haart South London Loving Your Home Issue 3 by Spicerhaart Ltd

I S S U E

T H R E E

LOVING YO U R

HOME IN SOUTH LONDON

“Everyone has a craft they can do, you just need to find yours” Kirstie Allsopp talks to us about her love of crafts and the Handmade Fair

Man cave Create the perfect space for the guy of the house

All fired up Get cosy with winter warming products we love

Healthy eating with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

...is where your home is

LOVING YOUR HOME

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Welcome

Contents

Welcome to the latest issue of Loving Your Home, the magazine from haart estate agents, which is jam-packed with this season’s trends and full of fantastic ideas to help you sell or rent your home. No matter how hard we try to be good, most of us end up splurging at Christmas and in the January sales. We need to cut costs and start watching the pennies again, but this doesn’t mean you have to turn the heating and lights off, sitting in the cold and dark at home; we’ve got some warm up tips for winter on page 5, which will keep you cosy without the expense. Being thrifty in the New Year also doesn’t mean you have to fall out of love with your home. Bring colour into your rooms with affordable art (see page 16) and get crafty by bringing life back to old furniture – like some of you have on page 4. Thank you for sharing your project photos, keep sending them in. We also chatted to the queen of craft herself, Kirstie Allsopp, at her first ever Handmade Fair event in London. She shared with us some of her favourite ways of making affordable pieces and why she thinks it’s so important we all mend and make before buying something new. That’s the same approach London couple Georgina and Milosh took when they embarked on renovating and decorating their first rental property with antiques. Read their landlord journey on page 14. But it’s not all about old things this season, New Year’s resolutions are probably on many of our to-do lists, whether that be new hobbies (try our favourite suggestion on page 22) or new diets. If like us you also spent the holiday season over-indulging with too many mince pies, you’ll be interested to read our healthy-eating recipe on our kitchen page from celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who believes his new dairy and wheat free cooking will cut the calories, yet still taste delicious.

05. Home and lifestyle news 07. Create the perfect man cave 8

11. Ask the experts 12. All fired up 12 14. Loving your property 16. Art in the home 17.

Apps and gadgets

18. Spa style bathrooms 20 20. Loving your kitchen 21. Loving your garden 22. Loving your life

Buying, selling or renting with haart couldn’t be easier. If you see a property that takes your fancy, just call your local haart office between 8pm and 10pm seven days a week. Or for more properties and information visit haart.co.uk.

Love to share

08. Getting crafty with Kirstie Allsopp 10. The handmade fair

The holidays can be a stressful time and we’re all probably in need of a spa break. We look at the rise of the “spathroom” to de-stress at home. You don’t have to break the budget to add a touch of spa-like luxury to your property, and after the hectic holiday season we could all do with relaxing. Talking of which, grab a cup of tea and put your feet up to flick through this latest issue of Loving Your Home. Once you’re done reading, stay up-to-date with more ideas to help you love your home on our new website – just visit LovingYourHomeMag.co.uk.

04. Love to share

23. Loving your area 24. New year, new you 25. Local spotlight 106. Ask the property expert

If you try any of the ideas from this issue, or your own, and would like to share them, please email, tweet or Facebook us your pics editor@lovingyourhomemag.co.uk

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Our chosen tweet, photo or email will win £250 of John Lewis vouchers! So get sharing! See the next page for our latest winner. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our Loving Your Home Pinterest board where we post all entries and our favourite items. #LovingYourHome Competition rules We apologise but not all photos and letters can be published. Entries should be made by 28 February, 2015. The winning question, email, letter, status or tweet will be picked by the editor and will receive £250 of John Lewis/Waitrose vouchers. The winner will be sent confirmation by email, post, social media or telephone call. If a reply by the winner to confirm postal address is not received within five days of being selected, a new winner will be picked. Prizes are non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives. Only one entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. No entries can be made by employees or family of those that work with the Spicerhaart group. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. Loving Your Home Published by Mosaic Publicity on behalf of: Spicerhaart Estate Agents Ltd (04430726) Colwyn House, Sheepen Place, Colchester C03 3LD W: mosaicpublicity.co.uk T: 01206 841933 Editor Jenna Gregory Assistant Editor Ruth Aggiss Writer Gemma Rawlinson Designer Chris Douglas Chief Executive Karen Ainley With thanks to: Martin Evans, Lucy Halliday, Kirstie Allsopp, Jade Blades, Owen Pacey, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Skinny Jean Gardeners - Lee and Dale Connelly, Louisa Fletcher, Mimosa Colchester. ©2015 Spicerhaart Estate Agents Limited (“haart”). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying or recording, without permission. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. Information contained within is for general purposes only and we will not be liable for any loss or damage arising. Please note that although the property information contained in this magazine is believed to be correct at the time of publication, the nature of the property market means that both the availability of the properties and the relevant asking prices may well change following the date of publication and no responsibility can be taken for any loss or damage arising from action taken as a result of the information in this publication. Readers should take specific steps to confirm with their local haart branch the continued accuracy of any information on which they wish to specifically rely. All details correct at time of printing.

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LOVING YOUR HOME

Home and lifestyle news

Love to share We love to hear what you’ve been up to so please share with us your photos, tips, DIY projects, letters and questions. Plus, each issue our chosen tweet, photo or email will win £250 of John Lewis vouchers!*

So get sharing! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our Loving Your Home Pinterest board where we post all of our favourite items.

#LovingYourHome Email editor@lovingyourhomemag.co.uk Twitter.com/haart_uk Facebook.com/haart.estate.agents Pinterest.com/LovingYourHome

Here’s what some of you have been up to over the past few months…

inner W Homemade chandeliers “I’ve had so many compliments for my homemade chandeliers when people visit, that I thought I’d send it in to you. I made them by sticking small silver Christmas baubles to an MDF base using silicone. I then tied clear baubles to the base using fishing line (the fishing supplies shop owner was very entertained to hear about my intended use for the fishing line when I purchased it from him!). Of course the bulbs had to be LEDs so they didn’t get hot and melt the baubles!” Alison Hills, from Tulse Hill, South West London We love this inventive way of using left over baubles after Christmas. And yet it doesn’t look too Christmas-y at all and could work in a room all year round. We like how you’ve used different sized baubles at different heights, which must cast amazing light and shadows around the room. We will definitely be attempting to make one of these and think Alison is a deserving winner for her crafty, creative skills. Note: Hire a professional electrician to fit your handmade lights to your ceiling.

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Angi Jenn - Upcycled Desk “Brown furniture is not our thing anymore, so I decided to bring an extremely useful desk, which was a second hand present to us from my mum and dad, for our 25th wedding anniversary, up to date. These days our style has changed all through our home and we are delighted with the modern change. So with no help from my husband, I decided to bring it back to life. First of all I cleaned it, then used three coats of black stain, allowing a day to dry between each coat. I chose a glam Marilyn Monroe wallpaper in black and white, which complements completely. I didn’t glue it to the leather top in case in the future I fancy another change, I just slightly stuck it at the corners, and then ordered a large piece of glass, taking the glass manufacturer’s recommendation for the thickness, to lay on top. The weight keeps the wallpaper in place. To finish I chose fairly large, glass drawer knobs. And complete - FABULOUS. Hope you agree!” We do Angi! We love this old school Hollywood glam look which ties in perfectly with the monochrome trend of the Monroe 1950/60s era. We particularly like that you’ve broken up the black and white with some bold blue candlesticks. We would get a lot more of our life admin done at home if we had a desk like this to sit at!

@ruthydarby24 tweeted us this homemade garden gate, saying “#gateDesigned&madeByMe!” Very impressive carpentry skills Ruth! We love the cute little heart and flower pot – making a lovely entrance to your home. Kelly Cording sent in a photo of her upcycled piano and stool. There wasn’t a before picture but if it’s like most, we prefer this off-white tone with your colour scheme rather than a dark maple wood. Another upcycled stall was sent in by Kelly Saks. We particularly like the floral fabric with cute pink pom pom edging.

*We apologise but not all photos and letters can be published. Send in your readers’ letters (Love to Share) before 28 February 2015. Full competition entry details on page 3.

Home and lifestyle news

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News Stay warm without the huge heating bills

rom hugging hot-water bottles to consuming countless cups of tea - we Brits will do everything in our power to avoid sky high energy bills while trying to keep warm. As the cold snap hits, a huge 80% of us admit we’re braving the plummeting temperatures and rationing heating all in a bid to keep costs down this winter.

A survey, commissioned by Radflek.com, who specialise in radiator reflectors, showed a massive 83% of us will be wrapping up in winter woollies to take the edge off chilly rooms, and more than a third admitted to sneaking the heating on without their partners’ or housemates’ permission. This results in more than a third of us having regular arguments over the heating. Surprisingly, only half of those surveyed believe their homes are efficient, which means we’re wasting valuable energy and effectively burning money unnecessarily. Instead of switching off and suffering, make small but effective changes in the home to save money, cut energy use and importantly keep warm at home this winter. We’ve paired up with Zenith Home, the energy saving experts, and Radflek to offer some simple winter warmer tips:

Top winter warm-up tips to beat the chill and save: Close and line your curtains: 20% of your home’s heat escapes through cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Drawing the curtains every evening can act like a draught excluder. Also line them with thermal materials, such as low-cost fleece. Whilst curtains should be kept shut at night to conserve heat, let the sunlight in during the day, so you benefit from the free natural warmth of the sun. On when in, off when out: Setting your central heating timer correctly is a simple and an easy way to save on your energy bills. Fix the heating to come on for a couple of hours when you wake up to make those chilly morning showers much more bearable, and then for a couple of hours again in the evening. Check out our techie thermostat on page 7. Winter warmers: Stock up your winter wardrobe with onesies, woolly jumpers and thick fluffy socks. socks. Layering up your loungewear will not only keep you warm, but will also save a substantial amount of money on your energy bills. Adding a throw to your while sofa will also give your living room a re-vamp while doubling up as a cosy blanket for nights in with a takeaway. Fit Radflek Radiator Reflectors: Radflek reflects reflects an impressive 95% of the wasted heat from behind your radiator back into the room. Not only does it make the radiator more efficient so your room heats up quicker, it also stops heat escaping through the wall behind the radiator – reducing wasted warmth by an impressive 45%. Available from Radflek.com and selected Robert Dyas stores.

Bleed your radiators: As well as fitting radiator reflectors, it’s important to make sure your radiators are working as efficiently as possible. Trapped air or gas prevents hot water from heating your radiator, so make sure you bleed them regularly by turning your heating off and using a radiator key and a damp cloth to cover where the hot steam will come out. For modern radiator designs look at our feature on page 12. Don’t be daft, avoid the draught: Although doors are designed to shut out the cold, this isn’t always the case as the winter wind always seems to find a way through the smallest of cracks and gaps. The usual reaction to this is to turn up the heating, but Zenith strongly suggest buying draught excluders or cushions to place by the doors to block out any unwelcome breeze. out any unwelcome Love your layers: While out and about, we are always quick to add on an extra layer – but what about layering up the home? External wall insulation (EWI) wall insulation (EWI) is a great way to increase the efficiency of your home as well as giving it a new look. EWI will dramatically reduce the amount of heat that escapes through solid walls, making your property 10 times better at keeping in the heat. Drink hot drinks, but don’t overfill: Being British, we love nothing more than a warm cup of tea, but we have a terrible tendency to overfill the kettle each time we make a fresh brew. The more water you boil, the more energy you will use, so be sure to only fill the kettle for the amount of cups you need. For more tips on making your home healthy and more energy efficient, visit MyHealthMyHome.com where you can find tips, expert advice and test to see how you healthy your own home is.

