small and nimble team of designers and builders, we are reasonably flexible in where we can re-locate to, for the right project.
be your individual, personal space and we will ensure it is stimulating, inspirational, and a joy to all who experience it.
Do you work with investors and landlords?
We work across the board with Estate Agents, Architects, Interior Designers, Quantity Surveyors, Family Offices and Developers, as well as end users.
Tell us a little about the background of your firm?
Rainsford Ltd was started by Interior Architect Rupert Rainsford Mann in1998 and provides Architectural Design, Project Management and Construction Services for residential new build and refurbishment projects in the UK. We specialise in central London and also Home County properties, providing services to discerning clients who require a high level of finish and quality, with projects delivered on time and in budget.
So you’ve collected the keys from Hamptons and moved into a new house with a generous sized garden but no character or features. What’s the first step?
Welcome to your new home! Once you have settled in, you might want some advice on improving your garden. We can help!
Renovate
What if a client is selling a house and needs to add some kerb appeal, they may not want to invest as much a buyer, what would you suggest?
As well as our own capability to provide full architectural design services, as a Main Contractor we also work with some of the most highly regarded Architects, Designers and Developers from across the globe, on a wide range of prime residences from modern penthouse apartments to listed buildings and country houses, in both classical and contemporary styles.
We can offer a free-of-charge, no obligation visit to advise on how to improve and enhance the garden. We offer a full garden design and build service, with all works and planting being implemented efficiently and professionally by our specialist landscaping and gardening teams. Whatever your style and requirements, we can create the garden of your dreams to suit both your budget and your ability to maintain the garden in the future.
Our approach is based on listening to our clients and understanding from the outset the unique remit of their project and the most appropriate services to facilitate it. We then tailor our service to meet those particular needs. Our deliverables are entirely adaptable, and we generally find that we provide a fairly evenly spread scope, between providing a full ‘turnkey’ design and build service and taking on the Main Contractor role, alongside the clients’ own design team.
Interestingly I’d say about 90% of our work comes through recommendations, working directly with the owners themselves or the owners team. One of our strengths is working with our clients and guiding them through each stage of the design and build process, engaging them as much or as little as they want. We also work a lot with overseas clients who we might see twice over the refurbishment period, and they entrust us to implement the full turnkey process to the point where they just need to pick up the keys and move in one year on.
Thinking of selling? Does your garden need a facelift? We can offer a free-of-charge, no obligation garden visit to discuss ideas to enhance and improve the place for the all-important sale photographs, and for the period when the property is on the market. We will work within a budget to tweak the garden so it looks its very best.
Looking back, is there a job that you are most proud of?
We completed a total refurbishment of a lateral flat in Kensington on the 5th floor of a mansion block during the Pandemic. It required a lot of structural work and we not only had to overcome the many complications and technical hurdles thrown up by the building, but also manage this within the framework of the lock down procedures on site. Despite all this we managed to deliver a stunning project of great detail, on budget and on time, against all odds!
Are you happy to give appraisals to Hamptons clients before they exchange?
Our head office in West Berkshire is well located for both our London and Home County projects and also refurbishments further afield.
What type of projects have you been working on recently?
Interview with ‘RPA Architects’
In the last few years, we have had an interesting cross section of country and London based projects. We take on external and internal refurbishments of existing properties, as well as new builds .
Our London based projects are almost entirely in prime sites and comprise of single dwellings, town houses, lateral and duplex apartments.
I guess people are influenced by things they see at gardening shows. What sort of things are on trend at the moment?
Wild gardens are currently hugely popular. Meadows filled with bee- and insectfriendly flowers abound and we applaud this trend. For many years, we have promoted environmentally friendly gardens incorporating space for you and your family to use and enjoy, as well as making areas where the natural world will thrive. When it comes to design, the choice is yours. We can create a classical English country garden,
little about the background of your Architects Ltd has been operating in the Hampshire and Oxfordshire area 21 years. We have a wide range of but specialise in private residential We enjoy the challenge of creatively reconfiguring, extending and renovating houses, old and new, as well as building new homes for our clients to enjoy for to come.
of projects have you been working projects include extension and renovation
Grade II Listed properties, a new build farmhouse for a young couple and the of a group of disused agricultural provide a number of contemporary
involves considering energy efficiency sustainability and we help our clients to informed decisions on how to improve for the future. As part of this process advise our clients regarding project we strive to make their money work them throughout the process.
