CHISWICK & B r oo k G r e e n
What’s on The latest events to get you out and about this month
Theatre news Picturehouse comes to Chiswick – book your seats
Read all about it Stock your bookshelf with our top autumnal reads
O c t o b e r 2014
issue
1
Word on the street The most pressing concerns on local minds
From the
editor
W
CONTENTS
elcome to the inaugural issue of Chiswick and Brook Green. We are thrilled to announce the launch of this local newszine, which will provide
readers with news and events from the local area and beyond. The content will vary each month but will typically include listings, features, columns, reviews, recommendations and property. This month, we detail everything from what’s on this October (page four) to theatre, music, film and art and exhibition listings ( from page 10). Elsewhere, Henry Hopwood-Phillips talks to MP Zac Goldsmith about south-west London, community spirit and politics (page 22) while Tom Hagues and Jennifer Mason review Hugh Pym’s Inside the Banking Crisis: The Untold Story and Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, respectively ( from page 24). On page 30 we speak to Julian Bryson, founder of property search engine unmodernised.com, about launching the company, renovating
A WILDE EVENING (PHOTO: ROY TAN) see page 10
REGULARS 4
The best events to attend this month 7
Let us know what you think of our first issue by tweeting us @Chiswick_BG. We hope you enjoy the read.
WHAT’S INSIDE: An insight into this issue’s features
22
HP SOURCE Henry Hopwood-Phillips interviews Zac Goldsmith
23
WORD ON THE STREET The most pressing issues from Chiswick and Brook Green locals
a property and what value it can add, as well as finding out about Knight Frank’s newest office in Chiswick (page 28).
TOP PICKS FOR OCTOBER
FEATURES 20
IN THE KNOW The latest plans for the Crossrail 2 project decoded
24
AUTUMN READS Inside the Banking Crisis: The Untold Story and The Goldfinch book reviews
Francesca Lee, Managing Editor
LISTINGS 10
PRODUCTION PICKS OF THE MONTH Recommended theatre shows in and around the area
12
MUSIC TO THE EARS All the local concerts this month to satisfy your musical needs
15
ART AND EXHBITIONS A roundup of local art fairs and shows
27
HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Keep the little ones entertained
NEWS ON THE COVER Left to right, top to bottom: Magic and witchcraft (Photo: TM & © Warner Bros.
14
Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR); Blackberry Smoke (Photo: David McClister); Riverside Studios; The Song Academy (Photo: Sara Lincoln
Two local cinemas are about to be upgraded 16
Photography); Food markets; Spätzle with wild mushrooms, poached egg and hazelnut crumb at Sam’s Brasserie & Bar; Miss Saigon (Photo: Matthew Murphy); Oxjam (Photo: Dan Medhurst); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Photo: Johan Persson)
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CHISWICK ON THE BIG SCREEN FOOD AND DRINK NEWS The latest from the local epicurean scene
18
EDUCATION NEWS Our finger on the pulse of Chiswick and Brook Green’s schools
[regulars]
The
contributors
Managing Editor Francesca Lee Assistant Editor Lauren Romano Editorial Assistants Jennifer Mason Henry Hopwood-Phillips Editorial Interns Tom Hagues Tamir Davies Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood General Manager Fiona Fenwick senior Designer Lisa Wade Publishing Director Giles Ellwood
FRANCESCA LEE
Francesca started her career at Time Out and has since worked as a lifestyle and wedding magazine editor. She currently manages six monthly luxury lifestyle publications at Runwild Media and takes a keen interest in property.
LAUREN ROMANO
Lauren used to pen art and theatre reviews for an online magazine and worked as a freelance copywriter before she decided to go back to her south-west London roots and explore all that the local culture scene has to offer.
HENRY HOPWOOD-PHILLIPS
Henry is a failed entrepreneur who now ruminates on a lost youth in the City, the military and the Church. He enjoys reviewing books, drinking wine, meeting thinkers and dancing on the political fringe.
Executive Director Sophie Roberts Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey Production Amy Roberts Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Published by
RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP
One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX T: 020 7987 4320 rwmg.co.uk
Members of the Professional
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, baking, horseriding, playing lacrosse and obsessing over the latest Formula 1 results.
TOM HAGUES
Tom is a writer who relishes the opportunity to put himself in uncomfortable situations in order to find inspiration. When not running around European cities trying the local delicacies and drinks, he’s usually found reading travelogues and historical novels.
TAMIR DAVIES
Tamir recently graduated from the University of Birmingham where she read English Literature. Outside of work, she dances and goes to cocktail bars. She also attends fashion and art exhibitions, as well going to vintage fairs to find pieces to add to her collection.
Publishers Association
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. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 3
Top picks for
october
The best events to attend this month Every Sunday THIS LITTLE PIGGY GOES TO MARKET
12 October THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE
17-19 October GLORIOUS COCOA BEANS
Sick and tired of playing Supermarket Sweep every time you go shopping? For anyone who isn’t Dale Winton, supermarkets are no longer exciting places. Happily for locals, the Chiswick Farmers’ Market offers a healthy blend of the outdoors and fantastically fresh ingredients. Make sure you set an hour or two aside to peruse the vast array of artisanal produce, from fine rare-breed meats to fresh seasonal vegetables.
Ruffled shirts and the swish of glittery dresses can mean only one thing: flamenco dancing. A taste of Spain is coming to the George IV in Chiswick this month with singing, dancing and guitar-playing. Try not to be too surprised when you leave the venue and find a drizzly High Road awaits, rather than the warm Seville plaza you were expecting.
London Fashion Week meets Willy Wonka at Salon du Chocolat, a week-long event dedicated to the sweeter things in life. Hands-on workshops, talks from master chocolatiers, live demonstrations and even a cocoa-themed fashion show make this a chocaholic’s dream.
Every Sunday 10am-2pm, The Pavilion, Market Drive, W4 2RX, 020 8742 2225 (thefoodmarketchiswick.com)
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£15 on the door, £12 in advance, to book, call 07875 768608, 8pm, George IV, 185 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR, 020 8994 4624 ( fiestaflamenca.com; georgeiv.co.uk)
Adults £15, children £8 on the door; adults £12.50, children £6 in advance, concessions available, Friday and Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-6pm, Olympia West, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX (salonduchocolat.co.uk)
[regulars]
WORDS: tom hagues
21 October SECRETS OF THE DEEP
25-26 October RIDE THROUGH THE NIGHT
Seals, fish and mayflies all call our beloved river home and the Chiswick Pier Trust wants to teach everyone about our water-dwelling neighbours. Learn about the trials and tribulations that submerged residents face on a daily basis at this illustrated talk of wildlife discovery by zoologist and nature guide Brenna Boyle. Don’t pack any waders though – the talk takes place on dry land.
Cycling 100 miles through the dead of night might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but participants in the St Crispin’s Day Night Ride will be rewarded with a bottle of wine from Stanlake Park Vineyard in Berkshire. This gentle cycle through London is broken up with food stops, and not forgetting the well-deserved bacon rolls waiting at the finish line.
BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 8-19 OCTOBER It’s glamorous, it’s glitzy and it’s back with a vengeance. The biggest names in film will traipse the red carpet. (bfi.org.uk)
LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL 8-27 OCTOBER Embark on a culinary crusade across the capital this month with Japanese, Chinese
£39 entry before 15 October, £44 after, ride departs at one minute past midnight on 26 October, Chiswick Boathouse, Duke’s Meadows, W4 2SH (stcrispinsdaynightride.co.uk)
and tapas gastronomic road trips as well as a series of dinners hosted by top chefs. (londonrestaurantfestival.com)
anna kunst photography
Free for members, £3 for non-members, 7.30pm, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG, 020 8742 2713 (chiswickpier.org.uk)
london’s top festivals this october
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 5
[regulars]
Look back to last month
chiswick chatter What big event has got tongues wagging in Chiswick recently?
@livinginabox
BOOKWORMS
With talks and readings from authors and journalists, the Chiswick Book Festival went down a storm with W4 residents. Chiswick has a strong literary heritage; not only is it where William Thackeray went to school, but W.B. Yeats wrote about the area with poetic flair. The event will run again next year, so if you missed out this time round, keep one eye on your book and one on the event’s website for the announcement of future dates.
Yikes! Poundland opening on #Chiswick High Road. That’ll drop house prices! #snob
@maljacqpr A Poundland opening in Chiswick? Blimey, whatever next?
@here_comes_B The recession’s over is it George? Chiswick gets a Poundland…
(chiswickbookfestival.net) @chvnelleee Why have they opened a Poundland in Chiswick? The whole High Road looks messy now.
@Ade_MrCoker
Laughing through October Comedy events to tickle you this month
Eventim Apollo: Jon Richardson, 3-4 October, 8pm, from £28.25 Dear Father by Paresh Rawal, 12 October, 7.30pm, from £29.25 Roar With Laughter, 17 October, 8pm, from £18 Lee Mack, 18-25 October, 8pm, from £31.25 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 1000, all ticket prices include fees (eventimapollo.com)
They replaced McDonalds in Chiswick for Poundland! POUNDLAND.
Halloween horror
KISS FM is taking over Eventim Apollo at the end of the month to celebrate Halloween. The KISS FM Haunted House Party will entertain its ghoulish guests with live performances from Example, Rizzle Kicks, Fuse ODG and others. Don your cape and vampire fangs, smear your face with fake blood and prepare to boogie with the best of them, but try not to get too frightened when a zombie version of your favourite celebrity wanders past. From £39.75, 6.30pm, 31 October (eventimapollo.com)
@henzotho Chiswick Poundland: I’ll never forgive them
@the_doofy #Chiswick finally goes from ‘up-and-coming’ to ‘there’ as Poundland neatly slips in between M&S Food and Waterstones. High Street complete.
@sollyk They are opening a Poundland on Chiswick High Road. ANARCHY.
@iamfrangipan Poundland sells Duchy Originals, biscotti and it accepts American Express. Calm down Chiswick, you’ll be fine. #Chiswick #Poundlandgate
@richardosman The big news around here is that Chiswick is getting a Poundland. #howmuchisthis
photo: Tom Cronin
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[regulars]
What’s inside An insight into this issue’s features
‘…With Halloween fast approaching, it’s time to dust off those fancydress costumes and take part in what is set to be a spine-chilling pumpkin party at Chiswick House…’ p27, Half-term activities
‘…Aside from making excellent beer, the Griffin Brewery is famous for having the oldest wisteria plant in the UK…’ p8, on the map ‘…It’s a community spirit he wishes stretched further than the boundaries of his constituency…’ p22, HP Source
‘…Things are getting hot and spicy in the kitchen at Annie’s Chiswick this autumn…’ p16, Food and Drink News
‘…His work is based on the love he has for his family, his optimistic personality and his enthusiasm for life…’ p15, Art and exhibitions
‘…Hugh Pym guides us through the behind-thescenes work of the Treasury and the Bank of England…’ p24, Autumn reads
‘…The banks of the Thames at Hammersmith are preparing to host a redevelopment of Riverside Studios…’ p14, Chiswick on the big screen ‘…The Chiswick Book Festival went down a storm with W4 residents and literary fans…’ p6, Look back to last month ‘…Satirising the morals and attitudes of Victorian society, Lady Windermere’s Fan pokes fun at marriage in the 1800s…’ p10, Production picks
‘…In an age of faceless corporations and big business, I really appreciate the independent coffee shops and retailers in Chiswick…’ p23, word on the street [Chiswick and Brook Green] 7
On the map
CHISWICK & BROOK GREEN
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[FEATURE]
prime places KEW BRIDGE The current crossing, opened in 1903 as the King Edward VII Bridge and given Grade II-listed structure protection in 1983, is the third Kew Bridge to span the Thames at this point. The first version, designed with two stone arches and seven wooden arches, was opened on 1 June 1759.
CHISWICK BRIDGE A ferry used to link the villages of Chiswick and Mortlake until the present bridge, built from reinforced concrete and faced with 3,400 tons of Portland stone, was constructed in 1933 to ease traffic congestion in west London.
BARNES BRIDGE illustration by bett Norris
One of only three bridges in London to combine rail and pedestrian traffic, Barnes Bridge is also a famous landmark in the historic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. It is said that whichever crew is ahead going under the bridge will win the race.
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE The original 1827 Hammersmith crossing was the first suspension bridge on the River Thames. The current bridge, designed by noted civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette and unveiled in 1887, bears the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom as well as the coat of arms of the City of London, Kent, Guildford, City of Westminster, Colchester and Middlesex.
CHISWICK HOUSE Designed by Lord Burlington in 1729, Chiswick House once played home to one of history’s most famous characters, Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, later that century. It is one of the finest remaining examples of neo-Palladian architecture in the capital, settled on 65.1 acres of prime south-west London turf.
