Collection Magazine

PREMIER PROPERTIES & FABULOUS FEATURES

collection Spring | Summer 2012 £4.95

BEDAZZLED For sale – spectacular Runnymede Mansion

CALL THE CAVALRY Motoring on with the Light Dragoons

LUXURY SUN Living luxe in the hottest continental hotspots

CLOSET COOL The brains behind fashion’s front row at NFW12

Welcome to the UK’s newest, coolest wedding venue, hotel and members’ club Until recently, all the uber-cool destinations were in the south. Babbington House, Shoreditch House and The Scarlet were all a private jet journey away, leaving the North’s Beautiful People feeling just a little bit isolated.

Not anymore. Now we have arguably the coolest, quirkiest destination in the UK - and it’s at the heart of Northumberland’s most breathtaking coastal stretch.

Newton Hall has been revamped, restored and extended in a multi-million pound project to create a one-of-a-kind coastal retreat and the only venue in Northumberland offering outdoor weddings and beach ceremonies.

Celebrities and those in the know are already competing for places on the waiting list for limited private memberships and wedding dates.

In fact, so great is the interest in this, the coolest new destination in the UK for years, that the first wedding took place pre-opening and ceremonies are booked well into 2016.

Newton Hall is a flight of fancy - a Georgian pile that is very quirky, very groovy and already one of the UK’s most talked-about destinations.

The breathtaking picture gallery on the lavish website at www.newton-hall.com reveals a fantasy destination and a dream world of love, laughter, fantasy and fun, which probably explains the clamour to be a part of it.

The old hall has been revamped to create fantasy interiors which are more Alice in Wonderland than traditional country house and the fantastical accommodation is as luxurious as at any world-class five-star retreat.

There is a spectacular Wedding Hill with breathtaking 360 degree views and grand gazebo; a five-star Wedding Terrace with grand fireplace, lounge seating and a retractable roof; and vintage beach huts, windbreakers, campfires and tractors for ceremonies on the seemingly endless stretch of sands at the end of the garden.

There’s a costume room for fancy dress photos and Mad Hatter’s tea parties, horses

and traps, tandems, beach barbecues, games and campfires, loads for young guests and so much more at www.newton-hall.com The owners operate Newcastle’s coolest venues including As You Like It (The Observer’s 7th Sexiest Restaurant in the World), and the suites at Newton Hall are havens of hot tubs, roof terraces, big beds and stand-alone baths. Newton Hall; a beautiful taste of the unexpected.

Weddings – Tastefully traditionally or exceptionally eccentric, Newton Hall is exclusively yours for outdoor ceremonies, spectacular beach, 5-star service, cocktails by As You Like It and Florita’s mixologists Private memberships – Limited spaces, family friendly, individually designed rooms, superb facilities; it’s your own big house in the country Newton Hall is taking bookings for weddings and limited private memberships now...so why wait?

Newton Hall Bold, Romantic & Fantastical Newton Hall, Newton by the Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3DZ tel 01665 576 239, email info@newton-hall.com website www.newton-hall.com

The pperfect destination de on Close House is a elegant and beautiful 18th century mansion set in stunning Northumberland countryside. Located just 15 minute’s from Newcastle City Centre, this is an exceptional place to escape to for business and pleasure. A very warm welcome, fine food, elegant interiors, luxurious accommodation and a Championship ggolf olf ccourse ourse will will m ake Championship make yyour our eexperience xperience unforgettable. unforgettable.

Dining at Close House Argent D’Or is a dining experience located in the main hotel at Close House. Enjoy sumptuous French cuisine with a British twist in the beautiful restaurant. The elegant furnishings and the stunning decoration combine with a modern influence to create an open, spacious restaurant.

Argent D’Or is a great location to enjoy lunch, dinner or a traditional Sunday roast.

No. 19 is a place where comforting food is served in a contemporary environment; where you can enjoy some of our region’s finest produce. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a rround ound of golf or or enjoying dinner you can rrelax elax in stunning surr surroundings. roundings. oundings.

Join us for a thor thoroughly oughly English afternoon afterrnoon tea. Enjoy a selection of mouth watering sandwi ches, fr eshly baked sandwiches, freshly cakes and light scones with lashings of clotted cr cream, ream, eam, with the traditional Champagne option tion or Gentlemen’s afternoon tea.

Golf Close House has two stunning 18 hole golf courses, the Filly and the Championship Coltt Course which great ability.. offer a gr eat challenge to golfers of every everryy ability

The Championship Colt Course was as opened in 2011

by Lee Westwood, Westwood, estwood the Attached T o Pr our ofessional Less ofessional.

Tour Professional. than tha han a year after opening, the Colt Course has alr already eady beenn awar be ded a top 100 golf coursee status in England, awarded m king mak ng Close House an ideal place to t perfect your game. making

CLOSE C LOSSEE H HOUSE OUSE HOTEL HOTEL EL & G GOLF, OLF, F H HEDDON ED DD DON ON ON THE THE WALL, WALL, N WA NEWCASTLE EWCASTLE U UPON PON T TYNE, YNE, N NE15 E15 00HT HT T TELEPHONE ELEPHONE 001661 1661 885 5 222 2 55 55 W WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK WW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK

Herrington Gate Furniture Ltd The HG Building, Mercantile Road, Houghton Le Spring DH4 5PH Tel no 0191 5849855. e:oďŹƒce@herringtongate.com. www.herringtongate.com

SY SANDERSON YOUNG

atimefor

opportunity A very warm welcome to the regular readers of our biannual Sanderson Young

Magazine and to all new readers.

I hope our portfolio of exciting properties for sale and to let, as well as our fascinating editorial content, will give you a thoroughly enjoyable read.

L

ooking back over the last five years we have seen a tremendous shift in the national and worldwide economies. Five years ago we had little knowledge of the impending announcement from Northern Rock, of their financial crisis, and now we have an exciting new bank in Virgin Money, with great promises for the future and employment in the North East. Over this period we have had two significant dips in housing confidence, mainly in 2008 and 2010, where values of properties dropped dramatically. We have seen new austerity measures introduced and for some, in countries in Europe, these have been particularly harsh but well deserved, to bring them in line with their colleagues in the way they pay tax and the way they live from the state.

For the first time in six years the housing market in the North East of England has shown some real signs of improvement. The portal websites, Right Move, Prime Location and others, all report increased activity, anywhere between 15 per cent and 20 per cent up on previous years and we as estate agents acknowledge and reflect this in our viewings, offers and sales agreed which are greatly encouraging. None of us expect to boom in the housing market, but we will all be grateful for increased confidence and greater volumes of home sales.

2012 will undoubtedly be a year of opportunity; firstly we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and in true British style I am sure many of us will enjoy that celebration and rejoice and acknowledge one of the most outstanding monarchs the country has ever seen.

The excitement of the Olympic Games to be held in the UK this summer is also building and how well we have done in a period of economic distress to create what will be an outstanding showpiece for Britain. We wish all Team GB the very best of luck.

I was delighted recently on a trip to London to see our capital city is still prospering as a multi racial, multi

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ethnic city. We are a country of great history and I hope for opportunity in the future to build on our values and to develop the many skills we have to build worldwide influence.

How exciting it was to learn recently of the expansion of Nissan and the production of another car, which will secure so many jobs in the North East.

In the housing market those who have good credit history and a fair deposit will be able to buy fabulous homes at very realistic prices and fix their mortgages at some of the all time record low interest rates for many years to come. There is a clear sign that many tenants who thought living in rented houses for a year or so would be the solution are now keen to buy again, so that they can own their own home and personalise their interior to create a living space which they can enjoy. They may not necessarily profit from it in the future, but own and redeem their mortgage over a fixed period of years. It seems in some respects that we are moving back 25 to 30 years, where only those who could afford to buy did so. The banking crisis has clearly pointed out the failures of the market economy and the uncontrolled greed that was expressed by so many. We must learn from these lessons and ensure that we move forward with responsibility, fairness and accountability.

Red Tape is being cut back and it was obvious that the Home Information Packs were not working. The Energy Performance Certificates do work and they are further highlighting the need for energy efficient homes in the future, to cut down on the waste of fuel endured by so many homes. We have excellent surveyors in our company who can clearly point out to you ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home in the future.

At Sanderson Young we are building on our strengths and our own values. We continue to receive repeat and referred business and we continue to exceed the expectation of our clients through the strength of our marketing, our professionalism and our expertise.

Over the next six months we will invest tens of thousands of pounds into new media, new computer equipment, new communication speeds and wireless hardware, which will enable our valuers and negotiators to be more mobile in the way they sell and market your home. Our website, www.sandersonyoung.co.uk, continues to be one of the most successful websites in the region and provides stunning, high quality pictures, 360 degree views and walk-through videos with voice over’s to present some of the most beautiful homes in the region.

The opportunities for those who want to lead rather than follow will be great in the next six to twelve months and whilst the housing market remains so competitive in price, those who invest now will see greater capital returns in years to come. We would be very happy to advise and guide anyone on such investments.

I am also delighted to see the return of many builders and developers into the region who are appraising substantial and significant sites. We welcome the opportunity to sell new homes and to help recreate and regenerate some of the urban areas with new luxury living, which is very much needed as our supply of new stock is limited.

Finally, I applaud my team at Sanderson Young for their hard work, professional endeavours and creative selling, which has pulled us through five of the most difficult years that I have experienced in the housing market and gives us great standing for many exciting and successful years to come.

If you are hoping to move in 2012 please do not hesitate to contact me personally on email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk Happy House Hunting!

DUNCAN G YOUNG Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA Managing Director SANDERSON YOUNG

Available at

20a clayton road, jesmond, newcastle upon tyne, ne2 4rp telephone: 0191 281 8273 www.williamsonbrown.com

thenews

companynews&updates

thepowerofonlinemarketing The fully redesigned Sanderson Young website has been a tremendous success, having increased our hit rate by 35% since its launch. We have focused on increased interactivity, understanding that today’s homebuyers wish to be kept up to date on the property market, with honest news and updates.

Buyers are increasingly searching for property at all times of the day, mainly outside of office hours, and this is made easier now they can receive automatic email updates via our VIP registration feature. We understand the importance of the current, fast-paced climate, and as soon as a property is listed with us it is featured on our website as the first port of call.

We are committed to exceptional service throughout all aspects of the business, and realise that our online presence is an extension of this. It is imperative to give today’s clients up-to-the-minute property

information using the most sophisticated forms of digital media, which is why we are constantly devising and updating our online presence. We have several exciting updates due within the next twelve months which will enable us to adapt to this ever changing climate.

We have also discovered that Sanderson Young is very much an international brand, with substantial direct hits to our website from mainland Europe, United Arab Emirates, Australia and the USA. It is also a credit to the company’s strong image that London clients make up on average 20% of our total monthly hit rate, showing that by using an agent with strong links to the Capital, maximum exposure is realised for your property.

Please contact Janet Hopkinson at the rare! office, tel 0191 223 3500, email janet.hopkinson@sandersonyoung.co.uk

encouragingsignsfordevelopers The new homes market continues to see signs of improvement with many housebuilders re entering the market for land and also considering building out those sites that have lain dormant for some time.

The increasing need for housing fuelled by the growth in household numbers together with a slight improvement in funding has encouraged many developers to re enter the land acquisition market and commence construction on sites in the region.

We are seeing a more positive approach and more partnership working, particularly with local authorities and planning authorities to bring land forward for housing.

At Sanderson Young we are working with developers on land acquisitions and we are advising and

appraising formerly mothballed sites. We continue to advise landowners on the sale of land suitable for residential development and next month we are bringing to market a site at the Northgate Hospital near Morpeth. The sale of this land is an example of working with clients through the master planning of the site and we will offer the site to the market with the benefit of an outline planning consent for 250 houses.

We look forward to assisting in bringing more prime redevelopment sites to market as conditions continue to improve.

To learn more about Sanderson Young’s professional department, contact NJ Osborne BSc MRICS, tel 0191 223 3500, nicola.osborne@sandersonyoung.co.uk

Do you want your business to be associated with probably the best estate agent in the North East? If so you need to be on the:

7,500 10,000 4,500

website visits a week

Sanderson Young Website Service Directory

VIPs looking for luxury houses

Contact Sue Tomlin: tel: 0191 213 2533 | email: sue.tomlin@sandersonyoung.co.uk

registered London buyers

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PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL SECURITY COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL AND ESTATE SECURITY CLOSE PROTECTION THREAT AND RISk MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION ExECUTIVE DRIVING PATROLS wITH OR wITHOUT SECURITY AND PROTECTION DOGS PRIVACY AND DISCRETION BESPOkE POSTURE AND PROFILE

Bulwark Group Limited Floor A, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1LE

+44(0)1434 634 985 | info@bulwarkgroup.co.uk | www.bulwarkgroup.co.uk

Managing Director Duncan Young Operations Director Janet Hopkinson Editor Jane Pikett 01434 607 466 Editorial Neil Gordon Liz Hands Rosie McGlade Brian Nicholls

P38

Sales Sue Tomlin Sanderson Young Media 0191 213 2533 Design Mark Denny Photography Mel Clark Kevin Gibson David Grebby Adam Lawrenson Nicky Rogerson Production Damian Wood Print Potts Print (UK) www.potts.co.uk

P46

P130

property 49 rare! Office 73 Regional Lettings

87 Gosforth Office 103 Ponteland Office

113 Alnwick Office 123 New Homes

World Land Trust Logo

P51

P62

P104

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Cover: Runnymede Mansion P12

ISSN No: 1740-3375 whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the effects arising thereof.

All material is copyright.

Reproduction of any part of the magazine is forbidden except by written permission of the publisher.

contents

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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P26

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features 12 Be dazzled For sale – spectacular Runnymede Mansion

32 Here come the girls Backstage at the drag club sensation Boulevard

124 In with the new The homes creating new landmarks for the region

16 Happy graze Tapas from around the world at Cafe No.95

36 Any questions?

Yes? Mincoffs have some answers

130 Swede sensation Volvo’s V40 – a very hot hatch

18 Call the cavalry Motoring on with the Light Dragoons

38 The mane event Galloping along to Burgham Horse Trials

Places to eat, shop and stay awhile

22 Here comes the sun Loving luxury in the hottest continental hotspots

42 In praise of old and new Abbey’s home improvements on a very grand scale

134 Diamonds are forever Promising to love, to honour and to give diamonds

26 Lights, camera, action The new TV classics filmed in the region

46 We’re in the money The financial brainpower behind Branson’s Virgin Money

136 Animal magic Ethical fashion, and sheep-rearing, with Izzy Lane

28 Newcastle Fashion Week The brains behind fashion’s front row at NFw12

74 Let’s move The revolution in residential property rental

138 Trek of a lifetime Trek kilimanjaro with St Oswald’s

132 Hidden Gems

rare! Office

Gosforth Regional Office

Ponteland Office

Alnwick Office

Regional Lettings

Mayfair Office

0191 223 3500

0191 213 0033

01661 823 951

01665 600 170

0191 223 3510

0870 112 7099

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

contents

preparetobedazzled

Jane Pikett introduces Runnymede Mansion, one of the finest new luxury homes in the north of England - and it could all be yours

r

unnymede Mansion, renowned as one of the finest and most dramatic luxury mansions in the north of England, has been launched on the property market prompting international attention.

Runnymede Mansion on sought-after Runnymede Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland, Newcastle, is without doubt the largest and most impressive property in this auent area and occupies a prime 3.111-acre mature plot.

This dazzling property has been built to impress in every way, from its huge electric gates, to its magnificent six-pillared entrance portico, to the nine-car garage and breathtaking luxury leisure

suite. At almost 21,000sq ft, it is four times the size of most luxury homes in Darras Hall, and its extravagant swimming pool and leisure suite is of six-star luxury standard.

This lavish mansion was completed recently after a five-year project dedicated to world-leading quality, style and luxury.

It almost goes without saying that the finish is of the very highest quality, from the handmade oak skirtings to the beautiful timber windows and state-of-the-art intelligent wiring, mood lighting and surveillance equipment.

The property is also superbly engineered, beautifully designed and stunningly sophisticated, from the gorgeous Herrington Gate kitchen with its highest quality Wolf and Sub Zero appliances, handmade walnut cabinets and sensual white Aaron granite, to

the seven sumptuous bedroom suites, the glamorous dressing rooms and the opulent Alessi and Victoria & Albert bathrooms.

Like all the world’s greatest houses, Runnymede Mansion is big on dramatic effect, and its flamboyant Ecru marble circular entrance hall, dominated by a stunning chandelier and breathtaking contemporary lighting effects, features a dramatic glazed atrium with galleried landings to the first and second floors and a curved oak staircase which forms a magnificent introduction to the stunning architecture within this house.

Downstairs, the breathtaking leisure suite includes a superb billiard and snooker room, professional cinema with deep projection screen, and the piéce de résistance – the state-of-the-art swimming pool with Mother of pearl tiling, changing room, showers and

This house is so magnificent, it is possible to describe every sumptuous detail cloakrooms, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi and a galleried landing featuring relaxation space. Glass doors lead through to a professional gym and office.

Runnymede Mansion’s East and West wings feature their own separate entrances, and from the East wing the magnificent drawing room features five huge sash windows overlooking the grounds and the dramatic contemporary lighting effects characteristic of the entire property.

and still be lost for words…

This house is so magnificent, it is possible to describe every sumptuous detail and still be lost for words to convey the experience it provides.

Special attention is well deserved for the kitchen and breakfast room which, it goes without saying, is both a cook’s dream and the stylish heart of the house.

The appliances are, as you might expect, the best >>

SY HOMES

It is impossible to visit this house and not be impressed, both by the interior and its luxury…

<< available from the greatest names in the world, while the stylish details include leather handles and grips to the walnut cabinets, the sumptuous white granite worktops mentioned above, gorgeous marble flooring and more of the mansion’s fabulous lighting effects and audio systems.

The kitchen, like all the beautiful rooms in this house, features generous windows overlooking the beautiful grounds, a superbly equipped wine room, and a lovely breakfast room with handmade walnut dresser, wiring for a plasma screen, and glazed double doors to the columned terrace and the magnificent private parkland and gardens.

As befits such a huge and versatile property, there is a state-of-the-art Kleemann lift and superbly appointed central control and service room serving the house and the breathtaking leisure wing and cinema, which features a 3mx1.9m central projection screen, surround sound and luxury leather reclining seats.

The swimming pool is without doubt one of the most impressive in the whole of the north of England and its double-height central gallery creates a spectacular

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impact in this huge space, which also features floor-to-ceiling windows leading out to the rear gardens and terraces.

The pool (11.9mx8.7m) is created in the shape of a clover and is finished in glistening Bisazza Mother of Pearl. The pool room features superb marble flooring and an eight-person Jacuzzi with more Mother of Pearl and bronze mosaic tiling.

The lighting here, like the rest of the property, is dazzling, while the built-in audio system serves the entire area, including the clover-shaped upper gallery which provides a beautiful space for entertaining, fitness and relaxation.

Galleries are, indeed, something of a feature of this house, providing more drama and stylish appeal.

So, the first floor gallery which dominates the property features no less than 12 dramatic sash windows overlooking the grounds and a UFO spiral fibre optic chandelier with colour changing light features.

The seven bedroom suites are, as you might expect, wonderfully luxurious and seriously indulgent. The master suite is a wow all of its own, with three coffered ceilings and recessed coloured lighting effects. The centre of the room has two floor-to-ceiling windows and glazed double doors to the columned terrace and balcony.

The suite features immaculately styled lady’s and gentleman’s dressing rooms and bathrooms. These rooms are all beautifully styled and finished, and the lady’s bathroom features a gorgeous Victoria and Albert slipper bath, double shower and wet room and lovely views and concealed spotlights.

It is impossible to visit this house and not be impressed, both by the interior and its luxury and by the grounds and the magnificent entrance with its step water feature and fountain.

The rear of the house features a beautiful terrace and veranda and the gardens are framed by tall trees which afford privacy. There is a beautiful summerhouse and a natural pond and an ornate bridge over the River Pont leading to the woodland and more gardens.

The grounds, as befits such a superb entertaining space, also feature barbecue and al fresco dining areas

The suite features immaculately styled lady’s and gentleman’s dressing rooms and bathrooms

HOMES SY

and the entire property is protected with security lighting systems and close circuit TV surveillance cameras linked into the interior with control panels.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely rare for a house of this quality and grandeur to be built anywhere, so its introduction to the market is guaranteed to attract international interest in this, one of the great modern homes of England.

Runnymede Mansion, 66 Runnymede Road, Ponteland, Newcastle, NE20 9HH, is for sale with Sanderson Young at a guide price of ÂŁ6.75 million

Award winning swimming pools by Whitewaters

Find out more at www.whitewaters.co.uk | Tel: 0191 549 4777

collection | 15

SY CAFÉ No. 95

The Spanish don’t hold the monopoly on plates for sharing, and at Café No.95 in Gosforth,

the new tapas-style menu has truly international appeal

t

he Spanish have brought the world many wonderful things (Flamenco dancing, Julio Iglesias and Benidorm to name a few) but it is for the tradition of tapas that they have arguably had the greatest impact on our own dining culture.

Created following a declaration from King Alfonso of Castile that taverns could not serve wine unless it was accompanied by a small snack or ‘tapa’, this tradition of taking small dishes alongside one’s drink has now evolved in the UK into meals made up of plates for sharing and grazing.

At Café No.95, which adjoins Sanderson Young’s

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Gosforth branch on the High Street, a new tapasstyle menu has been devised to offer a taste of many cultures, not just those of Spain and Britain.

The new tapas-style menu, which is now available from lunchtime onwards, is a truly worldwide affair and includes such treats as sirloin strips with peppercorn sauce and white and black pudding, and

a new tapas-style menu has been devised to offer a taste of many cultures

CAFÉ No. 95 SY

“The

wine

is another big talking point for us”

We’re not interested in inflated prices here; just in offering fantastic food and wine at really good prices”

quality andvalueformoney dishes including venison sausage in red wine and lentil sauce.

Two people might share two or three dishes and a bottle of wine from the new list, with prices ranging from £3.75 to £4.95 per plate and wine starting at just £9.99 a bottle.

No.95’s manager Rod Davies has perfected a menu that will change with the seasons. His calamari in tempura batter with aioli is a sure-fire crowd pleaser, while his pork medallions in blue cheese and creme fraiche sauce is original and irresistible.

Chick peas with spinach, coriander and spiced tomato sauce vie for attention with seafood cakes with sweet

chilli dips and croquettes stuffed with manchego cheese and Serrano ham or salt cod.

Rest assured that Café No.95 remains a coffee shop through the day, complete with its fantastic A la carte breakfast menu including Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale or full English, cakes by Emily Botham and Angela Davies and a superb homemade soup and sandwich selection (check out the pastrami with mustard mayo and dill pickle for a taste of New York, or the peppered mackerel and horseradish crème fraiche for a taste of Scandinavia).

In the evening, Cafe No.95 is now transformed into a buzzing bistro starring that superb tapas-style menu which cements its place in the area as a genuine foodie destination.

The wine list is extensive and – crucially – superb

value, thanks to Café No.95’s commitment to offering quality and value for money.

“The wine is another big talking point for us,” says Rod. “We’re offering bottles to suit every pocket and you will travel a very long way to find a bistro that adds such a small mark-up to its wine list. We’re not interested in inflated prices here; just in offering fantastic food and wine at really good prices.”

So, great food and hospitality and a friendly, casual atmosphere, and the new evening bistro at No.95 ensures you can now breakfast, lunch and dinner at this vibrant destination - and fill up in-between, should you have an insatiable appetite.

Tasty!

Cafe No.95, High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle, tel 0191 284 5533.

NO.95 BISTRO OPENS APRIL 20TH 2012 | OPEN SEvEN DAYS A wEEk, 8AM-10PM (reservations taken from 6pm and last orders 9pm)

collection | 17

s n o o g a r D t h Six Lig t a h t n o d e l l i were k tour… attack. …the Taliban ers A bullet ent Deans’ back…

bullets pass e r o m e e r h T … headrest… through the

he …and feels t from g in p m u p d o blo his back…

goons were Six Light Dra tour… killed on that

e rest He spent th eing b of the tour … p patched u

were 0 3 n a h t e r Mo ounded… w y l s u io r e s

call

cavalry

As the Light Dragoons bid to raise £1m to support wounded soldiers and bereaved families,

Jane Pikett meets some of the men of England’s Cavalry of the North

r

outine patrol, Helmand Province, October 2009. Lance Corporal (LCpl) Aaron Deans, 18, leans forward to rest his head momentarily on the steering wheel of the Jackal (a four-wheeled open-topped armoured car).

At the same moment, the Taliban attack. A bullet enters Deans’ back, passing through the muscle and exiting the other side, narrowly missing his spine.

Three more bullets pass through the headrest where, seconds before, his head has been.

As the troop swings into action, LCpl Deans reaches behind him and feels the blood pumping from his back, but he knows he is lucky this time.

Aaron Deans – a handsome giant with a twinkle in his

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…and f blood from

before the regiment deploys on its latest tour of Afghanistan eye and the hint still of a gangly teenage gait - was just three weeks short of completing his first tour of active service in Afghanistan when he was wounded.

He spent the rest of the tour being patched up at Camp Bastion. He could have come home early, but he insisted on staying put so he could come home with his regimental colleagues in the Light Dragoons – the regiment known as England’s Northern Cavalry.

“They’d have taken the mickey out of me for the rest of my life if I’d come back early,” he says now. “There was no way I was having that.”

