In this issue’s featured article, we visited Bramley Motors who deal in not just first class motor cars, but uniquely special motor cars.
The 2022 prime property market continues to be buoyed by high demand and a shortage of stock, in spite of recent rising costs and inflation.
Prime properties across Surrey and South West London are still high on the wish list of London buyers, as they continue to relocate to the greener suburbs and home counties. Our intimate knowledge of these key residential areas and our connections into London have resulted in some exceptional sales, on and off market.
As we have learnt to live with COVID-19 and with a sense of normality well and truly restored, interest in the UK property market from international buyers has returned, adding to the local demand.
This, along with the continued shortage of homes available to buy and rent, and demand unwavering, has seen the post-
COVID price increases sustain across the South East. There has never been a better time to achieve a premium price should you be looking to sell or let your property.
In this, the third issue of our Curchods Prime magazine, we take a look at the premium properties available today with Curchods Prime, and our sister company Burns & Webber, as well as the prime property sales and lets we have agreed for clients across Hampshire, Surrey, the South Downs and South West London over the last six months.
Warren Fraser
of Curchods PrimeA commanding residence of just over 13,000 sq ft, situated in a most secluded and quiet location, within the exclusive private estate of St George’s Hill.
Nicely tucked away to the southern end of St George’s Hill, this stunning home has been cleverly designed around this elevated plot, providing a superb entertaining terrace to the rear, affording superb views over the landscaped grounds. Together with a stunning indoor pool, gym and entertaining area at ground floor level, complete with an amazing two bedroom detached flat over the garaging for about eight vehicles.
secluded
contained two bedroom
for
A
bedroom
westerly
to offer for
this secluded
acre this substantial
times to provide
Over the last 30 years, Andrew Grant’s name has been synonymous with property sales on St George’s Hill.
Andrew Grant PARTNER
Curchods Prime’s dedicated St George’s Hill specialist, Andrew has been personally involved in the sale of hundreds of properties on the estate, helping clients buy and sell on St George’s Hill since 1990. With a wealth of experience, niche expertise in high-value property sales on the estate, and the support of an extensive office network that combines local offices with connections in the Capital and internationally, entrust Andrew Grant at Curchods Prime to manage your property sale.
With several offices on your doorstep, in Cobham, Esher, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge, a wider network of 24 offices connecting Surrey to the Capital, and international partners, we are able to place your prime property in front of more potential buyers.
A neighbour and a network
Tim Abbott
Curchods Prime are having significant success helping St George’s Hill homeowners sell their property in 2022. We have been leading the way with sales on the estate in 2022, with an increasing number of homeowners choosing Curchods Prime. Here is a selection of some of the homes we have sold on St George’s Hill this year.
Properties listed for sale with Curchods Prime benefit from our award-winning marketing. Key to the marketing of properties on St George’s Hill are the professionally recorded, personally guided property video tours presented by Andrew. The international reputation of St George’s Hill draws interest from across the world and the property tours are the perfect tool to open the door to an international audience. To watch recent examples of the property tours scan the QR codes below.
the market on the south side
offer privacy and
within one of Esher’s premier gated
three
ago this property
in
the renowned
subsequently
Driving through the quintessentially English village of Bramley in the heart of the Surrey countryside, south of Guildford, one could be forgiven for barely noticing The Foundry, the unobtrusive showrooms of Bramley Motors, specialists in the sale of prestige motor cars.
Beyond this understated exterior is one of the most respected names in the prestige motor car business. On any given day it is also home to over fifty of the most exclusive and remarkable motor cars in the country, possibly the world.
Warmly greeted by Sales and Marketing Manager, Jack Morgan-Jones, our visit to Bramley Motors begins alongside an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, one of James Bond’s most memorable cars, appearing in Living Daylights and No Time To Die.
Jack also tells us about handling the sale of a sapphire blue Range Rover, one of many former Royal Household cars sold by Bramley Motors. But this one was even more exceptional following its high profile appearance when Prince Phillip, accompanied by Queen Elizabeth II, drove it to meet President Obama and the First Lady as they stepped off Marine One after it landed in the grounds of Windsor Castle, marking the start of the Presidential visit to the UK in 2016.
With high profile clients ranging from senior members of the Royal Family to well-known popstars, top sports athletes to international collectors, the film industry to top flight business people, Jack
Bramley Motors deals only in the exceptional. Not just first class motor cars, but uniquely special motor cars.
is clear that Bramley’s diverse customer base is made up of people from all backgrounds who just love cars.
We ask Jack what it is that makes a car ‘exceptional’.
