fan (400°F), Gas Mark 6 and cook for a further 45 minutes. Once the time’s up, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 5–10 minutes. Stir through the remaining parsley and the lemon zest and serve with a salad.

CELEBRITY chef recipe

APPLE CIDER FRITTERS "Apple fritters straight out of the fryer, tossed into a spiced sugar and eaten hot out of napkins while watching the fireworks, are the stuff of memories for me. Somewhere between a doughnut and a fritter, they symbolize everything that’s wonderful about the winter season. They are AMAZING with vanilla or salted caramel ice cream." MAKES 16 PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 10 minutes Recipe •

150g (5½ oz) self-raising flour

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30g (1oz) cornflour

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½ teaspoon baking powder

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2 free-range eggs, beaten

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150ml (¼ pint) cold cider or fizzy water

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4 small British Braeburn apples

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vegetable oil, for deep frying

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100g (3½ oz) caster sugar

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1 teaspoon mixed spice

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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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½ teaspoon sea salt flakes

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vanilla or salted caramel ice cream, to serve

Method Place the flours and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre, then pour in the eggs and the cold cider or fizzy water. Quickly whisk together, then leave to rest for 30 minutes in the fridge. Cold batter will make extra crispy fritters. Core the apples, then slice the tops and bottoms off them to make them into neat barrels. Cut each apple horizontally into 4 slices. If you have a deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 180°C (350°F). If not, pour oil into a large, deep saucepan to a depth of about 5cm (2 inches), making sure it is no more than half full. Plunge the apple slices into the batter, then deep-fry them for 2–3 minutes, or until crisp and golden and the apples are cooked through. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Mix together the caster sugar, spices and salt. While the apples are still hot, toss them into the sugar and serve straight away.

“Apple fritters straight out of the fryer, tossed into a spiced sugar and eaten hot out of napkins while watching the fireworks, are the stuff of memories for me”

Recipes taken from: Gizzi's Season's Eatings: Feasts & Celebrations by Gizzi Erskine, out now in Hardcover, £17.00. Publisher: Mitchell Beazley

PORTFOLIO 101

STYLE

THE best-dressed LIST Samantha Wilding shares her best-and worst-dressed celebrities of the past half century

e’re nearing the end of 2016, and the internet is full of lists of the best-and worst-dressed celebrities, lists that often change weekly. What makes someone qualify as ‘best’ or ‘worst’ dressed? Ultimately, it is subjective. I have my own list of men and women who I think tick the sartorial boxes (or not), which I thought I’d share with you. So here are my lists of the ten best-, and eight worst-dressed of the past half century. (I had trouble deciding on the last two from a vast sea of options, so I left it at eight). Now, you may disagree with some of these; in fact, I hope you do. Remember, it’s my opinion. I think it’s telling that my topfive best-dressed are no longer with us.

The ten best... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. “She has her own look and she is true to it. And somehow she always manages to pull it off”

Cary Grant: As I’ve written previously in this column, Mr Archibald Leach was often cited as one of Hollywood’s best-dressed men. No-one wore a suit quite like him. Watch North by Northwest if you don’t believe me. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Whether posing in pillbox hats in the White House days or rocking white jeans on Capri, the late, great Jackie O always wore it well. David Bowie: Do I have to explain? Diana, Princess of Wales: As many others before me have said, it was fascinating watching her evolve from a gawky Laura Ashleywearing Sloane into an international style icon. Steve McQueen: The ‘King of Cool’, equally at home in a t-shirt and leather bomber, a polo neck and jacket, or ultra-sharp tailoring. Queen Letizia of Spain: From newsreader to queen consort, this woman never puts a foot wrong. She’s often seen in Hugo Boss, but also in high street pieces, particularly Zara (obviously). She’s a fan of Adolfo Dominguez, too (one of my favourite Spanish labels).

Roger Federer: I love the fact that he’s created his own elegant postmatch look by donning a crisp white RF-monogrammed blazer.