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LOVING YOUR HOME

Home and lifestyle news

Winter products we love You may have had a NY resolution to make more for your home, such as small crafty items or a piece of furniture. Well this is a great starting project for you. Building your own timber furniture is incredibly satisfying, but beautifully crafted joints can be tricky to make. Simply Build It from Simpson Strong Tie is a kit containing everything you need, except the timber, to construct robust furniture at any length or depth. There’s no measuring, cutting, planning or carving - all you need to do is decide on the dimensions of your wood. The how-to kit, which contains all the screws and connectors, costs £45 and even an inexperienced DIYer should be able to make a basic workbench in no more than two hours at a total cost of around £90. Available at Screwfix.com

The copper trend took over winter this year and copper Christmas decorations could be seen everywhere. But we’re not done with this metal yet and think it will work well into spring too. We love this Dynamo floor lamp in a brushed antique copper finish, £130.80 – DarLighting.co.uk

Tiles need not be just for the floor, bathroom or kitchen. Extend a patterned tiled wall to your dining room as well. Not only do they it make it splash–proof from mucky children’s dinner time, but they add texture and a look that wallpaper and paint don’t always give. We like this Bristol ceramic range, fitted in a random pattern, with a subtle riven texture. £14.96 per sq m from TileMountain.co.uk

Metal wire frame shades give a dramatic lighting effect, casting spectacular shadows. Pair with a filament bulb for a real industrial revolution look, plus the orange tones of these bulbs make the light softer and cosy for winter. Bluebell cage lamp, £25, and filament bulbs, from £7, both from CultFurniture.com

Mix materials and textures, like this, with metals, wood and ceramics, for an on trend industrial winter look, whilst still keeping it cosy and liveable.

LoveMapsOn map wallpaper – if you’ve ever been into one of our estate agency branches you’ll know we love a personalised wall map. Now LoveMapsOn can produce these to whatever postcode you choose. We particularly like the vintage versions, which show your street how it used to be. Prices from £120 – LoveMapsOn.com

A farmhouse–style rustic dining table and pews like this are great for a family dining room and fantastic for the kid’s homework, family dinners and parties. We love the simplicity of the planked top of this Grand Bakers Table. From £980 – AuthenticFurniture.co.uk

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Home and lifestyle news

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Create the perfect man cave

Tufted glove occasional chair in shammy leather, £1,090 – AuthenticFurniture.co.uk

Bespoke free standing drinks cabinet, POA – WoodstockFurniture.co.uk

ive the guy some space and make a room into a male winter hibernation area. The perfect room for your fella to have a snooze or watch some sport on TV with a drink. Combine vintage furniture and industrial metals with a wooden chalet feel, which would work great in a loft, basement or a room such as a converted garage with exposed brickwork - if not brickwork wallpaper. We love the vintage 70s chair from AuthenticFurniture.co.uk and the walnut drinks cabinet from Woodstock Furniture. Continue the vintage look with old ski posters from Art. co.uk and antique sports equipment such as these skis from Colonial Soldier. Alternatively get his sports stuff out the way and hang it on the wall, like with the bull horn bike rack from NotOnTheHighStreet.com. If he’s a history geek he’ll love these ex-military US airfield runway lights from Skinflint too. Complete the look with industrial shelving and soft rugs or cowhide laid over wooden flooring. Just make sure it’s not too nice, otherwise he might not let you in! Vintage ski prints, prices from £5.99 – AllPosters.co.uk and Art.co.uk

Salvaged ex-military Salvaged ex-military American runway light, £1,880 – SkinFlintDesign.co.uk

Pedal industrial bar stool, £129 – Barak7.co.uk

Man cave sign, £5.50 – Etsy.com

Bricks wallpaper, £15 – Next.co.uk

Antique vintage wooden skis between £100 – £200 a set complete with antique poles – from ColonialSoldier.com

Bull horn bicycle holder, £129 – NotOnTheHighStreet.com 0 7

LOVING YOUR HOME

The interview

TV presenter and queen of craft Kirstie Allsopp spoke about the importance of inspiring a new generation of craft makers when we caught up with her at her first â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Handmade Fairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, set in the beautiful gardens of Hampton Court Palace.

Kirstie Allso p p 0 8

The interview LYH: This event is amazing - crafty and interior heaven! We can’t wait to explore. Why did you decide to set up your Handmade Fair? KA: I was excited for everything about it, the thought of doing something so bold and different to other craft fairs that are out there – the Handmade Fair wasn’t just about a whole lot of shops in a tent. It is a gathering of the people you’ve seen with me on screen, answering your questions, teaching you their techniques, and opening up to a live audience. It’s 3-D TV without the funny specs! We wanted to put learning at the core and celebrate so many talented people. It was great to be sharing the whole experience with others who love making. LYH: Who can craft? KA: Everybody can be into crafts, even if it’s only knitting, it’s good to have something to do with your hands. I mean look at me here, twiddling this piece of thread as I talk to you. Everyone has a craft they can do, you just need to find yours.

LYH: Why should we encourage new generations of craft makers? KA: We have lost touch with our hands, and lost touch with making and repairing things. Did you know the one major reason for clothes being thrown out is buttons missing? That’s terrible. The idea that there is a generation of young people who throw things out rather than repair them does disturb me. I was at a recent exhibition in Turkey and the title was ‘Skill of The Hand and Light of The Eye’. That really sums it up, being ‘crafty’ is centuries old, and therapeutic too. The benefit of doing something with your hands, the sheer satisfaction it gives, is immense. LYH: How long have you been crafting? KA: It has been a lifelong thing… my mum was an interior decorator and my dad was an auctioneer, so making things has been in my family for as long as I can remember. Meadowgate, my house in Devon, was what reinvigorated my passion for the handmade and the homemade, when I wanted to get everyone involved in doing things with their own hands. I worked with lots of local tradespeople to restore the house. LYH: What are some of your favourite craft materials to work with? Crafts can be almost anything. Crafts is about making something, pickling things, baking cakes – all sorts of things. The whole idea of preserving vegetables is great as these could be used for gifts. ‘What can I do with the glut of beans and tomatoes I have now?’ Well, preserves for one. Beans make green jam.

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I’m a sucker for wood and embroidery. Embroidery is something of a lost skill. There is a rug that has been around my house for years, at some point in time someone made it and took care and time over it. You can see where they made mistakes, where they ran out of threads and certain coloured cottons. That’s the maker’s hand visible and that’s so important. Pompoms are my all-time favourite craft, though. They are fast, simple, and instantly gratifying – plus you can do so much with them; use them as decorations, on cushions, clothes, on your shoes! LYH: Do you approach craft making seasonally? KA: Crafts are great throughout the year. Easter crafts, Christmas crafts, summer crafts, Halloween. There are things you can do all through the year. I’m trying to find an idea for conkers, which my children have collected in massive numbers. Conkers are so beautiful. They’re like pieces of mahogany wood, it’s so sad they lose their shine.

LYH: How important is it to encourage mending and restoration when it comes to crafts? KA: Mending is a big thing of mine but it takes a lot of time – a lot of things I have need to be repaired. Repairing old things keeps tradition alive but people chuck old things out and put in new without thinking what that old thing represents. We can have old and new stuff side by side. Everyone has some piece of furniture in their life that has history, not a valuable antique but something worth repairing and fixing. The word crafts sounds old but crafts can include modern materials like Perspex. You can craft with something as simple as paper and scissors, I did a workshop at the V&A with just that and the atmosphere was incredible. At the end of the afternoon we were stringing up our homemade bunting and it was really nice. Everyone got so much satisfaction from doing it. LYH: How can we use crafts to engage children in different activities? KA: I love that loom bands have been so popular with kids, it’s a form of crafting. I know it’s not environmentally friendly but if children are getting off computer games, a few rubber bands are less damaging. Computer games are addictive. I put my foot down at home a few weeks ago and made the kids do something else. It was all complaints at first but after that it went quiet – that’s why we have so many conkers, the kids went out and did something else! I was thrilled by what they brought back, I shall drill and gild them; the hard bit is clamping them in the vice while you drill them! 0 9

LOVING YOUR HOME

Loving your life

The handmade fair Whilst we were at the Handmade Fair we couldn’t help but wander around and shop from some of Britain’s best craft sellers in each of the shopping tents. We also got our craft on in some of the workshop tents and enjoyed talks from some of Kirstie’s experts like Annie Sloan (the chalk paint queen) and upcycling experts Out of the Dark Furniture. See their expert tips on the Q&A page opposite.

EVERYONE HAS A

CRAFT

THEY CAN DO

No-Sew Cushion We also joined Stuart Hillard, one of the stars of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee, who talked us through some sewing tips in the textiles skills workshop tent, and got us to make our very own no-sew cushion. With just a metre of beautiful fabric, diagonally folded, tucked in at the edges, and tied in a neat knot, we’d crafted a five-minute-to-make cushion. Definitely something we will be doing again to re-cover older cushions – especially for seasonal parties and at Christmas.

For more information on Kirstie’s first ever Handmade Fair, which was held in the gardens of Hampton Court, visit TheHandmadeFair.com 1 0

Ask the experts

Home and lifestyle news

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Got a home and interior question? We would love to hear from you! Send us your questions and you could win £250 of John Lewis vouchers*

I’ve got a pair of vintage French provincial chairs which I picked up from an antiques shop. They are gorgeous but the fabric and cushions are really worn and need reupholstering. I’d love to do these myself in a bold bright fabric but I don’t really know where to start. Could you help? Or do you think I should get them professionally done? If so, do you have any recommendations where I could go? Many thanks, Jess – from Norwich

If you have not done upholstery before, French provincial chairs are quite tricky to reupholster, as they have traditional spring-based seats, and the cushions are piped with a specific shape. If you would like to do some investigating you could start by stripping the old fabric off the chair to see what is underneath, and if you have some upholstery skills already, see if it might be possible to build the chair back up. If not, we suggest you enjoy sourcing some beautiful fabric; we really like Swaffer and Sanderson fabrics, which you can see selections of in John Lewis, and then find a local upholsterer to take on the job of reupholstery. Or you could ask us to reupholster them!

Answer by Jade Blades, Co-founder & Creative Director of Out of The Dark Furniture. Visit OutOfTheDark.org.uk

We rent a cottage and, although it’s lovely, the kitchen and bathroom are old and get quite damp. The tiles are pretty mouldy and all the stainless steel is marked. Do you know of any tips that could resolve these problems?

Thanks, Heidi – from Bristol

Have you tried Johnson’s Baby Oil on stainless steel? It’s a little house-cleaning secret and it works a treat on making steel shine like new. Try it on your kitchen sink and the hob, oven and shower. Use a soft cleaning cloth and washing up liquid to get dirt off first, then use a second cloth with the oil to polish. For optimal shine, polish along the grain of the steel. For tiles we’ve just tried new Grout Shield, which restores old and grotty looking grout without the need to re-grout. It’s an acrylic resin that bonds with the existing grout to form a durable seal, or shield, which protects against future stains and mould. Clean the grout with the pre-cleaner, apply the colour seal, wipe down then buff. You don’t need much, though, a little goes a long way and ours have turned out bright white again. The kit includes the pre cleaner, the colour seal (available in different colours), chamois, scrapper tool and brush for £24.99, available from GroutShield.co.uk or Wilkinson’s.

