The icing on the cake
Curtains are in pole position
Get on your bike and ride!
Cupcakes, a must-have accessory at every party and celebration worth attending
Here we take a step back in time to look at window coverings over the decades
UKs amateur cyclists are chasing their own pedal-powered dreams
Pages 10 & 11
Pages 14 & 15
Pages 16 & 17
www.haart.co.uk
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
Just ask
Pop into your local haart branch to see how we can help you Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Our typical fee for arranging a mortgage is ÂŁ495. The actual amount payable will depend on your circumstances. H0134741
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
INTELLIGENT ADVICE FROM HAART: WHY NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO SELL As the housing market gathers momentum, we have reacted quickly by launching an innovative consumer advice series to keep customers up-to-date with fast-moving changes. Here, haart Chief Executive Paul Smith explains why now is a good time to sell...
Deciding WHEN to sell your property is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever have to make in life. Should you sell when property prices are increasing in value or should you wait until they’ve hit their peak? At haart, we have a dedicated team who watch and analyse the market and can give you the top quality advice you need to make that crucial decision of … WHEN. And all the indicators are pointing to NOW being the right time to put your home up for sale. The recent announcement by the Governor of the Bank of England that interest rates are to remain low for the foreseeable future means people are looking to invest in property, not save. The feelgood factor has returned to the property market, the economy is back on an even keel and there’s a lot of pent up demand for property combined with a desperate shortage of homes for sale, particularly in London and the south east of England.
We recognise that different sectors of the market are impacted in different ways depending on where you live and how many similar types of property are for sale. First time buyers, for example, have been struggling to get on the ladder for some time. But from January, the Government will be extending its Help to Buy scheme to help home buyers get a mortgage, and that’s going to create a buying frenzy. So here’s our advice from haart… • Sell when everyone else isn’t – people will quickly realise the property market is moving again so all those people who’ve been putting their move on hold will start selling too – just like you. • Demand for property is fierce in many parts of the UK. • Property prices are increasing, so you’ll get a good price for your home – while still being able to afford the next step up.
Just look at the facts: • At haart, we have 9 people chasing every property on our books. • We’re achieving 98.9% on average of the asking price. • And prices have increased by 6.7% on average for a 3-bed property Source: Spicerhaart Data 2013
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
THERE’S A LOT OF PENT UP DEMAND FOR PROPERTY COMBINED WITH A DESPERATE SHORTAGE OF HOMES FOR SALE
• Interest rates are to remain low; which means more people will now be able to afford your property. • The economy is picking up, with two successive quarters of economic growth; that’s helped bring confidence back to the market. • Unemployment is falling – and that usually signals higher wages as companies compete for good staff; and more money means more people can afford to buy. Finally, if you’re looking to get the BEST price for your property, you need to allow time for it to be marketed effectively. The market is very buoyant and we’ve been achieving record prices. So call us at haart for a free valuation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, your home is worth more than you think. * Our new advice series is the latest in haart’s innovative marketing techniques; you can view our video and blog at haart.co.uk and facebook.com/haart. estate.agents
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£600,000 - £650,000
Every Room With A View Holmwood Cottage, Bonnington
This home was originally two properties lived in by farm workers for the neighbouring land owner. They were combined a number of years ago before being purchased by the current owners who then set about lovingly restoring and extending to create the beautiful family home it is now. • Detached House • Five Bedrooms • Four Reception Rooms
• Cast Iron Fireplace • Farmhouse Kitchen • Close To The Coast HRT033500620
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday Ready For The Countryside? Church Lane, Waltham £495,000
Feature property
Are you ready for the countryside? If so then this is as good as it gets. The quality of this barn conversion is outstanding with three bedrooms, three reception rooms and three en suites, all set in the most beautiful countryside surroundings. • Converted Barn • Three Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Beautiful Gardens • Three En Suites
HRT033500684
Grade II Listed Barn Wealden Barn, Charing £425,000 - £450,000 Super barn conversion in the highly desirable area of Charing. The property has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, kitchen and downstairs cloakroom. Set around a gravel courtyard.