Lance Corporal Deans, now 21, is an extremely lucky young man. Six Light Dragoons were killed on that tour. More than 30 were seriously wounded. The Dragoons’ central role in Operation Panther’s Claw, and the Military Cross awarded to one of their number, Lieutenant Rowley Gregg, is well documented.

The legacy of that bloody tour will stay with the regiment for years to come as the Light Dragoons family supports the injured and the families of its dead in perpetuity.

This is why the Colonel’s Appeal has been launched to

APPEAL SY

Edinburgh in 86 hours - 54 of them in the saddle.

Captain (Capt) Guy Disney was part of the Walking with the Wounded expedition – the first team of amputees to reach the North Pole (he is also now back on active service with the Dragoons in Afghanistan).

Capt James Kayll rowed 3,398 miles across the Indian Ocean in 75 days.

The Appeal exemplifies something of the culture of today’s military; an organisation which is vastly better now at caring for its own than it was historically.

This is emphasised when I sit down at the Light Dragoons’ Home HQ in Newcastle to talk about the Colonel’s Appeal with Sgt Nick Lees, Staff Sgt Jamie Lawson and Lance Corporal Aaron Deans.

“We actively encourage the lads to talk about their experiences and to ask for help,” says Sgt Lees.

“When we are on active duty, each time we come in from a patrol or an operation we talk about what has happened.

“I keep a close eye on the lads and at the same time am open and honest about how I feel, so they know they can be too. This is a family regiment and you can always come back to the regiment for help and support, even if you left years ago.”

Today’s military, adds Sgt Lees, is changing with the times. “It’s changed a massive amount in the years since I joined, and for the better,” he says. “We genuinely talk about things and we are open with one another. It’s much healthier than it was when I joined and the troop sergeant was the guy who just screamed at you.

“The Appeal is an extension of that ethos, and it’s vital that we raise that £1m so we can properly fulfil our lifelong responsibilities to our brothers in arms and to their families – forever.”

To support The Colonel’s Appeal, see www.lightdragoons.org.uk

soldier’s Stories

NickLees

raise £1m for the Light Dragoons’ fund, ensuring it can support soldiers and their families whenever they need it.

The fundraising committee is currently at work recruiting teams for a classic car rally in July – one of the landmark events which will raise awareness and money for the appeal in the North East. Meanwhile, as of March 2012, the regiment is heading back to Afghanistan in April on a further 6 month tour.

In the last 15 years, the Light Dragoons, which has its Home HQ in Newcastle and recruits in the North East, South Yorkshire and Norfolk, has been on near-continuous operations in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The numerous physical and psychological casualties from the last Afghan tour illustrate just how timely and necessary this Appeal is,” says Sergeant (Sgt) Nick Lees, 33, a veteran of six tours of Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sgt Lees helped to carry many wounded colleagues onto helicopters during the bloody summer days of 2009’s Operation Panther’s Claw. Some did not survive, others sustained horrific injuries.

“We all saw things there we’d rather not remember,” Sgt Lees says. “But at the time you’re so focused on the job that you don’t give yourself time to think about it, but it can come back to haunt people later.”

While the MoD and specialist charitable organisations like The Royal British Legion provide a national support network, the Light Dragoons’ fund looks after its own by responding quickly to problems rooted in bereavement, long-term injury and hardship.

“Serving soldiers, retired soldiers and families can always turn to the regiment, which is why the Appeal is so important in making sure there are funds available for them,” says Sgt Lees.

Major General Andrew Stewart, CB CBE, Colonel of the regiment, says: "The Military Covenant is a lifelong contract between the serviceman and his country and much has been done by government and national charities. Nevertheless, the regimental family … [is] the natural first port of call to fill any gaps the State cannot provide or to act as a catalyst to encourage larger charities to help. The Light Dragoons Colonel's Appeal is to ensure that we can continue to do this."

The Appeal is now more than half way to its £1m target thanks to individual donations, local fundraising events and what the regiment terms sponsored ‘ordeals’.

These have included the efforts of Colonel Ewen Cameron, who rode the 436 miles from London to

Sgt Nick Lees 33, from Ellington, Northumberland, is married and a father of one. He joined the Light Dragoons aged 17 and is a veteran of six tours of Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan Sgt Lees says: “Active service is the job; it’s what you join to do. When people are killed or seriously wounded, you have to keep focussed on the job. It isn’t until later that you really find time to reflect. The army can be all bravado; men don’t want to look weak and they might shut things away, but then the feelings can surface much later and result in issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. Those cases, and long-term support for the wounded and bereaved, is where the Light Dragoons’ Fund is so vital.”

More >>

Today’s military, adds Sgt Lees, is changing with the times “It’s changed a massive amount in the years since I joined,

e h t s feel g n i p m pu … k c a b his

and for the better,” he says.

“Serving soldiers, retired soldiers and families can always turn to the regiment, which is why the Appeal is so important…

The regiments’ tour of Afghanistan in 2009

collection | 19

SY APPEAL

soldier’s JamieLawson

AaronDeans

GuyDisney

Stories

Staff Sgt Jamie Lawson

Lance Corporal Aaron Deans

Capt Guy Disney

33, from Gosforth, Newcastle, is married and a father 21, from Washington, is single and has been in the of four. He followed his father into the Light Dragoons Light Dragoons since he was 16. He is the veteran of aged 16 and is a veteran of six tours of Bosnia, Iraq and one tour of Afghanistan in 2009, where he was injured Afghanistan. Staff Sgt Lawson was mentioned in by a gunshot to the back. He is fully recovered and despatches for gallantry during active operations in remains a full-time soldier Afghanistan, July 2009 Lance Corporal Deans says: “It’s a shock when the Staff Sgt Lawson says: “This is our job; it’s what all the regiment loses someone, just a big shock, but training is for, but every tour is completely different everyone knows there is a job to do. It’s what we from the last. The enemy is always changing and you joined up for. Being wounded hasn’t put me off, have to second guess them all the time. You’re no way.” focussed on the task the whole time. b; it’s “It’s a big shock when people are killed. If it’s your his is our jo ning is for … man, you feel a massive responsibility to get them “T ai tr what all the off the ground and make sure everything is done the, properly. When the wounded come back we do shock when ne, a s t’ “I all we can to support them now and for the rest es someo of their lives. regiment los ck … ho “It’s vital to have this fund because it’s enduring and it just a big s allows the regiment to decide how to use readily us available cash; it might be something as simple as ugh a rigoro ro th t u p as …“I w providing someone with a ramp – it means it can be n process … done quickly and easily.” rehabilitatio

In July 2009 Capt Disney’s troop was involved in Operation Panther’s Claw in Helmand Province in a week which saw some of the highest casualty rates in Afghanistan. During an ambush, a rocket-propelled grenade pierced the hull of the Spartan Capt Disney was commanding, passing through his right leg and killing Private Robbie Laws. Capt Disney’s leg was amputated just below the knee.

“Once back in the UK I was put through a rigorous rehabilitation process which led me to see first hand the importance of charitable trusts,” he says. “They play a key role in the rehabilitation of the injured. More than anything they have the ability to release funds quickly and on an individual basis, providing aid to those in need.

“Injured servicemen and women need appropriate care once they leave the armed forces. The Light Dragoons Charitable Trust ensures the welfare of its soldiers is maintained after their military career has ended or been brought to a premature end due to injury. Having given everything for their country, they must not be forgotten.”

The Charge of the Light Dragoons is a classic car rally in aid of the Light Dragoons Colonel’s Appeal. Crews must raise a minimum £500 to enter a car and pre-1970 vehicles are eligible in addition to interesting, unusual or rare post-1970 models.

The rally starts on June 9 at Cannon Hall, Barnsley, and heads to Northumberland where there will be a dinner and auction at Eachwick Hall near Stamfordham that evening. On the Sunday, the Rally will proceed north to Thirlestane Castle where a special enclosure will be provided by the Boarders Vintage Car Club.

To enter a team or to benefit from corporate sponsorship, see:

www.chargeofthelightdragoons.co.uk 20 | collection

TIME FOR A NEW MORTGAGE

CONTACT PAUL HARDINGHAM FOR A CONFIDENTIAL AND NO OBLIGATION REVIEw OF YOUR OPTIONS. WHOLE OF MARkET RESEARCH | RESIDENTIAL OR BuY TO LET | BESPOkE ADVICE | ASSISTANCE WITH PAPERWORk | uSuALLY NO BROkER FEES*

0191 2843723

paul.hardingham@sandersonyoung.co.uk

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA

0191 2843723

www.sypf.co.uk

YOuR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOu DO NOT kEEP uP REPAYMENTS ON YOuR MORTGAGE *we do not generally charge a fee for mortgage advice; however this will be dependent on your circumstances. If a fee is charged, our typical fee is ÂŁ250.

Sanderson Young Private Finance is a trading style of Innovation Financial Management Limited an appointed representative of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

SY HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS

comes

h

ere at Collection magazine, we like, not without reason, to consider ourselves to have our fingers on the proverbial button of what is hot, what is not, and what all The Beautiful People are talking about.

Anytime now, the celeb holiday season will start (or it may be well underway, depending on when you’re reading this) and the pages of Hello! Magazine will be

Aleka and Damianos are wonderfully

Jane Pikett considers the many attractions of a luxury home from home in the Mediterranean stuffed with photographs of well-oiled celebrity bodies luxuriating in their perfect wealth on the world’s most sought-after beaches.

So while TomKat, Posh and Becks, Brangelina and their dazzlingly star-studded like escape the trials of their pampered lives in the world’s most exotic holiday hideaways, what’s hot for the rest of us?

Well, you could go a good deal further wrong than our Continental doorstep, which scores these days on multiple levels: Close to home and easy to reach from North East airports? Check. Not too burdensome on your carbon footprint? Check. Gorgeous, glamorous, and hot? Oh yes!

Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions introduces travellers direct to the owners of luxury holiday homes worldwide and offers some of the best luxury properties in some of the world’s loveliest locations – many of them pleasingly close to home, but far enough away to be both exotic and extremely glamorous.

Each of these properties is blessed with style, luxury, elegance, and superb facilities, including the option of full catering from superb chefs.

Our travel team here at Collection is currently mostly

opulent properties sit which above the magnificent bay of St Stephano.

22 | collection

coveting two truly gorgeous villas on Corfu, home to the endlessly wealthy, absurdly glamorous and sometimes controversial Nat Rothschild and playground of the Chelsea and Kensington set (and us!).

The peninsula of St Stephano is the best of this breathtakingly beautiful island and home to the luxury villas Aleka, Damianos (and Rothschild, which isn’t up for rent yet, but you never know…).

Aleka and Damianos are wonderfully opulent properties which lie above the magnificent bay of St Stephano. Paradise here is to be found on the poolside terrace, watching the sailing boats below glide in and out of the many beautiful nearby harbours.

This is a truly unspoilt area, and these villas offer privacy, luxury, private pools and views over the Ionian Sea to the Albanian mountains.

Fully air-conditioned with spacious open-plan living spaces and outdoor terraces, gardens and private pools, these villas are as spectacular as their location.

With chef service available six days a week and the ability to get there by air in a little over three hours, what’s not to like?

A quick check of Brits’ holidaying behaviour over the last five years or so reveals an interesting, if unsurprising, trend. We aren’t travelling as far in air miles (either because of the carbon footprint or the

HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS SY

economic situation) but we are still treating ourselves to gorgeous holidays.

Our standards continue to rise regarding the quality of holiday accommodation, but we are more likely these days to enjoy the freedom and often much better value of our own luxury rental property (fully serviced with our own chefs, drivers, and house staff naturellement!) than to opt for the obvious limitations of a hotel.

Choosing to rent larger luxury villas like many of those offered by Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions gives you the opportunity to travel in a group, thus cutting the cost and – arguably – increasing the enjoyment (no more solitary children or warring siblings).

Plus, the properties offered by SY are all carefully chosen both for the quality of their accommodation and for their location, which means it’s not just The Beautiful People who get to luxuriate in St Tropez and the like.

Indeed, one of the leading properties in the SY portfolio, La Chenoiserie is very close to St Tropez.

This superb villa comes complete with speedboat hire and Michelin-starred chef, plus a full complement of house staff.

Set in an exclusive gated community, there is spacious luxury accommodation for up to 12 people in the villa and the stylish garden cottage. The private grounds

feature a large pool, beautiful terraces and views over St Tropez bay and the property is within walking distance of a fabulous beach and the exclusive Beauvallon Beach Club.

The best in water sports, golf and tennis facilities are all nearby, and there’s a chauffeur or a speedboat on hand to get you wherever you want to go in style.

Take a trip to the Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions web pages and you’ll find a carefully selected collection of more luxury properties which tick all the hot holiday boxes demanded by discerning travellers.

The Italian Riviera is featured, as is Spain’s vibrant Peurto Banus among a portfolio of locations that reads like the travel diary of the most beautiful of The Beautiful People.

Superb levels of luxury and service in some of the world’s most beautiful spots, all within easy, carbon friendly reach, of the North East. Aren’t you worth it?

For further information of luxury properties in beautiful locations, see: www.sandersonyoung.co.uk/holiday_introductions collection | 23

great

jet

SY HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS

-away

Time to getaway in luxurious style with Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions

VillaCrystal -Italy

VillaNatasha -Spain

VillaAleka -Corfu

RIVIERA OF FLOWERS, ITALY

LAS BRISAS, PuERTO BANuS, SPAIN

ST STEPHANO, CORFu

The Italian Riviera is much dreamed of and never forgotten; a paradise of sun, sea and mountains renowned as one of the loveliest spots in the world. Villa Crystal is built into the landscape and blessed with panoramic views from mountain ranges to the bay of Bordighera, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday in a modern, spacious property with beautiful gardens, terraces, a pool and hot tub.

Malaga is the gateway to one of Spain’s loveliest stretches of coastline and Villa Natasha, which is just minutes from the fashionable port of Puerto Banus, is the epitome of open-plan, contemporary luxury. With five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two living rooms, a cinema room and views over Las Brisas Golf and La Concha Mountain, the villa also has separate staff quarters, a pool, sauna and bodega.

North east Corfu is one of the loveliest areas this beautiful island has to offer and Aleka is a charming property built in the style of the traditional Corfiot country cottage, though with a lot more space and to a higher specification than the term might suggest. The villa is on a hillside overlooking St Stephano Bay and has open-plan living spaces and beautiful gardens and grounds with pool and terraces.

SLEEPS 10-12 £1,800 - £3,600 PER WEEk, DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

SLEEPS 10-12 12,000 EuRO PER WEEk

SLEEPS 4 £750 TO £1,750 PER WEEk, DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

24 | collection

2012 2013 bookings

HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS SY

For further information please contact: T: +44 (0)191 2233500 | F: +44 (0)191 2233505 contact@sandersonyoung.co.uk | www.sandersonyoung.co.uk The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX

VillaDamianos -Corfu

LaChenoiserie -France

ChaletLeRenneD’Or - Switzerland

ST STEPHANO, CORFu

ST TROPEz, FRANCE

VILLARS SuR OLLON, SWITzERLAND

Situated in beautiful north east Corfu, not far from the Rothschild family castle and overlooking St Stepahno’s beautiful horseshoe bay, Villa Damianos is a magnificent three-storey villa with spacious living spaces and beautiful grounds. Its views extend to Albania and the grounds feature terraces and a pool. Close to the bay and within easy reach of local boat hire, Damianos is a perfect holiday setting.

La Chenoiserie is fully staffed and the last word in luxury, offering spacious accommodation in the main property and garden cottage and set in a gated community within an acre of beautiful grounds with a pool, terraces and views over St Tropez bay. The villa is within walking distance of a fabulous beach, restaurants and bars and the famed Beauvallon Beach Club, and within easy reach of golf and tennis facilities.

The luxurious Chalet Le Renne D’Or is designed for relaxation and entertaining in style and features contemporary accommodation over four floors including six en-suite bedrooms and a large games room which could easily accommodate extra beds.

The outside space is impressive with a garden, terrace, decking, patio and spa, the views and accommodation are truly breathtaking. Perfect for two or three families to share, this is a perfect Alpine holiday spot.

SLEEPS 4 £1,400 TO £3,500 PER WEEk, DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

SLEEPS 8-12 £7,000 -£10,000 PER WEEk

SLEEPS 13 PRICE ON APPLICATION

collection | 25

SY FILM

The gritty gangster movie Get Carter and the magical Harry Potter have helped put the North East on the filmmaking map.

But is the ultimate moviemaking prize about to come the region’s way?

lights Song For Marion

d

ame Flora Robson was nominated 66 years ago and narrowly missed out to Anne Baxter.

Fellow South Shields-born Ridley Scott has been in the running three times, and Newcastle-born actress Janet McTeer and playwright Peter Straughan from Gateshead both went home empty handed this year.

All share the dubious honour of seeing Oscar, the glittering golden Hollywood statuette prized above all other movie accolades, slip from their grasp.

United

26 | collection

Jane Hall reports Tipped to do for communal singing what the 1996 film Brassed Off did for brass bands, it has just been picked up by the mighty Weinstein Company in the US. Currently in post-production, it is expected to go on general release this year, and is being hotly tipped as an Oscar contender.

While the action is supposedly set in London, it was Newcastle-based Northern Film and Media which encouraged A Song for Marion’s makers to use this region as a backdrop.

Scenery – however stunning – doesn’t in itself garner Oscar glory. But as Dan Brain, communications manager with Northern Film and Media, admits, a best actor or actress nomination wouldn’t do any harm.

In fact, he says, it would be a “huge boost,” not just in terms of attracting tourists to the region, but potentially securing inward investment at a time when cash is in short supply – especially for the creative arts.

It has been a golden last couple of years for the North East as far as film and media goes.

Apart from A Song for Marion, Dan Turner’s The Man Inside and road thriller movie The Liability, starring Tim Roth, have all been shot in the region.

But it is in TV drama that the North East has come into its own. Television has brought us Northern detective Vera penned by award-winning Northumberlandbased crime writer Ann Cleeves; Inspector George Gently starring Martin Shaw; the one-off ITV film Joe Maddison’s War with Geordies Keven Whately and Robson Green and United, the story of the Busby Babes and the 1958 Munich air disaster featuring Dougray Scott and David Tennant.

Tracy Beaker Returns - the popular CBBC drama based

action…

But before the dust has even settled on the 2012 Oscars, thoughts are already turning to what and who will be finding their way onto next year’s nominees list. And with months to go until the 85th Academy Awards take place, hopes are high that the North East might at last triumph in Los Angeles.

The name that could be in the frame is A Song for Marion, filmed at locations across Tyneside and County Durham last summer.

Starring Terrence Stamp, Academy Award-winner Vanessa Redgrave and Christopher Ecclestone (who came to prominence in the BBC’s Our Friends in the North set in Newcastle), it is described as a ‘comedic drama’ about an unconventional local choir.

Vera Hidden Depths

Insp. George Gently

FILM SY

lights, camera, action…

Films made in the North East include: • Get Carter starring Michael Caine and Britt Ekland filmed in and around Tyneside and Co Durham • Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett which used many of Northumberland’s stunning castles as a backdrop

The Liability

• Billy Elliott written by Geordie Lee Hall and starring Jamie Bell, shot entirely in the North East • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which featured Alnwick Castle

on Jacqueline Wilson’s best-selling books – also made Newcastle its home.

According to figures from Northern Film and Media, these small screen dramas last year accounted for a combined viewing figure of 76m. That was 26 hours of prime time TV waving the flag for the North East.

New CBBC series Wolf Blood, which is due to air this autumn, is currently being filmed in and around Tyneside. The second series of Vera is expected to air this spring, while George Gently is set to follow later in the year.

Dan Brain estimates that it would cost £90m to buy ITV advertising equivalent to the prime-time exposure that Vera gave Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside.

It’s all a far cry from 2009 when ITV decided not to re-commission Wire in the Blood, leaving the North East with no network TV output at all.

But there are worries that the region could return to those dark days. A £2.4m investment pot that has over the last two years backed nine features and four indie films has now closed. One North East is also no more.

While the region’s local authorities have pledged to continue supporting Northern Film and Media and a successful application has been made for Arts Council funding, no-one is kidding themselves that times are hard.

Billy Elliott

EU funding is a possibility, but there is a real fear that productions could be lost to Yorkshire, which has just set-up a £15m content fund for the TV, film, digital and games sector, part of which will be used to attract productions to the county.

Around £192m a year is currently flowing into the North East economy from film and media projects – comparatively small compared to other sectors – but as Dan says: “If you look at the added benefits it really holds its own.

“Take Harry Potter and Alnwick Castle – the first two films that were shot there brought in an extra £9m of revenue. That was just as a result of people wanting to see where Harry Potter was filmed.”

But the North East has a long and illustrious pedigree when it comes to big and small screen productions and a growing pool of talented film and media crews who have chosen to stay in the area to live and work.

And when it comes to attracting new investment, you’d be a fool to dismiss the area that was home to the grimy and gritty world of Get Carter, the horror of Alien 3, the opulence of Elizabeth and her Tudor court, the flights of fancy that were the first two Harry Potter films, young ballet dancer Billy Elliott and most recently the darkly humorous Unconditional, a twisted love story that premiered earlier this year at the Slamdance Festival in America.

Dan says Northern Media and Film is quietly confident it can “keep up the momentum” of TV shows currently shot in the North East like Vera and Inspector George Gently, even if the fluorescent pink and orange arrow-shaped signs bearing the magic word ‘unit’ that seem to have been attached to every lamp post in the region for the past two years, become less common.

But if the powers that be in Hollywood are reading this, Oscar’s seal of approval for a film that quite literally sings the praises of the North East wouldn’t go amiss.

www.northernmedia.org

• Purely Belter, a bittersweet comedy about two Geordie lads who dream of getting a Newcastle United season ticket • School for Seduction with Kelly Brook, made and set on Tyneside • Alien 3, directed by Ridley Scott and partly filmed on Co Durham’s once black beaches • Bollywood films Phhir, Hum Tum Aur Ghost and Apni Boli Apna Des • The Spaceman and king Arthur, a Disney epic filmed at Alnwick Castle • Becket with Richard Burton which came to Bamburgh • Macbeth, a bloody and violent version by Roman Polanski shot at Bamburgh • Mary Queen of Scots with Glenda Jackson filmed at Alnwick and Bamburgh castles

The North East on TV: • Catherine Cookson dramas • The Likely Lads • Auf wiedersehen, Pet • Byker Grove • Our Friends in the North • Spender • Supergran • 55 Degrees North • Crocodile Shoes • The Revenge Files of Alistair Fury • Tracy Beaker Returns • vera • Inspector George Gently • Badger • Joe Maddison’s war • wire in the Blood • Black Adder • Robin of Sherwood

collection | 27

As the fashion cognoscenti gather in Newcastle for the city’s second Fashion week, Jane Pikett runs the gauntlet of The Very Fashionable

Northumbria Uni Baltic Show - Julie Yeung

to catch up with the brains behind the event, Sandra Tang

wake in the early hours with a sense of impending doom. It takes a few moments to pinpoint the reason, and then it hits home like a bullet. My best, most on-trend (ie, not criminal) dress is in the wash.

I Have Nothing to Wear!

Because I live in the country, I spend most of my time decked out in jeans, jumpers and wellington boots.

This is a practical, comfortable solution to the rigors of daily life and I generally don’t really notice how very un-fashionable I have become.

That is, until I have to venture into town and move among The Very Fashionable (I call these almost mythical creatures TVF).

Today’s interviewee, Sandra Tang, is the brains behind Newcastle Fashion Week. Hence, she is bound to qualify as one of TVF; possibly The Most Very Fashionable (TMVF) ever.

This means that when I meet her in less than five hours’ time she will embody the very epitome of style and I will bring to mind the Queen Mother on a bad day.

In the event I am late (note to self – five hours is not long enough to try on everything in my wardrobe and still look terrible), and relieved to discover that Sandra Tang is not scary at all.

Sandra Tang

i

28 | collection

“The programme is amazing,” says Sandra.

Northumbria Uni Baltic Show - Piyanut Tosawad

Northumbria Uni Baltic Show - Harriet Deva Ferris

Northumbria Uni Baltic Show - Elsa Michaela Bajracharya

Northumbria Uni Baltic Show - Emma Gosling Extremely stylish and very beautiful, yes, but in such an unthreatening way I’m not sure she actually notices that I am wearing, erm, Tesco.

She mentions, after much probing regarding what I imagine is the achingly cool social scene in which she moves, that at London Fashion Week she sat next to TVF and staggeringly gorgeous supermodel (SGSM) Jacquetta Wheeler. As you do.

She also bumped into designers Zandra Rhodes and Orla Kiely, and style guru Brix Smith-Start, among others, but she only tells me this after much more persuasion. Sandra Tang is determinedly un-starry.

She also claims that visiting London Fashion Week, unless you’re a member of the fashion cognoscenti premier league (Wintour, Beckham, Gaga et al), isn’t all that glamorous after all.

“There’s a lot of running heels,” she says, “or in my case, flats. It’s a mad house, but it’s great fun. There is nothing quite like it.”

In the extraordinary world of fashion, those in the know regard Newcastle as the style capital of the North, which I guess is why the city attracted some major names and created a genuine buzz with the inaugural Newcastle Fashion Week last year.

The Black Eyed Peas, who have to be among the coolest and most stylish bands in the history of the world, tipped up at the official launch party and the band’s iconic front man will-i-am tweeted about it while he was there.

Designers Wayne Hemingway and Scott Henshall and hair stylist Lee Stafford supported the event and NFW went global when Fashion TV broadcast a catwalk show from Newcastle.