Email us your questions to editor@lovingyourhomemag.co.uk

I love the look of a range cooker, but I don’t have the space for one. Can you suggest a cooker in a similar style, which would fit in my average size kitchen?

Best wishes, Elizabeth – from London

You don’t need to abandon your dream of having a range cooker just because you have a smaller kitchen. Aga has launched a cooker that is just 60cm wide, and is inspired by their world famous ovens. The Aga City60 is perfect for those who want the look and functionality of a cast-iron, heat-storage range cooker but don’t have the space for a full sized version. It has two ovens, one for roasting and baking and the other for simmering, plus a hotplate which can be set to either simmering or boiling mode. Although it is slim, its ovens are deceptively large and a timer can be used so the cooker is always ready to go just when it is needed. Aga has designed two versions of the oven, one in a traditional style complete with the classic Aga logo and a contemporary version which wouldn’t look out of place in a modern home and both are available in a variety of colours. AgaLiving.com

*See page 3 for competition rules.

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LOVING YOUR HOME

othing beats getting cosy around a traditional open log fire in the cold of winter. The comforting noise of the wood crackling and the smell of the logs burning are a joy.

Owen Pacey, fireplace expert for 25 years and founder of Renaissance London Fireplaces, travels all over Europe sourcing and installing unique, antique and interesting fireplaces. He shares with us his advice on how fireplaces can add value to your home, reduce bills and explains why you should never rip out an original fireplace. With fireplaces and original pieces, the general rule of thumb is to match architectural pieces to the period of a property you live in. I’ve been asked to take stunning antique fireplaces out of houses that shouldn’t come out and it breaks my heart. You are just destroying the room and the value of your home. I think a fireplace brings drama and glamour to a room. I love seeing fireplaces in every room and I’m seeing a returning trend of installing a fireplace in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Fireplaces are the design focus for many rooms. The aesthetic value of choosing an antique or reproduction fireplace for your home is immeasurable. From a Victorian townhouse to a country cottage, a fireplace can add serious value to your home. Just think if there were two identical properties on the same street, one has a fireplace that complements the period of the home and one doesn’t, which one would you chose? It makes sense to invest in a working fireplace this winter as you can ignite your property’s value by up to five percent, add an

All fired

aesthetic glow of a real fire and save on heating bills too. Many urban homes are challenged with space but it does not matter what type of home you live in, there is a fireplace that will fit the bill. One of my tips would be to never rip out an old fireplace to make way for a replacement without getting expert guidance. If you don’t like what you already have you can often trade it in for another mantelpiece. Fireplaces come in a range of prices from Victorian grates to 18th-century marble, priced from £750 to £100,000! Renaissance London are now introducing handmade, professionally aged reproductions with immaculate carving and attention to detail at a much lower price point. This is important as often pairs of period fireplaces are required for a larger room, they typically cost a third of that of an authentic period piece - but can look just the same. This is all linked to a change in the way we use our rooms. Smaller single living rooms, or separate kitchen, dining and living spaces are now being opened up to make larger, open plan living areas, often revealing two fireplaces that no longer match, or creating space for a bold statement of two striking original fireplaces, with beautiful symmetry. If you do have a matching pair of original fireplaces, don’t rip them out. The value of pairs of fireplaces have gone through the roof and are much more valuable than singles alone. For more information on Owen’s original, bespoke or handmade fireplaces visit RenaissanceLondon.com

Original Victorian Corbel Fireplace circa 1860, with reproduction cast insert, £1,800 – RenaissanceLondon.com

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Let’s get radical Fireside Products N

ot all of us have the space to install an open fireplace, nor is it to everyone’s taste, especially if you live in an urban development. Radiators, aren’t just a secondary alternative to a fireplace, modern options can be the statement centrepiece of a room. Old radiators weren’t always the prettiest of household items but new, slick designs make a sophisticated statement in a room, whilst offering efficient heating. Here’s some we particularly like...

Expert Tips: “Change your radiators – save energy and feel warmer. Many people consider replacing their boiler, but only replace a radiator if it leaks or corrodes. Modern radiators offer much greater energy efficiency than pre-2000 radiators due to better quality manufacture and better waterways, which result in radiators having less water flowing through them and giving out more heat.“ Chris Harvey, Product Manager at Stelrad Radiators “Radiators usually fall into groups with regard to design. Ladder designs have built-in space for hanging towels so they are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Contemporary wall hung radiators look good in a bedroom or living area and if your home has a minimal design. Bear in mind that radiators can make a statement in a room and if you want this to be the case then choose something that will fit even when the room is re-decorated, you will probably re-decorate before you change the radiator!”

Log basket, £24.98 – GrandIllusions.co.uk

Match box, £5 – GardenTrading.co.uk

Vintage kindling box, £33 – NotOnTheHighStreet.com

Dave Thornback, UK Sales Manager, Vasco

Firescreen, £155 – GardenTrading.co.uk Zehnder Bay Horiz, £555 – Zehnder.co.uk Classic fireside iron tool set, £86 – Morso.co.uk

Tetro Volcanic, £358 – Bisque.co.uk Mansion log basket, £24.99 – Homebase

Bouf loop wood log basket, £365 – Bouf.com

BIT from Antoniolupi, POA – Antoniolupi.it

Bare metal classic, £358 – Bisque.co.uk 1 3

LOVING YOUR HOME

Loving your property

The antiques 3 bedroom apartment in London Victorian terrace Location: Brixton Renting for: £2,150 pcm The area: This 3 bedroom apartment sits in the perfect location on a quiet street, but with the nearby hustle and bustle of Brixton village and Clapham, both just a five minute walk away. With great nearby pubs and local markets, it doesn’t feel like you need to leave the area very often for some fun and excitement, or day-to-day living. But a quick 12 minute tube from Brixton on the Victoria Line will have you in central London at Oxford Circus if you need a bit of city action. The look: A spacious flat decorated, in modern grey paints, to a high standard, and furnished with an eclectic mix of antiques and mid-century pieces. Key features: Brand new high-spec kitchen with Corian worktops and vintage sink, with open-plan dining space for 4 to 6 people. Separate lounge, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and toilet and original stripped wood flooring and Victorian features throughout, including a beautiful marble fireplace and original banisters. Who is the landlord? Georgina Townsin, 26, a producer for an advertising agency, with her partner, Milosh Indic, 29, an antique shop owner and collector.

“I’ve put a lot of love into this flat” Images on this page: Inside Potts Antiques. Photos by Keith Trodd: TheKidTrodd.com

eorgina’s creative flair for design and Milosh’s love of antique furniture, and knowledge of architecture, has made them the perfect landlord couple. It can be hard to put your own mark on a rental property, especially if you are planning to rent it yourself. You need to keep it neutral enough for other people’s tastes, yet still make it feel like a home, and Georgina has managed to do that with her three bedroom flat in Brixton. Her eclectic mix of interior pieces have made this flat a home, and with her partner Milosh providing antique furniture from his shop, it has become a unique property to rent. 1 4

Georgina, who bought the property in 2012, said: “I’ve put a lot of love into this flat and I did it up with the intention of living in it myself. But Milosh and I decided to move in together instead and I want to rent it as a lovely home, rather than sell it.” In two years Georgina and Milosh have transformed what was a run-down, dilapidated flat into a perfect rental for a couple or flatmates. “Everything was gutted. We re-plastered all the walls, put up new ceilings, repaired the floorboards to their original state and fitted a new kitchen and bathroom.

Loving your property

www.haart.co.uk

Get the look:

home show

19th century two–seater antique church pew, prices start from £250 – Ukaa.com and AntiqueChurchFurniture.co.uk

Pineapple vase, £36 – RockettStGeorge.co.uk

Vintage fringed lamp, approx £50 – from Potts Antiques Metal cuisine sign, £49 – RockettStGeorge.co.uk

Potts Antiques, Brixton Hill: Facebook.com/ PottsAntiques

“With Milosh’s help we then selected paints from Farrow & Ball and key pieces of furniture from the antique shop and my favourite home store, Rockett St George. “Having lived in some bad rentals in the past, I wanted to put myself in the tenant’s shoes and think where I would want to live. So I’ve done it up to that standard. I also know how difficult it can be moving around different places in London and house-sharing, without your own furniture so I wanted to keep it furnished, to make it more of a home to help find the right people to live here.

“It’s my first time as a landlord, and there’s a lot of legality and paperwork to sort out but I think it will be worth it. I want to be a nice landlord but I think it’s important to retain respect as well. I will keep renting it with the hope of owning more properties in the future.”

Grey wool Soufflé sofa, from £1,095 – Loaf.com

After studying architecture Milosh set up shop in 2012 and travels around the country and abroad to source antique products. The idea came from his dad who owned a coffee shop and antique shop in Chiswick. Call haart of Brixton for full details and viewings on 020 7095 1822 today.

Vintage trunk coffee table or TV table, approx £100 – from Potts Antiques 1 5

LOVING YOUR HOME

Affordable art options:

in the • home • Art can really bring your home alive and it need not break the budget. Ways to decorate with art, tips from Art.co.uk Art and TV in harmony: surround your TV with art for inspired viewing. Stagger the art to allow your gallery wall to grow over time. High ceilings? If your TV is not too big, place larger artworks above it a bit higher than normal. Select strong pieces that hold their own next to the TV. Choose frames that match the look of the monitor. In this case, black ones popped with white mounts hold the arrangements together. Vary sizes and shapes by treating the TV as just another rectangle and surround with art both small and large to create balance. Styled stairways: High-traffic spaces are perfect for high impact art. Choose a theme to begin with to create a cohesive look. In this case, portraits are a fun twist on traditional family photos.

Prints available from Art.co.uk

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Begin at the centre and work your way up and down following the diagonal of the steps. Keep artworks at eye level. For hanging height, place the centre of each artwork about one and half metres above each step. If your stairs include a landing, hang pieces close together and let the gallery continue on to the next wall. Art off the wall: Experiment with unexpected placement of your art. Switch it up by rotating art to suit your mood or occasion, and avoid putting holes in the wall.

• • • •

Add height to statement furniture. Rest art on a dresser for visual impact. Create depth and dimension by leaning framed artworks against the wall. Mix in your favourite décor elements to amplify the effect. Prop up an oversized piece to connect adjacent spaces. Life-sized art is the perfect conversation starter.

•

Art.co.uk for reasonable re-prints of modern and traditional art and photography. AllPosters.co.uk - online collection of over 500,000 posters and fine art prints, sport posters, vintage posters and film posters. Ikea for various prints in different sizes and frames. Art galleries such as NationalGallery.co.uk and museums like the V&A (Vam.ac.uk) offer affordable famous prints from their collections from as little as £20, or buy a collection of postcards for a montage. LittleCarouselGallery.com for art for children or, for a cheaper personal alternative, frame your own children’s artwork for their room. Why not frame postcards you have picked up on your travels? If you are a fashionista, Condé Naste sell boxes of 100 postcards of iconic covers from their magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair. Mount your favourites in simple black frames for a chic look. For serious fashion lovers why not frame your favourite shopping bags from your sprees? Individual mounts or a montage of them all will look great in a dressing room or on the inside of a large wardrobe.