The team at Bramley Motors ensures their stock is as diverse as possible. Each car made available by Bramley Motors tells a different story. Its exclusive credentials might come from limited edition rarity, history, ownership, and low mileage – often delivery mileage only.
Every vehicle is privately sourced, with members of the public approaching Bramley Motors, who are picky about what they buy. All of Bramley’s stock is exceptionally well maintained, to a factory standard. Despite this, even the occasional and most minor stone chip is repaired before resale by artisan body repair specialists, and every vehicle finely detailed by Bramley’s expert inhouse team, to beyond original forecourt quality.
A visit to Bramley Motors is in itself a uniquely prime experience. The tiered flagstone courtyard is surrounded by a red brick and stone gallery style showroom, the polished parquet floor as shiny as the finest Ferraris, Mercedes, Porsches, Bentleys, Alfa Romeos and Aston Martins it houses.
“Some of the most famous cars ever bought have come through us. We specialise in the special and it is the uniquely special pedigree and provenance of a car that makes it exceptional.”
Yet since the COVID-19 pandemic 4050% of Bramley Motors’ orders have been unseen, click and collect, distance selling transactions. Only the outstanding and trusted international reputation of Bramley Motors makes it possible to sell a high specification Audi RS6 in 6 minutes following an Instagram post, or see a £800,000 Ferrari F12tdf shipped to Malaysia, a car so special that it could have been sold three or four times over in response to a social media showcase.
Visitors are not only welcomed, they are encouraged. An interest in cars, and an appreciation of their aesthetic beauty as art, as well as the understanding of that emotional connection a motor car can engender, is as core to Bramley Motors’ ethos as the appreciation of the specification sheet and the power of the engines.
To find out more call Bramley Motors directly on 01483 898159 or visit www.bramley.com.
three bedroom
floor apartment within this contemporary new riverside
site of the old Teddington Studios by Teddington
built on
rooms
private north and south facing wrap around
river and landscaped gardens, with high
bespoke
detached
kitchen/breakfast
within this premier location forming part of the Burwood Park Estate this fantastic family home was built just over twenty years ago nestled amongst southerly facing gardens. The Quillot is a sought after crescent positioned just off Cranley Road with central open woodland to the front setting the scene to this fabulous location.
of
restored
entwined with a
of the South of England’s
In a time of high building cost inflation, your property insurance shortfall now may be greater than ever.
When you own a prime Surrey property it makes sense to pay as much attention to the buildings insurance policy as it does to landscaping the gardens and investing in exquisite décor and furnishings. Yet surprisingly few homeowners give this important detail the consideration it deserves.
John Sims, Chairman and CEO of Vizion Insurance Brokers, tells us that a startling
95% of prime property owners they visit do not have the right insurance cover for their home and should the worst happen, it is unlikely an insurance pay out would cover the full rebuild costs of their property. In a time of high building cost inflation, the shortfall now may be greater than ever, particularly for homeowners who have renewed their insurance year after year with no revaluation.
Where an insurance shortfall arises the homeowner will need to raise funds to plug the gap, either with a mortgage or savings, in order to rebuild their property, like for like.
John advises that of particular concern are listed properties, as English Heritage will
insist on the property being reinstated to its former glory. Equally, where a property is being remodelled or works are to be carried out you must notify your insurer. Most insurers will exclude cover during works and therefore it is imperative that you seek specialist advice and cover before starting works of any value.
A boutique insurance broker for the discerning, Vizion embraces the traditional, serviceled approach to client care. An honest and traditional broker, Vizion makes sure that their clients have exactly the right level of cover for the individual characteristics of each unique and sophisticated home.
This specialist broker believes that the only way to do that is to visit the property for a thorough assessment in person. “There is no better way of understanding our clients and what we are going to insure, than visiting the property and talking face to face.”
Prime homeowners in Surrey requesting a noobligation buildings insurance appraisal, will be visited by John’s business partner, Director and part owner, Jeremy Guscott, former British and Irish Lions legend.
As one of the greatest talents in English rugby, with a career spanning over 20 years on the field before venturing into TV and radio commentary, Jeremy has been involved in world class and high performing teams for most of his adult life. He has since become something of a risk management expert, having learned the business from the ground up, and becoming FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) approved. Priding himself on creating honest, respected and valued relationships, whilst providing great service, Jeremy specialises in business development for Vizion, visiting clients in their homes, reviewing their
insurances and broking the best bespoke product with underwriters on behalf of the client.
Jeremy says “I feel very strongly that a lot of beautiful, fantastic homes are under-insured. The worst scenario is that the homeowner suffers a major loss and is not insured adequately. That’s a heartbreaker.”