• Semi Detached • Barn Conversion • Four Bedrooms • Grade II Listed • Recently Redecorated
HRT033500698
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£420,000 - £460,000
A Family Home Willesborough Court, Willesborough
A family home that you will want to live in for the next 25 years. A fantastic home that has plenty of room for a large family, with five bedrooms, en suite to master bedroom and a double garage. If you were asked to imagine the perfect street to live in then you would probably think of Willesborough Court. • Detached House • Five Bedrooms • Five En Suite Bathrooms
• Double Garage • Great Access To Schools • Exposed Brick Fireplace HRT033500637
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday Kerb Appeal! Bill Deedes Way, Ashford
£400,000 - £420,000
This detached home has great kerb appeal as it is double fronted with white weather boarding. It has versatile living with three receptions and five bedrooms, three of the bedrooms with en suites. • Detached House • Five Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms
• Three En Suite Bathrooms • Immaculate Condition • Weather Boarded Front
HRT033500680
Welcome To Paradise Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford £365,000
• Chalet Bungalow • Four Bedrooms • Beautifully Updated Interior • Idyllic Location • 140ft Rear Garden
This beautifully crafted family home is back to its best after the current owners lovingly updated the interior to make it a beautifully bright, airy home ready for you to come in and put your bags down. Idyllic location, green fields and a huge garden.
HRT033500809
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£325,000 - £350,000
Grade II Listed & Chain Free Middle Platt, Ashford
If you want a house full of charm and character, we can't recommend this enough! With two open fireplaces and a garden to die for. This Grade II listed cottage has three bedrooms and is in the lovely Village. • Detached Cottage • Grade II Listed • Good Commuter Links
• Exposed Beams • Beautiful Fireplaces • Garden Summerhouse HRT033500666
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday Build Your Own Home Kingsford Street, Ashford £375,000 - £425,000
Feature property
If you have always dreamt of building your own home, then here is your chance. You have even got somewhere to live whilst doing so. This property would suit families moving in together or small time developers. Planning has already been granted. • Semi Detached House • Three Bedrooms • Building And Plot • Planning Permission Granted
HRT033500664
Arrange Your Appointment Ruglys Way, Ashford £490,000 - £510,000 Located in Charing which is a small Village in the north Ashford district of Kent. The parish population is 2,750, it includes the settlement of Charing Heath. It is situated at the foot of the North Downs.
• Detached House • Five Bedrooms • Four Reception Rooms • Quirky Location • Great Access To Motorway
HRT033500473
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes INGREDIENTS Sponge 500g plain flour 1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda 1/2 tsp. salt 225g butter 200g caster sugar 3 beaten eggs 1 lemon zest only 490g soured cream 1 tsp. vanilla extract 120g fresh blueberries Cream Cheese Frosting 225g butter 225g cream cheese 1 tsp. vanilla extract Juice and zest of 1 lemon 950g icing sugar 24 blueberries Blue food colour, optional METHOD To make the cupcakes: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. 2. Line a 24-cup cupcake tin with cupcake cases. 3. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt together into a large a bowl. 4. Place the butter into a stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy and very pale - now add sugar. 5. Next add the beaten eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly in between each. 6. It is now time to add some flavours; pour in the vanilla and lemon zest and mix. 7. Add the dry ingredients in three or four phases, in between each add some of the sour cream and leave a little flour mix so you can end with the dry ingredients - do not over mix at this point. 8. Lastly stir in the blueberries. 9. Now fill each of your cupcake cases two-thirds full with the mixture. 10. Bake in your pre-heated oven for 16 to 20 minutes - test your cakes with a cocktail stick inserted in the centre; it should comes out clean. 11. Cool the cakes on a rack. Now you have delicate and light cupcakes, it is time to get FROSTING!
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
SALES
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£300,000 - £325,000
Grab Your Bucket And Spade Sandy Way, Rye
Grab your towel, your bucket and spade and walk down to the golden sands at Camber. It is a whole lifestyle change when you live near the beach, the sea has a way of drawing you in. It is a lifestyle that only some of us can only dream of. • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • Dining Room
• Contemporary Kitchen • Short Walk To The Beach • Garage And Driveway HRT033500659
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday £650 PCM
All The 'I Wants' Bank Street, Ashford
Town Centre luxury two bedroom apartment with a beautifully finished kitchen with integral appliances as seen. This apartment internally is brand new and will make a fantastic pad for either a couple or a professional single. • Luxury Apartment • Two Bedrooms • Town Centre Location
• Beautifully Finished Kitchen • Brand New Interior • Close To Local Amenities
HRT063600076
Room For The Family Atkinson Walk, Ashford £1,200 PCM
• Detached House • Four Bedrooms • Beautiful Interior • Double Garages • Kitchen/Breakfast Room
Originally the show home for the Little Burton Farm Development this spacious four bedroom family home has bundles to offer. The double garages were originally built as the show home offices and now provide a large family room.