Best home apps and gadgets

Gadgets

www.haart.co.uk

Zippo Hand Warmer – Firebox.com, £20

Nest thermostat - Available from Apple Store, Amazon,

The feeling of freezing cold hands on a winter walk may make you want to run to the nearest pub with a log fire and a warm brew. But now you can brace the elements for longer with this handy hand warmer. The Zippo Hand Warmer looks like the kind of thing James Bond might have used to warm up after a snow mission. The Zippo radiates serious heat, without a flame, using a catalytic conversion, and lasts for up to 12 hours – unlike hand warmer sachets that run out of steam after a few minutes. Once you have filled up the hand warmer with lighter fluid (with a little filling cup which is provided) you activate the heat with a match or a lighter to light the flint inside – it’s simple and fast to do. We’ll definitely be getting one of these ready for our trip to the ski slopes. Available from Zippo.co.uk or Firebox.com

B&Q, John Lewis, and Nest.com for £179, or £249 with professional installation.

MiniSun SAD PAD – IconicLights.co.uk, £35

From the brains behind the iPod and iPhone, comes the Nest Learning Thermostat. Perfect for the safetyconscious & money-conscious household, this beautifully designed thermostat helps you save on your winter bills and keep the house at the perfect toasty temperature over winter. It learns your schedule to program itself, learns how long your house takes to heat up, notices when you’re gone and automatically turns down the heat, and can be controlled through your home wi-fi and from your iPhone, iPad or laptop. You’ll see how much heat you use every day and get sent an energy report every month to track and manage your usage. Those who have trialled the Nest on average save around 20% on their energy bills.

By now we’ve all had enough of winter, and summer sun can’t come soon enough. But if, like us, a hot holiday is just wishful thinking, get yourself one of these MiniSun SAD PADs to combat seasonal affective disorder - (SAD) and help produce those feel–good hormones that daylight and Vitamin D give. Nearly one in five of us experience the symptoms of SAD, which include depression, trouble sleeping, weight loss and anxiety. Light therapy using a SAD PAD works by providing a summer light, which, when directed onto the body, produces the correct levels of serotonin (the body’s natural feel-good hormone and mood balancer) and minimises the production of melatonin (the sleepy hormone that makes us want to hibernate). The SAD PAD is a similar size to an iPad and is compact and portable, allowing you to use it anywhere, even for a quick pick me up at work.

Apps

UKMortgages – Free, on iPhone, iPad, Windows phone, Windows 8 and Android devices Developed by multi-award winning mortgage technology company, Mortgage Brain, the UKMortgages app is free to download and is the only mortgage search, compare and review mobile app of its kind. It allows home-buyers to conduct detailed mortgage searches and gives instant access to a range of mortgage calculators that help work out the costs associated with a mortgage or re-mortgage.

Wallcoverings – £1.49 for iPhone, iPad This useful “simplified wallpaper estimator” by decorator Barry Bernau lets you calculate the wall space to be covered, then tells you how many rolls you need.

How Your House Works – £1.99, for iPhone, iPad If you’re in the bracket of people that need to call a professional to bleed a radiator or change a fuse, then this app is for you. Subtitled “A Homeowner’s Visual Guide to Home Repair and Maintenance”, it provides plumbing, electrics, heating and maintenance tips.

Family Wall – Free, iPhone and Android If your weekday household is as manic as ours you’ll appreciate this app. Designed for families, you can access a shared calendar, schedule after school activities, new hobby classes, create to-do lists, and even assign tasks to family members – such as who’s cooking dinner or walking the dog. You can also locate loved ones on a map and receive alerts when they arrive at places, such as at home or school. Your kids might not like the app as much as you do, but it’s great for staying on top of everyday family life.

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& LOVING YOUR HOME

and

relax

ave you ever been to a luxury hotel room with a wow factor bathroom, and thought to yourself, ‘I wish I could have this at home’? Well fear not, you don’t have to break the budget to add a touch of spa-like luxury to your own property, and after the hectic holiday season we could all do with relaxing and taking a well-earned break. You may think that adding a statement bath with a whirlpool function would be costly, but there are many affordable versions on the market now, and they don’t take up a lot of space like a Jacuzzi you would find at a spa. If you need an excuse to buy one, these types of baths have proven health benefits as they help back ache and relieve sore muscles. When you visit your local health club’s steam room, you may notice the lights changing colour, this isn’t just for visual affect as the changing colours, or chromatheraphy as it is otherwise known, helps to promote relaxation and alter your mood. You don’t have to install a full blown steam room to enjoy this, as there are many showerheads on the market with colour changing lights installed. A spacious ‘spathroom’ is the dream, but if you don’t have a lot of room there are some handy tricks that give the illusion of more space. Add a large mirror to encourage light to flow, or include a frameless shower or a wetroom, which will help to make the space appear larger. 1 8

If you are really willing to splash out, why not take your spa experience outside? Garden saunas are the perfect way to get away from it all. They come in all different shapes and sizes and at different price points so you will be able to find one to suit your needs. Or create an outside hot tub experience at a fraction of the price with an outside bath, installing a hot tap to an outside wall. Whatever your budget, you will be able to find a product that adds that little bit of luxury to your bathroom and makes ‘me time’ even more relaxing.

www.haart.co.uk

1. Can’t drag yourself away from your favourite soap? Well now you don’t have to. Soap up and watch your favourite shows from the comfort of your bath on the Videospa white 19 inch HD LED TV. Often found in top hotels, you too can have a slice of luxury at home, £999 - BathStore.com 2. Add chromatheraphy to your bathroom through your shower. The lighting options of the LED Stainless Steel Square Showerhead automatically run through a number of different colours including red, blue, green, yellow and white and create a spa-like ambience, £195 – FrontlineBathrooms.co.uk 3. To make the wall behind your bath pop, use decorative tiles, such as these, to create a feature wall, and for added luxury include a wall-mounted waterfall tap. Aparici Vanguard System Natural Blue and Pop White 20x20cm tiles, £92 per m2 – Aparici.com

4. A home sauna is a real luxury, but if you don’t have the space inside your property there are many options for in the garden. The Original Cedar Barrel Sauna will make a statement whilst housing a cosy sauna. From £3,995 for a two person Barrel. Available from EliteHotTubs.co.uk 5. A wetroom style shower will give your bathroom a spacious feel. Add to the spa feel further by doubling up your showerheads. The Mira Vision Dual from Mira Showers has a 360 showerhead and a luxury deluge head, which can be used separately or together for a full drench, £873 – MiraShowers.co.uk 6. For the ultimate relaxing experience add aromatherapy oils to a whirlpool bath. The Haiku bath can be fitted with the C-Lenda whirpool system with a variety of different jet options, which are sure to massage away any aches and pains. Available from Carron Bathrooms, from £1,615 – CarronBathrooms.com 7 & 8. If a hot tub is out of your budget, install a rustic roll top bath and a hot water tap on the outside wall of your property. Take a trip to your local reclamation yard, and you may come across an affordable treasure. All that will be left to do is sit back, relax and take in the view. Main photo. For spa style, without breaking the bank, include some jets in your shower area. WaterTile, available from West One Bathrooms, can be tiled into a shower wall or ceiling to create a unique showering experience, £162 – WestOneBathrooms.com

expert tips “Arguably, one the most pleasurable ways to spend quality time is to take a long soak in the bath. Freestanding baths provide a stunning focal point, so are often high on the wish list for a luxury bathroom.” Albrecht von der Groeben, Chief of International Sales, Duravit

“Showerheads are available that offer a range of spray patterns from invigorating rain to a stress relieving Bokoma spray, designed to suit the user’s needs exactly. Side shower sprays also offer the opportunity for a massaging showering experience.” Michael Gray, Grohe UK Training Manager 1 9

LOVING YOUR HOME

Loving your kitchen

Healthy eating kitchen products we love:

Healthy eating

Try making Hugh’s soup with the Smeg BLF01 blender. Their new range of small appliances feature Smeg smooth curves and 50s-style lettering from – £129.99 John Lewis.

With Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

In Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s new healthy book, River Cottage Light & Easy, the organic chef delivers up 170 wholesome delights. From brilliant breakfasts to goodness on the go, from simple roasts to hotpots, and nutrient packed fish dishes to lighter breads, baking and treats (we all need those!). Each recipe is dairy free and wheat free, and all are guaranteed to bring a fresh energy and vitality to your everyday cooking and eating.

ver lack the time or inspiration to cook a nourishing meal after a hectic day? Our New Year’s resolutions of sticking to a new diet are nearly all but lost but delicious, health giving food doesn’t have to be time consuming and complicated.

The Dualit Dual Max Juicer, with double sieve and fast motor, juices the fruit and then the remaining pulp again for maximum juice and vitamin extraction. It makes light work of harderfruit and veg, so perfect for soup making, £99.99 - Dualit.com

Hugh says: “Reducing your dependence on wheat and dairy turns out to be a delicious voyage of discovery. New grains, new oils, new tastes, new combinations: it all adds up to a new zest for life.” Try his satisfying and filling ‘Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup’:

Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup Serves 4

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1.2kg tomatoes

A pinch of sugar

4-5 garlic cloves, chopped

To finish:

3 tablespoons rapeseed or sunflower oil

Extra virgin hempseed or rapeseed oil

75g cashew nuts, plus a few extra to finish

A dusting of paprika

200ml light vegetable stock or water

Preheat the oven to 180˚C/Gas 4.

Cut the tomatoes in half and put them in a large roasting tray – they should fit fairly snugly. Scatter over the chopped garlic, trickle over the oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, then scatter the cashews over the tomatoes. Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy and perhaps a little charred in places. Scrape the tomatoes, cashews and all the garlicky pan juices into a blender. Add the stock or water and blitz to a puree. Pass this through a sieve, which will remove any pips, or stubborn bits of tomato skin. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently. You can add a little water if the soup seems very thick or the flavour is too intense. Season with more salt and pepper if needed, and add a pinch of sugar if you think the tomatoey acidity needs tempering slightly. Ladle into warmed bowls and finish with a swirl of extra virgin oil, plus a few chopped cashews and a dusting of paprika if you like, and a generous sprinkling of pepper. River Cottage Light & Easy - Healthy recipes for every day, by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, £25, hardback from Bloomsbury. For more information visit RiverCottage.net.

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Healthy ready-meals? Surely not. But the Soulful Food Company have come up with clever OnePots – soups, stews and hotpots, all under 500kcal and containing two of our five a day. The dishes are mixed by hand and slow cooked, literally putting the soul back into ready-made meals. Our favourites are Moroccan Chicken Tagine and Butternut, Lentil & Spinach Hotpot. Individual pots are £3.49 from Ocado and SoulfulFood.com

Get egg-cited about Valentine’s Day and make your loved one a lovely breakfast in bed with eggs on toast with this cute heart shaped egg-press, £4.99 – HandPickedCollection.com

rk wogarden nter your WiLoving

Loving your garden

Gardening in winter The Skinny Jean Gardeners give their advice on what green–fingered fun you can be having this winter. When the outside doesn’t tempt you, your paws can still be enjoying some greenfingered fun from the comfort of inside. How does growing, from seed, your own flavoursome foods, 365 days a year, on your windowsill sound? Let us introduce you to super-duper micro greens, here to save us all from the dreaded green fingered withdrawal in the colder, darker months.