back, there a job that you are most
renovated and extended a Georgian in north Hampshire. The house had
Yes, we are, and we do this quite a lot working with agents and property finders, as not only does it help prospective owners to see the property in an alternative way, but it also allows us to form an important working relationship with any prospective client. Clear communication, coupled with inventive and practical solutions wrapped up in a transparent process, are what we find our clients are looking for, especially during these times when construction costs are at an all-time high. It’s about delivering your clients vision creatively, but for a reasonable cost and adapting to market conditions, giving your client the best value for money.
www.rainsforddb.com
Interview with ‘Josh Handrick Gardens’
been extended in the 1970s but was in a state of disrepair. Renovations included damp treatment, repointing with lime mortar and installing underfloor heating. Existing extensions were totally remodelled and further extended. The work included the installation of a steel and timber staircase with a bridge linking old and new elements, a polished concrete floor and exposed brickwork. The end result has been featured in magazine publications and the owners have a ‘forever home’ of which they are incredibly proud.
Do your clients have specific ideas about what they want or do they more often give you a blank canvas to work with? Every client is unique and each garden is too. We are happy to tailor our work to suit the requirements of the clients and their family and to create a scheme that sits well with the architecture of the house, and works with the soil and countryside around. JB Groundcare Ltd will turn your vision into a reality, and if needs be, we will hold your hand through the design process so you end up with the garden that you want. We are never short of ideas!
Does it matter what time in the year people contact you?
sure where to start. We can work with you in differing approaches, alongside you and guiding you.
Does it matter what time in the year people contact you?
We work all the year round and the office is always open! There are, of course, better times of year to undertake various works and planting jobs but we work with the seasons to ensure the least disturbance and the finest results for our clients.
Tell us a little about the Josh Handrick Gardens?
Can you tell us a little about your process? After meeting our clients and agreeing their brief a measured survey is carried out to give us an accurate base on which to develop our proposals. We then produce several concept designs to table and discuss. This establishes client priorities and enables us to refine the design in readiness for a relevant planning application.
We’re a design studio based in West Berkshire and have been creating innovative gardens for over 10 years. We have an equally balanced passion for both horticulture, plants and nature alongside thoughtful and engaging design. We pride ourselves in our ability to work with our clients from the very beginning of the process through to the realisation of your project and the maintenance beyond. We take an imaginative, practical and commercial approach to our projects, ensuring your outdoor space is completely maximised.
So you’ve collected the keys from Hamptons and moved into a new house with a generous size garden but no character or features. What’s the first step?
We work on garden projects throughout the year so we can be available for you anytime. It’s important to really plan ahead as early as possible to achieve your proposed projects completion date. If you have a time in mind that you’d like the project completed, we can help define a programme for you to try ensure scheduled timescales are met. Planning through Autumn and Winter will give you the best chance of seeing your project complete and ready to enjoy the following Spring/ Summer.
What type of projects get you most excited? All of them! The opportunity to create change in a client’s life gets you excited every time. From small town gardens to large country estates, each project we’re involved in is going to lead to a positive impact on your day-today life. From creating social spaces to make memories, kitchen gardens that provide therapeutic activities to wildlife gardens that connecting you to the surrounding natural world. We’re versatile and can adapt to work on all types of projects and we get equally excited about each one.
Following the planning process we develop the technical design and work with our clients to refine the specification, which allows builders to price the works accurately. Some projects involve specialist input from others and we are there to coordinate this for our clients.
To kickstart the process we like to come and meet you, discuss your vision and aspirations for the garden. Determining the scope of works for your project is really where we begin, defining the project requirements and how we can fulfil those ambitions. Some clients have a clear vision of what they may want and need and some clients aren’t
Is there a project that you’re most proud of? 10 years ago, we designed a therapy garden at West Berkshire Hospital, Newbury. We’re immensely proud to know that to this day the garden still provides a retreat to relax, recover, connect and engage for the patients, staff and visitors who use it. We’ve maintained our relationship with the hospital, we’re currently heavily involved in new projects and regularly stop by to see and hear about the positive impact this garden has on so many.
We like to develop a good relationship with our clients to ensure we understand their aims and aspirations, after all building your dream home, whether from scratch or working with an existing building, is an emotional affair and it is important to get it right!
www.joshhandrickgardens.co.uk
Are you happy to give appraisals to Hamptons clients before they exchange?
Absolutely. We pride ourselves on being responsive to all of our clients from day one. This includes visiting potential clients to help guide them on whether a house would make a good purchase and has the potential to become their future home. We love to help and often find ourselves dreaming about the solutions we could
AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS. You are free-spirited. You don’t play by the rules. Your life is an adventure… why should your wedding be any different?
