The Cheshire Magazine February 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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Dramatic, yet graceful. Effortlessly simple, with cutting-edge technology. Ghost Series II forges a silent path of serenity through an ever-changing world. No ordinary power. Experience it for yourself.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester Manchester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 0ST Tel: +44 (0) 1565 700 000 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-manchester.co.uk Official range fuel economy figures for the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II: Urban 13.2-13.3mpg (21.4-21.2l/100km). Extra Urban 28.8mpg (9.8l/100km). Combined 20.0-20.2mpg (14.1-14l/100km). CO2 emissions 329-327g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. ÂŠ Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2014. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

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From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs #1 The Luxe travel jewellery case, £1,250 (globetrotter1897.com)

#2 Coloured diamond rings collection, £POA (tiffany.co.uk)

#3 Princesse Grace de Monaco fountain pen, £665 (montblanc.com)

s we settle into a new year there’s lots to look forward to, and in the words of our interviewee Christine Gaskell (page 32), lots of opportunities to grab with both hands. If you’re looking to propose to your loved one this Valentine’s Day, Liz Taylor offers some advice and shares her secrets to the perfect magical moment (page 25). Still on the theme of romance, Rachel Mulrenan delves into the forgotten art of writing love letters and showcases some real gems of instruments to entice you (page 28). Following Marilyn Monroe’s famous adage, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend, whatever the colour, as Olivia Sharpe discovers on page 62. Next on the list has to be handbags, and Tiffany Eastland investigates the iconic links between the handbags of today and the stylistas who inspired them (page 86). From handbags to gladrags, Jason Manford speaks to Natalie Anglesey before his debut in Mel Brooks’ hilarious musical The Producers (page 40) – get your tickets while you still can! And if you’ve not booked your ski holiday yet this year, there’s still time to take advantage of the magic of the snow and 21st century cool in one of the super chalets we feature on page 110. If, like us, you’re yearning for sunnier climes, we also visit Morocco and Malta for some sunbeams and culture. Don’t forget to check out the latest news on the fabulous Manchester International Festival too (page 46) and the colourful Chinese New Year celebrations (page 36). Lots to look forward to and enjoy. Have fun.

Louisa

Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

Proud to support: Variety – The Children’s Charity The Pink Ribbon Ball, Manchester & Breast Cancer Campaign

E XCLUSIVE E VEN T

AROUND THE WORLD with Carrier Travel - 2015

Join us and over 30 of our preferred travel partners for an evening of inspiration for your next holiday. From Australia to Africa, we have got the globe covered and can offer you expert advice on choosing the perfect destination. Thursday 5th February 2015, from 6.30pm onwards Mottram Hall, Cheshire Places are limited and must be booked in advance. Call us on 01625 583210, email retail@carrier.co.uk or visit www.carriertravelagent.co.uk/world Carrier Travel has been creating luxury tailor-made holidays for over 30 years. Based in Alderley Edge, we are the longest established travel agent in the area, and whether it is a complex multi-centre itinerary or a straight-forward package holiday, our approach is to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Oﬀer limited to UK retail customers over the age of 18 only purchasing a new Q50 from participating Infiniti Centres before 31/03/15. Warranty period is for 3 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs sooner. Free servicing oﬀer is for the sooner of 3 years/27,000 miles on 3.5l hybrid versions, and 3 years/46,500 miles on 2.2d and 2.0t versions. Please contact your Infiniti Centre for full terms, conditions and exclusions. 2 This refers to the OTR price for a Q50 SE 2.2d MT. Model shown is Q50 2.2d AT Sport, available at £34,270. * Optional on some versions. All Infiniti Q50 models for UK are right-hand drive.

Oﬃcial fuel economy figures for the Infiniti Q50 range in mpg (l/100 km): urban 29.4 to 50.4 (5.6 to 9.6), extra urban 53.3 to 76.3 (3.7 to 5.3), combined 41.5 to 64.2 (4.4 to 6.8). CO2 emission: 159 to 114 g/km.

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Contents

February 2015

032

110

Features

collection

travel

028 | P.s. I love you Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we explore the lost and ancient art of love letters 032 | Stepping into the void We meet business leader Christine Gaskell MBE DL and find out why Cheshire is the place to do business 036 | With a little bit of luck Behind the fanfare and fireworks of Chinese New Year 040 | Brung up proper Comedian Jason Manford talks about his latest role in Mel Brooks’ The Producers 046 | Extraordinary days Inside Manchester’s exciting new hub for arts and culture

058 | Watch news Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 062 | Flights of fancy The coloured diamonds catching our imagination this year and yesteryear

104 | Travel news 106 | The royal treatment Explore Moroccan luxury 110 | Rise of the super chalet Our round-up of Europe’s exclusive slope-side escapes will make you green with envy 114 | Weekend away Nothing says romance like a Valentine’s trip to Malta’s incredible Xara Palace

regulars

157 062 086

008 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Meet Jonathan Fell, director of the Ice-Cream Farm 016 | Notebook This month’s local events, news and best new products 020 | Local scene All the glamour and gossip 025 | Taylor talk Queen of hearts Liz Taylor on crafting the perfect proposal

art 050 | Art & culture 052 | The Turner Prize The most controversial event in the art world’s calendar 057 | Prize lots

fashion & beauty 068 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news 070 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 072 | True elegance Couture cocktails dresses and the best in black tie 082 | From Bologna, with love How La Perla have given new meaning to the word lingerie over six decades 086 | The beauties and their bags The bags made famous at the hands of style icons

motoring 092 | Motoring news The latest developments from the automotive world 094 | Second nature The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is a serious option for motoring connoisseurs 098 | Something Speciale The new 458 Speciale is ‘the most powerful spider in Prancing Horse history’ 102 | Technology central What’s hot in the world of gadgets, games and geekery

FAMILY 116 | Kids’ news The very latest for little ones 119 | The classroom 121 | Tent-tastic The ultimate bed for miniature adventurers

homes & interiors 124 | Interiors news 128 | Hidden gem Jan Dickov talks travel, texture and top notch football 142 | The eternal contrast The genius of interior designer Katharine Pooley 150 | Home sweet home There’s more than flash sales to furniture brand Achica 154 | Show and tell Horticulture whiz David Binks 162 | Bon voyage A stunning French château 169 | Local property We’ve picked the very best local homes on the market 179 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

FEBRUARY 2015 s i s s ue 0 1 4 s

Editor Louisa Castle Editorial Director Kate Harrison Art Editor Carol Cordrey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Gemma Knight Senior Designer Grace Linn

The

contributors JENNIFER MASON Jennifer started out in luxury fashion marketing and has since worked as a writer in the UK and Dubai, specialising in motoring, travel, lifestyle and local features. Her time is spent reading and obsessing over the latest Formula 1 results.

RICHARD BROWN Richard is deputy editor of Collection, our dedicated watch and fine jewellery section. He specialises in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style, culture and finance. This month he brings us all the latest developments from the world of timepieces.

Richard Yarrow Former associate editor of Auto Express, Richard is an accomplished motoring journalist. This month, he tells us why the rather special new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II should be at the top of every motoring connoisseurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wishlist this year.

carol cordrey Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is permanently on the art scene, bringing us her take on the latest happenings from the constantly evolving world of art.

Iain Warde Iain is a self-confessed geek, having worked in computer gaming and tech magazines since the creation of Pac-Man. He is also a huge petrolhead who spends his spare time marshalling at Oulton Park and around the UK.

NATALIE ANGLESEY Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist working with The Guardian and Cosmopolitan as well as regional media. She is also a television producer and director and is currently busy writing a book about the theatre.

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell, Oscar Viney Amy Roberts, Alice Ford Advertising Manager Kayleigh Penswick General Manager Fiona Fenwick Publisher Giles Ellwood Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

www.rwmg.co.uk Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION: The Cheshire Magazine is the largest circulated luxury publication in Cheshire, delivered to selected homes in over 20 postcodes, over 300 businesses, as well as newsagents and retail outlets. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Please contact Kayleigh Penswick +44 (0)1502 380434; +44 (0)7841 199699 k.penswick@runwildgroup.co.uk

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Cover: Royal Palm Marrakech, a Beachcomber Hotel. (beachcombertours.co.uk) Turn to page106 for the full story

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My life in CHESHIRE J O N AT H A N F E L L DIRECTOR OF THE ICE CREAM FARM

‘I ‘The people are so diverse and everyone gets on, whether you’re a farm labourer or a multi-millionaire’ – Jonathan Fell

THE PHEASANT INN

PLANS FOR THE

NEW ICE CREAM

FARM

moved to Cheshire with my family when I was six years old, and nearly 40 years later I have no intention of ever leaving. I have always been a home bird and apart from a brief foray into agricultural college, I knew that I wanted to do something with the family business. ‘Following my father’s footsteps into farming was always an option, but not at the top of my list. However, once he started making ice cream it suddenly became really interesting.’ The Ice Cream Farm, based in Tattenhall, was born when part of the farm buildings were converted into a production area, with a small parlour open to the public. It has come a long way since 1986 and has recently been in the news after being granted planning permission for a multi-million pound redevelopment. Jonathan promises it will still retain its core flavour, but this new recipe will make the experience much more exciting. ‘Our footfall has grown immensely over the past thirty years. Feedback is crucial to any business – you take the rough with the smooth. We found the fact that we were free of charge and visitors could spend as much as they wanted when they came was a huge gap in the market. In 2008 we had a refurbishment of the play equipment and indoor area and the feedback was fantastic. This gave us confidence that we were doing the right thing and we could create a truly great destination.’ The Ice Cream Farm is a family business with Jonathan’s brother Graeme running the manufacturing side, allowing Jonathan to get his teeth into developing the attraction side. ‘Luckily we all get on. My father’s been really understanding and has given us free rein to run with what we believe is right. He is in the office most mornings and is a great sounding board for us whenever we need him. ‘Cheshire is an amazing place. The people are so diverse and everyone gets on, whether you’re a farm labourer or a multimillionaire. I love the community spirit. ‘I think we forget how lucky we are sometimes. We don’t take the time to appreciate what we have on our doorstep.’ Jonathan recently married Helen, who is also involved in the business. His favourite place in Cheshire is where they held their wedding reception. ‘We got married in a marquee next to the Tattenhall Marina, with views of the hills between Peckforton and Beeston Castles. Many guests had travelled a long way and it was fantastic to offer them a real taste of Cheshire. ‘Tattenhall is a great place to live and work. It may appear we’re off the beaten track but we’re on the doorstep of Manchester and Liverpool. Plus, the local pubs are incredibly popular. We love The Yew Tree Inn at Bunbury and The Pheasant Inn. Then there’s the Sandstone Trail... so many places!’ (cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk) 15

SIX NATIONS

Mitch Gunn

ck.com

/ Shuttersto

England currently holds a number of records from its performances at the Six Nations and holds the overall first position in terms of points and tries over the last fourteen years. Yet, they haven’t won since 2011 and before that 2003. What’s more they lost the title to Wales in a crushing defeat last year (30-3) so there are scores to be settled. Faith in Stuart Lancaster’s team seems strong coming out of the end-of-year tests and hope, as ever, springs eternal. A win will put team morale at an all time high going into the 2015 World Cup in September. The RBS 6 Nations kicks off with England taking on Wales in Cardiff (6 February)

NOTEBOOK

RED CARPET ESSENTIALS #1 THE DRESS Notte by Marchesa tulle and lace gown, £1,210

#2 THE UNDIES Simone Perele briefs, £44 and bra, £67

#3 THE SHOES Gianvito Rossi metallic rose and Perspex pumps, £460

#4 THE LIPS Laura Mercier rouge nouveau lipstick, £20

The Baftas

he 68th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) will be held on 8 February, honouring the best national and foreign films of 2014. Last year British-American film Gravity won six of its eleven nominations followed by American Hustle with three, and two wins each for with 12 Years a Slave and The Great Gatsby. 16

Nando Machado / Shutterstock.com

Early predictions see Benedict Cumberbatch and The Imitation Game as audience favourites. Gone Girl, starring Rosamund Pike, Interstellar and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies are also firm contenders, plus everyone’s favourite awesome animated film The LEGO Movie. The BAFTA Film Awards, The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 7 & 8 February, 2015 (bafta.org)

#5 THE CLUTCH 3.1 Phillip Lim Soleil mini platinum gold cutch, £620 All available from Harvey Nichols Manchester (harveynichols.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

In the pink

Take inspiration from Pantone’s 2015 colour – Marsala

#1 Bobbi Brown shimmer eyeshadow £23 (johnlewis.com)

Cheshire housewives

he waiting is finally over and we can see if all the rumours are true as The Real Housewives of Cheshire hits our screens this month. The first of the Real Housewives franchise in the UK will follow Ampika Pickston, Dawn Ward, Lauren Simon, Tanya Bardsley, Leanne Brown and Magali Gorré as they go about their lives and business in Cheshire. At the time of going to press, the housewives had only just finished filming and ITVBe are being tight-lipped about what we can expect. Our sources, however, promise drama from the start. The Real Housewives of Cheshire, 10pm, 12 January, ITVBe

This month we love this stylish bookcase from the award-winning Raw Edges Design Studio – a bookshelf, side table and shelf in one, and includes twenty natural oak book marks, £540 (gomodern.co.uk)

‘Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love’ – Albert Einstein

#2 Vernay sideboard £429 (made.com)

#3 Ogler rug, £817 (rugcouture.com)

#4 Alessi Anna G corkscrew, £29.95 (design55online.co.uk)

#5 Men’s linen Corsivo jacket, £250 (houseoffraser.co.uk)

RAW CHI ACADEMY Renée Maguire, founder of Raw Chi and top UK chef, has launched cookery workshops in Nether Alderley. The whole ethos is to create delicious healthy food, without compromising on taste. We are particularly looking forward to the chocolate workshops, which promise to show you how to make guilt-free chocolates. Apparently, cacao beans are a natural mood elevator and great for improving the general health of skin, nails and hair. What more can you ask for? Great-tasting truffles and cookies that are good for you! Other workshops include superfoods, raw vitality and detox and cleanse – all with the aim of finding the balance between foods you love and foods you need. Raw Chi Academy, Unit 2, Monk Heath Hall, Chelford Road, Nether Alderley, Cheshire, SK10 4SY (rawchifood.com)

TIME FOR TEA Style up your cuppa with these great tea pot designs

#1 SIMPLY STYLE Make tea time a decadent affair wih this timeless porcelain teapot with rose detailing on the lid. £32 (in-spaces.com)

NOTEBOOK

Food & Drink PURCHASE OF THE MONTH The Wine Hive

ring some style to your storage with this stylish wine rack by Toby Howes. Trained as an ecologist, Toby’s furniture offers complex strength in fabrication, which looks effortless, all inspired by his fascination with the frailty and ingenuity of ecosystems. The clever design of the solid oak wine hive means that you can combine the storage of up to 36 bottles of your favourite wine with sculpture, as they can be stacked, wall-mounted and displayed to suit your home and style. The Wine Hive – by Toby Howes, £315 each (sableandox.co.uk) 18

#2 GO BOLD... ...with this strong Marimekko Saapaivakirpa teapot by illustrator Aino-Maija Metsola who lives on an island in Finland. £74 (cloudberryliving.co.uk)

#3 PAST TIMES Step back in time with this Victorian reproduction of The Christopher Dresser silver tea pot, £550 (toomarvellous.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Patchwork Pâté Welsh country foods company, Patchwork Pâté has just launched its website which means you can get their delicious homemade goodies delivered straight to your door. We love the original brandy and herb pâté on our toast but the company has won three gold stars and a golden fork for its red pesto vegetarian pâté, so that is most definitely next on our list of yummy British foods to sample. Thank you Margaret Carter, whos started the company in 1982 with just £9 and some awesome recipes. (patchwork-pate.co.uk)

‘After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations’ – Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance

SPOTLIGHT ON… Balsamic vinegar

nown as Italy’s black gold, balsamic vinegar has become a regular on our tables. But there are a few things you should know about this essential dinner table accessory. First, it’s not vinegar. Traditional balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale) is made from the reduction of cooked white grape pressings and not wine. Typically it’s the Trebbiano grape but Ancellotta and Sauvignon can also be used. Then it is aged like wine in barrels for up to 100 years but no less than twelve. The attention to this ageing is meticulous and is why true balsamic vinegars can cost as much as a good bottle of wine. For the real deal always look for the words

tradizionale or DOC and the regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia – only these two regions can produce true balsamic. When it’s the real deal, you’ll know and you’ll love it, whether dipping in some focaccia or drizzled over fresh fruit.

Local scene This month we celebrated excellence in tourism, stylish new businesses and ladies with Lamborghinis

THE TASTE OF CHESHIRE - THE HOLLIES FARM SHOP

TOURISM EVENT OF THE YEAR - CHESTER ZOO, LANTERN MAGIC

BEST TOURISM MARKETING PROJECT - THE MERE GOLF RESORT & SPA

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR - PISTE

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE - JESSICA BARNETT, THE ROYAL PARK HOTEL

BEST NEWCOMER to the TOURISM INDUSTRY - DODLESTON MANOR

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR - PECKFORTON CASTLE HOTEL

Marketing Cheshire

KATRINA MICHEL, CEO MARKETING CHESHIRE

Chester Racecourse More than 350 guests from and supporting Cheshire’s finest tourism businesses gathered for the glamorous annual Marketing Cheshire awards evening, celebrating excellence and outstanding achievement among local businesses. Here’s to a 2015 of equal success. (marketingcheshire.co.uk)

BEST LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION - TATTON PARK Photography by Ioan Said

Lamborghini lunch Mottram Hall Ladies and gents of Cheshire gathered for the annual lunch with fuel, fashion and fun in aid of Chantelle Heskeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One Goal Foundation. In spite of the British weather, the afternoon was a sellout. HR Owen presented the cream of horsepower while Ged Stone kept guests laughing through the afternoon. (@OneGoalFound)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Under lock and key Lock & Parker, Alderley Edge Adele Lock welcomed guests to her new, and very fabulous, office in Alderley Edge to celebrate the launch of new boutique agency with Martin Parker. More than 200 people attended the event, sampling the black and gold style and service. (lockandparker.co.uk)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

TAY L O R TA L K

A perfect proposal

As Valentine’s Day draws near, romantic thoughts may well lead to the idea of a marriage proposal for some. Queen of Hearts, Liz Taylor, shares some ideas for would-be grooms (and brides) looking to pop the question in style

‘W

hen it comes to affairs of the heart, don’t, whatever you do, take the lead from the partner of a friend of mine, who proposed to her while doing the washing up! It really is worth putting in the extra effort. ‘Many brides and grooms do have ideas about their perfect proposal, but just no idea how to turn their vision into a reality. I have helped people organise a number of very special events including a proposal in a Bedouin tent in the Moroccan desert and one in the garden of a Cheshire home, which we dressed with a thousand tealights. Just fabulous. ‘Choose a memorable location. This doesn’t have to be the top of Mount Everest, but Cloud 23 at Manchester’s Hilton offers a local and sophisticated, high-rise setting. We are blessed with some truly stunning, romantic locations here in the North West but choose somewhere significant to you both or a location in keeping with your lifestyles. Tatton Park offers the perfect opportunity for a Champagne picnic proposal as do many of the other wonderful country estates. Pop the question at sunset on your favourite beach or return to the venue where you both first met. ‘Other stylish, local, proposal hotspots include the roof terrace at Manchester’s Great John Street Hotel; the beautifully ornamental Cholmondeley Castle Gardens; popular hotels and restaurants; and quirkier locations including the National Football Museum or next to White Nancy at the top of Kerridge Hill. ‘For me on top of the London Eye, the Charles Bridge in romantic Prague and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire take some beating. The Eiffel Tower in Paris remains popular but I would recommend the breathtaking Alhambra in Granada or the beautiful Greek Island of Santorini for those looking to travel further afield. ‘Once you have decided on a location the key things to remember are to incorporate sincerity, surprise and symbolism. And make it fun! Expressing your love from the heart is obviously the most important thing, but attention to detail and personal elements unique to you and your partner can make the moment all the greater. Remember you will be asked to tell your proposal story more than once by future generations.’ Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC); 0161 876 6266; tlc-ltd.co.uk

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For the love of food From commis chef at Northcote Manor to executive chef designing his own state-of-the-art kitchen, local boy Colin Starkey talks to Louisa Castle about the seasons and all they bring to the table

olin Starkey is executive chef for Restaurant One Eighty at the Best Western Plus Pinewood on Wilmslow. He joined in spring 2013 and has turned the dining offer around for the four-star establishment. ‘I joined at an exciting time, with the redevelopment of the restaurant at its pinnacle. I have been able to get involved in all the elements from investing in an amazing kitchen to choosing the name as well as putting my own stamp on the menu style and culinary concept. ‘The name was an easy one, we have 180-degree views of the gardens plus we did a 180-degree turn on the style of food. So it fits on lots of levels. ‘I also didn’t want to go down the traditional route with the menus. There is a regular menu featuring all the high-end staples like steak and ale pie. But we serve it in a camping tin; a little nod to memories of tents in fields and the need for a hearty pie at the end of the day, without detracting from the food.’ The steak burger is also one to try. It is cooked in a water bath rather than grilled so that the meat melts in the mouth. And the odd-sounding but perfectly composed

chicken, banana and cured ham curry is a take on an old Savoy dish that’s worthy of a mention. ‘But [there is] also a seasonal menu, which is more fine-dining and showcases the best the seasons have to offer. We have some great suppliers and we work really closely to ensure we are championing the best we can do with the ingredients. For February my favourite dishes would have to be a halibut starter, a game main course – probably venison – followed by a dessert made with rhubarb.’ At the age of sixteen Colin was inspired to become a chef after visiting the Salon Culinaire and being impressed with the white jackets and big hats. ‘I was always in the kitchen with my nan and mum, though. ‘After college I didn’t want to do the London thing and got myself a position at Northcote Manor under Nigel [Haworth]. What a way to start! I don’t know where I would have ended up if it wasn’t for him.’ After spells at Mottram Hall and Shrigley Hall, Colin heads up a team of six in the now one-rosette restaurant he has been the driving force behind. ‘I may be the exec chef but I see myself as the core of the team, constantly learning and urging the team to learn new techniques and try new flavours together but never forgetting the classics.’ Best Western Plus Pinewood on Wilmslow, Wilmslow Road, Handforth, Wilmslow, SK9 3LF (pinewood-hotel.co.uk)

