NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across Stamford & Rutland; find out why the Burghley Horse Trials will be back, bigger and better, in 2022.

Burghley set to return in 2022...

COVID CLAIMS 2021 EVENT BUT ORGANISERS PROMISE A GREAT RETURN IN 2022

STAMFORD As the last edition of Pride went to press it was confirmed that the 2021 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will not be taking place due to Covid. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the cancellation of the event, which was due to be held later this year from 2nd - 5th September,” say organisers. “Despite the continued easing of lockdown measures, the nationwide vaccination programme and hope within the Government Roadmap for unlocking the country, there have been and remain too many variables and uncertainties.” “The event runs on a greenfield site; the lead time and strategic infrastructure planning all require significant investment and expenditure year on year.” “Staging the competition element is ongoing 365 days a year, from one year’s event to the next and the contractual cancellation procedures mean that even though restrictions are easing across the country, we have to make difficult decisions months ahead of the event.” “The severe financial implications of a potential cancellation of an event of this scale and magnitude at a late stage, without available pandemic insurance, are too great to risk for all involved.” “We are desperately sad, but next year marks our 60th Anniversary, and despite the challenges ahead, we will be focusing all our efforts on delivering a spectacular event in 2022.” n

2019 winner Pippa Funnell rode to victory on Grafton Street.

Local food, national delivery

FOOD DELIVERY COMPANY YUMMY CAN NOW DELIVER LOCAL FOOD NATIONALLY

YUMMY The sister company of Pride Magazines, Yummy, reached its first anniversary last month and to celebrate the milestone, we’ve launched Yummy nationally, and can now provide ‘Local Yummy food, nationally delivered.’ Partnering with our new national courier means we can now deliver meat from our high quality local butchers, fish from our fishmongers, fruit, vegetables, artisan bread, cheese, and speciality foods like our Smokehouse barbecue products, DIY pizzas, homemade cheesecakes and other produce, right across the country. Your order is delivered anywhere in the UK, fresh to the door, in a single consignment. Our national courier can also let our customers know when their order will be arriving and when it has been delivered. Customers can also pay a little extra to specify a delivery before 10.30am or 12 noon, or opt for standard delivery (up to 8pm). Yummy now partners with 25 of the area’s best suppliers and has delivered over 100,000 products. We will add more speciality food products from the UK throughout 2021. n See www.yummy.co.uk.

The grass is greener!

JAMES COTTAM PROVES THAT THE GRASS REALLY IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

BOURNE Lincolnshire’s James Cottam is helping to prove that the grass is greener on the other side, as he benefits from a boom in the popularity of artificial grass products. Lockdown has seen sales of artificial grass boom by a whopping 185% as consumers see (and feel) the benefits of products like James’ Supersoft 35, a world away from the products that were first available in the 1970s. “Forget those products,” he says. “Today’s artificial grass has a realistic feel, it’s soft and thick and it’s easy to maintain. With the right advice and a professional to install it, you’ll never need to get the lawnmower out again.” “Modern artificial grass is easy to vacuum or sweep, it can be pressure cleaned, and it always looks consistent in its height and colour. No more weeds, no more mowing, just comfort and a realistic look!” n Call 01778 424288, see www.jamescottamflooring.co.uk or find James Cottam on Facebook.

Local author publishes new book set in Rutland...

HARRINGWORTH Rutland author Adam Croft has launched the third in his Rutland-based series of crime novels. In Cold Blood is the sequel to On Borrowed Time and What Lies Beneath, and features Welland Viaduct on its cover. It’s available from good local bookshops and as an audiobook. n

Rutland’s new zoo opens

EMPINGHAM’S BUGTOPIA SITE, GIFTED TO NEW MANAGEMENT, NOW REOPEN AS RUTLAND ZOO

RUTLAND All creatures great and small can now be enjoyed in Empingham as the owners of what was previously known as Bugtopia have gifted the site to Joanna & Jez Aldwinckle and their partners Richard Munden & Vanessa Ainsworth. “We are absolutely honoured that they trusted us with their baby, and we want to make them proud that they made the right choice,” says Joanna. The zoo will feature reptiles, mammals and birds and as Joanna & Jez come from an animal rescue background there will be a strong emphasis on welfare. Future plans include an exotic animal petting zoo. n Rutland has hosted its first ever Climate Conversation, headed up by Lucy Stephenson. “We know that lots of people around the county are keen to be involved and do their bit, which is why we’re hosting the event, to bring people together and shape Rutland’s collective response.”