Welcome
A very warm welcome to Newbury and the surrounding areas from all of us at Hamptons.
You will be moving into one of the most highly regarded areas in Berkshire. Desirable homes, tree lined avenues, diverse shops and restaurants and an eclectic, vibrant population.
Hamptons has been matching people with property, locally, nationally and internationally, since 1869.
We were pioneers, setting standards that few of our rivals could match and this hasn’t changed since.
Today, over 150 years since we first set up home in Pall Mall, with 15 decades of finding property and looking after people under our belt, our clients now consider us to be their, ‘home experts’.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Howell - Head of Sales
Oliver Neale - Head of Lettings
Charlie Wellbelove - Prime Specialist
Newbury
Hamptons offers you a warm welcome to Newbury
Congratulations, if you are house hunting in Newbury, you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning
and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links.
Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home.
A little bit of history
“A
big WELCOME and enjoy”
The history of Newbury dates back to the 11th century and the Norman conquests, though there is evidence of earlier settlement. There are a variety of architectural styles including a medieval Cloth Hall in the market square with half-timbered granary, a 15th-century church, and a number of 17th- and 18th-century listed buildings. In more recent years, Newbury has become a centre for technology.
There are a variety of housing types in the Newbury area to suit all types of house buyer: town and country properties, large and small, and everything in between. The town of Newbury itself and its surrounding villages of West Berkshire, North Hampshire and South Oxfordshire are very popular with commuters and families alike as the road and rail links are excellent. As well as listed terraced homes and townhouses in the town centre, there are high specification modern developments such as near the Racecourse and overlooking the Avon & Kennet Canal.
Interview with ‘Absolute Architecture’
Tell us a little about the background of your firm?
I founded Absolute Architecture in 2008, bringing together my passion for ecosustainability and drive to blend the demands of contemporary living with period architecture. We are now a team of dedicated and talented architects, interior designers, technicians and project managers, working within our Newbury based studio. We pride ourselves on listening to your individual needs and translating your vision into innovative and aspirational designs. Our team will be with you from concept to completion, creating a sustainable and thriving future home for you and generations to come.
What type of projects do you specialise in? Everyone has unique ideas about what they want from their home; articulating
those ideas and vision into a beautiful and functional home is our particular speciality. At Absolute Architecture sustainable design has always underpinned all our new build and home improvement projects and now our Passivhaus accreditation truly puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do. We believe environmentally conscious design serves as a catalyst for innovation, pushing the boundaries of architecture and construction practices to create spaces that play a vital role in shaping a responsible, energy-efficient future and promoting healthier living environments.
Do you work with investors and landlords? We recognise that every homeowner is different and therefore flexibility in the way we work is essential. We are an architecture practice that understands modern living and exceeds at facilitating each of our clients unique ambitions and lifestyles into functional and beautiful homes. Our belief that great working partnerships don’t end until the job is truly done, means we will be right there alongside you throughout the entire build process. Delivering the perfect solution, every time.
Are you happy to give appraisals to Hamptons clients before they exchange? Absolutely! Our Feasibility Study Service explores the potential of a home at an early stage. We provide a comprehensive assessment of the planning risks, project costs and specialist inputs that will be required, setting out design opportunities and what the options are. Giving you clarity and confidence that you can achieve what you want to, before you start the project.
Buying a house is just the start of the journey. Turning it into your dream home is the destination. Explore the potential of your future home, the planning risk and the associated costs with our Feasibility Study Service.
Specialising in retro fit renovations on traditional and contemporary properties, we provide the perfect project team, truly listening to your vision and creating sustainable ‘forever’ homes that exceed expectations. By delivering on time and on budget, together we will ensure that your dreams become reality.
Why move to Newbury?
Located by the river Kennet in West Berkshire, Newbury is a thriving town that boasts links to some of the UK’s largest companies.
Telecoms giant Vodafone, the Swift Group and the Stryker Corporation all have head offices in the Newbury area, offering great employment prospects for those looking to move into the town. Although many towns and villages in the south of England tend to rely on central London for employment opportunities, Newbury boasts a wealth of opportunities in the local area. For the equestrian enthusiast, ‘the Valley of the Racehorse’ is home to an array of famous trainers and is found a short distance to the west of the town. The town is backed up by a newly gentrified shopping centre and development
at the racecourse, which also includes a superb new housing development.
The Parkway centre includes national name coffee shops like Costa Coffee and Coffee #1 and there are a number of excellent restaurants, including 7Bone Burger Co., Nando’s and Cote Brasserie around the town centre.