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P.S. I love you As we approach one of the most romantic times of the year, Rachel Mulrenan delves into the forgotten art of writing love letters

here are few greater pleasures in life than sitting down to read a handwritten letter; the feel of the paper, the smell of the ink and the knowledge that someone has taken the time to write a personal message. In an article published in The New York Times, journalist Catherine Field poignantly summed up this emotive power: “It is a deliberate act of exposure, a form of vulnerability, because handwriting opens a window on the soul in a way that cyber communication never can.” Of course, it’s no wonder we attach so much sentimental value to this particular skill. Up until the 19th century and the invention of the telegraph, letters were the sole method of communication in Britain and ‘love letters’ formed the backbone of some of the greatest romances. Indeed, our very understanding of history is inextricably linked to this art form, which is fading in popularity. Much of our knowledge of the horrors of the First World War, for instance, was brought to life by the notes of love sent by soldiers on the front line to families back home. FROM LEFT: Smythson notecards, £26 for ten (smythson.com); Meisterstück Mozart Jewellery Collection Gold fountain pen £50,400 (montblanc.com)

On the other hand, if our successors were to look back over the communications of our generation, they would instead find an endless stream of emoticons, text speak and bland emails, as well as the inevitable decline of ‘snail mail’. An exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum – The Lost Art of Writing (in until April 2015) – focuses on this well-known trajectory and how the world of quill pens and inkstands ‘[has] largely disappeared from the desktop, replaced by the virtual world of icons, cursors and toolbars.’ Because of this, many of us cannot remember the last time we put pen to paper and let our nearest and dearest know how much they mean to us, with the dominance of the internet in the 21st century having almost annihilated this ancient technique. However, all is not lost. A proliferation of books advocating the importance of the written word has sprung up in the past few years, including Letters of Note compiled by Shaun Usher, and Love Letters of Great Men, compiled by Ursula Doyle and inspired by the fictional book of the same name in the 2008 film Sex and the City. Similarly, the film P.S. I Love You, based on a book by Cecelia Ahern and starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, tells the story of a woman who grieves the death of her husband by reading letters he wrote to her before he died, thus conveying the carthartic effect reading and writing letters still has upon society. Letter writing is also gaining celebrity and designer support. In 2013, actor Benedict Cumberbatch performed a reading of a love

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

letter at an event to raise money for The Reading Agency, held in Notting Hill’s Tabernacle and across the Channel, fashion house Louis Vuitton recently opened a standalone store in Paris, Cabinet d’Écriture, devoted solely to instruments for writing. Offering a selection of custom-made pens, nestled among writing trunks inspired by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, and located within the historic writers’ haven of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the store brings a sense of glamour and nostalgia back to this humble activity. To celebrate its opening, Louis Vuitton reached out to a dozen French novelists, commissioning them all to write short stories for a collection based on Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s trunks. With high-quality, thick paper, a smooth fountain pen and some peace and quiet, writing a letter can become an experience to enjoy and savour. Therefore, if you find yourself yearning to put your thoughts on paper, there is an abundance of stationers in and around Cheshire. My favourite is the Knutsford Art Shop & Stationery House on Princess Street, though historic purveyor of leather goods Smythson is another classic choice for beautiful bespoke stationery and for exquisite writing instruments from which the ink will freely flow, look to Cartier, Montblanc, Jack Row, Caran d’Ache or Montegrappa. Many people are intimidated by the idea of letter writing, so used are we to quick one-line emails and 140-character Twitter updates as opposed to page upon page of flowing prose. But, as with any skill, practice makes perfect. ‘Literary genius is not a requirement for a heartfelt letter of love,’ states Doyle in the introduction of Love Letters of Great Men, and I couldn’t agree more. A

short, personalised message will always be worth far more than an over-the-top declaration. So why not take time this Valentine’s Day to show someone how much you really care and pen a lasting letter of love?

Top Quotations from love letters:

Need a little inspiration? Take heart (and notes) from these past declarations of love, as recorded in Love Letters of Great Men Ludwig van Beethoven to his unnamed ‘Immortal Beloved’: ‘You - my Life - my All - farewell. Oh, go on loving me - never doubt the faithfullest heart. Of your beloved - L - Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.’ John Keats to Fanny Brawne, 1820: ‘You are always new. The last of your kisses was ever the sweetest, the last smile the brightest; the last movement the gracefullest. When you pass’d my window home yesterday, I was fill’d with as much admiration as if I had seen you for the first time.’ Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) to Olivia Langdon, 1875: ‘Let us look forward to the coming anniversaries, with their age and their gray hairs without fear and without depression, trusting and believing that the love we bear each other will be sufficient to make them blessed.’

FROM LEFT: Art Deco Panthère fountain pen, £730 Cartier (cartier.co.uk); Notecards, £26 for 10 Smythson (smythson.com); Love Letter Ceremony Box Set, £POA (confetti.co.uk); ‘Lots of Love’ Envelope Message Token, £13 (kutuu.co.uk) Love Letters of Great Men, £9.99 Macmillan (2008)

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

STEPPING INTO

THE VOID Christine Gaskell MBE DL was part of the management team that revitalised Bentley. Today, she is in charge of making Cheshire the best place to do business. Louisa Castle meets the business leader

‘C

heshire is the best-kept secret. It’s 871 sq m of opportunity.’ This is the first thing Christine imparts over coffee at The Mere. Her passion for her role and her county is evident. ‘Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Partnership is one of 39 in the UK. Created in 2011 due to the abolishment of the Regional Development Agencies. We were the first and sole economic organisation championing the growth of our region. ‘There was no blueprint. It was very much a step into the void. If I knew then what I know now I would not believe it.’ Now, nearly four years on, the enterprise partnership has fourteen board members from the public, private and voluntary sectors committee to supporting and promoting the economic growth of Cheshire. Christine was asked by her fellow board members to chair. ‘It’s such a diverse area. There are cities on your doorstep, yet the natural beauty of the countryside too. There are two airports, easy links. It’s just a great place to live and work. ‘We’ve a diverse economy too – we’ve not got

all our eggs in one basket. We have strong financial services, automotive, chemical and tourism industries which offer huge potential to the UK and overseas markets. ‘As part of the government’s Growing Places Fund, we have been allocated £12m. This evergreen fund allows us to support and develop sites, unlocking development and leveraging private investment and, as developments are completed, recycle the funding for future developments. ‘Our Strategic Economic Plan and Growth Plan [a bid to secure funding from the £2bn Local Growth Fund] sees major projects proposed; Atlantic Gateway, extending the logistics and trade corridor from Liverpool, via the Ship Canal to Birchwood; and the Cheshire Science Corridor, creating a centre of excellence from Thornton Science Park to Alderley Park to Jodrell Bank and beyond. ‘Then there’s HS2, which will make Crewe a high-speed city and completely regenerating south Cheshire. It’s not about the train, it’s about the capacity. The faster you can get people where they need to be, the more people can travel.

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photo by tim bradley

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

opposite from top: bENTLEY, CREWE, SPrAY SHOP; the bentley home since 1946; apprenticeships at BENTLEY

We’ve all had the challenge of finding a seat on the Friday night train from Euston. ‘This, in turn, will offer the opportunity for businesses in the South to have very nice, affordable back offices here as more and more lifestyle decisions come to the fore in careers. ‘Let’s not forget the east-to-west links too, across the Pennines and supporting the Northern Powerhouse. It could be a massive economy.’ Christine was born and raised in the north west and still lives in Cheshire with her husband, Paul. She is a Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire and says her proudest moment was when she was asked to lay the wreath at the Alderley Edge cenotaph. Christine was also awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2012 for services to training and apprenticeships. ‘When I was little I wanted to be a fashion designer, then a lawyer. I was brought up on current affairs programmes Today and Panorama and in the 1980s manufacturing was at the forefront of all the news. It looked like an exciting place to be, so after attaining my English degree I entered the graduate milkround and won a role in British Leyland’s truck division. ‘I was put in a head office role in employee relations, then into an engine plant in a similar role. Girls didn’t do that at the time. Have a look at the top of my head; you’ll see the marks from breaking that glass ceiling! ‘I never set out on a crusade for women in the workplace, I don’t mean it to sound like that. I had amazing mentors and every challenge I was given I took on.’ Thirteen years later Christine was part of the employee negotiations as British Leyland was bought by Dutch company DAF. ‘It was an amazing era to be a part of.’ As there was no company to work for, Christine took a personnel manager position locally until she got a call from her brother. ‘One Sunday morning, out of the blue, my brother called. He said: “I’ve found the perfect job for you advertised in the paper; board member at Bentley.” I laughed and said: “I don’t think so!” Then a few days later I got a call from a head hunter!’

‘Have a look at the top of my head; you’ll see the marks from breaking that glass ceiling!’ Over the next seventeen years Christine was part of the management team which oversaw the sale of Bentley Motors to Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) and was the driving force behind improving the skills and capability of the workforce. ‘The new owners understand the brand and the industry, and are committed to its success in the long term. I mean Crewe has been Bentley’s spiritual home since 1946. It is an iconic brand and run as such, paying tribute to the proud British heritage. The cars are designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe by a British workforce. ‘Vocational training has always been highly underestimated. Academic training is not better than vocational or vice versa. To me there is nothing nobler than learning skills on the job. ‘To be part of the Bentley renaissance was incredible. We have a world-class motor industry in the UK, [which] I think sometimes we forget.’ In 2012 Christine stepped down from her position as a member of the Board at Bentley Motors Limited. ‘Some people were surprised as I was at ‘the top of my game’, or something like that, but it was right for me. ‘Retirement is a boring word for me so doing nothing was never an option!’ As well as being chair of the enterprise partnership Christine sits on the board for a portfolio of companies sharing her experience and knowledge. ‘I often come across young women who say “I’m not ready” or “I haven’t enough experience”. My answer to anybody saying that is if the opportunity is presented to you, grab it with both hands. More often than not you will swim and not sink. ‘The way I was brought up, no was not part of my vocabulary. The result is that I have done some amazing things. Don’t be frightened, things always turn out better than you think.’ (871candwep.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

With a little bit of

LUCK On 19 February the Chinese New Year will be lighting up cities across the globe with its traditional explosion of light, colour and music – but what’s really behind all the fanfare and fireworks? Gemma Knight gives us a beginner’s guide to this Oriental extravaganza

ire crackers, dancing dragons, rows of paper lanterns blazing against the night sky – Chinese New Year is a festival which thunders onto the mid-winter world stage with enough fanfare and exuberance to rival any other celebration on earth. Utterly enveloping mainland China, not to mention Chinatowns around the globe, it’s an intoxicating, enchanting experience to be part of and, as a former China-dwelling expat myself, one which I’m well aware is imbued with more custom and ritual than most Westerners could possibly imagine. Also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the first day of the festival usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice – a date sometime between January 21 and February 20 – since, unlike the sun-centric Gregorian calendar, the Chinese calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. Fifteen days of festivities follow, with the

first seven (Golden Week) usually observed as national holidays in China to give far-flung family members the chance to come home – a trend which sees every train, bus and car full to bursting point as the world’s largest human migration sweeps over this colossal nation. Once relatives from far and wide reach the family home, New Year’s Eve is typically spent eating a reunion feast and watching the legendary CCTV New Year’s Gala (think the Royal Variety Performance meets Eurovision, but bigger, and louder, with worse jokes). The mood is one of joy and anticipation more akin to the magic of Christmas Eve than the Champagne and party-popping we tend to associate with 31 December, and the spirit of celebration goes hand in hand with a long list of duties to be performed before the New Year can be ushered in. Perhaps most important among them is the custom of cleaning the home from top to bottom, intended to sweep away bad luck and make room for good before the whole house – like every shop, building and public space – is swathed in red and gold. Huge Chinese knots, duilian (hand-painted couplets of New Year greetings), fresh flowers, lanterns, banners and bunches of ornate fire crackers are common sights. In fact, it would be fair to say that if the entire festival is characterised by anything other than food

(and good lord there’s a lot of it), it’s the pursuit of luck. A fundamental principle in day-to-day Chinese life, at no time is it more important to secure good luck for yourself and your family than during the festival, which will dictate your fortunes in life and business for the next twelve months. Red is a traditionally lucky colour and is ubiquitous throughout the festival; children are given ‘lucky money’ (hong bao) in red envelopes and it’s common for families to buy new red outfits and leave doors open so luck can flow into the house unhindered. Fireworks and fire crackers are designed to drive away evil, with the lighting of the night’s first firework considered an especially lucky honour. While not technically a religious holiday, and therefore observed by Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Christian Chinese alike, there are a good deal of spiritual elements involved in its celebration, with many families visiting their local temples and burning paper money as an offering to ancestors and gods. The original legend behind the festival is centuries old and tells the story of a village which was being terrorised by a mythical beast named Nian (year), who would come on the New Year to eat livestock, crops and villagers. Eventually the villagers realised that the Nian feared the colour red and that, if they left food outside their doors, the monster tended to leave villagers off the menu – and so the tradition began. Another legend says that the Buddha once promised gifts to all animals who would pay homage to him. Apparently not as popular as he’d predicted, only twelve creatures turned up claudio zaccherini Shutterstock.com

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and, to show his gratitude, each of them was given a year of the Chinese zodiac. Each person is said to inherit distinctive characteristics of the animal from the year in which they’re born; great if it happens to be one with a bit of panache like the tiger or dragon, less so if you happen to be born during the year of the rat. Unsurprisingly for a festival which starts with such an unapologetic bang, the Chinese New Year certainly doesn’t fade out quietly. Instead, the fifteenth day is known as the Lantern Festival, when people hang decorated paper lanterns in temples and carry them during an evening parade, marking the festival’s end with as much joy and merriment as it began. But it’s not only in China that the celebrations take hold – with more than 50 million Chinese living overseas, there’s hardly a major city in the world which doesn’t find a slice of its streets filled with noise, colour and clouds of incense. At least the first day of the festival is a public holiday in countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam, although it’s London’s own vibrant Chinatown which boasts the biggest celebration outside China’s borders. In New York the festivities begin with a firecracker ceremony, while Singapore’s Kreta Ayer Square hosts the famed Chinatown Street Light-Up, San Francisco holds a Miss Chinatown Pageant, and Sydney puts on traditional dragon boat races and a much-loved Twilight Parade. And if the past year hasn’t brought you the good fortune to be in China this February, never fear, for Manchester’s New Year celebrations are

the largest in the north of England and every bit as vivid as their Asian counterparts. Ushering in the year of the sheep, this year’s festivities will combine elements from traditional and contemporary Chinese culture and give Cheshire residents a perfect excuse to discover the city’s bustling Chinatown, tucked away in the narrow streets behind Piccadilly Gardens. In St Ann’s Square there’ll be an enormous food fair, serving up everything from classic dishes to roasted meats and dim sum courtesy of

‘The mood is one of joy and anticipation more akin to Christmas Eve’ Manchester’s best Chinese restaurants, along with live music, colourful performances, light shows and, of course, the famous dragon parade through Chinatown and fireworks in Albert Square. There’ll even be family craft events at Manchester Art Gallery, a special exhibition at the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art and themed events in shops right across the city. The streets will be teeming with red lanterns, music, dancing and the irresistible smell of steamed dumplings and fried noodles, so if you’ve ever been tempted to see why Chinese New Year celebrations around the world draw so many millions of people each year, now’s your chance to find out. (chinesenewyearmanchester.co.uk)

BRUNG UP PROPER Renowned for his comedic hosting in A Question of Sport: Super Saturday and regular stand-up gigs, Jason Manford is taking dance lessons for his latest role in Mel Brooks’ The Producers. Natalie Anglesey chats to him as he takes five between rehearsals

tockport-based Jason Manford, one of the UK’s best-loved comedians, can’t believe his luck. During a successful stand-up tour, in tandem with his second DVD, he received news relating to a long-held ambition - starring in a UK tour of one of his favourite musicals, The Producers, playing his favourite role. ‘I’m just about getting my head around it now since I started intensive singing and, would you believe it, dancing lessons,’ Jason chuckles. Based on Mel Brooks’ hugely successful Academy award-winning movie, this

stage version of the hilarious musical comedy took Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards. Now the popular comedian will play downtrodden accountant Leo Bloom in his first UK musical theatre tour. Jason’s wealth of stage experience encompasses stand-up comedy, a television drama and a critically acclaimed role in Sweeney Todd, alongside Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton in London’s West End. ‘Performing in Sweeney Todd gave me a real taste for musical theatre,’ Jason admits. ‘But my character was dead by 8.30pm! However, with nightly performances I could really feel my weight shifting and I certainly felt a lot fitter by the end of the run.’ In The Producers, impoverished by a string of flops, New York producer Max Bialystock recruits timid accountant Leo to help pull off Broadway’s greatest scam. They aim to produce the worst show ever and run off to Rio with millions but, as they discover, show business can kick you in the teeth. ‘I’m thrilled to be playing

left: jason manford does stand-up opposite page: ready for the producers

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Leo because, as I obviously enjoy my food so much, I thought I may have to wear a frock as cross-dressing producer Roger De Bris, like Peter Kay did in 2007. But with all the dance training I’m doing I’m sure I’ll lose pounds as Lionel is on stage for nearly for the whole show – that’s two and a half hours on your toes. I saw Lee Evans play him on stage and you know how physical his performances can be!’ Originally from Salford, Jason began his career in 1999 while working at the Buzz Comedy Club upstairs at the Southern Hotel in Chorlton. He was collecting glasses when a performer failed to arrive and the 17-year-old stepped up to the mike. Six gigs later he was CityLife’s North West Comedian of the Year. Jason credits seeing Billy Connolly (who he saw when he was only nine) as his first inspiration, but also loved Eric Morecambe, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson and Dave Allen growing up. However, Peter Kay remains his hero. ‘I saw him on stage just before Christmas and he was still inventing new material. You have to love him as he generates such a lovely feeling inside any theatre.’

Jason shot to stardom in 2007 at the Edinburgh Festival when he won the Perrier Comedy Award. He quickly established himself on radio, hosting a breakfast show on XFM Manchester for a year before joining Radio 2. On television he’s been team captain on C4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats and hosted prime time television shows including Sunday Night at the Palladium, Super Saturday and The Royal Variety Performance. He’ll be seen soon in BBC TV’s forthcoming drama Ordinary Lies. Highlights in his career include presenting Sky Three’s Premier League All Stars Extra Time. He’s a passionate Manchester City supporter and has a season ticket with his dad and three brothers. He’s appeared on more comedy shows than you can shake a stick at. And although Jason’s used to writing his own comedy material he admits to being surprised about the success of his autobiography Brung Up Proper. ‘I wrote a lot of it with my dad because I couldn’t remember much of my childhood and I really treasure our time together. It was a lovely bonding experience.’ In The Producers, Jason’s facing the biggest challenge of his career. Brought first to the screen and then the stage by legendary film actor, author, composer and lyricist Mel Brooks, who’s just as enthusiastic about this new production, said: ‘It’s brilliant to see The Producers being brought to life again and I can’t wait to see what Jason brings to the role of Leo.’ Jason’s not quite sure if Mel’s comments were made in jest. ‘It’s intimidating to hear Mel Brooks say that, as he’s a comic genius, but do you think that was tongue in cheek? I’m just so excited to play the iconic role he created.’ The Producers features a riotous mix of eccentric characters and show-stopping songs that will have you toe-tapping your way home. Summing up, Jason grins. ‘Of course I’ll be nervous on the first night and I’m hoping there’ll be a lot of love in the room when I walk on stage. I promise you this show’s an absolute riot from start to finish.’ Palace Theatre 16-21 March (0844 871 3019, atgtickets.com)

left: the broadway production above: the legendary mel brooks

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DAYS

As the 2015 line-up for the Manchester International Festival is announced, Natalie Anglesey speaks with the key players and asks what makes the event so special?

anchester is definitely the place to be as far as the arts are concerned. With news that the government intends to provide £78m to support the expanding cultural scene on offer in the city, the former site of Granada Television, renamed The Factory Manchester, will be the permanent home of the Manchester International Festival (MIF). It will play an integral part in providing a cultural counterbalance to London, supporting the city and the region’s growth. George Osborne MP, chancellor of the exchequer, said: ‘I am delighted to give Government support to this major new cultural and theatrical space in Manchester. I have always said that culture is a key part of the Northern Powerhouse. I think that the name

‘Culture is a key part of the Northern Powerhouse’ – George Osborne, MP

that has been suggested is absolutely brilliant. The Factory is Mancunian to the core.’ The Factory Manchester will sit at the heart of a new creative village – establishing Manchester as the country’s most important arts and cultural employment centre outside London. The ultra-flexible arts space will be capable of transforming from a 2,200-seat theatre to an immersive artistic environment with a standing capacity of 5,000 to reach the widest possible audiences. Tom Bloxham MBE, chair of Manchester International Festival (MIF), said: ‘The Factory Manchester will be a new kind of large-scale venue comparable in scale to London’s Coliseum, connected to one side of a Tate Modern Turbine Hall-type structure. As well as providing a new home base for MIF, it will commission and welcome innovative works from companies and artists around the world. Like MIF, it will attract ground-breaking and pioneering works which might not otherwise come to the North of England, or even the UK, and this is great news for MIF and Manchester.’