Micro greens are sown into compost and grown in light like any normal seedling, but harvested and eaten just a week or so after germination when they’ve produced their first pair of leaves. The seeds you can use are almost endless, we recommend seeds such as: Micro Coriander - vibrant and zingy Micro Radish - spicy and peppery Micro Sunflowers - fresh and nutty Fill some recycled guttering or a jar with good soil, sow the seeds of your choosing followed by a sprinkle of soil, spray with water and leave on the windowsill in the sunshine. Spray daily and before you know it those green shoots and first pair of leaves will pop up ready to eat. Because they’re harvested so young, the flavours are much more concentrated and intense - go on, create a garden on your windowsill this winter.

Vegalicious Micro Green Growing Kits, £13.95 NotOnTheHighStreet.com

The Official Woodcrete Nest Box, £24.95 - LivingWithBirds.com Woodcrete Nest Box, £24.95 - LivingWithBirds.com

Bird Feed Time in Jersey Cream, £14.95 BurgonAndBall.com

If, like the Skinny Jean Gardeners, you want to take care of the birds in your garden, here are a couple of events related to our feathered friends.

Events Big Garden Birdwatch Between 24-25 January, grab a pair of binoculars, and take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. For one hour, record the types of birds that visit your garden using the survey provided on the RSPB website. Your twitching research will allow the RSPB to monitor trends and helps them to see how different species of birds are faring, compared year-on-year. Visit: Rspb.org.uk/Birdwatch

National Nest Box Week Natural nest sites for birds are disappearing fast, so the British Trust for Ornithology is asking you to put up a nest box from 14-21 February 2015. Taking part allows you to contribute to bird conservation, whilst giving you the pleasure of observing any birds that you attract to your nest box. Visit: Bto.org/About-Birds/Nnbw for top tips on where to site your nest box and how to make your own.

Bird products we love

Decorated Apex Nest Box with oak leaf detail, £15.99 Rspb.org.uk

www.haart.co.uk find your trowel Dust down your fork and go now in your as there’s plenty to do right re’s no frost and the outdoor space. As long as r soil ready to you ugh snow, dig over and thro ’t forget to Don ths. mon ing sow in the com hungry birds. put food and water out for the best, free and the Look after them as they’re as they are nd, arou r non harmful pest kille h as insect suc d foo for ng rchi constantly sea and weed seeds.

The Official National Nest Box Week Cedar Nest Box, £22.95 LivingWithBirds.com

Getting diggy with it in skinny jeans are Lee and Dale Connelly, two twenty something brothers who love a mix of gardening, fashion, food and music. They’ve collaborated and created garden projects with Blue Peter, the Kew Gardens, Suffolk– based farmer Jimmy Doherty at Jimmy’s Farm and Thompson & Morgan, to name but a few. They share their garden adventures and unusual projects via social media with videos, photos and tips, encouraging and giving a voice to the green– fingered movement. Find them at: Twitter: @Skinnyjeangard Facebook: skinnyjeangardeners Hello@skinnyjeangardeners.co.uk

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LOVING YOUR HOME

Loving your life

Wear a helmet! Keep your noggin protected with a helmet, even if you’re just learning on a nursery slope. A tumble and a slight bump to the head can cause concussion, and can even be fatal.

Snow business When you can’t get to the real snow, indoor snow centres are the next best thing. Aside from being a fun day out for the family, the UK’s vast array of indoor snow centres provide the perfect opportunity for a pre-ski warm up or to sample skiing or snowboarding.

These snow domes, may look and feel like a giant refrigerator, but they are a great way to pick up the basics, and most centres offer courses for beginners, ranging from short introductory courses, to a longer series of intensive lessons. Once you’ve mastered your parallel turns you can even advance to a park session on the rails and kickers or practice some race training tips. Since last year’s winter Olympics in Sochi, the popularity of these centres has grown massively, with participation up by 23%. This is thanks partly to the success of the British athletes, endearingly known as the ‘Fridge Kids’, those who started learning on artificial snow and made it all the way to the podium, including bronze slope-style medallist Jenny Jones, who learnt at Churchill dry slope in Somerset. Now a number of facilities and organisations are hoping to keep that momentum going, by introducing new initiatives to keep people skiing on British slopes, as well as trying to encourage the next generation of ‘Fridge Kids’. New Ski Race Academy In association with the British Alpine Racing Ski Clubs (BARSC), Skiplex, the UK’s only continuous, indoor, revolving ski slopes, have set up a new ski race academy, offering the chance for young children aged 6–10, who are already able to ski in parallel, to train with top British race coaches at their “introduction to ski racing” sessions. These take place every Sunday at all three Skiplex centres – Reading, Basingstoke, and Chiswick in west London.

GoSkiGoBoard The GoSkiGoBoard initiative is designed to make learning to ski or snowboard easy with low, fixed-price beginner or improver sessions offered at centres across England. The programme, which launched a year ago, sponsored by Austria’s Tirol ski region, has attracted more than 10,000 participants, and new initiatives, “Go Freestyle” and “Go Race”, are being added using the same formula, with a focus on skiing gates, or trying the jumps and rails in the park. With the UK’s everexpanding array of slopes across the country, it’s never been easier to visit your local centre, to get your snow fix, without the hefty price tag of travelling abroad. Who needs the Alps?

Snow centres The Snow Centre Where those celebrity-types trained before Channel 4’s The Jump, The Snow Centre has a 160m real snow slope including boxes, rails and kickers for freestylers. Lessons for all abilities are also available. Where? Hemel Hempstead TheSnowCentre.com Snozone A chain of indoor snow centres. Real snow slopes with all the trimmings of freestyle areas, sledging and ski and snowboard lessons. Where? Milton Keynes and Castleford SnoZoneUk.com Chill Factore The UK’s longest indoor real snow slope at 180m. As well as the usual skiing and snowboarding lessons, the Chill Factore offers

mogul, ski and boardercross sessions. Charity Disability Snowsport UK is based here. Where? Manchester ChillFactore.com Snow Factor Scotland’s only indoor real snow slope has a 168m long piste. There’s also an ice climbing wall. Where? Braehead, Glasgow SnowFactor.com Snowdome A leisure complex with learner slope, main slope, ice rink, swimming pool and gym. The main slope features freestyle elements such as boxes, rails and kickers. Lessons for all abilities are available. Where? Tamworth, Staffordshire SnowDome.co.uk

Latest films & DVDs New cinema releases Into The Woods (PG) (In cinemas 9 January ) An all-singing all-star cast bring fairy tale favourites to life in fantasy musical Into The Woods. A wicked witch (Meryl Streep), the Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp) and others are all brought to life by a star-studded cast including beloved Brit James Corden. This will undoubtedly be an entertaining watch for audiences of all ages. 2 2

DVD Reviews Foxcatcher (15) (In cinemas 9 January) Foxcatcher tells the incredible true story of a troubled Olympic wrestler (Channing Tatum) taken in by a disturbed eccentric millionaire (Steve Carell). The highly-acclaimed film showcases transformative performances that have been wowing critics well before its release and looks set to be a front runner at this year’s Oscar race.

A Walk Among The Tombstones (15) (Released 26 January) In this tense thriller, a tough ex-cop turned PI (Liam Neeson) investigates a kidnapping in New York, which soon spirals into something far more disturbing than he could’ve ever imagined. Visibly inspired by classic film noir, combined with Neeson’s towering performance, ensures that this is a film not to be missed.

What If (PG-13) (Released 9 February) In this indie romantic comedy, heartbroken Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) finds himself falling in love with his new best friend, Chantry (Zoe Kazan), but will the fact that she is already taken affect his actions? And what if she feels the same? This quirky film is a refreshing take on the average rom-com.

Loving your area National Story telling Week With events running right across the country, National Storytelling Week, organised by the Society for Storytelling, aims to pay tribute to the art of telling stories aloud. Take some time in this week to sit and read a story together with family and friends in the comfort of your own home, or pop along to a local storytelling event near you. Most importantly of all, have fun!

Loving your area

www.haart.co.uk

Jekyll And Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson’s cult classic Jekyll and Hyde is reinterpreted at the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon this March as a modern adaptation set in an alternative London of the future. Henry Jekyll, a high-profile cancer specialist, is determined to find the breakthrough to solve the most challenging of medical uncertainties. His own experimental treatments lead to him unleashing his inner demon, Mr Hyde. He struggles, in the corporate world, to maintain his own identity from his horrible alter ego. 9-11 March. Visit: Fairfield.co.uk

Illustrated Journal

31 January7 February. Visit: Sfs.org.uk

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Celebrating its milestone 50th year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, combines the extraordinary work of talented professionals and gifted amateur photographers from around the globe to showcase the beauty, magnificence and diversity of life on our planet, while also highlighting its fragility and the role photography can play in preserving it.

Keep the kids busy with this art workshop at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, inspired by current exhibition From the Forest to the Sea: Emily Carr in British Columbia. Children can read of Emily Carr’s stories of her exciting life travelling around Canada and be inspired to make their own storybook of a trip they went on, illustrating it with lots of colour, detail and flair! The workshop will teach new techniques for drawing, writing, painting, colouring and sketching. Designed for children aged 7-10 years. 14 January-11 February. Visit: DulwichPictureGallery.org.uk

Until 30 August. Visit: Nhm.ac.uk

Dates to remember Shrove Tuesday

Mother’s Day

Do you like your pancakes sweet or savoury? On Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day as it’s widely known, take the opportunity to be creative with your pancake fillings. Ham and Gruyère cheese is a tasty savoury option, and for those with a sweet tooth, warm some winter berries in a pan with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice for a spiced winter-berry compote; finish with a dollop of cream for that extra indulgence. Stack them high and enjoy!

Instead of the traditional flowers and chocolates why not treat your mum to a fabulous day out this Mothering Sunday? If you are stuck for inspiration LastMinute.com and VirginExperienceDays.co.uk have fantastic deals on spa retreats, afternoon teas, theatre trips, cookery courses and even days out for the more adventurous mums out there, such as indoor skydiving or rock climbing.

17 February.

15 March.

Wimbledon Village Stables Escape the city as you explore the trails and beautiful countryside of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park on horseback - you won't believe you are so close to Central London! Wimbledon Village Stables offers horse riding lessons, training hacks and exciting countryside rides for seasoned professionals. Horses, equipment and riding hats provided. Visit: WvStables.com

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LOVING YOUR HOME

Intelligent advice from haart

New Year, new you Once the festive season is over you may begin to make some changes, whether it’s to start going to the gym more, eating healthier food, or even deciding to move house. The New Year is a fantastic time to have a fresh start and put your home on the market. Often people put off searching for a property until after the festive season, so you may find there are lots of first time buyers and parents, whose children are back at school, looking for properties. This will mean buyers may be competing to buy your home, which in turn could mean the selling price may go up.