HOGARTH’S HOUSE In 1749, painter, printmaker and cartoonist William Hogarth moved into what was once merely a cottage in the corner of an orchard belonging to the Downes family. Hogarth lived and worked in the property until his death in 1764, when he was buried in the nearby graveyard at St Nicholas’ Church.
PIER HOUSE An ideal location from which to explore all that the River Thames has to offer, Pier House is home to the charity Chiswick Pier Trust, dedicated to educating residents about their liquid local landmark.
HAMMERSMITH TERRACE Emery Walker, friend and advisor to textile genius William Morris, made Hammersmith Terrace his home in the late 1870s, residing first at number three, before moving to number seven in 1903. During his time at the terrace, Walker met and befriended Morris, whose famous Kelmscott Press was developed following inspiration from a lecture given by Walker in 1888.
THE CITY BARGE Chiswick and the local area have a rich history for fans of The Beatles – and this pub was the scene for one of their famous films: Help! Made in 1965, the film shows the band finding refuge in the tavern where Ringo famously ordered: ‘Two lagers and lime and two lagers and lime’.
CHISWICK TOWN HALL It took 27 years to transform the patch of Chiswick turf where the town hall now sits into the stunning façade visible today. Although the land for the town hall was purchased in 1874, it wasn’t until 1901 that the building officially opened for business.
THE GRIFFIN BREWERY Aside from making excellent beer, the Griffin Brewery is famous for having the oldest wisteria plant in the UK, which supposedly dates back to the early 19th century.
GUNNERSBURY TRIANGLE NATURE RESERVE Completely untouched since the end of the Second World War, this nature reserve sprang up when the land was cut off by the surrounding railway tracks in the late 19th century.
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 9
Production picks
OF THE MONTH WORDS: tom hagues
Recommended theatre productions in and around the area local Until 11 October A WILDE EVENING
Oscar Wilde’s enduring classic Lady Windermere’s Fan is given a 1930s update in this latest adaptation by theatre company Ruby in the Dust. The lovely Lady Windermere appears to have it all: a husband, mountains of money and enviable beauty (not forgetting her fan), but that’s all thrown into jeopardy when her husband invites a mysterious widow to her 21st birthday party. Satirising the morals and attitudes of Victorian society, Lady Windermere’s Fan pokes fun at marriage in the 1800s and has all the usual elements featured in a play of Victorian socialite fun, from a butler and maid to party guests dripping with jewellery
and quipping with one another whilst sipping drinks. This is a story about how high society secrets must remain hidden and why the identity of one particular woman can never be disclosed. £16, concessions £14, Tuesday-Saturday 7.30pm, Saturday matinees 4pm (4 and 11 October) Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardweb.co.uk)
Until 25 October AT THE NEXT ELECTION, TURN RIGHT Albion is an examination of the far-right movement in the United Kingdom, and it’s writer Chris Thompson’s second play. Tucked away in a typical East End boozer, the fictional English Protection Army is enjoying a karaoke night, but there’s trouble
ahead. Behind-the-scenes of this extremist organisation, the leadership is suffering from disagreements and it’s all about to kick off in a haze of radicalism and violence. Directed by Ria Parry, Albion is a must-see for anyone seeking an October thrill. Despite its mounting suspense, the play has been hailed by the press as a thoughtprovoking play that raises questions about political beliefs and extremism. Its writer, Thompson, was originally a social worker who began exploring the far right out of curiosity. Instead of scaremongering, Albion attempts to understand the far right and not brush it aside as a terrifying political concept. Thompson believes that groups that operate on this side of the political scale are evolving and becoming more inclusive. His play raises questions and tries to make sense of an otherwise elusive concept. £19.50, Monday-Saturday, 7.30pm, £15, Saturday and Wednesday matinees, 2.30pm, Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ, 020 8743 5050 (bushtheatre.co.uk)
A WILDE EVENING (PHOTO: ROY TAN)
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AT THE NEXT ELECTION, TURN RIGHT (PHOTO: RICHARD DAVENPORT
[LISTINGS]
elsewhere in london Throughout October MISS SAIGON
A story of lost love and heartbreak set against the backdrop of the end of the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon tells the tale of Kim as she attempts to reunite her son with his father, the man who she will never be able to marry.
Orchestra, opera and ballet
shows for kids at lyric hammersmith
Royal Opera House Rigoletto 6 October, 7.30pm, tickets from £13
THE LYRIC THEATRE
I due Foscari 14, 17, 20, 23, 27, 30 October, 7.30pm, 2 November, matinee performance at 3pm,
From £27.50, Monday-Saturday, 7.30pm, matinees Thursday and Saturday, 2.30pm, Prince Edward Theatre, 28 Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS, 0844 4825 138 (miss-saigon.com)
tickets from £180 A Mixed Programme of Frederick Ashton works 22, 28 October - 4, 5, 11 & 12 November, 7.30pm, tickets from £4 Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD, 020 7304 4000 (roh.org.uk)
opening this month
3 & 4 October FIRM FRIENDS A very tidy boy meets an incredibly scruffy dog in Mucky Pup and, as you would expect,
MISS SAIGON (PHOTO: Matthew Murphy)
Throughout October DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Packed full of deceit, lies, socialites and more lies, this comedy about a pair of swindlers is filled with humour and fraudulence. Watch what happens when one con artist begins treading on the toes of another. From £24.50, Tuesday-Saturday, 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 3pm, Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, The Strand, WC2R 0ET, 0844 871 3046 (scoundrelswestend.com)
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Straight from the small screen and onto the stage; BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing duo Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone bring a touch of Hollywood to the London dance scene in their show Dance ‘Til Dawn. Expect 1930s-inspired costumes, Art Deco sets and foot-tapping music. The word glamorous is used all too often these days, but this is a show that could easily be forgiven for calling itself a glittering extravaganza. It runs all the way to the festive season too, so there’s still plenty of time to get your fill of dancing.
an unlikely but special friendship is formed. This play teaches young ones all sorts of things; from the importance of friendship to the acceptance of other people’s ways. They might just leave wanting a scruffy dog for themselves. £8, Friday, 10.30am and 1.30pm, Saturday, 11am and 2pm, 020 8741 6850, for ages five to 11
11 October A CLASSIC TALE Norwich Puppet Theatre has mastered the art of breathing life into little mannequins
From £15, Monday-Saturday, 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees, 3pm, Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, WC2B 4DF, 0845 200 7981 (aldwychtheatre.com)
and making them dance with each other to entertain young audiences. The spellbinding story of the Pied Piper will captivate children with enchanting music and beautiful sets. £8, 11am and 1pm, 020 8741 6850, for ages three to seven
25 October MAKING A MESS A young brother and sister discover how much fun it is to make a mess and turn things inside out and upside down in Inside Out. Little ones may be inspired to make this discovery themselves when they get back to their rooms – so perhaps putting on a play about the joy of tidying might be a worthwhile experiment. £8, 11am and 1pm, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL, 020 8741 6850
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (PHOTO: Johan Persson)
Visit lyric.co.uk for tickets to all of the above.
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 11
Music
to our ears WORDS: TOM HAGUES
All the local concerts this month to satisfy your musical needs OXJAM
If you’re looking to do a good deed before the year is out, Oxjam might be just the ticket. The multi-venue, multi-act festival has a little bit of everything for everyone, and with 100 bands performing throughout the day, you will be hard-pushed to find something that doesn’t appeal. A mixture of local talent, established artists and emerging musicians, Oxjam feels less like a fundraiser and more like a community get-together. The money raised by the event will go towards Oxfam’s varied charity work.
OXJAM’S SEVEN VENUES The Old Pack Horse 434 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TF, 020 8994 2872 (oldpackhorsechiswick.co.uk) The Crown and Anchor 374 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TA, 020 8995 2607 (crownandanchorchiswick.co.uk) The Packhorse and Talbot
blackberry smoke, David McClister
145 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DT,
11 October, 9am-2am Adults £15, under 18s £7, times of performances vary (oxjamchiswick.co.uk)
020 8994 0360 (taylor-walker.co.uk) The Tabard 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardweb.co.uk) Metro Bank
Maverick Sabre
Hackney-born singer-songwriter and rapper Maverick Sabre (whose real name is Michael Stafford) has a new album out, and this latest tour is an opportunity to hear new and old songs performed. The hotly-anticipated second record is a follow-up to his début, which sold 250,000 copies.
137 Chiswick High Road, W4 2ED, 020 3402 7610 (metrobankonline.co.uk)
28 October, 7pm, from £18.50
Artisan Coffee Shop 372 King Street, W6 0RX, 020 3302 1434 (artisancoffee.co.uk)
BEST OF THE REST
The Hogarth Health Club 1A Airedale Avenue, W4 2NW, 020 8995 4600 (thehogarth.co.uk)
7 October | Manchester Orchestra Doors open at 7pm, from £15
15 October | Seth Lakeman
HIGHLIGHTS
Doors open at 7pm, from £23.50 18 October | In Flames
O2 Empire Shepherd’s Bush
22 October | Agnes Obel
Blackberry Smoke
oxjam: (photo: Dan Medhurst
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This isn’t just another group with an obscure name; these long-haired, sunglass-wearing musicians make up an American country rock band from Georgia. The Hammersmith stop on their tour is one of many worldwide as they spread their southern drawl across Europe and the USA. 19 October, 7pm, from £19
Doors open at 7pm, from £20 Doors open at 7pm, from £25 23 October | Kid Ink Doors open at 7pm, from £19.50 29 October | Real Estate Doors open at 7pm, from £16 O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, 0844 477 2000 (o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk)
[LISTINGS]
BEST OF THE REST 10 October | The Common Doors open at 7.30pm, from £18.50 14 October | Chuck Prophet Doors open at 7.30pm, from £17.50 15 October | Adam Cohen Doors open at 7.30pm, from £17.50
16 October | Laura Veirs Solo Tou Doors open at 7.30pm, from £19.50 17 October | Kishi Bashi Doors open at 7.30pm, from £12.50
21 October | Gregory Alan Isakov Doors open at 7.30pm, from £12.50
22 October | Peter Broderick Doors open at 7.30pm, from £15 Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LJ, 020 8222 6955 (bushhallmusic.co.uk)
further afield THE O2
Pharrell Williams
9-10 October, doors open at 6.30pm, from £41
Ed Sheeran
12-15 October, doors open at 6.30pm, from £39.50
maverick sabre
Bush Hall A Great Big World
Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino are conquering the world one song at a time, and have upped the ante with their latest tour. The release of their 2013 single Say Something propelled the two to international stardom and allowed them to collaborate with Christina Aguilera for a re-recorded version of the song. Their music has been featured on the American TV show Glee, and the pop act has also achieved a number one spot on the iTunes charts. 7 October, 7.30pm, from £15
Blake Mills
Since releasing his first single in 2010, Blake Mills’ brand of laid-back acoustic performance has proved popular. He’s coming to London this month, with his guitar in tow. A true Californian, Mills has got chilled music down to a fine art. That’s date night sorted then. 13 October, 7.30pm, from £12.50
Anika Moa
Moa is bringing her New Zealand twang to the stage at Bush Hall. 30 October, 7.30pm, from £12.50
Caro Emerald 17 October, doors open at 6.30pm, from £30.25 OneRepublic 22 October, doors open at 6.30pm, from £35.50 Lady Gaga’s
23-26 October, doors open at 6.30pm, from £42
Paolo Nutini
30 October, doors open at 6.30pm, from £47 The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX, 020 8463 2000 (theo2.co.uk)
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 13
[NEWS]
Chiswick on the
big screen WORDS: tamir davies
The local cinema scene is about to be upgraded THE PICTUREHOUSE COMES TO CHISWICK
Chiswick High Road will soon be home to a new community entertainment hub, as Hounslow Council recently gave the green light for Picturehouse Cinemas to take up occupancy in the former Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance building. Formed in 1989, Picturehouse owns 14 cinemas in the UK including eight in London, and this new development is set to become another bustling hotspot in the west of our city. The independent cinema company has been attempting to set up shop in the property since it was first put on the market three years ago, and has finally achieved its goal. The plan is to house a five-screen cinema, two bars, a café and a terrace within the new complex. With a modern design and comfortable seating, the cinema can entertain more than 450 people. The fabulous new building will also feature a living wall, which will provide a natural
habitat for insects and birds as well as acting as protection against noise pollution. The Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance will now operate from its new state-of-the-art headquarters on the South Bank (picturehouses.co.uk)
REDEVELOPING ON THE RIVER
The banks of the Thames at Hammersmith are preparing to host a redevelopment of Riverside Studios. The project will have a glossy and contemporary finish which will match its unrivalled visual arts. Riverside Studios and Queen’s Wharf will have a much-improved site boasting three studios as well as a cinema, screening room, rehearsal space and public amenities. Residents of Hammersmith will also get the chance to enjoy exciting new bars and restaurants from 2017. However, the extensive makeover doesn’t stop there. New residential properties are also due to be constructed, with a mix of
studios and one, two and three-bedroom flats. Comprising 165 apartments in total, the new residential development will be close to local facilities. Riverside Studios was once home to the original BBC studios where the first colour broadcast took place in 1967, and since then, it has remained a cultural London hotspot. Its developers now wish to retain the artistic integrity of the building whilst bringing it up to date. (riversidestudios.co.uk)
RIVERSIDE STUDIOS
CINEMAS IN CHISWICK & BROOK GREEN Hammersmith - Cineworld 207 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 9JT 0871 200 2000
Shepherds Bush - Vue cinemas West 12 Shopping and Leisure Centre Shepherds Bush Green, W12 8PP 0871 2240 240
White City - Vue Cinemas Westfield Shopping Town, White City, W12 7GF 0871 2240 240
Kensington - ODEON Kensington High St, W8 6NA 0871 2244 007 new picturehouse
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[LISTINGS]
Arts and
exhibitions A roundup of local art fairs and shows local
5 October FASHION FROM THE PAST
Clothes from 1800 to 1980 go on display this month at the Vintage Fashion Fair. The historic garments will make for fascinating viewing for anyone interested in how fashion has progressed over the centuries, as well as young designers who are looking to the past for some inspiration. It’s almost as though several of these outfits have been plucked straight out of a Jane Austen novel, so expect lots of lace, embroidery, delicate gloves and show-stopping jewellery, and since the 1970s are also represented, there’s bound to be a few flares too.