This old fashioned service that Vizion is known for means that each insurance policy is tailormade for the individual property. John tells us of a Prime property owner who was struggling to find appropriate insurance before getting in touch with Vizion. Having been flagged as in a flood risk area, it took a visit from Jeremy to confirm that the property high on a hill was not itself at risk of flooding and a common sense approach was taken to negotiating cover.
This personal home visit and the bespoke creation of policies ensures that a prime property has a specialist prime property insurance policy at a reasonable price. Not only is the full rebuild cost set at an appropriate level, but it is guaranteed.
When clients switch to Vizion they tend to feel they have ‘dodged a bullet’ and are grateful to have been guided to a better informed choice of cover, appropriate to their individual circumstances.
Should the unthinkable happen, and a client finds themselves needing to make a claim, that is when they will experience the full benefit of Vizion’s outstanding client service.
Clients are encouraged to report a loss as soon as possible, so that Vizion can act on their behalf from the outset. Vizion will contact the insurer and accompany the chartered loss adjuster to the property, assisting with
alternative accommodation where required and guiding the client through the claims process.
Vizion really do provide the missing elements when it comes to prime property insurance - old school customer service and expert professional support. Exactly what every prime property owner needs for their prime property.
Find out more at: www.vizionbrokers.com.
If you would like to receive a call/email from Vizion for a no-obligation property insurance appraisal please let your Curchods representative know. Or call Vizion directly on 0330 016 1808 quoting Jeremy Guscott/Prime.
Curchods introduces Vizion Insurance Brokers Limited for purpose of the provision of advice in relation to non-investment insurance products. Vizion Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 751098.
within this gated
lightly wooded copse, an
Wood
created just over 15
Octagon’s finest, abutting Burhill Golf
magnificent
clients
family home,
station
for
Any fears that the end of the stamp duty holiday would bring about an abrupt end to the buoyant residential housing market last autumn was well and truly put to bed over the winter. Not only did the market maintain momentum, but it continued to shift through the gears during what is usually a quieter period in the year. This carried on into 2022 but the exceptional demand led to a shortage of stock and that remains the main story today. The imbalance has continued to put upward pressure on prices despite the increasing pressure on household finances and the six, albeit relatively small, increases in interest rates from a historic low. There is clear anecdotal evidence that many purchasers have factored these into their thought process. Although supply is easing, the fundamental issue remains - too many buyers are chasing too few properties.
In the previous edition of this magazine, we reported that we had seen an extraordinary 39% increase in London-based applicants registering to move out of the Capital year on year. This demand has continued, albeit at a slower rate. The much mentioned ‘dash to the country’ has become a more ‘sedate jog’ as purchasers seek more space both internally and externally. We have also noticed a tangible shift, as purchasers increasingly make their country home their primary residence, rather than considering it as a second home for occasional use. Now with the return to office life, some people are choosing hybrid working - splitting their time between their London workplace and their home offices.
This has led to increased demand from London buyers for Prime properties in Surrey.
At our office in St James’s, we provide professional, qualified staff to discuss potential purchasers’ requirements, answering their questions about broadband speeds, prices, market conditions, commute times and schools, and providing them with brochures for suitable properties. Our annual London and Country Property Show has proved a valuable opportunity for prospective London purchasers and investors to speak face to face with local agents such as Curchods Prime.
Despite the exodus from London, the demand for London properties has remained strong for larger flats or homes with outside space. Apartments without external space are experiencing a steady comeback as demand increases. This is driven by professionals returning to the office, and from those realising a long commute isn’t their cup of tea. Whilst prices remained fairly static during the pandemic, compared to the country market, they have surged in the first half of this year. This is most noticeable in the top-end of the market (above £5m+) with prices achieved in the Prime London area just a few percentage points off their peak in 2014. Overseas buyers have re-appeared adding competition in the Prime central and fringe markets. In particular, Americans are taking advantage of the strong dollar/weaker pound. London has lost little of its lustre and it remains one of the world’s most attractive cities to invest, live and work in.
Director, The London Office bob@tlo.co.uk
As I look back over the last year, I am reminded of how strong the residential property market has been.
George’s
of about 1.2 acres,
on to St George’s
I was recently invited to meet Lucy & Claire, the Founders and Creative Directors of The L&C Company at their Cobham studio. We sat in the sunshine in their beautiful garden whilst we discussed their passion and purpose for their business.
I was fascinated to know how these two best friends of over 30 years had come to own and run such a successful interior design company
over 18 years, whilst still maintaining their friendship.
“We often get asked that” explained Lucy “and I am sure there is a bit of luck involved! Genuinely we think it’s down to the fact that we started the business because of our friendship, we wanted to work together and we shared a passion and innate talent for creating beautiful homes. This is still true today, neither of us would like to do it without the other”.