If you are looking to buy, then viewing a home in winter allows you see how it holds up to the colder weather. Ask yourself a few questions: Did you feel cold when you were viewing the home? Are the windows letting in any draughts? Does the heating and hot water work? These may be things that you might not have thought of in the summer months, but may need to be negotiated in the buying price. It’s said, if you fall in love with a home in the rain, you’re going to love it even more when the sun is shining, so take the plunge and see if your dream home is out there. If you are looking to make a move but need some help or inspiration with your property search or sale, call us on 0845 899 9999

Here are our pick of dream homes across the country…

Lincolnshire

Area: Welton

Essex

Area: Braintree

Guide price: £495,000

Guide price: £389,995

This attractive four bedroom pantiled cottage boasts a level of accommodation very rarely seen. The spacious home comprises an impressive entrance hallway, generous lounge with feature fireplace, a modern fitted kitchen and utility room, a dining room, study and a superb conservatory. The annex is self contained and accessed via a charming stone staircase and includes a balcony. The gardens enhance the near third of an acre plot, and provide a wonderful backdrop to the home.

This four bedroom property, situated in a quiet and private location, is built to a very high standard, the exposed beams and modern decor throughout offer a welcoming feel to the home. The spacious kitchen/ diner sold the house to the current vendors who have many happy memories of the get-togethers held in it. The best part of the house for them is the garden, as they enjoy many summer evenings sitting on the patio with a glass of wine, watching the hot air balloons go past.

Call: Sarah Hammond at haart Lincoln on 01522 510088 for details

Call: Gary Searle at haart Braintree on 01376 329380 for details

Essex

Area: Harlow

Lincolnshire

Area: Branston Village, Lincoln

Guide price: £750,000

Guide price: £450,000

This Grade II listed home, dates as far back as the 16th century. Meadham House has undergone sympathetic refurbishment resulting in high standard accommodation throughout. The property provides spacious family living arranged over three floors plus two cellars. The ground floor has a dining room and an impressive panelled drawing room with double doors overlooking the attractive garden. There is a bespoke solid wood kitchen and this high level of finish continues onto the first and second floors where five bedrooms are located.

Located in the heart of Branston Village this three bedroom property is positioned on a spectacular plot with landscaped gardens plus decked and patio areas, ideal for outside entertaining. One of the more special features is the meandering stream that travels through the gardens, with bridges and viewpoints to enjoy the family of ducks and the trout that have taken up residence in that area of water. The property also boasts an office, gym/workshop double garage and substantial parking.

Call: Shawn Meakins at haart Harlow on 01279 443311 for details

Call: Sarah Hammond at haart Lincoln on 01522 510088 for details

2 4

Local area spotlight

Intelligent advice from haart

www.haart.co.uk

London South Map shows average price for all property styles in October 2014 in all areas covered by haart, Darlows and Haybrook branches*.

Client testimonial Raynes Park haart I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for “allJames, your help and support throughout the buying process of our new property. You have been very straightforward to deal with, honest, helpful and accommodating and it is much appreciated. Having not had great experiences with estate agents in the past you have restored my faith in them and I wouldn’t hesitate in coming back to haart if we sold again because of the way you have helped us. I am sure haart appreciate you.

”

Christian & Laura Taylor

Rotherham • • • • •• • •

Newark • • • • •• • •

Loughborough • • • • •• • •

Peterborough • • • • •• • •

Dereham • • • ••• • • Wisbech • • • • •• • •

Blaby • • • • •• • •

London South

£341,439 Average property price Thornton Heath haart £257,221 % Average price change (compared to last quarter)  8.75% Average property price (Oct 2014)

Llanishen • • • ••• • •

Swindon • • • • •• • •

Northampton • • • • •• • • Luton • • • • •• • • Abbots Langley • • • • •• • • Borehamwood • • • • •• • • Slough • • • • •• • •

Weston-super-Mare • • • • •• • •

Taunton • • • ••• • •

Bury St Edmunds • • • • •• • •

Sutton • • • • •• • •

Braintree • • • • •• • •

Romford • • • • •• • •

Clacton • • • • •• • •

Benfleet • • • ••• • •

Dartford • • • • •• • • Orpington • • • • •• • •

Dorking • • • • •• • •

Plymouth • • • • •• • •

*House price data from haart, Darlows and Haybrook, giving October 2014 average property prices.

Don’t hold back – sell now to meet demand If you’re uncertain about selling your home until after the General Election in May, you could miss out on high demand for your property. Many people are waiting to see what the election will bring before listing their home for sale. But the only certainty, says the Branch Manager of haart in Thornton Heath, Oliver Sillett, is there will be a rise in people registering to buy in the first few weeks of 2015. “This means there’s a much better chance of getting the right price for your property in the best possible time if you don’t hold back,” he said. According to haart’s Property Index, the average price of all property sold

through its 18 branches in South London and Surrey – was £341,439 for the quarter to the end of October. The average price in Thornton Heath was £257,221, which rose by 8.75% compared to the previous quarter, while Sutton saw an 8.1% increase to £270,432. Average prices of properties sold through haart rose in Battersea & Clapham, Southfields, Sutton, Thornton Heath, Twickenham and Upper Tooting. The strongest demand was in Croydon, where there were 32 prospective purchasers registered with haart for every property for sale. There was also strong demand from first time buyers in Earlsfield, Southfields, Sutton, Raynes Park and Upper Tooting.

To sell your home, contact haart on 0845 899 9999, 8am - 10pm, 7 days a week, or visit www.haart.co.uk 2 5

SALES

Call us on 020 8675 6848 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Balham

We have 55 people on our books looking for homes in this area* At haart, we have on average 13:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Perry Langran

Light And Airy £365,000

Flat Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Ready, Steady, Cook

Height Of Perfection

£375,000

£450,000

South Facing Balcony Communal Grounds EPC: C

Flat Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

Balham

Flat Three Bedrooms Separate WC

Two Balconies Separate WC EPC: D

Balcony Entry Phone System EPC: E

SALES

Call us on 020 8675 6848 8am - 10pm everyday

Edwardian Envy Surrey Guide Price £390,000 - £410,000

Flat One Bedroom Ground Floor

Pied-à-terre EPC: D

Victorian Charm Balham £200,000 generous and substantial Victorian double

Semi Detached

Three Bathrooms EPC: ?

Balham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8673 8922 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Balham

We have 264 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 100% of the Views Galore

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Daniel Mans-Kanu

£326 PPW

Flat Two Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

That Little Bit Extra

Station Location

£576 PPW

£381 PPW

Separate WC

Flat Three Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

EPC: C

Balham

Flat Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

EPC: D

Good Location EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8673 8922 8am - 10pm everyday

Victorian Conversion £430 PPW

Flat Two Bedrooms First Floor

Fitted Kitchen Good Location EPC: C

Split Apartment £525 PPW

Apartment Three Bedrooms EPC: D

Balham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 7228 8895 8am - 10pm everyday

Battersea & NEWS Clapham We have 636 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 35:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Mario Cauchi

Attention All £527,500

Flat Two Bedrooms

Branch Manager

EPC: D

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Dream Conversion

Welcome Home

£485,000

£635,000

Flat One Bedroom Ground Floor

Maisonette Two Bedrooms EPC: D

Battersea

Open Plan Kitchen/Lounge

En Suite Garden EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 7228 8895 8am - 10pm everyday

Riverside Life

£550,000

Flat One Bedroom

Open Plan Good Location EPC: B

Battersea Park Close By

£950,000

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Period House

Original Stables EPC: C

Battersea

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7223 0637 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Battersea

We have 238 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 99% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Mustafa Madar

Excellent Order £460 PPW

Cellar Storage

Flat Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

EPC: G

To The Highest Standard

Period Conversion

£715 PPW

£460 PPW

Two Bathrooms Cellar EPC: C

Detached Home Three Bedrooms

Battersea

Flat Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

En Suite EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7223 0637 8am - 10pm everyday

On The Sunny Side ÂŁ480 PPW

Mid Terrace Two Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

Battersea

EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 01344 861 900 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Bracknell

We have 580 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 36:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Iain Weathrall-King

A Wonderful Outlook £475,000

Semi Detached Four Bedrooms

Senior Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Stop, Look And Buy

Invest In Happiness

£320,000

£250,000

Garage EPC: C

Three Bedrooms

Bracknell

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 01344 861 900 8am - 10pm everyday

Out With The Old

ÂŁ695,000 property has been sympathetically

Detached Four Bedrooms

Security System Solar Panels EPC: C

Hidden Gem

ÂŁ375,000

Detached Home Three Bedrooms

Garage EPC: D

Bracknell

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 01344 303 971 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Bracknell

We have 42 tenants registered looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 100% of the A Class Above The Rest

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Jennifer Knowles

£2,650 PCM

Balcony Communal Gardens EPC: C

Apartment Three Bedrooms

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

The Right Balance

Warmth - Style - Yours

£1,250 PCM

£450,000 PCM

Fitted Kitchen

Apartment Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

EPC: C

Bracknell

Detached Home

Two En Suites EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 01344 303 971 8am - 10pm everyday

Space For You £1,395 PCM presented two bedroom character cottage

Cottage Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

EPC: D

A View For All Seasons £2,295 PCM

Detached Home EPC: D

Bracknell

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 7274 2878 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Brixton

We have 311 people on our books looking for homes in this area* At haart, we have on average 13:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Adrian Varney-Burch Senior Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Location Appeal £599,950

Flat Two Bedrooms First Floor

A Piece Of Paradise

Très Elegant

£899,950

£550,000

Four Bedrooms Separate WC

EPC: C

Brixton

Apartment Two Bedrooms Open Plan

Open Plan Good Location EPC: C

Courtyard Garden Close To Amenities EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 7274 2878 8am - 10pm everyday

Dream No More

The Life Of Riley

OIEO £800,000

£479,950

Garden Close To Amenities EPC: F

Detached Home Four Bedrooms

Flat One Bedroom Eat In Kitchen

The Little Joys In Life

Bags Of History

£670,000

£825,000

Cul De Sac

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Garden

EPC: C

Brixton

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Good Location EPC: D

Garden Good Location EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7095 1822 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Brixton

We have 106 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 98% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Sunny Feridun

The Right Fit £358 PPW

Flat Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

Add Some Colour

Old Turned New

£658 PPW

£1,750 PCM

Kitchen/Diner South Facing Garden EPC: C

Detached Home Four Bedrooms Three Storey

Brixton

Flat Two Bedrooms Period Features

Victorian Features EPC: D

Open Plan EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7095 1822 8am - 10pm everyday

Keep Up With The Times £2,125 PCM boasts high ceilings with large windows and

Flat Two Bedrooms Original Windows

Communal Garden EPC: C

Spacious And Homely £2,300 PCM

Flat Three Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

Victorian Features Separate WC EPC: D

Brixton

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 7703 2662 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Camberwell Green

We have 998 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 48:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Stuart Baillie

Senior Branch Manager

A Rare Opportunity £585,000

Garage Good Location EPC: C

Three Bedrooms

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Character And Charm

Stylish Maisonette

£525,000

£380,000

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

Separate WC EPC: D

Camberwell Green

Maisonette Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

Front Garden EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 7703 2662 8am - 10pm everyday

A Little Project Camberwell Green ÂŁ800,000 Fantastic Victorian mid terrace house

in a popular tree lined road in central

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

Downstairs WC Good Location EPC: D

Something Special

ÂŁ625,000 is immaculately presented and decorated

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Garage EPC: D

Camberwell Green

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7358 5523 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Camberwell Green

We have 427 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 99% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Daniel Gayle