When Sandra and I meet, the celebs and Fashion TV are abuzz with news of this year’s nine-day event in

“We are really, really pleased with it. If you thought last year’s NFW blasted onto the scene and set the bar high, just wait until May May. “The programme is amazing,” says Sandra. “We are really, really pleased with it. If you thought last year’s NFW blasted onto the scene and set the bar high, just wait until May. “The American magazine Newsweek has declared Newcastle second in creativity terms only to London, Paris and New York and the huge attention Newcastle Fashion Week attracted last year proves the city’s standing in the fashion world.

“Newcastle Fashion Week champions all we have here in terms of fashion, including the very eminent fashion design degree at Northumbria University. The city punches way above its weight in terms of talent, style and fashion retail and it’s really exciting that we now have amazing brands in this city, including Pretty Green, Urban Outfitters, Vivienne Westwood and some truly incredible independent stores.”

Newcastle Fashion Week 2012 is again endorsed by some big fashion names and a very stylish public, which snapped up last year’s commemorative T-shirts and pants more than a fortnight before the event, raising thousands for charity.

This year, you too can be bang on-trend by snapping

up the limited-edition Love Bullet NFW 2012 necklace exclusively at Fenwick (Love Bullets are must-have pendants favoured by style setters including Cheryl Cole, Lily Allen, Dizzee Rascal etc).

You can also, should you be one of TVF, enter the running to be named one of Newcastle’s Most Stylish (several of last year’s nominees are now on model agency books and two of them featured in Company magazine recently).

So how does Sandra, subsumed as she is by the world of fashion, retain a sense of her own style? “Easy,” she says, “I don’t tend to follow fashion as such and I have a lot of fun choosing what to wear.

“I guess you could describe me as a bit of an obsessive about fashion, but I’m no slave to it. For me, fashion is important because it allows you to have your own expression. It doesn’t matter what your budget is; there is always something to suit you.

“I love shopping, fabrics, detail and finishes.

Choosing what to wear allows you to be creative on a daily basis.”

Today, Sandra is stylishly understated in a Moschino navy crepe fitted shift (“I bought it in an airport >>

collection | 29

SANDRA TANG’S DESIGNERS HIGHSTREET STYLELEADERS

“I know it’s weird,” she says, “but if I see something I love and can’t have, I don’t forget it.

keeping up appearances is presumably why she is one of TVF and I, who can tolerate shopping for precisely seven minutes on a good day, have less to offer the world of fashion than the late Queen Mother.

My on-trend (sort of ) dress is now clean and pressed and back in my wardrobe, ready for the Newcastle Fashion Week launch night. Do you think they’ll invite me?

HOT FASHION PICkS

D+G by Dolce & Gabbana stripy ballet pumps

MICHELLETAYLOR,LINGERIE DESIGNER,TALLuLAH LOVE;JAYNE ELWELL,MILLINER,THE LIBERTARIAN; ROCk N ROSE JEWELLERY; LISA GALIBARDY JEWELLERY

Tatty Devine Newcastle Fashion week necklace

MARY kATRANTzOu AT TOPSHOP, M&S, uRBAN OuTFITTERS, JAEGER, PRETTY GREEN, H&M

ALEXA CHuNG, JACquETTA WHEELER, STYLE BuBBLE (BLOGGER), AuDREY HEPBuRN AND GRACE kELLY, ROONEY MARA

30 | collection

www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw

<< years ago”); H&M black suede wedge pumps and black opaque tights; a Missoni black jacket (“another old airport purchase”) featuring the label’s signature zebra print lining, accent buttons, bow and collarless scoop neck; M&S peachy tone-on-tone bag; and (oh joy) a Primark snood exactly the same as the one I wear to walk the dog. This stylish combo is topped off by a NFW 2011 necklace by the super hip brand Tatty Devine and a statement Lisa Galibardy crow ring.

Her long black hair is cut into severe, edgy layers with flashes of blonde by John at Saints in Newcastle. It is so distinctive that I recognise it immediately as a hair I sat behind at something (can’t remember what – theatre? dance?) recently. I know that hair, but have no idea where from. This is very odd.

Sandra’s most treasured wardrobe item is impossible to single out, but she confesses complete devotion to her Tatty Devine dinosaur skeleton necklace. She also covets her mother’s vintage wardrobe, particularly her traditional Chinese silk dresses, and her own style melds classic and quirky.

She admits she can become obsessed by items she seeks, sometimes for years. “I know it’s weird,” she says, “but if I see something I love and can’t have, I don’t forget it. I saw a yellow mac in Gap in Japan years and years ago and the boyfriend I was with persuaded me not to buy it. I regretted it, and never forgot it. I eventually found it on eBay six years later and bought it.

“For some years now I’ve been coveting a white Warehouse tunic which I should have bought in 2000 and didn’t. I’m still looking for it!”

Sandra also admits that she names some of her favourite fashion pieces (“I know, people tell me it’s weird; what can I say?”) and she declares proudly that people in Newcastle are just as fashion-savvy as the London set (“they will queue for hours for a big retail opening and the style here is fantastic”).

Her weakness is shopping, to the extent that she once shopped non-stop for 13 hours at Meadhowhall, Sheffield, on Boxing Day 1999. This dedication to

Northumbria Uni Baltic Show - Katherine Gadd

SY FASHION

NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week will dominate the city for nine fashion-fuelled days.

NE1 is promising that NFW 2012 will be bigger and better than the inaugural even last year, further cementing the city’s reputation as fashion capital of the North.

The programme of events includes catwalk shows, shopping events, lectures from UK fashion’s finest and parties at venues across the city. Events include: May 29, Fashion Front Row - Catwalk featuring the best emerging and new fashion design talent at As You Like It, Archbold Terrace, Newcastle (named 7th Sexiest Restaurant in the World by The Observer). Designers include the extraordinary milliner The Libertarian; musician Pixie Lott’s favourite vintage-inspired jewellery and accessories brand Rock n Rose; and luxury lingerie from Newcastle-based Tallulah Love.

May 30, Graduate Fashion Show from the University of Northumbria at BALTIC, Gateshead Quays.

Northumbria runs one of the leading fashion design degrees in the UK and top industry buyers and pundits will be here to seek out new talent.

May 31, Fashion’s Day Out at Eldon Square, featuring a fast-paced catwalk crawl of city retailers.

June 1, Frock and Roll - combining live bands with top brands in a catwalk spectacular, this is the only fashion and music event of its kind outside London. Celebs are expected!

Newcastle’s Most Stylish returns this year, seeking the most stylish group, most stylish male and female and most stylish over-30s. The competition launches at the beginning of May and votes can be cast via the Newcastle Fashion Week Facebook page.

Newcastle Fashion Weekend, June 2 & 3 - Metro Radio Arena will be transformed into a fashion paradise with pop-up high street, vintage emporium, designer villages and shoe studios combining music, makeovers, styling and more.

To register for tickets and events, see:

YSL vintage bag

www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw

SY STAGE

HERE COME THE

Ooh-err, missis. writer Rosie McGlade and photographer kevin Gibson spend an hour behind the scenes at the Boulevard, Newcastle’s hot, hot, hot cabaret venue

From my velvet seat within the dressing rooms of the Boulevard in Newcastle, I’m seeing butt cheeks everywhere, male, female, and those caught in a cakepowdered never-never land in between.

Everyone seems to be wearing a G-string. Half the men are in tights.

The Boulevard, if you didn’t know, is home to Newcastle’s very own cabaret show, where Betty Legs Diamond (aka Simon Green) and his troupe treat audiences to a night of ‘burlesque meets Broadway’, a

f

32 | collection

feast of outrageous outfits, artful dance routines and bawdy but good-humoured entertainment.

It used to be an abattoir, and I fully agree with the manager that it’s a crying shame that the TV documentary made of its transformation to purple pleasure palace hasn’t yet been commissioned.

For a venue that puts on the same show four times a week over a period of months (there are new shows per season), you can’t knock its success. Tonight, a Thursday, has a below-average 146 bookings out of a possible 300 full house. Most of them, when the show

starts, are women, a real mix of ages and backgrounds, though the men among them certainly look to be enjoying themselves.

Ours is a behind-the-scenes booking, a 6.30pm venture into the building’s dressing room underbelly, with its racks of magnificent frills, sequins and octopus tentacles. Much is as you’d anticipate; a herd of wigs posing from shelves around the walls, sparkly heels tumbling in heaps on the floor below the make-up stations, groaning with powders. Shiny, gaudy, fabulous frippery everywhere.

STAGE SY

Miss Rory, who we later hear is called Dan, is first to arrive, all 6ft 4ins of him, a long, strapping thing, who at nearly 27 has already been hosting in drag for 10 years. In his Hollister hoodie and carrying his make-up in a tool box, he could pass for someone here to fix the lights. He could certainly reach them - in full heels, an hour later, and towering wig, Rory is a splendiferous 7ft tall. “Betty calls me the Towering Inferno,” he quips.

When finished, Miss Rory is an exquisite pink and shimmering femme fatale in long black sequins, disconcerting as all drag artists are with their inscrutable over-arched brows, but very beautiful.

A quick fag out the small back door on her way to perform has her doubled almost in half in order to comply with the law. It makes for an eyepopping spectacle.

“I choose my own outfits,” he has explained earlier, still a harmless lad at his seat, preparing to ‘blank out the face’ and paint in the lady. “My mother will ring me from TK Maxx and say, ‘oh, they’ve got some fabulous new dresses in’. I never listen, but I’m very close to all my family, they think this is great. They appreciate it takes a lot of doing.”

A quiet and polite Simon Green arrives, aka the famous Betty Legs Diamond. Rory refers to him as a she, even without the make-up. For a while, the third person singular thing is a murky affair, becoming clear again as the clock ticks towards showtime.

First thing, shirts off. Second, hairdryers on, wax pots, eyebrows slicked into shape. Then obscured with a heavy, sweat-proof make-up, that goes on to mask the whole complexion. The ‘blanked out face’. They both suddenly look quite different.

The girls arrive, young and pretty and dressed in tracksuit bottoms and leg warmers. Then the four male dancers, whose make-up routine is a quick matter of foundation and eyeliner.

It’s all very busy here now, everyone facing their bulb-lined mirrors and going about their routine.

Betty went to see War Horse last night. It was very beautiful, but a bit Spielberg, she says. The Somme

looked like somewhere you’d want to go on holiday.

They all get on very well. They clearly socialise together, also. Diagonally opposite, there is steam coming from Miss Rory, which I later realise is actually a huge cloud of powder.

Betty is looking intensely, well, intense. Bottle green eye shadow has been applied, and dark lip-liner.

Monster lashes are stuck on to bring it together, and the red lipstick is punchy rather than pretty. Va va voom. It’s not a subtle look. But then, hers isn’t a subtle role, requiring 10 costume changes as the night proceeds through a series of madly flamboyant routines, of which she is, always, the star.

“I give myself an hour to put the make-up on, but I’ve got a rushed one that actually looks OK in an emergency. The quickest I’ve ever done it is in 15 minutes,” Betty says. “Once it’s on, it will last all night. It won’t allow you to sweat, or smudge.”

Rory appears from the bathroom in ultra-high denier flesh-tone tights with inbuilt padded hips, and very little else. He wiggles into a corset, to keep control over an already enviable tummy area, tucks it into his

tights and slithers, feet first, into his long black dress.

Two chicken breasts are slipped down the front, the heels and the wig go on, and this vision appears.

Miss Rory’s job is to host the evening, and she starts with a half-hour warm up that has tonight’s audience in hoots. It’s a lot of chit chat really, where are you from and all that, her latest Groupon purchase for teeth whitening. A real pro, she makes it look easy.

The evening is a relaxed and sociable affair, with the majority of the audience seated around tables or standing in the bar area. In between each of the dance routines, Miss Rory returns to greet her guests for 10 minutes, and make sure their requests are read out and played.

Back stage during all this, Betty Legs Diamond, shirtless and in flesh-tone bomb-proof deniers, is working out on the floor in a series of increasingly eye-watering positions. This is one supple lady.

Wigless, it’s another extraordinary sight, and there’s more to come as the hair and garments go on.

Betty selects from a range of big, proud padded bras a conical, black, Madonna-like brute. A very racy >>

“I give myself an hour to put the make-up on but I’ve got a rushed one that actually looks OK in an emergency.

The quickest I’ve ever done it is in 15 minutes”

collection | 33

SY STAGE

<< suspender number that’s long at the front, but reveals the buttocks. Stockings. The three dancing girls all step into the same pieces.

How nice, I comment, that you’re wearing the same lingerie. “Darling, it’s not underwear,” Betty purrs.

“These are our costumes.”

And then it’s showtime. Miss Rory has worked up the crowd, the purple curtain goes back, and the music, cabaret, rather Brechtian (Betty supplies that line), begins.

The show is mimed, but you get used to that quickly.

It’s about the dancing, really, and the comedy that Betty engineers through a sultry wink, or a saucy posture, or death-defying splits or cartwheels. It wouldn’t work if the dancing wasn’t up to scratch, but Betty is a leading UK choreographer as well as female impressionist (we’re not allowed to say drag queen), and it’s indeed very good, the whole thing rather wittier than I’d imagined.

Next to the real girls, Betty looks tough and a little grotesque, but she plays to that beautifully and your eyes rarely stray to her younger male or female

How nice, I comment, that you’re wearing the same lingerie.

“Darling, it’s not underwear,” Betty purrs.

“These are our costumes”

34 | collection

co-dancers. She is a lady, a vamp, and a star, outrageous but not overly bawdy or blue, queenly rather than catty, and the whole thing is amply worthy of anyone’s consideration for a fun, and certainly different, oh my, night out.

Merveilleux. www.boulevardnewcastle.co.uk

do your

SY MINCOFFS

duty New plans to tackle stamp duty land tax avoidance

questioned by Una Coulson, Head of Residential Property at Mincoffs Solicitors t has been suspected for some time that the Government would try to close the legal loopholes which allow for stamp duty land tax avoidance. For many years stamp duty land tax avoidance schemes have been used to purchase residential properties at the top end of the housing market.

Under the new plans properties sold for more than £2m will incur a 7% stamp duty land tax charge, and residential properties over £2m which are bought via a company will now incur a 15% charge.

The new proposals are a way of securing the payment of tax that purchasers were previously managing to avoid paying, and whilst the policy objectives behind this are laudable, at a technical level the rules look to be problematic and are likely to have some unintended consequences for property investors.

For example, it is not clear from the budget announcement whether the proposal to charge

i

non-UK companies capital gains tax on residential property is limited to dwellings costing more than £2m. If it is intended to apply to all residential buildings, this will impact not only on companies which only invest in residential property, but also on companies that own buildings comprising shops or offices with flats above. This uncertainty will need to be addressed very quickly.

Mincoffs Solicitors has always advised clients who were considering stamp duty land tax avoidance schemes to be very cautious about using such schemes, and this approach has been endorsed by the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Only time will tell if the new proposals will see the decline of such avoidance schemes, or whether they will evolve into new variants. However, the warning issued by the government that they will introduce retrospective legislation if their objectives in this area are thwarted must surely be alarming for

the designers of such avoidance schemes and their target audience.

Mincoffs Solicitors has been established since 1948 and is one of the North East's oldest commercial law firms. We are a highly respected firm with a long-standing reputation for offering high quality and pragmatic legal advice.

Mincoffs is proud to have an extremely experienced Residential Conveyancing team with extensive experience in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing. We recognise that each of our clients have different needs and concerns and we endeavour to keep each one informed and up to date throughout the progression of the transaction in a clear and concise way.

Providing an exceptional personal service to clients is of paramount importance to the team. In some cases, we are acting for the second or third generation of a family who have been with us as clients for many, many years.

For further information on any of the above services, please contact: una Coulson, tel 0191 212 7740 or email ucoulson@mincoffs.co.uk 36 | collection

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SY EQUESTRIAN

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re certainly not short of ambition.

Liz Hands speaks to the men on a mission to make theirs one of the biggest horse events in the country

themane

event www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk

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EQUESTRIAN SY

"We're not toffs," … you do it because you love it."

"We spend our last pennies on our horses.

It's expensive to get a horse ready to event - the dressage, the jumping, the cross country, the lessons, the travel… adminton, Burghley, Blenheim… and now Burgham. "All the best ones start with a ‘B’," says Burgham Horse Trials' organiser David Nicholson.

Burgham may be the new kid on the block in the horse world, but when it comes to what makes an equestrian event successful, it ticks all the boxes.

Stunning rolling hills for the cross-country course: Check. Fences that look too big for man and beast to jump: Check. Immaculately turned out Olympicstandard riders: Check.

So when David says it will become as big as the best in the world, it would be hard to disbelieve him.

Given that Burgham, near Morpeth, also has the combined business brains of property magnates Semore Kurdi, who owns the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, and Sunil Mehra, Chairman of the Asian Business Forum for the North East, behind it, it's easy to see why he's so assured.

Tough and exhilarating for competitors and spectators alike, Burgham's main focus is a three-day event where riders and horses must display the elegance and discipline required in the dressage arena, bravery and speed around the cross country course, and agility and accuracy over the show jumps.

But while they have attracted thousands of spectators and competitors, the trials have already come through a bit of controversy.

Branded a "weekend for toffs" by Labour MP for Blyth Valley Ronnie Campbell when it launched in 2010, Burgham was losing money and not pulling in the hoped-for crowds.

b

None of that, however, worried those now in charge when they took over the reins (sorry!) from Northumberland County Council last year.

"We're not toffs," says David, who events himself on 17.3hh Irish Sports Horse Dumbo - so named because of his large ears. "We spend our last pennies on our horses. It's expensive to get a horse ready to event - the dressage, the jumping, the cross country, the lessons, the travel… you do it because you love it."

And it certainly seems the North East's equestrian community loves Burgham. The main focus is the three-day trials in July but Burgham has also expanded into a two-day March event. It is just the start of the ultimate ambition - to be one of the top competitions in the country, if not the world.

"Most people would be happy with an event on their doorstep so they don't have to travel so far, but Burgham offers more than that," says Sunil. "We support the local economy by procuring services from Northumberland. We employ local people to help run the days and provide volunteering opportunities for young people hoping to break into the sport.

"We want to help grow this economy which still remains hidden. Equestrianism is worth £23m to Northumberland but these figures go back to 2006.

We know from the numbers of specialist yards opening that the demand is great for services across the board and that the number of horses coming into the county from outside is increasing quickly.

Burgham will be a major contributor to this and our objective for the future is for Northumberland to be

the ‘Equestrian County’ of the UK." Lofty ambitions indeed, but ones Burgham is well on course to achieve.

In its first year a whopping 10,000 spectators and 1,200 competitors turned out - figures the team hope will at least double.

Already Burgham has attracted members of famous show jumping family the Whitakers, New Zealand international Caroline Powell and interest from top eventer Oliver Townend, who sent up some of his younger horses to compete.

The course is also impressive, designed to international standard by Cumbria-based Douglas Weymouth. "And these are massive fences we're talking about," says David. "I walked the course and stood at the top of a huge incline looking at a table jump wider than this," he demonstrates with outstretched arms. "But these horses are just sailing over. It's amazing to see."

But set aside the spectacle of huge fences most of us would be too terrified to tackle, and Burgham is aiming to be all-inclusive.

"You don't have to be a somebody to enter," says David. "You can come and compete against the Whitakers if you want to. People were going over their little 90cm fences and saying they could see these top riders going over massive jumps. It invokes such a sense of pride in the area when you've got people competing who live just a few miles away."

And, along with catering for those into all things horsey, the aim is to appeal to the wider community just wanting a great day out. >>

"All the best ones start with a

B

collection | 39

SY EQUESTRIAN

Left to right: 14-year-old Kerstin, 11-year-old Daisy

<< "We want to be the size of Northumberland County Show," says David. "We want 20, 30, 40,000 visitors so we're expanding the Retail Village and we've added a companion dog show in July with kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classes. We've also got sheep races which are hilarious to watch."

Take stock of where Burgham is already and David is the first to admit how thrilled he is by what has been achieved. "I was standing there the week before our first competition looking at all these empty fields and thinking 'Oh my God, this is going to be filled with people and horses and marquees'," he says.

That's something the three men are going to have to get used to. In time, the aim is for Burgham to stage a total of five events throughout the year, with at least one of those winning top four-star status like Badminton.

The trio aren't even worried about getting the big names to come so far North. "Eventing people are used to travelling," says David. "That's what we do. I'd never dream of getting out of bed and travelling to the other end of the country without a horse, but I'm quite happy to get up at 3am, get my horse plaited and then drive for five hours to take part in a competition."

"Our ambition is to go up, up and up!" adds Semore, whose love of horses started in childhood. "And we don't just mean the size of the jumps. We won't stop until we are told we can take it no further and that means a 4-star event rivalling the best."

Despite the obvious enthusiasm, there's no doubt taking on such a challenge in these times of economic doom and gloom was brave. But the men behind Burgham are quick to point out they are in it for the long ride.

"Any investment we make is not just for the now but with an outlook on the future," says Sunil. "While the current financial climate is challenging, Burgham is at the beginning of its journey. But, with the right support, the North East can look forward to it becoming not just sustainable, but the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Badminton of the Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

40 | collection

pony

www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk

power

& 8- year-old Matilda

Four sisters, ten horses and ponies, and a whole lot of determination The Deakin sisters don't do things by halves And they are hoping to follow in the famous hoof beats of show jumping family the Whitakers to make their own mark at Burgham in the future.

Already 14-year-old Kerstin, 11-year-old Daisy and Matilda, eight, have notched up an impressive array of show jumping accolades.

And even youngest sister Poppy, five, has her own pony.

The foursome, who live with parents Stephen and Felicity Deakin, both 43, in the North East, have an impressive set up in which to hone their talent.

They practise every night after school in the outdoor arena- although Poppy often simply watches while playing with her toys. And Stephen also came up with the ingenious idea of using a dome-shaped inflatable designed to cover tennis courts to make sure they have somewhere dry to ride. "They really are very lucky," says Felicity.

They first got into riding through taking a turn on their auntie's ponies. Eventually, the family bought Snoopy, a 12.2hh Irish Sports Pony for the girls to share "because he was a nice all rounder". And they have never looked back.

Kerstin started competing at 11. She was runner-up in her pony class at Hickstead three years running and has competed in England

teams, taking home gold, silver and bronze medals. Last year Kerstin was selected for the Great Britain children on horses team on her stead Sunsolde and won team Bronze in Portugal.

Daisy has competed at Olympia, the Horse of the Year Show and Hickstead while Matilda is also taking part in local and national competitions, on her two ponies Sooty and Sasha. Even little Poppy is in on the action, taking part in shows at Todburn Equestrian Centre near Morpeth.

Felicity is the first to admit it's not easy juggling show jumping with family life.

"Everything is a rush to get homework done and training done. It's a big juggle but it seems to work. We just bundle along I guess, and generally it all fits in."

They are currently being trained by renowned show jumper Harvey Smith's son Steven, who travels from Leeds to give his guidance.

It's something the girls hope to put to good use at Burgham. While the younger ones are too little to take part just yet, Kerstin wants to enter this summer. "It's great to have something like that on your doorstep and will be fantastic not to have to travel."

But whatever future competitions the sisters take part in, one thing is for sure - the Deakin family is definitely one to watch.

Austin Boulevard, Quay west Business Park, Sunderland, SR5 2AL ,t 0191 549 4777

www.whitewaters.co.uk

Whitewaters

Pools

HOMES SY

y

ou know you’ve arrived when the Whitewaters pool people are installing one of their truly breathtaking luxury pools, swimspas, saunas or steamrooms in your house; and your neighbours know you’ve arrived when the Whitewaters van is parked in your drive. Whitewaters, based in Sunderland, is the name behind many of the most spectacular leisure suites in the region and nationwide. Indeed, there are probably quite a few well-known celebrity and sporting names happily dipping their feet into Whitewaters products at the very moment you’re reading this.

No surprise then that Whitewaters has recently won gold in two categories at the prestigious SPATA national design awards, which is a first for a North

East company and a major accolade in this highly competitive industry.

The Whitewaters team has also recently been appointed to design and build the pool suite in the UK’s highest profile residential project for a celebrity client in central London. Sadly, we can’t tell you who it is, but rest assured it is a very discerning name.

Take a look at the profile of our front cover property for sale on pages 12-15 of this magazine and you’ll see a spectacular pool and leisure suite. Who did the pool? Whitewaters.

Whitewaters also specialises in the maintenance and refurbishment of existing swimming pools and report a steady growth in enquiries from existing pool owners looking to make over their facilities.

collection | 41

SY HERITAGE

praise

One of the region’s great historic churches is about to embark on ambitious development plans which will propel it into the next chapter of its long history, as Jane Pikett discovers

old

new

clearly the challenges are

i many.

“I suppose you could call it

emerge from the precipitous 7th Century crypt stairs which descend from the Nave floor of Hexham Abbey to meet the black leather-shod feet of Canon Graham Usher, Rector of Hexham Abbey.

“I am so sorry,” purrs a gentle tenor voice as I haul myself blinking into the sunlight. “I was unavoidably delayed with the Archdeacon. Have you been exploring?”

I have indeed, and nosing around the historic honeypot that is Hexham Abbey is an absorbing pastime, revealing a place of beauty, contemplation,

home improvements on a massive scale,” says Graham…

42 | collection

prayerfulness and enormous significance in the Christian heritage of the North East.