unveil some new sculptures and a book, and you can find out more about his work at this exhibition. It is based on the love he has for his family, his optimistic personality and his enthusiasm for life. 3pm-5pm, The Lemongrove Gallery, 255a Chiswick High Road, W4 4PU, 020 8987 0400 (thelemongrovegallery.co.uk)
further afield
£5, 10am-5pm (or £10, 8am-10am), Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU, 020 8543 3028 (pa-antiques.co.uk)
15-18 October PARK LIFE
19 October discovering a treasure
18 October HAPPINESS IN CHISWICK
Since Doug Hyde became a big name in the art world a few years ago his success has taken him around the world. Having recently returned from a tour of Japan, Hyde is back to
WORDS: Tom hagues
If brushing the dust from an old, leathery first edition or gently turning a sepia-toned globe is your thing, then a visit to the Chiswick Antiques Fair will be the perfect afternoon for you. Hunt for a final piece to complete your 1890s port glass collection, or stifle your excitement when you stumble upon a 17th-century writing bureau in pristine condition. Take a bit of history home with you this month. Free entry, 12pm-5pm, The Catholic Centre, 2 Dukes Avenue, W4 2AE, 0776 884 5280 (antiques-atlas.com)
One of the capital’s largest art fairs, Frieze, returns this month, giving people the chance to admire artwork from some of the biggest names in the business. It’s not all about wandering past rows and rows of paintings and sculptures; debates, discussions and lectures are also on offer and there will be performance art installations to marvel at too. Kids are welcome, so it could prove to be a very enlightening day out for the whole family. Adult tickets from £33 (concessions available), (or £15, 5pm-7pm) open 12pm-7pm, Regents Park, NW1 4NR, 0871 230 3452 ( friezelondon.com)
Ken Okiishi (Frieze Projects 2013) (Photo: Polly Braden, Courtesy of Polly Braden/Frieze)
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 15
Food and drink
NEWS A BRAND-NEW LOOK
Local hangout The George IV reopened on 22 September after an extensive refurbishment to reconfigure the back of the pub, which many in the area will know as a comedy club, to allow in more natural light. This has created a fantastic space for live entertainment, family celebrations, business seminars and conferences. The Boston Room, as it is now known, can hold up to 200 people. The pub is also under new management so watch this space for some exciting future events. The George IV, 185 High Road, Chiswick, W4 2DR, 020 8994 4624 (georgeiv.co.uk)
CHOCOLATEY GOODNESS
Mr Mom’s is a well-known figure in these parts for his delicious and inventive cupcakes. This autumn the baking aficionado is expanding his range to include a selection of moreish Americanstyle brownies. These include the ‘Smokin’ Pig Licker’ brownie with candied bacon and chocolate and the ‘Wild West Nutsravaganza’ that has a delicious putterbuttercheesecake-swirl topping. (mrmoms.co.uk)
WORDS: jennifer mason
The latest from the local epicurean scene
indulge in a culinary Indian summer with the new chicken tikka masala, aromatic rice and coconut naan dish, guaranteed to put a little warmth back in your tummy. £14.95, Annie’s Chiswick, 162 Thames Road, W4 3QS, 020 8994 6848 (anniesrestaurant.co.uk)
TASTEFUL TIPPLE
In time for the spooky Halloween season, the Crown and Anchor has Adnam’s Ghost on the menu Ship on tap. This pale ale has ‘a good, New to Sam’s Brasserie this month is this assertive, pithy bitterness and a malty delicious spätzle with wild mushrooms, backbone’ and is inspired by one of the poached egg and hazelnut crumbs, full of UK’s most haunted pubs. The Bell Inn at autumnal flavours and the perfect comfort Walberswick is believed to be frequented food to munch on as the days grow by the spirits of smugglers from shorter. Vegetarian food has never centuries past who once endured tasted so good. a dangerous yet lucrative HAPPY BIRTHDAY £13.50, Sam’s Brasserie & employment along the Congratulations to the Brook Bar, Barley Mow Centre, nearby shoreline. Green Hotel and Restaurant 11 Barley Mow Passage, which recently celebrated its Chiswick, W4 4PH, 020 8987 £4.45 per pint, 374 183rd birthday. 0555 (samsbrasserie.co.uk) Chiswick High Road, (brookgreenhotel.co.uk) W4 5TA, 020 8995 2607 (crownandanchorchiswick.co.uk) new dish Things are getting hot and spicy in the kitchen at Annie’s Chiswick this autumn. As the weather gets chillier, NEW OPENING Authentic Italian delicatessen, restaurant, café and wine shop Valentina is coming to Chiswick this month. With branches in nearby Sheen, Putney and Notting Hill, this London institution will bring a little of la dolce vita to local life. Grand opening 4 October, 404-406 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TF (valentinafinefoods.com)
16 [Chiswick and Brook Green]
[NEWS]
HALLOWEEN FUN
Local baker Kate of Katie’s Cake-Whole is currently running a competition on Twitter offering local residents the chance to win a personalised Halloween cake. Take a peek at her page or website for more details! @KatiesCakeWhole (katiescake-whole.co.uk)
TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
If you’re determined to look beyond the Cadbury’s and Galaxy bars on the standard supermarket shelf, there are two new products to keep an eye out for in Waitrose this autumn. The first is Sweet Virtues superfood truffles, that look and taste like the unhealthy chocolate treats we know and love, but are crammed with goodies that could make you feel positively virtuous about binging on them. The second is a Fair for Life-certified range of single-origin chocolate bars crafted in Madagascar. Madécasse bars are made with rare heirloom cocoa varieties in a host of fabulous flavours designed to appease any sweet tooth.
NEARBY NEWS
Popular Indian restaurant Kishmish in Fulham has launched a new menu for the autumn season, including a range of exciting dishes such as Nariyal Ka Gosht (diced lamb cooked in lime leaf masala, baked in a fresh coconut served with basmati rice) and Murghabi Masalam (pan-grilled guinea fowl supreme with garlic and fresh chillies, served with homemade risotto). The dining hotspot’s interiors have also been updated to match the new menu. Brightly-coloured walls are complemented by a ‘Darjeeling’ design on the feature wallpaper, and diners can enjoy the view from a large skylight in the main dining room.
FREE-FROM AND FABULOUS
This autumn, the local home of sweet treats is going gluten-free with a range of delicious desserts that are also free from dairy. From £4.50, Chateau Dessert, Chiswick High Street, W4 2DW (twitter.com/ChateauDessert)
PUB QUIZZES: test your gEneral knowledge Tuesdays 6pm, The Union, Block 5, Chiswick Park, W4 5YA, 020 8995 9056 (chiswick.theunionbar.co.uk)
448-450 Fulham Road, SW6 1DL, 020 7385 6953 (kishmish.biz) Tuesdays 8pm, Crown and Anchor, 374 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TA, 020 8995 2607 (crownandanchorchiswick.co.uk)
Tuesdays 8pm, The Pilot, 56 Wellesley Road, Chiswick, W4 4BZ, 020 8994 0828
Sweet Virtues truffles, £13.95 per 115g box; Madécasse bars, £2.99, available from Waitrose Chiswick, 356-362 High Street, W4 5TE and Ocado (ocado.com)
(pilot-chiswick.co.uk)
Wednesdays 8pm, Blue Anchor, 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ, 020 8748 5774 (blueanchorlondon.com)
Wednesdays 8.30pm, The Tabard,
COVER STAR
An innovative new product has arrived on the shelves at Whisk Cooking this month from brand Charles Viancin – designed to keep your food fresh without having to resort to fiddly clingfilm.
2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8994 3492 (taylor-walker.co.uk)
Sundays 7.30pm, The Copper Cow, 2 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, W4 3JY, 020 8742 8545
From £7.50, 1A Devonshire Road, W4 2EU, 020 8995 8990 (whiskcooking.co.uk)
(thecoppercow.co.uk)
three LOCAL markets to visit Gourmet and craft stalls abound in Chiswick, Brook Green and the surrounding areas BROOK GREEN WILD FOOD MARKET
CITY AND COUNTRY FARMERS’ MARKET
KEW VILLAGE MARKET Just across the river, this popular and colourful
Featuring traders from across London,
This Hammersmith institution has been
monthly market brings traffic to a halt in
this market sells local produce, as well as
serving up fresh local produce, organic and
Kew Village with its variety of stalls, selling
street food from around the world.
traditionally reared meats and worldwide
everything from artisanal bread and cheeses,
Saturdays 10am-3pm, Addison Primary School
street food for the past seven years.
the freshest meat, fish and game, deli delights
(Bolingbroke Road entrance), Addison Gardens,
Thursdays 10am -3pm, Lyric Square,
and sweet treats to the best local crafts.