HRT063600066
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
IF YOU FOLLOW THE ROUTE, YOU EARN A GIVEN NUMBER OF POINTS WHICH YOU CAN USE TO BUY ITEMS OR FOOD AT COMPANIES SUCH AS M&S
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
1 Property - Hot Property 0813
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£1,475 PCM
Definately Top Drawer Willesborough Court, Ashford
Set in the highly desired area of Willesborough Lees is this fabulous five bedroom detached family home. The interior is of a very high standard and is very light and modern adding to the luxurious feel. • Detached House • Five Bedrooms • High Standard Interior
• Recently Renovated Kitchen • Feature Gas Fireplace • En Suite To Master HRT063600089
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday All The 'I Wants' Melcombe Close, Ashford £700 PCM
Feature property
Homes in the Singleton Hill area are in high demand and when you see this fabulous two bedroom coach house you will understand why. Set back away from the passing traffic and detached giving a real sense of privacy with a garage for storage and parking in front. • Coach House Apartment • Two Bedrooms • Private Decked Garden • Sought After Area • Light And Modern Interior
HRT063600082
A Happy Home James Allchin Gardens, Ashford £1,200 PCM Little Burton Farm is one of the most sought after developments for families to move to as it ticks nearly every box. There are good schools locally, parks and tennis courts all within a short walk and access to M20 or A28 to Canterbury. • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • Large Conservatory • Good School Area • Leisure Facilities Nearby
HRT063600079
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£1,100 PCM
Family Favourite High Ridge, Ashford
Come and take a look inside this spacious family home which is situated on the ever popular Singleton Hill Development in Ashford. This Lovely detached part furnished home with double garage is bright and modern, but also has a real traditional feel about it. • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room
• Two En Suites • Situated On Bus Route • Close To Amenities/Schools HRT063600087
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday Cute Cottage Boughton-Under-Blean, Faversham
£795 PCM
Full of charm and character and offering plenty of space in every room is this fabulous three bedroom cottage in the delightful Village of Boughton-Under-Blean. • Cottage • Three Bedrooms • Attic Conversion
• Feature Fireplace • Brilliant Size Rear Garden • Full Of Charm
HRT063600085
Currently Being Refurbished Middle Deal Road, Deal £675 PCM
• Mid Terrace House • Three Bedrooms • Refurbished Throughout • Close To Train Stations • Short Walk To Town
Imagine moving into a spacious period three bedroom home with a brand new fully fitted kitchen, brand new carpets, freshly decorated rooms throughout and all the creature comforts such as double glazing and gas heating to radiators.
HRT063600024
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£525 PCM
WOW! Austens Mews, Ashford
Village Life is bliss I hear you say? One bedroom mews house situated in the highly sought after Village of Challock is available to rent. Plenty of open land for walks and the beautiful Challock Woods is popular with both walkers and runners. • Cottage • One Bedroom • Country Location
• Living/Dining Area • Views Of The Grounds • Full Of Character HRT063600090
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
LETTINGS
Call us now on: 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
Feature property
£900 PCM
Like No Other Home Broadview Close, Ashford
Set over two floors, this modern, immaculate apartment has all the 'I wants'. Furnished, with bills included! As soon as you park your car on the drive and take in the views and space around you, you will really feel like you're at home in this sought after area of Bridgefield, Kingsnorth. • Detached House • Three Bedrooms • Modern Interior
• Bills Included • Brilliant Views • Double Aspect Lounge HRT063600093
Ashford (Kent) 1 Property - Hot Property 0813
- 06 -
For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk
The quarterly property magazine from haart
Another happy customer…
Spring 2013
Bathroom bliss Soakaway your troubles with one of the best reads of 2013 Page 03
"We really couldn't be happier with the way we've been treated." Amy Hope
"The experience was perfect, it fitted all the needs we asked for."
"They were so friendly and made me feel welcome, they’re like friends more than a company." Elaine Davis
Fresh to the market 100’s of great properties to buy or rent
Kayleigh Thomas
These are just a few of the 1000s of people who’ve successfully sold or let their homes with us in recent months. Call us today for a free valuation on 01233 620340 8am - 10pm everyday
haart.co.uk
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