A long list of delighted customers agree that Lucy & Claire’s passion is translated into beautiful design and an exceptional and personal service, but Claire is quick to say this is not solely down to the two best friends.
“Our team is made up of talented experts in interior architecture and interior furnishing
Best friends for over 30 years, Lucy & Claire discuss with us the friendships within the company that underpin such a thriving interior design business.
design. They have skills that Lucy and I don’t possess and we have carefully selected them for their genuine passion and ability. Many of our team have been with us for their whole careers. Together we nurture a culture that is supportive and inspiring, to ensure our love for creating beautiful homes continues, and is apparent to our customers throughout every part of the design journey. The company has thrived because of this and the importance placed on listening to our clients’ wishes for the look and feel of their home, and our dedication to ensuring that every detail of their vision is translated into reality.”
Every one of their clients is treated with the same enthusiasm and care as if they were the first that ever worked with The L&C Company, and Lucy & Claire like to finish this statement by adding “… albeit with a lot more experience!”. Exceptional teamwork and friendship are now supported by excellent systems, exacting standards and meticulous training within the company. Lucy & Claire’s leadership focuses entirely on what is required to fulfil the promises they make to their clients. In the early days of the business they often worked through the
night to achieve what they had promised and, although the expertise and the structure within the business means this usually isn’t necessary, they are proud to say that every one of their team would do whatever it takes to ensure their customers are delighted with every aspect of their service.
Lucy & Claire’s friendship continues to flourish, with each other and within their team, and their passion for creating beautiful homes is as strong as it was in 2005 when they designed their first project.
Their dedicated team provides a comprehensive interior design service for a range of prime projects including bespoke new build homes, prestigious multi-dwelling developments and large refurbishment projects.
To find out more call The L&C Company directly on 01932 576445 or visit www.thelandccompany.com.
exclusive and luxurious
bedroom home in excess of 3,800 sq
and is perfectly positioned
one of
Heath’s finest roads backing onto the 17th hole of Woking
a kind property enjoys a great deal of
We are proud to boast a network of 24 offices with our sister company Burns & Webber Prime.
Our reach extends beyond the borders of Surrey, into South West London, connecting you to the Capital through our partnership with The London Office. Our connection with our sister company Burns & Webber Prime, extends our reach further south, into Cranleigh, Farnham, Godalming and Guildford, spanning the Surrey Hills and South Downs.
A discreet entrance off a country lane, and a winding drive through rolling parklands, lead to a first glimpse of a stately manor house emerging from the Hampshire countryside.
A world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our visit to the Four Seasons Hampshire began with a friendly smile. Bags were whisked away and the car was valet parked as we were directed through the impressive entrance hall, before being shown to our room.
Beautifully decorated and furnished in classic country house style, the room was exceptionally comfortable, the marble bathroom luxuriously appointed, and the separate walk-in dressing room capacious.
The historic parkland of Dogmersfield, now home to the Four Seasons Hampshire, is on record as far back as the Domesday Book of 1086. The Manor House itself was built in 1728 and now, following a catastrophic fire in the early 1980s, only the original façade remains.
Sympathetically rebuilt and extended, and now under the guardianship of The Four Seasons, a typically English manor house retreat has been created with all of the original Georgian charm. The most recent refurbishment in 2021 blends traditional country style with the contemporary comforts of a truly prime property.
The perfect location in the Hampshire hills for country pursuits, guests enjoy horse-riding, cycling and clay-pigeon shooting in the 500 acre grounds. After a day of exploration and activities, the outdoor vitality spa pool provides welcome relaxation in the fresh country air, with a swim through connection to the indoor infinity pool and poolside loungers.
For those still with energy to burn there is a
luxury fitness studio and tennis courts, as well as formal 18th century walled gardens, and open meadows to stroll in. Whilst those seeking simply to unwind may enjoy the therapeutic range of treatments available in the spa.
The Four Seasons Hampshire is both family and pet friendly, with plenty of space for children to run, and dogs on leads to be walked in the expansive grounds. There are supervised activities for the younger family members with children’s facilities including a child-friendly play pool. Towels are provided to wipe the muddy feet of the four-legged family members, and a doggy bed is provided to sleep in.
Guests will never go hungry at the Four Seasons Hampshire, with a traditional English afternoon tea a particular favourite. Served in the Library, with views across the parklands, it is a taste of luxury to be enjoyed at least once during your stay, and a delightful treat for birthday or anniversary celebrations.
We enjoyed dinner and breakfast in the Wild Carrot restaurant where seasonal, natural and locally sourced ingredients are skilfully transformed into imaginative and tasty dishes by Executive Chef Talha Barkin and his team. The service was attentive, friendly and yet discreet. For those seeking additional privacy, or maybe exhausted after a day of country activities, in room dining provides the ultimate prime experience
Should guests wish to entertain whilst staying at Four Seasons Hampshire, the hotel staff will cater for every requirement, ranging from small gatherings over cocktails and canapés, to weddings and celebratory occasions in the Four Seasons Ballroom.
A destination hotel in itself, with no need to set foot outside the parklands, the Four Seasons Hampshire is also ideally placed for a visit to
nearby Chawton, the home of Jane Austen whose internationally acclaimed novels are renowned for social observations and witty insights into the lives of the English gentry in rural England in the early 19th century, truly bringing the genteel Georgian history of Dogmersfield to life.
For guests travelling from Surrey, the Four Seasons Hampshire provides comfort and elegance just a hop, skip and a jump from home. A special place to make lasting memories.
To find out more call Four Seasons Hampshire directly on 01252 853000 or visit www.
Sell Your Property With Curchods Prime And Receive a £500 Voucher For Four Seasons Hampshire
Simply instruct Curchods Prime to sell your property before 31st December 2022 and you will receive a £500 gift voucher for the Four Seasons in Dogmersfield, Hampshire on completion of the sale.
Terms & Conditions apply, visit www.curchods.com.
Place is an exceptional new development on the fringes of the picturesque
market town of Farnham.
from a carefully-designed
the attractive courtyard setting,
can
three or four/five bedroom homes.
As gardens increasingly become extensions of our living areas, an outdoor space offering impressive facilities is often at the top of luxe property wish lists. Bringing the indoors out, Octagon Bespoke can create your ultimate back garden, through tailormade properties designed for your lifestyle.
Whether you are looking for an impressive spot to host friends for an al fresco feast, swim laps in an infinity pool or play a game of doubles on an allweather tennis court, Octagon Bespoke can turn your vision into reality.
Head of Bespoke at Octagon, Laurence Holder comments, “Demand for outdoor facilities is never greater than in the warmer months, where we’re finding clients are increasingly seeking to emulate a Mediterranean lifestyle setting in their own back garden. Clients regularly request plans for an ultimate al fresco social setting, making the best use of outdoor space that the British weather allows. From fully-kitted outdoor kitchens to luxe sunken seating, clients are keen to create a seamless transition to the outdoors, creating the essential hosting space for the warmer weather. Swimming pools remain our most popular leisure facility and are sure to be the focal point to a garden; whether for relaxing, exercise, or a bit of both, nothing beats a garden with an outdoor pool on a warm day.”
Renowned for their superb quality and attention to detail both indoors and out, Octagon Developments have completed some outstanding luxury projects with this sought-after outdoor wow factor.
A timeless Octagon classic, situated on the exclusive
With autumn creeping upon us, we appreciate even more the warmer days and the last of the sun-dappled evenings spent in our gardens.
St George’s Hill Estate in Weybridge, with a spectacular infinity pool sitting affront the five-bedroom prime property. Providing an idyllic swimming spot, the client’s infinity pool showcases a spectacular waterfall feature, with heating for peak comfort, and near reaching views of the bordering estate’s championship golf course. Ensuring optimum vistas, a deep paved terrace was built, providing varying vantage points from all angles of the garden, with equally pleasing views.
An outstanding example of the potential of a bespoke outdoor setting, an Octagon project in Oxshott features wide expanses of stone terrace, lavish planting and rolling lawns, offering a superb canvas for leisure opportunities. Creating the ultimate sports
hub, the clients desired an all-weather sports pitch/tennis court, and a charming timber roofed gazebo protecting the chicest of table tennis sets. For an impressive BBQ area, between the house and gazebo, is a sheltered cook-out zone with a wall of catering equipment, padded seating and a speciality plasma TV installed into the white stone wall - sun proofed for uninterrupted al fresco viewing.
Octagon Bespoke undertake private client projects from £2,000,000 across Surrey.
To find out more call Octagon Bespoke directly on 020 8481 7500 or visit www.octagonbespoke.com.
Prime; adjective noun
/praɪm/ the main, or most important you and your property are our prime focus a prime example of something is one that is typical of it our service is a prime example of great customer service of the best possible quality we are Surrey’s prime estate agent most likely to be chosen for something; most suitable Curchods are the prime choice for your property the time when a thing is at its best; in its prime our team of industry leading agents are in their prime a prime number to book a valuation call our Prime team on 01932
Pain