Ideal living
To the south of Newbury, the former RAF base at Greenham has been transformed into a heathland common and nature reserve, with the runway broken up and used to build the Newbury Bypass; it offers excellent walking. Surrounding the town on three sides is the North Wessex AONB, with footpaths and bridleways along the Ridgeway and the Thames Path.
Shopping in Newbury has recently benefitted from extensive redevelopment including the exciting Parkway project, which includes 50 shops, cafes and restaurants served by over 500 parking spaces. The new racecourse development also includes a hotel and leisure complex. There are lots of landmarks and attractions in Newbury itself: a quick walk around the town will bring you to the iconic town hall, St Nicolas Church, Newbury lock and the clock house. The old Corn Exchange is still in place for everyone to see; it’s a grand old building that now functions as
an arts centre after it underwent renovation in the 1990s. Newbury Racecourse is a popular attraction with fans of horse racing and in November it hosts the annual Hennessy Gold Cup.
Newbury lies just south of junction 13 of the M4 and east of the A34 and offers a direct railway service to London Paddington in under 60 minutes.
www.hamptons.co.uk
Famous Residents
Newbury and the surrounding area has been a home to rockstars, celebrities, athletes, academics, artists and common or garden members of the upper-crust for generations.
Here are a few notable names...
Captain Collet Barke
Countess Raine Spencer
Edward Charles Titchmarsh
Lord George Sanger
Jane Austen
Andrew Lloyd Webber
British military officer and explorer
British socialite and local politician
Leading British Mathematician
English showman and circus proprietor
Author
Composer
Michael Bond CBE, British Author
Richard Adams, English Novelist
Interview with ‘Rainsford’
Tell us a little about the background of your firm?
Rainsford Ltd was started by Interior Architect Rupert Rainsford Mann in1998 and provides Architectural Design, Project Management and Construction Services for residential new build and refurbishment projects in the UK. We specialise in central London and also Home County properties, providing services to discerning clients who require a high level of finish and quality, with projects delivered on time and in budget. As well as our own capability to provide full architectural design services, as a Main Contractor we also work with some of the most highly regarded Architects, Designers and Developers from across the globe, on a wide range of prime residences from modern penthouse apartments to listed buildings and country houses, in both classical and contemporary styles. Our approach is based on listening to our clients and understanding from the outset the unique remit of their project and the most appropriate services to facilitate it. We then tailor our service to meet those particular needs. Our deliverables are entirely adaptable, and we generally find that we provide a fairly evenly spread scope, between providing a full ‘turnkey’ design and build service and taking on the Main Contractor role, alongside the clients’ own design team.
Our head office in West Berkshire is well located for both our London and Home County projects and also refurbishments further afield.
What type of projects have you been working on recently?
In the last few years, we have had an interesting cross section of country and London based projects. We take on external and internal refurbishments of existing properties, as well as new builds .
Our London based projects are almost entirely in prime sites and comprise of single dwellings, town houses, lateral and duplex apartments.
Over the years we have specialised in the design and build of many Listed and Conservation properties and as a design and build firm, we are able to take on challenging and complex planning applications, often bringing in and working with third party experts and specialists, such as Heritage and Planning Consultants. This work relates well to the period properties we work on in the countryside, where an appreciation of the historical vehicular is important when proposing any interior re-configuration or modern external intervention.
Whilst our country work is mostly in Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, we recently completed a large new build project in the Isle of Wight where we are just completing our second project, so as a relatively small and nimble team of designers and builders, we are reasonably flexible in where we can re-locate to, for the right project.
Do you work with investors and landlords?
We work across the board with Estate Agents, Architects, Interior Designers, Quantity Surveyors, Family Offices and Developers, as well as end users. Interestingly I’d say about 90% of our work comes through recommendations, working directly with the owners themselves or the owners team. One of our strengths is working with our clients and guiding them through each stage of the design and build process, engaging them as much or as little as they want. We also work a lot with overseas clients who we might see twice over the refurbishment period, and they entrust us to implement the full turnkey process to the point where they just need to pick up the keys and move in one year on.
Looking back, is there a job that you are most proud of?
We completed a total refurbishment of a lateral flat in Kensington on the 5th floor of a mansion block during the Pandemic. It required a lot of structural work and we not only had to overcome the many complications and technical hurdles thrown up by the building, but also manage this within the framework of the lock down procedures on site. Despite all this we managed to deliver a stunning project of great detail, on budget and on time, against all odds!
Are you happy to give appraisals to Hamptons clients before they exchange?