Sophia Loren: Epitomises timeless Italian style. Even at age 81, she gets it right. But then, she is Italian. They are born with an innate sense of elegance, knowing that simplicity is key and less is more.

9. 10.

Bill Nighy: Evidently, his favourite article of clothing is his light blue Margaret Howell shirt, and his favourite accessory is a dark blue polka dotted scarf (also Margaret Howell). But I loved him best in the white and black-splattered suit in Love, Actually. Helena Bonham Carter: Yes, really. Stick with me on this one. She often looks outrageous and quirky – but that’s the point. She has her own look and she is true to it. And somehow she always manages to pull it off.

The nine worst... 1.

Jeremy Clarkson: He was Trinny-and-Susannah’d back in 2002, and promptly ignored all their advice – telling them so. He looked, and still looks, like a dishevelled lumberjack: baggy plaid shirts, awful stonewashed jeans and an unforgivable selection of jackets. After the show, Clarkson said, ‘I'd rather eat my own hair than shop with these two again.’ Why? God knows he needed the help.

Hillary Clinton: Like many prominent females in politics or international affairs, Clinton wears boxy suits in nasty colours that do nothing for her shape. In fact they hide it completely. Angela Merkel is guilty of similar fashion offences. Ladies – take some lessons from the head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde. It is possible to look chic and still be taken seriously….

Madonna: Then and now. I was never a ‘wannabe.' I thought she looked trashy – and I still do.

Russell Crowe: See Jeremy Clarkson.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Kim Kardashian: I despise this ridiculous notion of celebrity without talent, and everything that goes with it. Especially the tasteless clothing and exposure of far too much skin. Completely vulgar. John Inverdale: Always seems to be wearing shapeless, poor-fitting clothing. He looked awful at Wimbledon in an appalling double-breasted suit that made him look about six feet wide. Mariah Carey: Another example of how money simply cannot buy you taste. Or elegance. Or style. Paul Hollywood: Not particularly terrible, but not great, either. He could certainly up his game and be a bit more adventurous. Maybe the Channel 4 wardrobe department will be of some assistance…. Fiona Bruce: Now, this one is probably controversial, as she borders on ‘national treasure.’ But how can a very attractive woman with a lovely, slim figure on a not-inconsiderable salary get it so wrong? She insists on wearing Queen Mother-like bracelet-length sleeves, nasty, heavy, woodenbead necklaces and weirdly (not fashionably) cropped trousers.

So there you have it. Who are your best and worst-dressed? This is my last Style column for Portfolio magazine. I hope you have enjoyed reading my articles. You can continue to read my blog at www.styleandgrace.eu/blog

www.styleandgrace.eu @alwayschicUK

TV – The BIGGER picture

JEREMY’S GRAND TOUR If you’ve been missing your fix of the former ‘Top Gear’ team, here’s everything you need to know about their new series

ove him or hate him, ‘Marmite Man’ Jeremy Clarkson will be back on screen again this month in the first episode of The Grand Tour, which will also feature James and Richard in their first studio tent recording in California “Customers have been desperate to find out when they can watch their favorite team back on screen, so we are very excited about the launch of one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016,” said

Jay Marine, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video EU. “The guys have been having a blast filming the show around the world and we can’t wait for fans to see it weekly, beginning November 18th, only on Amazon Prime Video.” Prime members can watch The Grand Tour via the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online at www.amazon.com/thegrandtour. Jeremy, Richard and James have

committed to three series of The Grand Tour as part of a landmark global TV deal, and for the last year the team have been traveling the world filming this first series in exciting locations across the globe. Their Grand Tour also includes studio audience recordings filmed in front of a live audience in their giant traveling tent. The team has already brought the tent to Johannesburg and have just been to California. Stay tuned for more worldwide tent locations, coming soon.