Brook Green, W14 0DT
Hammersmith, W6 0QL, 020 8302 9010
First Sunday of the month, 10am-2pm, Station Parade,
(thewildfoodmarket.co.uk)
(weareccfm.com/Hammersmith)
next to Kew Gardens tube, TW9 (kewvillagemarket.org)
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 17
Education
NEWS
WORDS: jennifer mason
Finger on the pulse of Chiswick and Brook Green’s schools
local SCHOOLS DIRECTORY List of local schools in Chiswick, Brook Green and the surrounding areas SCHOOL
CONTACT DETAILS
TERM DATES
Addison Primary School
Addison Gardens, W14 0DT, 020 7603 5333
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages three to 11
Email: admin@addison.lbhf.sch.uk, website: addisonprimary.org
Christmas: 19 Dec to 5 Jan
Belmont Primary
Belmont Road, W4 5UL, 020 8994 7677
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages three to 11
Email: messages@belmont.hounslow.sch.uk, website: belmontprimaryschool.org.uk
Christmas: 22 Dec to 6 Jan
Bute House
Luxemburg Gardens, W6 7EA, 020 7603 7381
Half-term: 20-31 Oct
girls ages four to 11
Email: mail@butehouse.co.uk, website: butehouse.co.uk
Christmas: 12 Dec to 8 Jan
Cavendish Primary
Edensor Road, W4 2RG, 020 8994 6835
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages four to 11
Email: office@cavendish.hounslow.sch.uk, website: cavendishschool.org.uk
Christmas: 19 Dec to 5 Jan
Chiswick School
Burlington Lane, W4 3UN, 020 8747 0031
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages 11 to 19
Email: enquiries@chiswickschool.org, website: chiswickschool.org
Christmas: 22 Dec to 2 Jan
Chiswick and Bedford Park
Priory House, W4 1TX, 020 8994 1804
Half-term: 23-31 Oct
Preparatory School
Email: info@cbppschool.co.uk, website: cbppschool.co.uk
Christmas: 12 Dec to 6 Jan
The Falcons School for Boys
2 Burnaby Gardens, W4 3DT, 020 8747 8393
Half-term: 16-24 Oct
(pre-prep)
Email: admin@falconschool.com, website: falconsboys.co.uk
Christmas: 11 Dec to 8 Jan
Grove Park Primary
Nightingale Close, Grove Park Terrace, W4 3JN, 020 8994 7405
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages three to 11
Email: info@grovepark.hounslow.sch.uk, website: groveparkprimary.co.uk
Christmas: 19 Dec to 5 Jan
Larmenier & Sacred Heart
41a Brook Green, W6 7BL, 020 8748 9444
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
Catholic Primary School
Email: admin@larshrc.lbhf.sch.uk, website: larshrc.lbhf.sch.uk
Christmas: 19 Dec to 6 Jan
Lena Gardens Primary School
Lena Gardens, W6 7PZ, 020 7603 4043
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages three to 11
Email: admin@lenagardens.lbhf.sch.uk, website: lenagardens.lbhf.sch.uk
Christmas: 19 Dec to 6 Jan
Orchard House School
16 Newton Grove, W4 1LB, 020 8742 8544
Half-term: 20-31 Oct
ages three to 10
Email: info@orchardhs.org.uk, website: orchardhs.org.uk
Christmas: 11 Dec to 7 Jan
Sacred Heart High School
212 Hammersmith Road, W6 7DG, 020 8748 7600
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
girls ages 11 to 18
Email: info@sacredh.lbhf.sch.uk, website: sacredhearthighschoolhammersmith.org.uk
Christmas: 22 Dec to 2 Jan
Strand on the Green
Thames Road, W4 3NX
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
Infant & Nursery: ages
Infant & Nursery: 020 8994 7921, office@strandin.hounslow.sch.uk
Christmas: 19 Dec to 5 Jan
three to seven
Junior: 020 8994 7847, office@strandjuniors.hounslow.sch.uk
Junior: ages seven to 11
Websites: strandinfantnursery.co.uk/strandjuniors.co.uk
St Mary’s RC Primary School
Masbro Road, W14 0LT, 020 7603 7717
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages four to 11
Email: admin@stmarysrc.lbhf.sch.uk, website: stmarysrc.lbhf.sch.uk
Christmas: 19 Dec to 5 Jan
St Mary’s RC Primary
Duke Road, W4 2DF, 020 8994 5606
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages four to 11
Email: office@stmarys.hounslow.sch.uk, website: stmaryschiswick.org.uk
Christmas: 22 Dec to 2 Jan
St Paul’s Girls’ School
Brook Green, W6 7BS, 020 7603 2288
Half-term: 20-31 Oct
girls ages 11 to 18
Email: frontoffice@spgs.org, website: spgs.org
Christmas: 18 Dec to 8 Jan
William Hogarth Primary
Duke Road, W4 2JR, 020 8994 4782
Half-term: 27-31 Oct
ages four to 11
Email: admin@hogarth.hounslow.sch.uk, website: williamhogarthschool.co.uk
Christmas: 22 Dec to 2 Jan
ages three to 11
boys ages three to seven
ages three to 11
18 [Chiswick and Brook Green]
[NEWS]
FORGING AHEAD
Primary schools in the local area have proved that it’s not just GCSE and A-level students who achieve in national exams. Provisional figures for the Key Stage 2 (KS2) results show that the number of 11-year-olds getting the standard level 4+ in reading, writing and maths in the borough has risen from 77 to 82 per cent, ranking local students 17th highest in the country. The number of exceptional students taking the higher level 5+ exams has also risen from 23 to 29 per cent, with performance above the national average in all subjects. (hounslow.gov.uk)
EXPANDING EDUCATION
The equivalent of four new secondary schools will be built in the local area by 2020, councillors decided at an educational summit last month. Statistics suggest that in order to meet the growing demand for places, up to 29.5 new forms of entry for high-school students will be required in the next five years. Recent studies have shown that existing secondary schools could be expanded to provide an additional 23.5 forms of entry, meaning other options need to be explored to meet the projected demand. A range of different scenarios to solve this have been suggested, at an estimated cost of between £14million and £112million. Applications for two new secondary free schools have been submitted, and a decision from the Department of Education is expected in March 2015. These two schools, which could potentially provide up to 12 new forms of entry, would mean a less intensive expansion programme for existing local schools. (hounslow.gov.uk)
THE AWARD WINNER
BUDDY UP
Local schools will work alongside the council to maintain and promote high standards of education across the borough. This is a result of an innovative approach for the new school year, called the Hounslow Learning Partnership Board, which will meet four times a year to monitor performance and standards. Cllr Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: ‘The previous system for supporting school improvement was great at assisting establishments where performance may have dropped or where we had concerns, but it didn’t have the ability to gather information and intelligence to help spot the early warning signs, so we could make sure high standards were maintained. This new approach will fill that gap by using the best experts out there – our own schools – to regularly monitor teaching and learning and champion the excellence that parents expect. This will allow swift and effective action to be taken if standards are dipping and also challenge schools to make sure local children get the best possible start in life.’ All learning establishments in the borough, including academies and free schools, will be able to opt into the partnership.
Sister Hannah Dwyer, head teacher at Larmenier & Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, recently won the award for Lifetime Achievement at the Pearson Teaching Awards. More than 20,000 nominations were made and just 55 winners were selected from them, placing Sister Hannah among the very best of the UK’s teachers. ‘Sister Hannah’s strong
sense of personal vocation has led her to give years of dedicated service. In 35 years of teaching, she has instilled in her pupils the importance of discovering their own unique sense of purpose and doing all they can to live that vocation,’ Bishop John Sherrington commented during the ceremony. Sister Hannah will join the other award winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards at London’s Guildhall on 26 October, where 10 of the 55 Silver Award winners will receive a Gold Award. The ceremony will be filmed and broadcast by the BBC. (larshrc.lbhf.sch.uk; teachingawards.co.uk)
RECORD RESULTS
St Paul’s Girls’ School in Brook Green is celebrating its best batch of GCSE and A-level results to date after an extremely successful summer of testing. The students surpassed the national GCSE averages of 6.7 per cent A* and 21.3 per cent A* or A grade by achieving 93.6 per cent A* and 99.3 per cent A* or A – with not a single student receiving a grade lower than B. At A-level it was a similar story; 91.3 per cent of St Paul’s pupils achieved A* or A grade and 98.9 per cent a B or more, meaning nearly all of the girls matched or exceeded the grades required to take up their first choice university place. Congratulations to all who worked so hard earlier this year. sister hannah dwyer
(spgs.org)
(hounslow.gov.uk)
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 19
In the
KNOW
The latest plans for the Crossrail 2 project decoded WORDS: jennifer mason THE ROUTE
The proposed Crossrail 2 route links Wimbledon in the south-west to Alexandra Palace in the north, with stops at key locations across the city, such as Clapham Junction, Victoria, Euston and Seven Sisters. The current consultation has discussed the various options for a stop in Chelsea, which would alleviate the pressure on the District Line and join previously ill-connected parts of the area to the rest of London.
crossrail 2 options
HOW IT WILL IMPROVE YOUR COMMUTE
In terms of journey times, passengers travelling from the south-west to Chelsea and across the city towards the north-east (and vice versa) will benefit most from the new scheme. Current journey times from Wimbledon to Chelsea are more than 40 minutes (according to TfL Journey Planner) but TfL and Network Rail claim that the new Crossrail 2 line will cut this to only nine minutes. Similarly, commuters travelling between Clapham Junction and Chelsea will have their current 30-minute journey reduced to just three minutes by the proposed route. Consequently, residents of Chelsea and nearby areas will benefit from shorter journey times into the centre of the city and out to the north-east and south-west of London. Another aim of the project is to reduce the stress on already-overcrowded commuter trains in and out of the city during rush hours, a problem that will only worsen over the next 15 years, as experts predict a population growth in London and surrounding areas of around 10 million by 2030. This is a much-needed requirement during peak hours.
WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN
For the next two years, TfL and Network Rail are in the development and analysis stages of the project, with finalisation due to take place some time between 2016 and
20 [Chiswick and Brook Green]
Crossrail 2 Regional Route (courtesy of TFL)
[FEATURE]
opinion corner
ROADWORKS IN THE LOCAL AREA
We asked local residents to tell us what they think about the proposal:
Chiswick Mall | Until 8 October
‘Shortening journey times across London can only be a good thing.’ Marjory Williams, Chiswick, via Twitter ‘Anything that makes a commute into the city easier gets my vote, but I dread to think of the chaos awaiting us during construction.’
W4
Sewer works
Strand-On-The-Green | Until 31 October Remedial works for whole length of the wall
Great West Road | Until 30 November Strengthening works at piers 64-93 with night time lane closures
Gunnersbury Avenue | Until 30 November
Advance works, including stats diversions, construction of new utility bridge, including lane closures
Jim Spill, Brook Green, via email
Hartington Road | Until 3 December
‘I’ll not argue with the need for more space
Great Chertsey Road | Until 6 February 2015
on our commuter trains during rush hour,
Upgrading the parapets of Chiswick Bridge and carrying out concrete repairs
Localised traffic management
but how will such a large construction project affect the current service?’ Max Jeffs, Parsons Green, via email ‘Previously this part of London has been relatively difficult to access, so if the project
W140
Dewhurst Road | Until 7 October Connections installation
offers local residents better connections to the city, that’s OK in my book.’
W6
Jane Ludlow, Fulham, via Twitter
Melrose Gardens | Until 1 October
‘It’s all very well and good extending the
wells road | Until 1 October
transport links into Chelsea, but what about Chiswick? How will this actually help us?’ Jane Marlon, Chiswick
Network Operations Maintenance Repair leaking main
Margravine Gardens | Until 6 October Sewer repairs
Flanchford Road | Until 9 October Network operations maintenance
2019. The 2020-2030 decade will be taken up with construction and testing, with Crossrail 2 designated to finally open to the public in the early 2030s.
WHAT THE EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT
Mayor of London Boris Johnson maintains that the benefits to the City are multifaceted. ‘If London and its economy are to keep moving, then it’s essential we crack on and get Crossrail 2 delivered,’ he says. ‘As we’ve seen with Crossrail 1, major transport developments like this have an enormous role to play not just in boosting capacity, but in galvanising economic development and unlocking the potential for jobs and homes.’ Opinions from the transport network have also focused on the problems facing London’s commuters and the benefits Crossrail 2 would offer, with Network Rail’s group strategy director Paul Plummer pointing out that ‘Many of London’s main lines are operating at, or close to, full capacity.’ t
Rannoch Road, Ellaline Road and Rosedew Road Until 14 October Network operations maintenance
Fulham Palace Road | Until 30 October Trace, then excavate to repair a gas escape
Hammersmith Flyover | 5 November to 1 April 2015 Flyover strengthening works
Talgarth Road, Great West Road and Sussex Place 22 October to 1 April 2015 Loading/unloading for all phases of flyover strengthening works
Queen Caroline Street and Fulham Palace Road 2 December to 21 April 2015 Scaffolding, coring and drilling, post tensioning, scaffold removal and deliveries
Hammersmith Bridge Road | 25 November to 24 April 2015
Scaffolding, coring and drilling, post tensioning, scaffold removal and deliveries W12
Ashchurch Park Villas | Until 8 October New customer connection
Hansard Mews | Until 8 October Network operations maintenance
Rylett Crescent | Until 10 October Construct a new manhole in the carriageway to install an anti-flooding device
Oaklands Grove and Uxbridge Road | Until 14 October Network operations maintenance
(crossrail2.co.uk)
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 21
[COLUMN]
HP SOURCE:
Henry Hopwood-Phillips reports on local issues
GO FOR GOLDSMITH
South-west London politician Zac Goldsmith explains his vision of what Britain could be
Z
ac’s politics aren’t of the variety made famous in the BBC’s The Thick of It which showed lofty and ego-burdened MPs getting shafted by bitter and parochial constituents. Instead he builds his vision up from the roots of the neighbourhood. ‘We live in a big city, and cities are invariably places of alienation. The only way we can guarantee immunity to the anonymity, the anomie, of the high street, is by demonstrating that our shops
zac goldsmith
22 [Chiswick and Brook Green]
here are an extension of our community.’ He sees his role as being the seal and symbol of a communal whole that wants to support the independence of each of its parts. It’s a community spirit he wishes stretched further than the boundaries of his constituency. I ask if he had the power to change just one thing environmentally, what it would be. ‘The oceans,’ he replies without pausing. ‘Our fisheries have collapsed at a catastrophic rate. One per cent of the world’s fishing fleets account for more than 50 per cent of the world’s catch. We are talking nets the size of the 02 arena here.’ What seems to frustrate him most is that the solution is simple. ‘It would put very few noses out of joint, politically, just to demarcate and protect some of our giant overseas territories areas like the Pitcairn Islands, or Ascension, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for example – and costs would be minimal.’ Locally he is more concerned about air quality; especially with an election manifesto looming on the horizon and the fact that his own party has not yet come off the fence on whether Heathrow should be expanded. ‘If it went ahead you would find there would be 25 million extra passenger journeys to Heathrow per year.’ His eyes turn to the middle distance ruefully. ‘And that’s not to mention the pollution coming from the planes themselves.’ The recent events in Scotland have us hitting everything from the West Lothian question (‘I don’t think having English
people voting on English issues should be controversial’) to devolution within the EU and parties such as the Five Star Movement (‘I don’t know enough about them but it sounds like a party committed to environmentalism and direct democracy, which can only be a good thing.’). Goldsmith had come to me after trying to secure amendments to his Recall Bill (designed to make more MPs more accountable to their constituents) which, going to press, Nick Clegg seems to have fudged, so I leave off the sensitive subject for now, but he is keen to flag the fact that ‘if you look at recent British political history, there have been four or five great increases in the franchise after a lot of prevarication and resistance. We are overdue the next movement and I believe the crisis of legitimacy in our current parliament is because we have failed to lock our politicians into the people in any meaningful manner.’ Elected in an open primary in 2010, transparency is one of his watchwords. Zac’s ideas are remarkably judicious and consistent in a political world that can most charitably be summed up as dysfunctional. His ability to shift through lenses from local to international and back again seamlessly, with a vision that works in each, is no mean feat. Chiswick and Brook Green wishes him well as the General Election looms. t
Our fisheries have collapsed at a catastrophic rate. One per cent of the world’s fishing fleets account for more than 50 per cent of the world’s catch
Next month, Henry interviews Chiswick and Brook Green’s local MP Mary Macleod
[REGULARS]
Word on
the street The most pressing issues from Chiswick and Brook Green locals
PERFECT TIMING This new publication Chiswick and Brook Green couldn’t have come at a better time. Autumn is my favourite season; I frequently run in Grove Park and, as much as I love the greenery of the summer, I always have a longing for the leaves to turn into gorgeous golden confetti. Here’s to crisp morning runs and dog walks for the next few weeks. – Mr Bristow, Elmwood Road
The station is considered one of the busiest RNLI departments in London, and I think that its hard work and dedication shouldn’t go unnoticed. Three cheers for the team! – Mr Broome, Alwyn Avenue © Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB
Can I just say how saddened I was to hear about the closure of TOTS Boutique. I shopped there with my children for many years and was always met with a smile and had a friendly chat with the very helpful staff. I hope the vacant property will not be filled by a charmless chain. – Mrs Merville, Gordon Road
LOCAL LIFE-SAVERS There has been a lot of news coverage recently about the hardworking and admirable Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which has a base in Chiswick.