Founded by St Wilfrid in 674, it has been re-modelled several times in the last 1,300 and more years. Thus the stairs leading to its oldest section – the crypt – descend from the floor of the newest - the Nave whose walls were possibly razed by the Danes in the ninth century and re-built only 100 years ago by the Edwardians.

In September, work will begin on the latest chapter in its life, with the ambitious £3m restoration and redevelopment of a 13th Century monastic complex to create a state-of-the-art heritage centre and community facilities.

“I suppose you could call it home improvements on a

HERITAGE SY

“At the same time, we have to remain very aware of what is possible, and what is not, in a building of this age”

“This is a wonderful building, and we are in the privileged position… massive scale,” says Graham, “and when you’re working on a Grade-I listed medieval building, clearly the challenges are many.”

At present, the builders are stripping away acres of plasterboard and Formica – the legacy of recent years of local authority occupation.

It is a serendipitous exercise in peeling back layers to reveal the history beneath and the week before we meet, a plasterboard wall has been removed to reveal a perfectly preserved medieval fireplace.

“That was a great day,” says Graham. “Almost as much fun as the day we found the medieval toilet.

“This is a wonderful building, and we are in the privileged position of unpicking layers of history to reveal what lies beneath and restore it to use.

“At the same time, we have to remain very aware of what is possible, and what is not, in a building of this age.”

This project, and the near £3m raised by Graham and his highly resourceful team to fund it, emphasises the varying roles of today’s Church and the juggling acts performed by clergy in maintaining and developing places of worship which also happen to be significant historic monuments.

And for all its historic significance, this is not a museum; it is a busy parish church standing at the heart of its community and serving an active congregation of more than 600 who attend 18 weekly services.

Yet the clergy and the parish are also custodians of a site of enormous significance in the Christian heritage of the North East, so the newly restored and redeveloped monastic complex will harmonise the Abbey’s roles in delivering the mission of the church, preserving this historic place and rejuvenating it to serve the wider community.

“Historically this has been an important site for pilgrims and our visitors already contribute nearly £3m to the local economy,” says Graham.

Not surprisingly, this is an expensive business, and at the time of writing nearly all the £3m needed to fund the project has been sourced from a combination of successful applications to grant-making trusts, private donations and the fundraising efforts of local people as well as indicative support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, This is the most significant development here for more than a century and the new building will be the engine room, says Graham, for much of the Abbey’s

activity as it moves into the next phase of its long life.

Most people in this 12,000-strong market town community will affirm that the project offers a rare opportunity for their Abbey to re-acquire, creatively re-use and conserve the former monastic buildings.

The new development, designed by specialist architect Chris Cotton – a veteran of projects at Durham and St Paul’s Cathedrals – will provide greater access to and understanding of Hexham’s exceptional heritage, as well as attracting visitors to the area.

The idea of displaying the Abbey’s treasures has been more than 100 years in the making, as evidenced by a letter written in 1898 by the-then Rector, Canon Sydney Savage, to The Times newspaper suggesting the founding of museum dedicated to the Abbey’s long and varied history. >>

…the near £3m raised by Graham and his highly resourceful team

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SY HERITAGE

<< Were he still here, Canon Savage might be pleased to see his vision is to be realised at last, and on a significantly larger scale. As his successor says: “The Hexham Abbey Project brings life to Canon Savage’s vision.

“We are here to serve people, and the Abbey offers a sacred space for people of all faiths and none. The development of the monastic complex will allow us to welcome even more people and further develop our central role in the day-to-day life of Hexham.

“While Christian mission is fundamental to the Abbey’s purpose, we have significant other responsibilities as custodian of a remarkable heritage site and the restoration of these medieval buildings will benefit the entire community.”

Of course, the monastic buildings already have much to tell from their long history, notably the fact they were taken from the Abbey in 1537 by Henry VIII. He passed the buildings to his Bailiff, Sir Reynold Carnaby, and later they passed into the ownership of different members of the Fenwick, Blackett and Beaumont families before being sold to the local authority, which is gifting the complex back to the Abbey as its contribution to the project.

“At last, the buildings will give us the space and the opportunity to be of greater service to the community,” says Graham. “And amidst all of these improvements we will make absolutely sure that the wonder and reflective space of the Abbey – in a sense

“At last, the buildings will give us the space and the opportunity to be of greater service…

Canon Graham Usher, Rector of Hexham Abbey its prayer-soaked walls – remains, because that makes this place really special.

“We’re delighted that the time has now come to equip this historic place for the 21st Century and the next 1,000 years or so of its life.”

To support Hexham Abbey Project Appeal, see

www.hexhamabbey.org.uk

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44 | collection

21st 1,000 years or so …

Century and the next

www.3rdspace.co.uk

HOMES SY

S

itting here, at genuine risk of freezing to death in the glorified shed I call my ‘garden office’, I find myself dreaming of another world in which I might ensconce myself in a beautiful glazed garden room clad with copper. Yes, copper. It’s the last word in style, don’t you know?

At Northumberland-based 3rd Space, architect Paul Grindley and interior architect Ben Jardine design and develop beautiful modular buildings created from Douglas fir, acres of glazing and a choice of such funky finishes as laser-cut metal, living green walls, gorgeous copper cladding, various decorative patterns and beautiful red cedar.

3rd Space modular buildings are fully insulated and sustainable, so you’re ticking all your green credentials, too.

The idea to create 3rdSpace came from Paul and Ben’s clients’ requests for a space that offered the practicality of a garden office but at the same time could stand as a beautiful, solid structure.

With this in mind, Ben and Paul set out to design and develop a modern building that was quick to install and detailed in its finish.

These beautiful buildings are designed to be flexible and easily adapted in future and in most cases in England garden buildings don’t require planning permission (if you live in a Listed building, Green Belt,

conservation area or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty then your permitted development rights are restricted and you will require planning permission).

You can have your 3rd Space delivered and installed within only 4-6 weeks of order and 3rd Space, which is based in the Tyne Valley at Wylam, offer a free visualisation service – just email a photo of your garden to info@sawhorse-ltd.co.uk and they’ll send it back with the addition of your dream garden room.

Right, where’s my camera?

www.3rdspace.co.uk

Specialists In:

Beautiful Gardens Professionally Designed, Built & Maintained Tel. 01207 580 889

Web. www.shs-gardens.co.uk

E-Mail. duncan@swinburne.co.uk

collection | 45

or we?

we’re the

SY FINANCE

when a tycoon like Sir Richard Branson considers the North East a good

investment we have to ask what’s in it for the region.

So what effect will Virgin Money

Brian Nicholls speculates

effect

have as employer, …

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead.

But we’ve the people, the products and the plans in place,”

theplans inplace,” w

hen the UK’s fourth richest citizen sees the North East as rich investment pasture, it’s time to take notice.

Sir Richard Branson, whose £3bn fortune makes him the fourth wealthiest Briton on the Forbes billionaires’ list, has acquired through Virgin Money the so-called ‘good half’ of Northern Rock bank, which taxpayers rescued from extinction in 2007.

A bit of a Marmite man, he’s widely admired for his temerity and his entrepreneurial brilliance, but some distrust or dislike him. There are critics of his mastery in tax avoidance and institutional investors such as Legal & General, Shroeders and some hedge funders opposed his first bid for the Rock in 2008.

46 | collection

Criticism over the payment bracket accepted for his later bid – £747m to £1bn – was that it threatened a £1bn loss for taxpayers, but Branson drives hard bargains and a government agency now suggests the total outcome from the Rock’s nationalisation and its consequence could be an £11bn profit, albeit over 15 years.

All’s well that ends well? A share flotation for Virgin Money isn’t ruled out and even some of the original Northern Rock plc investors, numbed by confirmation that their shares are now worthless, might think the new order worth a punt.

Branson, 61, was born under Cancer the crab, and astrologers say that for Cancerians life never stands still. He’s also dyslexic, which never held back Churchill or Einstein, and not only has he built an empire of 200 companies, he has penned four books, including a 488-page autobiography.

Maybe the Cancerian’s shell-like craving for financial security drove him to the bid that this time secured his grip on the Rock.

So what effect will Virgin Money have as employer, motivator of the regional economy, and additional banking facility?

Northern Rock at its peak employed about 6,500; the segment within Virgin Money has only 2,100. However, many others still work for the other half of the Rock which is now part of UK Asset Resolution. Branson has promised no job cuts for three years, and there are hopes he will recruit.

“We have the people, the products and the plans in place,” he promised on his recent flag-waving visit to Newcastle, and significantly, Virgin Money recently got into a Sunday Times Top 100 list of best companies to work for - on the recommendation of employees.

While many bank jobs have been lost through the follies of the Rock’s previous regime, many have been created by Tesco basing its savings headquarters on North Tyneside. Given the additional presence of two building societies, the Newcastle and the Darlington, and some other back-office operations, the North East could now recover its status as a financial centre. The Rock’s cost efficiency in its plc heyday was an example to UK banking, and Sir Richard, who is scathing of the City’s bonus culture, will wish to emulate that.

There may be trepidation among the Big Five high street banks - Lloyds, RBS, HSBC, Santander and Barclays. They now have to defend their estimated 83% share of personal current accounts and 77% of the mortgage market. As Branson warns: “The Virgin Group has for 40 years gone into markets where there are opportunities to make things better for customers.”

FINANCE SY

…Branson’s preference to a “gleaming London tower block”

pref-erence “The Virgin Group for 40 years has always gone into markets where there’s opportunity

opportunity

to make things better for customers”

Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which? magazine, believes Virgin’s purchase indicates we will see more competition and a better deal from high street banks.

Mind, not all Sir Richard’s projects triumph. Virgin Vodka, for example. Other banks are also nibbling the Big Fives’ heels, including Sweden’s Handelsbanken, and London and the Home Counties’ Metro Bank, driven by chairman Anthony Thomson who once sold advertising for the Evening Chronicle.

Virgin Money has strong new partners - Cayman Islands-based Stanhope Investments (really the investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi), and Wilbur Ross, the American entrepreneur who loves and turning round distressed companies, especially banks.

Virgin Money previously ran wholly on the internet offering loans and credit cards. Northern Rock, with its 75 branches, was recognised for savings and mortgages. The two businesses have dovetailed easily.

How easily Sir Richard and Wilbur will dovetail on policy is interesting, however.

The Englishman, all for personal contact, wants to grow the branches; the American favours the internet.

The company line is that there are some products customers like access in-branch but they often prefer form-filling online. Branson says banking is about being true to one’s values and ‘not about keeping stockholders pleased or wearing suits’. The American always wears pinstripe suits.

Sir Richard has wanted a bank since the early 1990s.

He finally got a licence by purchasing Church House Trust of Yeovil in 2010. But this was a branchless, private bank. With the Rock, Virgin Money has acquired 75 branches, a £14bn mortgage book and a

£16bn retail deposit book. Its 1m customers take Virgin’s customer base to 4m-plus.

Virgin Money’s strength is being built largely outside London’s hefty running costs, though it does have offices there. Its headquarters are instead in Norwich Branson’s preference to a “gleaming London tower block”, where Virgin Money initially took shape as a joint venture with Norwich Union.

Branson says: “We’ve never employed fund managers, who are some of the world’s highest paid people, since we discovered their best-kept secret; they could never consistently beat the stock market index.”

Last year, Virgin Money opened offices in Edinburgh, where Jayne-Anne Ghadia, Branson’s trusted number two and chief executive since 2007, reckons she has that city’s finest views of its castle.

She led the battle for Northern Rock and she, not Branson, will be a more familiar figure in Newcastle, where she heads a board and executive team of 10 who pledge to keep the savings and mortgage headquarters at Gosforth.

Born in Stourbridge near Birmingham, she moved at

13 to Norwich and after an independent education at Bury St Edmunds and university in London she filled the only job she has ever applied for – trainee accountant with Ernst & Young.

Up the ladder at Norwich Union she went, and was a signatory to its marriage to Virgin. When Australian Mutual Provident replaced Norwich Union, Ghadia stayed put. “It never occurred to us to do anything but keep the Newcastle base,” she says of Virgin’s latest expansion (her father is from the North East, incidentally).

She told The Northern Echo that in deciding between buying Northern Rock or assets Lloyds Bank had to sell to get state aid, “all the virtues of Northern Rock shone through.”

To her, the Newcastle business feels like one that has learnt “an awful lot” from difficult times. “It has a fabulous foundation for growth from here on in,” she promises. Now she’s launching banking ‘lounges’, like business lounges at airports and railway stations.

Three have opened in Norwich, Edinburgh and Manchester. Two more will open soon in London and Newcastle. Don’t be surprised if the latter comes with the next retail expansion planned for the city’s Central Station. Sir Richard sees railway stations as sound sites for banking, and Newcastle is a major calling point for his Virgin trains.

Existing high street banks have time yet to regain the public’s confidence. Virgin Money for now deals in savings, mortgages, credit cards, investments, pensions, insurance and online fundraising. The full array, including current accounts and loans to small and medium enterprises, will come in 2013. That’s when things should really get interesting.

newcastle base

“It never occurred to us to do anything but keep the Newcastle base,” she says

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rare! OFFICE

Your home is a rare thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and our clients tell us that our expertise is equally unique.

At the top of the market, discretion is often crucial, which is why rare! is the first port of call for so many people buying and selling luxury homes.

Our marketing expertise and our international links ensure that the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury homes are safe in our hands - a rare thing indeed.

YOuR LOCAL OFFICE

The Old Bank 30 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1LX T: 0191 223 3500

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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A MAGNIFICENT DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT NEWLY BUILT, LUXURIOUS ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS Built next to the conversion of the former library in Heaton Park and with its own private gated parking, is this stunning development of luxury apartments. Overlooking the park with its beautiful walkways, this outstanding scheme provides the very best luxury apartments Newcastle has built and would surprise and delight the most exacting of requirements. The interior design and fitting of the apartments is reminiscent of houses worth many millions of pounds, with bespoke handmade furniture, state of the art lighting, underfloor heating and stunning sound and audio systems. The Italian kitchens are equipped with Siemens appliances and the bathrooms are by Villeroy and Boch and Hansgrohe. The whole design has been crafted to the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely high standards, creating an outstanding example of exquisite bespoke design.

This scheme is not available for sale individually, but consideration would be given to the sale of the investment as a whole. The eight apartments vary in size, from 600 to 700 sq ft, all with a double bedroom, bathrooms and wet rooms.

The development is available on the following terms: (1) for sale as a whole (2) for rental as a whole as a corporate let (3) for rental individually on a 6-12 months fixed term (4) short term lets of 3 months or more may also be considered.

Superbly located within easy walking access of Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quayside and connecting to Jesmond Dene, as well as great road links into the city centre, Gosforth, Jesmond.

ALL ENQUIRIES FOR THIS FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY TO BE MADE TO DUNCAN YOUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SANDERSON YOUNG

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1LX | e: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk | t: 0191 223 3500

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MAGNIFICENT DEVELOPMENT THE VICTORIA APARTMENTS, HEATON PARK VIEW, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

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Celtic Manor Gubeon Wood, Tranwell Woods, Morpeth Price Guide: Price on Application Celtic Manor represents one of the finest new build detached houses available within Northumberland and is a most magnificent home. It enjoys great privacy and is a secure home, with CCTV, a state of the art alarm system, and private surrounding woodland screening the well manicured grounds.

Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Drawing room | Games room with media wall | Garden room | Family kitchen/breakfast room | Magnificent leisure suite with full size pool | Gymnasium | Study | Master bedroom suite with ladies and gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dressing rooms and en suite | Two guest bedroom suites | Two further bedrooms, sharing a Jack and Jill en suite | Triple garage with large self contained apartment above Celtic Manor is a very special property with particularly impressive attention to detail. Tranwell Woods is well supported by the nearby town of Morpeth, with its schools, shops, offices and excellent rail and road links to Newcastle, Newcastle International Airport and Edinburgh.

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Ravenstone Ladycutter Lane, Corbridge

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Price Guide: ÂŁ2.495 Million

An outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the Tyne Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest houses, set in beautifully manicured grounds of 4.5 acres, with electrically gated entrance and long sweeping drive. The house was built in 1877 and extensively remodelled in 1996 and enjoys an elevated view over the Tyne Valley.

Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Drawing room | Study/library | Dining room | Morning/sitting room | Kitchen and family dining area | Amdega orangery/garden room | Utility room and separate wc | Gymnasium, studio, two cellar rooms, plant room and separate wc | Master bedroom suite with dressing room and en suite Five further double bedrooms and four bathrooms | Billiard and games room | Double garage | Tennis court Ravenstone is a very fine, sumptuously appointed property with magnificent interior design, outstanding architectural features and superb luxurious interiors. It enjoys a stunning view over Corbridge and easy access into the village centre, as well as road and rail links into Newcastle.

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The Granary Runnymede Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.845 Million

This stunning luxury mansion has been extensively remodelled to create an impressive home with a considerable amount of style and character. The house has very attractive interior decoration, lovely lighting, a telephone entry system, security cameras and grounds extending to circa three quarters of an acre.

Magnificent entrance reception hall | Study | Drawing room | Family room | Conservatory | Well appointed kitchen | Utility | Shower room/wc | Three staircases to first floor enabling it to be divided into separate wings | Master bedroom with doors to private balcony and luxurious en suite | Further three double bedrooms, one en suite | Family bathroom/wc | Self contained one bedroom apartment above double garage The Granary is a highly impressive property within Darras Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious address, with good accessibility into the Broadway, local shopping facilities and excellent restaurants. Ponteland is a lovely village which links easily into Newcastle city centre whilst the international airport is close by.

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 54 | collection

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Unique property with land

Price Guide: £1.75 Million

Abbotswood is a magnificent detached country house, close to Ponteland and set in just under 7 acres of grounds with equestrian facilities to be envied by many professionals including stables, ménage and paddocks. It was purchased by the current owners in 2003 and has been completely redeveloped and renovated.

Reception hall | Cloakroom | Separate wc | Study/working office | Drawing room | Principal lounge and dining area | Stunning kitchen | Utility | Three large ground floor bedroom suites with lounge areas, two with en suites, one with private terrace | Master bedroom suite to first floor with gentleman’s and lady’s dressing rooms, private sitting area, and stunning en-suite The grounds are delightful with lawned areas, mature trees, a meandering stream, patio terrace, external outbuildings, a third paddock and a timber constructed double height lodge with a bedroom, lounge, kitchen and shower/wc and at first floor level a games/playroom. This would also be ideal as a studio/office.

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Ponteland

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The West House Elmfield Park, Gosforth www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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Price Guide: ÂŁ1.5 Million

The West House is an exceptional, very impressive three storey semi detached villa set in circa 0.47 acres which includes a potential building plot with access onto Kenton Road. It has a lovely courtyard and private drive, with parking for many cars, and an old coach house and stable, now providing two garages, which has had planning permission in the past to be converted into a one bedroomed mews house.

Reception hall with bespoke hanging staircase | Drawing room with beautiful fireplace | Impressive family lounge | Dining room with oak fireplace and doors to terraces | Breakfasting kitchen with appliances | Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite | Two further first floor bedrooms | Family bathroom | Separate wc | Utility | Three further bedrooms to second floor, one currently an office | Separate wc | Walk-in store room The architectural styling and features of The West House are superb and very unique to the area and it has a floor area of approximately 4363 sq ft. It has a stunning garden site and enjoys ease of access to Gosforth High Street and is a truly exceptional house with beautiful features.

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Orchard House Saltwell Road South, Low Fell

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Price Guide: ÂŁ1.3 Million

A fabulous opportunity to acquire a magnificent stone family home dating back to pre 1840 and the former home of Lord Joicey. This principal wing of the large house is highly impressive and its restoration and redevelopment is stunning. The grounds are impressive and include large lawned areas and courtyard terraces.

Reception hall | Dining room | Sitting room | Drawing room with five tall sash windows | Kitchen/breakfast room with newly built wing providing an orangery with doors to courtyard | The kitchen is unfitted and allowance is made within the price for a personalised kitchen | Cloakroom/wc and boiler room | Five bedrooms, four large doubles and one large single | En-suite shower room | Family bathroom Orchard House has been extensively renovated to a high standard and is featured with heritage paintwork. It has new gas central heating and re-wiring and has beautiful well proportioned rooms. This is an impressive house within a tremendous setting.

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Castleton Grove Jesmond

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Price Guide: ÂŁ1.25 Million

A superb opportunity to acquire a beautiful detached family home in one of Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest residential addresses. The property has a substantial drive to the front with parking for three cars and a single garage. The west facing rear garden is very well stocked, with patio terraces, lawned area and a veranda with awning.

Entrance hallway | Cloakroom and separate wc | Drawing room | Dining room | Family sitting room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Utility/laundry area | Five double bedrooms | Master en-suite dressing room | Family shower room/wc | Family bathroom and separate wc | Second floor double bedroom/games room | Two substantial store rooms | Photographic/hobbies room The property, purchased by the current owners in 1979, has provided a lovely family home and has great style and character with lovely cornicing, panelled doors and rear courtyard and outbuildings. This is a super home in an excellent location of Jesmond. Viewings are strongly recommended.

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 58 | collection

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78 and 80 The Drive Gosforth

Price Guide: Prices on Application

To ground floor level the accommodation includes a large entrance reception hall connecting onto a cloakroom/wc, as well as a study or family room at the front of the house. The focal point of the house is the kitchen/day room which is to the front and rear of the property with the kitchen fully integrated and supplied with handmade cabinets, and the rear day room with double doors onto the gardens. The separate, formal drawing room is also a very significant large room with corner full height patio doors opening onto the rear gardens. To the first floor the accommodation includes four double bedrooms, each of which will have en-suite shower or bathroom facilities. The rear bedroom will have a walk-in dressing room and en suite facilities. To the third floor there will be further space for one or two bedrooms and a family bathroom/wc.

The properties are designed in a contemporary style with fabulous large windows providing good natural light.

The Drive is a very popular residential area of Gosforth with immediate access to Gosforth High Street with its banks, shops and offices as well as good links into Newcastle city centre.

These stunning properties are available for sale prior to their construction, allowing prospective purchasers the ability to personalise their new executive dwelling.

All enquiries to Duncan Young and Ashleigh Sundin, Sanderson Young, rare! 0191 2233500

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Occupying a prominent site within the most popular area of central Gosforth, is this exciting and fabulous development of two newly built, luxury detached houses. Fronting onto The Drive and with a corner return to Westfield Drive, these two, 3 storey family houses will offer spacious and well proportioned family accommodation. Vehicle access to their individual drive and garages leads from Westfield Drive, with both garages being double in size and detached from the houses. The gardens will be beautifully landscaped to the front and rear, and enjoy a westerly aspect.

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82 Runnymede Road Darras Hall, Ponteland

Land to rear of 84-92 Runnymede Road Darras Hall, Ponteland

A magnificent 2.58 acre mature site in a prime position, with planning opportunity for a stunning modern mansion.

Planning permission to redevelop into FIVE fabulous detached luxury houses on a 3.7 acre site looking onto the River Pont.

A unique opportunity for a prestigious house.

The houses have 6000 sq ft of superb accommodation.

All enquiries to Duncan Young on 0191 223 3500 or email duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk

FOR SALE IN WHOLE OR IN PART

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Westcliffe 49 Elmfield Road, Gosforth

rare! OFFICE

Price Guide: £995,000

The final completion of this stunning development has taken place with the construction of Westcliffe, unique within the development being the only detached stone built three storey home, overlooking its south facing private garden. With features including bespoke timber sash windows and glazed Juliet balconies, the accommodation extends to 2900 sq ft with 4-6 bedrooms depending on preferred layout. Externally there are fabulous landscaped gardens, a private, sunken patio area with a glazed balustrade and an integral double garage. Westcliffe completes the phenomenal success of this beautiful scheme and complements the developers, the Adderstone Group, on their attention to detail and fabulous creativity.

Reception hall through to double garage | Lounge with doors to terrace | Breakfasting area | Kitchen with Schuller cabinets and appliances | Superb open plan lower ground floor with doors to terrace and which could easily divide into a cinema room and living room or alternatively 2 bedrooms | Fabulous master bedroom with dressing area and potential study, built in robes, en suite and staircase to gallery above with “Cathedral” ceiling and exposed oak trusses | Two further bedrooms Jack & Jill en suite | Family bathroom

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West Grange Cadger Bank, Lanchester

Price Guide: ÂŁ995,000

A very impressive stone built, three storey, luxury family home, dating back to 1851, in a stunning garden site and benefiting from extensive renovation works. Presented to an extremely high standard it benefits from 3.21 acres of paddocks, an impressive pillared entrance, large courtyard drive and double garage.

Vestibule | Reception hall | Kitchen/breakfast room with handmade cabinets and integrated appliances | Utility room, boiler room and cloakroom/wc | Elegant dining room with stunning fireplace | Drawing room with large bay and beautiful fireplace | Reading room and cocktail bar | Garden room | Cinema room and music area above the garage | Seven double bedrooms; the master with en-suite | Family bathroom | Shower room | Study The house has gas central heating, a comprehensive alarm and very tasteful interior design and decoration. This fine home is an outstanding example of a luxury house on the edge of Lanchester, with its own amenities and facilities and good commuting access to Durham and Newcastle. Viewing strongly recommended.

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Brandling Park Jesmond

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Price Guide: £895,000

This magnificent, early 18th century double fronted former farmhouse is a beautiful period residence within the heart of Jesmond. It has a ‘secret garden’, walled surrounds, and a rear courtyard, ideal for the morning sunshine with stone flagged terrace, white washed walls, and leading to two single garages.