“Jeremy, Richard and James have committed to three series of The Grand Tour as part of a landmark global TV deal”

TV – The BIGGER picture

Fans can follow The Grand Tour on Facebook www.facebook.com/thegrandtour and Twitter www.twitter.com/thegrandtour and at www.amazon.com/thegrandtour to be the first to get news about the show and future locations. In a tongue-in-cheek statement, Clarkson said: "We'll be travelling the world hosting each episode in a different country. It's sort of a 'grand tour,' if you like. So we've decided to call it 'The Grand Tour'." James May originally admitted to being underwhelmed by the name. “I wanted to call it ‘Nigel,’ or ‘Roger.’ We needed a name, and they’re names.” Richard Hammond was more positive. “I already love camping,” he enthused, “But this is something else. We are like our pioneering and prospecting forebears, sallying forth into a new frontier of broadcasting, and making our home where...” But at this point Clarkson and May strangled him with a guy rope. The show is produced by the trio’s long-time executive producer Andy Wilman You can watch a trailer now at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA3XE6Ym044 The Grand Tour starts November 18th, only on Amazon Prime Video

ARCTIC LIVE A

rctic Live is a brand-new three-part series exploring the planet’s last undiscovered wilderness. Every autumn, polar bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay in Canada to wait for the sea ice to form, so they can begin their winter hunt. And every year, they’re waiting longer. In one of BBC Two’s most ambitious live broadcasts, Gordon Buchanan, Kate Humble and Simon Reeve head north to Churchill, Canada, to follow the remarkable story of not just these bears, but the entire Arctic, to see what life is really like on top of the world. Vast and stunningly beautiful, the Arctic spans eight countries and over five million square miles of frozen ocean. As temperatures rise it has become an increasingly valuable battleground: shipping routes are opening up, and oil, gas and minerals are tantalisingly within reach.

Tonight, Simon travels to an unspoilt corner of Greenland that could become one of the biggest uranium mines in the world - a decision that’s dividing the community - while Kate follows the oil money that’s shaped Alaska and the bitter battle over offshore drilling. Award-winning wildlife cameraman Gordon (pictured) may already have come face to face with polar bears in Svalbard for The Polar Bear Family And Me, but in Churchill he learns how to live in a town where the world’s largest living land carnivore is right on your doorstep. The team will be live on the tundra to bring viewers the very latest from the bears. Tuesday 1 November (3 episodes) BBC TWO 8.00pm-9.00pm PORTFOLIO 105

LOCAL news

LOCAL NEWS THINK-TANK TO LOOK FOR A BETTER BRIGHTON AND HOVE A think-tank is to be set up to come up with ideas to bring about a better Brighton and Hove. Local charity, the Pebble Trust, came up with the proposal and will fund almost half the £650,000 annual running cost of the think-tank – to be called Better Brighton and Hove. The think-tank will bring together academics from Brighton University and Sussex University and policy experts from Brighton and Hove City Council and other local organisations. It could also bring experience and expertise from the business world when trying to find ways to tackle some of the pressing challenges facing the area, the council hopes. In October) the council agreed to contribute £250,000 a year although this could be the nominal cost of providing premises and staff. It is hoped that Sussex Police, the universities, the NHS and private businesses may contribute up to £50,000.

CAMPAIGN FOR IMPROVED RAIL COMPENSATION SUCCESS A long-running campaign to boost refunds when trains are delayed has succeeded with the Government announcing that the threshold for compensation with be slashed from 30 minutes to 15. Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas and Hove MP Peter Kyle have been among those backing Which?’s call for the change to the delay repay scheme for many months, even before the dispute between Southern Rail and the RMT plunged the Brighton line into even more chaos. Caroline Lucas MP said: “At long last the Government is giving some relief to long suffering passengers on Southern Rail. “People suffer delays on a daily basis and this scheme will go some way towards compensating them for the constant interruption in their lives. Of course these improvements are only a sticking plaster, and don’t fix the long term problems on the line. The Government said the change will be introduced within months on Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) services, including Southern, and then rolled out across the country. Passengers will be able to claim 25% of the cost of the single fare for delays between 15 and 29 minutes. The existing compensation thresholds will apply for delays from 30 minutes with passengers able to apply for compensation through the train operating company.

