NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the county, including an honour for SIr Laurence Howard.

Sir Laurence becomes Hon Freeman

SPECIAL MEETING AT OAKHAM CASTLE TO HONOUR SIR LAURENCE HOWARD

A special meeting of Rutland County Council’s Full Council will be held at Oakham Castle as Pride goes to press in order to appoint Sir Laurence Howard KCVO OBE as an Honorary Freeman. The title of Honorary Freeman is given to persons who have rendered eminent services to their county and its residents. To be eligible, a prospective Freeman must be widely respected by their peers and communities, have made exemplary achievements and must not have held elected office with Rutland County Council. Following a proposal in February, Sir Laurence has accepted the appointment and will receive his title as part of a special ceremony in Oakham Castle’s historic Great Hall. Sir Laurence is a Rutland resident of almost 50

RUTLAND years. His professional background is in medical research and academia, having worked at the University of Leicester for more than three decades. Sir Laurence was also part of a group involved in setting up a scholarship for Rutland students at the University. Sir Laurence’s most notable service to the County came in 2003 when he was appointed as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. Sir Laurence held this position for 15 years until his retirement in 2018. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 2017. In addition to these formal appointments Sir Laurence has been involved with numerous charitable causes and organisations in Rutland and has made an unquestionable contribution to the county and its communities. n

Laurence was appointed KCVO in 2017 and is pictured here with HRH The Prince of Wales.

Willow tree’s pollarding

POLLARDING FOR MEADOWS’ WILLOW... BUT ‘WHY?’ ASK SOME STAMFORD FOLK

Tree contractors working on Stamford’s Meadows have responded to some locals’ disappointment at seeing the Willow tree at its heart receiving a liberal trim. Brett Redshaw has headed up the work as owner of the town’s Woodcraft Tree Services and was responsible for pollarding the tree. “It is amazing that so many local people have a feeling of affinity for the willow,” he says. “The work carried out was a re-pollard, not a prune, not a reduction, and certainly not a ‘topping.’ Pollarding has been carried out for over 2,000

STAMFORD years and is intended to reduce the chance of storm damage by lowering the centre of gravity of the tree, removing static timber which is then replaced by vigorous new growth. Pollarding really does extends tree life.” “In fact, a tree which has had a pollard cycle initiated at an appropriate phase of life, will outlive a tree of the same species which has never been pollarded.” “We always work with the wellbeing and longevity of the tree in mind, so it’s wonderful to see the depth of feeling that has arisen from the work.” n

Armed Forces Week

FLAG RAISING AT OAKHAM CASTLE TO MARK THE START OF ARMED FORCED WEEK

Rutland’s annual Armed Forces flag raising took place at Oakham Castle on 20th June to mark national Armed Forces Week. The event was attended by Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness and High Sheriff of Rutland Geoff Thompson, together with representatives from Rutland County Council, Oakham and Uppingham Town Council and the Royal British Legion.

OAKHAM Having been restricted by Covid in each of the past two years, this year’s Armed Forces flag raising is fully open to the public and all are welcome to attend. A ceremony took place in the grounds of the Castle with the Armed Forces flag raised by 7 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (RLC), from Kendrew. The Armed Forces community currently makes up over 15% of Rutland’s population. n

Fundraiser Hannah is rewarded by a Magpas tour...

STAMFORD A young fundraiser for the area’s Air Ambulance Service, Magpas, has been rewarded for her efforts with a tour of the air ambulance’s facility. Hannah Trayford, aged eight, is from Stamford and has always wanted to be a paramedic. She also participated in last month’s Run a Mile a Day challenge, and has raised over £600 for the service. Hannah toured the base with Critical Care Paramedic Thomas Giddings. n

The best places to invest!

NEW REPORT IN THE TIMES HAS NAMED STAMFORD, UPPINGHAM & OUNDLE GREAT PLACES TO INVEST

RUTLAND & STAMFORD The area we live in is a great place to live and work. Once again, that’s been proven with new research by The Times newspaper which identifies the best places to invest in 2022 and 2023. House prices, infrastructure and job opportunities were all examined in the report, which name-checked Stamford, Uppingham and Oundle as three of the best places to move into and start a business. The report noted that with an increase in ‘working from home,’ and venturing into office only occasionally, folk who work in London are especially likely to consider moving to the area. n The brand new Global Birdfair will launch as Pride goes to press, and organiser Tim Appleton hopes that it will attract 15,000 keen birdwatchers. Replacing the former Birdfair held at Rutland Water, the event will instead be held at the Rutland Showground, from Friday 15th - Sunday 17th July.

RUTLAND n

15,000 People

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

STAMFORD Town council seeking thoughts on a new museum...