Vestibule | Reception hall | Dining room with beautiful décor and fireplace | Drawing room with period fireplace and stunning interior design Sitting room, currently a study | Kitchen & breakfasting room with cherry wood cabinets and extensive appliances | First floor: four double bedrooms, one with en-suite and the fourth currently a dressing room with en-suite | Family bathroom | Second floor: two bedrooms, store room The house has great interior design, many interesting features, gas central heating, double glazing and an alarm system. A very elegant house in a beautiful area with immediate access to the adjacent park, local shopping facilities on Clayton Road, good schools and the universities and hospitals.

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Dotland Grange Hexham

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Price Guide: Offers over ÂŁ799,999

A fabulous detached house within 22 acres with stunning views over surrounding countryside. It has potential to be an even larger property, with space within the roof void to create further accommodation. Its grounds give seclusion, with mature fir trees, open paddock, lawned areas, stone terraces and an all weather tennis court.

Vestibule | Study | Large hall with oak flooring | Sitting room with fabulous views and marble fireplace | Dining room with marble fireplace | Conservatory with outstanding aspect | Kitchen with aga | Utility | Breakfasting room with patio doors and a wood burning stove | Two cloakroom/wcs | Four bedrooms, one with luxury en-suite | Family bathroom/wc | Billiards room | Cellar and general storage space There is a range of outbuildings, as well as a magnificent three car garage, ideal as a workshop. The lawned areas have beautiful flower borders and the grazing paddock is well screened by surrounding fir trees. This is a super property in a lovely private area yet close to the market town of Hexham.

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Westfield Avenue Gosforth

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Price Guide: ÂŁ795,000

Superbly located in a very popular area of Gosforth, is this substantial three storey semi detached house. The property has a west facing rear garden enjoying excellent sunshine throughout the summer months, with a stone flagged terrace and lawned garden with a summerhouse and timber decked area.

Vestibule | Cloaks storage | Separate wc | Inner hall with corner fireplace | Sitting room | Dining room | Breakfasting kitchen with fitted cabinets and builtin appliances | First floor: four bedrooms, two which are large doubles, one with en-suite | Family bathroom with separate shower | Second floor: fifth bedroom, shower room and large eaves storage cupboard | Block paved terrace and garden to front | Single garage The house has a great deal of style and character with high ceilings, cornicing, and panelled doors as well as gas central heating and an alarm. It is very well located in the heart of Gosforth with good accessibility to the High Street. A beautiful period home for which viewing is strongly recommended.

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The Woodlands Sunderland Road, Cleadon

Price Guide: £795,000

Originally constructed in the mid 1980s and occupied by the same family since, is this luxurious detached family home. Security plays an important part in the property, with a gated entrance and security gatehouse giving access into the private grounds, which include a large courtyard and parking area, single garage, security office and separate wc. There is also an independent cottage which has a double bedroom with en-suite, a lounge and a fitted kitchen.

Entrance vestibule | Central hall | Cloakroom/wc | Drawing room and separate dining area | Kitchen with large breakfasting area | Utility room | Master suite with en-suite and lady’s and gentleman’s dressing rooms | Three further bedrooms, all with en-suites | Internal courtyard | Independent cottage Security gatehouse The Woodlands is set back from Sunderland Road, backing onto delightful open countryside, as well as having very impressive gardens and grounds with lawned areas and flower borders. The Woodlands is a unique and very special home for which viewing is strongly recommended.

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 66 | collection

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Plot 1

Plot 2

Residential Development Plots at Lauder Grange Prospect Hill, Corbridge A planning application has been made to redevelop the lower garden plots within the grounds of Lauder Grange. The identified plots will have their own private entrance drives and each will have their own independent access leading from Ladycutter Lane. Confidence is high that the applications will be successful and enquiries are sought now from prospective buyers, who may be interested in acquiring either of these outstanding opportunities. The existing gardens are magnificent and have been professionally landscaped and designed and the grounds of both plots include stunning planting and large central lawned gardens, which will provide an ideal footing for prospective new homes. Both sites enjoy stunning views to the west overlooking the Tyne Valley, have great natural light and will be very private from each other and from the principal house.

Plot One

Plot Two Plot Two extends to 0.76 acres and has its own private driveway leading up to the existing stone built garaging and stabling, which are to be included within the plot. The formal gardens include a sunken lawned area with magnificent stonework, which provides a superb retaining wall.

This location is ideal for its convenient accessibility into the popular Northumberland village of Corbridge, with its stunning shops and excellent road and rail links. All prospective purchases will be subject to planning permission being granted. Details of planning are available on file, please contact Duncan Young or Ashleigh Sundin on 0191 223 3500.

Price Guide: Plot One: ÂŁ750,000 Plot Two: ÂŁ500,000 The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 collection | 67

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Plot One is the largest of the two plots at just under 1.25 acres and occupies the corner of the site between Prospect Hill and Ladycutter Lane. It has a mature tree lined avenue leading into the garden plot, which has a fabulous stone pergola and a stunning free standing orangery and glasshouse, which was constructed recently to a very high standard. The boundaries are tall and mature and very little expense will be required on any formal landscaping beyond the construction of a luxury home.

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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Lindisfarne Close Jesmond

Price Guide: ÂŁ749,950

A stunning, unique, detached luxury city house, extensively remodelled in recent times with a beautiful contemporary interior and fabulous, easily maintained landscaped gardens with beautiful terraces and sitting areas. There is a double garage with electric doors and courtyard parking for four cars.

Vestibule | Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Open library/music room | Lounge with marble fireplace | Study/office | Drawing room with solid oak flooring Kitchen/breakfast room with cooking range | Impressive double height Amdega conservatory providing a dining, breakfasting and family sitting area | Utility Four double bedrooms, two en suite, and all with fitted wardrobes | Family bathroom/wc The house has wiring for Bang & Olufsen audio equipment, superb interior design, gas central heating, double glazing and an alarm system wired to the police. Lindisfarne Close is very well located for its ease of access to the central amenities of Jesmond. A highly impressive home in a tremendous area.

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 68 | collection

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East Thorn Farmhouse Kirkley, Nr Ponteland

rare! OFFICE

Price Guide: ÂŁ699,999

Located just to the north of Ponteland with elevated views over surrounding countryside, is this fabulous 1850 detached property. Purchased by the owners in 2001 it has been extensively refurbished to an excellent standard with beautiful fireplaces, solid oak flooring, sliding sash windows throughout and a traditional farmhouse style kitchen and pantry designed and fitted by Mowlem & Co.

Entrance hall | Family sitting room | Drawing room | Family kitchen and breakfasting room with inglenook fireplace, beamed ceiling and French doors to gardens Second preparation kitchen and utility | Rear entrance hall | Wet room/wc with shower | Five bedrooms; four large doubles and one single | Family bathroom There are superb gardens and the drive and courtyard accommodates many cars. In addition there is the benefit of an approximately 1.8 acre paddock. Planning Permission and Buildings Regulation approval has recently been granted to extend to the rear of the main house to provide a large open plan garden/family room, a separate detached double garage and also for conversion of the adjacent brick barn and stables to provide a two bedroom self contained cottage with an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area and separate bathroom.

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 collection | 69

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Warden Barns Low Warden, Hexham

Price Guide: ÂŁ650,000

Warden Barns is a fine stone built family home, set within the delightful hamlet of Low Warden, just to the west of Hexham. The four bedroom period house has beautiful walled, mature gardens extending to approximately a third of an acre, with spacious garaging and storage areas.

Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Study area | Impressive 22ft sitting room | Garden room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Utility/boot room Master bedroom with en suite shower | Three further double bedrooms | Brand new family bathroom/wc | Garaging for three cars | Extensive parking and storage areas | Mature landscaped gardens | No upward chain The house has much charm and character with traditional fireplaces, wood burning stove and stripped wood doors. Low Warden is a unique village in the Tyne Valley, with stunning countryside, private road access, no through traffic, a historic church and local pub, ideally located for commuting by road or rail into Newcastle.

The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 70 | collection

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The Dovecote Ladycutter Lane, Corbridge The Dovecote, designed by Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall, is an inspiring house under a slate roof with turreted spire, beautiful design and heritage colour scheme. It has its own private driveway with electrically operated hardwood gates and provides a contemporary home with three double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathroom or shower rooms. Built in 2010 The Dovecote has gas central heating, double glazing, alarm and an integral large garage with electrically operated door.

Vestibule | Reception hall with Indian slate flooring Cloakroom/wc | Large living room open to dining room with bay window to south facing terrace and multi fuel burning stove | Kitchen and breakfast room with hand painted cabinets, cooking range, integrated appliances and doors to terrace | Utility | Three double bedrooms, all en suite The gardens that surround the property are sloping with lawned areas and mature trees and the southern elevation with its sun drenched terrace is very private with uninterrupted views over the adjoining field.

Price Guide: ÂŁ750,000 Grove Park Oval Gosforth

Entrance hallway | Superb living room opening to south facing terrace | Dining room open to kitchen | Well appointed kitchen with appliances | Fabulous master bedroom with doors opening to terrace | Built in wardrobes and generous en suite bathroom/wc | Guest double bedroom with en suite shower room | Third double bedroom | Bathroom/wc

There is an impressive wrap-around terrace with superb open views over the communal grounds and courtyard. The apartment benefits from two allocated parking spaces in the underground car park. No upward chain.

Price Guide: ÂŁ650,000 The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX | T: 0191 223 3500 collection | 71

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A magnificent three bedroom penthouse apartment in this prestigious development within the heart of Gosforth and conveniently located for all the local amenities of Gosforth High Street as well as excellent bus and Metro links to surrounding areas and city centre. The apartment benefits from a security entry phone system, double glazing, electric storage heating, lift service and attractive communal hallways.

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HAY & kILNER SY

Alison Hall, a partner in the Private Capital Department at Newcastle solicitors Hay & kilner, explains to Neil Gordon that personal wealth

advice

capital

management is not just for the super rich

Alison Hall - Hay & Kilner lison Hall is part of Hay & Kilner’s seven strong team that specialises in the legal issues involved with managing personal wealth. I freely confess that I am not up to speed with the role of solicitors in wealth management planning, but Alison is keen to enlighten me.

“Many of our clients have complex financial needs but we do cover a wide range of legal matters that can affect everyone,” she tells me when I meet her at Hay & Kilner’s offices in Newcastle city centre. “Our specialist private capital team of three partners and four associates can help with such things as wills, probate, trusts, estate planning, power of attorney and managing assets owned by a business.”

“Nowadays anyone who owns their own home, a second property or their own business could benefit from private capital management,” she adds. “For example Inheritance Tax is currently levied at 40% on assets over the personal allowance of £325,000. Even if combined with a spouse’s allowance, this can be less than the value of many family homes.”

So is private capital management simply a matter of making a will?

“A will must be the cornerstone of anyone’s long term financial strategy, and we have specialists who can help, but private capital management is not just dealing with a deceased person’s estate. We also help our clients receive the most value from such things as the sale of a second property, downsizing from a family home or the sale of a business. We can also advise on the most efficient way to protect the proceeds of these sales to help children, or grandchildren, pay school and university tuition fees

A

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or even buy their first home.” As a parent of children with ambitions to enter higher education, Alison has my undivided attention!

“Just one example of what we do is when parents buy a flat for their children to use whilst at university. After graduation, what happens to the flat? Any money made from rent could be taxed at rates as high as 50% (45% from April 2013), whilst any financial gain from selling a property that is not a main residence attracts Capital Gains Tax at 18% or 28%. However, we can protect an asset like a second flat and try to reduce the tax burden by placing it in a trust.”

“Besides being tax efficient, a trust allows parents to control and protect valuable assets until a child is old enough to manage their own affairs,” she continues.

“A trust also allows the owner of an asset to pass on its value proportionally so all persons named as beneficiaries benefit fairly.”

Does this mean simply dividing property equally?

“It can,” says Alison, “But take a farming family where one child has stayed at home to work in the business whilst another has left to pursue a different career. A trust can help the owner pass on the farm in the right proportions so each child benefits fairly.”

So is Alison’s advice reserved for farmers?

“Not at all,” she insists. “We can help with such things as the most efficient way for any business to hold

assets. For example keeping large cash reserves may attract top rates of tax whilst holding too many tangible assets, such as property, may change the character of the business for tax purposes. We can advise on the proper balance to achieve Inheritance Tax savings and work regularly with our client’s accountants.”

Besides assets and trusts how else does Alison and the team help clients?

“We are not financial advisers, and we do not give investment advice,” she says. “We each have a different area of legal expertise to help with such issues as pre/post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, conveyance of agricultural property, the settlement of estates and many other matters. Also, an increasingly important area of our work is personal welfare which includes such things as powers of attorney.”

So in conclusion what message would Alison most like to convey to potential clients?

“I think the most important thing to remember is that because people are living longer, their children are inheriting later in life. But proper planning means your money is targeted to where it can be of most benefit before you die as well as after. Our services can therefore help you protect, manage and place your assets where you want them to be and that is what private capital management is all about.”

alison Hall can be contacted at Hay & kilner on 0191 232 8345 or by email: alison.hall@hay-kilner.co.uk or visit www.hay-kilner.co.uk.

Alison is also chairman of the North East and Cumbria branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

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REGIONAL LETTINGS

As the rental market continues to grow, so do we, and our regional lettings division is renowned among discerning tenants and property owners.

We are privileged to manage quality rental properties all over the region, in city, coast and country locations and at every level of the market.

Which means your property - and your future - is safe in our hands.

YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

95 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4AA T: 0191 223 3510

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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SY REGIONAL LETTINGS

Sanderson Young’s regional lettings manager Gail McLean offers an overview of the current residential rental market to Neil Gordon

t

he state of the domestic lettings market is usually inversely proportional to the state of the sales market.

So, during difficult economic conditions, people often prefer to rent rather than buy, hence 2011 was Sanderson Young residential lettings division’s busiest ever.

The division’s head, Gail McLean, adds that tenants are now choosing to stay longer in rented properties.

“Government measures designed to kick-start the sales market such as changes to stamp duty, better mortgages and help for first time buyers have moved on the selling market and reduced the rental stock, but whilst volume has fallen slightly the value of the lets we handle has increased. The first quarter of 2012 is looking like our most productive ever,” she says.

“Our average let value is now over £1,000pcm, compared to a national average of just £707pcm. This puts Sanderson Young on the same level as London letting offices.

“I’m proud to say we get lots of repeat business, with both landlords and tenants returning to us year after year. We recently let a three-bedroom penthouse at 55 Degrees North in Newcastle and two townhouses on Carlton Terrace in Jesmond. Both properties are owned by landlords who have used us since they bought them.

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“We are still the letting agent of choice on Carlton Terrace and we have just let two properties in two weeks for £2,500pcm.”

Besides the city centre, where else are the letting hot spots in Newcastle?

“Gosforth is still incredibly popular,” says Gail. “We have properties including a four-bedroom terraced house on Alwinton Terrace for £1,200pcm. We also have a four-bedroom and a three-bedroom family home in Grove Park for £1,500 and £1,200pcm respectively.

“We are casting our net wider and pride ourselves on being a regional lettings agency. To this end, we have let properties in Forest Hall and North Walbottle, along the Tyne Valley in Wylam and Corbridge and further north in Bedlington and North Northumberland, which means a dedicated lettings department has been opened at our Alnwick branch, including a fully managed service.

“Hamsterley and Rowlands Gill are always hugely popular and we expect the properties that have just become available there to move very quickly. Similarly, two properties at Camborne Park, a superb new development on Durham Road in Gateshead, had people queuing up.”

Besides more highly desirable rental homes in Gateshead what else does 2012 hold for Sanderson Young lettings?

“Spring is when people traditionally begin to think about moving and already the second quarter is looking like it could outperform the first. My advice to anyone, landlord or tenant, who is thinking about entering the rental market, is to come to us as soon as possible. Our properties tend to move very quickly so it is important to be first in the queue to avoid disappointment!”

…Our properties tend to move very quickly so it is important to be first in the queue to avoid disappointment!”

For information about rental properties, and the services Sanderson Young can offer both landlords and tenants, contact Gail McLean, tel 0191 223 3529 or email gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk or see www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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REGIONALâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;LETTINGSâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;SY

Familyhome

Periodfamilyhome

Countryhome

Gosforth, Newcastle

Corbridge, Northumberland

Ogle, Northumberland

They say location is all, and this four-bedroom extended family home is brilliantly located in vibrant Gosforth. It is contemporary in design and features bespoke fixtures and fittings and a breathtaking kitchen with granite worktops, unique curved drawers and fitted appliances. The four double bedrooms and en suite facilities are superb quality and the location is ideal for the local amenities of Gosforth and good schools. Externally, there is a garage and back garden with an al fresco entertaining area.

This lovely five-bedroom late-Victorian semi is beautifully located in this beautiful, sought-after village and has superb country views. It occupies a generous garden site of a quarter of an acre with mature trees and a garage. This gorgeous family home has many original features including sash windows, stripped pine doors, ceiling coving and roses and cast iron and marble fireplaces in the reception rooms and bedrooms. It is beautifully restored and provides spacious family accommodation.

Bonas Hill Farmhouse is an immaculate, newly refurbished five-bedroom home dating back to Georgian times. Located in a beautiful rural setting with beautiful country views, it has been beautifully restored to make the most of its historic features while providing contemporary comfort. Lying to the eastern outskirts of Ogle, it is close to Ponteland to the south and Morpeth to the north.

Great North Road, Newcastle, NE3 5LX ÂŁ1,500pcm

Barmoor, Deadridge Lane, Corbridge ÂŁ1,800pcm

Bonas Hill Farmhouse, Ogle, Northumberland ÂŁ1,995 pcm

tel 0191 223 3510, email gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk

tel 0191 223 3510, email gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk

tel 0191 223 3510, email gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk

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collection | 75

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SY REGIONAL LETTINGS

Sanderson Young’s regional lettings division is larger and more active than ever before which means it’s never been so easy to get moving

ThorpAvenue

Morpeth

GlastonburyGrove

£2000 pcm

TheTurret

Wylam

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Jesmond

MillfieldRoad

£2000 pcm

DukesMeadow

£895 pcm

Backworth

Whickham

£1795 pcm

ManorChare

£960 pcm

Quayside

£750 pcm

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REGIONAL LETTINGS SY

ere at Sanderson Young, we consider ourselves to be fully on-trend when it comes to The Current Big Thing.

In property terms The Big Thing continues to be renting, and increasing numbers of potential tenants are in the market now for properties at every level of the market.

This is one of the few positive outcomes of the

economic situation, and there is a trend now among people who may have at first started to rent out of necessity who now do it because it suits their lifestyle.

There are also increasing numbers of home owners ready to rent out their properties, and our fast-expanding regional lettings division handles a varied portfolio of properties at all levels of the market in the city, the country and at the coast.

Our landlords appreciate our full management service and our ability to match good tenants with the right properties. Life, it seems, is sweet in property rental.

CarltonTerrace

EastcliffeMews

CambornePark

h

Jesmond

£2500 pcm

BalticChambers

Quayside

Gosforth

£1795 pcm

WarkworthWoods

£1100 pcm

Gosforth

Sanderson Young regional lettings, tel 0191 223 3510, email gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk/let

Gateshead

£950 pcm

TheOldLodge

£1300 pcm

Hamsterley

£750 pcm

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REGIONALLETTINGS

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www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

Celtic Manor Gubeon Wood, Tranwell Woods, Morpeth

Price Guide: Price on Application

Celtic Manor, one of the finest new build detached houses available within Northumberland, was transformed between 2006 and 2008 to create a most magnificent home. The private surrounding woodlands give tremendous screening to the well manicured grounds, which have fabulous stone terraces and pathways.

Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Drawing room | Games room with media wall | Garden room | Family kitchen/breakfast room | Magnificent leisure suite, with full size pool, Jacuzzi, hot tub, changing room, sauna, steam room and wet room | Gymnasium | Study | Master bedroom suite | Two guest bedroom suites Professional cinema room | Two further bedrooms | Jack and Jill bathroom | Self contained apartment | Triple garage Celtic Manor is a magnificent property enjoying great privacy and is a secure home with a state of the art alarm system with CCTV. It is situated on the edge of Tranwell Woods with close accessibility to the market town of Morpeth and via the A1 linking into Newcastle and its International Airport.

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 78 | collection

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REGIONALLETTINGS

Osborne Avenue Jesmond

Price Guide: ÂŁ2,000 pcm

Well located in a very popular area of Jesmond is this substantial Victorian, three storey, mid terraced, family home with a pretty cottage garden and a rear courtyard garden with parking. The former coach house, one of the few in Jesmond, has been rebuilt in part and is now a garden/family room with French doors.

Reception hall | Shower room | Drawing room | Family room | Third reception room, which could be used as a dining room or study | Breakfast room leading to kitchen | Cellar | Four double bedrooms to first floor, the master with en suite | Family bathroom | Second floor - large landing used as a sitting room, and two large bedrooms The house has gas central heating, an alarm system, fabulous fireplaces, panelled doors, cornicing and well proportioned rooms. A popular area of Jesmond with close access to the Dene, restaurants, schools, universities and hospitals. Viewing strongly recommended.

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 collection | 79

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REGIONALLETTINGS

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

High Mill Road Hamsterley • 5 Bedroom detached family home • 5 Reception rooms • Spacious accommodation • En suite facilities • Family bathroom • Kitchen breakfasting room • Summer entertaining area of rear garden • Stunning grounds • Semi rural location • Local village amenities close by • Wonderful country walks including the Derwent Walk

Price Guide: £1,695 pcm Turnbull Building City Centre, Newcastle • Stunning Duplex Penthouse • Accommodation over two floors • Exposed brickwork & beams • Bespoke fixtures & fittings • Sit out terrace • Stunning views • En suite facilities

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

• Private secure gated entrance • Manned reception at certain times throughout the day • Parking for one car

Price Guide: £1,650 pcm 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 80 | collection

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Lime Square Quayside • 3 Bedroom city house • Furnished • Stunning interior • En suite facilities • Living/dining/kitchen • Three floors of accommodation • On site use of FREE gym • Services of concierge at set times • Allocated parking • Ideal Quayside location

Price Guide: £1,400 pcm Alwinton Terrace Gosforth • 4 Bedroom terraced family home • Partly furnished • Three floors of accommodation • Well appointed • Stunning feature fireplaces in the reception rooms • Garage • Courtyard to rear

• Ideal Gosforth location • Local amenities

Price Guide: £1,200 pcm 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 collection | 81

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• Town garden to front aspect

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REGIONALLETTINGS

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Camborne Park Gateshead • Award winning contemporary Eco Townhouse • Low energy living specification • Newly completed • 4 Bedrooms • Versatile contemporary living • Unfurnished • En suite facilities • Rear elevated decked area • Private gated entrance • Parking

Price Guide: £1,000 pcm Fern Avenue Jesmond • 2 Double bedrooms • Furnished • Stunning interior • Period features • Fabulous split level accommodation • Off street parking for one car • Raised decked summer entertaining area

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

• Bathroom • Recessed shower room • Central Jesmond location

Price Guide: £895 pcm 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 82 | collection

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REGIONALLETTINGS

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

Whalton Park Whalton • 2 Bedrooms • Spacious accommodation • Furnished • En suite shower room to master bedroom • Family bathroom • Living/dining room • Reception hallway • Parking • Exclusive development • Stunning country location

Price Guide: £795 pcm Baltic Quays Gateshead Quayside • 2 Double bedrooms • Furnished • En suite facilities • Bathroom • Sit out balcony • Stunning Millenium bridge / river views • Modern fitted kitchen

• Ideal Quayside location • Excellent road links

Price Guide: £750 pcm 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 collection | 83

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• Parking for one car

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REGIONALLETTINGS

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

Moor Road South Gosforth • 2 Bedroom duplex apartment • Furnished to a high standard • Stunning interior • Outside terrace • Sought after location • Excellent local amenities

Price Guide: £925 pcm Queen Street Quayside • 2 Bedrooms • Furnished • Spacious accommodation • Top floor duplex apartment • Tyne Bridge views • Quayside location

Price Guide: £950 pcm Mariners Wharf Quayside • 2 Bedroom apartment • Furnished • En suite facilities • Stunning interior • Communal areas • River front position

Price Guide: £850 pcm Montagu Court Gosforth www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

• 2 Bedroom apartment • Furnished • Living / dining room • Sit out balcony • Stunning views • Sought after Gosforth location

Price Guide: £850 pcm 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 84 | collection

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REGIONALLETTINGS

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Baltic Quays Gateshead Quayside • 2 Bedroom apartment • Furnished • En suite facilities • Lift • Communal areas • Balcony

Price Guide: £825 pcm St Anns Quay Quayside • 2 Bedrooms • Furnished • En suite facilities • Sit out balcony • Stunning river views • Heart of Quayside

Price Guide: £800 pcm High Quays Quayside • 2 Bedrooms • Furnished • En suite facilities • Stunning river views • Communal areas • Parking for one car

Price Guide: £750 pcm Baltic Quays Gateshead Quayside • Furnished • Part views over Quayside • Parking for one car • Great location • Living/dining area

Price Guide: £625 pcm 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 223 3510 collection | 85

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• Open plan 1 bedroom studio

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moving mountains... ...to ensure customer satisfaction, every move!

With over two decades of removals experience under our belts we are, as you would imagine well versed in the art, and strive to make every move as stress free as possible.

In setting these high standards for ourselves,we ensure customer satisfaction everytime, be it a domestic or commercial relocation. Each is dealt with by our own professional uniformed staff who are discreet and courteous and work to make your moving experience smooth and simple.