As the season of awful television talent shows begins, I for one am grateful that Chiswick is still a hive of activity every week night. The fabulous restaurants, bars and evening activities are among some of the best in London and I am so grateful to live here. – Mrs Hall, Reckitt Road
We have such a vast array of choice when it comes to buying everything from boutique gifts to cappuccinos, and I urge all residents to support local companies. – Mr Hudson, Belmont Road
FRIENDLY FACES RETAIL CONCERNS
FAREWELL TO A FAVOURITE
A BUZZ ABOUT TOWN
Is anyone else as unsure as I am about the new Poundland store opening on Chiswick High Road? I don’t like the idea of a budget shop gracing the street, but I suppose there will be some bargains to be had. Apparently its batteries are exceptionally good value, so it’s really a case of swings and roundabouts. Only time will tell. – Mrs Barry, Ivy Crescent
The rubbish collectors who service my road are so friendly that I would like to take a moment to thank them all for their hard work. My little one watches out of the window as they load the bins into the truck and he is always delighted when he gets a big wave from the lorry operator. – Mr Brandson, Princes Avenue
TROUBLESOME TRAFFIC The traffic on Chiswick High Road is becoming a nightmare. Not only do the constant jams make it difficult to cross, but they are also bringing vast amounts of pollution and noise to the area, which is obviously unwelcome. Perhaps people could start using buses more often, or is that too much to ask? – Ms Baker, Berrymede Road
WORLD OF THE UNDERDOG
HIGH HOPES I saw on Twitter that this new publication Chiswick and Brook Green is launching and I think it’s a great idea. I hope it proves to be as useful as it sounds. – Mr Hampton, Magnolia Road
MID-PRICED MAINTENANCE Can anybody recommend a cleaner who can visit my house once a week without charging a ridiculous amount? Everywhere I look prices are just absurd and I resent the idea of paying a lot for something I could do myself. – Mrs Edwards, Cornwall Grove
In an age of faceless corporations and big businesses, I really appreciate the independent coffee shops and retailers in Chiswick.
Write to us at: Chiswick and Brook Green, Runwild Media Group, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX, Tweet us: @Chiswick_BG
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[FEATURE]
Autumn reads
A house of cards Tom Hagues explores the near-death experience of the UK economy in Hugh Pym’s Inside the Banking Crisis: The Untold Story
D
uring the worldwide banking crisis of 2008 there was fighting across countries’ governments, infighting within countries’ own governments and a scramble to create the illusion that nothing was going awry. The opening chapter of Hugh Pym’s colourful and gripping account of the disaster depicts financial and political leaders desperately propping sandbags up against the incoming tide of financial terror. Each piece of information is presented within its own paragraph, creating a sense of heightened panic and the appearance of a best-selling thriller. Beginning with Northern Rock, where queues of panicking depositors waited to withdraw their savings, Hugh Pym guides us through the behind-the-scenes work of the Treasury and the Bank of England. Bringing to light much of what lurked in the shadows, he documents some great facts, including the little known instruction by the financial authorities for banks to create more space within their premises to ease the number of people queuing outside. The worries and stresses of City financiers aren’t the only things covered in Pym’s account. He is very clear about the competence of the political leaders concerned. Gordon Brown is presented as being thoroughly well-versed financially, and especially so when US President George Bush asks Brown: ‘What’s credit?’ Brown’s aptitude is further highlighted when he goes on holiday and takes with him the ‘early writings by the Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke on the Great Depression and the US central bank policy known as quantitative easing’. Pym seems to want to make it clear that, despite Brown’s publicised clumsiness in some spheres, finance was not one of them. In the ‘Britain Stands Alone’ chapter sits the swan metaphor (graceful above water, paddling speedily below) the government and financial authorities tried to use
The author’s inside knowledge and understanding of the political complications of negotiating a worldwide rescue deal is one of the most important features of the book’s narrative throughout the whole crisis. There was some truth to it. Britain’s financial plan proved more stable than others, and many of the world’s leading economies used it as a template for their own. This quelled some of Brown’s fears that the world would attempt to fix the problem by employing a whole host of different methods. Pym gives the impression that Brown wanted a musketeer approach to the crisis – all for one and one for all was the way it would be solved. The author’s inside knowledge and understanding of the political complications of negotiating a worldwide rescue deal is one of the most important features of the book’s narrative. An all-seeing, all-knowing Pym places the reader directly in the midst of the terrifying ordeal that nearly brought the world’s financial guardians to their knees. The
factual accuracy of share prices on particular dates, of timing and exact conversations is razor-sharp. Such a large (although necessary) number of figures could have caused the story to stagnate, but Pym’s fast-flowing account remains gripping throughout. He unravels a subject that is notoriously complex and foreign to anyone outside of the financial world. Presenting the information in an understandable narrative, Pym ensures the reader can grasp the concepts without being patronised. Strewn with insights about the relationships between leaders, financiers and bankers, Inside the Banking Crisis is the layman’s eyes into the secretive world of a financial meltdown. w
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, hardback £20 (bloomsbury.com)
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[FEATURE]
Tartt and soul Critics are divided over whether Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer prize-winning third novel The Goldfinch is worthy of the accolade. Jennifer Mason delves into the 800-page adventure to see what all the fuss is about
CHISWICK RESIDENTS’ FAVOURITE READS Elizabeth Thacker I’ve always been fond of Oswald Spengler’s The Decline of the West (1918). In the century that passed after his death, few could decide whether he was a genius who influenced the likes of Heidegger and
D
uring my novel-devouring teenage years, I read Donna Tartt’s first novel The Secret History. I came away with no strong feelings about it, so it was with some trepidation that I approached The Goldfinch, Tartt’s latest offering. In this new bildungsroman, Tartt returns to the first-person narrative style that proved so popular in her first book.
Tartt’s novel somehow becomes the painting her protagonist so admires and obsesses over The hero (or anti-hero), Theo Decker, is an emotionally-troubled, drug-riddled art and antiques aficionado who has endured a difficult upbringing. The reader is quickly absorbed into Theo’s world and discovers the source of his trauma – a disturbance that leaves the impressionable youngster with a darker legacy. A chance encounter soon draws the protagonist from a path of academia and petty teenage rebellion into the seedy underbelly of the criminal world, with the Carel Fabritius painting The Goldfinch serving as his talisman. The tale jumps between New York and Las Vegas as Theo is shipped across the United States to live with his drunken, absentee father. Here in the arid and uninspiring desert of Nevada, Theo meets Boris, a streetwise, lightfingered Ukranian artful dodger. An unlikely friendship endures, and even after Theo’s return to New York separates the two for a time, their
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Wittgenstein or an incorrigible dilettante
connection triggers the climax of the novel. Although riveting, the final pages, with their musings on the longevity of art, friendship and love, detract from the otherwise compelling drift. The fluidity of the concluding segment clashes with the staccato narratives that constitute Theo’s story. Others, too, have noticed the incongruity between the book and its epilogue. James Wood of The New Yorker pointed out that, ‘Tartt’s consoling message, blared in the book’s final pages, is that what will survive of us is great art; but this seems an anxious compensation, as if [she] were unconsciously acknowledging that the 2013 Goldfinch might not survive the way the 1654 Goldfinch has.’ It has been 11 years since Tartt last published a novel (The Little Friend, in 2003) and almost twice that since she emerged at the forefront of the literary scene with her acclaimed début. Clearly, crafting these hefty so-called ‘paperweight paperbacks’ is more than a hurried scribble, each is years in the making. In this way, Tartt’s novel somehow becomes the painting her protagonist so admires and obsesses over. A description in the novel of the painter’s struggle to produce such a great work is a reflection of Tartt’s own toil and reward: ‘They build up the illusion, the trick – but, step closer? It falls apart into brushstrokes. Abstract, unearthly. A different and much deeper sort of beauty’. I found that even the most chaotic and unpunctuated phrases that Tartt uses to illustrate Theo’s angst took on deeper significance for me, just as Fabritius’ brushstrokes make the difference between viewing the painting from far away, and up close. The big picture shows you the beauty of the thing; the small flaws in its creation allow you to fully engage with it.
Published by Little Brown Book Group, paperback £8.99 (tlebrown.co.uk)
unworthy of his subject. I’ve always believed the book to be the finest study of the largest historical unit: civilisation.
Edward Faulkner Patrick Leigh Fermor walked from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople in the interwar years. Only parts of the three books produced afterwards are based directly on notes recovered. This gave the writer licence to let his imagination take flight and some of the most beautiful passages of the English language to flee his pen. The power of the book doesn’t just lie in the seductive language though, it’s the evocation of a Europe that feels irrevocably lost.
Mohammed Rahman In Iran, a little bit of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh trips off many a tongue, but thanks to Edward FitzGerald’s beautiful translation, here in England it’s Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat that steals the show. The poetry is something I try to always have in my coat, so I am ready to release humble and sincere gems of wisdom on the incurables in the human condition.
Inspired? Visit your local Chiswick bookshops… Bookcase London 268 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD 020 8742 3919 Waterstones 220-226 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD 020 8995 3559 Foster’s Bookshop 183 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR 020 8995 2768 Oxfam 90 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QN 020 8995 6059
[listings]
Half-term
activities local
trick or treat (photo: TERRY EMMENT)
27-31 October SPORTS GEAR AT THE READY
£8, performances at 11am and 1pm, suitable for ages three to seven. Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL, 020 8741 6850 (lyric.co.uk)
Get in some practice for your alpine holiday and hit the slopes at Skiplex where a number of skiing and snowboarding sessions have been lined up especially for half-term. There are also a range of golf and tennis activities on offer, too.