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

Willem Dafoe in rehearsals for The Old Woman photo by Lucie Jansch

The Factory Manchester will be a major catalyst to the cultural economy in the north west of England and beyond, attracting related activities and extra visitors. It’s calculated that within a decade it will help create the equivalent of 2,300 full-time jobs, adding £134m a year to our economy. Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: ‘Manchester has a thriving creative industries sector and culture plays a central role in our growth strategy. The arts are not just a major employer in their own right, but help us to develop, attract and keep talented people. It’s a fundamental element of a city where people choose to live and work. The Factory Manchester will also feed the increasing demand for arts as the city continues to grow and provide a

‘The arts are... a fundamental element of a city where people choose to live and work’ – Sir Richard Leese Northern base for those wanting to work in the creative industries to grow their skills.’ Alex Poots, founding CEO and artistic director of MIF, founded in 2007, is to leave following next summer’s festival. He’ll become founding CEO and artistic director of New York’s Culture Shed, the centre for artistic and cultural innovation, due to open in 2018, and a successor will be appointed early next year. ‘I‘ve had the best ten years of my professional life at MIF,’ Alex said. ‘I‘ve decided to move on while I’m still excited and engaged by this incredible job and remarkable city. We are working with a range of exceptional artists and innovators for MIF15 and I’m really looking forward to welcoming them and our audiences to Manchester in July.’ Tom, chair of MIF, commented: ‘The festival and the city are grateful to Alex for his

exceptional work over the last decade, building MIF into one of the world’s great festivals. He will be leaving MIF in fantastic shape and we look forward to recruiting a new director who can take the festival on to the next phase. We are so proud and pleased for Alex; New York will be lucky to have him.’ And Sir Richard added: ‘Alex has done a remarkable job in establishing MIF as a significant player in the global arts scene, enhancing Manchester’s profile in the process. I’m sure MIF 2015 will be better than ever and know that when Alex does hand over the reins he will leave an organisation in great shape. Manchester has forged strong cultural links with New York and doubtless these will continue to flourish, not least once Alex takes up his new position.’ Three new shows have been announced for the 2015 Festival: Tree of Codes, a new, contemporary ballet directed and choreographed by Wayne McGregor with music composed by Jamie xx ;The Age of Starlight, a new show about the history of the universe written and presented by Professor Brian Cox, directed by Kevin MacDonald; and The Tale of Mr Tumble, a new stage show for families inviting audiences to step inside the colourful world of one of the BBC’s most cherished characters. Highlights of previous festivals have included premieres of Victoria Wood’s That Day We Sang, Steve McQueen’s Queen and Country; Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and Chen Shi-Zheng’s Chinese opera Monkey: Journey to the West; Björk’s Biophilia; Robert Wilson’s The Life and Death of Marina Abramović, starring Abramović and Willem Dafoe, as well as Sir Kenneth Branagh’s Macbeth. The festival works with co-commissioning partners around the world to create and present new productions, partnerships which not only help make these new commissions possible but also extend the audiences and lifespan of the shows. 28 MIF shows have gone on to have a life outside the festival, visiting America, Europe and the Abu Dhabi Arts Festival. Manchester International Festival, 2-19 July (mif.co.uk)

OPPOSITe PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Sir Kenneth Branagh as Macbeth, MIF14; Alex Poots, ARTISTIC director of MIF, photo by Antony Crook; Alex Poots, Victoria Wood and Johnny Vegas at the launch of MIF11

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

©The Estate of Stanley Spencer, The Bridgeman Art Library, image ©The National Trust/John Hammond

The Manchester Art Gallery’s two WWIthemed current exhibits are about as intimate and thought-provoking as it gets. Make a point of seeing Stanley Spencer: Heaven in a Hell of War, providing a truly personal glimpse into the experiences of the British painter. Until March 1 (manchestergalleries.org)

Arts & Culture Natalie Angelsey and Gemma Knight review the not-to-miss shows

Phoenix Nights

Peter Kay was forced to increase his original two performances of Phoenix Nights for Comic Relief to twelve nights due to phenomenal public demand. The original cast of the award-winning comedy series are giving their time for free and you can book for an additional thirteenth night on 16 February. Peter’s Guinness World Record-breaking tour saw him play an astonishing 40 nights at the venue. Comic Relief spends the money raised by Red Nose Day to help people living across the UK and Africa. (phones4uarena.co.uk)

literary itinerary

‘There’s something about an old car that evokes an emotional response from nearly everyone who sees it,’ says car expert Ken Gross in the introduction to the new coffee table tome from publishers Assouline, which looks to celebrate the ever-enduring appeal of vintage automobiles. Despite endless developments of contemporary cars, with some mind-blowing supercar launches, we forever love to look back and reflect on the splendour of a classic car. The compendium is beautifully illustrated through photographs from Laziz Hamani, who for the past 15 years has produced work for prestigious clients including Cartier and Dior. His images capture the timeless beauty of the vehicles through cinematic shots; you can almost smell the real leather from the book, and they pick up the stunning details of the cars which make them so unique and collectable, from the Ferrari decals to the Bentley grills. With a book presented so handsomely, it’s hard not to fall for the charm of the vintage machines. Vintage Cars by Ken Gross, Photography by Laziz Hamani

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

THEATRE REVIEW

The Lion King

f you haven’t yet seen the stage adaptation of The Lion King, you’re in for a treat. The acclaimed stage adaptation of Disney’s 1994 film was first seen on Broadway in 1997, winning, among many glittering prizes, six Tony Awards and recently becoming the highest-grossing show in Broadway history. This production has now been seen by over 75 million people across six continents. The musical score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the animated film and three new songs. There’s a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy award-winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight to the

haunting Shadowland. Manchester’s the only city from the previous successful UK tour that sees the return of The Lion King. This international production was embraced by the NorthWest when it first played here to more than 322,000 people, generating more than £15 million for the local economy. With a magical combination of puppetry and masks, director and co-designer Julie Taymor tells the compelling tale of Simba, as he journeys through life towards his true destiny. It’s truly inspirational, but do check with the theatre for the recommended age range and don’t leave it too late to book! The Palace Theatre, 17 January - 22 February (thelionking.co.uk)

Oh What A Lovely War This highly acclaimed revival, to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, is directed by the award-winning Terry Johnson. Based on Joan Littlewood’s legendary musical, it’s a riot of music and colour starring Wendi Peters and Ian Reddington. It’s also a moving reminder of the times. The Opera House, 24-28 February, (atgtickets.com/manchester)

A crafty win After its hugely successful weekend at the Old Granada Studios in October, it’s little surprise that the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair has scooped up the Best Small Tourism Event at the 2014 Manchester Tourism Awards. The event saw makers and artists from near and far exhibiting their wares, with everything from ceramics, metal and woodwork to jewellery, leather and textiles on offer. We would like to congratulate them on a job well done, and look forward to seeing them again this year. (greatnorthernevents.co.uk)

Quick step The king and queen of ballroom dancing, Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag return to The Bridgewater Hall with That’s Entertainment this month. Who needs Strictly? The Bridgewater Hall, February 28 (bridgewater-hall.co.uk) 51

Art & Culture | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The

TURNER PRIZE It has become the art world’s most controversial event because this very valuable prize is awarded, more often than not, to someone who the general British public has barely heard of, let alone admired. Carol Cordrey reveals all about the history of the Turner Prize and its latest winner

t was established in 1984 as an award for artists under the age of fifty who live and work in Britain. They are nominated for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the preceding year. All that sounds very straightforward but the shock element hits us when we examine the chief aim of the Prize, which is to focus on recent developments in British art rather than to honour the artistic achievements of a lifetime. Thus, the Prize deliberately and determinedly unsettles our expectations of the nominees’ work which must, according to the competition’s rules, be innovative and groundbreaking in terms of the themes and/or methods employed. Hence, previous winners have included the shocking figurative paintings of Gilbert & George, Rachel Whiteread’s

concrete-clad House (since demolished by the council), pickled cow and calf by Damien Hirst, radical sculpture by Anish Kapoor, ceramic pots addressing social and sexual issues by the transvestite Grayson Perry and Mark Wallinger’s installation mirroring the Parliament Square anti-war protest. The jury is selected by the grandees at Tate, and was chaired, this time, by Tate Britain director Penelope Curtis and senior figures from a group of international art venues: Stefan Kalmár executive director and curator of Artists Space, New York; Helen Legg director, Spike Island in Bristol; Sarah McCrory director, Glasgow International; and Dirk Snauwaert artistic director, Wiels, Brussels. The 2014 Turner Prize fund was £40,000, of which £25,000 went to the winner, Duncan

opposite top to bottom; It for Others 2013 16mm film transferred to digital video (Courtesy of Duncan Campbell and Rodeo Gallery); Duncan Campbell portrait at the Turner Prize 2014 Awards Night (© Tate Photography).

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

opposite clockwise from top: Duncan Campbell accepting the Turner Prize 2014 with Chiwetel Ejiofor in the background Turner Prize 2014 Awards Night (© Tate Photography); It for Others 2013 16mm film transferred to digital video (Courtesy of Duncan Campbell and Rodeo Gallery); It for Others 2013 16mm film transferred to digital video (Courtesy of Duncan Campbell and Rodeo Gallery).

Campbell, and £5,000 was awarded to the other three shortlisted artists. Campbell was born in Dublin (1972) and he speaks with a strong Irish accent, but he lives and works in Glasgow. His film work has developed around his fascination with how we gain an appreciation of history and of values; he explores the way we do that through varied objects, press coverage and pieces of archival material that we are exposed to, together with the gaps in our knowledge that, unwittingly, contribute significantly to our points of view. Consequently, the film which gained Campbell the nomination and the actual Turner Prize, It for Others, is constructed from disparate pieces of archival film, press images and objects that include the Northern Ireland Troubles, African masks, sculpture and iconic consumer products such as Coca-Cola, ketchup and Jean Paul Gaultier bottles of perfume. ‘It was always intended as an essay film,’ reflected Campbell during a recent Tate interview. The definition of essay films is rather woolly but I think it may be helpful to explore it here. In essence, they are deliberately anti-didactic forms of art that thread together a variety of sounds, images and words in an intractable form; this enables viewers to have free reign in mentally plucking items from the film to form their individual interpretations of the content. The genre is considered to have more power than conventional, written essays because these films use multiple sources of material and perspectives. In contrast, prose essays use words alone, written from one person’s point of view (primarily) and with the intention of channelling people’s thoughts in a specific direction. In reality there is no denying that any film has been subjected to the thoughts of the director and editor, but Campbell’s work is as broad and uncontrolling as we can expect of any human being. The jury assessed It for Others as, ‘an ambitious and complex film which rewards repeated viewing’. That statement quietly tells us that, in keeping with my view of most film art, it can be equated to watching paint dry and, therefore,

‘The prize deliberately and determinedly unsettles our expectations of the nominee’s work’ demands serious patience and unusual amounts of time from viewers to appreciate it. However, having seen Campbell’s film, I agree with their admiration for, ‘his exceptional dedication to making a work which speaks about the construction of value and meaning in ways that are topical and compelling’. In summary, this film does mark a development in British art. As its deliberately ambiguous title reveals, it was made for every one of you to watch, to engage with and to form your own opinions about its content. That is precisely what Campbell’s essay film was intended to do and it really was worth the effort required to watch it. He and the other shortlisted artists (Ciara Phillips, James Richards and Tris Vonna-Michell) may be unfamiliar to you but their Turner Prize experience will certainly change that; watch this space! (tate.org.uk)

The Big Winter

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

PRIZE LOTs

1 #1 L’Echelle de L’Evasion (The Escape Ladder) by Joan Miró Painted in Normandy on December 1939, The Escape Ladder is one of two pivotal works with this title by Miró (the other is currently on display at the MoMA in New York). Seemingly bridging two worlds, the ladder often served as a potent metaphor for the artist’s own ‘escape’ from reality into the world of his art. It will be auctioned as part of The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale. Exhibition and auction at Christie’s, 4 February Estimated range: £3 million-£5 million (christies.com)

#2 Frozen River at Sunset by Aert van der Neer The Dutch Golden Age, encompassing most of the 17th century, was a hugely significant era for art; the Dutch Old Masters began to prevail, depicting realistic portraits and life in

the area, and life in the country such as this by van de Neer were particularly popular. Frozen River at Sunset leads the sale from a very strong group of Dutch works beind offered; definitely one for collectors to keep their eye on. Exhibition and auction at Sotheby’s, 29 January. Estimated range: $4 million-$6 million (sothebys.com)

#3 Baigneuse Assise by Pierre-Auguste Renoir Renoir’s sensuous pastel nude was painted in 1883 and represents his vision of female beauty – depicting a figure which bears a strong resemblance to his wife Aline Charigot. It is one of a series of renowned Renoir portraits of women and will be auctioned as part of Bonhams’ sale of Impressionist and Modern Art. Exhibition and auction at Bonhams, 3 February. Estimated range: £800,000-£1.2 million (bonhams.com)

Living legend Few brands have the ability to unite watch enthusiasts in universal adulation. Rolex is one; Patek Philippe the obvious other. A third is A. Lange & Söhne. To discuss the value of a ‘Lange’ is to talk not about popularity or price but, specifically, aesthetics and craftsmanship. Take the Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst for example – an infallibly gorgeous one-minute tourbillon with stop seconds, a black enamelled dial and artisanal finishes, enclosed in a 38.5mm platinum case. It will cost you £140k. You pay for what you get. Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst £140,000, A. Lange & Söhne (alange-soehne.com)

A sports watch to save the seas

Watch news Appreciate the finest designs courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne and H. Moser & Cie, as well as a tough new timepiece by Panerai in a material that’s harder than steel w o r d s : r i cha r d b r o w n

Saxon sophistication Like A. Lange & Söhne above, Glashütte Original is a brand that embodies the historic tradition of fine mechanical watchmaking. The manufacture is renowned for a number of extraordinary complications, among them exquisitely engineered chronographs. Taking its dedication to stopwatches further than ever before, the company’s Calibre 37-01 is the first it has conceived and built specifically as a chronograph movement. It debuts inside the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date, which is available with either a platinum or red gold case. It’s hard to pick between the two. Senator Chronograph Panorama Date £36,800, Glashütte Original (glashuette-original.com) 58

Sister brand of that other great purveyor of ‘affordable luxury’, Frédérique Constant, Alpina was revived in 2002 to provide first-time watch buyers with a Swiss-made, mechanical timepiece that they could actually afford. Whereas Frédérique Constant does the same thing with traditionallydesigned watches, Alpina has carved a niche within the sports watch sector. For each purchase of the Alpiner 4 Chronograph, the company will contribute £33 to Race for Water, the international organisation dedicated to the preservation of water. The watch costs £2,180 and for that you get a well-made, self-winding chronograph and the knowledge that only seven others will find their way to UK shores. Alpiner 4 Race For Water Chronograph, £2,180, Alpina (johnlewis.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

ONE TO WATCH

If it ain’t broke… Panerai has given us a look at its new Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica. It features a 44mm case, is water resistant to 100 metres and is made of a material that is lighter than steel but five times as hard. It looks the same as every other Panerai; great news if you like Panerais. Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica, £9,850, Panerai (panerai.com )

‘The IWC Portofino Automatic IW356501 is a horological masterpiece. The rounded 40mm stainless steel case contours the wrist perfectly and with a silver plated or black dial and 42 hour power reserve, it’s perfect for every occasion.’ - Lee Chadwick, Manager at David M Robinson’s Manchester showroom

The IWC Portofino Automatic IW356501, Price from £3,250 St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7JB (0161 834 0217, davidmrobinson.co.uk)

A family affair If, in the age of the luxury mass market, you aspire for something that still remains faithful to the word exclusive, you might like to learn of a small Swiss watchmaker by the name of H. Moser & Cie. The company produces only 1,000 pieces a year and manufactures eight of its own calibres, using its own regulating organs and balance springs. The end of last year saw the brand’s Venturer Small Seconds come second at Montres Passion magazine’s Watch of the Year Awards, sandwiched between pieces from industry behemoths Piaget and Bulgari in first and third place. Not bad for a family-run firm that employs just 50 people. Venturer Small Seconds, £12,300 H. Moser & Cie (h-moser.com) 59

www.my-perfect-t.com

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Walking on air

alentine’s Day is fast approaching, and with it the burden of seeking out the perfect gift – a gift that effortlessly says the three little words every women longs to hear most; ‘they’re real diamonds’. Luckily, we have a foolproof solution. The stunning Cloud Nine Pendant comes in rose, white or yellow gold or in a sleek silver, with two sizes to choose from (the smaller piece more subtle, the larger more of a statement) and each pendant set with nine brilliant cut diamonds scattered delicately along its surface. We can’t imagine any woman not being utterly smitten. Large pendant (silver) £475, (white, yellow or rose gold) £1,250 Small pendant (silver) £425, (white, yellow or rose gold) £950 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Flights of fancy Olivia Sharpe looks at the coloured diamonds that have caught our imagination this year and yesteryear, and highlights how demand has reached new heights

A centre: Pink diamond ring, from a selection, Tiffany & Co below: Move bangle with yellow diamonds, £14,800, Messika, exclusive to Harrods

t this year’s Baselworld, Graff Daimonds unveiled the Hallucination watch. An overnight sensation, its defining feature was not, as one would expect, its complicated Swiss movement nor its astronomical $55 million price tag, but its phantasmagoria of more than 110 carats of exceptionally rare fancy coloured diamonds. The house’s chairman Laurence Graff OBE spent more than two years ‘scouring the world’ in order to procure the stones. For him, the piece represented ‘the miracle of coloured diamonds’ while for us, it revealed that these precious jewels are clearly having a moment. Graff is not the only jeweller to be making headlines. Harry Winston broke records this year for its acquisition of the ‘Winston Blue’. Purchased at Christie’s Geneva auction for approximately $24 million, the 13.22-carat, flawless, fancy vivid blue diamond is considered to be the largest of its kind. This managed to trump Laurence Graff’s earlier

purchase of a 100.09-carat fancy vivid yellow cushion modified brilliant diamond for $16.3 million, a world record for this jewel. And yet, the ‘king of diamonds’ still holds the title of having paid the highest price for any gem or jewel when he bought the ‘Graff Pink’ at Sotheby’s Geneva auction for a phenomenal $46.2 million in 2010. Sales figures show how the value of fancy coloured diamonds has risen dramatically over the past few decades and their demand is now unprecedented, as highlighted by the increased offering of pink, yellow and blue diamonds and the swelling body of consumers willing to pay the hefty prices. Head of jewellery at Christie’s London Keith Penton comments: ‘Across the board we have seen an increased appetite in the first half of the year for fancy coloured diamonds of the most vivid hues.’ This consequently triggered the launch of The Fancy Colour Diamond Foundation at the end of this year, a new research body that monitors the economic value and ethics of the fancy coloured diamond industry for both consumers and traders. While coloured diamonds have always been sought after, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the market really began to open up, says Laurence Graff.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Recreation of 1970 ‘Hair & Jewel’ image featuring 22 jewels worth half-a-billion dollars, Graff

Hallucination watch, Graff Diamonds

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

right: Pendant with a Fancy Intense yellow diamond, from the 2013 Blue Book Collection, from a selection, Tiffany & Co; below, from left: Ivy earrings, from a selection, Boodles; pink diamonds at graff

‘In the 1980s and in the past five to 10 years, the growth has accelerated as more people have become aware of their extreme rarity,’ he explains. ‘Increased demand has been coupled with a scarcity of exceptional examples coming onto the market.’ The influential businessman – who has bought and sold the most famous diamonds in the world and was awarded an OBE for his services to the jewellery industry in 2013 – has played an instrumental part in stimulating this growth. In 1970, Graff released its now iconic ‘Hair & Jewel’ campaign featuring a model wearing a million dollars’ worth of diamond jewels in her hair. The ostentatious image proved ground-breaking and, in turn, illustrated how the jeweller was one step ahead

‘Increased demand has been coupled with a scarcity of exceptional examples coming onto the market’ of the game when it came to predicting the current trend for coloured diamonds. In the 1980s, when the very first pink diamonds were discovered at the Argyle Mine in western Australia, Graff purchased the entire tender and set them into a flower brooch which was then sold to the Sultan of Brunei just hours after it was made. The following decade, the house secured a supply of exquisite yellow diamonds – these have since become its signature stone. So why now has the demand for coloured diamonds reached an all-time high? For Laurence Graff, the answer lies in rarity, an argument that is widely shared by the rest of the industry. ‘In my experience, quality and rarity are the two factors that most influence collectors,’ says Keith Penton. ‘Compared to other categories, jewellery has the

added advantage of being a highly portable asset. In the last few seasons records have continually been broken as competition reaches new heights for the most exceptional items.’ According to David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s international jewellery division in Europe and the Middle East, the past decade has witnessed large incremental gains in the coloured diamond market due to small supply and increasing demand, and the last three to four years have seen very strong growth for big diamonds of the highest quality, in particular. He notes that globalisation in the last ten years has transformed the market, with collectors from 70 countries bidding in Sotheby’s jewellery auctions worldwide in 2013 and a total of 30 countries represented in the Geneva May 2014 sale. Roughly a third of the auction house’s buyers come from North America, Europe and Asia, with ‘new buyers making up 24 per cent of the total in 2013, with strong new participation from Asia.’ While red diamonds are the rarest in the coloured diamond family, pink diamonds are also reputably scarce. The only significant known source is the Argyle Diamond Mine, which is owned by Rio Tinto and produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s supply. Due to their rarity (they are the only coloured diamonds whereby the colour is not the result of an impurity but of extreme pressure beneath the earth’s surface), investors are urgently stocking up their supplies before resources are depleted. Calleija is the only Argyle pink diamond atelier in the UK and one of the jeweller’s latest treasures is an unusual but no doubt exquisite Argyle Tender

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

right: aurora necklace, from a selection, Boodles centre: The ‘Winston Blue’ Fancy Vivid blue diamond, Harry Winston

1.13-carat FIPP heart-shaped pink diamond. At this year’s Basel, experts noted how, despite traditional shapes including round brilliants and emerald cuts remaining popular, judging by some of the jewels on display at the trade show, there had clearly been a surge in demand for fancy shapes (Baselworld Daily News, 31 March 2014). The fascination with coloured diamonds has trickled down into the rest of the industry, with jewellers constantly interpreting these stones in new and exciting ways. Along with Calleija, another brand to have fallen for the heart shape is Parisian jeweller Messika; for the first time this year, it introduced a heartshaped 7-carat pink diamond, fashioned into an exquisite ring. British jeweller David Morris is similarly well known for using pink diamonds to great effect and in tribute to this, Jeremy Morris created a curated collection of pink diamond haute couture jewellery for the 2014 Biennale des Antiquaires. Although pink diamonds have a wide market, Boodles director and head gemstone buyer Jody Wainwright notes that yellow diamonds remain the most popular when it comes to engagement rings. Celebrities have played their part in this trend, with the likes of Heidi Klum and Adele having famously sported yellow diamond engagement rings. Graff is famous for being the supplier of the largest and rarest Natural yellow diamonds and it demonstrated this at Baselworld 2014 when it unveiled a spectacular yellow and white diamond Fringe necklace. Having taken inspiration from childhood memories of her father André (a well-known figure in the diamond trade) playing with precious gems, Valérie Messika has reimagined her Move bangle – originally designed in white diamonds – with three sliding yellow diamonds representing the ‘love of yesterday, today and tomorrow’. The limited edition set of 10 has been available exclusively at Harrods since December.