106 PORTFOLIO

CITY COLLEGE TO BE RENAMED METROPOLITAN COLLEGE? A merger of City College and Worthing’s Northbrook College would see the new institution named The Metropolitan College. The announcement came as a month-long joint consultation was launched into the colleges’ plans.The proposed merger, announced in March, came after a government review of the regions further education provision, with a focus on opportunities for mergers. The new institute will continue to keep campuses across Brighton, Shoreham and Worthing but be led by a central executive team and governing body. The Pelham Street campus will concentrate on creative, digital and IT, while its new east Brighton site will concentrate on construction, as already planned. It will teach around 3,500 16-18 year old students, 7,500 adults 1,000 undergraduates and more than 800 apprentices, generating an income of circa £40 Million.

LOCAL news

SPECIAL MEASURES FOR BRIGHTON HOSPITALS Brighton hospital trust put in financial special measures as £15.5m funding hole deepens. The NHS trust which runs Brighton’s hospitals has been put in financial special measures after bosses told the government it would be more than an agreed £15.5million in debt by April. Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Sussex and Princess Royal hospitals, is already in special measures because of concerns over the quality of care it provides. Last month, it told NHS Improvement that it could not meet its target of being £15.5million in the red by the end of the financial year, thanks to increased demand and a legacy of financial troubles. This means it will receive extra help to balance the books – but key decisions over budgets and spending will be made by NHS Improvement, under the direction of a financial improvement director appointed to work with the trust. Interim Chief Executive Dr Gillian Fairfield said: “The Trust has experienced financial difficulties for several years and we have made it clear to NHS Improvement that it is no longer credible to continue to work towards meeting their agreed end-of-year deficit of £15.5m. As a Trust, we could have continued to work towards our control total but we felt it was important to be open and honest about our finances now to ensure the situation did not deteriorate further. “In order for us to comply with essential quality and safety standards and meet the CQC requirements, as well as meet an increasing demand on our services, it is clear that we now need support to recover our financial position over a realistic timeframe. We are therefore pleased that we are getting that support and we are fully committed to working with NHS Improvement to help us speed up our financial recovery.”

SYNAGOGUE’S ART SHOW Enjoy an art open day and view the newly designed space at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue. Held in the award winning Synagogue in Lansdowne Road, all proceeds and donations will go towards the Synagogue’s ongoing support and charitable work in the wider community. Artwork is on offer by five exceptional artists: Claire O'Hea, Simon Chinnery and Brighton artists Ilana Richardson, Annelies Clarke and Cecil Rice, all of whom will be showcasing and selling their latest originals, prints and cards. Tea and cakes will be available. Sunday 27th November 2016. Doors open 12pm to 6pm. Entry is free. Sponsored by ZST architects and part of the Artists Open House Festival.

SANTA DASH One of our favourite silly, but worthy, events is always the seasonal Santa dash. The sight of hundreds of Santas running, jogging, walking, or staggering along the seafront is a wonder to behold. This year it is on the 10th December starting at Hove Lawns. It costs only £17.50 (+handling fee) to enter and that includes your race entry, your Santa suit and your bespoke medal. The Rockinghorse charity benefits from all monies raised on the day. There is also a kids' 400m race before the main event at 10.20 – so plenty of photo opps for mums and dads! It’s free, so just turn up and they’ll also get a medal at the end. The grown-ups route is 2.5k along the seafront. See you there!