22, 23, 29 & 30 October SING YOUR HEART OUT
£60-£110 for two children, £150 for three, £30 for a half-day, Dukes Meadows, Dan Mason Drive, W4 2SH, 020 8994 3314 (skiplex.co.uk)
The Song Academy in Hammersmith has prepared a series of half-term workshops for kids. Whether your children enjoy writing, performing or recording original songs from scratch, there is something for everyone. Parents can hear what they have been getting up to at the end-of-the-day performance for friends and family. £75 per workshop, 2pm-5pm, suitable for ages eight to 16, Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, W6 7BL, 07710 023743 (songacademy.co.uk)
25 October TRICK OR TREAT
With Halloween fast approaching, it’s time to dust off those fancy-dress costumes and take part in what is set to be a spinechilling pumpkin party at Chiswick House. Little ghosts and ghouls will be kept entertained with games, face painting and a fancy-dress parade. £5 family ticket (max four people), £1 for each extra person, tickets available on the door, 4pm-6.30pm, Kitchen Gardens at Chiswick House, Great West Road Gate, W4 2RP, 020 8742 3905, (chgt.org.uk)
Keep the little ones entertained
26 October MUSIC TAKEOVER
18 October SQUIRRELING AROUND If you’re on the hunt for the perfect halfterm activity for the kids, look no further than Tony and Mike: the Country Owl and the City Squirrel, currently showing at the Lyric. Tony the owl lives in peace and quiet in the countryside until Mike the squirrel (a party animal) moves in. Watch the unlikely friendship blossom with puppetry, music and even a flying squirrel machine.
WORDS: tamir davies
FURTHER AFIELD 17 October-3 November MAGIC AND WITCHCRAFT Do you know your poisons from your potions? Test your knowledge at the famous Harry Potter Tour at Leavesden Studios which has recently launched its Dark Arts section. With Halloween approaching, Hogwarts will become a hotspot for young wizards and witches, so memorise your spells to show Professor Snape what you’re made of. Adults £31, children £23.50, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7GS (wbstudiotour.co.uk)
magic and witchcraft (PHOTO: TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR)
The London Philharmonic Orchestra FUNHarmonics is hosting an afternoon of activities. Benjamin Wallfisch has written new music to accompany Roald Dahl’s hilarious verse poem The Toad and the Snail. There will be many free musical events in the building to encourage children to pick up and play an instrument of their choice. From £5, concert 12pm, activities 10am-2pm, suitable for ages three to 11, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX (southbankcentre.co.uk)
29 October LOTIONS AND POTIONS
This month, the Chelsea Physic Garden is opening its doors to youngsters aged seven and over for an opportunity to explore, create and engage in a range of family activities. With a unique chance to make your own ointments, syrups and scented bags, children will learn about the history of medicine whilst cultivating their own mini herbal garden. Adults £9.90 half-day, £11.90 full day; children £6.60 half-day, £8.60 full day, includes entry to the garden, 10.30am-2.30pm, Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS, 020 7352 5646 (chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk)
30 October PRICKLY fUN
Get up close to some spiky wildlife this month and meet a hedgehog rescuer at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. Little ones aged between three and 11 can also enjoy arts and crafts sessions. Adults £8.75, children £6.50, sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, SW11 4NJ, 020 7924 5826 (batterseaparkzoo.co.uk)
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New
horizons
Ramsey Conyers, head of Knight Frank’s newest office, reveals why the time was right for the agency to move to Chiswick
T
accommodation for young professionals,’ hey say timing is everything and he adds. the waiting game for Knight Despite the increasing prices, Ramsey Frank’s latest branch in Chiswick stresses that Chiswick still offers value for is finally up. The W4 office will money. ‘We continue to see an overspill of shortly be followed by agencies in Clapham clients from Fulham, Chelsea and Notting and Barnes as Knight Frank’s west London Hill, especially families that are drawn to division continues to grow. the excellent choice of schools. Here they The Chiswick outpost might only have can also get a larger garden for their money.’ opened its doors this month, but its Chiswick might offer a certain appeal for head – Ramsey Conyers – has worked this those arriving from other corners of the patch of Turnham Green Terrace for the capital, but there is also a lot of internal last decade. In his opening breath, he’s movement within the market. ‘Clients who singing the praises of the area’s convenient bought flats for £500,000 have gradually public transport links and lamenting ever worked their way up to securing family having to leave Chiswick at all. ‘I can’t homes in excess of £2million, and then they imagine working anywhere else to be will downsize again,’ Ramsey says, adding honest,’ he begins. ‘It’s the village feel, the that older clients often seek advice on where sense of community; people stop you on to invest their money once their children the pavement for a chat, or to plan street have flown the nest. parties. This is what I miss when I’m not in The autumn market has brought fresh the area,’ he admits. His allegiance to this stock and new buyers who are keen laid-back corner of the capital has been to secure properties before 2015. ‘The something Ramsey has grown up with. ‘No’ vote in Scotland has been another ‘My dad’s gone to the same butchers – source of confidence ending the relatively Macken Brothers down the road – for the quieter summer months. We are still last 50 years. I always remember going seeing multiple bids on properties that with him to pick up our turkey order at are correctly priced. With the possible Christmas, with the queue coming out of the door and down Turnham Green Terrace. I still go back to shop there now.’ Chiswick is a location with staying power – somewhere that families can put down roots over several years. ‘Properties have increased in value by 12 or, in some cases, 15 per cent,’ Ramsey reveals. ‘Homes in sought-after Bedford Park are achieving up to £1,400 per sq ft, while on the Glebe Estate properties regularly sell in excess of £1,000 per sq ft. These are naturally smaller Victorian photo: cottages, but they provide sarel jansen attractive and practical
28 [Chiswick and Brook Green]
introduction of a Mansion Tax following the General Election in April and the increase in applicant registration, now is a great time to sell as there is a phenomenal demand for family homes in Chiswick.’ Ramsey is keen to build up the sense of loyalty that has become associated with Knight Frank. ‘We have a number of clients that have bought and sold with us over a period of several years, and it is our aim to develop that loyalty and build relationships with people. Our clients also have access to a truly global audience through our network of more than 335 offices in 52 countries. ’ Ramsey points out that all Knight Frank vendors receive a unique level of service that doesn’t change, although the needs of each client can be very different. ‘It’s not simply a question of achieving the maximum price for a property; we need to find the best buyer for our client – someone who is financially qualified and can complete the transaction in good time. Usually we will get a sale processed in 21 days, which in the current market is good for the buyer and the vendor. As the only point everyone can relax at is exchange, we do everything in our power to make that come around quickly.’ On the rare occasions that things don’t run as smoothly as possible, the team works overtime to resolve the situation. ‘When I’m out of the office, it is the tougher sales that I reflect on and that actually give me the most satisfaction,’ Ramsey enthuses. ‘I can’t imagine ever doing another job. All I need is a garden here so I can bring my dog to work.’ Whether his wish comes true or not, only time will tell. t 64 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QN, 020 3757 6230 (knightfrank.co.uk)
[PROPERTY]
photo: sarel jansen
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 29
Potential
INVESTMENT
Hard hats to the ready; Chiswick and Brook Green talks to Julian Bryson, founder of property search website unmodernised.com
What are the benefits of buying unmodernised properties?
For homeowners, being able to put your own stamp on your home is a bonus. You’re likely to do this anyway, but when starting from scratch you can achieve so much more. It can be a great experience that brings an enormous sense of satisfaction; as well as creating the property you have always wanted, there is the potential to cash in on a short or long-term profit. And, most importantly, those dinner party bragging rights make the months of renovation worth it. If you do it often and well enough, it could become a full-time occupation.
What are the risks?
Brackley Terrace, W4 £800,000 (Whitman & Co)
When and why did you found unmodernised.com?
I launched the website in September 2011 to help source property across the UK with the potential for development or renovation and collate it in one place. When I co-founded my former technology company (Puricore plc) in the 90s, I lived and worked all over the world, in Japan, Canada, Belgium and France. Any money I earned went into property and that’s where the difficulty arose, especially when overseas and I found myself thinking, where does one find investment properties online without tons of time-consuming legwork? Hence, unmodernised.com was born.
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Is the demand for unmodernised property fuelled by the increasing rises in premium London property?
The desire for renovating an unmodernised property has always been prevalent among buyers as it’s somewhat immune to the peaks and troughs in premium property. Although, having said that, in a rising market more people are inclined to be bullish about making savings when buying and gains when selling. When the market is calmer, the desire is still there, largely because buyers feel they can design and create their own home rather than buying somebody else’s taste.
There are significant risks, especially since building contractor costs have increased recently. For a full ‘back to brick’ renovation in Chiswick, for example, you should budget at least £200 per sq ft based on the extended footprint. That figure can rise to £300 per sq ft in Notting Hill, so managing your budget is key. Renovations can take a long time, especially if you are relying on planning permission and Party Wall agreements; choosing a contractor via a competitive tender can take two months alone. If you are aiming for a re-sale after the work (as opposed to living in the property long-term) then the price you pay is much more important in determining whether you’ll make a profit. If developing for re-sale, expect to see 50 to 100 properties before one necessarily meets all your requirements.
How much value can you add by buying and then renovating an unmodernised home?
If you are able to add space, then you can add value. The most cost-effective way of doing this is extending to the rear or side and/or into a loft. Basement conversions are much more expensive and, in areas such as Chiswick, you’re unlikely to achieve any added value, given the cost of creating a basement.
[PROPERTY]
What should buyers consider when looking to purchase an unmodernised home?
Location is unequivocally the most important thing. Your architect and contractor can usually find a way to rebuild almost anything, so condition is less of an issue. Then comes paying the right price, and being prepared financially and emotionally as you could be in ‘project mode’ for a year or more. You’ll also need somewhere else to live whilst the work is progressing. If doing this for the first time, surround yourself with a competent team – from an estate agent you trust to an experienced architect, interior designer and structural engineer and seek their advice as early as possible.
What tips do you have for buying at auction?
Do as much research as possible, as early as possible on the property, then set yourself a price limit and stick to it. Try to work out an accurate project work budget beforehand and speak to agents in the area about the right pricing and re-sale values. Don’t forget to establish what planning requirements there might be and how likely it will be to obtain permission. I would advise meeting the planning officer beforehand; there may be a cost involved, but it’s usually worth it.
Are more people turning their hand to property developing? What advice would you give them?
Yes, people are, especially in a rising market as we’ve experienced recently. As location
is the most important factor followed by finance, I always recommend sticking to an area you know very well. I also find it helps to focus on the style of property you actually like – it might be part of your life for a long time. On unmodernised.com you can tap the postcode into the search bar and view all the available properties immediately. We also offer a Bespoke Search Service, where we source the property directly for you.
TOP 10 REASONS TO BE A PROPERTY DEVELOPER 1. You get to make your own plans, work to your own taste, budget and standards. 2. Good results can be extremely rewarding. If you’ve always had an office
What types of property are most sought-after here?
Family houses on quiet residential streets are always popular. Chiswick and Brook Green boast a wonderful stock of Victorian and Edwardian period properties, most of which are still single properties (as opposed to Fulham, where many have been divided into flats). Bedford Park by Turnham Green tube is very popular in Chiswick, as well as Grove Park by the river. The terraced cottages of Brook Green and Brackenbury Village are extremely desirable as well as conveniently situated to great transport links. The revamping of Shepherd’s Bush will likely increase the popularity and values of the northern borders of these areas too.
What connections do you have to the Chiswick and Brook Green area?
I grew up in a Victorian terraced cottage in Glebe Street, just off Devonshire Road in Chiswick. We’re currently starting on renovating our own unmodernised house here. There’s no place like home! t
job, you might be surprised by the sense of achievement that you get from looking at a room you’ve just painted. 3. You can be your own boss. 4. You can hand-pick your team. 5. You can work from home/s. 6. There are no staff, no corporate obligations, no company politics, no boardroom, no travel, no hotels, no company car, no payroll and no commute. 7. You can go at your own pace: it’s as fast or slow a lifestyle as you make it. 8. You need no official qualifications – this makes it a fairly accessible career path, and one that can even be managed on a part-time basis in combination with a more regular income-generating job. 9. Variety is the spice of life: you’ll frequently find you have no kitchen and this means it can be a great way to experience the local
(unmodernised.com)
food spots, especially if you move around a variety of areas. 10. You’ll potentially be a bit of a high-roller; you’re trading in assets worth hundreds of thousands of pounds – where and how else could you do that?
Renovations can take a long time, especially if you are relying on planning permission and Party Wall agreements Devonport Road, W12, £1,550,000 (Kerr & Co)
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Property
NEWS The first new build for more than 100 years on Britain’s most expensive street, Kensington Palace Gardens (image: Colwyn Foulkes & Partners)
Millionaires’ rows: Britain’s most expensive streets
The value of Britain’s most expensive streets is rising at nearly twice the national average, meaning that the number of ‘property millionnaires’ – those owning homes worth more than £1million – is nearly 50 per cent higher than it was this time last year. Property prices on the UK’s 10 most expensive streets have increased by 12.9 per cent in the last year, while the national average rose by just 6.6 per cent. Property portal Zoopla’s annual Property Rich List shows that there are now 484,081 £1million plus homeowners in Britain – up 49 per cent on last year and there are now also 10,613 streets in Britain with an average property value of more than £1million, which is an increase of 29 per cent compared with 2013. Of these ‘Millionaires’ Rows’, 3,744 – a third of the total and all the top 20 – are in London. Twelve streets in the capital claim an average house price of more than £10million. Kensington Palace Gardens tops the table with an average price of £42,730,760.