With the industry currently saturated with coloured diamonds, buyers are being drawn to unconventional hues. Hall 3 at Basel was awash with different coloured jewels, from a 2.02-carat green oval at A.A. Rachminov Diamonds to an array of fancy brown diamonds at Aditya Gems. Oranges, too, proved very popular and Boodles’ Jody Wainwright confides that he was recently on the hunt for a 3-carat vivid orange but has only discovered two stones. However, the diamond expert advocates that fine pinks and blues still make for the best investments, not to mention reds which ‘are at the top of the tree.’ As part of its 2013 Blue Book collection, Tiffany & Co presented a rare brilliant fancy vivid green diamond ring. While trends in terms of shape and colour will no doubt evolve, there is one thing which experts are certain will remain constant; the high demand for top-quality fancy coloured diamonds. With Christie’s having achieved $154 million for its Geneva auction on 14 May – the highest total ever achieved for a jewellery sale – Keith Penton believes that there ‘seems to be no slowing down in demand for the best of the best as we commence the second half of the season’.

below, from left: Soleste earrings with yellow and white diamonds, from a selection, Tiffany & Co; Laurence Graff holds a selection of the world’s most valuable gemstones

Cheshire Wellness UK, more widely known as Cheshire Spas and Pools, designs and builds award winning and innovative spas, swimming pools and heat experience rooms, from traditional saunas and steam rooms to the more exotic mud baths, igloos and meditation rooms. Established in 1965, the company works for commercial and private clients throughout Europe. the Middle East, the USA and South America. Cheshire Wellness UK has grown into one of the largest pool and spa shell manufacturing operations in Europe, operating from a current 30,000sq ft factory unit with further expansion planned to cope with the anticipated growth in business. We offer a complete in-house service from concept to completion from initial design in our design studio to mould making and complete shell manufacturing. We also offer a design and installation service for commercial and residential swimming pool, Hydro Spas, Hammam tables and all types of heat experience rooms from saunas to snow rooms.

Cheshire Wellness, Ronald House, Clayhill Industrial Park, Neston, Cheshire CH64 3TA Tel: 0151 336 3417 sales@cheshirewellness.co.uk www.cheshirewellness.co.uk

Beauty news Scent-sational At any Jo Malone boutique country-wide, fans of the delicious fragrance brand can now request a complimentary consultation at its smart tasting bars to explore new ranges in depth, discover the scents which suit them best and seek advice from trained in-store experts. Each consultation is accompanied by a glass of fizz and a fabulously relaxing hand and arm massage – the perfect addition to a girls’ shopping excursion – while brides-to-be will receive bespoke guidance on choosing which fragrance to wear on the big day. (jomalone.co.uk)

Burning desire Unlike most candles, which melt away almost as soon as they begin burning, Acqua di Parma’s latest candle is made of extra-pure wax in order for it to burn for up to 60 hours without destroying its beautiful decoration. Silver Gems candles, £75, Acqua di Parma (johnlewis.com)

Seeking bliss Bat for lashes Comprised of ten wearable, long-lasting eyeshadows, ranging from dazzling gold to sultry grey, and with a variety of matte, satin and pearl finishes, the Essentials Mineral Eye Make-up Palette from Clarins has everything you need to create a day to night look. £35 (clarins.co.uk)

If you’re looking to treat someone special to a day of pampering this year (or reward yourself with a bit of indulgence), we rather like these SpaSeekers gift vouchers. You can either choose a specific pamper package or buy vouchers with a monetary value of between £25 and £1,000 so the choice is left up to the recipient. The vouchers can be used at more than 500 venues across the country and are valid for six whole months, so wherever they live there’s sure to be a fabulous spa experience within easy reach. (spaseekers.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Beauty

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH THE ALFRESCO THERMOSPACE AT MOTTRAM HALL A spa day or afternoon is all about relaxation and, for me, refreshing. And the Alfresco Thermospace at Mottram Hall lived up to expectations. The Brechelbath was first on our list, a herbal steam bath from alpine Europe. The stone stove produces a mild and humid heat that increases in temperature; each shot of steam releasing an invigorating alpine fragrance, while the copper ceiling pushes the steam down the side walls. With traditional wooden benching on two sides of the room, the experience is heightened further with floor-to-ceiling windows, combating the sometimes claustrophobic sense you can get in some steam rooms.

Power trip Those of you who are planning a trip away this winter, make sure you don’t forget the ultimate travel essential: Crème de la Mer’s Rejuvenating Collection. Complete with a lifting and firming mask, eye balm, moisturising cream, concentrate and a handy headband, there’s everything you need to ensure your skin doesn’t lose out on its daily routine but stays firm and replenished. Rejuvenating Collection, £320 (cremedelamer.co.uk)

It was a pleasant experience, great for a relax and chat with the girls, all the while the herbal steam shots working their magic. Next up is the ice bucket (who needs a challenge) for those brave enough. And onto the mineral stone bath, this time the humidity created by the lifting and lowering of a basket of stones. This felt, to me, far hotter than the Brechelbath, but your body does acclimatise to the heat and the noise of the lowering arm. Finally, a dip in the outdoor Jacuzzi before heading back indoors. The outdoor space is really very well thought out here and all of the facilities (down to the GHDs in the changing rooms) are top notch. We’ve been to a few spas in our time and this is near the top. Great with friends or for a relaxing day with your partner. Our spa day was booked through SpaSeekers.com the award-winning UK spa bookings agency, which offers experiences at 500 locations with a best-price guarantee

The good stuff

Second skin

There’s a truly overwhelming selection of products on the market claiming to target wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, so we’ve decided to dedicate ourselves to finding out which ones really work (did someone say selfless?). So far we’re thoroughly enamoured with the IS Clinical Active Serum, a multi-action anti-aging formula which gives both instant and long-term results on fine and deep wrinkles, as well as lessening the appearance of blemishes, redness, acne and dark patches. More drastic results can take up to three months, but they’re well worth the wait. (isclinical.com)

With fans ifans including Dannii Minogue and Mel C, Proskins multipurpose leggings are doing something right. The ACTIVE and RECOVERY ranges are popular with sports personalities and joggers, but personally we love the SLIM leggings, which help to target cellulite, reduce water retention, moisturise and improve circulation. Jus put them on and go about your day. (proskins.co)

The new rite of passage Ask any fashion fan to name their modern clothing icons and Christian Louboutin stilettos, with their scarlet sole, are likely to feature. The brand’s Passage bag can be worn in one of two ways, owing to its detachable shoulder strap and a fold-over handle, and comes in three sizes. What’s more exciting however is its ever-expanding list of colours – a deep violet, vibrant red, teal and leopard print are new options. From £1,165 (christianlouboutin.com)

Fashion news Bending over backwards

Home run

The pump-into-handbag squeeze is a hassle most women are more than familiar with. Thank God for Cocorose, then – a genius brand that has created beautiful soft-leather ballet pumps in a range of fabulous colours and prints, with each pair folding deftly in half and fitting neatly into a matching leather pouch. Now you, your pumps and your prized tote can all arrive unscathed and in style. £48 (cocoroselondon.com)

For the past few seasons, fashion designers have been championing the sports luxe trend and far from having run its course, judging from S/S15 collections, it seems safe to say that this is a look that is here to stay. While for the exercise haters among us this is far from ideal, for those of you who favour a more relaxed aesthetic, this is very good news indeed. As part of his S/S15 collection, British fashion designer Richard Nicoll collaborated with sports clothing brand Sweaty Betty on a ten-piece capsule collection. Launching this January, the range fuses Nicoll’s iconic pastel colour palette and Japaneseinspired prints with Sweaty Betty’s high-performance active wear. Functional, technical and artistic, the two brands have undoubtedly hit a home run. (sweatybetty.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

From day to night The era of velour and Lycra lounge clothes is well and truly at an end now that gorgeous brand Ginny Ks has arrived on the scene. Designed to be comfortable yet chic and flattering, the range of pretty satin pieces are perfect for lounging around at home or travelling, and can be easily dressed up for eveningwear with a pair of heels and some statement jewellery – a versatile brand if ever there was one! We particularly love the Satin Rose Gold Strappy Top (£120) and Ziggy Print Top with Raspberry Satin Buttons (£160), but we’d thoroughly recommend checking out the other pieces on the website too. (ginnyks.co.uk)

For the chic traveller The Emilio Pucci boutique in London (as well as its online store) has just taken delivery of the brand’s vivid Cities of the World scarf collection. Intended as a gift for the well-travelled and based on the colourful Battistero scarf, which Marquise Emilio Pucci created to honour Florence in 1957, each of six silk scarves feature an illustration of street life in New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Rome, Shanghai or Florence. A Collector’s Set including all six designs is also available. £285 each or limited-edition set, £1,450 (emiliopucci.com)

Stars in your eyes Karen Walker has become known over the years as the queen of optimism. With her fun-loving and unpretentious sunglasses collections, the Kiwi designer has undoubtedly shown us a brighter side of life. This year marks Walker’s ten year anniversary and she is marking this in true party spirit with the launch of a limitededition collection, aptly named Celebrate. Cakes, confetti and chaos were the theme of the campaign, which presents the new range made entirely from gold and brings together all of her most recognisable styles. It must be true what they say; girls do just want to have fun. (karenwalker.com) 71

TRUE

Elegance Cut a striking silhouette with couture cocktail dresses and the best in black tie Photographer: Dominic Nicholls S t y l i s t: S a r a h N a s h

He wears: Black jacket, £595, Duchamp (duchamplondon.com); Black tuxedo trousers, £200, Hackett (hackett.com); White shirt, £175, Kent & Curwen (kentandcurwen.com); Black grosgrain bow tie, £50, Peckham Rye at Charlie Allen (charlieallen.co.uk); White silk pocket square, £29, Thomas Pink (thomaspink.com) She wears: Black beaded gown, £POA, Nicholas Oakwell Couture (nicholasoakwellcouture.com); Pillow ring with blue spinal and diamonds set in white gold, £31,000, Asprey (asprey.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Three-piece suit, £845, William Hunt (williamhunt.co.uk); White shirt, £120, Black tie, £85, both Aston Martin Tailoring at Bespoke HQ (bespokehq.com); Silver cufflinks, £195, Links of London (linksoflondon.co.uk); White silk pocket square, £29, Thomas Pink (thomaspink.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Black tuxedo suit, £1,415, Lanvin from Mr Porter (mrporter.com); White shirt, £265, Turnbull & Asser from Mr Porter (mrporter.com); Black grosgrain bow tie, £50, Peckham Rye at Charlie Allen (charlieallen.co.uk); Black leather brogues, £795, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com); 167 cufflinks in brown enamel and silver, £275, Asprey (asprey.com); White silk pocket square, £29, Thomas Pink (thomaspink.com)

He wears: Black tuxedo suit, £475, white shirt, £85, both Simon Carter, (simoncarter.net); Black silk bow tie, £45, Thomas Pink (thomaspink.com); Black velvet loafers, £635, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com) She wears: Red dress, £1,347.50, Suzanne Neville (suzanneneville.com); Timeless diamond bracelet, £POA, Garrard (garrard.com); Diamond spiral ring, £12,200, Robinson Pelham (robinsonpelham.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Burgundy velvet jacket, £450, Hackett (hackett.com); White shirt, £150, Duchamp, (duchamplondon.com); Black tuxedo trousers, £415, Roberto Cavalli (robertocavalli.com); Black silk scarf, £119, Charlie Allen (charlieallen.co.uk); Black patent loafers, £585, John Lobb (johnlobb.com/uk); Silver and mother of pearl cufflinks, £45, Denison Boston from Charlie Allen, 78 (charlieallen.co.uk); Black socks, £13, Falke (falke.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

He wears: Black tuxedo suit, £1,480, Roberto Cavalli, (robertocavalli.com); Black overcoat, £1,530, Paul Smith (paulsmith.co.uk); White shirt, £125, Hardy Amies (hardyamies.com); Black silk bow tie, £45, Thomas Pink (thomaspink.com); Black patent leather shoes, £350, Aston Martin Tailoring at Bespoke HQ (bespokehq.com) She wears: Green dress, £4,649, Versace (versace.com); Black high-heel strappy sandals, £595, Christian Louboutin, (christianlouboutin.com); Diamond necklace, £345, The Diamond Store (thediamondstore.co.uk); Vanilla diamond ring, £2,299, Le Vian at Ernest Jones (ernestjones.co.uk)

Styling: Sarah Nash @ Carol Hayes Management; Styling assistant: Lauren Mellor Make-up & grooming: Charlie Duffy @ Carol Hayes Management using YSL beauty and Stila Hair stylist: Luke Pluckrose @ Saks using L’Oréal Professionel; Photographer’s Assistant: Aurora Scheftel Male Model: Ashley @ Next Model Management; Female Model: Hanna @ Elite Model Management Shot on location at The Colony Club, London W1J 7SA (thecolonyclub.co.uk) Rolls-Royce Wraith kindly loaned by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (rolls-roycemotorcars.com/wraith) 79

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ife is made up of special moments, from weddings and children being born to anniversaries and birthdays. Condé Nast Portrait is now available to capture these memories forever in hand-finished books, glossy magazines and digital products in the unparalleled and iconic Condé Nast style. Clients will have access to the finest photographers, editors, film-makers and archive content to create a very personal story, whether a filmed interview with a businessman reflecting on his career or a destination photo session in the style of Vogue, with top make-up artists and stylists. This is without doubt the ultimate offering in personalised publications. (cnportrait.com)

Picture Perfect 81

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

From Italy, with love For garments that are designed to be worn under clothes, La Perla has given a new meaning to lingerie over the past six decades. Bethan Rees finds out how the brand has come all the way from the porticoes of Bologna

C ABOVE Images © La Perla

ontrary to the definition of lingerie, not all under-garments are simply something to be hidden under your clothes. This is true for La Perla, at least, the heritage lingerie brand established in 1954; when founder Ada Masotti, a stylish, enterprising housewife, opened a corsetry laboratory. Last year marked a series of momentous occasions for the Italian lingerie house; with its 60th anniversary, the unveiling of a sleek new flagship store on Old Bond Street featuring a made-to-measure service, and the launch of the new menswear concept during Pitti Uomo.

‘Throughout its history, La Perla has become a reference point for women across the world with different styles and backgrounds, but who are joined by a common desire to enhance their femininity,’ says Joëlle Pellegrin, the European director for the company. But it is La Perla’s beginnings that are the most telling of how lingerie became a true object of desire. The history of lingerie is peppered with rules of class and politics. At one point, it was reserved for the aristocracy, and in the 1960s bra burning was the emblem of liberation for women – although it would be a travesty 

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Photographer: Marino Parisotto Rizzoli: La Perla - Lingerie & Desire. Art Direction: Sergio Pappalettera/ Studio Prodesign 83 ÂŠ 2012 RCS Libri S.p.A, Milan

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to watch a La Perla creation in smoulders. In 1913, Englishman John Leavers built a machine which produced lace at a quality comparable with delicate handiwork. At the time the British government banned the export of these machines, but three English workers smuggled some of the devices into Calais, France.

‘Women started to recognise that beautiful underwear was as important as outerwear’ By the 1820s Calais’ lace workshops were flourishing, and it was this material that enthralled Ada; it would be the only lace she used for her future designs. She earned her nickname ‘Golden Scissors’ in the workshop where she trained to be a corsetiere. Growing up in Bologna, Italy, she spent her days surrounded by fabric and soon began her career in one of the many workshops in the city. In 1954, she opened her very own atelier with her husband, Tonio, and son, Antonio. ‘The corsetiere’s trade coursed through her blood; she knew how to create lingerie that made women feel beautiful at the mere thought of wearing it,’ says Isabella Cardinali, the former editor-in-chief of La Perla magazine, in Rizzoli’s new tome La Perla: Lingerie & Desire. Ada delivered her first lingerie sets door-to-door in red velvet-lined suitcases, similar to those used by jewellers, and this is where the brand’s name originated; named after the most feminine jewel of all: the pearl. Ada was a woman who was in tune with fashion trends and embedded these into her designs; her versatility and attention to detail is one of the reasons why La Perla has become such an enduring and successful fashion house. ‘La Perla has succeeded in creating a strong link between lingerie and clothing,’ says Joëlle. When bright colours were the rage throughout the 1960s, Masotti translated this look into multi-coloured floral and plaid.lingerie, and also entered the world of beachwear in 1965.

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The 1970s saw feminine, loose-fitting designs in lace, silk and sheer fabrics, followed by the under-jacket bodysuits of the 1980s, made to be seen. It was at this time that women started to recognise that beautiful underwear was as important as outerwear. By this point, La Perla was at the forefront of the world of elegant lingerie. When the 1990s arrived, the brand’s campaigns shot dramatic, glamorous, powerful women, and the boundary between public and private dress codes was blurred as models took to balconies and gardens donning rich lace corsets. With this came a new form of freedom: women were welcome to expose their lingerie, if it was couture. ‘Women have a special relationship with lingerie, one of complicity, because it comes into play with intimate, delicate aspects of femininity. La Perla’s lingerie today is often something that can be worn as outerwear, and our consumers have a further reason to allow themselves that extra something special,’ says Joëlle . But why is our choice of lingerie now so important? ‘Lingerie has become extremely important in defining any woman’s look. It’s not only the “secret” finishing touch to her style, but it also allows her to express her own personality and accentuate the best parts of her body. If accessories serve to add that special touch to a woman’s look, then lingerie serves to add a seductive twist,’ Joëlle reveals. La Perla’s global success could be credited to Masotti and the brand’s ability to tailor its collections to consumer needs, with supreme knowledge of the female body and skill to make a woman feel beautiful, but also to women who care about what they wear underneath their clothes. The brand, now under the direction of Pacific Global Management Group, continues to uphold Ada Masotti’s legacy. Lingerie will forever be a part of our conscious sartorial decision for underwear and outwear; and sometimes, it’s just too beautiful to hide. (laperla.com)

THIS page: La Perla SS14 campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott; OPPOSITE, From top: 9 Old Bond Street La Perla Boutique. © La Perla. (Photo: Mary Rozzi); Rizzoli: La Perla - Lingerie & Desire (Art Direction: Sergio Pappalettera/Studio Prodesign © 2012 RCS Libri S.p.A, Milan); 9 Old Bond Street La Perla Boutique. © La Perla.