Stamford Town Council is appealing for locals to get in touch with their ideas for the creation of a new museum. “It has been a decade now since the museum on Broad Street closed. The Town Council and our local partners are developing a vision for what a museum for Stamford should be. There is an amazing collection of objects in storage, so we’re seeking locals views and involvement as to how we can make the town’s history come to life.” The council has launched a questionnaire via its website, or you can call 01780 753808. n

Helen’s map for Stamford in Bloom

STAMFORD ILLUSTRATOR HELPS BRITAIN IN BLOOM TEAM FIND THEIR WAY

STAMFORD Local illustrator Helen Cox has been helping the Britain In Bloom judges to navigate their way around Stamford with a new map pointing out all of the town’s floral hotspots. Helen was born and raised in the town and founded Orange Pippin Illustration, an illustration and homewares company, dividing her time between Sheffield, where she studies, and Stamford. Her Stamford map was commissioned by the Stamford In Bloom team headed up by Ann Ellis, and delivered in time for the judges to visit the town in June. After winning a bronze in 2018 and silver in 2019, Stamford in Bloom is going for gold in this year’s In Bloom competition. Residents, businesses, pubs and schools have all been taking part. n See www.orange-pippin.co.uk.

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

VILLAGERS WHO LOVE THEIR PUB ARE KEEPING IT IN THE COMMUNITY

The future’s local for villagers in Ufford who love their pub, The White Hart, so much that they’ve clubbed together to purchase it. Investments in its long term future have seen the community employ Leon Mace and Justine Hurley as the pub’s new managers. n

Oakham’s entrepreneurs

OAKHAM STUDENTS SET UP BUSINESSES IN THE SCHOOL’S GROUNDS FOR ENTERPRISE ACTIVITY

OAKHAM Young Oakham School entrepreneurs have been selling products to staff and pupils as part of a new business-led activity set up in memory of a former student. Year 12 pupils created businesses, came up with ideas for a product to sell and then marketed it to the School ahead of the marketplace event. They then set up stalls on the School grounds in their teams and sold their chosen products to their audience. The stalls included jewellery, fidget spinner pens and sticky ceiling balls, all of which were very popular with their target market. n

CARLBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Guide Price £1,650,000

An immaculately presented, Grade II listed stone barn conversion on the edge of

the Lincolnshire village of Carlby, halfway between Stamford and Bourne, is in an idyllic setting discreetly hidden from view and arranged around a central courtyard which opens out onto gently sloping, South-facing landscaped gardens and a paddock with open countryside views beyond. The barn dates back to the 1800s and retains many original features including historic arches, quoining as well as original king post trusses. The proportions of the rooms are generous and the main living area is open-plan. The interior offers flexible living; the east wing could easily be self-contained. The grounds extend to circa 1.8 acres: the front gravelled drive provides ample parking and it continues to the back, giving access into the paddock. The landscaped garden with mature trees and planting offers many lovely private spaces and the courtyard is the perfect socializing space being so close to the house.

MORTON, LINCOLNSHIRE Guide Price £900,000

In an idyllic village setting, a fine, non-listed old former farmhouse with adjoining

granary and adjacent former stable block as well as a large, separate barn in one corner of the enclosed grounds, provides five double bedrooms, the master with a spacious en suite, and two family bathrooms upstairs and three reception rooms and a large kitchen diner downstairs. The house is full of elegance and drama, rooms are with their fine proportions incorporating high ceilings and large Georgian sash windows. The property is very private, once within the boundaries of the grounds, the enclosing walls, high hedges and mature trees provide a lovely backdrop and create sheltered seclusion. The outbuildings give potential to develop them further (subject to planning). The granary is now a studio reached by external stone steps with an integrated garage beneath, whilst the old stable block and the big separate barn offer all sorts of scope (STP).

NEW NEW

TEIGH OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1.10M

Beautifully refurbished and tastefully extended stone property situated in a picturesque village on a large plot with gardens and a grass paddock extending to approx. 1.9 A. The property has undergone an extensive, high-spec programme of building works with property offering today contemporary accommodation with a wealth of character. Lounge, Study, open-plan Kitchen/Diner & Sitting Room, WC, Utility, 4 Dbl bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: TBC.

COTTESMORE OFFERS AROUND £635,000

Picture postcard detached thatched cottage with a wealth of inherent character occupying an established plot with a delightful cottage garden and ample parking next to the village church. The property has been beautifully maintained with sympathetically presented accommodation featuring an inglenook fireplace, exposed ceiling beams and latch doors. Sitting Room, Office, Family Room, 2 WCs, Kitchen/Diner, Utility, 4 Bedrooms, En-suite Shower Room, Bathroom. Energy Rating: TBC.