How will next year’s General Election affect London’s prime property market?
Estate agency Winkworth has tracked recent periods of political instability against transaction volumes to answer the big question: how will buyers’ behaviour change as we move closer to, and eventually past, May’s polling day?
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General Election (IMAGE: Winkworth)
Unsurprisingly, a pretty significant slowdown is anticipated in the lead-up, but the aftermath should also be interesting. Since 1997, in prime central London the number of transactions within the three months after election day have been between 10.5 per cent and 20.7 per cent higher than in the three months leading up to the election. While there is some market seasonality to take into account, when compared with the same period in years when a general election didn’t take place, a stronger growth in transactions in election years is plain for all to see. In fact, transaction levels in the three months after the last few general elections have been between four per cent and 12.2 per cent higher than the increases seen in non-election years.
Early Autumn (IMAGE: Rightmove)
Autumn starts early for the property market
Autumn has started ‘earlier than usual’, trumpets Rightmove in its latest House Price Index, as asking prices continue to rise by 0.9 per cent. This is the first time since 2011 that these figures have risen at this time of year. Based on the last 10 years’ statistics, September usually sees a 0.5 per cent drop.
[PROPERTY]
Average annual property price change (IMAGE: Land Registry)
Enquiries to estate agents via the portal are now at their second highest level ever after this January; 16 per cent up year-on-year and breaching £4million in August. However, there may be uncertain times ahead, with a General Election and the aftermath of the Scottish/regional devolution. ‘Markets do not like uncertainty,’ notes Rightmove.
Transaction levels charge as prices carry on up
House prices have risen by 1.7 per cent since June, taking the annual rate of growth in July to +7.2 per cent, according to the latest batch of statistics from the Land Registry. London has seen the biggest increase in property value over the last year, delivering +19.3 per cent. The capital also saw average prices rising by 3.3 per cent. The most up-to-date figures available
Savills’ revised price forecasts
show that during May 2014 the number of completed house sales in England and Wales increased by 10 per cent to 72,900, compared with 66,325 in May 2013. The number of £1million plus homes sold in England and Wales in May 2014 increased by 32 per cent to 1,032 from 779 in May 2013. Transaction levels are generally on the up; from February 2013 to May 2013 there was an average of 54,334 sales per month. In the same period a year later, the figure was 68,448. Just over 88,930 properties were lodged with the Registry in July, with prices ranging from £18,000 up to £26.5 million. The average house price in England and Wales now stands at £175,653, which is still down from November 2007’s peak of £181,442. In London, the average price is currently £457,072.
Savills hikes this year’s price growth forecasts
‘House price growth has exceeded all expectations over the past year,’ notes Savills as it significantly boosts its annual forecast for the mainstream market, but drops next year’s outlook. The agency now expects average annual UK house price growth to come in at +9.5 per cent this year, rather than the rather lower +6.5 per cent that it plumped for when forecasts were published in November last year. Next year is now looking like delivering +4 per cent, rather than +5 per cent, and these increases are expected to balance out over the next five years, with early indications predicting a +25.7 per cent increase by the end of 2018. Savills’ predictions for the prime markets
remain as they were. For 2014 it has forecast a +3 per cent rise in Prime Central London property; +6 per cent in ‘other London’ and +4 per cent across the wider south of England. Over the next five years Savills anticipates a +23.1 per cent rise for central London, +22.7 per cent for other London and +21 per cent across southern England. The reason for the change? This year’s first half performance has left ‘some markets with reduced capacity for further mid-term growth.’ Mainstream London has seen the biggest change in forecast fortunes: new figures show +15 per cent growth for this year, rather than a (relatively) measly +8.5 per cent, followed by +5 per cent in 2015, rather than a higher six per cent forecast back in November. ‘So far this year, house price growth in London, the south and east of England has significantly exceeded forecast,’ explains the firm. ‘With all expected to end the year well into double digits. Price growth in these mortgage-dependent mainstream markets remains high according to the majority of relevant indices, though there are signs that demand is weakening, with lead indicators suggesting a change in sentiment in London.’ The Savills forecasts are based on an assumption that average mortgage interest rates (base rate plus lender’s margin) will reach five per cent by the end of 2018, which ‘would leave room for further price growth at a national level at the end of the forecast period.’
Private housing leads the architecture industry recovery
Architects are getting busier, according to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), although margins ‘remain tight’. Actual workloads are 10 per cent up on the same time last year, after four consecutive quarters of growth, although the Institute’s Future Trends Workload Index decreased in July (to +28 compared with +34 in June 2014). Most of the activity is coming from the private housing and commercial sectors, as confidence levels in the public and community sectors remain more fragile. RIBA’s Private Housing Future Workload Index recorded a +29 balance figure in July, compared to +14 for commercial and +3 and -1 for the community and public sectors respectively. Practices located in Wales and the west were the most cautious about prospects for future workloads, returning a balance figure of +12; the balance figure for London, meanwhile, was +38 and +33 for Scotland.
[Chiswick and Brook Green] 33
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KnightFrank.co.uk
Bedford Park, Chiswick W4
A recently renovated family home which has been restored to an impeccable standard throughout. Originally designed by the architect E.J. May in 1894, it has been sympathetically extended to link the original stables and coach house to the rear and offers approximately 4,373 sq ft ﴾406 sq m﴿ of lateral living space. EPC rating D.
KnightFrank.co.uk/Chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
A unique semi detached house with exceptional finish
Freehold. Guide Price £3,750,000 ﴾RCH140166﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk
Cleveland Road, Chiswick W4 A charming two bedroom period cottage
Cleveland Road is a two bed, mid terrace, period cottage in excellent condition throughout. The property comprises a large double reception room, modern fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, family bathroom and a south facing patio garden. EPC rating E. Approximately 95 sq m ﴾1,019 sq ft﴿. Freehold Guide Price £975,000 ﴾RCH140168﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/Chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
KnightFrank.co.uk
Cygnet House, Chiswick Mall W4
Situated in the highly sought after riverside location of Chiswick Mall, a superb Grade II listed period house with gardens, garage and direct river access. The property extends to approximately 195 sq m ﴾2,094 sq ft﴿ EPC rating E.
KnightFrank.co.uk/Chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
A beautifully presented four bedroomed river property
Freehold
Guide Price £2,750,000 ﴾RVR100030﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk
Riverside Lodge, Chiswick W4 A new build, five bedroomed river property
A newly built house finished to exacting standards on one of Chiswick's finest streets, and in a covetable location on the River Thames. Comprising of three reception rooms, offering multiple family living and entertaining spaces. Approximately 384 sq m ﴾4,133 sq ft﴿. EPC rating B. Freehold Guide Price £3,995,000 ﴾FLH140144﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/Chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
11 2
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS Uniquely extended, enormous garden, LAYOUT elegant lateral space Ashchurch Terrace, W12 ONLY
BRAND NEWLY REFURBISHED PROPERTY kings road, sw3
Double reception room u open-plan kitchen/ dining room u conservatory/studio u 7/8 bedrooms u 2 bathrooms u self-contained studio u cellar u off-street parking u 391 sq m (4,209 sq ft) u EPC=E
3 bedrooms ø bathroom ø reception room ø separate kitchen ø balcony ø Managed by the Sloane Stanley Estate ø 103 sq m (1,110 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C
£5.5 million Freehold
Unfurnished £975 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
WOLFE HOUSE, w14 Savills Chiswick
CHAPELSavills SIDE, w2 Chelsea
Asking £1.95 million Leasehold
Guide £3 million Freehold
Savills Kensington sholmes@savills.com 020 7535 3300
Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750
Open plan reception room/kitchen ø master bedroom with en Christopher Bramwell suite bathroom 020 8987 5550ø further bedroom ø shower room ø 24 hour concierge ø underground parking ø spa and leisure facilities ø 106 sq m (1,145 sq ft) ø EPC=B
Entrance hallOliver ø reception Mellotte room with dining area ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms ø 2 omellotte@savills.com bathrooms ø terrace parking ø 193 sq m (2,076 sq ft) 020 7578ø9020 ø EPC=E
32 4
Impressive lateral layout, private location, considerable entertaining space & parking
CONTEMPORARY AND BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED TOWNHOUSE
Homefield Place, W4
elystan place, sw7
4 reception rooms u kitchen u 5 bedrooms u 3 bathrooms (2 en suite) u utility room u swimming pool + hot tub u large garden u off-street parking + garage u 503 sq m (5,414 sq ft) u EPC=D
6 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø separate eat in kitchen ø roof terrace ø 267 sq m (2,883 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E
£5.5 million Freehold
Unfurnished £3,950 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* STEPHENS GARDENS, w2
DARNLEY TERRACE, w11
ST
Reception room ø study ø kitchen/family room ø master Savills Chiswick bedroom with en suite shower room ø 3 further bedrooms Christopher Bramwell ø family bathroom ø shower room ø guest cloakroom 020 8987 5550 ø garden ø 191 sq m (2,062 sq ft) ø EPC=E
1 bedroom ø 1 bathroom ø 1 reception room ø balcony Chelsea ø first floor Savills ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D
Guide £3 million Freehold
Guide £525 per week Unfurnished
Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750
Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751 guarantor reference where required. Inventory check
Izzy Birch-Reynardson ibreynardson@savills.com
020 7578 9020
*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/
out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
L L O
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
1
STUNNING DETACHED HOUSE, SUPERB GARDEN, BRAND NEWLY REFURBISHED ADJOINING RAVENSCOURT PROPERTY PARK kings road,Road, sw3 W12 Goldhawk 3 receptions u bathroom open-planø kitchen/breakfast bedrooms ø reception room ø separate kitchen øubalcony room u 5 bedrooms 3 bath/shower rooms ø en Managed the Sloane Stanley Estate (2 suite) ubyoff-street parking + garage ø 103 sqfacing m (1,110 sq ft) Council u south garden uø 354 sq m Tax=H (3,820 sq ft) ø EPC=C u EPC=D
Unfurnished £975 per week £3.75 Freehold + £276million inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Chelsea Chiswick
Oliver MellotteBramwell Christopher omellotte@savills.com 020 8987 5550
020 7578 9020
2
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY HOUSE ON A SOUGHT CONTEMPORARY AND AFTER STREET REFURBISHED IN CENTRAL BEAUTIFULLY CHISWICK TOWNHOUSE Wavendon Avenue, elystan place, sw7 W4 26 reception u kitchen/dining room u 5/6 bedroomsrooms ø 3 bathrooms bedrooms u 2rooms bathrooms (1 en suite) en suite ø 2 reception ø separate eat inukitchen shower room uøutility room/cloakroom ø roof terrace 267 sq m (2,883 sq ft)u south facing garden u study/bedroom 6 u 199 sq m ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E (2,142 sq ft) u EPC = D
Unfurnished £3,950 per week £2.1 million Freehold + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Chiswick Chelsea
Joe Williams Izzy Birch-Reynardson 020 8987 5550 ibreynardson@savills.com
020 7578 9020 *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/ guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
11 2
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS GRADE II LISTED GEORGIAN HOUSE WITH GARDEN, LAYOUT GARAGE & SEPARATE FLAT Strand on The Green, W4 ONLY
BRAND NEWLY REFURBISHED PROPERTY kings road, sw3
2 reception rooms u kitchen u conservatory/ dining room u 4/5 bedrooms in total u 3 bath/ shower rooms (2 en suite) u self contained 1/2 bedroom flat u cellar u garden u triple garage + off-street parking u 260 sq m (2,811 sq ft)
3 bedrooms ø bathroom ø reception room ø separate kitchen ø balcony ø Managed by the Sloane Stanley Estate ø 103 sq m (1,110 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C
£2.995 million Freehold
Unfurnished £975 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
WOLFE HOUSE, w14 Savills Chiswick
CHAPELSavills SIDE, w2 Chelsea
Asking £1.95 million Leasehold
Guide £3 million Freehold
Savills Kensington sholmes@savills.com 020 7535 3300
Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750
Open plan reception room/kitchen ø master bedroom with en Christopher Bramwell suite bathroom 020 8987 5550ø further bedroom ø shower room ø 24 hour concierge ø underground parking ø spa and leisure facilities ø 106 sq m (1,145 sq ft) ø EPC=B
Entrance hallOliver ø reception Mellotte room with dining area ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms ø 2 omellotte@savills.com bathrooms ø terrace parking ø 193 sq m (2,076 sq ft) 020 7578ø9020 ø EPC=E
32 4
SUBSTANTIAL & ATTRACTIVE, BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED WITH SUPERB FAMILY SPACE
CONTEMPORARY AND BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED TOWNHOUSE
St. Marys Grove, W4
elystan place, sw7
2 reception rooms u kitchen/breakfast/dining room u 5 bedrooms u 2 bath/shower rooms (1 en suite) u shower room u cloakroom u utility room u cellar u garden u 311 sq m (3,349 sq ft) u EPC = D
6 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø separate eat in kitchen ø roof terrace ø 267 sq m (2,883 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E
£2.55 million Freehold
Unfurnished £3,950 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* STEPHENS GARDENS, w2
DARNLEY TERRACE, w11
ST
Reception room ø study ø kitchen/family room ø master Savills Chiswick bedroom with en suite shower room ø 3 further bedrooms Christopher Bramwell ø family bathroom ø shower room ø guest cloakroom 020 8987 5550 ø garden ø 191 sq m (2,062 sq ft) ø EPC=E
1 bedroom ø 1 bathroom ø 1 reception room ø balcony Chelsea ø first floor Savills ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D
Guide £3 million Freehold
Guide £525 per week Unfurnished
Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750
Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751 guarantor reference where required. Inventory check
Izzy Birch-Reynardson ibreynardson@savills.com
020 7578 9020
*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/
out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
L L O
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
1
A semi-detached family BRAND NEWLY REFURBISHED house immaculately PROPERTY presented kings road, Rupert Road,sw3 W4 Reception room u kitchen/dining roomroom u6 3 bedrooms ø bathroom ø reception ø separateukitchen ø balcony bedrooms 3 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø Managed the SloaneuStanley u downstairsbycloakroom gardenEstate u 217 sq m 103 sq sq ft)uøcouncil Counciltax=F Tax=H (ø2,341 sq m ft) (1,110 u EPC=D ø EPC=C
£975 per week Unfurnished £1,700 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Chelsea Chiswick
Oliver Mellotte Hannah Woodley omellotte@savills.com 020 8987 5566
020 7578 9020
2
Brand new elegant apartment overlooking CONTEMPORARY AND St. Peters Square in BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED Hammersmith TOWNHOUSE Entwistle Terrace, elystan place, sw7 W6 Kitchen/reception room u 2 bedrooms 6 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms u (1 en ø suite) u private ø 2 bathrooms reception rooms separate eat inbalcony kitchen u underground u sq communal ø Secure roof terrace ø 267 sqparking m (2,883 ft) gardens u Tax=H 63 sq m sq ft) u EPC=B ø Council ø (676 EPC=E u council tax=D
Unfurnished £595 per week £3,950 per week + + £276 £276 inc inc VAT one-off admin fee and other other charges may apply*
Savills Chiswick Chelsea
Hannah Woodley Izzy Birch-Reynardson 020 8987 5566 ibreynardson@savills.com
020 7578 9020
*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/ guarantor reference where required. Inventory check *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/ out fee – charged at where the end of or early termination guarantor reference required. Inventory check of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the out fee – charged at the end of or early termination property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the For more size details, www.savills.co.uk/fees. property andvisit whether furnished/unfurnished.