PORTFOLIO 107

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LOCALCOMMUNITY community

STARRY NIGHT

Local charity The Starr Trust present a Winter Musical Extravaganza on November 19th at Hilton Brighton Metropole, raising funds for this charity, which supports young people aged 10 to 18

ocal charity the Starr Trust is starting the Christmas celebrations early this year with their ‘Winter Musical Extravaganza,’ featuring live entertainment from the Starr Trust cast, a three-course sit-down dinner and a disco. The evening is sponsored by the Hilton Brighton Metropole and will be held in the beautiful Viscount Suite. The night begins at 6.45pm with welcome drinks, followed by a fabulous show, a delicious Christmas-themed dinner and a disco, so you can dance the night away at this magical evening of music and fun. Tickets cost just £40. Tracey from the Starr Trust says, “This is the best way to kick off Christmas! The Viscount Suite at the Hilton has a fabulous atmosphere and a unique central performance stage. With entertainment from our exceptional Starr Trust cast you will be in for a real treat. After our guests have enjoyed their three-course festive dinner, they can dance until late to the biggest party anthems.”

Tickets are already selling fast, so whether you fancy a night out with friends or your work colleagues, get in early and book your tickets by emailing: alex.lawson@starrtrust.com or call 01273 715882.

"This is the best way to kick off Christmas! The Viscount Suite at the Hilton has a fabulous atmosphere and a unique central performance stage" Proceeds from the evening will go to the Starr Trust, which supports young people living in the BN postcode area aged 10-18 wishing to fulfil their potential in sports, arts and education, by providing a helping hand to

achieve their goals at a time when they really need it. The Starr Trust is an independent, familyrun charity. Their income comes entirely from community fundraising and events, and donations from generous companies and individuals. They provide: financial grants up to £5000 for young people in need living in the BN post code area; training and development of skills; and networking and mentoring They do this through local fundraising, events, creating local networks of mentors and other interested professionals, providing opportunities for training and skills sharing and connecting communities locally and around the world. The aim is to encourage independent thinking, entrepreneurship and a social conscience in young people through all these activities. Patrons include Robin Cousins MBE and Claire Martin OBE. www.starrtrust.com

DRESS YOURSELF AS AN ELF!

ocal children’s charity Rockinghorse is looking for supporters to get in the festive spirit and wear red and green on Friday 9th December for their Dress as an Elf day, raising money for sick children in Sussex this Christmas. The charity is looking for businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to take part in the festive fundraiser, with participants being asked to donate £1 to dress in red and green, or a full elf outfit! Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton, and a vital supporter of the neighbouring Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) and its sister site, the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Haywards Heath.

The charity raises money for items necessary for every child’s treatment; from furnishings and toys for the wards through to cutting-edge diagnostic machines and life-saving medical equipment. They strive to give children access to the very best medical care and attention in surroundings that are better suited to their needs. Those wishing to get involved in the festive fundraiser can contact Rockinghorse on 01273 330044, or email elf@rockinghorse.org.uk for an elf pack full of advice and ideas to help make the most of your elftastic fundraising. To find out more about the charity visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk. PORTFOLIO 109

GOLF

INNOVATE OR DIE? Keith Pelley, new-ish CEO of the PGA European Tour, has already introduced a few challenges to “business as usual” on the European Tour. Now he wants to revolutionise the format of European golf. Can he do this without destroying our cherished sport forever? asks GolfGuy...

any will recall the famous photos of the colourful Brian Barnes teeing it up at The Open several decades ago, clad in shorts, gartered knee socks and a tartan Tam o'Shanter. I'm still not sure how he got away with it then, but Brian would feel right at home on the European Tour now that Keith Pelley has made it possible for players to wear shorts in tournaments. Although the new rules only apply to Pro-Am events at the moment, the door has been opened a crack. The last time I turned up on the first tee in shorts, my playing partners warned me that I would henceforth be given a two-stroke penalty for “creating unnecessary distraction” should I ever try it again. Although relaxation of dress codes in golf is long overdue, not all of us want to look like Rickie Fowler or John Daly on the golf course. Other changes being introduced by Keith Pelley to the 18-hole format are more vexing.