Open Space £1,300 PCM

Apartment One Bedroom

Senior Lettings Manager *haart data 14th November 2014

Make It Green

Stop Your Search

£1,950 PCM

£1,500 PCM

Secure Video Entry Appliances Included EPC: C

bathroom suite with shower and an L shaped reception leading to Kitchen/diner Leasehold Two bathrooms

EPC: C

Camberwell Green

Flat Three Bedrooms

Communal Front Garden Secured Entry EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7358 5523 8am - 10pm everyday

Touch Of Elegence Costermonger Building £2,025 PCM

Apartment Two Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Open Plan Good Location EPC: B

Natural Choice £1,400 PCM A superb and immaculately presented one double bedroom

Flat One Bedroom Built In Appliances

Furnished Close To Amenities EPC: C

Camberwell Green

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7498 2133 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Clapham

We have 295 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 99% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Mustafa Madar

Bright And Airy £365 PPW

Fitted Kitchen

Apartment One Bedroom

Branch Manager

EPC: B

*haart data 14th November 2014

Top Drawer

In A Class By Itself

£310 PPW

£375 PPW

Contemporary Bathroom Integrated Appliances EPC: B

Apartment One Bedroom

Clapham

Apartment One Bedroom Ground Floor

Fitted Kitchen EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 7498 2133 8am - 10pm everyday

Peace And Quiet

£350 PPW

Flat One Bedroom

Good Location EPC: D

Quirky Find

£550 PCM

Flat Three Bedrooms Top Floor

Integrated Kitchen Two Bathrooms EPC: C

Clapham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8681 0700 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Croydon

We have 1943 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 38:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Daren Cridge

A Chip Off The Old Block Guide Price £260,000 - £290,000

Downstairs WC Two Bedrooms

Senior Branch Manager

EPC: D

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Spacious Living

Just What Your Family Wants

Guide Price £330,000 - £350,000

Guide Price £420,000 - £440,000

Garden Garage EPC: C

Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Croydon

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Fitted Kitchen Garage EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8681 0700 8am - 10pm everyday

Opulence and Grandeur Guide Price ÂŁ1,850,000 - ÂŁ1,900,000

Detached Home

Croydon

Swimming pool Triple Garage EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8681 0700 8am - 10pm everyday

The Best Of Times

Guide Price £330,000 - £360,000

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Kitchen/Diner Period Features EPC: D

Family Wanted

Guide Price £210,000 - £240,000

Maisonette Two Bedrooms Open Plan

Fitted Kitchen EPC: B

Croydon

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8681 0700 8am - 10pm everyday

A Warm Welcome Guide Price £800,000 - £850,000

Detached

Two Bathrooms Cellar EPC: C

A Modern Masterpiece OIEO £599,950

Detached Four Bedrooms Open Plan

Downstairs WC Garage EPC: C

Croydon

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8681 2091 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Croydon

We have 337 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 100% of the A Place To Stay

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Richard McNeil

£1,850 PCM

En Suite Part Furnished EPC: C

Detached

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

Spacious Open Plan Living

Recently Refurbished

£1,000 PCM

£700 PCM

Two Bathrooms Appliances Included EPC: C

Apartment Two Bedrooms

Croydon

Studio Apartment Ground Floor Separate Kitchen

Fitted Bathroom EPC: B

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8681 2091 8am - 10pm everyday

A Real Find £1,200 PCM

Apartment Two Bedrooms First Floor

Furnished EPC: E

Style And Comfort £2,295 PCM

Detached Home Garage EPC: C

Croydon

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8670 5845 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Crystal Palace

We have 745 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 25:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Esta Wilson

Go For It £325,000

South Facing Garden Good Location EPC: C

Apartment Two Bedrooms

Branch Manager *source: haart data 14th November 2014

Style And Design

Sophisticated

£425,000

£280,000

Maisonette Two Bedrooms

Open Feature Fireplace Shared Garden EPC: D

Crystal Palace

Apartment One Bedroom Understairs Kitchenette

Communal Hall EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8670 5845 8am - 10pm everyday

The Good Life

£520,000

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms EPC: E

Original Features

£749,950

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms EPC: C

Crystal Palace

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8299 3728 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Dulwich

We have 1089 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 48:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Nick Marriott

Family Home £599,950

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

Branch Manager

EPC: D

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Bigger Vision

Totally Connected

£600,000

£625,000

Front Patio Courtyard Garden EPC: C

Mid Terrace Two Bedrooms Spiral Staircase

Dulwich

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Kitchen/Diner EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8299 3728 8am - 10pm everyday

Stunningly Stylish ÂŁ999,995

Semi Detached Four Bedrooms

Two En Suites EPC: E

Dulwich

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8693 7038 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Dulwich

We have 337 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 99% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Martin Tyson

Coffee And Cream £1,350 PCM

Flat One Bedroom Open Plan Kitchen

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

Contemporary Dream

Fit For A Lord

£1,450 PCM

£1,350 PCM

Maisonette Two Bedrooms

Part Furnished EPC: C

Dulwich

Flat One Bedroom Original Features

High Ceilings Furnished EPC: D

Good Location EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8693 7038 8am - 10pm everyday

Charming Features £2,100 PCM

Apartment Two Bedrooms

Good Location EPC: E

Quality And Quantity £2,000 PCM

Apartment Two Bedrooms Open Plan

En Suite EPC: E

Dulwich

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8871 4366 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Earlsfield

We have 152 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 14:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Nicolas Scott

Central Location £475,000

En Suite

Flat Two Bedrooms Open Plan Kitchen

Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

EPC: C

Ready For A Family

Come Knocking At This

£485,000

£515,000

Flat Two Bedrooms Ground Floor

Garden EPC: C

Earlsfield

Maisonette Two Bedrooms

Garden Good Location EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8871 4366 8am - 10pm everyday

League Of Its Own

£2,150,000

Mid Terrace Three Bathrooms

Summerhouse EPC: D

An Aura Of Elegance

£865,000

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

EPC: D

Earlsfield

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8946 9426 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Raynes Park

We have 436 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 21:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Hilary King

Room To Grow £407,500

Galley Kitchen Detached Garage EPC: D

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Senior Branch Manager *source: haart data 14th November 2014

Wonderful Presentation

Lovely Development

£695,000

£277,950

Kitchen/Diner

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Through Lounge

EPC: D

Raynes Park

Apartment One Bedroom Communal Garden

Entry Phone System EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8946 9426 8am - 10pm everyday

Walking On Sunshine £885,000 close by and within the catchment area

Four Bedrooms Cul De Sac

Open Plan Original Fireplaces EPC: C

Beautiful Home £1,500,000

Detached Four Bedrooms

En Suite EPC: C

Raynes Park

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8789 6600 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Southfields

We have 225 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 19:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me James Collins

Put Your Stamp On It £900,000

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Quick Commute

Update This

£450,000

£205,000

Communal Gardens Good Location EPC: D

Flat Two Bedrooms

Southfields

Flat One Bedroom Ground Floor

Lean To EPC: F

EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8789 6600 8am - 10pm everyday

Beautifully Presented

ÂŁ450,000

Apartment Two Bedrooms Open Plan

Fitted Kitchen Good Location EPC: B

Communal Beauty

ÂŁ425,000 onto the well maintained communal

Apartment Two Bedrooms Ground Floor

Open Plan Kitchen Communal Garden EPC: C

Southfields

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8789 0408 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Southfields

We have 124 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 97% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Emmanuel Fadayomi Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

Contemporary Living £1,700 PCM

Flat Two Bedrooms Modern Kitchen

Perfect Blend

Split Level Home

£1,550 PCM

£1,500 PCM

Maisonette Two Bedrooms Ground Floor

Close To Amenities EPC: D

Open Plan Kitchen Two Bedrooms EPC: D

Southfields

EPC: C

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8789 0408 8am - 10pm everyday

Open Spaces ÂŁ5,500 PCM

Apartment Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Southfields

EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8769 7711 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Streatham

We have 230 people on our books looking for homes in this area* At haart, we have on average 13:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Paul Markey

Natural Choice £425,000

Victorian Period Communal Gardens EPC: D

Flat Two Bedrooms First Floor

Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Flight Of Fancy

In A Class By Itself

Guide Price £340,000 - £360,000

£399,995

Flat Three Bedrooms Ground Floor

Close To Amenities EPC: B

Streatham

Flat Two Bedrooms First Floor

Close To Amenities EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8769 7711 8am - 10pm everyday

A Happy Home

Guide Price £550,000 - £570,000

Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Southerly Garden Garage EPC: D

A Home To Cherish

£380,000 A three bedroom spacious house awaiting new home owners

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

Southerly Garden Close To Amenities EPC: D

Streatham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8769 7711 8am - 10pm everyday

The Green, Green Garden £845,000

the station and all the local shops and

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

EPC: D

The Choice Is Yours Streatham Guide Price £440,000 - £460,000 in Streatham Hill is this rare opportunity to with its many bars and restaurants the

Mid Terrace Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Separate WC Garden EPC: D

Streatham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8769 7711 8am - 10pm everyday

Great Location £650,000 to Streatham Common Station and

Flat Two Bedrooms Lounge

Close To Amenities EPC: C

Contemporary Show Stopper £650,000

Detached Home Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Open Plan Double Garage EPC: B

Streatham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8769 5137 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Streatham

We have 64 tenants registered looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 98% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Samer Singh Daula

Open Space Streatham

£2,400 PCM

Detached Home Four Bedrooms

Branch Manager

EPC: E

*haart data 14th November 2014

Elegant Space

Perfect Find

£1,400 PCM

Part Furnished Close To Amenities EPC: D

Apartment Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Streatham

Flat Two Bedrooms Fitted Kitchen

EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8769 5137 8am - 10pm everyday

Truly Modern Discovery

£1,500 PCM

Flat Two Bedrooms Ground Floor

Open Plan EPC: D

Heirs And Graces

£1,500 PCM

distance to Streatham Common Tube

Flat Two Bedrooms Victorian Terrace

Separate Kitchen Close To Amenities EPC: C

Streatham

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8773 4412 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Sutton

We have 516 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 51:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Michael Donnelly

“WOW” Factor £675,000

Detached Home

Branch Manager

EPC: D

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Don’t Let This Get Away

Living The Dream

£290,000

£425,000

Fitted Kitchen Three Bedrooms Through Lounge

EPC: C

Sutton

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Garage EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8773 4412 8am - 10pm everyday

Home Sweet Home

Like No Other Home

Guide Price £270,000 - £280,000

£280,000

Fitted Kitchen Garden EPC: D

Maisonette Two Bedrooms First Floor

Apartment Two Bedrooms Top Floor

Make This House A Home

Be The Envy

Guide Price £390,000 - £410,000

£235,000

En Suite

Semi Detached Four Bedrooms

EPC: C

Sutton

Apartment Two Bedrooms Top Floor

Open Plan En Suite EPC: C

Fitted Kitchen EPC: B

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8642 6044 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Sutton

We have 332 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 100% of the Join The Block

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me

£1,300 PCM gas heating to radiators

Christian Breen

Apartment Two Bedrooms Integrated Appliances

Branch Manager

*haart data 14th November 2014

Allocated For You

Centre Of It All

£1,100 PCM

£850 PCM

Flat Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Entry Phone System EPC: C

Sutton

Flat One Bedroom

Entry Phone System EPC: C

Entry Phone System EPC: B

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8642 6044 8am - 10pm everyday