With clean recyclable packaging materials, additional services available such as packing, storage and antique handling we are the complete removals service.

OFT Approved code

F005

Northumberland Business Park West, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 7RH Telephone: 0191 284 0558 enquiries@gosforthremovals.co.uk

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GOSFORTH OFFICE

Our regional sales office at the heart of the vibrant High Street in Gosforth, Newcastle, provides a gateway to the whole of the North East.

Our regional presence provides the perfect platform to secure your sale, and every buyer is catered for with our selection of the best city, suburban and country homes at all levels of the market.

Sit down, relax, and tour the region, here in Gosforth.

YOuR LOCAL OFFICE

95 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4aa T: 0191 213 0033

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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Highbury Jesmond

Price Guide: ÂŁ575,000

A superb, four/five bedroom traditional family home, in an excellent position overlooking the Town Moor. The three storey, end terraced house is ideally placed for access to the city centre, excellent schooling for all ages, and the great variety of shops, restaurants and cafes of Brentwood Avenue and Acorn Road.

Vestibule | Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Living room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | First floor drawing room | Two first floor double bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc | Generous second floor bedroom with versatile play/dressing room | Fourth double bedroom | Box room | Town garden to front | Rear yard | Single garage The property has retained many original and traditional features including beautiful marble and cast iron fireplaces to the reception rooms and bedrooms, decorative ceiling coving, moulding and roses. Tasteful refurbishment includes superb double glazed timber sash windows throughout.

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 88 | collection

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Montagu Court Montagu Avenue, Gosforth

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Price Guide: ÂŁ495,000

A most impressive and stylish three bedroom third floor apartment enjoying stunning views over the Town Moor. It has been redesigned and refurbished to a superb standard and offers luxurious accommodation with a private 28ft balcony overlooking the Town Moor, and a smaller balcony to the front.

Communal entrance with stair and lift access | Entrance hallway | Cloakroom/wc | 31ft open plan and split level living/dining room | Fabulous bespoke kitchen with integrated appliances and a central island | Utility area | Superb master bedroom | Bespoke walk-in dressing room | En suite shower/wc | Two further bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc | Double garage with electric door and residents parking | Communal gardens The apartment is finished to a high specification with American black walnut flooring, cream carpets, stylish internal doors, granite kitchen work surfaces, Travertine tiling in the bathrooms, decorative ceiling coving and radiator covers, newly fitted UPVC double glazing and a new gas heating system (2011).

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 89

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Haining Croft House Haining Croft, Hexham

Price Guide: ÂŁ389,950

A beautifully presented, ground floor, three bedroom apartment in a Grade II Listed period house in the heart of this popular market town. It provides gracious living accommodation in this attractive luxury gated development, and benefits from double glazing, gas central heating and allocated and visitor parking.

Communal entrance vestibule and hallway | Private entrance hallway | Stunning formal living room with bay window overlooking the communal gardens | Dining room | Fully fitted kitchen with breakfasting area | Master bedroom with en suite shower room and fitted wardrobes | Second double bedroom | Bedroom three/study | Family bathroom | Communal gardens The market town of Hexham offers an excellent range of local amenities, including high quality shopping, and the historic Abbey, a theatre and cinema, and award winning restaurants, all within walking distance.

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 90 | collection

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Cragside House, Cragside Cottage and Cragside Farm Cottage have a superb elevated position overlooking Eastgate village, Rookhope Burn and the ‘Bainbridge Memorial Methodist Church’. The properties are within a few minutes walk of the picturesque Rookhope Burn waterfalls and beyond, lovely rural and woodland walks. The traditional stone built houses, formerly known as Eastgate Home Farm, are steeped in history with the oldest house being Cragside House, circa 1640, which was originally built as the Bailiffs House for the Bishop of Durham’s hunting park and was later occupied by the Bainbridge family in the 1800’s. The charming properties have lovely, private gardens and Cragside Farm Cottage has a small paddock circa 0.784 acres. A great opportunity to purchase all three properties, ideal for families with dependent relatives or there is business potential as holiday lets or bed and breakfast.

Cragside House: £385,000 - Three reception rooms, living room with recently restored inglenook fireplace with multi fuel stove | Refitted kitchen | Utility/wc | Five bedrooms Two bathrooms, recently refurbished and refitted | Stone built double garage Cragside Cottage: £335,000 - Two reception rooms | Kitchen/breakfast room | Utility/wc | Four bedrooms | En-suite to master | Bathroom Cragside Farm Cottage: £295,000 - Two reception rooms | Kitchen | Store | Three bedrooms | En suite bathroom/wc | Shower room/wc | Stone built single garage | Paddock approx 0.784

95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 91

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Eastgate Nr Stanhope, Co Durham

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McCracken Close Gosforth An impressive six bedroom detached family home with generous, immaculately presented accommodation over three floors, with three receptions, a superb family kitchen/breakfast room, a beautiful conservatory overlooking the garden, and two fabulous loft bedrooms.

The property has lovely additional features including an AGA in the kitchen and a cast iron wood burning stove in the living room.

Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Study | 23ft Living room Dining room | Conservatory | Superb 21ft family kitchen/breakfast room | Utility room and second wc | Four first floor bedrooms, two with en suites | Family bathroom/wc | Two fabulous loft bedrooms | Double garage Block paved driveway | Secluded landscaped gardens McCracken Close, a small cul de sac off the Great North Road next to Northern Rugby Club, is ideally positioned for the amenities of Gosforth High Street, Regent Centre Metro, and nearby local Golf Courses.

Price Guide: £625,000 Osbaldeston Gardens Gosforth A unique and special, detached house on Osbaldeston Gardens, with lovely mature, west facing gardens. The traditional 1930’s family home has four/five bedrooms and three reception rooms and is in need of modernisation and updating. Original features include tiled fireplaces to the reception rooms and bedrooms, a balustrade staircase, and servant’s bell panel in the morning room.

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Hallway | Ground floor wc | Morning room | Sitting room Dining room | Conservatory | Kitchen | Master bedroom Large en suite bathroom/wc | Three further double bedrooms Box room/study | Bathroom/wc | Long driveway | Single integral garage | Generous gardens | Vacant possession

The property has gas central heating and UPVC doubled glazed windows.

There are gardens to the front, and to the rear, a lovely 80ft west facing garden, patio terrace and small store/potting shed.

Price Guide: £560,000 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 92 | collection

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GOSFORTHREGIONALOFFICE Brandling Park Jesmond A fabulous opportunity to acquire a significant, large, four storey, mid terraced house in a prime area of Jesmond. The property requires modernising and updating refurbishment, and would suit its current and historic use as a Bed and Breakfast as well as potential new uses as a single dwelling, or as three, self contained apartments. Planning permission has been granted and details are available on file.

Entrance hall | Sitting room | Dining room/bedroom Kitchen/breakfast room | Cellar/games room | Four first floor bedrooms | Bathroom and shower room | Four second floor bedrooms | Shower room | Three third floor bedrooms | En suites to many bedrooms | Rear yard with double length garage | Mature front garden

The house benefits from a fire escape to each floor, gas central heating, ceiling cornicing, panelled doors and feature fireplaces. Viewing is strongly recommended.

Price Guide: £525,000 Northside Birtley An impressive, modern family home offering superb accommodation over three floors, all finished to a high specification and finish, with stylish neutral décor and floor coverings. The property has excellent reception rooms to the ground floor with three good sized reception spaces, and four double bedrooms, two with en suites, as well as a versatile loft room to the second floor.

A great family home, ideally positioned for easy access to Washington, Gateshead and the city centre, as well as commuting to the remainder of the region via the A1 trunk road.

Price Guide: £500,000 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 93

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Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | 24ft Living room | 18ft Cinema room | Superb 28ft kitchen/breakfast room Family/garden room | Utility | Fabulous master bedroom Guest bedroom with dressing room and en suite | Two further bedrooms, one en suite | Luxury family bathroom Loft/games room | Double garage | South facing rear garden

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Montagu Court Gosforth A stunning, large three bedroom apartment, fully refurbished to an exceptional standard, benefiting from south west facing panoramic views over the Town Moor to the city centre from the 30ft balcony. The 1800 sq ft apartment offers spacious living accommodation with high quality fixtures and fittings throughout, two balconies, two secure garages and residents’ and visitor parking. No upward chain.

Communal entrance with stair/lift access to third floor Entrance hallway | Utility room | Open plan, split level living/dining room | Contemporary fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and breakfast bar | Spacious master bedroom | Bespoke walk-in dressing room | En suite shower room | Two further bedrooms | Family bathroom

Designed to a high specification throughout with engineered mahogany flooring, granite kitchen work surfaces, fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, fully tiled en suite and bathroom, and LED mood lighting.

Price Guide: £495,000 The Grove Gosforth An impressive first floor, three bedroom apartment located in a beautiful area of Gosforth and with the rare advantage of having a large private, south facing rear garden. To the front of the property there are private parking facilities as well as a single garage with a utility room at the rear.

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Reception hallway with feature stained glass window and store cupboard | Living room with marble fireplace | Dining room with fitted dresser unit | Well equipped fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and archway to dining room Utility room | Three double bedrooms | Two en-suite shower rooms | Family bathroom/wc | Single garage

The apartment is ideally placed for access to Gosforth High Street with its numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as the Metro station at nearby South Gosforth. Viewing is strongly recommended.

Price Guide: £475,000 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 94 | collection

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Montagu Court Gosforth A well proportioned, immaculately presented three bedroom apartment on the 7th floor of the tower block in Montagu Court. The apartment has superb panoramic views from the large, south west facing balcony over the Town Moor to the city centre, and excellent views over Gosforth from two further elevations. Externally there is a double length garage, residents’ and visitor parking and attractive communal gardens.

Communal entrance with stair and lift access to seventh floor Entrance hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Open plan and split level living/dining room | Fitted kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances | Master bedroom with fitted and walk-in wardrobes | En suite bathroom/wc | Guest double bedroom | En suite shower room/wc The apartment offers spacious living accommodation, two private balconies, and a large double length garage positioned next to the basement entrance to the building. No upward chain.

View

Price Guide: £425,000 Moorside Place Fenham A rare opportunity to purchase a four/five bedroom, detached house in this quiet cul de sac, off Moorside North, with gardens overlooking the Town Moor. The 1950’s family home, lived in by the current owners for over 40 years, occupies a generous double plot with mature gardens to the side, a large driveway providing off street parking for several cars, and a detached garage.

The extended house, whilst requiring some updating, benefits from good sized accommodation over two floors, gas central heating and UPVC double glazing.

Price Guide: £399,950 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 95

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Reception hallway | Cloakroom and wc | Living room | Dining room | Breakfast room | Kitchen | Utility room | Four bedrooms and a fifth bedroom accessed via a bedroom Bathroom/wc | Large driveway | Detached garage | Lovely lawned gardens to the front and side | Views to Town Moor

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Orchard House Mitford, Morpeth A substantial stone built detached house in the centre of the picturesque village of Mitford, with excellent family accommodation over three floors, a secure electric gated driveway and detached double garage. The well appointed family home is one of four executive homes in a small cul de sac and ideally located for Morpeth with its wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, and schooling for all ages.

Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Impressive 29ft living/dining room | Superb family kitchen/breakfast room Utility room | First floor: three double bedrooms | En suite shower/wc | Family bathroom/wc | Second floor: master bedroom | Walk in wardrobe | Bathroom/wc | Double garage Large secure driveway

Finished to a high specification with oak doors, superb staircase, cast iron multi fuel burner, fitted wardrobes to first floor bedrooms, oil central heating and UPVC double glazing. No upward chain.

Price Guide: £395,000 Mount Close Killingworth A deceptively spacious six bedroom, three reception room detached house, set to the head of this quiet cul de sac with generous gardens to two sides, a double width driveway and double garage. The property has been extended and refurbished to a high standard throughout, with an impressive 27ft garden room, well appointed bathrooms, and built in wardrobes to five of the six bedrooms.

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Vestibule | Hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Living room | Dining room | 27ft Garden room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom | En suite bathroom with ‘Jacuzzi’ bath | Five further bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc | Double garage and driveway | Decked terraces and paved patio | Large lawned garden to the side

The family home benefits from double glazing, gas central heating and cavity wall insulation (2012). Early viewing is recommended to appreciate the space and quality of accommodation. No upward chain.

Price Guide: £395,000 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 96 | collection

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GOSFORTHREGIONALOFFICE Moor Court Westfield, Gosforth A stunning, three bedroom apartment on the fifth floor of this highly sought after apartment block. The three bedroom, two reception room apartment has superb, south facing views over the Town Moor from the living room, bedrooms and private balcony. The apartment, accessed via lift or stairs, has been tastefully refurbished with a modern, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and a stylish family bathroom.

Communal entrance | Lift and stair access | Impressive 20ft reception hallway with security telephone entry console Superb living room with doors to south facing balcony Dining room | Kitchen with integrated appliances | Three double bedrooms | Stylish family bathroom/wc with separate shower | Stunning view to Moor

A rare opportunity to purchase a modern, three bedroom apartment in Gosforth with fabulous, uninterrupted views and residents’ parking.

Price Guide: £360,000 Larkspur Terrace Jesmond A four bedroom, period town house, set over three floors, within this sought after area of central Jesmond. In close proximity of the bustling Acorn Road and Osborne Road, the family home has many period features including sash windows, period fire places, decorative cornicing and ceiling roses, polished wood flooring and stripped pine doors.

Externally, there is an enclosed town garden to the front and a yard to the rear, which has been paved to provide a patio area and a roller garage door for off street parking.

Price Guide: £359,950 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 97

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Entrance vestibule | Reception hallway | Living room with bay window and traditional fireplace | Dining room | Kitchen Family bathroom with separate wc | Two double bedrooms to the first floor | Two further bedrooms to the second floor Rear yard with off street parking | On street permit parking No upward chain

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The Old Cottage Backworth Lane, Backworth The Old Cottage is a superb, five bedroom, three reception room detached cottage on the main road through the village. The Grade II listed, 18th century cottage is stone built with lovely landscaped gardens to the rear, a large private gravel driveway and a detached double garage. It has retained many period features including cast iron fireplaces, a range, exposed stone work and beams, and arched byre windows.

Hallway | Impressive 21ft living room | Family room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Two ground floor bedrooms Ground floor bathroom/wc | Superb 19ft loft bedroom | Two further first floor bedrooms | Second floor bathroom/wc | Lovely landscaped gardens | Double garage and private secure driveway

A deceptively spacious family home offering versatile accommodation along with period charm and character. An internal viewing is recommended.

Price Guide: £350,000 Grove Park Avenue Gosforth A well presented, four bedroom townhouse with generous accommodation over three floors, gas central heating, double glazing, alarm, large driveway, garage, and south facing rear garden. No upward chain.

Hallway | Cloakroom/wc | 18ft family kitchen/breakfast room with appliances | Garden room | First floor living room with balcony | Four bedrooms, two en suite | Family bathroom

Price Guide: £435,000

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Moorside North Fenham A delightful, four bedroom, semi-detached house next to the Town Moor, tastefully presented and retaining many original features. Externally there is a single garage, driveway, gardens and patio.

Hallway | Downstairs wc | Living room | Dining room | Impressive 20ft kitchen/breakfast room | Utility | Three double bedrooms | Fourth single bedroom | Family bathroom

Price Guide: £379,950 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 98 | collection

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GOSFORTHREGIONALOFFICE Campmuir Cottage Longframlington, Morpeth Campmuir Cottage is a deceptively spacious, four bedroom, detached, 19th century cottage with landscaped private gardens and a garage. It has been substantially extended and retains many original features.

Hallway | 20ft Living/dining room | 19ft Kitchen/breakfast room | Study Ground floor family bathroom | Four double bedrooms | En suite Double glazing | Oil central heating

Price Guide: £300,000 Jesmond Park West Newcastle A well proportioned and extended three bedroom semi detached house, on this popular residential road, ideally placed for the nearby Freeman Hospital, the local park and the nearby shops/cafes.

Hallway | Living room with door to garden | Dining room | Excellent family kitchen/breakfast room | Three bedrooms | Family bathroom | Superb gardens Garage | No upward chain

Price Guide: £279,950 Grove Park Crescent Gosforth This top floor, two bedroom apartment is located in the heart of central Gosforth and offers spacious, contemporary accommodation with high quality finishing, allocated parking and no upward chain.

Hallway | Open plan lounge/dining with French doors | Juliet balcony Fitted kitchen | Two bedrooms, one en suite | Bathroom/wc | Loft storage | Secure telephone entry

Price Guide: £225,000

A generous, two bedroom duplex apartment with superb views towards the River Tyne, The Sage, and Millennium and Tyne bridges. It benefits from a private balcony from the living room and two Juliet balconies.

Lift/stair access | Hallway | 17ft living/dining room | Kitchen with appliances | Two bedrooms, one en-suite | Bathroom/wc | Secure allocated parking | No upward chain

Price Guide: £199,950 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 99

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High Quays City Road, Newcastle

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High Quays City Road, Newcastle A lovely, two bedroom, second floor apartment, with fabulous river and bridge views, extremely well presented throughout, with open plan living area and en suite to the master bedroom.

Lift/stair access | Hallway | Generous living room with river views Contemporary fitted kitchen | Two bedrooms, master with en suite shower room | Bathroom | Allocated underground parking

Price Guide: £170,000 Knightsbridge Gosforth A well proportioned, first floor, two bedroom apartment with private covered balcony, two resident parking permits and a good rental history. Ideally placed for Gosforth High Street and Regent Centre Metro.

Lift/stair access | Hallway | 20ft Living/dining room with doors to balcony and Juliet balcony | Fitted kitchen with appliances | Two bedrooms, master with en suite | Bathroom/wc

Price Guide: £165,000 Woodlands Mews Reid Park Road, Jesmond A well presented, two bedroom, second floor retirement apartment (over 55s) with dual aspect overlooking St George’s Church grounds, residents parking and a secure entry phone system. No upward chain.

Communal entrance | Stair and lift access | Hallway | Open plan living/dining room | Modern kitchen with appliances | Two bedrooms Shower room/wc | Residents garden

Price Guide: £159,950

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High Quays City Road, Newcastle A third floor, two bedroom, apartment enjoying a south facing aspect with stunning views over the River Tyne and bridges, a Juliet balcony from the open plan living area, and secure underground parking.

Communal entrance | Lift access | Hallway | Open plan living including dining, kitchen and living areas | Juliet balcony | Two bedrooms, master with en suite | Bathroom

Price Guide: £152,000 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 100 | collection

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GOSFORTHREGIONALOFFICE Edgefield Avenue Fawdon A two/three bedroom semi detached home, in need of modernisation, on an excellent garden site and with a large attached garage. The property has gas central heating, off street parking and no upward chain.

Porch | Hallway | Living room | Dining room | Galley style kitchen Two double bedrooms | Box room | Bathroom and separate wc Large attached garage | Gardens

Price Guide: £135,000 Ettrick Lodge The Grove, Gosforth A well presented two bedroom, first floor apartment, available to those over 55.

It benefits from communal gardens, a communal laundry, electric heating, residents/visitors parking and a part time caretaker.

Communal entrance | Lift/stair access | Hallway | Living room Kitchen | Two bedrooms, each with built in wardrobes | Bathroom/wc Communal gardens | No upward chain

Price Guide: £124,950 Warton Terrace Heaton Two Tyneside flats, just off Chillingham Road, the upper flat with three bedrooms and the lower flat with two bedrooms. Both offer versatile accommodation and are ideal for first time buyers/investors.

Entrance hallway | Spacious lounge | Fitted kitchen | Bathroom/wc Small front garden | Private rear yard | On street parking | No upward chain

Price Guide:

Upper: £110,000 Lower: £85,000

A lovely two bedroom, first floor apartment for the over 55’s, with easy access to Acorn Road amenities and good transport links into the City. It benefits from views over the gardens and no upward chain.

Communal secure entrance | Living room | Modern fitted kitchen with appliances | Two bedrooms | Shower room/wc | Communal gardens Residents’ parking to the front

Price Guide: £105,000 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AA | T: 0191 2130033 collection | 101

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Russell Court Adderstone Crescent, Jesmond

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PunjabiChef

SY SACHINS

istopoftheclass withlocalstudents North East students have recently been treated to a master class in the art of cooking exceptional Punjabi cuisine, by one of the region’s top experts ob Arora is the chef and restaurateur responsible for upmarket Punjabi restaurant, Sachins, one of the most popular eateries in the city, which has long enjoyed critical and general acclaim for the quality and variety of its dishes.

Bob has been working closely with the community over the past few months; visiting schools in the local area to give pupils a lesson in cookery, culture and healthy eating. George Stephenson High School in Killingworth was one of the first schools to get a visit from the curry king himself. This is an excellent opportunity for the students as well as teachers to try their hand at some of the best recipes from the Punjabi region of India.

Bob enters the school’s food technology kitchens to show the pupils how easy it is to recreate authentic Indian dishes, including many takeaway favourites, at home. Students are also allowed to sample the delicious results of his work, enabling them to make something new and exciting for their dinners.

The demonstrations allow pupils to observe Bob at work, talking through the provenance and creation of a traditional dish, before trying their hand at cooking for themselves. In the course of the sessions, the youngsters will make and name their very own signature dish, for example - The George Stephenson

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Curry, which was similar to a Tikka Masala, with a few extra ingredients of the pupils’ choice.

Bob says that he thoroughly enjoys these school sessions and is keen to do more whenever the opportunity presents itself.

“I think it’s very important to try and get young people excited about cooking. These days there’s a lot of concern over obesity in their age group, and excessive reliance on fast food and takeaways is often to blame.

“The students are great to work with - they ask interesting questions and we have some excellent discussions. Some of them proved to have a natural talent for the task at hand when we began cooking I was worried for my job at times,” he joked.

With their strong reputation based around a precise use of spicing and all natural ingredients, Sachins have ranked among the leaders in high class dining in Newcastle for 28 years. Their dedication to excellence in their food has seen the business flourish in recent years - not only are their meals on sale at local department store Fenwick, but they also offer a popular outside catering service.

For further information on the restaurant, or to make a booking, contact them on 0191 261 9035. The full menu is available online at www.sachins.co.uk. If you are interested in Bob Arora coming into your school to give a cookery demonstration please contact JAM Marketing on 0845 900 2127.

Hanna Murphy & Bob Arora

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PONTELAND OFFICE

Our Ponteland Office is perfectly placed to market quality homes in the village itself and popular Darras Hall, plus the sought-after Tyne Valley and south Northumberland.

We have a deserved reputation for superb local knowledge and an uncanny ability to match buyers with their dream property.

And because our buyers and sellers turn to us first when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to move, Ponteland is the place for property.

YOuR LOCAL OFFICE

Coates Institute Main Street Ponteland NE20 9NH T: 01661 823 951

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For Sale or To Let Part exchange considered in Gosforth or Jesmond area

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Bonas Hill Farmhouse Ogle

Price Guide: ÂŁ799,500

An outstanding opportunity to acquire a fabulous luxury, stone built detached house, built in 2008, in approximately 0.70 of an acre with magnificent views over surrounding countryside and farmland. This traditional Northumbrian farmhouse style property has a fabulous interior with contemporary kitchen and bathroom fittings.

Two entrance reception halls | Cloakroom/wc | Fitted kitchen/breakfast room with six oven electric AGA | Utility room | Family room with log burning stove Sitting room, also with log burning stove and double doors to terrace | Dining room | Master bedroom suite with luxury bathroom | Four further bedrooms | Two en suites | Study | Private drive to courtyard and parking area | Detached stone built double garage There is under floor heating to the ground floor, oil radiator heating to the first floor and double glazing. Ogle is a very convenient village with access into Ponteland and excellent road links into Newcastle. This is a very attractive home in a superb location.

Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 104 | collection

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LIVE IN A

LOCATION

An idyllic setting in a beautiful traditional village PEEL HOUSE Main Street, Ponteland NE20 9NN. Magnificent 1 & 2 bedroom apartments plus 2 outstanding conversions to the old vicarage in an idyllic setting close to country and all major transport links. From ÂŁ180,000 to ÂŁ525,000.

07814 587468 Thurs-Mon & 01661 823951 Tues-Wed or go to www.bellway.co.uk Sales Centre open 7 days a week 10.30am - 5.30pm.

Call

*Terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of going to press. Specification on site may differ. Pictures for illustration purposes only.

*Bellway reserve the right to refuse a part exchange, terms & conditions can be found at www.bellway.co.uk.

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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PONTELANDOFFICE

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The Oaks Matfen

Price Guide: ÂŁ575,000

An impressive, stone built, four bedroom, detached house on this small, private development on the edge of Matfen village, approximately 15 miles west of Newcastle.

The property boasts a number of modern benefits one would expect from a property of this calibre including oil central heating and sealed unit double glazing.

Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Beautifully presented lounge with dual aspect | Formal dining room | Family room/study | Garden room Kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances | Utility room | Four well proportioned bedrooms | Master en suite | Family bathroom/wc | Detached double garage | Gardens to front and rear | Summerhouse | Pavilion | Shed | Greenhouse with power and lighting The property enjoys an enviable position at the head of a pleasant cul-de-sac with a pleasant open aspect to the rear. To the rear of the house is a superbly appointed garden which offers a good degree of privacy. Vacant possession.

Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 106 | collection

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The Coach House Grange Road, Stamfordham

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Price Guide: ÂŁ550,000

A handsome, stone built detached house with lovely mature gardens and a double garage. The traditional home offers superb family accommodation with four reception rooms and five double bedrooms and has many attractive features including decorative ceiling beams, solid wood flooring, and feature arch windows.

Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Delightful sitting room with dual aspect | Formal dining room | Family room/study | Conservatory Kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances | Galleried landing | Master bedroom | En suite bathroom/wc | Four further double bedrooms Family bathroom/wc | Double integral garage | Mature lawned gardens overlooking adjacent field | No upward chain Stamfordham is a charming village with village green, an excellent First school, two churches and two Public houses. The village is conveniently located for Ponteland, approximately 6 miles away, with its numerous shops, restaurants and supermarkets, as well as schooling for all ages.

Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 collection | 107

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Lynwood Close Darras Hall, Ponteland

Price Guide: ÂŁ475,000

A deceptively spacious, extended detached property tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac on the ever popular Darras Hall estate. This sought after location has good access to amenities within Darras Hall and Ponteland as well as excellent schooling, a wide range of sporting facilities and good commuting into Newcastle.

Entrance porch | Entrance vestibule with oak flooring | Reception hallway, also with oak flooring | Lounge with feature fireplace | Dining room | Light and airy garden room | Very well equipped fitted breakfasting kitchen with integrated appliances | Downstairs WC | Two ground floor bedrooms with en-suites | Three first floor bedrooms, one with en-suite | Jack & Jill bathroom | Gardens | Garage The property was purchased by the current owner in August 2005 and since that time has been extended, refurbished and improved. The garden site enjoys privacy with mature boundaries, an open lawn garden, patio area and large driveway and parking area to the front.

Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 108 | collection

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PONTELANDOFFICE Eastern Way Darras Hall, Ponteland Located on a prominent corner site is this beautiful detached family home, extensively renovated by the owners since 2007. It occupies approximately 0.3 acres and the gardens are private and beautifully landscaped with fabulous lawned areas and well stocked borders. A gated access leads to a tarmac drive with good parking for a number of cars and a detached double length garage with two electronically operated doors.

Entrance hall | Fitted kitchen with white cabinets and cooking range | Newly built, separate breakfast room | Newly refurbished cloakroom/wc | Sitting room with Adam marble fireplace Conservatory | Morning room | Dining room with wood flooring Four double bedrooms | Two en suite bathrooms | Luxury family bathroom/wc This delightful home benefits from gas central heating and double glazing and is conveniently located for Ponteland village, and nearby schools and shopping facilities. Viewing strongly recommended.

Price Guide: £595,000 The Lodge Wylam Manor, Crawcrook Lane, Wylam A beautifully presented and deceptively spacious two storey Lodge, improved and refurbished to a high standard and also enjoying lovely gardens, good car parking spaces both in front and behind the secure entrance gates, and detached double garage. The property enjoys a sought after and picturesque rural setting within one mile of Wylam village where there is a railway station with a direct link to Newcastle.

The property has a mains gas central heating system with under floor heating, double glazing set in wood frames and an alarm system. Viewing is recommended to fully appreciate the accommodation on offer.

Price Guide: £495,000 Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 collection | 109

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Entrance vestibule | Beautifully presented lounge with wood burning stove | Dining room | Stunning and spacious breakfasting kitchen, recently updated | Study | Guest bedroom Master bedroom with dressing room, en suite and private patio terrace | Cloakroom | Two further bedrooms | Family bathroom Gardens | Double garage

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Westgarth Ryal A superb 1870s stone built detached bungalow on a lovely garden site with dry stone walled boundaries. The property has two remote control electrically operated gated accesses and the main one leads into the main drive and courtyard. There are lovely lawned gardens with maturing trees and shrub borders. This is an attractive country home in a super setting.

Entrance vestibule | Principal reception room | Second reception room/office | Kitchen/breakfast room | Three bedrooms, two with en-suite shower rooms | Family bathroom | Single garage with utility and laundry room which shows potential to be another bedroom if required | Oil central heating | Double glazing Monitored alarm system

The village of Ryal lies to the north west of Matfen and Stamfordham in a lovely country setting. It enjoys fabulous views and links easily into Corbridge and Hexham, as well as Newcastle.

Price Guide: ÂŁ495,000 Whalton Park Gallowhill An attractive, four bedroom detached house, which forms part of the exclusive Whalton Park estate which provides convenient access to the neighbouring villages of Whalton and Belsay and towns of Ponteland and Morpeth, both of which provide a range of good quality shopping, restaurants, educational and leisure facilities. This is a fabulous family home in an excellent location.

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Reception hallway | Sitting room | Dining room Kitchen/breakfast room | Garden room | Cloakroom/wc Utility room Four well proportioned bedrooms with en-suite and dressing room to the master | Family bathroom/wc Beautifully presented gardens complemented by an impressive array of plants and shrubs and a small orchard

The estate is approached by a gated entrance and a private road flanked by mature private woodland gardens The property benefits from oil fired heating, sealed unit double glazing and security alarm.

Price Guide: ÂŁ465,000 Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 110 | collection

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Falcon Terrace Wylam A well appointed three bedroom mid terrace property in this picturesque village.

There is ample opportunity to extend up to second floor creating an extra bedroom and en-suite subject to consents.

Hall | Two large receptions | Refitted kitchen/family area | Three bedrooms | Family bathroom | Gardens | Double garage | Gas central heating | Some double glazing

Price Guide: £329,950 Dunsgreen Ponteland A link detached family home with potential to extend, subject to planning consents. Situated in this excellent location it has been realistically priced to take into consideration the updating required.

Entrance porch | Hall | Cloakroom/wc | Lounge/dining room | Fitted kitchen | Three bedrooms | Bathroom/wc | Gardens | Driveway parking Garage Double glazing | Gas central heating

Price Guide: £275,000 Eland Edge Ponteland An extended four bedroom, detached house conveniently situated for Ponteland’s excellent range of amenities. The property benefits from gas central heating, double glazing, enclosed rear garden and garage.

Entrance hall | Lounge | Breakfasting kitchen and dining area Cloakroom/wc | Four bedrooms, one with en suite shower room Family bathroom | Driveway parking | Garage

Price Guide: £260,000

A ground floor retirement apartment within walking distance of the Broadway shopping centre. It has electric heating, UPVC double glazing, and warden assisted pull cords in every room.

Entrance hall | Living room | Fitted kitchen with integrated appliances Two bedrooms, master with fitted wardrobes | Bathroom/wc Communal gardens | Residents parking

Price Guide: £145,000 Coates Institute, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH | T: 01661 823 951 collection | 111

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Darras Mews Darras Hall, Ponteland

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A S T U N N I N G D E V E LO P M E N T O F 12 I N D I V I D UA L LY S T Y L E D S TO N E CO N V E R S I O N S

BAMBURGH

Castle Point House | Price Guide: £575,000

GLORORuM BAMBuRGH

BY AwARD wINNING STURTON GRANGE DEVELOPMENTS

A superb four bedroom family home with stylish accommodation, fascinating original features and breathtaking views to Bamburgh Castle. A distinctive combination of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship has created highly versatile living spaces, offering families the best of modern living in the heart of an ancient landscape.

1 & 2 BEDROOM COTTAGES TO 4 BEDROOM FAMILY HOMES

Trinity House | Price Guide: £350,000

Ideal as either a principal residence or tranquil holiday home, Trinity House offers superb accommodation over three floors with an open plan first floor living area with large windows maximising the dramatic views and a second floor master bedroom suite with sheltered roof balcony.

Longstone Mews | Price Guide: £295,000

This delightful two bedroom mews property is an excellent example of the quality and attention to detail that has proved so popular at this site. The combination of imaginative design and peaceful location means it is suitable as a permanent residence or a relaxing holiday home.

FOR FuRTHER INFORMATION CONTACT GILLIAN GREAVES: 01665 600170 OR GILLIAN.GREAVES@SANDERSONYOuNG.CO.uk | WWW.SANDERSONYOuNG.CO.uk

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ALNWICk OFFICE

Here in north Northumberland, we take deserved pride in the area in which we work and live, and our local knowledge and expertise ensures we are selling homes every day in the best coastal spots, market towns and country villages.

We are also renowned for our expertise in matching second home and holiday home investors with the perfect properties.

Our marketing expertise and our dedication to our beautiful part of the world guarantees our reputation. Now, come join usâ&#x20AC;Ś

YOuR LOCAL OFFICE

31-33 Bondgate Within alnwick Northumberland NE66 1SX T: 01665 600 170

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The Pele Thropton

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Price Guide: ÂŁ500,000

The Pele is a charming, unique Grade II Listed stone built, detached house occupying a central position within this Northumbrian village. The original Bastle house, dating back to circa 1550, has been sympathetically extended over recent years providing modern living, while retaining many original features.

Over three levels the accommodation comprises: Reception hallway | Cloakroom/shower room/wc | 30ft formal lounge with stone barrel ceiling | Conservatory with access to the rear courtyard | Fitted kitchen including Aga | Utility room | Store room | First floor galleried landing | Sitting room/bedroom two | Main bedroom | Study Bathroom/wc | Second floor - two further double bedrooms | Shower room/wc Externally, there are lawned gardens to the front and side, a courtyard garden and patio to the rear and a range of stone outbuildings, which are also listed. The property benefits from oil fired central heating, and a double garage, and access is by a shared drive.

31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 114 | collection

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Spylaw House & Spyglass Cottage Bilton Attractive, well appointed stone barn conversion with attached two bedroom cottage, occupying a generous, elevated garden site towards the edge of this small hamlet. Converted in 1994, providing versatile accommodation with the opportunity of a lifestyle change provided by the cottage being used as a holiday let or a ‘Granny Annexe’. Externally, there is a generous driveway, double garage, rear courtyard, stone outbuilding and two greenhouses.

Spylaw House Vestibule | Traditional kitchen/breakfast room with Aga Utility | Cloakroom/wc | Lounge/dining room with byre style windows and doors to terrace | Galleried hallway | Conservatory | Two double bedrooms, one en suite | Shower room/wc | First floor: double bedroom | Master bedroom with study/fifth bedroom, bathroom/wc and master bedroom Spyglass Cottage Fitted kitchen | Entrance hall with private external access door | Lounge | Conservatory | First floor: two bedrooms Bathroom/wc

Price Guide: £750,000 Dene House Longframlington A substantial stone built detached family home, occupying a delightful and secluded location close to the village of Longframlington. Set in gardens and grounds extending to approximately 4.8 acres which include three paddock areas and stable block. Within easy commuting distance of Tyneside this character property offers spacious and versatile family accommodation with potential for a B&B or part holiday let.

Externally, gravelled driveway and courtyard providing ample parking, detached stone garage (with planning for conversion to annex/holiday accommodation), mature gardens and three paddocks with stable block.

Price Guide: £625,000 31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 collection | 115

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Hall | Lounge with open fireplace and access to gardens Dining room | Kitchen breakfast room with handmade hardwood units and four oven electric Aga | Utility/boot room | Cloakroom/wc | Snug | Sunroom | First floor office and walk-in storage room | Master bedroom with en suite | Four further bedrooms, one with en suite | Bathroom/wc

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Chapelside House The Village, Eshott A unique opportunity to purchase a stone built modern detached house, occupying an enviable position on the periphery of the rural hamlet of Eshott, set within an attractive garden site of approximately half an acre.

Chapelside House was architect designed and built by the current owners to provide a well proportioned and impressive family home.

Hall | Cloakroom/wc | Study | Dining room | Elegant lounge Sitting room | Sun room | Breakfast room/‘bespoke’ fitted kitchen | Utility | Exercise room | Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite | Four further bedrooms, two en suite | Family bathroom, en suite to bedroom two | Detached double garage | Entertainment/games room

Finished to a high specification including ‘Sottini’ sanitary ware, Amtico flooring, superbly appointed kitchen/breakfast room, LPG gas central heating, an alarm, CCTV and timber framed double glazing.

Price Guide: £825,000 High Cottage Shothaugh Farm, near Felton

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An outstanding opportunity to acquire a magnificent, greatly extended, stone built country house in a truly idyllic and highly impressive rural location. Set back from the A1 this beautiful country home has 500m of fishing rights with two rods, approximately 12 acres of paddocks with hay barn and stable, mature woodland, and a double plus garage including a utility room and professional workshop.

Stunning living room with beamed ceiling and log burning fire | Superb conservatory with stunning views | Fabulous kitchen/breakfast room with Aga | Three fabulous double bedrooms, one en suite | Beautiful bathroom/wc with roll top bath and separate shower | Oil central heating | Double glazing | Private terrace with beautiful sitting area with water feature A superb property, with great charm and character, in a lovely area of Northumberland, with good access to the market towns of Alnwick and Morpeth. Viewing strongly recommended.

Price Guide: £795,000 31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 116 | collection

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Hipsburn Steadings Lesbury An attractive stone built 4/5 bedroom family home, occupying a pleasant and private garden site within this exclusive development towards the outskirts of the pretty village of Lesbury. This well presented property benefits from gas central heating to radiators, sash style double glazing, gardens which enjoy pleasant open aspect to the rear, and attached garage.

Lobby | Hallway | Lounge | Dining room | Extended kitchen breakfast room with quality oak hand painted units | First floor master bedroom with en suite | Two further good sized double bedrooms with walk-in dressing room/storage with potential for conversion to en-suite facilities | Fourth bedroom | Fifth nursery bedroom/study

Hipsburn Steading is ideally positioned for access to the East Coast Mainline Rail station, and the coastal village of Alnmouth is approximately 1 mile away with its miles of unspoilt beaches to explore.

Price Guide: £445,000 Holly Cottage Eastfield Hall, Warkworth A superbly proportioned and well appointed stone built, semi-detached family home set within the tranquil grounds of Eastfield Hall, enjoying views of the surrounding open countryside towards Northumberland’s Heritage Coastline and Warkworth Castle. Eastfield Hall is just 1.5 miles from the historic village of Warkworth and is conveniently positioned for access to Alnmouth East Coast Main Line Station.

Externally, a shared access road leads to a private driveway with lawned gardens to the front, and enclosed patio area to the rear.

Price Guide: £399,000 31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 collection | 117

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Hallway | Lounge/dining room with views over open countryside towards the coast/ Warkworth Castle | Fitted kitchen breakfast room | Inner hallway | Bedroom four/snug Utility | Shower room/wc | Additional ground floor bedroom First floor: generous master bedroom suite with dressing area and en suite | Guest bedroom with en suite

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Bridge Cottage Friary Farm, Bamburgh An attractive three/four bedroom semi detached stone cottage, converted in 1994 from Grade II listed farm buildings on the site of the Dominican Friary dating back to approximately 1265. Bridge Cottage is in an excellent location, in a quiet and exclusive development close to the centre of Bamburgh village and would ideally suit those looking for a main coastal residence, or holiday home/investment.

Entrance hall | Shower room/wc | Double bedroom | Study Extensive open plan kitchen/dining room with double access doors to lounge | Sun room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom/wc | Hallway | Garage | First floor - double bedroom | Bathroom/wc | Private gardens | Parking and garage

Bamburgh is one of the most sought after villages on Northumberland’s coastline with imposing castle and historic church, offering a range of local shops and public houses/hotels.

Price Guide: £420,000 Beachcomber Newton Barns, Newton-By-The-Sea Beachcomber is an attractive and superbly presented stone built barn conversion. One of seven properties within this exclusive Farm Steading development constructed by Turney Wylde in 2006, located to the west of the sought after village of Newton-by-the-Sea. This property has stunning sea views across the gardens and open countryside to the rear.

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Open plan kitchen/dining room | Utility | Cloakroom/wc Lounge with byre style window and French doors | Two double bedrooms with fitted furniture | Third single bedroom with built-in wardrobe | Family bathroom/wc | Gardens Allocated parking

The property benefits from LPG gas under floor heating to the ground floor, and radiators to the first floor, double glazing, downstairs dimmer switches, and security alarm system.

Price Guide: £350,000 31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 118 | collection

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Megstone Village Farm, North Sunderland, Nr Bamburgh An immaculately presented three/four bedroom property which has operated as a highly successful holiday cottage venture, and which could generate a gross annual income of around £23,500 over a 31 week letting period. Equally suited as an owner occupied home, in a delightful village setting, close to Northumberland’s Heritage coastline. All furnishings, fixtures and fittings available by separate negotiation.

Entrance hallway with oak staircase | Living room with feature stone fireplace and cast iron gas stove | Well appointed kitchen/breakfast room | Bedroom four/dining room | Shower room | First floor – two bedrooms with en suite shower rooms Third bedroom | Family bathroom | Attractive cottage garden and south facing paved terrace

Megstone is located within the Village Farm development in North Sunderland with post office, shop and hotel. Just a mile inland of the coastline and 3 miles south of Bamburgh with its famous castle.

Price Guide: £395,000 The Coach House Wandylaw, Nr Ellingham, Alnwick A superbly appointed stone built barn conversion, occupying an excellent position within this small farm steading of similar properties, with views of the Northumberland Heritage coastline including Bamburgh Castle.

Wandylaw is positioned on an elevated site approximately 10 miles to the north of the market town of Alnwick.

The Coach House offers generous accommodation on two levels, finished in a contemporary style to include walnut internal doors and floors, Travertine tiling, underfloor heating, alarm, and double glazing.

Price Guide: £495,000 31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 collection | 119

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Entrance hallway | Utility/laundry | 30ft Lounge/dining room with beamed and vaulted ceiling | Superb contemporary black high gloss fitted kitchen with appliances | Ground floor shower room | Ground floor twin bedroom | Single bedroom Master bedroom to ground floor with en suite | Two further spacious bedrooms, both en suite

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Longbeach Drive Beadnell A spacious, well proportioned 4/5 bedroom modern detached property (2001) with sea views to the rear. Benefits from double glazing, alarm system, LPG gas central heating, single garage, driveway and gardens.

Hallway | 25ft Lounge/dining room | Fitted kitchen | Shower room/wc Four bedrooms, master with sea views and en suite | Family bathroom/wc Second floor fifth bedroom/reception

Price Guide: £299,950 Dawson Square Union Street, Seahouses A well proportioned terraced property minutes walk from Seahouses Harbour and centre with views to the coastline. Ideally suited to those looking for a main residence or holiday home/investment.

Car port | Entrance lobby | Utility | First floor: three bedrooms, master en suite | Bathroom/wc | Second floor: spacious lounge/dining room with balcony | Fitted kitchen

Price Guide: £224,950 Longstone Close Beadnell A well presented two bedroom detached bungalow with views across the pond to the rear. Ideally suited as a retirement or holiday home it benefits from double glazing, oil central heating, and alarm system.

22ft Sitting room | Bathroom/wc | Double bedroom | Single bedroom Breakfast room/snug | Fitted kitchen with appliances | Conservatory Gardens | Outside storage area

Price Guide: £210,000

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The Dunes St. Aidans, Seahouses Three bedroom second floor apartment within the attic space, with views to the Farne Islands and towards Bamburgh Castle. Benefits from night storage heating, and a garage within a separate block.

Private entrance hall with stairs leading to main accommodation | Large open plan lounge/dining room with snug area | Fitted kitchen | Three bedrooms | Bathroom/wc View to Farne Islands

Price Guide: £179,950

31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 120 | collection

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The School House The Village, Eglingham A charming Victorian stone built semi-detached cottage, well positioned within the centre of this attractive and popular village with views to the front towards open countryside. Benefiting from oil fired central heating to radiators, timber framed double glazing, and gardens to both front and side.

Entrance hall | Traditional lounge with cast iron open grate Dining room with Inglenook style fireplace and wood burning stove | Study/ground floor bedroom | Fitted kitchen Ground floor shower room/wc | Bathroom/wc | Two double bedrooms | Generous gardens including summer house and stone patio with barbecue

Eglingham is approximately 8 miles west of the bustling market town of Alnwick where central amenities are available. The village itself has its own popular public house/restaurant, The Tankerville Arms.

Price Guide: £275,000 The Steadings Christon Bank A well presented detached Dutch style bungalow within a cul de sac of individually designed properties, with oil central heating, double glazing, security alarm, double garage, and gardens.

Hallway | Lounge with a traditional open fireplace | Dining room Kitchen | Utility | Ground floor shower room | Four bedrooms - master with en suite | Bathroom/wc

Price Guide: £295,000

Well presented stone built semi-detached cottage, occupying a rural setting within the village of Rothbury, with easy access to village amenities, benefiting from oil central heating and double glazing.

Lounge/dining room with Inglenook and multi-fuel stove | Fitted kitchen with Aga | Three bedrooms | Bathroom/wc | Gardens | Three storage sheds | Timber summer house/office

Price Guide: £285,000 31-33 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1SX | T: 01665 600 170 collection | 121

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Moor Cottage Hillside, Rothbury

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CAMBORNE PARk CAMBORNE PARk GATESHEAD GATESHEAD PRICES FROM £235,000

AN AWARD WINNING DEVELOPMENT NINE,CONTEMPORARYECOTOWNHOuSES,DESIGNEDWITHALOWENERGY LIVING SPECIFICATION,BuILTTO CODE4FOR SuSTAINABLE HOMES • Superb 4/5 bedroom townhouses

• under floor heating

•Versatilecontemporaryaccommodationover3floors

• Private balconies & courtyard gardens

• Two property styles available (one with additional 1st floor office/work room)

• Covered parking/driveway

• Luxury fitted kitchens with integrated appliances

• Premier Guarantee Certificate

• Contemporary bathroom suites

• Excellent access to Newcastle, quayside & major road networks

CAMBORNE PARk GATESHEAD

• Floor coverings throughout

FuRTHER INFORMATION: JuLIE SuMMERBELL 0191 213 0033 JuLIE.SuMMERBELL@SANDERSONYOuNG.CO.uk WWW.SANDERSONYOuNG.CO.uk

• Secure, private gated entrance

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NEW HOMES

The regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new homes are creating landmarks for a new North East, and we work with the best developers to introduce superb developments at every level of the market.

Our portfolio of country, coastal and city homes all have one thing in common - quality, value and that all-important location - which means thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a better time to invest in a new home with Sanderson Young.

YOuR LOCAL OFFICE

The Old Bank 30 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1LX T: 0191 223 3500

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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SY NEW HOMES

withthe

in new

The new homes market continues to enjoy increased

confidence and interest, discovers Jane Pikett

CambornePark

Glororum

Greenside

Gateshead

Bamburgh

Gosforth

Sanderson Young is delighted to have been appointed selling agent for these nine contemporary eco townhouses. These properties are designed with a low energy living specification and only six properties remain available for sale. The 4/5 bedroom town houses offer versatile contemporary accommodation over three floors with luxury kitchens and contemporary bathrooms, under-floor heating, private balconies and courtyard gardens, covered parking or driveways and a secure private gated entrance.

These beautiful stone conversions blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside and offer breathtaking views of Bamburgh Castle and the Cheviot Hills. Three new properties have been released, on this sought after development, and are available to view including a luxury 4 bedroom family home together with a pair of semi detached 2 bedroom houses. It is just a mile from Bamburgh and its sandy beaches.

Barratt Developments’ new homes at Greenside on Kingston Park Road in Gosforth, Newcastle are competitively priced and offer thoughtfully planned homes for today's living needs. A development of 29 properties where 50% have now been sold, comprising all detached homes with pleasant garden sites and including six house types with a selection of four, five and six bedrooms. A show home and view home are open on this pleasant site which is conveniently located close to the A1 and Newcastle.

Prices from £375,000 Gosforth office, tel 0191 213 0033

Prices from £235,000 Alnwick office, tel 01665 600 170

Prices from £300,000 (Part Exchange Available) Gosforth office, tel 0191 213 0033

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newdevelopments… … in the region continue to come to market at every level, from much-needed quality starter properties to luxury developments.

The developments currently marketed by Sanderson Young new homes division are characterised by quality craftsmanship and design and superb locations in sought-after areas of the city, coast and country.

Ranging from apartments for first-time buyers to

luxurious family homes, all these properties boast contemporary living spaces designed for today’s various lifestyles and life stages.

The new developments profiled on these pages illustrate the quality of new homes developments now available at all levels of the market, and indicate that recent continued growth in the sector will continue, which is good news for everyone.

new

NEw HOMES SY

inwiththe

PeelHouse

Thorburn’sYard

Towergate

Main Street, Ponteland

Seahouses

Alnwick

Situated within the centre of Ponteland village, close to all amenities and major transport links, we are delighted to be offering 19 new build 1 & 2 bedroom apartments plus 2 large conversion apartments by Bellway. With first occupancy taking place approximately August/September 2012, 25% of the development is now under reservation.

Thorburn’s Yard in the conservation area of the traditional fishing village of Seahouses is a sympathetic development of seven houses of exceptional quality, designed with lovers of this historic coastline and the Northumbrian countryside in mind. The beautiful three and four-bedroom homes here are designed to a high specification with stylish interiors and sea views. They are ideal as a holiday home or let.

Gentoo’s new, affordable development boasts 35 one and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of Alnwick with views towards the castle. The apartments are complete with white goods, fitted carpets and secure parking. Gentoo offer a range of schemes to assist with purchase, including New Build HomeBuy which allows you to buy up to 70% of the market value and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.

Prices from £180,000 to £525,000.

Ponteland office, tel 01661 823 951

Prices from £239,000 alnwick office, tel 01665 600 170

Prices from £100,000 alnwick office, tel 01665 600 170

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BAMBURGH

MIZEN COURT Live the dream in Bamburgh.

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Bamburgh’s latest luxury homes are almost gone. Now only two elegant 4 bedroom town houses and two spacious 4 & 5 bedroom family detached homes remain and are available from £495,000.