RUTLAND n

Climate Change

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

OAKHAM x

Zoe takes over as Oakham’s new mayor and Town Council leader

Zoe Nealson has taken over as Oakham’s new mayor and leader of the town council. Zoe starting working with the council three years ago and as a mum of three, she says she is keen to introduce young people to local democracy. Zoe and her wife Rachel will perform their first duties as Pride goes to press. “I’m really looking forward to the year ahead, “I’ve met a lot of people in that time and learnt a lot about the different aspects of the council,” she says. Councillor Jean Denyer was also elected, as Oakham’s vice chairman and deputy mayor. n

CREETON, LINCOLNSHIRE Guide Price £1,650,000

Sits in a charming rural setting, less than ten miles north of Stamford, The Old

Rectory was built in circa 1750 and the Victorian front was added in 1850. Further additions were added through the twentieth century to create a substantial property. With most of the rooms spread over two floors, downstairs they are well proportioned possessing high ceilings and original features such as working fireplaces, tall sash windows with internal shutters and window seats, stone and timber floors. The beautiful garden that gently dips down the hillside provides glorious views of the surrounding countryside. Neatly clipped yew hedges contrast beautifully with mown paths.The stone barns that stand directly behind the house offer a vast amount of storage, whilst the adjacent garaging with rooms above offers excellent office space and overspill guest quarters. With fibre-to-the-premises broadband, the comfortable office is well suited to working from home.

STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE Guide Price £565,000

In the very heart of Stamford is a terraced property set over three floors and situated within easy walking distance of the train station, schools, the highly reputed George Hotel, Burghley Park, restaurants, galleries, and everything else

this cultural place has to offer. Either as a family home, or for a couple or, indeed, individual or as an investment property this is an excellent, if not rare opportunity. Inside, there is an immediate sense of light and space as, straight ahead, double doors open into the dining room where glazed French doors lead directly onto the patio at the back. The large living room and the master bedroom are situated on the first floor and three further bedrooms and the main bathroom are on the top floor. Outside, a paved and gravelled patio area enclosed by railings and low evergreen hedging, captures some evening sun, ideal for relaxing at the end of the day and for alfresco dining. A small pedestrian gate leads to the parking space.

NEW NEW

UPPINGHAM £850,000

Superb stone-built detached period property with mature south-facing gardens offering elegant, extensive character accommodation on town outskirts. Drawing Room, Dining Room, Dining Kitchen, ample Ancillary Accommodation (including Cellars), Study, 5 Double Bedrooms, 2 En-suite Shower Rooms, Family Bathroom, Garage. Energy Rating: TBC. Viewing is highly recommended.

NEW

BARLEYTHORPE £450,000

Charming four bedroom Mews House, forming part of the converted former wing to Barleythorpe Hall, situated just 1.1 miles from Oakham, and offering immaculately presented family accommodation with open-plan Living Kitchen/Diner, Clkrm/WC, Store Room, 4 Bedrooms, En-suite Shower Room and Family Bathroom. Detached Garage, off-road Parking, south-facing Garden. Energy Rating: D.

NEW NEW

UPPINGHAM ONWARD CHAIN £425,000

Beautiful Grade II listed semi-detached cottage with extensive south-facing garden and brick outbuildings situated on the edge of the Uppingham town centre. The property offers flexible accommodation arranged over three levels and including Entrance Hall/Office, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms EPC Exempt.

MARKET OVERTON £620,000

Delightful stone-built character cottage offering well-proportioned and beautifully presented accommodation in a sought-after village location with views over the cricket field to the rear. Reception Hall, Cloakroom/WC, Sitting Room , Conservatory, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Large Gardens, Double Garage, Off-road Parking. Energy Rating: E.

NEW

UPPINGHAM £585,000

A substantial, beautifully appointed modern detached family home occupying a good sized plot with dbl Garage, ample Parking and enclosed Garden situated on the edge of town. The spacious accommodation briefly comprises Entrance Hall, Lounge, Dining Room, Study, large Living Kitchen, Utility, downstairs Clrkm/WC, 5 Dbl Bedrooms, two of them with en-suite Shower Rooms, and Family Bathroom. Energy Rating: C.

MORCOTT £300,000

Attractively appointed stone-built period cottage situated next to the church in one of Rutland’s sought-after villages and providing character accommodation which features exposed beams and roof trusses, latch door handles and cast-iron stove. Sitting Room, Snug/Dining Room, Dining Kitchen, Conservatory, Utility Room, Clkrm/WC, 2 Double Bedrooms, 2 Bath/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: E.

Looking for your forever home? Look no further!