SEATON £595,000

Immaculately presented barn-style character property with established gardens enjoying countryside views situated in a picturesque Rutland village. The property was built in 2008 and offers well-proportioned accommodation tastefully appointed and equipped to a high standard throughout. Sitting Room, shaker-style Kitchen/Diner, Clkrm/WC, 3 Bedrooms, en-suite Shower Room, Family Bathroom; off-road Parking, elevated rear Garden with views. Energy Rating: C.

KETTON £610,000

Stunning barn conversion providing stylish and well-proportioned accommodation equipped to an exceptional standard and situated next to the church in a much sought-after village close to the historic market town of Stamford. Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, Cloakroom/WC, 3 Bedrooms, Master En-suite Shower Room and Bathroom. Single Garage, Picturesque Courtyard Garden. Energy Rating: C.

NEW PRICE

LANGHAM £750,000

Fantastic detached family home offering extensive contemporary accommodation appointed to a high standard throughout and set on a large south-facing plot within the prestigious Rutland village of Langham. 2 Reception Rooms, Office, Study, open-plan Kitchen/Diner, Utility, 2 Cloakrooms/WCs, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath-/Shower Rooms, Double Garage, Ample Parking, Private Gardens. Energy Rating: D.

MANTON GUIDE PRICE £549,000

A brand new four bedroom detached family home, located on the edge of one of Rutland's premium villages, close to Rutland Water, and enjoying rural views over open fields to the rear. The property is currently in the final stages of construction. Sitting Room, Kitchen/Diner, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms; Car Port, Garden. Energy Rating: TBC.

Guide Price £800,000 Guide Price £750,000

Main Road, Seaton

A beautiful, four-bedroom character home, sitting in an elevated position with countryside views in the heart of this popular South-Rutland village.

Offers In Excess: £475,000 Stone House, Market Overton

A substantial, four-bedroom village home with wonderfully flexible accommodation, sitting in a quiet position within this popular village.

Offers In Excess £375,000

Kayfen, Witham on the Hill

An immaculately-presented, beautifully refurbished and extended three-bedroom bungalow with a separate annex/home office. Pied Calf Cottage, Lyddington

A characterful, iron-stone, Grade II listed three-bedroom cottage sitting in an elevated position with a pretty South-West facing garden.

The Great British Standoff...

Professional Buying Agent Kate Vincent explains how the dynamics of the local property market are starting to change and what this means for buyers and sellers alike.

Whilst the news over the past year or so has been far from rosy, the UK property market has remained surprisingly resilient to wider events. Much of this has been fuelled by the stark imbalance between buyer demand and the supply of homes for sale, clearly demonstrated by Zoopla’s recent research, which cited demand being 58% higher and supply 40% lower than the five-year averages. However, after nearly two years of frantic activity in the local property market, there are some early signs that the mayhem has begun to abate. To be clear, this doesn’t mean a full shift to a buyers’ market, nor that good properties priced sensibly will not go under offer in a matter of days, but there is a distinct air of caution creeping into the market.

So, what has changed?

Daily reports of a cost-of-living crisis and increases to interest rates have inevitably had the effect of dampening consumer confidence and are biting into disposable income. These factors combined are expected to translate into a levelling off across the property market, both in terms of price growth and transaction levels. Whilst there is no suggestion of a crash, the descent to a ‘soft landing’ may well have just begun.

What does this mean for the local property market?

There is some evidence that many homeowners are hanging onto last year’s boom benchmark values as some properties are still being offered to the market (or indeed off-market) with an unrealistic price tag. Increasingly though, buyers are looking to factor in the risk of an uncertain economic future. This means that until the most recent transaction data starts to work through into house price indices in 3-4 months’ time, an increasing level of differing opinions between sellers and buyers about what now constitutes ‘fair market value’ seems inevitable on some property negotiations. Speaking to local selling agents, the consensus is that whilst new properties being launched onto the market are still obtaining a great deal of attention, some buyers are trimming back their top-end budgets and looking more closely at the potential running costs.

Buying in a changing market

Success in the property market largely hinges on buyers and sellers being able to meet each other ‘halfway’ in a transaction that is often laden with emotion, innate bias, and a fear of ‘getting it wrong’. In a changing market, these sentiments are harder to manage, underlining the need for independent and objective advice. A local buying agent is best placed to help you make sense of the market, with advice tailored to your personal plans, the property types being considered and specific locations.

Garrington’s property consultants help purchasers source and acquire properties that meet their lifestyle requirements. Their local expertise and in-depth knowledge of the local property market assists homebuyers to make well informed property purchasing decisions.

If you are considering moving this Summer and would like more information about how to better navigate your local property market, contact Kate Vincent to arrange a no-obligation discussion.

Kate Vincent Garrington

Tel. 01780 408377. Email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

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