The beauties &

their bags Tiffany Eastland places a spotlight on the bags made famous on the arms of style icons

Jacqueline and Aristotle Onassis, 1970s

Jacqueline Onassis, 1970s

JACKIE BAG GUCCI Famously taking its name from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Jackie bag holds a special place in the history of the house. Created in the 1950s, the Gucci classic quickly became a preferred accessory of the style icon, who was photographed carrying different versions throughout the decade that followed. In 2009, under the creative direction of Frida Giannini, the ‘New Jackie’ was unveiled, re-establishing this timeless treasure as one of today’s most sought-after bags. £1,980 (gucci.com)

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LADY DIOR DIOR

(THE OTHER) SOFIA SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

In 1995, the house of Dior unveiled the Chouchou bag, a bag which went on to become one of the most iconic of our time. On her visit to the Cézanne exhibition in Paris, Diana Princess of Wales was gifted the bag by Bernadette Chirac and immediately fell in love. After she ordered every available version and was then rarely seen without one on her arm, the house renamed it Lady Dior in 1996 in homage to the Princess. From £2,450 (dior.com)

Despite popular belief, Sofia was the name given to this bag, but without reference to Italy’s most honoured actress. This unmistakably unique bag was created in S/S09 as part of the Gancio Mediterraneo collection and has since become an icon of contemporary Ferragamo creativity. Elegant and timeless, we’d say the Sofia shares not only Loren’s name, but a few of the film star’s best traits. From £1,005 (ferragamo.com)

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Isabella Rossellini, S/S13 Advertising Campaign

Mulberry A/W14, Cara Delevingne Collection

Isabella Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman, 1966

ISABELLA ROSSELLINI BULGARI

CARA DELEVINGNE MULBERRY

The Isabella Rossellini bag is eclectic, modern and timeless, quite like its muse and namesake, the Italian film star and international style icon. This collaboration mirrors the actress’s creative flair via simple and essential lines, capturing Rossellini’s less-is-more allure and elegant demeanor of Isabella Rossellini. From £3,030 (bulgari.com)

British supermodel Cara Delevingne is the latest to follow in the footsteps of Lana Del Rey and Alexa Chung, unveiling her very own Mulberry bag. The model of the moment worked closely with Mulberry’s design team to create a collection of bags that share her name. Designed as a bag that can take you anywhere, the Cara Delevingne can be worn on the back, shoulder, or can be held in the hand. From £995 (mulberry.com)

Pink Ribbon Ball Manchester Cathedral Saturday 25 April, 2015 Pricing from ÂŁ150 per person or ÂŁ1,500 per table Tickets include champagne reception, four-course meal by Harvey Nichols with fabulous entertainment

To book: 020 7749 4106 pinkribbonball@breastcancercampaign.org www.breastcancercampaign.org/pinkribbonballmanchester

Registered charity no. 299758

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The hills are

Alive E

ver wished you were the only one on the slopes? Imagine a helicopter taking you to the most pristine, freshly powdered mountain top and being able to traverse down without having to worry about weaving in and out of people on an overcrowded run. This dream can become a reality with Nonstop Ski & Snowboard’s new Ultimate Powder Fix package featuring a ‘ready to heli’ camp in Fernie, British Columbia, which will take you on an adrenaline-fuelled off-piste Canadian adventure. The exhilarating one-week camp combines the exploration of untracked powder with helicopter accessibility and coaching from a specialist instructor, culminating in a heli-ski day with the prestigious Rk Heliski in the Purcell mountain range. A perfect holiday for thrillseekers and snow enthusiasts alike. 28 February – 7 March 2015 (nonstopsnow.com)

Motoring news words: Iain Warde

Electric Art

he first mass-production electric car by Mercedes-Benz – the B-Class Electric Drive – is now available to order. Split into two model lines – Sport and Electric Art – the car is capable of travelling up to 142 miles on a single charge and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds, thanks to its 180 bhp and 340 NM of torque generated by an electric motor. This makes it the fastest accelerating five-seat electric car in its class as well as the most powerful and has the greatest range on a single charge. The lithium-ion batteries that power the Electric Drive are tightly packaged under the floor of the car, and they, surprisingly, don’t take up any space and leaves quite a lot of cabin room and boot space. Charging via a wall box or public charging station is made easier through a fast-charging cable supplied with the car, which takes between three and four hours and brings the battery from a completely empty state to fully charged. Prices start at £31,950 for the Sport model but an OLEV grant of £5,000 (subject to approval) brings the on-the-road price to £26,950. The Electric Art – featuring contrasting mirrors, 18-inch dual-colour alloy wheels and climate control is priced at £32,245 – reduced to £27,245 with the grant. (mercedes-benz.co.uk) 92

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Alexander Chaikin / Shutterstock.com

The return of the show? Prince Michael of Kent has announced that a major motor show is planned for London in 2016. Speaking at the Guild of Motoring Writers’ annual awards dinner, HRH Prince Michael revealed that plans are underway for the revival of a major motor show in the capital. The organisers hope to dovetail with existing motoring events to create a UK summer season for petrolheads and consumers alike. So the British motor show is back? Not entirely. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) was previously responsible of the British motor show and still owns the name, but isn’t involved in the upcoming 2016 event, which will instead be called The London Motor Show. The show is earmarked for the 5-8 May 2016 in Battersea Park. Its position in the calendar is designed to slot neatly into the lead-up to the minor Canary Wharf Motorexpo show in June and the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Moving Motor Show.

The lap record Koenigsegg confirmed that the One:1 hypercar is aiming to set a new lap record at the Nürburgring in the spring of 2015. Judging by data already collected, a lap around the ‘Ring could result in a new record for road cars. Given the straight-line performance of the car we have no doubt it will give the P1 a run for its money. But its not just good at straight lines, the car’s long wishbones allow for a very small track width

deviation during wheel movements, in combination with one of the highest downforce numbers ever achieved on a road-going vehicle. The One:1 boasts a twinturbocharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, will go from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds (with a max speed of 273mph), offers 600kg of down force from that Le Mansinspired rear wing, and a cornering force of 2G. We wish Koenigsegg good luck in its quest to beat the record. (koenigsegg.com)

‘Winning is everything. The only ones who remember you when you come second are your wife and your dog’ Damon Hill 93

Second nature Added bespoke design options and fine-tuned connectivity make the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II a serious option for motoring connoisseurs w o r d s : R I C H A R D Y A R R OW

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ar launches often use five-star hotels in the countryside, where there’s plenty of space for media guests to dine well, stay overnight and take pretty photographs of the new vehicle. Attend enough of these events and the same locations come up time and again. It is evidence of the attention to detail that Rolls-Royce puts into the launch of the Ghost Series II that, a) we journalists went somewhere we had never been before, and b) nobody else had either, because it was being rented out to the luxury manufacturer by one of its own customers. If the same care had been taken selecting the other venue used – The Shard in central London – then more time would have been spent actually driving the car and less sat in tedious stop-start city traffic. I start with this minor moan because it’s really the only criticism I can level at the revised ‘baby’ Rolls. Even on a staccato journey through the urban jungle, the Ghost behaved perfectly well and is a wonderful and cosseting vehicle in which to spend time. It’s just I’d rather be driving it on the open road, mostly because I feel self-conscious waiting at traffic lights – and being stared at by pedestrians – in a two-tone super saloon costing £220,000. So to the car. The Ghost was launched in 2009 as R-R’s entry-level vehicle, smaller than the Phantom and aimed more at those who perhaps want to be driven during the week but take the wheel themselves on Saturdays and Sundays. In the company’s rather flowery marketing speak, it’s ‘an exquisitely appointed tool for the business week and an engaging and effortless driving experience for leisure at the weekend.’ The first-generation car was a runaway hit, taking the brand from 1,000 sales a year before its launch to four times that number now. It has attracted a younger clientele made up of entrepreneurs and captains of industry for whom a Phantom is too much, in both senses of the words. These are the types of people who will run their business on the go and so want the latest technology in their car. Mobile connectivity has moved on massively in the past five years, so

Rolls has updated the Ghost’s offering, taking the chance to give it a front-end facelift and offer customers a new range of bespoke design options. As more than 80 per cent already choose some of those, it’s a smart move. If you want a monogrammed stainless-steel fuel-filler cap, it’s no problem. Christened Ghost Series II, the newcomer was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the first customer cars are leaving the Goodwood factory now. Let’s start with that upgraded connectivity, accessed via something called the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller whether you’re in the front or back seats. It’s basically a big centrally mounted knob you can shift, turn or push, which allows use of on-board WiFi, internet access, TV, email, file-sharing, telephony and video-conferencing. Getting from A to B is as simple as saying ‘navigate to Piccadilly in London’. Information is displayed on a new 10.25in HD screen. The top of the Rotary Controller acts as a touchpad and can recognise characters written by finger in English, Latin, Arabic and Mandarin. It also allows ‘pull and pinch’ controls – replicating smartphone functionality – to increase or decrease screen detail. The biggest design change to the Ghost is at the front end. Indeed, the rear hasn’t been touched at all – a very rare example of a company resisting the urge to fiddle for the sake of it. As styling boss Giles Taylor stated when he pointed out the enhancements, it’s all about ‘the power of simplicity’ and a facelifted Rolls will never get metal adornments on the lower sections of the doors or bumpers just because. The nose has been subtly tweaked to make the Ghost seem visually wider, pushing elements such as the light clusters and lower air intakes closer to the outer edges. The front track remains unchanged, but the wings above have been smoothed for a focused and more integrated stance. A slight curve has been added to the bonnet, which features a new tapered ‘wake channel’ behind the famous Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. It’s essentially

a chrome strip running from front to back, dividing the bonnet in two. The whole car rides on 19in wheels as standard, with forged 21in rims now available as an option. The hand-crafted cabin of a Rolls-Royce is always going to be a sumptuous experience, and that was true of the Ghost in 2009. However, in response to customer feedback, the front seats have been redesigned so they now come with electronically adjustable thigh support. For those travelling in the rear, reclining seat backs and triple-level heating is standard, with a massage function on the options list. And here’s a thoughtful touch: in ‘lounge’ configuration, the rear seats are gently angled towards each other to create a more intimate setting. For music lovers there’s Bespoke Audio, an 18-speaker system to deliver what Rolls calls a ‘larger than live’ experience.

‘Rolls has updated the Ghost’s offering, taking the chance to give it a front-end facelift’ Two clever technologies to benefit the driver are new to Ghost, which are standard on all models and worth mentioning. The first is satellite-aided transmission, a system that debuted on the Wraith coupé last year. It uses GPS mapping data to view the road ahead – beyond what the driver can see – and select the most appropriate gear from the eight on offer. Mated to the unchanged 6.6-litre twinturbo V12 engine and coupled with subtle changes to the suspension, the result is an impressive driving experience. The other impressive upgrade is to the headlights. The auto-dipping system has been ditched and replaced by what Rolls calls ‘glare-free’ technology. Put simply, the lamps stay permanently on main beam and when another car approaches, the light is cleverly deflected to ensure the oncoming driver isn’t dazzled. Well, by the lights at least.

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SOMETHING SP E

Words: Jennifer Mason

The Promise 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds – four-tenths quicker than a 458 Spider

The positive The engine only generates 275g/km of CO2 emissions

The power The 4.5-litre, V8 engine develops 597bhp and 398lb-ft of torque

Inner strength

errari is calling the new 458 Speciale ‘the most powerful spider in Prancing Horse history’, and I’m inclined to believe it. Ferrari’s racing heritage is proudly on display in the poised and aerodynamically efficient supercar – boasting an engine based on Ferarri’s most extreme V8 Berlinetta that produces 9,000rpm and that has helped the Speciale set a new specific power record for a roadgoing power unit of this type – lapping the Fiorano test circuit in Italy faster than the legendary Enzo. That might also have something to do with the new SSC (side-slip angle control), which carries out instantaneous analysis to optimise the distribution of engine torque between the two driven wheels – a welcome aid for drivers hoping to cut some beautiful lines when cornering at speed. And, if rumours

The chassis incorporates 10 aluminium alloys and side slip angle control (SSC) for stability

are true, Ferrari is considering a change to twin-turbo, 3.8-litre, V8 power for the next supercar to roll off the production line, which means the Speciale could go down in history as the motoring giant’s last ever naturally aspirated, V8-powered road car. But regardless of its standing in Ferrari’s inner circle of power (now that’s something I’d like to see) the 458 Speciale A will certainly be one of the rarest models ever sold. Just 499 are available globally. (ferrari.com)

In control The Speciale A features a rear-wheel drive, seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox

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P ECIALE Hit the roof The aluminium retractable hard top takes just 14 seconds to deploy or retract

Weigh it up Despite the extra weight from the folding roof mechanism and stiffening measures, the Speciale A is still 90kg lighter than a regular 458 Spider â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 1,445kg kerb weight

The whole package The Speciale A premiered in a unique triple-layer yellow livery with a Blu Nart and Bianco Avus central stripe, as well as Grigio Corsa, five-spoke forged wheels

The finishing touches Design accents throughout the concept are finished in Maserati Blue, as is the Alfieri signature at the rear, which has been reproduced from the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archives

Here’s to your next adventure. The new Continental GT V8 S.

Continental GT V8 S fuel consumption* in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 18.4 (15.4); Extra Urban 36.7 (7.7); Combined 26.8 (10.6). CO2 Emissions 246 g/km. For more information call 01565 220302 or visit www.Manchester.BentleyMotors.com. #Continental #GTV8S Bentley Manchester, Mobberley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8GT

*EU Drive Cycle. Fuel consumption figures are subject to Type Approval. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2014 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Continental GT V8 S

BEnTLEy MAnCHESTEr

BLAST FROM THE PAST

eeks and gamers with a fetish for all things retro may soon be able to pick up a new model of the ZX Spectrum, one of the first home computers enjoyed by millions of children in the 1980s and often credited with kick-starting the British tech industry. Sir Clive Sinclair has unveiled a crowdfunding campaign for the new Sinclair Spectrum Vega, 32 years after rolling out the first ZX Spectrum. It has already smashed its £100,000 target but there are still opportunities to contribute if you want to be immortalised in gaming history. A prototype is ready; it takes advantage of huge leaps in processing power to let users squeeze all 14,000 of the original games onto the device, including favourites such as Chuckie Egg, Horace Goes Skiing and Jet Set Willy. The new microcomputer will cost £100 and comes with 1,000 games preloaded. Users will be able to download additional games free online and, like the original Spectrum with its vulcanised rubber keyboard and cheery rainbow branding, plugs straight into the television without the need for a traditional screen or monitor. We cannot wait for this to be released in summer 2015. (indiegogo.com/projects/Sinclair-zx-spectrum-vega)

Technology central What’s hot in the world of gadgets, games and geekery words: Iain Warde

Top Blu-Ray Players

Here’s a selection of the best Blu-ray units around today #1 Panasonic DMP-BDT160 Best for 3D The first Blu-ray player on our list is the cheapest in Panasonic’s range, but is still worth considering. 3D and wired access to Netflix and iPlayer justify the price, but it falls short with no other apps and no WiFi. £84.99 (ebay.co.uk)

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#2 Sony BDP-S1200 Great all-rounder The budget Sony is that classic compromise between features and flexibility; it gives you most of the apps you need, but not all, and it lacks WiFi. £39.99 (pixmania-pro.co.uk)

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THE APP BuzzFeed

THE GAME Evovle Evolve is the next generation of multiplayer shooters. Four hunters face-off against a single, player-controlled monster in adrenaline-pumping 4v1 matches. Play as the monster or choose one of four hunter classes and team up to take down the beast on the planet Shear, where flora and fauna act as adversaries to man and monster alike. Level up to unlock new hunter or monster characters as well as upgrades, skins, and perks. Earn your infamy on the leader boards and become the top predator. Available 10 February £47.99 (amazon.co.uk)

#3 Samsung BD-H6500 Top of the class Samsung’s latest and finest. For all the niceties of 4K upscaling, a wide choice of apps and digital file playback, it’s the dual-core processing inside this good-value 2D and 3D Blu-ray player impresses. £99.99 (very.co.uk)

BuzzFeed has it all: the news you want now, the stories and quizzes that will be buzzing on the social networks tomorrow, and the recipes and life tips you didn’t know you needed. iPad/iPod, £Free

‘We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works’ – Douglas Adams

#4 Toshiba BDX1500 Cheap and cheerful It has no apps, no networking, the remote is poor and it can’t play 3D Blu-ray discs, yet there’s something about Toshiba’s bare-bones BDX1500 – other than its low price – that makes it worthy of being here. £49.00 (argos.co.uk)

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Travel news On the Jersey shore Jersey is often overlooked as a destination but, at only an hour and twenty minutes from Manchester by air, the island makes an ideal minibreak spot with its classic English charm and gallons of French style. We particularly like Longueville Manor, a Relais & Châteaux hotel nestled in one of the island’s most beautiful valleys and boasting 30 stunning rooms, an acclaimed restaurant with a historic kitchen garden, a pool, terrace and mini spa, not to mention a driving range and facilities for tennis, watersports and croquet. If ever there were a time to discover this famed Channel Island, it’s now. (relaischateaux.com)

Case study As long-time fans of both historic British luggage brand GlobeTrotter and fabulous jewellery, we were predictably delighted to hear about the suitcase specialists’ newest launch for spring: a gorgeous jewellery case. Available in two versions, both are made with fine leather and lined with Champagne silk, with the Luxe 9” case coated in Japanese urushi lacquer and featuring compartments for necklaces, rings and earrings, and the second case a beautiful ivory hue to mimic the brand’s core Safari range. Your jewellery need never travel economy again. (globetrotter1897.com) 104

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WINTER WARMERS

Long haul vs short haul

Short haul

The Winter Sun package The lake house Set in an area owned by the French equivalent of the National Trust and on the banks of a freshwater lake created by monks from the neighbouring abbey in 1202, it goes without saying that Maison de Beauport is something of a natural idyll. The house, which lies on the Côtes d’Armor in Brittany, is available for hire throughout the year and makes a lovely family holiday hideaway. Antiques lovers will be enamoured with the classic, vintage style and cool, pastoral décor, while the bustling harbour of Paimpol, with its restaurants, shops and medieval charm, is just five minutes away by car. Pack up the kids, car and a good book and prepare for rustic bliss. (lamaisondebeauport.com)

If winter’s chills and layers have left you feeling ill-equipped for your impending holiday, why not take a mini-break to Ascot’s Coworth Park first, to take advantage of its new Winter Sun spa package? The indulgent experience includes the Carol Joy London signature facial, manicure and pedicure, plus a complimentary Touch of Silk body gloss from Carol Joy, designed to give extra glow and shimmer. Holiday prep, sorted. (dorchestercollection.com/ascot/coworth-park)

Bottoms up If you haven’t yet escaped to country-house hotel Northcote near Blackburn, now is a very good time to do so. This small luxury hotel has long been renowned for its Michelinstarred restaurant, which places a heavy emphasis on local produce, as well as its cookery school and Chef’s Table experience. Now the head sommelier, Adam Pawlowski, has even become a Master Sommelier; widely regarded as one of the hardest diplomas in the world and which only 220 sommeliers have succeeded in passing since its inception 40 years ago. Suffice to say, if you’re serious about wine, we’d suggest a visit. (northcote.com)

Long haul

A taste of the exotic The Caribbean is tough to beat when it comes to sun-soaked island getaways – and the Montpelier Plantation & Beach is certainly no exception. A magical combination of deserted beaches and untamed jungle, luxury here is all about peace, exclusivity and comfort. Enjoy Franco-Caribbean fare from executive chef Stéphane Caumont, indulge in the local rum, and embrace your inner calm. (montpeliernevis.com)

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The royal treatment

Katie Randall tests her bargaining mettle against the vendors of Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s souks, and rests her weary head in a cloud-nine bed

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o u know you are in for an exceptional

holiday when even your bag has its own seat at the dinner table. ‘Mademoiselle, can I place this stool on your left?’ prompts the suited waiter. ‘Why, of course,’ I respond, secretly pondering whom our secret and – judging by the size of the seat – miniature extra guest will be. Before I have time to open my mouth to question our host, my bag is placed next to me, proudly presiding over the homemade breadbasket. ‘Just in case you need anything from it,’ my waiter smiles. I am not even this conscientious with guests in my own home; my trip to the Royal Palm Marrakech is off to an excellent start. There are places in Europe of astounding natural beauty, but you need to travel further afield, but not by much, to Africa, to see azure blue and fiery red dragonflies zip and glide across the poolside. They dance around your head as you enjoy a balmy afternoon dip. Marrakech is a mere three hours and forty minutes from Manchester Airport, yet as soon as you step off the plane, undulating heat waves creep into your periphery as if you’re in a movie. Marrakech exudes an inescapable exoticism; you see it in the gently sloping, smooth terracotta curves of the architecture – arch being the operative word – and you smell it in the heady, musky scents of the city streets. I can’t wait to get out to explore. The city itself – souks, marketplaces, rooftop bars and tiled riads – is vibrant but hectic. One of the best ways to experience Marrakech, in my humble opinion, is to stay a stone’s throw outside the centre, enabling you to escape the bustle should you wish to retreat with nothing but your thoughts and a mint tea.

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After my visit to Beachcomber’s Royal Palm Marrakech, it certainly is at top of my list. With the Atlas Mountains dominating the view and probably the best bed I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping in, Beachcomber has outdone itself with this new outpost. But the bed is no surprise; the travel group is renowned for making sure visitors have a fine night’s sleep – it must be in cahoots with the Sandman. But the beautifully manicured 18-hole golf course and facilities do surprise me. Created by one of the world’s top golf course designers Cabell B Robinson, the sweeping site has already hosted premium players and is expected to become one of the most pre-eminent courses in the whole of Morocco. The club features an academy for adults and children to practise their puts and drives, as well as an elegant clubhouse, which is under construction.