110 PORTFOLIO

2017 will see the intoduction of six-hole televised tournaments in which players play six holes, using as few as five clubs, to the accomangiment of blaring music, PA announcements and dressed, in Pelley's own

"Although relaxation of dress codes in golf is long overdue, not all of us want to look like Rickie Fowler or John Daly on the golf course" words, “a little differently.” More revolution than evolution, then. With the undeniable success of Twenty20 cricket as his matrix, Pelley clearly believes the changes will make golf more exciting and take less time from start to finish.

“People's time is so precious. I think every golf course being built needs to be six holes, six holes, six holes – so that people can go at the beginning before they go to work,” says Pelley. “If you're not prepared...to be innovative...to take chances, then golf will fall behind.” (Golf World, November 2016) Keith Pelley's strategy is clearly aimed at younger generations, at making golf more exciting to watch and to play. Golf, like cricket, is a game with deep historical roots, and although most of the earliest tracks originally had fewer than 18 holes, the 18-hole format has become sacred. Will Pelley's proposed changes transform and revitalise our sport as Twenty20 has done for cricket, or will golf become the province of very wealthy people at exclusive 18hole layouts? Is 18 just a number?

Golf Guy...

GOLF

The Golf Pro replies INNOVATE, INNOVATE, INNOVATE! Golf is a great game with respected traditions, but it’s not unreasonable to think that the game is not so stubborn in its ways that there isn’t room for some form of evolution. Changes to the game will be met with criticism and face strong opposition, but progression is a way of life in sport. Formula One changes its rules every year, tennis has Hawkeye, cricket has the T20, rugby has TV replays, and even football finally accepted goal line technology.

"Changes to the game will be met with criticism and face strong opposition, but progression is a way of life in sport" What needs to change at top level? Watching golf for 4 days at 6 hours per day is not entertainment for most golfers, let alone any non-golfer. The Ryder Cup nevertheless had us all in its grip and it's worth looking at how and why this works. The format is matchplay, points are won and lost within just one round. Televised formats need to change, not only will this bring new people into playing golf but it will also attract more viewers. Avenues to explore: • Stableford points (amateur golfers relate to this format) relate to the viewer. • One-round tournaments • Nearest-the-pin challenges

• Target golf challenges • World Cup/European Cup team events The above can all replace the Wednesday ProAm day before some tournaments begin. Prize money is the driving force to all of the above. The majors will still be the majors. Remember, this is adding to the sport and not replacing. If prize money through sponsorship is spent wisely, then why wouldn’t sponsors give more if the audience was growing larger? Would you watch an event in Dubai where you have 30 top golfers playing shootout on a floodlit driving range with the last man standing? What needs to change? Image: There is still a stereotypical image of the golf club member. • The Clubhouse entrance and facilities need to be more welcoming to new visitors. • Perhaps a relaxation of the dress codes? Clubs could review their dress codes and possibly relax requirements for kneelength socks! • Professional competitions need to adapt (as previously mentioned) to make watching more interesting: shortened versions over fewer days, or target golf formats could be introduced to see new and young people coming into the game. You only need to go to Sussex County Cricket ground on a T20 evening game and see the impact it has on people watching. • One particular way in which we at Mid Sussex Golf Club have shown willingness to embrace new developments is by adopting the game of Footgolf. The game meshes together the concepts of golf and football and requires players to take turns in kicking a football into a large 21-inch cup in as few shots as possible. The game

Lee Andrews is offering a special 25% discount to all readers of PORTFOLIO magazine for an on-course 9-hole playing lesson at Mid Sussex golf club. To take advantage of this special £75 offer (normal price £100), call the number below and bring along a copy of this article

•

is growing rapidly in popularity and has attracted new and young customers to Mid Sussex Golf Club. Can we get this into the curriculum at schools?