THE FORFARSHIRE & THE BEBBONBURG

Don’t miss out on an idyllic home in Mizen Court, a jewel of a development nestled in the delightful coastal gem of Bamburgh. The professionally designed interiors are equally as stunning, oozing style and quality. Bespoke kitchens,Villeroy & Boch bathrooms, music systems, limestone floors with under-floor heating, fitted carpets throughout and professionally designed landscaped gardens, all represent the attention to detail that you would expect from the award-winning Country and Coastal Homes Group.

With half of the eight beautiful luxury stone-built homes, set in an elegant and quiet cul-de-sac already

DARLING HOUSE & BRYNEICH HOUSE

gone, there really is no time to waste.

FOR VIEWING TIMES PLEASE CALL: Chris J. Carlisle: 07831 134932 To download a brochure visit www.struttandparker.co.uk From the A1 take the turning signposted for Adderstone/Bamburgh/ Lucker/B1341, follow the B1341 for 4½ miles. Upon entering the village, Mizen Court, Bamburgh is on the left hand side.

Alternatively from Seahouses, take the coastal route for 3 miles.

Continue on the B1341 (Front St), as you leave the village Mizen Court is on the right hand side. Sat nav ref: NE69 7BG

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A sympathetic development of seven houses of exceptional quality carefully designed to provide comfortable and stylish living

Thorburn’s Yard in the conservation area of the traditional fishing village of Seahouses is a sympathetic development of seven houses of exceptional quality, intended for all lovers of this magnificent historic coastline and the Northumbrian countryside.

The properties are carefully designed to provide an environment that is comfortable yet stylish, enjoyable and convenient, for resident and visitor alike.

Ť Beautiful 3 & 4 bedroom houses Ť Exceptional build quality

For more information visit www.thorburnsyard.co.uk or contact

Ť High specification, stylish interiors

Mansons

Ť Sea views

Tel: 0191 209 2222. Email: ben@mansons.net

Ť Private parking

Sanderson Young

Ť Ideal as a holiday home or let Ť Prices from £239,000

Tel: 01665 600170. Email: gillian.greaves@sandersonyoung.co.uk

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Luxury apartment living in the heart of historic Alnwick.

Exclusive 1 and 2 bedroom apartments from ÂŁ99,999 Alnwick is in the heart of Northumberland, famous for its unspoilt beauty and is one of the most picturesque areas of countryside in the whole of England. This medieval market town, with its cobbled streets, narrow alleys and fine stone buildings, now offers affordable and stylish living within the Towergate apartment development.

These spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are ready to move into, designed to be as energy efficient as possible and feature carpets throughout. Each apartment comes with a private car parking space, a telephone entry system and there is keypad entry to the main entrance.

To view our fabulous show apartment, visit the Sales Office at the development on Clayport Street, Alnwick.

Open Thursday - Saturday 11am - 4pm.

Alternatively call Sanderson Young Estate Agents on 01665 600 170 or visit www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

JD

Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. The information contained in this advert is intended for guidance only. For full details please contact Gentoo.

SuSTAINABLE CONSTRuC TION SPECIALISTS BuILDING FOR THE FuTuRE WITH GREENER SOLuTIONS

JD Joinery & Building Extension Specialists Garage Conversions Loft Conversions Refurbishment Complete Design & Installation Restoration New Build Alterations

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE with no obligation please call:

0191 285 5568/07946 486535 www.jdjoineryandbuilding.co.uk

sy MOTORS

Jane Pikett is beguiled by Volvo’s new V40 before it even goes into production

The V40, which was launched at the Geneva Motorshow in March…

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i

have a theory about Volvos. It is not yet backed by scientific study, but I believe it, so (as my husband will tell you) it is clearly a fact. The fact is this – if either of your parents drives a Volvo, then you will also become a Volvo driver.

I know this because my father always drove Volvos. His favourite was the 244 GLT in white (the one that looked a little bit like a big white shoebox on wheels).

He had a few of those.

Circa 1979 it was quite the thing (well it turned heads in Rotherham anyway) and while I scowled every Sunday in response to my weekly tutorial in waxing (“circular movements girl; put some elbow grease into it!”) I harboured a grudging respect for it, if only because by that time the old-style vinyl seats your legs stuck to in summer had been replaced by the sheer luxury of synthetic fabric.

Because of the not-yet scientifically proved but obviously entirely true Volvo gene/hereditary thing, I have grown up to be a committed Volvo user (the word “user” being apt because there is a hint of addiction in most Volvo drivers’ dedication to the marque).

The current model adorning the magnificent driveway of Pikett HQ is a black V70. Darth, as he (yes, he) is known in our house (all our cars have names; don’t ask), is a magnificent beast which, while not known for his fuel economy, is a superb family/dog/kayak/ building rubble transporter.

Indeed, so beloved is Darth, I keep a framed photo of him on my desk (okay, that’s a lie, but there is one of him on my screensaver).

However, at the time of writing, Darth has a rival in the shape of a curvy Volvo of the athletically female kind in the shape of the new V40.

MOTORS sy

There is also something called Pedestrian Detection with auto-brake…

…the V40 is designed according to Volvo’s “human-centric, Designed Around You” strategy

The V40, which was launched at the Geneva Motorshow in March, is a new premium five-door five-seat hatchback.

She (pretty yet athletic – this is the Jessica Ennis of the car world) has all the alluring features of the compact C30 (which I ADORE) all mixed in with large car characteristics.

The brilliantly effusive people in the marketing department at Volvo (whose only excuse for their publicity blurb is that English is their second language) claim the V40 is designed according to Volvo’s “human-centric, Designed Around You” strategy. In other words, they have designed it for use by human beings, which is nice.

Now I have to be honest. I was not in Geneva for the launch and production starts in May, which is after this piece has been written, so I haven’t driven the thing. Yet. But I know I will love the classic V-shaped bonnet which has been further enhanced by bolder lines. The

high-gloss grille is low and wide to create a sporty, close-to-the-ground feel and there are sculpted corners to improve the aerodynamics.

The roof silhouette contributes to the impression of a car leaning forward, eager to set off, which rather suits my driving and the Ennis analogy, and it’s finished with a sculpted rear to further emphasise the athletic look.

It’s available with a fixed panorama glass roof (tinted to reduce infrared radiation, naturally) and the interior continues the sporty tone with lots of graphite and chrome.

The interior lighting is designed with a "theatre lighting" feel with a red-to-blue setting that adapts the light to the interior temperature, plus seven mood themes.

And how does it drive? Well, I can’t yet vouch for it personally, but the Volvo people claim class-leading driving dynamics and an agile, connected experience.

There is a range of eager engines and fuel-efficient diesels available, an option of Electrical Power Assist

Steering and a host of similarly fulsomely named features that all claim to make the driving experience sporty, comfortable and safe.

These include something called Advanced Stability Control which uses a roll angle sensor to identify any skid tendency early (useful!).

There is also something called Pedestrian Detection with auto-brake (if you can’t see them I’m not sure you should be on the road, but there we are), and a Lane Keeping Aid with auto steering (again, if you can’t stay in lane – well…).

Volvo expects to sell 90,000 Volvo V40s a year, primarily in Europe. Mine will be on order, once I’ve convinced my other half that yes, we really do need another Volvo because Darth needs a friend. A friend called Jessica.

Production starts in May and the first customer cars are delivered in September. For more information, visit Mill Volvo garages regionwide.

www.millvolvo.co.uk

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sy OUT & ABOUT

hiddengems Jane Pikett discovers some wonderful places to shop, eat, and stay awhile …

david harper antiques

Right, it may appear very anally retentive, but when one has found a truly good wax polish for one’s antiques (dahling…) well, it would be rude for one not to spread the word.

So, our cleaning lady here at Collection HQ (surely you don’t imagine we do our own polishing?) recommends the handmade traditional furniture wax polish which bears the name of the charming Barnard Castle-based antiques and art broker David Harper.

David, who is quite a name on the telly these days, has been in the antiques business forever (clearly, he has a portrait in his attic) and if this wax is good enough for him, it’s certainly good enough for our MDF (sorry, antique mahogany).

You can buy it online on David’s website, where you can also find no end of lovely things for your army of house maids to polish.

David Harper’s Fabulous Furniture Wax Polish, £12.29, online at www.davidharperantiques.co.uk

tallantyre Gallery

Three generations of the Tallantyre family have nurtured this gorgeous gallery since 1960, and not only is it one of the oldest and largest galleries in the region, it’s also one of the most pleasing to visit.

Tallantyre’s has a well-deserved reputation for showing work from some of the world’s most reputable artists, including Leigh Lambert (pictured), Jose Royo,

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Javier Mulio and Jurgen Gorg, alongside a wide range of local, national and international artists’ work, including the Newcastle-based international star Alexander Millar.

Tallantyre Gallery is also a regular visitor to art fairs nationwide and it exhibits annually in London, Melbourne and Sydney, though we most enjoy visiting the gallery in Morpeth where the art is beautifully displayed amidst comfy seating and there is expert advice to hand.

Each of the four exhibition spaces within the gallery has its own style and ambiance, and the regular solo and group exhibitions ensure there’s something new to see on every visit.

The website is also particularly good, with a run-down of what’s available now, thus providing a very pleasing distraction from the rigors of day-to-day life.

Tallantyre Gallery, 1st Floor, 43-45 Newgate St, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1AT, tel 01670 517 214, www.tallantyre-gallery.co.uk

hexham book festival We can’t help but feel proud when the culture of the North East puts us on the national map, so full marks again for Hexham Book Festival, returning for a seventh year thanks to funding from the Gillian Dickinson Trust and public support.

The 2012 festival celebrates the brightest and best new fiction with a rich mix of gardening, food, and travel writers; trenchant views on art, politics and philosophy with Brian Sewell, Polly Toynbee and AC Grayling; the importance of truculence from seasoned politician Tam Dalyell; and swashbuckling words from former poet laureate Andrew Motion.

In a new development, Hexham Book Festival is extending throughout 2012 and into 2013 with a series of new events to reach readers and support writers across Northumberland.

From writers’ residencies at Kielder Forest to author talks at Alnwick Garden, workshops for children and to author tours on the region’s library vans, there’s a really democratic ethos underpinning Festival activities.

A rich seam of authors including Harry Pearson, Jeanette Jenkins, Shelly Harris, Hazel Osmond and poet Amanda Baker are travelling Northumberland on the region’s library vans over two weeks in May, while the festival pops up in many venues in Hexham and further afield.

Hexham Book Festival 2012, www.hexhambookfestival.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT sy

re The wonderfully quirky, crazy, eccentric and downright gorgeous homestore RE in Corbridge (where every gorgeous thing is restored, recycled and reclaimed), has been granted a permanent concession at Liberty of London following a hugely successful pop-up shop at the achingly on-trend Great Marlborough Street store last summer.

It is a deserved accolade for RE, which was set up nine years ago by friends Simon Young and Jenny Vaughan basically, if we’re honest, to allow them to indulge their love of all things vintage, recycled and restored.

Their disused garage shop behind the petrol station in Corbridge thrived immediately, and was swiftly followed by the launch of a fantastic online store which is now one of the UK’s leading online homewares emporia.

And now to Liberty, where Simon and Jenny’s collections are very much de rigeur among the smart London set and have been purchased by some well-known celebrity names (shhhh!).

Here at Collection, we harbour a deep love of everything House of Windsor (particularly young

Prince Hal, but that’s another story for another day), and so RE was our first port of call when stocking up on original Coronation emphemera with which to furnish our Golden Jubilee table.

More tea, anyone?

RE, Bishop’s Court, Main St, Corbridge, NE45 5LA www.re-foundobjects.com

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sy FASHION

Rosie McGlade visits Newcastle’s artisan jewellers to hear how diamonds are forever - especially if you have them set in a unique piece of jewellery

a

ll jewellers must hear strange tales, but making unique pieces for customers can often bring out some of the more intriguing.

Garry Williamson of Williamson Brown in Jesmond, Newcastle has heard some stories, certainly; strange, sad, and romantic by turns. Like the prospective groom who tied an engagement ring to a fish hook when he took his beloved on a fishing trip to Lake Windermere.

“I’d made this ring myself, and couldn’t quite believe what I was hearing,” Garry recalls. “I said, ‘what if it had got hooked on a rock under the water?’ He hadn’t thought of that.”

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One man ordered a ring for his wife (a colossal amount of carats) and then one for himself with double the diamonds, and the woman who came in with a yellow diamond to be made into a ring. It turned out the diamond had been made from her husband’s ashes; she wanted to wear them somewhere she’d be able to see them for the rest of her life.

“Things like that are terribly sad, but this is a wonderful job for us because we’re making different things every day,” says Garry. “They’re all one-offs, and all incredibly personal.”

Garry and designer Patrick McWilliam’s workshop at the back of the store is a little world of

FASHION sy

“I’ve had a number of people turn up here with diamonds they may have bought in India, Thailand or Dubai,” “But I’ve never seen anyone bring in a bargain yet”

www. williamsonbrown.com dangerous-looking tools and pinpoint-accurate machinery, aprons, finger protectors and metal dust. There are two work areas, one for Patrick and one for Garry, like a modern-day remake of a Grimm’s fairy tale.

Garry gets out a book a customer had made to document the origins of a diamond pendant he’d had made for his wife. He wanted her to have not just the gift, but the story, which was equally unique.

The first pictures tell of the design, his idea brought to life by Patrick’s drawing skills. The design is then shown carved in jewellers’ wax; an exact, to-scale model of the final product. At this stage, no later, the customer can make slight adjustments. A loving, secret memento can be inscribed on the inside of the wax, to become part of the body of the item, rather than an engraving.

Next, it’s sent to a specialist in Birmingham where it’s cast in platinum, and the dull, ‘cast metal’ result returned to Newcastle for polishing, and fitting with its diamonds.

The process, with hallmarking and the rest of it, takes about six weeks. The result is the ultimate personal gift to last a lifetime.

In addition to the bespoke service, there is Williamson Brown’s own range which sells on a similar scale to the European and London designers in the shop. For a fair few of these, the store is the city’s only stockist.

An increasingly popular service is to have the stones re-set from an old piece of jewellery. Buying your diamonds on holiday, however, is not recommended.

“I’ve had a number of people turn up here with diamonds they may have bought in India, Thailand or Dubai,” Garry says. “But I’ve never seen anyone bring in a bargain yet.”

There are around 20 properties to look out for in a diamond, far more intricate, the majority, than just the clarity and symmetry, so it’s very easy to get ripped off.

Garry came into the work as an apprentice, learning on

itmustbe

been antic stories we’ve m ro t os m e th of “One s, “is r Patrick McWilliam part of,” says designe buy a pear shaped when we had a man nd. propose to his girlfrie to us m fro d on am di Garry Williamson of Williamson Brown

the job. Patrick, originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, studied three dimensional design at Northumbria University, specialising in small products and jewellery.

“I went to work for Michael King in Cumbria. One of the first jobs I had was to remove the diamonds from a bracelet belonging to a relative of Princess Michael of Kent, and I smashed two of the diamonds. Thankfully, Mr King was very good about it.”

Their in-house collection is understated, and fits well with the pieces from the likes of the exclusive German designer Manu, the Italian designer Marco Bicego, Ti Sento from Holland, and up-and-coming British designers like Jayce Wong of London, and Amanda Cox from Yorkshire.

“It’s part of the business that we really enjoy, as we stock many designers exclusively to the region,” says Garry, “but we also love to make exclusive pieces. We’re purists, we make things the old fashioned way. There’s no-one else doing that in this region.”

Williamson Brown, 20a Clayton Road, Jesmond, www.williamsonbrown.com * As jewellery artisans, Patrick and Garry qualify for the Northern Arts ‘Own Art’ scheme, which allows customers to access interest free credit for bespoke orders of up to £2,000. For more information on Own Art, see www.ownart.org.uk

www.williamsonbrown.com

Austria to propose on to r he ke ta to d de “He deci rrible, so The weather was te n. ai nt ou m a of p to en the hike they had be they had to forego e rain d take a cable car. Th an to d ar rw fo g in look on the ere the only people was so heavy they w y al took place in heav os op pr e th so n, ai mount g rain. mist and the pourin

oom-toent was over, the gr “When the excitem s nditions, to which hi co e th r fo d ise og ol be ap rfect. 'no, it’s absolutely pe new fiancée replied, hot people. I don't like I don't like crowds of of a one is in the shape st e th d an , er th ea w .’ worked out perfectly raindrop. It’s all been

was e couple, this stone “At the request of th to two more diamonds ith w ed nt ou m en th platinum ring, two make a three-stone e t the couple, and th en es pr re to ds on diam t event.” enting this importan central stone repres collection | 135

sy FASHION

animalmagic

animalmagic

Against all odds, Isobel Davies has taken her hatred of cruelty to animals and turned it into business.

Barking mad or incredibly inspirational?

Rosie McGlade meets the founder of the award-winning ethical fashion label Izzy Lane

…I decided to create a fashion label using just British wool.” t’s not easy being a vegetarian. Not if you’re Isobel Davies. You may feel safe eating organic eggs, for example, but did you know, she says, that across the industry hens are killed at 72 weeks?

It’s brutal, she says. You can see the economic sense, but it’s ruthless economics with no consideration for the creature.

Milk drinkers with consciences are guilt-ridden

i

136 | collection

knowing the animal supplying them had her calf torn away days after birth and if it was male it was probably slaughtered or shipped in a rattling container to France.

But what do you do? Well, you could rescue a dairy herd and set them up with pensions overseen by one of the “best clued-up inflation traders in the world” and boosted by profits from their milk. When they have a calf they get to keep it and suckle it while still making regular deposits in the dairy parlour that will set them up for retirement. Similar thing with your chickens.

Best if you join forces with someone famous with a regular platform to champion the cause. Liz Jones, committed veggie and Daily Mail columnist? Perfect.

Isobel has never taken the obvious route in life (she could have simply turned vegan), but that’s what’s so attractive about her. Indeed, she prides herself on being a pioneer.

“Liz and I have had emails from vegetarians who’ve discovered our Food Nation eggs and dairy products saying they can finally sleep at night,” she says.

“We can’t compete with the supermarkets, but that’s not what we’re aiming to do. There are a lot of vegetarians and animal lovers, and we hope they’re prepared to put their money where their mouths are.”

Born in Nottingham, Isobel Davies grew up in North Yorkshire before quitting Yarm Grammar School at 16 and heading to France for two years. Moving to London, she took up singing (badly, she says), song-writing, sax and bass guitar, and travelled the world for a decade in jazz and indie bands.

In 1994 she applied for an enterprise allowance scheme and launched her first business delivering organic farm veg boxes; the first time it had been done. Fashionable London went crazy for it, and Farmaround established a niche.

“A lot of farmers we bought veg from had sheep, and I was dismayed to discover they were burning their wool because there was no market for it. I decided to create a fashion label using British wool.”

Pieces in the Izzy Lane range are spun from the fleeces of the 600 or so sheep that Isobel has rescued from the

FASHION sy

izzylane Isobel Davies

www.izzylane.co.uk

Her coats have graced the mannequins of Topshop, Oxford Circus and her garments are worn in New York.

chop for being male, infertile, or weird-looking. Today, hers is the only company in Britain using pure British wool, spun, dyed and woven on UK soil.

Just back from London Fashion Week when we meet, Izzy Lane is no cosy cottage industry. Her coats have graced the mannequins of Topshop, Oxford Circus and her garments are worn in New York. The label regularly features in fashion magazines eager to leap on a rare story about the origin of the clothes.

In an ideal world, Isobel is against animals being reared for meat and horrified that wool is a mere by-product, but it is an emotional stance she is able to temper a little.

“Here in the Yorkshire Dales there are times of year that are painful for me, like when the lambs are taken off their mothers and the crying rings round the valley, or in September when you see pens of lambs ready to go to the abattoir.

“At the very least, I would like animals to be recognised as salient beings and not have to endure the cruelties that exist in our farming system.”

She sees no reason, for example, for supermarkets insisting on having live animals sent to their own slaughter houses, often hundreds of miles away from their farms.

In contrast, her farm is an animal utopia, with Ernest, the dairy-farmer-turned-vegetarian-shepherd, in charge of her flock’s welfare while Isobel runs the businesses from offices in Richmond.

“British wool had gone out of fashion,” she continues, “but it was exactly the same with organic food when I started. It had an association with hippies

rather than as a serious alternative to modern farming, and I think our company helped take organics into the mainstream.”

With only 600 sheep, she’s hardly going to take Izzy Lane to the masses, yet the business is able to produce 1,000 to 1,500 pieces a year, with a hand-knitted top selling from £100 and a coat £280.

The fleeces she uses lack the itchy fibres many of us associate with childhood, because Isobel has selected her rescued herd from Wensleydale and Shetland sheep.

Wensleydale sheep are rare these days (there are only around 1,800 left in the world) because they’re hard work, Isobel says, requiring shelter in poor weather and being susceptible to disease.

“But they are beautiful. They have this godliness about them; majestic and peaceful. Whereas the Shetlands are naughty, trying to get out of the field and playing all the time. They’re like a different species.”

Izzy Lane’s first collection appeared in 2007. Isobel had no knowledge of the fashion industry, no knowledge of sheep, and no knowledge of how to turn raw wool into fine cloth, but she likes a challenge.

“I like going into an industry I know nothing about and having to learn,” she says. “I think it can actually be advantageous, because you have fresh eyes and you can be objective.”

Her achievement, she feels, is in putting the idea of traceability on the lips of fashionistas. “It’s been hard, but I have a commitment to my animals. I’ve managed to combine all my passions into one project.

I love business, animals, nature, landscapes, wildlife,

newyork oxfordCircus fashion and creativity, and that makes you work hard.

“My view is that you only have one life. I don’t have children, so I can commit all my time, and you just have to find a way of doing it.”

Good Food Nation is similarly revolutionary. “If we can just bring attention to some of the more cruel practices, people may or may not buy our eggs or our milk, but they might buy a higher welfare product than they would otherwise. Maybe that will lead to a change in welfare standards. Someone has to do it.”

www.farmaround.co.uk| www.goodfoodnation.co.uk

www

www.izzylane.co.uk

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sy ST OSWALD’S

An appeal from St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth…

the

of a

trek lifetime “It is fantastic that St Oswald’s have decided to launch this trek.

s

t Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth, Newcastle, is looking for a team of intrepid adventurers to take on the challenge of a lifetime - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

St Oswald’s is hoping to raise more than £100,000 from the trek which will help local people just when they need it the most.

The trek, which runs from May 24 to June 3, 2013 will follow the stunning Machame Route (also known as the whiskey route) - considered one of the most spectacular and least crowded routes on the mountain.

This incredible journey will take you up to dizzying altitudes of 5895m and is the only place on land where you can clearly see the curvature of the earth.

Varsha Sehgal conquered the mountain in 2011 and raised more than £7,000 in aid of St Oswald’s.

She said: “It is fantastic that St Oswald’s have decided to launch this trek. It is an amazing experience and by far the hardest thing I have ever endured. But it has left me with a real sense of personal achievement and in many ways has been life changing.

“On a lighter side it has also given me a taste for some crazy adventures and I am off doing Mont Blanc this year before I move on to Everest in 2013.”

By taking on this challenge you can make a difference to your community by raising money for St Oswald’s Hospice to help provide specialist care for adults, young people and children in the North East.

Anita Ball, Director of Fundraising at St Oswald’s, says:

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It is an amazing experience and by far the hardest thing I have ever endured

“At St Oswald’s we make no charge for our services, ensuring our care is available to everyone who needs us. With annual running costs of £8.5 million, we rely heavily on support from the local community. We simply couldn’t run the Hospice without them.

“We are a charity with our roots in the heart of the north east community and every day I am fortunate enough to see the difference the care and compassion provided by our teams makes to the patients as well as family and loved ones.

“I’ll never be able to adequately describe to you here why the Hospice is such an amazing place. Yes we have a fantastic purpose built facility, but it is the staff and volunteers you encounter that truly make the difference. It is the human touch and understanding and willingness to go the extra mile.

“Walk through our doors and you’ll quickly see that St Oswald’s is all about life. There’s a lot of bustle, a lot of laughter and a huge dollop of care and attention. At St Oswald’s, it’s about living life to the full, no matter how much time you have left.

“You might be surprised to learn that a large part of our work involves pain and symptom management – so that patients can continue to enjoy quality of life, for as long as they live.

“Our Children and Young Adults Service provides specialist short breaks so that the children and young people we care for are able to do ‘normal’ everyday things, which you or I might take for granted.

“By taking part in a fundraising adventure of a lifetime supporters help families from across the North East at a time when they need it the most.

“We spend every penny wisely and our services have developed around the needs of our patients and what they tell us they need. All money spent in the North East stays in the North East helping local people and taking part in events such as the trek to Kilimanjaro, helps to continue to provide that care and quality time.”

The minimum sponsorship amount for the Kilimanjaro challenge is £3,960. There is a non-refundable deposit of £370 payable at the time of booking. The Hospice has a dedicated fundraising team who have a wealth of experience in organising tailor-made overseas treks. They can support you with all of your fundraising needs.

To find out more about Kilimanjaro and the other adventure and adrenaline challenges St Oswald’s has on offer please contact Lyn Cain, tel 0191 246 9123, email lyncain@stoswaldsuk.org

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71-73 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 2AN t: 0191 281 4545 | f: 0191 281 8588 | e: info@louisjesmond.co.uk | www.louisjesmond.co.uk