Golf, however, is not my forte; I am more interested in the pool. The Royal Palm boasts two: the spa pool is secluded and tranquil, whereas the main pool wraps around the hotel, with epic views of the Atlas Mountains. This is where I spend most of my time, dancing with dragonflies and reading under olive trees – more on which in a moment. If you enjoy catching rays in the privacy of your own room, I would recommend choosing a ground floor suite; those on the upper levels are exquisite, but the balconies do not enjoy as much direct sunlight. The property features 4,500 olive trees; the avenues winding across the site are lined with them. I highly recommend starting all of your meals with a little saucer of homemade olive oil, produced onsite, and freshly baked bread. For lunch, sup in L’Olivier, a poolside patio restaurant where I devoured prawn soup with coconut milk, lemongrass and ginger, as well as

‘The spa pool is secluded and tranquil, whereas the main pool 108

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wafer-thin grilled vegetables with fresh thyme and buffalo mozzarella. Come evening, my group hightail it to the atmospheric Le Caravane, the main formal dining room. As we wander over a little candlelit bridge over a pool of clear water, I spy intimate alcoves with tables for two, as well as larger tables overlooking the grounds for families. Our destination, however, is the Arthurian-style circular captain’s table, situated in a private room, where my handbag gets the aforementioned A-list treatment. Try the Moroccan salads: round dishes featuring many little delicacies; I am captivated from start to finish, from sweet butternut squash and almonds to zesty salsa verde. Of course, the tagines are undeniably tasty too; led by Philippe Jourdin, a multiple-Michelin starred French chef, the four restaurants all present varied, mouth-wateringly tempting menus. When you can finally prize yourself from the elegant Berber-inspired architecture of the hotel, a rich land of culture beckons. Families can choose to leave little ones in the exemplary kids’ club – and with its own pool, giant fluffy sheep, a treehouse, painting and dress-up area and musical instruments, I am not sure the children will even want to come with you. The hotel staff will book a car and a guide, if you so wish, and it is only a short drive into the centre of Marrakech. Majorelle Gardens should be on one’s agenda, in order to see cactus and bamboo forests, one of Yves Saint Laurent’s favourite places and resting place. From here, our guide takes us to Bahia Palace, a presidential home created for a favoured wife. It is rumoured that a certain American rapper hosted a birthday party here in recent years, in the Haram, the residence of the courtesans. We also travel to the Medursa, a 14th-century elite university dedicated science, philosophy and mathematics. As we wander the corridors and peer into the tiny apartments of the scholars, I can’t help but shiver as the weight of history bears down on me. After the cultural tour, shopping in the souks is a must – visit La Maison du Kaftan for

beautifully made, striking designs and Herboristerie Bab Agnaou for traditional spices and Moroccan oil – but ask the hotel to connect you with a guide for optimum bargain-bagging and always offer half the first price they state. My final tip? Round off your day with cocktails at sunset on the roof of Le Salama, followed by dinner on the floor below for a truly authentic and unforgettable Moroccan experience. There is no time to waste – the souks await.

NEED TO KNOW Three nights in a two-bedroom Garden Suite for two adults and two children under 12 on a B&B basis, including flights with British Airways and private hotel transfers, costs from £835 per person sharing. Beachcomber, 01483 445 685 (beachcombertours.co.uk)

wraps around the hotel, with epic views of the Atlas Mountains’ 109

Zermatt, Switzerland

Rise of the

Super Chalet

Welcome to Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exclusive slope-side escapes, where casinos, climbing walls and cinema rooms come as standard Words: Amy Welch & Richard Brown

Chalet Zermatt Peak Resort: Zermatt, Switzerland Sleeps: 10 Price: ÂŁ5,750 pp/pw (summitretreats.com)

Overview: Setting a new precedent in luxury chalet accommodation, Zermatt Peak boasts the usual ski room and boot warmer basics and the not-so-normal library, wine cellar, home cinema, private gym and helipad.

USP: Luxury without limit. Straight out of a Bond movie, Zermatt Peak is accessed via a private tunnel built into the mountainside. Inside, every detail impresses. The interior design is one of the slickest in the Alps. Think walnut floors, Brazilian stone, Italian marble, crystal chandeliers and Bang & Olufsen technology throughout. 110

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Chalet Husky Resort: Val d’Isère, France Sleeps: 14 Price: £1,275 pp/pw (scottdunn.com)

Overview: One of the newest kids on the super-chalet block, this Val d’Isère wonder mansion is a lesson in contemporary cool. A vast open-plan living space spans the entire length of the chalet, from the dining area, complete with bar at one end, over a glass walkway suspended above the indoor atrium garden, to the lounge area. Quirky and interesting artefacts and objects d’art are peppered throughout the chalet, while striking lighting adds an extra artistic dimension. USP: The crème de la crème of games rooms. Chalet Husky is home to a climbing wall, an archery range and rifle shooting – giving you plenty to do even if you don’t ski. There is also a wellness area complete with a huge pool and infinity waterfall, sauna and Jacuzzi. Were it not for some of the world’s best ski runs on your doorstep, you could easily hole up in Husky for a week without incurring cabin fever. 111

Chalet Mont Blanc Resort: Megève, France Sleeps: 16 Price: From £97,000 pw (consensioholidays.co.uk)

Overview: The champion of modern ski retreats, Chalet Mont Blanc is perched on the Jaillet piste and offers incredible ski-in, ski-out facilities. Once you draw your eye away from the jaw-dropping views over Megève, the chalet also boasts some seriously enviable interiors. The mezzanine-floor cocktail bar and the heated outdoor infinity pool

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in particular make for a conscious luxury you can’t ignore.

USP: This season’s most opulent new chalet. Modern design sits at every turn in Mont Blanc as the chalet holds an inviting, albeit obvious, sense of luxury within its glass walls. Touches such as an integrated Bang & Olufsen sound system make this the ultimate aprés ski host. A hillside vantage point affords views of the famous village below, but in such surrounds the best party in town remains within this chalet’s sumptuous confines.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Le Petit Palais Resort: Courchevel 1850, France Sleeps: 14 Price: From £79,000 pw (firefly-collection.com)

Overview: Le Petit Palais offers ski-in, ski-out luxury on the slopes of the Bellecote piste, with unparalleled access to the legendary Trois Vallées ski area. Built over six floors, the chalet mixes comfort and elegance on the peaceful upper floors, while state-of-the-art entertainment takes centre stage below. With an extensive master suite spanning an entire floor, this indulgent chalet has been designed with the ultimate party host in mind. USP: For 24-hour party people . Three levels below the relaxed wood-burning fire in the mezzanine library lies a royal-blue bunker of debauchery. From the nightclub to the wine cellar and poker table, Le Petit Palais offers a sanctuary for those harbouring a ski-hard, play-hard mentality. If a party of 14 seems restrained, there’s even an underground tunnel to sister chalet Le Petit Château.

Chalet Edelweiss Resort: Courchevel, France Sleeps: 16 Price: £9,970 pp/pw (summitretreats.com)

Overview: Edelweiss is nestled among pine trees in exclusive Bellecote, placing you right next to the piste and only a couple of minutes from the centre of Courchevel. Edelweiss’s seven floors stretch out from a magnificent spiral staircase, which forms the focal point of the sprawling chalet. It also

comes with a wellness spa, waterfall, private car lift, swimming pool and nightclub. A team of private staff include a massage therapist and ski instructor. No DJ, though, so you’ll have to provide that yourself.

USP: As much an art gallery as ski chalet. Feeling like half private members’ club, half art gallery, Edelweiss houses the work of a host of artists, from Damien Hirst to Dalí, with limitededition, Hollywood-inspired Terry O’Neill prints adorning the walls. 113

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weekend away …The Xara Palace, Malta WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

ith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, nothing says I love you like unwrapping tickets for a romantic shared excursion to pastures new – and nothing says romance like an island palace. This particular palace, another stunning destination from luxury hotel group Relais & Châteaux, sits nestled in the beautiful fortified medieval city of Mdina in Malta’s centre, a walled hill-top town and an unusually well-preserved example of thousand year-old architecture from the Arab period. With a flight time of three and a half hours from Manchester, Malta is just close enough for a weekend break, yet sufficiently distant that you still feel a million miles from home – not to mention filled with gorgeous vistas, baroque buildings and fresh, Sicilian and Arabic-inspired traditional dishes. The five-star boutique hotel dates from the 17th century and is awash with classic, historic touches mixed in with sumptuous modern luxuries and an overarching sense of calm – not hindered in the least by the lush grounds and endless spectacular views

unfolding over fields and villages to the deep blue ocean and horizon beyond (best enjoyed from the Jacuzzi on your balcony with chilled glass in hand). The food is fantastic, served either in the main restaurant or the more casual courtyard bistro, with a heavy emphasis on fresh, seasonal fare and a fabulous selection of carefully selected wines – though it is the service which really merits a special mention. Truly we’ve hardly encountered such dedicated, friendly staff anywhere in the world, so how they find the time to keep the hotel and its grounds so utterly immaculate is beyond us. Nevertheless, they strike that ever-elusive balance of being omnipresent yet unobtrusive, and it is their warmth and expertise which makes The Xara Palace truly unique. When the time came to prise ourselves from the Jacuzzi and head home, we were almost limp with lack of stress and totally captivated by the other-worldly magic of Malta. And after all, when it comes to romantic mini-breaks, what more can you ask than magic? (xarapalace.com, relaischateaux.com)

‘We’ve hardly encountered such dedicated, friendly staff anywhere in the world’ 114

SUPERB, LUXURY HOLIDAY RESIDENCE

The Sanctuary, Gwynedd

Stunning, luxury 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom lodge located in the 5 star Sanctuary Lodge Park in the heart of rolling North Wales countryside. This superb holiday residence has unsurpassed contemporary style, an impressive open plan living space with fully fitted kitchen, uPVC double glazing & Gas central heating. Spacious decked terrace with southerly aspect & hot tub. The lodge benefits from an 88 year Licence Agreement which ends on 10/01/2102. Peaceful location with pleasant views | Situated on a 60 acre Country Estate | Fully furnished ready for occupancy | Two allocated parking places | Park, outdoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court & fishing lake | 5 miles from Pwllheli | 10 miles from Abersoch The lodge has been greatly reduced to ÂŁ100K for a quick sale (original price ÂŁ170K) Contact Claire Wilman (M) 07771701773 clairewilman@me.com

Fresh off the catwalk Inspired by the adult counterpart, this season’s Burberry girls’collection celebrates the artistic spirit of the Bloomsbury set. Dresses have abstract floral prints taken from designs handpainted in the Burberry studio, while the boys’ range includes classic outerwear such as weatherproof trench coats and cashmere knits paired with parkas and duffles. The all-in-one boxed gift sets feature a seasonal colour palette and are crafted in the softest cashmere and cotton. For aspiring fashionistas, we recommend the colour-block, checked blanket poncho, which British model Cara Delevingne rocked on the runway with her initials. (uk.burberry.com)

Kids’ news One for the girls

A party to remember The answer to turning any occasion into an unforgettable party lies in My Little Day, a Parisian company launched by two mothers who wanted to create a one-stop online party shop for mothers on the go. The wide range of decorations, including pompoms, lanterns and confetti, will inspire even the most reluctant party organiser. And of course, if one is going to host a stylish party, the invitations have to be just as cool; choose from princesses, cowboys, superheroes, unicorns, dinosaurs and much more. (mylittleday.com) 116

Online boutique Noa & Nani has invited kids to create their dream bedrooms. Its modern range of single, trundle and high-sleeper beds are high quality and secure. The Millie style is ideal for sleepovers as it comes with a second bed that pulls out and lifts to the same height for guests. Alternatively, the high-sleeper is a single elevated bed that has space underneath it to fit a desk or to allow space to play. Co-ordinating bedside tables are also available. £199.99 (noaandnani.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Sweet ride A collaboration between two British icons, Silver Cross and Aston Martin, has resulted in a rather special baby carriage. Equipped with air-ride suspension and ultra-lightweight magnesium alloy, this pram is designed for peak performance, ensuring your little one has the smoothest of rides. The complete system comes with a fully reclining seat and forwardand-rear-facing pushchair settings, as well as a carrycot for a snug, lie-flat option. And the interior is just as luxurious as the exterior, featuring a plush sheepskin liner sourced from premium sheepskin in Devon, creating the most sumptuous seat for your precious one to sink into. At £3,000, it is without a doubt the silver standard of prams. Silver Cross Surf Aston Martin, £3,000 (harrods.com)

Teanie beanies Queen of cashmere Madeleine Thompson has collaborated with the gorgeous Blue Almonds kids’ shop to create the boutique’s first childrenswear line. Comprising baby grows, beanies, a blanket and a sleeping bag for little boys and girls, her best-selling hat has been snapped up by fans including Samantha Cameron and Lily Allen. Now available for babies, each Mini Maddy Beanie is super soft and has a relaxed fit. £65 (bluealmonds.co.uk)

d e MR HENDRIX h s a e nl U

hermometers are plunging low and Jack Frost is nipping at my nose, so sometimes it’s good to take a break and blow away the cobwebs. I was very lucky to spend the weekend at the beautiful Willington Hall Hotel in the heart of Cheshire, where we were greeted warmly by two members of staff and a selection of doggy biscuits. The hotel is situated near the beautiful village of Tarporley, where attractions include antique fairs and traditional markets organised by the local community. The hotel is grand with a sweeping staircase leading up to the bedrooms. It feels like we’ve been whisked back in time to a more elegant era, but with all the modern touches. My tail wags wildly when I see our room with its stunning four-poster bed, high ceilings and views over the perfectly manicured gardens – which, at a stunning 17 acres, mean you can even make an entrance by helicopter. I brush and fluff before heading down to enjoy dinner before a roaring log fire in the bar, where on some nights a pianist plays and even takes requests. But Willington Hall isn’t just a charming place to relax and unwind. For the more active among us there is an equestrian centre in the grounds and a golf course close by. There’s also an artist in residence with his own exhibition of animal art, while stunning wire horses made by a local artist stand in position as if galloping across the grounds. Up bright and early the next morning after a wonderful made-to-order breakfast, we pick up our packed lunch and join the Sandstone Trail, 200 yards from the hotel. At 34 miles long the trail is a little too much to do in one day, even for my furry legs, but we follow the ridge of sandstone rising dramatically from the Cheshire Plain for quite a few miles. Steeped in history, there is evidence of early settlers in the hill forts and burial mounds along the ridge, and the trail crosses a Roman road before meandering through the medieval Delamere Forest. We’ve had a wonderful time here at Willington Hall and certainly can’t wait to return. Love and licks,

Mr Hendrix

xxx (facebook.com/mrhendrixandfriends, mrhendrix.com)

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Join Joinususfor forananOpen OpenDay DayononFriday Friday66 March Marchfrom from9:00 9:00- 5:00pm. - 5:00pm.Meet Meetour our team, team,talk talktotoour ourpupils, pupils,and andsee seeususinin action actiononona aschool schoolday. day. Come Comealong alongtotoour ourFree FreeNursery Nursery Taster TasterSession SessionononFriday Friday1313March, March, from from10:00 10:00- 11:30am. - 11:30am. ToTofind findout outmore, more, orortotoregister registertotoattend attendour our events, events, contact contactMelanie MelanieMachin Machinonon01477 01477571261. 571261.

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Hockey champions Stockport Grammar School first XI hockey team beat Leeds Grammar School 2-0 to win the North of England Championship and secure their place in the national finals at the Olympic Park, London, in February. Good luck. (stockportgrammar.co.uk)

The classroom Uncovering the truth Archaeologists were excited to discover Roman artefacts during a dig at The Queen’s School. Formerly Chester City Gaol and House of Correction stood on this site (the school was created 130 years ago) and the team is thrilled to have uncovered the foundations of the old buildings, providing important insight into the history of the site. (queens.cheshire.sch.uk)

Cross-country charity Staff and students at The Firs School braved the rain to run cross country for Children in Need, raising £425.37. We’re not sure if the superhero outfits gave Year Six students and unfair advantage! (firsschool.org)

Lessons in lunch Two of the top sous chefs from The Chester Grosvenor visited Oaklands School, Winsford, to prepare pupils for a Global Enterprise Challenge. Daniel Beech and Joe Clarke, along with hotel manager Paul Cookson, shared some culinary secrets with the hospitality students, whose challenge was to raise money from a baked goods sale and restaurant. (oaklandsschool.org.uk; chestergrosvenor.com)

Chefs Joe Clarke, Daniel Beech, Gov ernor Aileen Parr Boyle, Governor y Headmaster Kevi Tony Hooton, The n Chester Grosvenor Paul Cookson, Oak Hotel Manager land Pupils Kaylee Moffatt and Daniel Reed

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Domestic, childcare and private catering staff for your home and family.

Call Laura Harrall at our Manchester office to discuss your requirements for staff in Cheshire and across the north of England. Email: laura@greycoatlumleys.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)161 667 9420 Online: www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

A TENT TASTIC

dream come true for little adventurers who like to indulge their intrepid spirit day and night, the Tent Bed from Idyll Home is both a cosy sleep-spot and a handy playtime hideaway. The cloth side-wall can be rolled up and fastened to create a canopy or let down so the bed is enclosed, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a second slide-out bed underneath to accommodate fellow miniature explorers who choose to spend the night. Available in 22 different colours, be prepared for playmates to run home requesting one of their own. ÂŁ1,095 (idyllhome.co.uk) 121

Suppliers of quality bespoke doors and ironmongery to some of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest homes. Showrooms: Esher, Surrey & Chelsea Harbour 01932 851 081 or 0207 376 7000 info@solidwoodendoors.com www.solidwoodendoors.com

homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

The eternal Contrast Katharine Pooley creates the ultimate in Modern Luxe interiors

Hidden gem image: modern luxe interior by katharine pooley, see page 142

Jan Dickov on texture, travel and transforming Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes

Home & interiors news

#1 Ahead of the Pack In recent years, faux fur has become an increasingly popular alternative to real fur in the fashion industry, as more and more designers – including Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs – strongly advocate its use, and the same can also be said for the world of interiors. Recently launched homeware company Lizard Orchid’s collection of throws are made with sumptuous faux suede on one side and faux fur on the other. Available in a sandy taupe desert mink or a gunmetal gray wolf skin, these throws are both stylish and cosy, putting them among the most comforting accessories to have in the home this winter. (lizardorchid.com)

#2 Clear Cut Representing some of the most esteemed houses in the world of crystal such as Baccarat, Lalique and Moser, Lucie Rydlova has built strong relationships with designers from across the world in order to bring hand-made crystal creations to the homes of its clientele. The LRH Collection is a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces from the best brands in France, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic, and these range from functional vases and tableware to artistic accessories, showcasing the crème de la crème of crystal. (lucierydlova.com)

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Homes and Interiors

#3 Let There Be Light Say goodbye to conventional and uninspired lighting and hello to one-of-a-kind creations that will, quite literally, illuminate your world. Interior decorator and fabric specialist Violet & George has created a selection of innovative bespoke lighting by British artisans, who fuse together creativity with the finest-quality materials to convert offbeat objects like a pedal powered Victorian burr drill or an antique fire hose nozzle into the base for lamps. Topped with silk chiffon shades, these lamps are functional works of art. (violetandgeorge.com)

#4 Winter Warmers Just because it’s dark and gloomy outside doesn’t mean your home has to be. If your sofa is in desperate need of a spruce-up, try scattering some decorative cushions for an instant facelift. OKA’s new Warm Winter collection offers a striking selection of velvet Roundel, Chaplet and Trellisé cushion covers, featuring delicate embroidery and rich colours such as raspberry, ultramarine and Brunswick green. (okadirect.com)

#5 Not Just a Vase Incorporating bright shades and diverse textures, choose any one of award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen’s vases from the A/W14 collection and it is guaranteed to make a statement. Materials such as earthenware and porcelain have been paired with rich glazes and bold colours – including vivid aquamarine and electrifying orange – in order to further accentuate the angles in the vase. Coming in a variety of different shapes and textures, inlcuding bubble embellishments and funnel necks – you may have a hard time choosing just one. (kellyhoppen.com)

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Intoto Kitchens provides a bespoke service creating the perfect kitchen for every client. As one of the World’s leading quality kitchen brands and part of the most established fitted kitchen businesses in the UK, we mix German quality and craftsmanship with our specialist design service. Created specifically for you and your lifestyle, each of our kitchens is designed, produced and professionally installed by our experienced Installation team and project managers, whilst being supported by our KBSA Consumer Care Protection Insurance. Appointed as a Neff Master Partner & Exclusive Brand Partner, our clients benefit from exclusive products and additional savings across leading appliances, worktops & accessories. Providing a free Survey and Design service to clients, we also work

closely with Architects, Designers and Developers form an early stage, to deliver the perfect balance in kitchen living spaces across the Cheshire and the North West. If you’re looking for inspiration and would like to see how an Intoto kitchen might look in your home, visit our showroom to discuss your ideas and plans, or contact us for a free survey and design consultation.

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INTERVIEW

Hidden gem Jan Dickov is a hidden gem of Cheshire, turning people’s homes from nearly there to style central. Louisa Castle meets her to talk texture, travel and top-notch football

he Dickov name may be familiar to some of you. Paul Dickov, who played for Alan Ball’s Manchester City and now manages Doncaster Rovers, is Jan’s husband. When I meet her she couldn’t be further from the Footballers’ Wives characters which once adorned our screens. We meet in Carluccio’s, accompanied by her daughter Lauren who is interested in media and we are both early. Exchanging our views and dislike of tardiness, we begin. Originally from the Lake District, Jan has been interested in design and interiors since she was young. ‘I have always been interested in art and design and after completing my Art Foundation I became an apprentice for a commercial design firm in

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north London which created the looks for hotels and offices. Unfortunately, the business went bust and I found myself needing a job. ‘And so, on a completely different tangent I went for an interview with Monarch airlines and by the end of it I had a job. In my head it was temporary. In reality it was six and a half years! ‘It was a great time and I really enjoyed it. It was at the time when

‘Interior design follows fashion trends, no doubt, but you watch them rather than become a slave to them’

Homes and Interiors

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INTERVIEW

‘I have been known to take photos of toilets. They were in Dubai and amazing. It’s not as crazy as it sounds!

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you had two-week layovers, so you’d be on holiday with your passengers in Acapulco. Plus, I worked on the flights for the Michael Jackson tours, England football and Formula 1, so I can’t really complain. ‘All the time, though, I was always helping colleagues with their interior dilemmas, from advising on paint choices to making curtains or cushions out of leftover bits of fabric in return for a bunch of flowers or two. ‘This continued after I met and married Paul; helping out friends and colleagues and payment would be a lovely meal or scented candle. ‘When my youngest, Max, started school it was time for me to make it a legitimate business or stop. So, in 2007 I decided to go for it and Jan Dickov Interiors was born.