Time: On a good day, it’s four hours; on a bad day, it could take over five. Do people know you can play 9 holes? • Can junior golf organisers (or new members' committee) introduce three, six or nine hole competitions for the youngest/newest golfers? • Could clubs offer shorter open competitions of nine holes for new golfers of all ages, regardless of membership? • More competitions revolving around carrying just three clubs, or greens in regulation challenges, or target golf. Cost: If clubs are looking to attract new, regular customers then they really need to take a look at the benefits of our game. Running and cycling are becoming ever more popular. Is this down to cost? I don’t think so; bikes can cost more than a membership fee. • It is more accessible to start running or cycling. Golf has hurdles, such as joining fees, needing a handicap before competitions. Golf needs changing, it seems sensible that the governing bodies, clubs and professionals, who are at the forefront of the economy of the sport, should take a leading role. Can we all see the same long-term future of the sport? If you have any opinions as a golfer or nongolfer, I welcome your thoughts. Please feel free to contact me personally by email: lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

If you have any questions, please feel free to email: lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk. Bring this article with you to Mid Sussex Golf Club, and when you pay for a round, another player can go free. OR Book a half hour lesson and receive

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

the second half price.

PORTFOLIO 111

CRAIG’S WORLD Craig Revel Horwood talks to John Bultitude about unlocking Alexandra Burke’s comedy potential in Sister Act, and who his dream Strictly contestants would be

THE interview

“Of course, this show has fantastic vocals, as you can imagine. It is so lovely that Alexandra was available and wanted to do this show. She is also a brilliant mover and dancer and fits brilliantly into the company”

ith a CV boasting creative credits of some sort in just about every popular show going and a highprofile place on one of UK TV’s biggest shows, you would think Craig Revel Horwood had ticked off everything on his career wish-list. But there is one show that had evaded his creative input until now, and that is Sister Act. The feel-good story of Deloris Van Cartier’s journey has delighted millions. First portrayed on the big screen by Whoopi Goldberg, Deloris is the sassy soul singer who witnesses a shooting and ends up in protective custody in a convent, where she and her ‘Sisters’ in every sense of the word - learn some life lessons. Sister Act was one of the most financially successful films of the 'nineties before becoming a hit stage show which has enchanted audiences across the globe. Craig was initially asked to do some work on the West End production, but that did not work out at the time. When plans for the current tour came up, he jumped at it. Craig recalled: “I was absolutely delighted, because it gives me the chance to fulfil a nine-year ambition. The story is really, really good. That is the number-one thing for me. The songs are great, the music is great, the lyrics are great and the plot has this wonderful, wonderful heart, which is what I love about it.” Heading the cast is Alexandra Burke, the

singer who shot to fame on The X Factor before becoming a recording star. This is paralleled by stage success following a recently critically acclaimed tour in The Bodyguard.

“That is the numberone thing for me. The songs are great, the music is great, the lyrics are great and the plot has this wonderful, wonderful heart, which is what I love about it" Craig, as director and choreographer of this production, has succeeded in releasing another of her talents. He explained: “Alexandra is a natural comedian, and people have never seen that side of her. It is really wonderful for her to get stuck into some comedy, and it really suits her down to the ground. “Of course, this show has fantastic vocals, as you can imagine. It is so lovely that Alexandra was available and wanted to do this show. She

is also a brilliant mover and dancer and fits brilliantly into the company. We are doing it as an ensemble piece. Everyone plays different characters. They are actors/musicians, so they sing, they act, they dance, but they also provide the music, because they play instruments. I do have to say, though, that it is quite an alarming sight watching a nun with a saxophone,” chuckled Craig. Also in the show is the much-loved and hugely experienced stage star Rosemary Ashe, whose West End credits include hits like The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, Oliver!, The Witches of Eastwick and Mary Poppins. A high-energy show like this also requires some pin-sharp choreography, which is also Craig’s forte, although it is not without its challenges. As he says: “The problem is that a lot of the cast are in habits. As well as choreography, you need to do lots of armography too, and there is a lot that nuns cannot do, so you have to be quite inventive with it all, which I am really enjoying.” This mix of emotions within Sister Act also makes it a real joy for Craig, with the great music and the show’s rich seam of storytelling running through it. He said: “We are getting into the world of gospel music, which is uplifting and will give you a big smile on your face. The show does have a dark side, too, and it is quite intense in places, with gun warfare,