VALLEY VIEW, CASTLE BYTHAM, NEAR GRANTHAM £POA - CALL FOR AVAILABILITY

A DEVELOPMENT OF 4 & 5 BEDROOM EXECUTIVE FAMILY HOMES PLOTS 3 & 6 ALREADY SOLD STC

Drawing upon the expert knowledge of our in-house designers and architects, Valley View offers six 4 and 5 bedroom executive family homes on an exclusive gated development, finished to the highest of standards and specification: an exceptional build quality that has been designed to stand the test of time. A large luxurious kitchen to accommodate the whole family designed to make the most of the exceptional valley views; plenty of spacious bedrooms and bathrooms big enough to survive the chaos on those busy weekday mornings. Not forgetting the large gardens for those gorgeous summer days.

HIGH SPECIFICATION TO INCLUDE:

Oak stairs with oak newel, handrail & spindles or glass balustrades. Quartz, granite or Corian worktops and upstands. Air source heat pump system... Plus: the reassurance of an NHBC backed 10 year warranty.

Call 01733 558505 or visit www.oakwoodhomesltd.co.uk

Is now a good time to buy property?

As we enter the second half of 2021 Kate Vincent from Garrington Property Finders seeks to answer one of the key questions being posed by many homebuyers and advises on how to best navigate this challenging market.

Kate Vincent Garrington

For many people, moving home is the largest financial decision they are likely to make and any uncertainty is unwelcome at a time of such important decision making. The mixed messages being received on the state of the economy and the precarious process of easing local restrictions leave buyers navigating a continuously changing market. In fact, there is every reason for buyers to be optimistic and the early signs are that there is light at the end of the tunnel, with indices such as the PwC Consumer Confidence Index reporting its highest level since 2008. So far this year, thousands of homebuyers have flocked to the market, resulting in a shortage of properties for sale and prices in many areas rising at an accelerated rate. Equally, reports of new Covid-19 variants and the potential for local lockdowns has had a sobering effect on people’s mindsets. Nonetheless, many buyers remain committed to progressing their plans with a new core becoming active in the hope that the frenzied market seen in the first half of the year has started to cool down.

When is it a good time to buy?

The original planned ending of the Stamp Duty Land Tax ‘holiday’ on 31st March was feared to be a ‘cliff-edge’ for the property market but instead, this perk has now been smoothed into a ‘double speed bump’ spread over the coming months. No doubt this significant tax break has played an important role in fuelling the market, but it is unlikely to be extended further. On property values up to £500,000 the temporary tax holiday has had more of an impact on the market, whereas in the prime markets, where any saving is always welcome, it has been less of a deciding factor. Reassessment of life and housing requirements have had a far greater bearing on decisions to move.

Add to this the hope and belief that we’re returning to normality, the active return of the ‘double vaccinated’ homeowners to the market and a continued low interest rate environment then we predict a fast paced, but no longer frenzied market in the second half of the year.

So, with a less frothy marketplace, prices predicted to rise and the popularity of Stamford and Rutland continuing to grow, there are few reasons for homebuyers to hang back.

Navigating a challenging market

With properties selling so quickly, sealed bid scenarios becoming commonplace and the continued challenges of accessing the best properties, many buyers are feeling the need to introduce the word ‘compromise’ into their buying vocabulary. Those struggling to secure a property are increasingly choosing to widen their search area, accept a less than perfect property or even consider looking at lower-value properties to enable them to compete with other buyers on price. Indeed, with most properties now being sold for their asking price or above, only viewing those at the top end of the budget range is likely to lead to repeated disappointment.

Acquiring off-market properties

In the coming months, we are expecting to see more off-market sales as this selective invitation-only means of selling is increasingly being adopted by many sellers. This method of sale provides vendors with more control of proceedings and pricing. Therefore, it is increasingly valuable to have a buying agent on your team to introduce you to such opportunities, advise on offers and broker an agreement. Buying successfully off-market is not always about price, and a professional buying agent can help to distinguish other factors that may be pertinent to a seller in order to reach a deal.

With a buying agent on your side, you can often gain a competitive advantage through access to more opportunities and their professional guidance; this will help you to purchase in a calm and planned fashion, enabling you to make certain plans in an uncertain world.

Garrington’s consultants help buyers find and purchase properties that meet their lifestyle requirements. Their local expertise and in-depth knowledge of the property market assists homebuyers to consider a wider choice of properties and purchase more effectively.

If you are thinking of moving this year and would like further information on how Garrington can assist, contact Kate Vincent: Tel. 01780 408377. Email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk