London Homes & Property (South East) May 2011 by Runwild Media Group

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY S h o wcas i n g th e f i n e st h o m e s i n y o u r a r e a

MAY 2011 - issue 007

Covering bLACKHEATH, GREENWICH, DULWICH & OTHER SELECT AREAS OF SOUTH EAST LONDON

Spring Style Bold colours for warm days

Home FRONT

Stunning London properties

Micheldever Road, SE12 King Sturge are delighted to offer for sale this exceptional five bedroom French style semi detached house built c.1890 with Mansard roof and situated in the heart of Lee Conservation area and within the Brindishe school catchment area, benefitting from south facing spacious rear garden and a large cellar.

ÂŁ925,000 - FREEHOLD

Eton Grove, SE13 A delightful three storey, Victorian end of terraced, two/three bedroom period house situated in an exceptionally quiet location within easy walking distance of Blackheath Village and mainline station and Lewisham mainline and DLR stations are also within close proximity.

ÂŁ595,000 - FREEHOLD

www.kingsturge.co.uk

Blackheath Office - 020 8852 8383 blackheathsales@kingsturge.com With London offices in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich

Haynes Close, SE3

£275,000

Hervey Road, SE3

£239,995

Sheringham Road, SE7

£450,000

Representing an ideal first purchase, King Sturge are delighted to present this two bedroom ground floor flat, located just minutes from the heart of Blackheath Village.

Forming part of this magnificent Victorian semi detached residence, we are presenting a two double bedroom ground floor apartment with communal rear garden and no onward chain.

A fantastic example of a pretty period three bedroom terraced home located on one of SE7’s favoured turnings. This home has been greatly improved to include what is certainly the hub of the house.

Glenmere Row, SE12

£395,000

Merchants House, SE10

£425,000

Eastbrook Road, SE3

£399,950

Conveniently positioned for Lee Green mainline station and presented in showroom condition comes this beautiful three bedroom end of terrace house benefitting from a garage, off street parking and no onward chain.

This beautifully presented two bedroom duplex apartment has to be viewed internally to be fully appreciated. The bright and spacious accommodation comprises open plan lounge and modern fitted kitchen which opens onto a large balcony.

Representing a fantastic family home comes this three bedroom semi detached property which over looks playing fields. A beautiful well stocked mature rear garden and a large out-house currently housing a full sized snooker table.

www.kingsturge.co.uk

Blackheath Office - 020 8852 8383 blackheathsales@kingsturge.com With London offices in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich

Moseley Row, London, SE10 A superb three bedroom live/work end terrace house. The property features a 14’3 terrace and the flexible accommodation comprises entrance hall, 16’6 x 15’3 work space/office, shower room, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, stunning open plan living space, study and secure allocated parking.

£485,000

Diamond Terrace, London, SE10 An outstanding detached home, occupying a large plot in West Greenwich. It has been designed to the highest specification and blends a spacious, contemporary light filled interior with a wealth of traditional materials. The accommodation is arranged over three floors with the main family living space at ground and first floor levels..

£3,500,000

www.kingsturge.co.uk

Greenwich Office - 020 8858 9986 greenwichsales@kingsturge.com With London offices in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich

Dutton Street, London, SE10

£825,000

Stretton Mansions, London, SE8

£357,000

Fingal Street, London, SE10

£415,000

A truly stunning three bedroom home in West Greenwich. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, cloakroom, dual aspect reception room with raised mezzanine dining room, recently replaced fully fitted kitchen, dual aspect master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, family bathroom and pretty garden.

A bright and spacious two bedroom 4th floor river view apartment located close to the centre of Greenwich. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, living room/open plan kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, further double bedroom, bathroom and unallocated parking within the development.

A superb and particularly spacious period terrace house located in East Greenwich. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, two reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further double bedrooms, bathroom and pretty garden to the rear.

Theatro Tower, Creek Road, SE8

£249,950

Tanners Mews, Tanners Hill, SE8

£155,000

Bruford Court, London, SE8

£255,000

A stunning and very spacious one bedroom second floor flat, within a recently constructed development. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, living room/open plan kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

A well-presented one bedroom ground floor conversion flat forming part of a small mews development. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, living room bedroom and bathroom.

A bright and well-presented second floor two bedroom purpose built apartment close to the centre of Greenwich. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, spacious living room with south facing balcony, separate kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom & unallocated parking.

www.kingsturge.co.uk

Greenwich Office - 020 8858 9986 greenwichsales@kingsturge.com With London offices in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich

Tel: 020 8463 9955 www.heathestates.eu

Kidbrooke Grove, Blackheath SE3 £2,100pcm & £2,450pcm

Wemyss Road Blackheath SE3, £2,000pcm

We are delighted to offer two beautiful, spacious conversions in the ever sought-after, tree lined Kidbrooke Grove. Close to both the open heath and within walking distance of Blackheath Village & BR station. The two bedroom conversion forms the entire hall floor and the three bedroom the garden floor. Period features and well maintained communal garden.

In the heart of Blackheath Village, a contemporary two double bedroom. second floor apartment. Large open plan lounge/diner with access to private balcony, fitted kitchen with built in appliances and granite worktops, two bedrooms, bathroom with limestone tiling, built-in wardrobes and wood floors. Benefits include video entry phone system, lift, secure underground parking and central heating.

Dunstable Court, Blackheath SE3 £1,450pcm

Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 £1,300pcm

A delightful 3 bedroom, ground floor apartment located in one of the most sought-after roads in Blackheath, close to shopping facilities at Blackheath Standard, Westcombe Park BR station, Greenwich Park, the open heath and Blackheath Village. Benefits include parquet flooring, double glazing and gas central heating.

Heath Estates Run Wild sales-lets dps.indd 2

Exceptional location on the edge of Blackheath Village with views across the heath towards All Saints Church. A fabulous, unique studio arranged over two floors, with large open plan studio room with vaulted ceiling, modern bathroom, w/c, kitchen/dining room on ground floor. Available now, furnished. Early viewing recommended.

19/04/2011 16:49:02

Heat

9:02

Tel: 020 8463 9955 www.heathestates.eu

Station Crescent SE3 ÂŁ283,000 Leasehold Tel: 020 8463 9955

A wonderful, contemporary, two bedroom apartment located within a few steps of Westcombe Park Station and local amenities. The property is extremely well presented and comprises spacious open plan lounge/ kitchen, double bedroom with built in wardrobes and door to balcony, single bedroom, modern marble and limestone bathroom, w/c with shower facility. Solid oak flooring throughout, neutral decor, central heating, fully double glazed and entry phone system. Ideal FTB or buy to let.

www.heathestates.eu

D L O

T E L

Point Hill SE10 ÂŁ1,495,000 Freehold

A beautifully presented, contemporary, five bedroom detached house situated in a much sought-after location just yards from the local shopping facilities on Royal Hill and within easy walking distance to both Greenwich mainline and DLR stations. With commanding views towards the London skyline. Two reception rooms, kitchen/diner, utility room, guest w/c, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite shower room, 3 further double bedrooms, 5th bedroom/study with balcony, two fabulous bathrooms. Walled garden with patio and lawn area, secure off-street parking via electronic gates.

23 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0TJ Tel: 020 8463 9955

23 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0TJ Tel: 020 8463 9955 Heath Estates Run Wild sales-lets dps.indd 3

19/04/2011 16:49:04

190mm x 138mm

#VSOU "TI 3PBE 4& ÂŁ1 A spacious two bedroom conversion flat situated on the second floor of an imposing Victorian house. This nicely presented apartment is located only a short walk from Lee train station with its excellent links into central London, other benefits include a large reception, modern fitted kitchen and bathroom, communal garden and residents parking. Excellent first time buy or rental investment.

93mm x 70mm

190mm x 138mm

#BSUPO House 4& ÂŁ ,000 Bardon Lodge. Superb top floor apartment. High ceilings, two double bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Large reception room and modern fitted kitchen. Finished to a high standard with quality fittings. Close to the Heath and Greenwich Park with superb transport links for the commute to the City and Canary Wharf. No forward chain.

93mm x 70mm

MAY

Welcome note...

s the seasons turn from wintery cold to blustery showers and finally fresh, warm days now is the time to embrace everything spring has to offer, shake off winter colours in both your wardrobe and your home. Our Trend feature this month is a veritable hymn to flora and fauna, think pinks, greens and blues, little birds, rabbits and butterflies darting across the pages, while blankets, bunting and colourful nightlights add atmosphere. Get some inspiration on p.36. Also this month we feature edgy lighting designer Alex Randall, whose penchant for taxidermy has lead to some bold and striking pieces, (p.41), while we also showcase the lavish gardens at Chelsea Flower Show from Laurent Perrier (p.45), and keep with the nature theme for our unique Must Have Item, a divine statement headboard, (p.43). This is also a great season for new purchases, especially with the positivity that comes with

longer days and endless sunshine, so take a look at our Development Focus p.60, which showcases one of the most exciting new City developments, perfect for a central London pad or a great rental investment. In addition we look at how the housing market is slowly starting to consistently improve (p.58), and consider some alternative ways for first time buyers to make it onto the property ladder (p.66). In our Living Local section we meet Greenwich boutique owner Karin Tearle who shares some favoured local destinations from her little black book, (p.20) and look at some of the exciting new developments at The O2 (p.18). May is a wonderful time of the year, as summer holidays beckon and the days finally get longer and hotter. So enjoy these precious weeks, with long bank holidays, warm evenings and a sense of happiness in the air. Happy hunting...!

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Emma Mills

contents

Editorial Assistant Gabrielle Lane

living local

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Senior Designer Dalton Butler

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production Daniel Harris

16 18 20 21 23

Area News

Out & About My London The View from Here State of the Market

Advertising Mij Rahman

life style

Finance Manager Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

RUNWILD M

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 info@londonhomesandproperty.com www.londonhomesandproperty.com Runwild Media Group cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Group take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

LONDON HOmes&

PROPERTY SHoWCASing THe FineST HomeS in yoUr AreA

MAY 2011 - issue 007

Covering bLACKHeATH, greenWiCH, DULWiCH & oTHer SeLeCT AreAS oF SoUTH eAST LonDon

35 36 41 43 45 46

Interiors News The Trend Designer Focus Must Have Item Gardens Summer Sculpture

live overseas 50 52

Buyers’ Guide to USA Wine Country

new homes 58 60 66

Property Latest Development Focus Mortgage Update

Spring Style BoLd coLourS For warm dayS

Home Front

Stunning London propertieS

Courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com John Lewis Teakery console table £499; John Lewis vases: Double Washed, Black/White £40; Coastal Teal, Putty £45; Decorative measuring jug £30; John Lewis Romilly ceiling pendant £110; Pottery wall stickers £19

Grove Grove Lane,Lane, SE5 SE5

£1,395,000 £1,395,000 Freehold FreeholdWoodwarde Woodwarde Road, Road, SE22SE22 £1,300,000 £1,300,000 Freehold Freehold PerryPerry Vale,Vale, SE23SE23

£975,000 £975,000 Freehold Freehold

A classic A classic example example of Georgian of Georgian architecture, architecture, this this This five Thisdouble five double bedroom bedroom semi detached semi detached househouse is a is a Truly unique Truly unique detached detached house, house, built in built 1901 in 1901 by theby the immaculate immaculate 4 bedroom 4 bedroom townhouse townhouse formsforms part ofpart a of a primeprime example example of fineofEdwardian fine Edwardian architecture. architecture. renowned renowned Master Master Builder, Builder, Ted Christmas. Ted Christmas. This eight This eight GradeGrade II listed II listed terrace terrace on Grove on Grove Lane-Laneone ofone twoof two Presented Presented in pristine in pristine order order throughout, throughout, original original features features bed house bed house has been has been updated updated in a sympathetic in a sympathetic manner manner parallel parallel roadsroads that contain that contain what what are arguably are arguably somesome of ofhave been have been restored, restored, maintained maintained and softened and softened with with so now so offers now offers all of all theofmod the cons mod cons of a new of ahouse, new house, but but the finest the finest Georgian Georgian terraces terraces in London. in London. tasteful tasteful modern-classic modern-classic decor.decor. Located Located near Court near Court retaining retaining the period the period charmcharm and detailing and detailing of a property of a property Lane Lane Gate & Gate Dulwich & Dulwich Library. Library. associated associated with the withera. the era.

Friern Friern Road, Road, SE22SE22

£699,950 £699,950 Freehold FreeholdMelbourne Melbourne Grove, Grove, SE22SE22£699,950 £699,950 Freehold Freehold Gowlett Gowlett Road, Road, SE15SE15

£650,000 £650,000 Freehold Freehold

An impressive An impressive five bedroom five bedroom Victorian Victorian semi-detached semi-detached An enchanting An enchanting Victorian Victorian terraced terraced homehome in oneinofone theof thePicturesque Picturesque Victorian Victorian terraced terraced househouse situated situated on a on a homehome located located on one onofone East of Dulwich's East Dulwich's most most soughtsought- most most sought sought after roads after roads in East in Dulwich, East Dulwich, offering offering a rarea rare charming, charming, tree-lined tree-lined residential residential road. Offering road. Offering expansive expansive after residential after residential roads.roads. A natural A natural five bedroom five bedroom househouse mix ofmix peaceful of peaceful living living and close and close proximity proximity to thetohigh the highliving space, living space, four double four double bedrooms bedrooms and a and largea garden large garden with well withproportioned well proportioned rooms, rooms, it makes it makes for anfor ideal an ideal streetstreet & station. & station. Enjoying Enjoying original original features features throughout throughoutmakesmakes this anthis ideal an family ideal family home.home. Situated Situated just offjust theoff the familyfamily home.home. Located Located at theat top theoftop Friern of Friern Road,Road, close close to to this four thisdouble four double bedroom bedroom property property wouldwould makemake an an Bellenden Bellenden Conservation Conservation area, itarea, is well it islocated well located for East for East Dulwich Dulwich Park, Park, Goodrich Goodrich schoolschool and St. and Anthony's. St. Anthony's. ideal family ideal family home.home. Dulwich Dulwich StationStation as wellasaswell Lordship as Lordship Lane and LanePeckham and Peckham Rye. Rye.

Amott Amott Road,Road, SE15SE15

£629,995 £629,995 Freehold FreeholdPellatt Pellatt Road, Road, SE22SE22

£550,000 £550,000 Freehold Freehold Soames Soames Street, Street, SE15SE15

£525,000 £525,000 Freehold Freehold

A delightful, A delightful, 3 double 3 double bedroom bedroom Victorian Victorian terraced terraced househouse in This in superb This superb semi-detached semi-detached Victorian Victorian familyfamily homehome has has A charming A charming 3 bedroom 3 bedroom Victorian Victorian terraced terraced househouse one ofone Peckham of Peckham Rye's Rye's popular popular residential residential roads roads off theoff the been thoroughly been thoroughly reworked reworked to create to create a bright a bright and spacious and spacious decorated decorated in a contemporary in a contemporary style. style. Located Located in a in a Bellenden Bellenden Conservation Conservation area and arearound and round the corner the corner from from environment. environment. it is immediately it is immediately apparent apparent as youasenter you that enter that residential residential part ofpart theofBellenden the Bellenden area in area Peckham in Peckham Rye, Rye, GooseGoose Green.Green. The current The current owners owners have spared have spared no no the property the property has been has tastefully been tastefully decorated decorated to a high to a high transport transport links are linksfantastic are fantastic with both with East both Dulwich East Dulwich and and expense expense in turning in turning their three their bedroom three bedroom househouse into a into a standard standard of finish. of finish. Located Located close close to Heber to Heber Primary Primary and and Peckham Peckham Rye rail Rye stations rail stations a short a short walk away. walk away. stunning stunning familyfamily home.home. withinwithin walking walking distance distance to Lordship to Lordship Lane, Lane, Northcross Northcross rd. rd. and East andDulwich East Dulwich stationstation (10 mins (10 to mins London to London Bridge). Bridge).

Lynton Lynton Road, Road, SE1 SE1

£2,600 £2,600 PCMPCMAvondale Avondale Road, Road, BR1 BR1

£2,500 £2,500 PCMPCM Alscot Alscot Road, Road, SE1 SE1

£1,400 £1,400 PCMPCM

Recently Recently refurbished refurbished three bedroom three bedroom Victorian Victorian house,house, retaining retaining Located Located on a quiet, on a tree quiet,lined treeavenue, lined avenue, the redevelopment the redevelopment of ofAcross Across the road the from road the from new theArtesian new Artesian Building, Building, this high this high many many originaloriginal features. features. Made Made up of three up ofdouble three double bedrooms, bedrooms, a this a property this property is marvellous. is marvellous. The original The original part ispart a 1930's is a 1930's spec, spec, two bedroom, two bedroom, first floor firstapartment floor apartment is rightisin right the in the large kitchen large kitchen and dining and dining area and areaspacious and spacious doubledouble reception receptionconstruction, construction, with brand with brand new rendering new rendering to the to front theand front and hub ofhub Bermondsey of Bermondsey Spa. The Spa.accommodation The accommodation includes includes a a room; room; this property this property wouldwould be ideal befor ideal a small for a family small family lookinglookingextension extension to bothtothe both rear theand rearside andwith sideawith complete a complete great great living living space,space, granite granite worktops, worktops, master master bedroom bedroom to be close to be to close Central to Central London. London. The property The property also comes also comes with with modernisation modernisation of the of interior, the interior, the added the added spacespace incorporates incorporates a with a en-suite, with en-suite, balcony balcony off theoff living the living area and areaintegrated and integrated an attractive an attractive 18" garden. 18" garden. doubledouble garagegarage WC and WCextended and extended kitchenkitchen downstairs downstairs with five with five underunder floor heating. floor heating. doubledouble bedrooms bedrooms upstairs, upstairs, two with twoen-suite with en-suite shower shower rooms.rooms.

Oakhurst Oakhurst Grove, Grove, SE22SE22

£1,350 £1,350 PCMPCMCamden Camden Hill Road, Hill Road, SE19SE19

£1,350 £1,350 PCMPCM Dunstan’s Dunstan’s Road, Road, SE22SE22

£1,100 £1,100 PCMPCM

Spacious Spacious and bright and bright two double two double bedroom bedroom apartment apartment Well kept Well two keptdouble two double bedroom bedroom flat with flataccess with access to to This top Thisfloor top flat floorhas flatbeen has been thoroughly thoroughly refurbished refurbished on theonfirst thefloor first of floor thisofVictorian this Victorian property property in a pretty, in a pretty, garden, garden, spacious spacious reception reception room room and kitchen and kitchen with with throughout throughout to create to create a clean a clean and tidy andhome tidy home readyready to to residential residential road just roadmoments just moments from the frombustling the bustling centrecentrefitted fitted units. units. Split across Split across two levels, two levels, this property this property gets getsmovemove in to. in It comes to. It comes complete complete with an with L shaped an L shaped of East of Dulwich. East Dulwich. This split Thislevel split apartment level apartment is within is within plentyplenty of natural of natural light and lightisand situated is situated on anon attractive an attractiveliving living room,room, 2 double 2 double bedrooms, bedrooms, fully fitted fully fitted kitchen kitchen walking walking distance distance from East from Dulwich East Dulwich station, station, local parks local parks streetstreet close close to central to central Crystal Crystal Palace Palace Park and ParkCrystal and Crystal with integrated with integrated appliances appliances and aand modern a modern 3 piece 3 piece and Lordship and Lordship Lane,Lane, quiet quiet yet central. yet central. Palace Palace Parade Parade with numerous with numerous shopsshops and restaurants. and restaurants. bathroom bathroom suite.suite.

Rodwell Rodwell Road, Road, SE22SE22

£1,000 £1,000 PCMPCMLausanne Lausanne Road, Road, SE15SE15

£875£875 PCMPCM Brockley Brockley Road, Road, SE4 SE4

£650£650 PCMPCM

With own With entrance own entrance and wide and hallway, wide hallway, this delightful this delightful A wellAplanned well planned lower lower ground ground floor flat floorwith flatan with entrance an entrance Right Right in thein hub theofhub Crofton of Crofton Park, Park, SE London's SE London's best best first floor, first floor, double double bedroom bedroom flat enjoys flat enjoys natural natural light light hall leading hall leading into ainto spacious a spacious sittingsitting room room with awith feature a feature kept secret, kept secret, this well thisproportioned well proportioned studiostudio flat has flatjust has just throughout. throughout. It is well It islocated well located in a residential in a residential yet central yet central fireplace. fireplace. The double The double bedroom bedroom overlooks overlooks the private the privatebecome become available available to rent. to Accessed rent. Accessed just off just Brockley off Brockley part ofpart East of Dulwich, East Dulwich, With Lordship With Lordship Lane Lane & Northcross & Northcross garden garden to thetorear theofrear theofhouse the house and has and2has large 2 large fitted fittedRoad,Road, the flat the is flat quiet is quiet and peaceful, and peaceful, yet it'syet across it's across the the Rd's shops Rd's shops and restaurants and restaurants all within all within easy reach. easy reach. East Eastwardrobes. wardrobes. road from road Crofton from Crofton Park train Parkstation train station accessing accessing Victoria Victoria & & Dulwich Dulwich station station is a 10 is minute a 10 minute walk. walk. London London Bridge; Bridge; well connected well connected to theto City the&City West & West End. End.

HUMPHREYS SKITT & CO Established 1793

Blackheath 020 8297 1697 Greenwich 020 8858 1102

Reynolds Place SE3

£375,000 F/H

Conduit House, Hyde Vale SE10 £550,000 L/H

Basevi Way SE8

£589,950 F/H

Greenwich Park Street SE10 £895,000 F/H

Hyde Vale SE10

£995,000 F/H

Greenwich High Road SE10

Delightful 2 bed mid-terraced Victorian house set in Rectory Fields Conservation Area. Open plan dual aspect reception/dining room. Contemporary kitchen with granite worktops and ceramic floor. Bathroom boasts ‘Hansgrohe’ and ‘Villeroy & Boch’ accessories.

Spacious 5 bedroom three storey family house set in the popular Millennium Quay riverside development. Accommodation can be adapted to suit requirements. Good sized reception room. Large fitted kitchen/diner. Two family bathrooms and one en-suite. Pretty garden to rear.

Attractive four storey period style townhouse in West Greenwich Conservation Area with views towards the Heath to the front. Arranged over four floors and can be adapted to suit requirements offering up to 5 bedrooms. Large reception leading to west-facing garden.

www.humphreys-skitt.com

Extremely well-presented 3 bedroom apartment set within an attractive 1930’s mansion block at the top of Hyde Vale on the edge of the Heath. Refurbished to an extremely high standard in keeping with the Art Deco era. Spacious reception room and 17’ dining hall.

Beautifully finished four storey Georgian townhouse situated in a quiet no-through road close to Greenwich Park. Accommodation offers 4 bedrooms, dual aspect open plan kitchen/dining room with contemporary units. Reception/TV room with double doors to rear garden.

£1,550 pcm

Two newly refurbished 2 bedroom flats just yards from Greenwich mainline & DLR stations. Situated within walking distance of Greenwich town centre. Contemporary kitchen and stylish bathroom. Please call to discuss these and other properties that we have available to let.

living LOCAL

Your essential guide to the local area. Choose from the best restaurants, bars and cafes; pamper yourself at luxury spas, hairdressers and beauty salons; get the latest in style at fashion boutiques; soak up the culture at local theatres; explore the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse range of museums and attractions and do your weekly shopping at exotic grocers, butchers, bakers and delis.

Music Mania

Exploring Rock History

World of Wine

Davyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine vaults in greenwich

living local

areanews By Ben West

O2 earns £400m per year for London Before The O2 Arena - previously the Millennium Dome - was built there were howls of protest at the many millions of pounds it took to transform the Greenwich Peninsula it sits on from a toxic industrial wasteland by the Thames into a habitable stretch of land suitable for building upon. The Millennium Dome was an instant flop, housing an expensive and rather insubstantial exhibition, The Millennium Experience, celebrating the start of the third Millennium. The exhibition was badly attended, losing even more money, and the Dome then remained closed for many months at even more vast expense. At the same time construction started on the nearby Greenwich Millennium Village, a radical new housing development that promised great things in this burgeoning new ecologically aware age. While it hasn’t quite lived up to its initial promise, a new neighbourhood with many new homes, a modern school and health centre, and an attractive ecological park have been created. Considering the difficult early years, it is cheering

Transport latest… Transport for London (TfL) has secured funding for 90 additional hybrid buses, which will hit the streets later this year. These cleaner buses will be deployed at some of the most polluted ‘hotspots’ in central London and several routes will serve south London: route 188 (North Greenwich Station to Russell Square), route 453 (Deptford Broadway to Marylebone station) and 436 (Lewisham to Paddington Station). The buses will pump out less particulate matter and nitrogen pollution than traditional diesel double-decker buses, while the latest hybrid technology will mean that the buses are 40 per cent more fuel efficient than current diesel double-decker buses.

to hear that an independent survey by business consultancy Why Not commissioned by AEG Europe, owner of The O2 Arena, has concluded that The O2, which consistently attracts the world’s biggest stars, is now worth a massive £400m per annum to London. The survey was designed to evaluate how much extra income the venue generates for the capital, to ascertain its value as an employer, a visitor attraction, and as an impetus for regeneration. Since it opened in June 2007 The O2 Arena has become the globe’s most successful music, sports and entertainment venue. Launching with a Bon

Fewer cars for Greenwich? Plans to pedestrianise historic Greenwich, banning cars from College Approach and King William Walk, have been shelved, although Greenwich Council is still considering this for the Olympics next year. TfL is also currently looking at new options for traffic in Greenwich, while there is a growing call for pedestrian areas at the University of Greenwich’s new architecture wing in Stockwell Street.

Did you know? So many rock bands have been photographed in the Greenwich foot tunnel that it has become something of a cliche. Check out the short film ‘Walking to New Orleans’ on You Tube.

Jovi concert, its range spans everything from indoor tennis, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals to Led Zeppelin, Les Miserables performances and the Royal Ballet. It seemingly quite effortlessly bounced back from the shock cancellation of the Michael Jackson ‘This is it’ series of 50 concerts scheduled for the venue from July 2009 to March 2010 following the singer’s death 18 days before the first concert on June 25 2009. AEG Live, who persuaded Jackson to sign up for the shows, faced a liability of as much as £300m and had an empty venue to

rapidly fill for nine months. Things got back to normal pretty quickly and now the venue attracts up to 7.2 million visitors per annum, which is more than the number of international tourists received each year by India or Australia. It supports around 2,900 jobs, including 600 in Greenwich. It contributes £127m extra income for the Greenwich area each year alone. The complex continues to expand. Planning permission has recently been granted for a four star 450-bedroom luxury hotel set to include the largest meeting and banqueting space in London.

Southwark attracts the birds At a time when birds are becoming a rarity in London, meadows planted in Walworth and Peckham have resulted in more birdlife in Southwark, according to a new independent survey. A project by Southwark Council to plant meadows in Burgess Park and Peckham Rye Park has been seen to be boosting house sparrows in the area, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ survey. Its annual nationwide Big Garden Birdwatch survey has found that sparrow numbers have been falling in most areas of the capital, but in Southwark the population has actually increased compared with five years ago. Burgess Park is currently undergoing a £6m redevelopment, which will give visitors to the park a far more enjoyable experience. There will be improved access to nature by creating a variety of different habitats, attractive horticultural planting, improvements to the lake, the removal of redundant roads and pathways and making those that remain more user friendly, as well as creating improved entrances and better defined boundaries.

living local

Out&About... By Ben West

Do The British Music Experience at The O2 complex is an interactive museum of popular music that sweeps through 60 years of music history. Cutting edge audiovisual technology with music memorabilia - and a lot of flashing lights and sounds - highlight historic, era-defining moments and trends while memorabilia includes David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes clown suit and Ziggy Stardust costume, Noel Gallagher’s Union Jack guitar, Roger Daltrey’s Woodstock outfit and an Amy Winehouse dress. There is an opportunity to develop your skills on guitar, bass, drums and in the vocal booth, as well as dance moves.

British Music Experience, The 02 complex, Greenwich Peninsular, SE10 020 8463 2000 www,britishmusicexperience.com

BUY

EAT

PLAY

Step into See Wou in Greenwich and you could almost feel you’re in China. The exotic colours and smells of the unfamiliar foods makes this a memorable shopping experience. Inexplicably tucked away in a side street near the approach to the Blackwall Tunnel, watching the fishmongers take live lobsters and crabs from the large tanks and deftly prepare fresh fish for the queue of customers is quite a sight to behold.

With its sleek, smart interior, Blackheath Village’s Chapters All Day Dining looks like the place for a formal dinner. But you can pop in just for a coffee, or a long, leisurely lunch. Enjoy anything from Eggs Benedict to baked scallops and chorizo, or perhaps a rib eye steak cooked on a Josper oven, over charcoal embers. Be assured that the food is good: the restaurant is a holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand and two AA Rosettes.

If you still need a nudge to take up some much needed fitness, join the Dulwich Park Runners. A wide range of ages and abilities - from occasional keep fit casuals to ultra marathon enthusiasts - all enjoy running in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm at the Trevor Bailey Sports Club, there are groups of different abilities running anything between four and eight miles at a variety of paces. There are also monthly social meetings at a local pub.

43 - 45 Montpelier Vale, SE3 0TJ www.chaptersrestaurants.com

Trevor Bailey Sports Club, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD

Horn Lane, Greenwich SE10, www.seewoo.com

Escape Restaurants dedicated to British food are a rarity, so Canteen is a welcome addition to Canary Wharf’s canon of eateries. Canteen’s four branches - the other three are at Spitalfields Market, the Royal Festival Hall and Baker Street - are all in great locations and this one is no different. Diners look out from huge glass walls onto an expanse of skyscrapers and in the evening their hundreds of pretty lights make this a lovely location. Many of the ingredients for the menus are nationally sourced, with fish delivered fresh from day boats on the south coast and traditional artisan meat and vegetable producers supported. With its restful minimalist interior, of grey walls, pale woods and turf-green seating, you can enjoy traditional favourites such as steaks, roasts, pies and mash, or perhaps a half-pint of delicious fresh prawns. Canteen, The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square E14 5FW 0845 686 1122 www.canteen.co.uk

See HMS Belfast, moored on the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, is a great attraction for the whole family and is now the only surviving example of the great fleets of big gun armoured warships built for the Royal Navy in the first half of the twentieth century. Belfast saw action in both the Second World War and the Korean War and visitors can walk around the ship’s nine decks and imagine how sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept and envisage what life was like in the stormy seas and freezing conditions of the Arctic. HMS Belfast, Morgans Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 2JH www.hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk

DRINK

WEAR

Just along from Greenwich Railway Station, Davy’s Wine Vaults, established in 1870, is a wine bar with a gorgeous interior of cosy cubbyholes, sloping floors, vintage port bottles, cigars and antique barrels. The impressive wine list is augmented by maderias, puddding wines and ports, and there are also champagnes and beers. The regularly changing food menu could include steak and duck liver parfait, Whitstable Bay ale pie and rich dark chocolate torte. Davy’s also has a wine shop next door where you can source those extra special cases of wine.

Under its new direction, womenswear fashion brand Whistles is beginning to reclaim its roots, as an independent, stylish and über cool boutique. Founded by Lucille Lewin in 1976, its first store in Marylebone pioneered new labels and designers in London for the first time, launching John Galliano, Dries van Noten and Jean Paul Gaultier. Its Carey double-breasted 60s coat (£235) consists of a black structured jacket made from an Italian benotto fluid wool. With slim lapels, two draped pockets at the hem and full sleeves, it’s super stylish.

Davy’s Wine Vaults, 161 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JA www.davy.co.uk/winevaultsgreenwich

Whistles, 11 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0TA www.whistles.co.uk

living local

My London London’s hidden secrets… This month Karin Tearle shares some favoured local destinations from her little black book

For Shopping… Johnny Rocket I love the independent jeweller Johnny Rocket for unusual pieces and very friendly knowledgeable service. Many different designers display their work here and you can be sure to find something different. Rocket can also make jewellery especially designed for you. The environment is reminiscent of a boudoir. 10 College Approach, SE10 9HY www.johnnyrocketltd.co.uk

For Pampering… So Organic I go to So Organic for wonderful beauty products by Dr Hauschka, as well as a plethora of gorgeous organic cosmetics. I also like to go there for beauty treatments or massages after a long day at work. 22 Nelson Road, SE10 9JB, www.soorganic.com

For Food… Bianco 43 There is a great new restaurant called Bianco 43 in Greenwich. It’s small and cosy and offers delicious home-made pastas and seafood as well as wonderful pizzas. They also have a good selection of wines and the owners make sure you feel welcome. 43 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BL www.bianco43.com

For Entertainment… Up the Creek Comedy Club Up the Creek Comedy club is quite an institution in Greenwich and has been going strong for over 20 years. Sunday nights are my favourite for real comedy aficionados, but if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday night you can be sure you’ll enjoy some dancing after the comedians have left. 302 Creek Road, SE10 9SW, www.up-the-creek.com

For Leisure… Greenwich University grounds Karin is founder of Belle, the designer clothing boutique in College Approach, Greenwich. The stylish outlet is the perfect place to source glamorous pieces from international brands. 20 College Approach, SE10 9HY, www.bellefashion.co.uk

I love walking around the grounds of Greenwich University (which used to be the Royal Naval College). Trinity College of Music is also located here and if you take a stroll on a summer’s day you can hear the musicians practising – it’s magical! The grounds are also used for filming, and last year we had the pleasure of the Pirates of the Caribbean cast wandering around Greenwich in full costume. Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org

living local

The view

from here...

rock gods Our resident columnist Ben West talks about south east London’s rich musical history

Get online South London has long been a rich source of musical talent, and Greenwich especially. It possibly all started with one of England’s best early composers, Thomas Tallis (circa 1505–1585), who lived in Greenwich for the last years of his life. Christopher Gabbitas, baritone with a cappella group The King’s Singers, currently lives in Greenwich, while Willard White, regarded as one of the world’s very best bass-baritones, has a house in Lewisham. You can hear him in action on 9 June in the Sydenham Music Festival at St Bartholomew’s Church, Westwood Hill, Sydenham (www.sydenhammusic.org.uk). When it comes to more modern music styles, a whole host of musicians have populated the area, including Gabrielle (Brockley and Honor Park), Mica Paris, David Sylvian, and Luke Pritchard of The Kooks (Lewisham), Mogul and Officer Kicks (Blackheath and Greenwich), Kate Bush (Brockley and Lewisham), Albert Lee, Lee Ryan of Blue and Jack Peñate (Blackheath). In 1966 Jimi Hendrix lived in Hither Green, of all places, while Blur’s Graham Coxon, Damon Albarn and Alex James met in Goldsmith’s College students’ union bar.

For me, Squeeze will always be the local music royalty for the Greenwich area. Even at the height of their fame, producing hits like “Cool for Cats” and “Labelled With Love”, you’d often see Jools Holland, Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford or Gilson Lavis around and about. Glenn now lives in Charlton, while Jools has a house and a glorious Portmerionstyle music studio modelled on a railway station in Westcombe Park complete with fake pub, ‘The Holland Arms’. Squeeze have played lots of local venues over the years, as well as an open air concert on Blackheath. You can catch them, along with two more local bands, the excellent Nine Below Zero, and Status Quo (Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster met at Sedgehill Comprehensive School in Catford) as part of the Greenwich Summer Sessions from 26-31 July at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 (www. greenwichsummersessions.co.uk). In the 1980s, in an attempt at rock super stardom, I used to hang out at a rehearsal studio complex near the Cutty Sark in Greenwich called Wood Wharf Wood Wharf was managed at the time by the esteemed jazz and blues guitarist Billy Jenkins, and was a magical place back then because bands like Squeeze, Dire Straits (who started out in the pubs of Deptford), The Police and local onehit-wonders Splogenessabounds and One the Juggler, a band with a striking gypsy look, would often be rehearsing in the next room. Wood Wharf Rehearsal Studios was eventually demolished to make way for an apartment block of the same name. A pity, really.

There are an increasing number of useful websites covering lots of different aspects of south London and here are some of our favourites: •w ww.blackheathbugle.wordpress.com Blackheath-based blog • www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk An entertaining and informative guide to the area, often focusing on quirky subjects • www.greenwichdirectory.co.uk ‘Time Out’-style guide to the Blackheath and Greenwich area • www.greenwich.co.uk News and reviews for the Greenwich area • www.greenwichpodcast.wordpress.com A regular mini-radio show about Greenwich with interviews and absorbing features •w ww.eastdulwichforum.co.uk Lots of local issues discussed plus a useful page of information • www.lordshiplane.co.uk News, a business directory, events calendar, contact details for local organisations and more •w ww.boroughmarket.co.uk Market map, traders info and what’s on at this popular south east London food market • www.london-se1.co.uk A forum, news and source of information about the London Bridge area

M ar N ket ow in O gS pe u n ite

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living local

State of the market Oliver Burgess, branch valuer at Winkworth Estate agents in East Dulwich comments on the state of the residential property market

Spring sales bring renewed interest

pring is here and the property market is getting ready for the usual rise in interest both from buyers and sellers who are ready to start looking for that perfect property, ready for a move during the summer. There’s plenty going on in April with the Bank Holiday weekend and lots of street parties for the Royal Wedding, for those that choose to stay in London they have been enjoying what East Dulwich has to offer. East Dulwich is a vibrant part of London with so many independent shops, pubs and restaurants, in turn people are coming from far and wide to live here. Even those living in North London have heard of the area’s charms and are beginning to migrate South. It is a fantastic part of town where there is still a sense of local community and coupled with the fact that there are so many good quality local primary schools, open green parks and excellent transport links to central London, prices have been steadily rising. At the end of last year there appeared to be a slight lull, and certainly January and February were slow burners. March saw the real return and April has continued in the same vein. The demand for family houses is as strong as ever and the key change has been the number of first time buyers and some rental investors returning to the market, keen to purchase again. This then has been driving the rest of the chain upwards and allowing families to expand, move closer to the schools and settle down for the longer term. The lettings market continues to be very busy and some properties are not even lasting a day on the market with several applicants looking to make offers. To achieve the best return on your investment it is important to have the property looking as fresh and tidy as possible and there is no doubt that rental applicants are getting fussier, but are willing to pay excellent rents for well located, well presented properties. So if you are thinking of selling or renting it’s time to start the spring clean, get out the paint brush and do all those DIY jobs that have been sitting on the to do list for months. n

Winkworth, East Dulwich 020 8299 2722 www.winkworth.co.uk

living local

HOT PROPERTY: Life alfresco

This superb semi-detached Victorian family home has been thoroughly reworked to create a bright and spacious environment. The front reception room benefits from a large bay fronted window, Victorian fireplace and built in cabinets. The kitchen sits at the rear of the house and boasts one of the best

features of this stylish home; a sublime extension constructed entirely of glass, creating an ideal al fresco dining space without having to endure the elements and thanks to the underfloor heating, is usable all year round. Pellatt Road is ideally located for all of East Dulwichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amenities.

Pellatt Rd, SE22 £550,000 Freehold Truepenny’s www.truepennys.com

020 8693 2277 25

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Ferry St C1

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Romney Rd E3

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Glaisher St A3

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Saunders Ness Rd D1

Glenister Rd I1

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Straightsmouth C5

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Haddo St B4

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Tyler St H3

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King George St D6

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Langdale Rd B6

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Lassell St F2

Webb Rd I4

Lemmon Rd G3

Wellend St C3

Lindsell St B8

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Westcombe Park Rd H4

Maidestone Hill C8

Westgrove Lane D7

Mays Building Mews D6

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Mays Hill G4

Witworks St G1

Maze Hill F3

Wood Wharf B3

Mycenae Rd J4

Woodland Cres F3

Coleraine Rd J3

Copperas St A4

Dabin Cres B8

Nelson Rd D4

Woodland Gr G2

Collington St F2

Creek Rd B4

Dartmouth Hill C8

Nevada St D5

Woodlands Park Rd G3

Colomb St H2

Crooms Hill D5

Dartmouth Row D8

Norman Rd A5

Woodlands Park Rd H3

Combdale Rd J2

Crooms Hill E6

Denham St J1

Norway St B3

Woolwich Rd I1

Commerell St H1

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Bawdale Rd H2 Beauval Rd G4 Beckwith Rd D3 Birkbeck Hill A9 Blackwater St G2 Boxall Rd E5 Brantwood Rd A1 Burbage Rd C5 Carlton Ave F3 Carver Rd A3 Casino Ave C1 Chesterfield Grove G1 Cokers Lane C9 College Gdns E8 College Rd E6 Cosbycote Ave A2 Court Lane F5 Court Lane Gdns G6 Croxted Rd B6 Crystal Palace Rd H4 Cyrina Rd H3 Dalkeith Rd B7 Danecroft Rd C2 Dekker Rd F4

Holmdene Ave B2 Jennings Rd H4 Kestrel Ave A2 Lairdale Close B7 Landcroft Rd H4 Landells Rd H5 Lordship Lane G3 Lovelace Rd B9 Lowden Rd A1 Lytcott Rd G2 Melbourne Grove G1 Nairne Grove D1 Norwood Rd A5 Nutfield Rd H1 Peabody Estate A6 Peabody Hill A8 Pellat Rd H3 Perifield Rd C9 Pickwick Rd E6 Playfield Cres G2 Railton Rd A3 Red Post Hill C1 Red Post Hill D3 Rodwell Rd H3

Delawyk Cres C4 Desenfans Rd F5 Dorchester Ct B1 Dorchester Dr B1 Dovercourt Rd G4

Rollscourt Ave B2 Rosendale Rd B7 Roseway D5 Ruskin Walk B3 Rycotes Mead F8

Druce Rd F5 Dulwich Common E9 Dulwich Rd A3 Dulwich Village E4 East Dulwich Grove F1 Eastlands Cres G5 Elfindale Rd C2 Elmwood Rd C3 Eynella Rd G6 Fellbridge Rd H2 Frank Dixon Way F8 Frankfurt Rd C2 Gallery Rd D8 Gilkes Cres E4 Glengarry Rd G2 Goodrich H4 Green Dale F2 Gubyon Ave A2 Guernsey Grove A6 Halfmoon Lane B3

Shardcroft Ave A2 Silvester Rd H3 Stradella Rd B4 Strawberry Rd H1 Sunray Ave D1 Tarbert Rd F1 Tell Grove G1 Thompson Rd H4 Thurlow Hill A9 Thurlow Park Rd C9 Townley Rd F3 Trossach Rd F1 Turney Rd B7 Village Way D4 Walkerscroft Mead C9 Warmington Rd C3 Whateley Rd H2 Winterbrook Rd B4 Woodquest Ave A2 Woodwarde Rd G5

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life style

Your essential guide to the lastest interiors trends and styles. Update spaces with unique and dynamic pieces from local boutiques; discover new ways to use distinctive colours, bespoke furniture and luxury fabric to refresh your home. Read designer interviews, get ideas for your garden and find out how to replicate the luxury style of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fabulous properties.

Spring Forward

floral chic for the new season

Designer Focus

cutting edge light design from Alex Randall

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020 7381 5937 info@2wentyfour.com www.2wentyfour.com

Loft conversions kitchen & bathroom design basements refurbishments space planning extensions landscaping interior design

life style

interiorsnews New York Home in London With sleek architecture, smart furniture and rich colours as standard, there are few people who haven’t once desired loft-style living space, akin to that of a grand Manhattan penthouse. The new homeware collection from urban design guru Kenneth Cole indulges such fantasies. Spanning everything from chaise longues to crockery, the line has a modern and slightly masculine feel, ideal for any city pad. The ebony leather sofa and glass and solid beech table are particularly slick yet functional additions for an entertaining space, which can be styled with monochrome candles and vivid red ceramic pendant lights. ‘New York Home’ by Kenneth Cole is available exclusively at House of Fraser

Out of Africa The wild, western province of Zimbabwe is the inspiration for renowned sculptor Patrick Mavros, who immortalises native wildlife in silver. Each unique piece is created at his hilltop studio just outside Harare and recent designs include a functional lamp set within an intricate carving of playing monkeys, as well as elephant-based candle sticks and a range of sculpture. Patrick’s 20 year career was born out of his desire to make a precious and sentimental gift for a partner and he continues to use a pain-staking wax casting method to produce exquisitely detailed and original items which add character to any home. Available at Harrods www.patrickmavros.com

Silver Service Behind the doors of 53 Chancery Lane is the world’s largest retail collection of fine antique silver. Inside, you will find everything from a silver champagne swizzle stick to a full size silver armchair. This beautiful double decanter and biscuit barrel in crystal, with a silver frame, is just the thing for Glyndebourne or for alfresco dining at home. Also perfect to mark a special occasion, it was made in London in 1871 and can be bought at Stephen Kalms at the London Silver Vaults, WC2, for £2,100.

Changing Your Space Stuck for space? Hold off on the ‘For Sale’ sign or plans for an extension because, often, the space you need is right in front of you. Whether you want an open-plan kitchenliving area, an extra bedroom or bathroom, downstairs cloakroom or study, you may be able to fit it in by simply changing or rearranging your existing space. By removing walls, changing stairs, borrowing space from neighbouring rooms or existing rooms for a different purpose,

interiors designers, like Chameleon Designs, and architects can often create the extra space you need. Rearranging rather than extending is now hugely popular, particularly as money for large projects may be in short supply. It is also the perfect solution if you are not able to extend, live in a flat or have already developed beyond what the local authority deems acceptable for a home the size of yours. www.chameleondesignsinteriors.co.uk

life style

thetrend Inject the essence of Spring into your home with some well chosen acessories. Think bright colours, classic linens and floral prints for a modern and welcoming feel

Suzane Bed Linen, from £15.99 Zara Home, www.zarahome.com

Perfectly Pretty Floral Bunting, £6.00 The Contemporary Home, www.tch.net

Resin Rose Frame, £15, Joy, www.joythestore.com

Ornamental Studio Pegs, £4.50, Whippet Grey www.whippetgrey.co.uk

Glass Tea Light, £19 each, Whippet Grey www.whippetgrey.co.uk

Linea by Collier Campbell Cleo Teacup, £7.50 House of Fraser, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Patch Print Wooden Handle Bag, £10 Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk

Mixed Colour Flower Cushion, £120 Cushlab, www.cushlab.co.uk

Antique Rose Bed Spread, £145 Cath Kidston, www.cathkidston.com

Lisa Odette Peacock Glass Vase £57, Heal’s, www.heals.co.uk

life style

Polynesia Print Drum by Ella Peters, £80 Heal’s, www.heals.co.uk

Tropical Birds Wall Sticker, £19 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Flora & Fauna Postcards, £9.95, Whippet Grey www.whippetgrey.co.uk

Yellow Pastel Metal Jug, £5.99 The Contemporary Home, www.tch.net

Namitha Cushions, £25.99 Zara Home, www.zarahome.com

Bird Jewellery Tree, £10, Joy, www.joythestore.com

How green is your home? Morgan May

OUR PASSION IS OUR SUCCESS Morgan May can provide a warm and pleasant home for you. We specialise in traditional build methods and focus on the best available current build technology. Good design, cost efficiency and carbon reduction is at the heart of what we do. With this approach we can transform your home and provide savings;

Chatsworth Church Chatsworth Church was built around 1953-1957, after the earlier Victorian church building was destroyed during WW2 air raid bombing. The current building underwent total refurbishment during Aug - Dc 2009. The works involved, internal altercations, addition of new toilets, kitchen, stain glass, glass entrance doors, solid oak enclosures, lead work, light fittings, decorations, pews and a new underfloor heating system. Chatsworh provided the opportunity for renovation, execution of traditional craftsmanship, application of new technology and good design to improve the thermal efficiency and carbon emission of the building.

Contact Trevor McClymont:

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Soft Furnishings Curtains & Pelmets Blinds Cushion Covers QUILTING â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am absolute ly DELIGHTED with the new sofa covers. T h a n k yo u s o much.â&#x20AC;? Monica from B elgravia

Beautiful Hand made furnishings by Josie Foster Furnishings Studio will help furnish your home or office in your taste but with the addition of technical expertise and flair. We cover all types of soft furnishings and hold trade accounts with the leading manufacturers of fabrics and wallpapers.

www.furnishingsstudio.com Call 020 8697 5503 or email info@furnishingsstudio.com

life style

designerfocus ALEX RANDALL There are few designers who can boast the achievement of a ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ award from uber-stylish department store Liberty, within months of graduating, says Lana Jordan

alented lighting artist Alex Randall, having started selling a collection of her pieces from glamorous London outlet Liberty, is now a frequent gallery exhibitor, and she has participated in worldwide displays from London Design Week to the New York Design festival with The Future Perfect. Randall describes her work as conceptual, and her ideas are often developed from the writing she produces at her Devon studio. Inspiration comes in the form of everyday events which she witnesses in the countryside around her and in her work with reclaimed objects - Alex started exploring taxidermy in 2008. Accordingly there is great diversity throughout her work. Back-lit rotary dial telephones make quirky and atmospheric accessories, while chandeliers crafted from antlers are striking centre-pieces. In many ways the Alex Randall signature is a provocative array of lamps and sconces fashioned from stuffed wildlife, and she spends many hours sourcing animals from culls and hunts. However, the slightly controversial nature of some of her pieces does not mean they are any less in demand and she regularly works on private commissions as well as large installations for corporate clients. Randall’s pieces are so eye-catching that she has recently teamed up with the photographer Claire Rosen to begin work on a book. This will be shot in both the UK and US and such is the interest that the photographs have already been short-listed for The Sony Worldwide Photographic Awards. n

www.alexrandall.co.uk

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life style

must have item

REGAL AND RUSTIC Designer Christopher Guy set out to defy traditional furniture-making with his instinctive and inventive style. This headboard is particularly striking and fits perfectly with this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interiors trend for all things bold and opulent. The piece is hand-carved from solid wood and

is available in queen, king and California king-size. We love the Italian silver finish which is classical yet sleek. Renaissance gold, white and coral lacquers are also available. n ÂŁ8,345, Christopher Guy, www.christopherguy.com

lion building uk LTD South East London

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life style

Bubbles & crocuses This year’s Chelsea Flower Show promises to be a champagne-filled affair, says Lana Jordan

he Chelsea Flower Show has served as an annual celebration of fine horticulture since the Royal Society’s spring shows of 1833. These days, the lavish five day event features an array of gardens, planned by internationally eminent designers in collaboration with various businesses who are proud to support the event. This year the show theme is ‘Nature and Human Intervention’ and will include a fabulous display prepared for luxe champagne brand Laurent-Perrier by the awardwinning creator Luciano Giubbileti. It is the 13th time that Laurent Perrier have produced a garden, having won several gold medals for their previous attempts. However, this year the team are particularly excited. “The theme of this year’s garden is highly appropriate. Demonstrating the process of nature and human intervention, Laurent-Perrier has been handcrafting a fine and diverse range of champagnes from the

Grand Cru vineyards of Champagne since 1812,” says managing director, David Hesketh MW. The garden will feature two distinct areas which reflect the shared philosophy of nature and architecture. The first will be a calm and relaxing space for

A lavish five day event featuring an array of gardens, planned by internationally eminent designers contemplation, while the second is envisaged as a lively, denselyplanted yet elegant area. Both parts will use a beautiful palette of maroon, bronze and pale pink to reflect the brand’s Cuvée Rosé champagne, which is also intended to create a romantic atmosphere. Alongside the plants, three sculptures have been commissioned from Peter Randall-Page, as well as

a sensory bamboo pavilion by Kengo Kuma, which are sure to add interest. For those who are particularly enamoured with the design, there will be the opportunity to purchase the plants online from the supplier, www.crocus.co.uk and over 80 per cent of the garden is planned for re-use as part of a large residential estate. This is an important part of the work which honours environmental sustainability. If you aren’t able to attend the Chelsea Flower show, between the 23 and 29 May the Dorchester are holding a unique version of their famous afternoon tea to mark the occasion. Guests can settle on the Promenade which will be decorated to co-ordinate with the Laurent Perrier Garden. Treats available include fragrant mousses, edible flowers and various fruity desserts. n The 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 24-28 May. www.chelseaflowershowblog.com www.thedorchester.com/afternoon-tea

life style

Summer Sculpture Stylish hotel The Grove opens its beautiful grounds this summer, to showcase an incredible array of sculpture for sale

any will be familiar with luxury country house retreat, The Grove in Hertfordshire. Set just twenty minutes outside of London, the five star hotel has top notch facilities including a stunning restaurant, serene spa and expansive golf course. However, it is its three hundred acres of lush grounds which The Grove is most famous for. And this summer the gorgeous scenery will work as a unique outdoor gallery for sixty sculptures, as part of a new exhibition. Each of the works is inspired by The Grove itself and both figurative

and abstract pieces have been commissioned from eminent and emerging artists. These contributors include graduates from the country’s best art colleges along with awardwinning creatives from Australia, Holland and Spain. The curator of the exhibition is Virginia Grub who has worked on artistic projects for the past 25 years, including the selection of aesthetic displays for large corporate clients. With Sculpture at the Grove, Virginia wanted to create a destination which would allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at their own pace and for this reason, sculptures are placed along designated routes

throughout the gardens. The first walk is from the reception to a walled garden. This scenic pathway ends at the site of the estate’s fruit and vegetable patch, which dates back to 1878. Alongside avenues of walnut trees and herbs, lies a greenhouse for orchids. The space is now also the location of the outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and an urban beach, creating a vibrant yet attractive leisure area. The sculptures visible along this route include a dramatic carrara marble cut-out by Michael Dan Archer, who reflects the strong physicality of materials in his work. Michael’s designs are almost

architectural in nature and his exhibited piece allows light to stream through, embodying the interaction between building and nature. Further along the walk is the modern outline of Cyclist, constructed by David Macilwaine out of a 12mm thick steel rod. David was inspired to produce his own installations after making suspended mobiles as centrepieces for BT. These days his works are either powder-coated to give them a colourful presence or left to rust naturally for an edgy feel. The second walk snakes through the Formal Gardens, which are quiet spaces for contemplation. Seats are set amongst rose beds and other floral displays, while there are also terraces and a water feature to enjoy. Here, Dick Budden has contributed ‘Pear with Bite’, an oversized bronzed resin copy of a half-eaten

fruit. The opportunity to view Budden’s work is even more special owing to his traditional polystyrene and glass fibre techniques, which have previously rendered his pieces more suitable for private display. This exhibit has been cast in bronze to make it an indestructible form for all to witness. The final path links the restaurant, banqueting suites and the stables, with the garden and offers a beautiful stroll to the canal. Although it will be tremendously difficult for guests to select their one favourite piece, those looking to harness the style and intrigue of the event will be able to purchase any of the works. Prices will start from £1,500. n Sculpture at The Grove runs from 1 May to 31 August. www.thegrove.co.uk

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live OVERSEAS

Escape to a second home in the sun, snow or city with our definitive guide to luxury properties across the globe. We look at beachside chic, mountain chalets, city penthouses, remote mansions, village cottages and converted palaces. Our buyers guide is the essential toolkit for buying abroad, while our property features showcase some of the most exciting developments overseas.

Wine Country A divine chateau in beaujolais

Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide

exclusive opportunities in america

live overseas

buyer’s guide to...

America

When buying property in a country overseas, the investment climate and associated lifestyle is of obvious importance. This month’s Buyer’s Guide explores why THE US is becoming a leading location for new homes

he question that most foreign real estate investors may have on their minds is, ‘Is now a good time to buy in the U.S.?’ The short answer is ‘Yes.’ Real estate prices have plummeted in the past two years, driving investors away from the U.S. Having suffered a tough recession, the likes of which we have not seen in many decades, investors may still seem a bit skeptical about re-investing in our real estate markets. However, where buyer

confidence has finally reached rock bottom, and many cities are seeing economic recoveries, a change in confidence has generated a growing number investors (foreign and domestic) to reassess risk and give our markets a second chance.

City slicker This renewed interest has resulted in a resurgence of investment, primarily in markets such as New York City, which has seen a significant population increase

over the past decade. Re-entry of investors can be attributed to a number of factors, some of which are price stabilisation, rising rents, and an easing in the lending environments. Pockets of up and coming areas are always of interest to the foreign investor who are looking for an upside, not just financially, but also from the perspective of saying, “I just bought an apartment in the new Soho”. Opportunities in these areas are the best, as prices still tend to be below market. The established locations such as the Upper West Side of Manhattan are seeing a strong rebound despite the fact that the area was practically unaffected by the recession of the last two years.

Beachside luxury A similar pattern exists in other states that have been significantly affected by price drops. If you are considering an apartment in Miami, for example, there is still significant risk in purchasing outside of properties past the oceanfront. South Beach properties, directly on the ocean, continue to recover and in certain cases are seeing pre-recessionary prices, while condominiums west of Collins Avenue are continuing to languish.

Expert guidance This information, although readily available to market experts and brokers, does not always reach the foreign investor. Dealing with a reputable broker and legal counsel will generally save you not just time and money but in many cases will provide you a strong basis for an extra return on your investment. A broker who is familiar with financially weak buildings or attorneys who will point out risks associated with certain developers are a must and the first course of business for any serious investor. Although every City has its unique financials as well as legal pitfalls, it is the job of the investor to minimize that risk by identifying a local trusted advisor that can help you manoeuvre through the legal and financial, as well as tax associated, issues.

Popular areas Another consideration is that of risk tolerance. While buying in Manhattan is considered to be not only prestigious but also a safe investment, today’s returns will very likely pale in comparison to investing in secondary markets. The questions many are asking today are where to invest and which areas seem to offer a conservative stable growth and yield? All markets have been hit from the recession, primary and secondary. But a variety of prime real estate locals have not been as greatly affected as secondary markets. Such locations, if any, offer great bargains for a stronger return on investment. For example, Washington DC, Phoenix, and greater Miami normally yield returns upwards of nine per cent. In comparison, current returns in Manhattan are typically below five per cent. While the adage of location, location, location is still the mantra of every real estate professional, today we have to add a prefix of ‘stick to the primary markets’. While this opinion is not uniform in our industry, history reflects that a long-term hold in Manhattan has

outperformed, over the past fifty years, almost every other market in the U.S. This trend may not replicate in the next fifty years but it is the opinion of my clientele, both foreign and domestic, that now is the time and New York is the place. Last but not least, proper tax structuring is a must for a foreigner purchasing real estate property in the U.S. While there are no legal barriers to a foreigner buying property, one should consult a tax adviser so as to minimize the tax exposure at time of sale. n

Above from top to bottom:

New York brownstones Miami beachfront Seattle suburbs

Thanks to Edward Memerlstein, real estate attorney Rheem Bell & Mermelstein LLP www.rbmllp.com

live overseas

Wine Country From a vineyard to a consecrated chapel, this Beaujolais residence offers not just a luxurious retreat but an idyllic lifestyle

s summer draws ever closer, it seems that nothing could be more desirable than life al fresco in the Beaujolais region of France. The area is known, not just for its picturesque scenery, but for its long tradition of wine-making, and benefits from a warm, sunny climate. Nestled within the Beaujolais countryside, between the quaint villages of Saint-Armour and Fleurie is a majestic chateau steeped in history. Aside from being a stopover for Napoleon in 1811, the property has been tied to noble families since its construction in 1690 and today remains impressive enough for even the most discerning of buyers. Unsurprisingly, the chateau is an authentic retreat and possesses its own vineyards. These not only afford beautiful views but are fully prepared for production of an A. O. C. Moulin à Vent red wine and serve as the setting for a gorgeous swimming pool amid the grapevines. The estate also includes a mid-19th century St Suplice-style chapel which retains stunning stained glass windows following complete renovation. The fact that the building is still consecrated not only makes it particularly special, but means that future owners could potentially host ceremonies at home, adding a personal element to their important occasions. If a stroll in the grounds wasn’t relaxing enough, a small cloister leads to a suite of bedrooms, alongside a sauna and massage room. This area is particularly cool and peaceful lending itself well to an afternoon nap or pampering session during the heat of the day. This space is independent of a four bedroom guest house, an essential consideration given the number of visitors who will be eager to visit. The main building has eleven bedrooms, many of which contain one or two stately four poster-beds. The boudoir style rooms also feature velvet couches, book cases and ample storage space making them unique and private spaces for relaxing as well as sleeping. The style of the house is classical yet fresh and a soft colour palette of olive, taupe and oatmeal is complimented by handsome wooden beams and floors, beautiful, signature linens and ornate candle sconces. Four stately fireplaces and sculpted panelling throughout contribute further to the charm of the property, which manages to be light and summery by day, yet cosy and atmospheric as the evening draws in. The house also has the sheer benefit of size and many rooms are perfect for entertaining and leisure. In keeping with its period style, there is a grand library which comes complete with a ‘La Pléiade’

collection of Renaissance poetry as well as billiard rooms and grand dining areas. However, film buffs will particularly enjoy the home cinema, a comfortable haven intended for viewing the next big blockbuster. The kitchen is impressive and professionally equipped having been designed to cater for thirty guests. However, there is always the option to cook in the summer kitchen of the interior courtyard. This open-plan area boasts a town fountain and a La Cornue barbecue with ample seating, epitomising the chateau’s desirability as a lavish, garden party venue. Of course, no party would be complete without a glass of the house’s signature label wine, Vin de Bourgogne’ which is typically stored in a designated cellar at the chateau. The agents anticipate that the estate will be purchased by a wine enthusiast and interest has already been registered from many jet-setting entrepreneurs and celebrities. Unlike many properties of its type, the chateau combines historical relevance with excellent maintenance and decor, making it suitable for those looking to acquire a home quickly and in perfect time for the summer season. n www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com

Beaujolais Facts • Beaujolais is situated to the north of Lyon and covers part of Burgundy and the Rhône-Alps • The Romans were the first to cultivate the area under the leadership of Caesar in the 1st Century BC. • The wines cultivated in Beaujolais are derived mostly from the Gamay grape • Traditionally Beaujolais is the first of the French wines to be harvested each year • The region also has a thriving forestry industry

advertorial - land & development sale opportunity

A Paramount Opportunity With the recent announcement of Paramount Pictures locating in Murcia Spain comes the perfect investment opportunity

land & development opportunity

Paramount Pictures have chosen the region of Murcia for the construction of the biggest theme park in Spain, which aims to compete directly with Disneyland, Paris. The initiative will see the region of Murcia become the ‘Leisure Centre of Spain’ and the 2.5km² complex will require over 15,000 hotel beds to facilitate visitors attracted to the area and an estimated 20,000 jobs will be created as a direct result. Paramount Pictures will develop the Park on 108 acres of land, with its visitors being fed by a new international airport at Corvera (which opens early in 2012). The Park is also conveniently located just five minutes from the Condado de Alhama resort which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year and is already an established and attractive holiday destination. The theme park will take four years to construct and will open in 2015. By 2020 the Park is expected to attract over five million visitors per year, 50% more than Porta Ventura, currently Spain’s largest theme park destination. On offer, is a plot of land ripe for development in the area that is in the vicinity of the new park site. Covering an area of 381,582 m², the gentle undulation of the land allows minimal excavation to be performed prior to construction and with existing connections to all main services available, as well as excellent drainage, the site is primed ready for development. Known as “Canades del Romero”, the plot is also located close to the towns of Mazarron and Totana. Mazarron is a bustling beach side resort with a large contingent of holiday properties whilst Totana is a charming Spanish town with an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. The recent completion of a motorway linking these two towns has made accessing the development site extremely easy. Key Site facts: The area of Murcia is set to enjoy all the prosperity that these initiatives will bring and this development plot offers an exceptional investment opportunity to capitalise on these developments now. For more information please contact Terry Collette from Country Developments S.L. on +44 (0)791 7275 751 or email him at terrycollette2000@yahoo.co.uk

• 381,582 m² plot • Minimal excavation required • All services available • Excellent drainage • Planning applied for 672 apartments and villas plus one hotel. Favourably received by Town Hall • 5 min drive from Paramount Theme Park • 25km from Corvera International Airport (opens early 2012) • 10 min drive to coastal town of Mazarron • All local motorway infrastructure completed • Abundance of local Golfing resort

Area: 381,582 m2 Price: Offers in excess of €9.2m 55

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newHOMES

Your essential guide to new local developments. Read up to the minute information about star apartments, good investments, yet to be launched to the market properties, and the best in innovative design, architectural excellence and chic, city style. This dedicated section covers luxury projects throughout Blackheath, Camberwell, Dulwich and other select areas of South East London.

Development Focus

Penthouse Living, city style

Property Latest

Cool neighbourhoods on the rise

newhomes

Property Latest By Ben West

Neighbourhood on trend Discover the next uber-trendy neighbourhood and, as well as being ahead of the pack, buy early enough and you can really cash in. However, tread carefully, the next big thing can become so last year in about the time it takes a model to walk down the catwalk during Fashion Week. Or it may never live up to the early hype that surrounded it. It can be difficult to spot the next up-and-coming area: London is such a large, sprawling metropolis that several neighbourhoods are always going in and out of fashion simultaneously. However, by doing a bit of research, you can use the ever-changing property market to your advantage. Peckham is currently a contender. It has come a long way from ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and is set to really benefit from transport extension work linking it to the new East London Line in the next few years. However, at the moment is still relatively cheap and full of

Licensed estate agents helping customers win Estate agent Barton Wyatt is one of the first UK agencies to receive its license from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). A licensed estate agency guarantees that at least one person within each office is qualified in residential property sales, either through a formal qualification or through length of membership through the NAEA. This qualification requirement is unique to NAEA licensed estate agents - the only license of its kind in the UK property industry. Barton Wyatt have five qualified members of staff. At its launch in the House of Commons in November 2010, the licensing scheme was given the backing by Grant Shapps, Housing Minister and Alison Seabeck, shadow housing minister. “We are focused on providing a high calibre service to our sellers and buyers, and being a founder licensed estate agent shows our commitment to remaining one of the best estate agents in the country,” says James Wyatt, partner of Barton Wyatt.

independent shops and restaurants, and some funky little bars too. Public relations consultant Lana Wrightman opts for Bethnal Green and London Fields: “Although I’m in danger of sounding like Kevin the Teenager, Hoxton and Shoreditch are so over! Hoxton and Shoreditch are so expensive now. The truly trendy types are leaving and moving to Bethnal Green and London Fields. “Alexa Chung and her Arctic Monkey boyfriend have a place in Bethnal Green and the area around Columbia Road, known as the Jesus Green estate, is seriously hip. Bethnal Green has just got its first boutique hotel, Town Hall Hotel in the former town hall, appropriately enough. London Fields is arguably even cooler and slightly more established.” Says Kevin Green, lettings manager at agent Keatons branch in Hackney: “There’s currently massive demand for rental flats in London Fields. If I had a flat today I’d rent it out immediately.”

Agents report booming sales

Agents Knight Frank have just reported that it completed on £333m of transactions in the three weeks leading up to the 5th April 2011, compared to £74m in the same period of 2010. “We saw an unprecedented rise in the number of exchanges and completions before the end of the 2010/11 tax year, which was solely down to buyers keen to avoid paying an extra one per cent in stamp duty,” says Rupert Sweeting, head of country department at Knight Frank. “This is entirely understandable - on a £3m purchase a buyer saves £30,000.” Meanwhile, for the year to March

2011 West End specialist estate agency LDG saw a marked increase in sales of properties priced over £1m from 30 per cent in 2009/10 to 71 per cent in 2010/11. “We did not experience a surge in completions from people trying to avoid the stamp duty increase,” says Laurence Glynne, partner at LDG. “Instead, I believe the higher number of sales of property in excess of £1m is because we saw an increase of nearly 20 per cent of people buying their main UK residence in the West End last year and as confidence has returned to the property market here, vendors have been more willing to put their homes on the market, in turn encouraging buyers.” Although an increase in foreign buyers in the London property market has been widely reported recently, LDG saw the proportion of its UK buyers rise to 70 per cent in 2010/11, from 57 per cent the previous year. They see this as a positive sign that domestic confidence is returning to the property market, with prices steadily rising and prompting buyers to act.

Lettings market is thriving In the last couple of years the lettings market has been transformed. Previously a saturated market, dominated by an excess of flats, landlords faced fierce competition and very low rental incomes. With high interest rates thrown into the equation, the result was often a negative yield, forcing landlords to subsidise the shortfall themselves. Many properties were left empty for long periods, especially those in large blocks. Today, however, there is a serious shortage of properties to rent and agents are finding that they can only offer a handful of properties to as many as hundreds of applicants.

“The rental market is very strong, possibly the strongest ever with interest rates low, rents high and a massive shortage of properties,” says Andrew Dillon of Midas Lettings, part of Midas Estates. “It’s a great time to be a buy-to-let landlord.” Properties in the right areas suitable for students are especially doing well. Agents are finding that students are looking earlier and earlier and it is not unusual for them to start viewing properties in November or December to let properties for September the following year. Student rental rates are increasingly getting near to rates for the professional market.

CAMBERWELL GROVE Situated in one of the capital’s most attractive conservation areas and on what is arguably one of southeast London’s most prestigious residential streets is St George’s Camberwell Grove scheme providing 90 highly specified apartments and townhouses on the site of the former Mary Datchelor School. The development of the site involves the sensitive restoration of two existing school buildings in addition to a number of new Georgian-style two, three and four-bedroom townhouses starting from £399,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and £699,950 for a townhouse. www.camberwell-grove.com 020 7708 5829

NORMAN RD Following planning approval, Norman Road in Greenwich will be the site for 170 new homes at the Hilton’s Wharf and 30-52 Norman Road developments, with 85 wharf-side properties being built at each. Durkan Estates is behind the seven-storey Hilton’s Wharf project, consisting of around 85 apartments above commercial floor space. The 30-52 Norman Road development is adjacent. www.normanroad-wharves.co.uk

newhomes

DEVELOPMENT FOCUS City Central Bézier is one of London’s most important new apartment developments, offering a high standard of design and specification in an area close to cultural Shoreditch and the heart of the City

esidents of the newly completed Bezier development are completely connected to everything London has to offer - just five minutes’ walk from Finsbury Square, Bézier is next-door to Old Street Underground station, with car club access in the surrounding streets. The curved Bézier building has been designed to contrast to and compliment the red-brick buildings surrounding it, and the architecture echoes its name. ‘Bézier’ derives from a mathematical equation used to engineer smooth curves, and so the figure-eight of the tower has a sweeping curved frontage with full height glazing and balconies on almost every floor. Inside the lobby, with its stylised lamps and smokedglass mirrors, the concierge greets residents and acts as a porter, guide and first port of call for any queries, at residents’ service 24 hours a day. Two lifts are available to take you up to your apartment, or right up to the roof with its large landscaped terrace. This garden, one of two communal open spaces within Bézier (the other is a secluded courtyard), has spectacular views across the City and towards many of London’s other landmark buildings - and is the perfect place to spend time on summer evenings. The private gym, sauna and steam room complex are on the lower ground floor, where you can work out or relax; the leisure space is equipped with cross trainers, bikes, treadmills and weights, and there are male and female showers and changing rooms. The development’s attention to detail is apparent in the apartments themselves, which give the feeling of the city’s buzz while also being light, peaceful and comfortable spaces. All have strikingly curved floorto-ceiling windows, and the majority have glass doors which glide back to join the balcony outside. Inside, the contemporary open-plan kitchens have microrib surface units concealing a range of high quality appliances, with white gloss and subtle aubergine stone work surfaces. The bathrooms have sleek black gloss cabinets, illuminated glass shelves, limestone ledges and contrasting black ceramic basins and wide waterfall taps. Reception areas have Italian porcelain tiled floors,

Star apartment This spring, The Bézier Collection is launching a selection of two-bedroom apartments which includes premier units on the higher floors of the building. The two-bedroom apartments in Bézier are ideal for couples working in the City, who want to be close to the neighbourhood’s bars and restaurants and also to their work. The star of The Bézier Collection is a two-bedroom, premier apartment, number 109, which offers the height of city living. Both bedrooms are en-suite and have large dressing areas. The centrepiece of the home is the large open-plan kitchen leading onto a reception space which would suit the city professional who likes to entertain. From the balcony there are fantastic views of the new Olympic stadium and of the City, making Bézier the place to live in 2011. Apartment 109 is available for £1.7m; other twobedroom apartments start at £715,000 which are warmed by under-floor heating throughout. This level of luxury however, is also environmentally friendly - developer Tudorvale has achieved a Code Level 3 in sustainable design, with energy-saving biomass boilers as the primary source of warmth, reducing emissions by an estimated 15 per cent.

020 7490 1603 www.bezierlondon.com

EC1

Bézier’s location is a big part of its appeal. The Old Street hub - dubbed ‘the Silicon Roundabout’ for the creative businesses choosing it as their base - is a pivotal gateway to the City of London. Head north for Islington, east for Shoreditch and Hoxton, south towards the City and west toward the West End. It is convenient for the bars, cafes and restaurants of Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Hoxton and the City. Brick Lane, Smithfields market, Hoxton Square, Upper Street in Angel and Columbia Road, with their antiques shops and flower market, are all close by. Restaurants within a mile radius of Bézier include Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, The Princess of Shoreditch, and the Eyre Brothers, while the area’s nightlife ranges from cocktails and DJs at bars like Zigfrid, Shoreditch House, and the Big Chill, to live music at Cargo and the Queen of Hoxton. EC1 is also well-connected for jetsetters, with City Airport and London’s international rail terminus, St Pancras, a 15-minute taxi ride away. n 61

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LONDON’S TOP QUALITY COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL FLOORING SUPPLIER WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

LUXURY FLAT FOR SALE 2 Bed 2 Bath 3rd Floor c. 800 sq ft West Facing Large Balcony 26ft Living Room 19ft Master Bedroom

2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Royal Arsenal Riverside Large west facing balcony with great river views, overlooking a beautifully landscaped piazza • Living Room (26ft 6in x 10ft 6in) • Bedroom one (19ft x 9ft) with well fitted en-suite with double shower • Bedroom two (15ft x 8ft) • Main bathroom with high quality fixtures • Fully fitted kitchen with top brand appliances, suspended glass shelves and floating central island • Excellent condition – newly redecorated • Secure, private allocated parking bay

• A few minutes walk from the DLR and Thames Clipper with direct links to Canary Wharf (in less than 20 mins) and The City, just two stops to City Airport • Onsite fitness centre, massage therapy, gastro pub, restaurant, delicatessen, electric vehicle charging points and Streetcar rental point • Friendly community with endless landscaped areas in this secure listed London site This is an excellent investment at less than market value (for quick sale) especially with confirmation that Crossrail will be coming direct to the site making it minutes to the West End. Also it will make a great Olympic rental opportunity as it is only seven stops to Stratford, The Olympic Village and Westfield • This flat is larger than most on the site with great views and plenty of light

FOR A QUICK SALE • BUY BELOW MARKET VALUE (Recent comparable flats have sold for between £275k and £285k and most are smaller than this one) - SERIOUS OFFERS OVER £249,950 WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR A CHAIN FREE BUYER

• For more info, please call: 07860 455 850 • or email: tompdharrison@gmail.com

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Studio suites and 1 bedroom apartments available from £350,000

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Situated in Zone 1 within the silicon roundabout regeneration zone

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Minutes from King’s Cross/St Pancras/ Eurostar and walking distance from Finsbury Square

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Apartments ready to occupy

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Only 5 stops to Canary Wharf from Hoxton Overground station Within a 20 mins walk or 10 mins tube ride to many of London’s major universities 24 hour concierge, gym, sauna and steam room Rooftop gardens with panoramic city views Strong rental demand and attractive yields

T 020 7490 1603

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

E sales@ bezierlondon.com www.bezierlondon.com

THE BÉZIER MARKETING SUITE Bézier Apartments, 91 City Road, London

Prices correct at time of going to press. Subject to change. Map is shown only for illustration purposes and is not to scale.

TON HOX

Hoxton

SHOREDITCH HIGH ST

2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS CITY LIVING FROM £715,000

HOXTON STREET

THE BÉZIER Collection

newhomes

getting on the ladder Ron Radway discusses some of the problems, and solutions, facing first time buyers

he basic issue for new buyers is how to raise the deposit to purchase your first home, and it’s not easy. Minimum deposit required by lenders is ten per cent, which means, typically, finding between £10-25,000 depending on area and expectations. According to the Council of Mortgage lenders, 80 per cent of all under-30s now need help from family to buy their first property. So, if you can’t save quickly enough, what are the options? Well, first port of call is ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’ who might be in a position to gift a deposit, either through their own wherewithal, or raising funds from the equity of their own property. Grandparents can also prove willing to help by utilising an equity release scheme from their homes, which is proving increasingly popular (especially with the grandchildren), but also with the older generation who tend to regard the gift as a ‘living will’. They themselves will require expert advice if they wish to help in this manner. Some lenders have started to introduce guarantor schemes, supported by a close family member, again criteria is tight, but will work for the right case. The government has also introduced various shared equity schemes via housing associations, the details of which can be found on www.direct. gov.uk. Not all lenders support all the schemes and there seems to be an issue with consistency of government funding as it is not always available. Most lenders will allow up to four applicants for a single mortgage, so friends, relatives or colleagues could get together. However, lenders are, understandably, wary of such arrangements, as circumstances can change rapidly, leading to the commitment being compromised. There is no disguising the fact that buying your

first property is very difficult, in fact, it always has been, it’s not just a modern phenomena, but at least the above ideas may give a glimmer of hope. As does the news that the chancellor has raised the stamp duty threshold to £250,000 for first time buyers, which can only prove helpful. See below for some frequently asked questions from first time buyers. Q: I am a First Time Buyer, and have been rejected for a mortgage on the grounds of poor credit score, however, I have never borrowed from anywhere before, so could not possibly have any payment problems. Is this right? A: Unfortunately, yes! You are yet another unwitting victim of credit scoring. The lender’s issue is not that your payment profile is poor, you simply don’t have one at all, so they can’t make a judgment. The solution is to open a credit card, and re-apply for a mortgage in a few months. I’m not advocating you run up a debt, but use the card and ensure you clear the balance monthly and promptly, and that will raise your score immeasurably. Q: I am about to retire, the term of my mortgage ends at the same time, but I still have capital owing on it. Will the lender extend the Term? A: Quite probably, although they might not. In the first instance you should consult with your lender, and if they should prove unhelpful, there are others who offer plans that run after retirement. If depleted income in retirement is an issue, you might want to consider equity release, for which you will need specialised advice. n Ron Radway is a mortgage consultant for OneCall Financial Advice Centre. For further information, visit www.onecallonline.co.uk or call 0203 174 0422

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