PORTFOLIO 113

THE interview

murder, and of course, love. It is a really good story and it covers every human emotion.” So top of Craig’s priority list is getting every single aspect of this show exactly right and ensuring audiences also leave each performance with a big grin. But with this, and no doubt other stage projects, on the go, as well as his TV commitments, how on earth does he fit everything in? Craig laughed: “I have a good PA and my diary is very well organised. I am genuinely booked up three years in advance, so I generally fit in everything around all of that. I love it. I love directing and choreography. It is my passion and joy. That is what I will do until the day I die. It is something I can still do while I still have a brain and the assistance of my body.”

"I love directing and choreography. It is my passion and joy. That is what I will do until the day I die. " And he seems to have his working year sorted out, with stage commitments from the spring, Strictly Come Dancing starting in the autumn and then the show’s live tour early in the New Year before a very important six-week holiday to recharge the batteries and catch up with family and friends in Australia before the whole showbiz cycle begins again. Craig also really enjoys working with the general public, teaching the rudiments of dance on a special P & O Cruise before they compete with each other for a title, which lets him share his talent and expertise as well as enjoying some time at sea. And so to Strictly, the Saturday small-screen juggernaut that gets the nation talking and lets us judge whether the celebrity contestants are dynamic divas and dashing devils of the dancefloor, or more of a dad-dancer. While many have competed for the highly soughtafter Glitterball, there are still a few big names that Craig would like to see in action. He said: “I would love to see Simon Cowell on there as it would make great television. Sharon Osbourne would be great, too, as she is so mouthy. The Royals would be good. Prince Harry? Yes, please.” 114 PORTFOLIO

But what about if they answer back? Everyone knows Simon does not stand on ceremony and gives as good as he gets, and Prince Harry could have Craig sent to the Tower. With a belly-laugh, he retorts: “I like feisty. Why not?” And therein lies the bond between the hit show Sister Act and the creative force of Craig Revel Horwood. They are both, outwardly, a mix of emotions blending humour and drama but boasting an inner kind, strong heart which everyone envies and appreciates. Sister Act features original music by the eight-time Oscar and Tony Award winner Alan Menken. Alan’s credits include the films and stage musicals of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin”, “The Little Mermaid” and “Newsies” as well as “Tangled”, “Enchanted”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Pocahontas” and “Hercules” on film. His other credits include the film and stage production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Sister Act also has music by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Sister Act is at the Brighton Centre from 11th to 14th January 2017. For times and prices, visit www.brightoncentre.com or www.sisteractuktour.co.uk

Craig Revel Horwood: CV Craig Revel Horwood is probably best known as a judge on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” As a director and choreographer his many credits include the recent all-star concert of Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies” at the Royal Albert Hall, “Sunset Boulevard” at the Comedy theatre in the West End, the national tours of “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Spend Spend Spend” and “Chess” (also Toronto) and “The Witches of Eastwick”, “Martin Guerre” and “Copacabana”, all at the Watermill Theatre. Craig also wrote and directed a brand-new show, “Strictly Confidential,” that toured the UK starring familiar faces from Strictly Come Dancing as well as the annual arena tours of “Strictly Come Dancing.” As a performer his West End Theatre credits include: 'Munkustrap' in “Cats” at the New London Theatre, “Miss Saigon” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and ‘Harry’ in “Crazy for You” at the Prince Edward Theatre. Craig most recently starred as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the national tour of “Annie.”

PORTFOLIO

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