’ Homes and Interiors

‘I try to use British brands and suppliers where I can, to support local businesses of course but also as I find them much more reliable and the aftercare miles better than some. I’ve found an amazing upholsterer in Sheffield, who gets just as excited as I do when we come up with new ideas to meet clients’ briefs! We recently worked together on a day chair and reupholstered in a crazy velvet bird print and it was just amazing. ‘I work with a great joiner in Knutsford, who may groan when I walk in, but is so passionate about the creativity of the projects and challenges we work on together for bespoke pieces. I may be liaising with the clients and initiating the ideas but its team work with all my suppliers which gets us to the finished result and happy client. The best people doing the best job possible. ‘Also, I do a lot of reclaiming and re-use, re-dress original pieces to tell a new story but staying true to the character of the home. ‘I love the satisfaction and reaction when clients see what we’ve worked on come to life. It’s all about their home after all. There’s no point imposing my tastes on them and proposing a mood board based on the colour of the moment [which is petrol blue] if they hate blue! That tends to be one of my first questions in a brief “What are the definite no-nos?” ‘Interiors follow fashion trends, no doubt, but you watch them rather than become a slave to them. Create a solid base and layer. The layering is where you can have the most fun and incorporate your fashion-following hints.

‘Lighting is also really important. To get the right look and create the right atmosphere the lighting is crucial. ‘Other influences are from everyday life, really. I love travelling and have been known to take photos of the toilets that I visit. They were in Dubai, though, and a major statement so it’s not as crazy as it sounds! ‘I love incorporating art and photography into designs too. I work with a great guy, Stuart Fox, who’s speciality is antiquated mirrors and I love going to his studios. And Jo Dea in Wilmslow is a fabulous minimalist artist and graphic designer I work closely with.’ Jan, Paul, their three kids (Lauren, Sam, Max) and dog Ed, have recently moved house and Jan tells me of her plans for it. ‘I am my own worst client, ask any of them! But I am so excited with our plans. I’ve got no major requests from them, apart from Paul, who say’s I’m not to go too crazy with the budget. I am brimming with ideas and can’t wait to get started.’ Outside of work, being a mum and supporting City (‘We’re all completely City’) Jan loves visiting her parents in the Lakes and taking the dogs for a walk with her dad. ‘There’s nothing better than going back home and chilling.’ Jan is also on the Pink Ribbon Ball Committee. ‘We had a close friend who died of pancreatic cancer and the medication and research gave them eighteen months of quality life they didn’t think they’d have. So, my view is if I can do anything to help I will. If lots of people do a little it makes all the difference.’ (jandickovinteriors.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

INspiration elegance and style exude jan dickov’s everyday life. INSPIRED by the effortlessness, WE ASK HER TO SHARE WITH US A FEW OF HER FAVOURITE THINGS...

#1 #2

#4 #5

A few of my favourite things #1 Snuggle up with these gorgeous Tori Murphy throws, £250 each (occa-home.co.uk) #2 Create a truly vintage feel with this Crosby mirror, £3,240 (ochre.net) #3 Anything by Tom Dixon. I particularly love this diffuser in Royalty, £65 (johnlewis.com) #4 Petrol blue is the colour of the season #5 The Amelia linen armchair, £485 (neptune.com)

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PARIS / JANUARY 23-27, 2015 / SEPTEMBER 4-8, 2015 PARIS NORD VILLEPINTE

BORN AND RAISED WITH MAISON&OBJET PETITE FRITURE, AT M&O SINCE 2010

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Worsley The most exquisite, substantial, family house with fabulous views

• 3 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • garaging • gardens • paddock • approximately 2 acres • EPC – C Guide Price: £2,100,00

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Prestbury An unparalleled Arts & Crafts style manor house with breathtaking hand-crafted luxurious living

• dining hall • day room and breakfast room • library • games room • media room • 7 bedrooms (all en suite) • art studio/office • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, gym & steam room • garaging • approximately 1 acre • EPC - C Guide Price: Price on application

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Pickmere A stunning contemporary country house, perched on the edge of its own small lake

• in all over 10,000 sq ft • 2,500 open-plan main reception room • 2 further reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • 1 bedroom integral staff apartment • Leisure barn with bar, gym, offices & 1 bedroom apartment • stabling • approximately 16.5 acres • EPC – D Guide Price: £3,450,000

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South Cheshire A unique opportunity to create a magnificent country estate in the heart of Cheshire

• planning consent for a Robert Adam’s 38,000 sq ft house • 7 reception rooms • 9 bedrooms (all en suite) • leisure wing • 2 staff flats • 8 car garaging • stabling • lake • parkland • approximately 180 acres

Price on Application

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Prestbury A magnificent contemporary mansion in Prestbury’s most popular location

• 3 reception rooms • study • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • Jacuzzi room • leisure complex with pool, Jacuzzi, gym & cinema • garaging with 1 bed flat above • EPC - C Guide Price: £3,250,000

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

CO REC M EN PL T ET LY ED

Mottram St Andrew An outstanding meticulously designed house with 21st Century fittings

• 3 reception rooms • study/library • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • leisure suite with pool, steam room & sauna • garaging with apartment above • approximately 1.5 acres Guide Price: £5,500,000

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

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Bowdon An excellent ground floor apartment with superb living space

• 2 reception rooms • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • underground parking space • communal gardens • EPC - B Guide Price: £895,000

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Bowdon A luxurious & spacious apartment with large south-facing terrace

• 2 reception rooms • 3 bedrooms • 2 bath/shower rooms • 2 parking spaces & visitor parking • communal gardens • EPC – D Guide Price: £695,000

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

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Bowdon A handsome period house in a private location set in stunning mature gardens

• 3 reception rooms • study • gymnasium • wine cellar & steam room • 4 bedroom suites • garaging • gardens • EPC - D Guide Prices: £2,000,000

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Appleton An outstanding detached family home with a self contained annexe and views across Warrington Golf Course

• 2 reception rooms • study & conservatory • 4 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • garaging • annexe • gardens • EPC – D Guide Price: £1,150,000

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

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INSPIRATION

The eternal contrast World-renowned interior designer Katharine Pooley is known for her effective mixing of themes and periods â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we take a look inside a recent example of her fabulous Modern Luxe technique to see why it works so well

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INSPIRATION

ith stamps from an incredible 250 countries gracing her passports past and present, and projects as diverse as a mansion in Singapore, a beach villa in Thailand, a restored Scottish castle and a ski lodge in Colorado under her belt, it’s no surprise that Katharine Pooley’s tastes are as distinct and varied as they are unconventional. Raised in Bahrain, British designer Pooley was educated at the prestigious St Mary’s School just outside Oxford before moving to France to study at The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) in Lyon. After her graduation Katharine decamped to Hong Kong, where she lived for sixteen years working for Morgan Stanley and Barclays, eventually using the strong organisational skills and work ethic acquired in banking to turn her hand to property development. Certainly not one to do things by halves, she left Asia and purchased four houses on four separate continents, totally renovating

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all within the same year then moving to London. It was then that she finally decided it was time to set up shop, envisaging a stunning boutique which would sell beautiful household accessories from all over the world. Nestled in a cosy corner of Chelsea, the boutique was an instant success, and Katharine was soon adding an interior design wing to her thriving business and even a showroom at The Gate Mall in Doha, Qatar. Now her boutiques each offer a Wedding List Service and a Home Dressing Advisory Service, plus her trademark collection of intriguing pieces from far-flung climes. Not forgetting Katharine’s own unique perspective on fusing different styles to best effect, while the company offers everything from building planning to interior design. Described as classic contemporary and eclectic luxury, her style epitomises the ultimate in refined, timeless design and, lately celebrating its tenth anniversary, has transformed homes the world over. Most recently, Katharine created

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INSPIRATION a Modern Luxe interior for an esteemed returning client who required a sleek, sumptuous space not lacking in masculine elements, yet incorporating a subtle, soft feminine vibe. Katharine and her team from the KPL Design Studio focused on including a swathe of original details such as fresh white polished plaster, light grey eel skin panelling and deep petrol blue-toned silk carpets to ensure that the whole project lived up to the

‘Katharine Pooley’s tastes are as distinct and varied as they are unconventional’ company’s reputation for creating truly unique, bespoke interiors for each client. To achieve a nice equal balance, the team combined a feminine colour palette with hints of masculinity – cutting-edge lighting, brass geometric inlays, clean Perspex and cut-crystal detailing – to add a neat gravitas without losing the desired sense of urban chic and comfort. Katharine also made sure that her favourite finishing touches for 2015 were subtly entwined throughout the project, including rock crystal (also known as

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clear quartz and often believed to help promote a balanced, calming atmosphere), butter-soft calf leather and highly polished silver-wave marble. By including these, the KPL team has helped ensure that the interior stays looking current and fresh for as long as possible, though the subtlety of these elements means they’ll never make the overall design feel dated or old fashioned. In the living room, Katharine provides a strong focal point by creating a Calacatta Bluette bookmatched marble wall inlaid into bronze fittings and flanked by beautiful timber and leather-panelled joinery, while the dining room features two bespoke rock crystal wall sconces mounted on silk wallpaper, helping to pick out the bespoke starburst detail on the dining table and the panelled silk design on the chairs. In the master bedroom bedside tables crafted from agate sourced from India coupled with luminous mother of pearl accessories perfectly complement the mild grey-blue shades dotted throughout, reiterating once again the sense of cohesion gently running through the design as a whole despite its myriad of quirky, characterful touches. (katharinepooley.com)

Award - Winning Architectural & Interior Design Janey Butler Interiors are proud winners of the 2014-2015 International Property Awards for one of their Cheshire Developments. These awards identify the highest levels of achievement in Property Development & Interior Design which focuses on sustainability, high living standards, originality and creativity. Cheshire Showroom Coming Soon

W: w w w . j a n e y b u t l e r . c o . u k E: hello@janeybutler.co.uk T:

0844 809 4469

www.janeybutler.co.uk

When aa couple couple from from Hale, Cheshire When began creating creating their their dream dream home home four began four years ago they years ago they knewknew whatwhat they they wanted; wanted; outindesign in their own stand outstand design their own signature signature surroundings. There would surroundings. There would be no be no shortcuts, and Diane’s client shortcuts, and Diane’s client Kim, had Kim, had very specific design ideas in very specific design ideas in mind. They mind. They heard about Alno by Diane heard Alno by Diane Berry Berry about Kitchens through friends. ‘The Kitchens through friends. ‘The name name kept coming up’ says Kim, who is kept coming up’London says Kim, originally from andwho had is visited originally London and had her homefrom city for inspiration too.visited They her home city for inspiration They consulted kitchen companiestoo. closer to home as well but decided Diane Berry consulted kitchen companies closer to was the for them. home as best well choice but decided Diane Berry ‘What struck me about Diane Berry was the best choice for them.

was theirstruck approach; it wasDiane so different ‘What me about Berry to other companies’ was theirkitchen approach; it was soexplains different Kim. Diane is verycompanies’ holistic in her to other kitchen explains approach and really encouraged Kim. Diane is very holistic in her Kim to think about her lifestyle and herKim to approach and really encouraged family’s needs, even the pet’s! think about her lifestyle and her family’s Diane wants to understand how her needs, even the pet’s! clients’ live, and really appreciates that Diane wants to understand how the design should complement andher clients’ live, and really appreciates that work around them. the should and Atdesign the start of thecomplement design process, work around them. Calder Peel architects in Altrincham At the start ofchoosing the design recommended theprocess, kitchen worktopPeel firstarchitects and foremost which Kim Calder in Altrincham admits wouldn’tchoosing have been top recommended thea kitchen priority. Kim had her heart set on aKim worktop first and foremost which

specific textured granite which they admits wouldn’t have been a top searched highhad andher lowheart for eventually priority. Kim set on a sourcing it in Sheffield. Kim also they wanted specific textured granite which asearched hidden pantry to be worked into high and low for eventually the design, hugely practical hiding sourcing it in Sheffield. Kimfor also everyday kitchen clutter from guests! wanted a hidden pantry to be worked This is where Diane and her team’s skill into the design, hugely practical for really come in to play; they listen to hiding everyday clutter from their clients idea’skitchen and then fine-tune guests! This is where Diane and her the details making the best of their team’s skillmaking really come in to play; and they ‘wish lists’ them functional listen to their clients idea’s and then bespoke to boot. the details making theatbest fine-tune Kim wanted the kitchen to be the of heart of their home, the social aspect their ‘wish lists’ making them functional was hugely whilst being and also bespoke toimportant, boot. functional for Kim, her husband two Kim wanted the kitchen to beand at the

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HOLISTIC DESIGN

by diane berry kitchens children agedhome, 11 and 8. Berry A keen baker,Ltd, heart of their the social aspect The unusual lighting gives the space a truly unique feel, whilst Diane Kitchens they look great they’re hugely practical in highlighting forhugely Kimareas makes the most of132 a steam oven, was also important, whilst being Bury New Road, cooking, preparing food and of course eating. Theasopen wellplan as for using theher flexi hob, and functional Kim, husband and two Prestwich, Manchester living area is extremely family friendly allowing the couple the Teppanyaki cooking any menu. children aged 11 andto 8.suit A keen baker, chance to be with their young children whilst preparing dinner. M25 0AA The ground floor of their home is The dining table is a great addition to the island unit andmakes keeps the most of a steam Kim oven, www.dianeberrykitchens.co.uk very open plan, and the kitchen has the space open and sociable.

as well as using the flexi hob, and gone on to influence the surrounding diane@dianeberrykitchens.co.uk cooking to suit any menu. their neutral Tel: and0161 earthy 798 5335 The ground floor ofeffect their is home is very tones. The kitchen’s actually open plan, and the kitchen has gone quite warm, despite the vast panes on to surrounding of influence glass andthe minimalist cleanrooms lines. with their neutral units and earthy tones. The The Walnut are a contrast to kitchen’s is actually quite warm, the largeeffect glazing which mirrors the outdoorthe eating along withand an despite vast area panes of glass outdoor fireplace in keeping with the minimalist clean lines. The Walnut units welcoming feel. are a contrast to the large glazing which

mirrors the outdoor eating area along with an outdoor fireplace in keeping with the welcoming feel.

‘We are so pleased with the finished room which just works so Teppanyaki rooms with well for us as a family’

Diane Berry Kitchens Ltd 132 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0AA www.dianeberrykitchens.co.uk diane@dianeberrykitchens.co.uk Tel: 0161 798 5335

inspiration

Home sweet home The end of last year saw the launch of the Hotel Living range from Achica’s Premier Basics collection. We take a look at achica’s new offerings, and discover there’s much more to this online retailer than flash sales

e don’t know about you, but parting with hefty sums of money for basics such as bed linen just doesn’t sit that well with us. However, if you’re moving into somewhere unfurnished or a bigger place than you currently inhabit, you’ll find yourself needing not just extra bed linen, but all the other basics too – beds and mattresses, sofas and shelving, tables and chairs. These are necessities with costs that soon begin to mount up. Achica launched its new Premier Basics line last September, so there’s no better time to make an online detour. It has, up until now, been known (and loved by its millions of members) for its 72-hour flash sales. The big difference with Premier Basics is that this 350-piece capsule collection will be permanently available, which will come as a relief to those who just cannot make a decision quickly enough to commit to a flash sale or, indeed, those who like the option to repurchase their favourite and longest-lasting basics. It’s easy to find half an hour slipping away while scrolling through the Achica treasure trove; boost your basics with pretty cushions, bright prints and even bottles of red wine and olive oil for your kitchen counters. It’s made even easier by

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the new website, which has been designed based on research that showed the majority of people prefer to shop by style rather than product, meaning you can filter by price, colour and brand to streamline your search. There are 14 styles to choose from including Classic Elegance (we’d like to think we aspire to this), Eclectic (also great – everyone needs a dash of quirkiness) and Country Chic (a favourite theme for those who can never turn down a weekend break in the Cotswolds), though of the new Premier Basics products, our firm favourite has to be the Hotel Living range. A perfect excuse for a spring makeover, the range includes a collection of high thread count bed linen, accessories, throws, bedspreads and traditional handcrafted mattresses. Customers can choose from a range of pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers in 600 and 1000 thread count in a soothingly neutral palette of white, flax, platinum, ice grey, ivory, duck egg and stone, as well as a range in 400 and 800 thread count in 100 per cent cotton sateen. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, the sweet embellishments – tassels, pleating, frilled edges, and stripes – might just do the trick. Achica’s brand director Liam Butler explains that the aim of this

Promotion

Button back headboard double bed (£549) with ACHICA 1000 thread count collection, from the hotel living range

capsule collection is, as you’d expect, customer-led, explaining that it ‘provides exceptional quality – comparable to the own-label products sold in luxury department and specialist stores – at very competitive prices.’ We’re convinced. After all, it’s all so delightfully easy; just pop the kettle on, make a list and stock up on those essentials you’ve needed for months from the comfort of the sofa. Now that’s our kind of shopping. The Hotel Living range, rom £30 (bed linen) to £289 (mattresses) (achica.com)

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Join us this weekend Saturday 6th December between 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm for our Open House event. We will be opening the doors to a number of our homes so come along and step inside what could be your dream home.

NEW LUXURY HOMES OFFERING GOLF COURSES, DRIVING RANGE AND HEALTH SPA FACILITIES STRETTON GREEN ~ MALPAS, CHESHIRE SY14 7JA

It’s not just the beautiful city of Chester you’ll find yourself close to...

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Stretton Green is a beautiful collection of luxury country homes set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and just 10 miles from the cosmopolitan city of Chester

Unrivalled Location Superb Specification Idyllic Lifestyle

TO BOOK A PRIVATE VIEWING CALL JAN MAC CUTCHAN ON 01829 458977 OR VISIT REDROW.CO.UK/STRETTON

gardens

Show & Tell David Binks of Landstruction shares his journey from tearing through tree plantations in short trousers to showing at the world’s greatest horticultural show

hey say you make your own destiny and I believed them. However, it turns out that when you’ve got horticulture in your blood, free will isn’t quite so straightforward. As a child, rather than kicking a ball around in the garden with my father, he would guide me around herbaceous borders, talking me through plant nomenclature, subtly imparting his botanical knowledge as we walked. With the customary quiz at the end of the tour, challenging me on why the suffix ‘variegata’ is used on a plant whose leaves are two-tone? What the Latin is for Bloody Cranesbill? Why are white flowering plants ‘alba’? Child’s play for a trained nurseryman, but something of a stretch for a sevenyear-old.

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We’d visit my grandparents’ nursery most weekends, where, much to the dismay of paying customers, I’d be running around ornamental displays of specimen shrubs and tearing through tree plantations. But these trips also worked on another level, as they consolidated everything I gleaned from my father’s lessons at home without me realising it – the seed was metaphorically set. Once I was big enough to push a wheelbarrow and wield a planting spade, I’d be roped into helping my father with the various landscaping schemes he had under way or I’d be weeding at the nursery to earn some extra pocket money. This pattern continued throughout my education, with school holidays allowing me to get a taste for hard landscaping; assisting in the construction of water features, patios and decking areas. Whether I was more of a hindrance than a help, I’m not sure, but it was this transforming of outside spaces which really got me hooked, turning tired gardens into places where people wanted to spend time and enjoy the outdoors. Being so immersed in all things horticultural during my formative years certainly allowed it to get a strangle hold on me. But following my A-levels, I decided I would buck the

Homes and Interiors

A landstruction designed garen in bowdon

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opposite page: a designed garden in malpas right: the 2013 rhs tatton gold-winning garden

trend and took myself off to university to read English. The notion of being erudite appealed, but three years on I was desperate to get out of libraries and lecture theatres and to spend some time in the great outdoors. So in another indeterminist bout, I ventured to the French Alps, where I lived for 18 months. This time out from landscaping galvanised my outlook and a decision was made. I could make a living could be made working outside and in doing what I’d grown up loving to do: creating stunning outdoor spaces. In 2005 we sponsored and built our first garden a RHS Tatton Park Flower Show – a back to back garden(only 6m x 4m), for which we won a gold medal and Best Back to Back Garden. This heralded the start of an addiction, I’d become a show garden junkie. A difficult habit to feed when you’re trying to keep your fledgling landscaping business afloat. However, 2006 saw us build not one but two gardens at RHS Tatton Park, one show garden and one back-toback, for which we received a silver-gilt medal a piece (from the judge’s feedback, they thought we’d spread ourselves too thin to warrant a gold medal). Off the back of the success at RHS Tatton Park, we worked on exciting schemes all over the North of England. The highlight of this period being a RIBA award in 2008 for a development we landscaped, where there was a ‘strong dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces’. Just when we thought things were going in the right direction, the global financial crisis hit and we turned to

soft landscaping to weather the storm. By 2011, we felt that there was life back in the domestic market to warrant sponsoring another show garden at RHS Tatton Park. So we became involved in the Oxfam ‘When the Waters Rise’ scheme, designed by Howard and Dori Miller. The public, media and judges loved it and we were presented with a coveted gold medal. Following this success, we teamed up again the following year with Howard Miller Design for the Q-CAT ‘World Without Torture’ garden, a thoughtprovoking space inspired by the

‘I’d become a show garden junkie. A difficult habit to feed when you’re trying to keep your fledgling landscaping business afloat’

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gardens hole and back again. More than 10,000 visitors ventured into the garden. This ambitious exhibit received a gold medal, and was also given the Most Creative Garden award. The success of the ‘galaxy garden’, led the NSO to enquire as to whether this concept could be taken to a larger stage. In the midst of these discussions, we were fortunate enough to work with Liz Ackerley of Poppyhead Consultancy at Grand Designs Live, where we built a sustainable garden togther but with a contemporary twist. It was awarded Best Show Garden by Kevin McCloud.