Slick Apartment

£1,250 PCM A stunning modern two double bedroom

Apartment Two Bedrooms Integrated Appliances

Entry Phone System EPC: C

Renovated For You Streatham £1,500 PCM

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms Cul De Sac

EPC: F

Sutton

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8689 0191 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Thornton Heath

We have 1284 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 12:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Feroza Ahmed

Live The Dream £365,000

Study Area EPC: D

Three Bedrooms

Assistant Branch Manager *source: haart data 14th November 2014

Time And Devotion

The Queen Of Hearts

£425,000

£380,000 has ample space throughout and is located close to all the local

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

Garden EPC: E

Thornton Heath

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms

En Suite EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8689 0191 8am - 10pm everyday

The King Of The Castle £500,000

London within minutes as the property is

Maisonette Three Bedrooms

En Suite EPC: D

This Is A Big Deal £750,000

Mid Terrace Ten Bedrooms Three Kitchens

Four Bathrooms EPC: D

Thornton Heath

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8891 5872 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Twickenham

We have 325 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 38:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Neil Oates

Victorian Treat £535,000

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

Senior Branch Manager

Courtyard Garden EPC: C

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Full Of Character

Tree Lined Grove

£1,500,000

£450,000

Detached Garage EPC: D

Twickenham

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8891 5872 8am - 10pm everyday

A Class Above The Rest Guide Price £2,500,000 - £2,650,000

Detached Electronic Gates

Twickenham

Good Location EPC: F

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8672 4244 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Upper Tooting

We have 573 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 34:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Graeme Lawrence

A Stella Opportunity £550,000

Gallaried Dining Area South West Facing Garden EPC: E

Flat Two Bedrooms

Senior Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

In Amongst It All

Attractive Features

£525,000

£425,000

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms

South West Facing Garden EPC: C

Upper Tooting

Maisonette Two Bedrooms Ground Floor

Open Plan Kitchen/Lounge South West Facing Garden EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8672 4244 8am - 10pm everyday

Grand Prospect £799,950

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Separate WC EPC: E

Captivating Home £750,000

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Kitchen/Diner En Suite EPC: D

Upper Tooting

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8767 3215 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Upper Tooting

We have 128 tenants registered

looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 99% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Alexander Atkins

Roof Top Living £1,625 PCM

Flat Two Bedrooms

Branch Manager

Built In Appliances EPC: C

*haart data 14th November 2014

Life On A Grand Scale

Hall Of Fame

£3,100 PCM

£1,500 PCM

Mid Terrace

En Suite

Dining Area

EPC: D

Upper Tooting

Apartment Two Bedrooms

En Suite EPC: B

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8767 3215 8am - 10pm everyday

Classic, With A Modern Twist

£1,850 PCM

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms Open Plan Kitchen/ Diner

Built In Appliances South West Facing Garden EPC: D

Period Living

£2,450 PCM house boasts a modern and sophisticated

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Open Plan Garden EPC: C

Upper Tooting

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8947 9141 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Wimbledon

We have 299 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 19:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me Luke Levy

Love At First Sight £450,000

Flat Two Bedrooms First Floor

Senior Branch Manager *source: haart data 14th November 2014

Stunning Views

The Right Place

£665,000

£325,000

Maisonette Four Bedrooms Two Floors

En Suite EPC: C

Wimbledon

Two Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

Separate WC Study EPC: C

Garden Surround Good Location EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8947 9141 8am - 10pm everyday

As Good As It Gets ÂŁ899,950

Semi Detached Four Bedrooms

Wimbledon

Separate WC Study EPC: E

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8947 9141 8am - 10pm everyday

The Right Location

ÂŁ240,000

Flat One Bedroom EPC: D

A Place To Stay

ÂŁ825,000 From the outside this detached house still has its period appeal

Detached Home Four Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Garden EPC: E

Wimbledon

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8947 9141 8am - 10pm everyday

High Flying

ÂŁ350,000

Three Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

Communal Garden Entry Phone EPC: C

Comfort Zone

ÂŁ385,000

The property is well presented and has been maintained to a high standard by

Flat Two Bedrooms Lounge/Diner

Two Bathrooms Communal Garden EPC: C

Wimbledon

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8947 7208 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Wimbledon

We have 70 tenants registered looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 97% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me Arran Leggett

In A Chestnut £2,000 PCM

Two Bathrooms

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms

Branch Manager

EPC: D

*haart data 14th November 2014

A Step Back In Town

Everything You Could Want

£2,500 PCM

£2,250 PCM

Detached Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms EPC: E

Wimbledon

Two Bathrooms EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8947 7208 8am - 10pm everyday

Country Living In The Town ÂŁ2,500 PCM

Mid Terrace

Wimbledon

Two Bathrooms Garage EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8337 1701 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Worcester Park

We have 512 people on our books looking for homes in this area* We have on average 27:1 buyers for every property we have for sale* If you want my help to sell your home, call in or phone me David Roberts

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms Spacious Kitchen

Branch Manager

*source: haart data 14th November 2014

Ample Parking

Garden EPC: E

Elegant House Auriol Close £695,000

£450,000

Dining Area Four Bedrooms Corner Plot

You’ll Get Attached Glebe Gardens £580,000

EPC: E

Worcester Park

Detached Home Four Bedrooms Cul De Sac

EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8337 1701 8am - 10pm everyday

Secret Gem

£600,000

Semi Detached Four Bedrooms

Garage EPC: D

Location, Location

Guide Price £475,000 - £500,000

Mid Terrace Four Bedrooms Kitchen/Lounge

Fireplace Good Location EPC: D

Worcester Park

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8337 1701 8am - 10pm everyday

No Place Like Home £440,000

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

Garden Good Location EPC: E

A Fancy Find £429,950

Mid Terrace Three Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

Good Location EPC: C

Worcester Park

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

SALES

Call us on 020 8337 1701 8am - 10pm everyday

A Real Family Feel

ÂŁ425,000 A truly stunning home situated on located on a pleasant residential road which

Three Bedrooms Kitchen

Garden Good Location EPC: E

A Home Of Substance

ÂŁ550,000

Malden roundabout and your only minutes

Three Bedrooms Dining Area

EPC: E

Worcester Park

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8330 1871 8am - 10pm everyday

NEWS

Worcester Park

We have 83 tenants registered looking for the right property*

Over the last 3 months, the let prices we agreed reached 97% asking prices*

If you want my help to let your home, call in or phone me

This Is The One £1,550 PCM

David Mitchel Branch Manager

Three Bedrooms Downstairs WC

*haart data 14th November 2014

Space And Class On One Level

Move On Up

£3,000 PCM

£1,750 PCM

Detached Bungalow Three Bedrooms

En Suite Summerhouse EPC: C

Worcester Park

Four Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner

EPC: C

Garden Part Furnished EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LETTINGS

Call us on 020 8330 1871 8am - 10pm everyday

Cosy Home

Sheer Beauty

£1,650 PCM

£1,995 PCM

Semi Detached Three Bedrooms Separate Dining Area

EPC: E

Detached Home Three Bedrooms Two Bathrooms

Far From Ordinary

As Good As New

£2,200 PCM

£2,400 PCM

Detached Home Four Bedrooms

Two Bathrooms Garage EPC: E

Worcester Park

Semi Detached Two Bathrooms

EPC: E

Original Features Part Furnished EPC: D

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

LOVING YOUR HOME

Property expert advice

Ask the property expert... ...Louisa Fletcher

ouisa Fletcher is one of the UK’s leading property experts and a familiar face on our TV screens, where she regularly shares her expertise. Having spent over fifteen years at the coalface of the property industry, Louisa has bought and sold countless houses, undertaken major residential and commercial redevelopment projects and has consulted at board level for leading estate agents, new home builders and property websites.

Louisa answers Sarah from Bristol’s property question this month...

We moved into our rental property last summer and initially everything seemed ok. But since the start of winter the house became damp and it’s causing mould to grow on the furniture. I bleach everything regularly but it keeps returning. Our landlord has said it’s because we are drying clothes inside, cooking in the kitchen without the windows open and because we don’t have the heating on enough, I don’t believe it is any of these things. The landlord has said we can’t move out early and break our contract but it is making us miserable and I am worried about my son’s health. Our landlord has even said the cost of renting a dehumidifier to help the problem, plus painting over the mould, will have to come from our deposit! Is there any legal action we can take or anything we can do? Thank you,Sarah – from Bristol

OK, the first question I would ask you is, are you correctly heating and ventilating the property? From what you’re describing, it does sound like a case of bad condensation – which is probably the most common cause of damp in residential properties – but can easily be prevented by adequate ventilation and heating. Do you have extractor fans in the property which you use whenever you’re cooking or in the bathroom? And is your central heating on at a constant low heat? Also, make sure you have a few windows open (even by just a few centimetres) around the property especially in the kitchen and bathroom to ensure you have adequate airflow, particularly in the winter. Drying washing inside is another condensation culprit – avoid it if you can, but if not, make sure you have your heating on and the windows open in the room where you’re drying damp laundry. If you are renting the property via a letting agent, then I would suggest you ask them to visit you to provide an independent opinion and advice. It may also be worth asking to have your heating

Louisa has condensed her industry knowledge into a new book, Property Uncovered, a step-by-step guide filled with solid advice, hints, tips and trade secrets that will tell you everything you wanted to know about property, but were afraid to ask. Comprising ten easy to follow chapters, including ‘Fantastic flatmates’, ‘Breaking up is hard to do’ and ‘Buying your first home’, the book is easily digestible, allowing readers to ‘dip in and out’ when required. Throughout each section, packed with up to the minute information and guidance, Louisa unpicks daunting new legislation, translates complex jargon and provides the tools you need to make educated, informed decisions about property, whether you are buying or renting. Twitter: @louisafletcher LouisaFletcher.com

system serviced to ensure it’s running efficiently and also get any extractor fans around the property professionally checked to make they are working correctly as well. As for your deposit, if the problem does turn out to be condensation because you’re not heating or ventilating the place correctly, it’s likely that you would be responsible for the costs to repair the property. Most tenancy agreements include a clause to say that it’s the tenant’s responsibility to take reasonable care of the property whilst they live in it. If you are renting directly from the landlord and need help understanding your tenancy agreement, it’s worth contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Any damages you need to pay when you leave the property will need to be agreed between yourself and your landlord before your deposit can be released from the Client Money Protection scheme your money is held with. If you can’t agree, then you will need to refer your case to the relevant redress scheme to get it sorted. But first of all, get the problem identified so that you can take adequate steps to stop things getting any worse, which is your first priority.

Do you have a property question you would like answered? Email us your questions to editor@lovingyourhomemag.co.uk

Sell your garden. Make a shed load of money.

Contact Aaron Power on 01483 450180 email: aaron.power@spicerhaart.co.uk web: spicerhaartlandandnewhomes.co.uk twitter.com/landandnewhomes Visit us at facebook.com/landandnewhomes

New Year, New Home?

No two people move for exactly the same reason, no two moves are identical. So as well as using the experience of more than 20 years in agency, we come to every move with fresh ears, listening carefully to what makes you and your plans different. Because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only by treating all of our customers as individuals that we get the right result for them. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of selling or letting, call us on 0845 899 9999 8am to 10pm everyday.