For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
Osier Mews, W4
£1,950,000 Freehold
Osier Mews, W4 two bathroom townhouse enjoys arguably the best river views in Chiswick. £1,950,000 Freehold This stunning three bedroom Located within St Albans Avenue, W4the property offers excellent contemporary space over four levels £1,795,000 this prestigious gated development to includeFreehold garage/ storage plus offstunning street parking. 25’ landscaped garden with direct access to the EPC rating = Cwithin This three bedroom two bathroom townhouse enjoys arguably thetowpath. best riverFreehold. views in Chiswick. Located this prestigious gated development thethree property offers excellent contemporary over four levels to include garage/ A tastefully presented five bedroom bathroom semi-detached house inspace this popular and sought after location storage plus off street parking. 25’ landscaped garden with direct access to the towpath. Freehold. EPC rating = C close to Turnham Green tube. EPC = D
• Gated riverside development • Two bathrooms • Arguably• • Sought best views in Chiswick • Two rooms after residential location bedrooms • Five Gated riverside development •reception Two bathrooms to Turnham Green bathrooms • Close terrace • Three • Arguably views in Chiswick • Top floor • Twomaster reception rooms • Three large doublebest bedrooms suite in excellent condition • • Offered Three large double bedrooms
• West garden suite • Topfacing floor master
www.andrewnunnassociates.co.uk
• Private walled garden • Off streetroom parking •• Utility Private walled garden kitchen/family • Large • Off street parking room • Freehold style •• Contemporary Freehold
⃒ 020 8995 1500 ⃒ sales@andrewnunnassociates.co.uk
Queen Annes Gardens, Bedford Park, W4
£4,500,000 Freehold
Queen Annes W4 Freehold First time to theGardens, market inBedford 60 yearsPark, this stunning example of a Norman Shaw designed £4,500,000 detached home in arguably the Dukes W4 Park. Grade II listed built in 1878, this imposing residence benefits £2,950,000 Freehold premierAvenue, road in Bedford from east/west aspects, 60’ x 43’ west facing garden and large garage. Outside is the large 25’9 x 16’2 garage. Freehold. First time to the market in 60 years this stunning example of a Norman Shaw designed detached home in arguably the premier road in Bedford Park. Grade this II listed built in family 1878, this imposing residence benefits from aspects, A wonderful opportunity to acquire 3046 sqft house occupying arguably one of theeast/west best positions in 60’ x 43’ west facing garden and large garage. Outside is the large 25’9 x 16’2 garage. Freehold. Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden. EPC = E
• First time to the market in 60 years
• Original layout
• First Grade IItolisted detached • Three reception rooms central location west facing garden • Wonderful •• Sought timeafter the market in 60residence years • Original layout detached Six bedrooms • Semi • • • Grade listed detached residence • Three reception rooms PrimeIIBedford Park location • Six bedrooms • Two• reception sq ft family home rooms •• 3,046 Prime Bedford Park location Six bedrooms
www.andrewnunnassociates.co.uk
• Three bathrooms
Large garage kitchen • Vaulted • Three•bathrooms street parking for two cars • Off • Large•garage West facing garden • Freehold • West facing garden
⃒ 020 8995 1500 ⃒ sales@andrewnunnassociates.co.uk
Westcroft Square W6 £2,250,000 Freehold Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk
North North
Chelsea Chelsea
Fulham Fulham
A fantastic house located on one of the most desirable Squares in W6. The property is spread over four floors and boasts high ceilings, period features and plenty natural light throughout.
Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush
Kensington Kensington
Kensington Gate Kensington Gate
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Study, Garden, Roof terrace, EPC: E.
South Kensington South Kensington
Notting Hill Notting Hill
Pimlico & Westminster Pimlico & Westminster
douglasandgordon.com
Riverview Gardens SW13 ÂŁ710 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk
South
Balham
Battersea
Battersea Park
A modern, penthouse apartment in this well-maintained mansion block overlooking the River Thames. The large reception room and balcony offer unspoiled views of the River Thames.
Clapham
East Putney
Southfields & Earlsfield
2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Open-plan kitchen/ reception room, Balcony, EPC: C.
West Putney
[PROPERTY]
Property rises grind
to a halt
Five years on from the property market crash, values are slowing after continued growth in the first quarter of the year
WORDS: Ed Mead Executive Director at Douglas & Gordon
A
t the beginning of this year at Douglas & Gordon, we saw a healthy growth in the buoyant property market of south and west London. Six months on, we have started to see a different story emerge, as values in London’s most sought-after residential areas have hit a wall. Our Investor View research shows that the second quarter property growth averaged just 2.28 per cent – a 65 per cent reduction on the first quarter figure of 6.7 per cent – while values across Battersea Park, Battersea and Chelsea came to a stand-still. Properties in all areas featured in our quarterly Investor View report are now almost double the value they were when the market hit rock bottom in 2009. Despite this, individual housing units tell a different tale. Three-bedroom houses in prime areas have enjoyed the fastest growth of all, at 158 per cent, while one-bedroom flats have seen a slower rate of growth at just 62 per cent. Areas adjacent to prime locations have also benefitted, reporting yearon-year growth as buyers opt to search beyond areas such as Chelsea and buy in nearby neighbourhoods like Battersea Park. Increased investment in social infrastructure in these locations, a variety of good schools, improved local amenities and new luxury retailers are making them increasingly attractive to buyers who want more value, meaning prices can be competitive and prospects of returns good. We examined 13 of London’s hottest
Ed Mead
48 [Chiswick and Brook Green]
Ravenscourt Road
Properties in all areas featured in our quarterly Investor View report are now almost double the value they were when the market hit rock bottom in 2009 residential areas, finding that Clapham, East Putney and South Kensington barely managed to hold their values between April and June, reporting poor increases of just 0.7 per cent, 1.1 per cent and 1.5 per cent. Battersea Park, Battersea and Chelsea saw no growth at all during the same period. The broadly subdued figures point to a market suffering from excessive ‘noise’. Buyer confidence, knocked by the prospect of impending interest rate rises, the effects of the Mortgage Market Review and concerns among wealthier property owners over the potential impact of Capital Gains and Mansion Taxes have put the brakes on. The second quarter of this year saw a shift in the property market across London,
with growth slowing after a strong start. The recent Mortgage Market Review and interest rate speculation have been large contributors to this slowdown, but as we move into autumn, savvy London buyers are reassessing their positions, given the changing conditions and the softening of boundaries on Mansion Tax. Our offices report that the majority of sellers are unwilling to reduce asking prices and, given the equity-rich environment, many can afford to wait and watch. Sales volumes are therefore likely to remain low, implying that selling prices are unlikely to fall. t (douglasandgordon.com)
ProPerty. It’s not just what we do, It’s who we are.
Local know-how. Better results. Askew Road
Bishops Park
Clapham
Hammersmith
Marylebone & Mayfair
Richmond
Balham
Brook Green
Earls Court
Holland Park
North Kensington
South Kensington
Barnes
Camden
East Sheen
Kensington
Notting Hill
Battersea
Chelsea
Fulham
Little Venice
Pimlico & Westminster
Brook Green W6 £3,800,000 This stunning five-bedroom Victorian family home has been extensively refurbished to a very high standard. Bright and spacious with high ceilings throughout the accommodation comprises a formal reception room, a stylish kitchen opening onto the second reception/family room and out to the property’s garden at the rear. The lower ground floor offers additional living and entertaining space with a media room spanning the full width of the house. Freehold. EPC=D.
BROOK GREEN: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk
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SALES
See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk
Fielding Road W14 £3,500,000 This beautifully refurbished five storey Victorian terraced house is located on one of Brook Green’s most sought after roads. The property has been cleverly re-configured to provide stunning entertaining space and practical, spacious family living. Some of the many features include a beautiful kitchen/dining room leading out to a garden, a double reception room, a bright master bedroom with luxurious en suite bathroom, four further double bedrooms. two bathrooms and two cloakrooms Freehold. EPC=D. Joint Sole Agent
BROOK GREEN: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk
Local know-how. Better results. Askew Road
Bishops Park
Clapham
Hammersmith
Marylebone & Mayfair
Richmond
Balham
Brook Green
Earls Court
Holland Park
North Kensington
South Kensington
Barnes
Camden
East Sheen
Kensington
Notting Hill
Battersea
Chelsea
Fulham
Little Venice
Pimlico & Westminster
Blythe Road W14 £2,395,000 This recently refurbished family home offers beautifully proportioned accommodation in the heart of Brook Green. Arranged over four floors the property comprises a double reception room, a full width bespoke fitted contemporary kitchen with french doors leading out to the westerly facing garden. The master suite benefits from a gorgeous en suite bathroom, while the further four bedrooms are serviced by three stunning bath/shower rooms. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.
BROOK GREEN: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @marshandparsons
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons
Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons
SALES
See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk
Dorville Crescent W6 £1,800,000 This superb Victorian terrace retains many period features and is flooded with natural light. The property offers substantial living accommodation, which includes a double reception room and a kitchen that leads out to a private garden. The upper floors provide a generous master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, three further double bedrooms and two well appointed shower rooms. Subject to the relevant planning consent there is potential for a side return extention. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.
ASKEW ROAD: 020 8102 0123 sales.ask@marshandparsons.co.uk
Opening doors in London since 1856 From the moment you walk through one of our doors, you’ll only deal with someone who lives and breathes your local property market. Someone who knows exactly which buttons to press to sell or let your home. And someone who understands that determination and integrity will open more doors for you than any other approach. So why not visit one of our 22 London offices? As we’ve been saying since 1856, our door’s always open...
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