‘I’d be running around ornamental displays of specimen shrubs and tearing through tree plantations’

best show garden at grand designs live

charity’s aim to end torture. This ambitious build was meticulously constructed and planted, which gained favour with the judges and the garden won gold. During the course of the 2012 Tatton Park show and by happenchance, we met up with professor Mike Bode from the Astrophysics Research Institute at Liverpool John Moore’s University, who expressed an interest in using a garden at Tatton Park to raise awareness of the National Schools’ Observatory (NSO). Alongside Howard Miller Design, this concept quickly evolved into the ‘Watch This Space’ garden which we showcased at RHS Tatton Park 2013; a journey through our galaxy towards a black

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And so here we are, six months from building our first garden at The Chelsea Flower Show, taking the galaxy garden to the next level with the NSO: Dark Matter garden. Designed by the talented Howard Miller and sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the garden explores how unseen forces within the universe can be seen by their effect on other objects. This theory may just also, inadvertently, explain how I’ve ended up building an exhibit at the world’s most prestigious gardening event. RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 19-23 May, 2015 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, 22-26 July, 2015 (landstruction.com)

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HALF PRICE SALES & LETTINGS FEES

(Limited Period Launch Offer)

An Estate Agency that’s like a breath of fresh air. Lock & Parker are the next generation of Estate Agents. We provide a professional, proactive sales and lettings marketing service. Our passion for property is self evident in our unique approach to each and every client. Our service is ‘personally’ tailored to you, because you are individual - and so are we.

For a free, no obligation valuation call us on freephone 0800 689 1117 or on 01625 588 960

Unlock the potential of your Home.

Y RT PE G O IN PR AIN ST M LA RE

The Tatton, Eden Park, Alderley Edge 6 Bedroom, 6 Bathroom Detached Villa with Leisure Suite & Annexe (NB: This property is currently under construction at a ‘shell stage’ and provides a unique opportunity to fit it out to your exacting requirements) With its six bedrooms (four of them en-suite) and separate staff quarters, Tatton stands as an imposing family house offering an exceptional standard of accommodation. Despite its size, it nestles in its setting to give a true sense of intimacy and privacy. It also boasts a subterranean ‘spa’ complete with a pool, steam room, gymnasium and wine store. A true sanctuary in which to shut out the world and completely relax.

£3,195,000

LD N SO LA % P 80 FF O

Davenport, Butley Hall, Prestbury

Scottmount, Butley Hall, Prestbury

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms , 1800 sq ft Apartment

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms , 1600 sq ft Apartment

If you enjoy entertaining, Davenport boasts a dining area with space for a 10-seater table. This luxurious apartment has a very generous kitchen, complete with a lovely breakfast area, and the dining space situated directly next to it. The master bedroom suite incorporates an en-suite bathroom and a wonderful floor to ceiling bay window.

Homely and welcoming, Scottmount features a very spacious kitchen with a lovely breakfast area. Directly adjacent is a comfortable dining area, and living room. The master bedroom suite incorporates an en-suite bathroom and dressing area.

£875,000

Lock & Parker Estate Agents, 10 London Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7JS Freephone: 0800 689 1117 Alderley Edge Office : 01625 588 960 www.lockandparker.co.uk

£750,000

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Bon voyage Bordeaux is known for its wine, with decadent food following closely behind. Bethan Rees indulges herself in a stay at famed hotelier Michel Reybier’s stunning French château

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rnest Hemingway once mused: ‘Wine is one of the most civilised things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.’ Now, the perfect opportunity has arisen for passionate oenophiles, or for those who enjoy a glass of wine under the stars of southern France. Michel Reybier, owner of the La Réserve Hospitality Collection, is opening his home up in the heart of a grand cru classé estate for selected, exclusiveuse stays. La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel winery in Bordeaux is steeped in history; Louis Gaspard d’Estournel originally inherited some vineyards near the village of Cos and, after realising the quality of grapes he possessed, decided to vinify them separately. In doing so, he rapidly started to produce wine that exceeded the value of the most prestigious vintages. After exporting to India he gained the nickname ‘the Maharaja of Saint-Estèphe’, and to celebrate his success, he topped his wine cellars with exotic pagodas, which are still present at the château today. The residence, which sleeps up to 16 guests in two suites and a further six guestrooms, differs to the other properties in Reybier’s portfolio such as La Réserve Genève, an awardwinning hotel and spa. It performs as an exclusive, private home away from home of the highest specification, but with the hospitality of the La Réserve

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INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Collection, including an in-house team headed by ‘la maîtresse de maison’, Carole Valette. The views over the 200 acres of vineyards are breathtaking, and the gardens provide the ideal balance of seclusion and splendour – a sight for sore eyes for any city dweller. Cos d’Estournel retains the soul and personality of a charming family home, but designer Jacques Garcia has injected his creative energy throughout the property. Garcia is a renowned French architect and interior designer, and his most recent work includes the extensive redesign of the 18th-century decorative art galleries at the Musée de Louvre. In keeping with the Sino-Indian

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characteristics, the estate is filled with embroidered silks, gold-leaf chandeliers and ancient black Indian doors. The residence has everything you could possibly want of both a home, and a hotel: a library, an indoor pool, a steam room and staff tending to your every need, including filling you with regional delights, which adds an extra cordiality you wouldn’t find in a conventional holiday rental. Retire to the large living room following a feast of d’agneau de Pauillac lamb raised on the salt by the d’Estournel estate – it would be rude not to. La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel is available exclusively for one-night to week-long stays (00 33 06 0833 2975; estournel.com)

Promotion

W h e r e s t a r t

d o

y o u

yo u r

p r op e r t y

s e a r c h ?

For many search begins online. From studio apartments to executive family homes or exclusive penthouses it has never been easier to look for a new home online. A few clicks of a mouse and you be on a slick website where almost every development is described as “luxurious” and the beautiful computer images almost seem real. You can view dozens of new home listings and share all this information with family or friends in just a few more clicks. So are most developments and new home very similar or is there a difference? In a world dominated by mass production is there an alternative that is luxurious, individual and unique? For 35 years the PJ Livesey Group has specialised in the refurbishing and conversion of fine period buildings. From stately homes set in acres of formal gardens and Art Deco landmarks to Victorian hospitals and schools. Our purpose is to breathe new life into Britain’s historic buildings and in doing so create unique homes that offer luxury living in a beautiful historic setting. Our genuine love for Britain’s architectural heritage coupled with the need for quality newly built homes enables us to create beautiful and stylish living spaces for a new generation. If you want to move to a new home and are looking for luxury living in a historic setting then perhaps should start your search property search at www.pjlivesey-group.co.uk.

Visit the Residence Lancaster to experience Victorian grandeur. An exquisitely converted Victorian hospital with an iconic tower that features on the Lancaster skyline. The dramatic entrance through the original arch doorway and into a spacious reception area feels like a five star hotel. The apartments offer rare scale with high ceilings and very large original windows and all properties are finished off with an exceptional specification. Mostyn House in Parkgate on the Wirral is steeped in History and occupies a prominent position on the famous promenade overlooking the Dee Estuary and beyond. From the meticulously restored stained glass windows in the galleried reception to the breath-taking observatory in “The Tower” every detail has been considered to create individually design homes that have been finished to the highest standards. Alternatively you may consider a Penthouse in the award winning Cottonworks development in Bolton. The duplex Penthouse apartments have been carefully designed to incorporate a beautiful roof top terrace. The iconic dome on the converted mill is the centrepiece of a one off Penthouse featuring large roof top terrace and far reaching views. All Penthouses have private undercover parking and a lift to the top floor where luxuriously dressed communal corridors lead your front door. Looking ahead there are exciting new developments coming online. The former Terry’s chocolate factory in York, the former Manchester Metropolitan University in Didsbury and the former Westwood Hospital in Beverley. So whether you start your search with a glossy brochure, online or driving around your local area, if you are looking for something different, a home that is individual, luxurious and unique then consider a new home from P J Livesey. www.pjlivesey.co.uk

Homes and Interiors

LOCAL PROPERTY

Forest Glades ALDERLEY EDGE

rom its elevated position, this magnificent 7,300 square foot property (with a separate games room) sits in approximately one acre of land and commands magnificent views of the Cheshire countryside. The property has been refurbished recently and the tiled areas benefit from under-floor heating. Subject to planning permission the outside games room could be converted for all manner of uses including a fitness suite, leisure suite, home office or guest accommodation. On approaching the property via Beechfield Road, proceed through the

impressive stone gate posts to the top of the road. The select group of properties on this road were developed by well-respected local architect Rod Hackney. Forest Glades benefits from being at the top of this prestigious road, where peace and quiet abounds. The whole house is also heated via an Ideal Concord CX boiler, with radiators throughout. Forest Glades, Alderley Edge, guide price ÂŁ2.5 million. Lock and Parker, 10 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7JS (0800 689 1117, lockandparker.co.uk)

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Westbury Castle Estate PRESTATYN

estbury Castle Estate is brought to market as a great development opportunity and is split into four separate plots: Mansion House and Abbey Chapel, the West Wing, Bell Tower, Westbury Lodge and the Stable Block (Dovecote). Full plans are available on request, comprising 15 properties in total with the potential for a further five more. This majestic listed building and its grounds are set amid attractive north-westerly sloping woodlands, its position chosen for the outstanding views over its original parkland to the Irish Sea, the Great Orme, Anglesey, Lancashire and the Cumbrian Hills. The estate benefits from seven acres of established and landscaped grounds, which include mature woodland and a six-hole golf course. There are five pairs of electrically operated 15ft-high grand double gates providing alternative access points to the estate. The site was first occupied by the son of Baron Mostyn of Mostyn in the 15th century. In 1670, the title of Baronet was conferred on Edward Mostyn of Talacre by Charles II in gratitude for his support in the Ulster Campaign. At that time, the family lived in a Jacobean mansion house on the site. The current mansion was built by the 7th Baronet Mostyn in the 1820s and reflects the considerable

wealth and status that the family had accrued. The house is late Regency in the Tudor-Gothic style, built from Ashlar sandstone from the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own quarries and using oak from the estate. The Talacre Estate originally comprised of over 6,300 acres, including farms, quarries and woodlands around Talacre Hall, plus the Greenfield Valley industrial area and adjacent farms and extensive land with valuable mineral resources including lead and coal. Stone from Gwespyr quarries, besides being used for building, was exported as sharpening stone worldwide. The Mostyns left the property in 1920 following the deaths of two Baronets in quick succession. It was occupied by an order of Benedictine nuns as an abbey until the late 20th century when it once more became a family home. Westbury Castle is a magnificent late-Regency mansion in TudorGothic style of interest to private buyers looking for a private home or developers for leisure, commercial or residential purposes (subject to planning permission). This 21,000 square foot accommodation has planning permission already granted for residential dwellings. Westbury Castle Estate, Prestatyn, offers in the region of ÂŁ5 million. Lock and Parker, 10 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7JS (0800 689 1117, lockandparker.co.uk)

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Adderley WILMSLOW

dderley is a fine, 7100 square foot residence with an indoor pool and sauna, five extensive bedroom suites and very fine grounds. Its proportions are grand; its presence commanding; and its attention to detail exceptional. Add to this its location on Wilmslow’s most prestigious road, and Adderley excels in every respect. The property includes five spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, extensive living spaces, a bespoke SieMatic kitchen, and a ground floor relaxation/health suite complete with swimming pool, steam room and changing facilities. The one-acre plot also includes a mature, manicured garden and a two-car garage.

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The free-flowing layout and design follows extensive study into the way contemporary families live, work and relax. Every room is also the result of an exhaustive search to find precise fixtures, fittings and materials. Tiles have been sourced from Italy, slates from Spain and the kitchen from Germany, following a personal design consultation at the SieMatic factory in Löhne, Germany. The lighting gives numerous mood options, and beneath your feet is a combination of silk carpets, solid hardwood flooring and show-stopping Italian marble. Adderley, Wilmslow, guide price £3.25 million For enquiries, please contact Eventus Properties Ltd (01942 263485, eventusproperties.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

Blackden Manor GOOSTREY

his significant house is Grade II listed and dates back to 1597 in parts, with timber framing mainly encased in mellow Cheshire red brick in about 1912. At about this time the side and rear wings were added. The attractive old brick elevations are dressed with original stone mullioned leaded windows, with metal or oak casements, all surmounted by a sandstone graduated roof, with statuesque chimneys rising from the roofline, with stone and chevron detailing. The house is encompassed entirely by its own grounds, giving a high degree of privacy, with the front of the house facing almost due south. The Manor is made up of four wings that create a central courtyard. The east wing is comprised of a good-sized study with bay window and an expansive drawing room with

a superb fireplace and three large sets of mullioned windows flooding the room with natural light. The west wing is where the kitchen lies, with views to the garden from the breakfast room and views to the courtyard from the kitchen. The master suite is suitably large, occupying about two-thirds of the east wing, giving you the morning sun, with a fireplace to the master bedroom and door to a large en-suite bathroom. The south and west wings house the further six bedrooms, all of which are goodsized doubles, a dressing room and two family bathrooms with separate toilets. Blackden manor, Goostrey, guide price ÂŁ4.5 million. Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

LOCAL PROPERTY

Holly Tree House CHELFORD

olly Tree House has immeasurable elegance and style with grand reception rooms, wellproportioned bedrooms, superb day-to-day living space and a stately level of interior design throughout. There is an extraordinary attention to detail at the house, with quality of finish being of paramount importance. Brazilian mahogany has been widely imported for use in the property, spanning from half-height panelling in the hallways, heavy bespoke doors, banisters and galleried landings, plus full panelling in the gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study and library. The elegant master bedroom is very well proportioned and has a Juliet balcony overlooking the lawns and further grounds. The opulent interior design creates an immense feeling of luxury and relaxation.

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There is an extensive en suite with a pillared spa bath and a dressing room, resulting in a master suite that is second to none. There are five further bedroom suites at Holly Tree House, which provide excellent family and guest accommodation. They are presented to the same immaculate standard as the rest of the property, with Signature Carpets and co-ordinated sumptuous window dressings. The bedrooms are all very well proportioned with both dressing rooms and en suites, and all benefit from attractive views across the expansive lawns or the courtyard and woodland beyond. Holly Tree House, Chelford, guide price ÂŁ7.995 million. Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

When your hom e is part of who you are For a certain type of person, their home deﬁnes them. It plays a fundamental part in their contentment with life. If that sounds like you, we should meet. Because at Eventus we understand you want your residence to be the sum of a thousand extraordinary parts. Where every room makes a statement. Every space exudes style and grace. And every detail - from light switches and skirting boards to the pool tiles and landscaping - has been considered and ﬁnessed. That’s why Eventus exists. To design, build and deliver residences that are as extraordinary as their owners. For more information about Eventus call 01942 263485 or visit us at www.eventusproperties.co.uk

Eventus Properties Ltd Oakland House, 21 Hope Carr Road, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 3ET T. 01942 263485 E. info@eventusproperties.co.uk www.eventusproperties.co.uk

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Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Leading Independant Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

York Drive Bowdon £7,500pcm Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Fabulous location in private no through road • Large detached family house of very high standard throughout • Four reception rooms • Stylish modern family kitchen with full range of integrated appliances • Large master bedroom suite with dressing room and bathroom • Three further large bedroom suites on the first floor • Second floor with cinema room and gym • Wonderful outlook and close to Hale village

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Swineyard LAne High Leigh

Substantial detached residence • Stunning outlook of rural landscape • Four bed room and four ensuite • Independent suite with full facilities • Separate gym/leisure building • Gated with large driveway and double garage

£7,500pcm Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Leading Independant Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

spinning fields maNchester

Duplex Penthouse Over 3000 Sq ft • Bespoke Design • Two Bedrooms Both Ensuite • Large Roof Terrace • State of the Art Kitchen • Utility Room/Second Kitchen • Stunning Views • Two Car Parking Spaces • EPC Rating D

Guide Price: £1,350,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Westbrook Villas Chorlton Prices from £550,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Unique development of 12 luxurious homes • Highly regarded location close to Chorlton village • Thriving suburb of Manchester within easy commuting of the City Centre • Fusing classic Victorian architecture with contemporary design & materials • Four villas behind the original facade • A further eight detached & semi-detached homes crafted in the substantial grounds • Substantial family accommodation with four styles over three & four floors

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Adderley: A resid ence that inhabits you

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen Adderley, you will find it occupies your thoughts like no other. Such grace in such space is all too rare. For this residence has been created as a celebration of grand living. Its statement entrance. The capacious rooms for entertaining. The five bedroom suites, off-the-charts de luxe. The pool, the spa, the grounds, the vista and exquisite finishings at every turn. And beyond the gates: the rarefied environs of the finest par t of Wilmslow. However : there is just one Adderley. We recommend you visit immediately. For more information about Adderley, Wilmslow, Cheshire call 01942 263485 or visit us at www.eventusproperties.co.uk

Eventus Properties Ltd Oakland House, 21 Hope Carr Road, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 3ET T. 01942 263485 E. info@eventusproperties.co.uk www.eventusproperties.co.uk

Homes and Interiors

overseas property we’ve picked our favourite properties from around the world for your viewing pleasure

ST BARTHELEMY

#1 Villa Wide View

Brand new and beautiful, this three-bedroom villa leverages its Toiny hillside location to offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from every vantage point. The design is chicly contemporary and the indoor living area blends seamlessly with the spacious pool terrace. The bedrooms have baths en suite and are nicely private. On the market for €4.95 million through St. Barth Properties Sotheby’s International Realty (508 570 4481; stbarthrealestate.com)

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

#2 Oliver’s Cove, Parrot Cay

A meticulously designed beachfront masterpiece, Oliver’s Cove boasts a classic main house and separate guest house on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world. Perfectly positioned with nearly 800 ft of beach frontage on 6.54 acres, the seven-bedroom property benefits from vaulted ceilings, a Zen garden and an infinity-edge pool set directly in the sand. On the market for $48 million through Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty (649 231 0707; turksandcaicossir.com)

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overseas property

THE BAHAMAS

#3 Pink Sand Beach

Sea La Vie is one of only four private beachfront residences at The Dunmore, a luxury boutique hotel situated on the Harbour Island’s famed Pink Sand Beach. The property boasts five-star amenities and 4,694 sq ft of living space with four bedrooms, designed in a u-shape around a central terrace to allow for seamless indooroutdoor living while affording beautiful views. On the market at a guide price of $8.25m through Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty (242 376 1841; sirbahamas.com)

DUBAI

#4 The 118 Residences

The 118 Residences are amongthe most esteemed new additions to downtown Dubai’s residential scene. Built on an exceptional monolithic platform that stands 14 storeys high, the development boasts 27 spacious, full-floor residences, three duplex penthouses plus a rooftop pool, spa and gym. Each home is designed with massive four-metre high ceilings with trackless French windows that frame the rooms offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Dubai. Prices start at AED 22 million for simplex and AED 45 million for duplex units through Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty (971 4 818 4999; sothebysrealty.com)

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Homes and Interiors

MIAMI

#5 Portofino Tower, South Pointe Drive This is a state-of-the-art home boasting more than 6,000 sqft in living space. It has four bedrooms, a rooftop pool (perfect for soaking in that winter sun) and 360-degree views of the ocean, South Beach and the Miami skyline. There are two parking spaces, a private lift and floor-to-ceiling windows. On the market for $14.9 million with One Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Realty (+1 786 277 7539; onesothebysrealty.com)

5 MIAMI

#6 2050N BAY ROAD

This incredible home has recently been restored by Wallace Tutt, and boasts luxurious living spaces and a world-class recording studio designed by award-winning sound engineer Rafa. There is also a tennis court, heated pool, gym and guest apartment. There are wide water views of Sunset Lake, 160 ft deep water frontage and a protected dock with boat lifts. On the market for $16 million through One Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Realty (786 3718777; onesothebysrealty.com)

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overseas property

GRENADA

#7 Art Gallery Villa

ANTIGUA

#8 Villa Nicobar

An exceptional villa in the exclusive Galley Bay Heights, Antigua. Notable features include an underground rock wine cellar, expansive openplan sitting/dining area and, four ensuite bedrooms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all with their own rain showers and verandas. A large terrace, Jacuzzi and infinity pool enjoy unrivalled views of the Caribbean Sea. On the market at a guide price of $3.9 million through Savills International (0207 016 3740; savills.com)

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Overlooking a secluded bay with two beaches on either side, this beautiful three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa offers a unique mix of contemporary style and Grenadian charm. Alongside an ocean view from every room, the property also provides a generous outdoor balcony and private pool for al fresco dining and entertaining. On the market at a guide price of $1.65 million through Savills International (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

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Homes and Interiors

BEAUTIFUL THINGS

A Labour of Love Add a splash of colour and imagination to your home with Christian Lacroix’s latest porcelain collaboration with Vista Alegre, entitled Love Who You Want. Showcasing fun and playful characters such as Mister Tiger and Doña Jirafa, the collection mixes signature prints from the haute couture collections with more contemporary collections, resulting in a vibrant mélange of colour as well as endless options for mixing and matching designs. Between plates, mugs, magnets and vases, you will be quite spoilt for choice. (christian-lacroix.com)

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W: w w w . j a n e y b u t l e r . c o . u k E: hello@janeybutler.co.uk T:

0844 809 4469