Yes, we are, and we do this quite a lot working with agents and property finders, as not only does it help prospective owners to see the property in an alternative way, but it also allows us to form an important working relationship with any prospective client. Clear communication, coupled with inventive and practical solutions wrapped up in a transparent process, are what we find our clients are looking for, especially during these times when construction costs are at an all-time high. It’s about delivering your clients vision creatively, but for a reasonable cost and adapting to market conditions, giving your client the best value for money.
Pubs & Live Music
“Wet your whistle”
Should you wish to wet your whistle in Newbury you could hardly have a wider choice. ‘Old school’ inns and taverns, cocktail bars, live music venues, gastropubs, they all abide aplenty in Newbury. Here are a few suggestions but the best way to find your ‘local’ is surely to take the air and simply explore.
The Newbury Pub
Experience innovative gastronomy and authentic craft beers in a spacious, townhouse establishment adorned with charmingly rustic yet modern design, complete with a fashionable outdoor patio. 137 Bartholomew Street, Newbury RG14 5HB England
www.thenewburypub.com/
Catherine Wheel
Relaxed outpost serving ales, cocktails & traditional country pub fare like scotch eggs & pies.
The Lock, Stock & Barrel sees traditional charm meet modern comfort on the banks of the River Kennet. It’s long been regarded as one of the best pubs in Newbury for fresh food and cracking cask ales and it just got even better after our recent refurbishment.
This lively pub, situated in the centre of Newbury, offers an array of exciting amenities. With five boutique rooms available, it is an ideal destination for those seeking accommodation. The pub also offers ample space for hosting private dinners, parties, meetings, and other events. The pub’s enchanting garden also features three heated huts and a heated pergola.
A great spot for live music and local quiz nights this local favourite is a no-frills gastropub serving delicious Mexican food alongside a great selection of beers of draft.
39 West St, Newbury RG14 1BD www.facebook.com/thelionatnewbury/
Interview with ‘JB Groundcare’
JB Groundcare Ltd is an experienced company of professional garden experts, offering the full range of garden services. Primarily we are horticulturalists, but the main part of our business is building beautiful gardens, including design, restoration, landscaping and planting, followed, of course, by the all-important on-going maintenance.
So you’ve collected the keys from Hamptons and moved into a new house with a generous sized garden but no character or features. What’s the first step?
Welcome to your new home! Once you have settled in, you might want some advice on improving your garden. We can help!
We can offer a free-of-charge, no obligation visit to advise on how to improve and enhance the garden. We offer a full garden design and build service, with all works and planting being implemented efficiently and professionally by our specialist landscaping and gardening teams. Whatever your style and requirements, we can create the garden of your dreams to suit both your budget and your ability to maintain the garden in the future.
I guess people are influenced by things they see at gardening shows. What sort of things are on trend at the moment?
Wild gardens are currently hugely popular. Meadows filled with bee- and insectfriendly flowers abound and we applaud this trend. For many years, we have promoted environmentally friendly gardens incorporating space for you and your family to use and enjoy, as well as making areas where the natural world will thrive. When it comes to design, the choice is yours. We can create a classical English country garden,
an ultra-modern, minimalist scheme, or a cottage garden filled with roses and delphiniums. Your shout! Your garden will be your individual, personal space and we will ensure it is stimulating, inspirational, and a joy to all who experience it.
What if a client is selling a house and needs to add some kerb appeal, they may not want to invest as much a buyer, what would you suggest?
Thinking of selling? Does your garden need a facelift? We can offer a free-of-charge, no obligation garden visit to discuss ideas to enhance and improve the place for the all-important sale photographs, and for the period when the property is on the market. We will work within a budget to tweak the garden so it looks its very best.
Do your clients have specific ideas about what they want or do they more often give you a blank canvas to work with?
Every client is unique and each garden is too. We are happy to tailor our work to suit the requirements of the clients and their family and to create a scheme that sits well with the architecture of the house, and works with the soil and countryside around. JB Groundcare Ltd will turn your vision into a reality, and if needs be, we will hold your hand through the design process so you end up with the garden that you want. We are never short of ideas!
Does it matter what time in the year people contact you?
We work all the year round and the office is always open! There are, of course, better times of year to undertake various works and planting jobs but we work with the seasons to ensure the least disturbance and the finest results for our clients.
Local Hotspots
Enjoy an artisan coffee, while exploring great fashion boutiques right in the picturesque heart of Newbury!
Mrs B’s Kitchen Cafe and Catering
This catering company operates from a warehouse located in Faraday Road, conveniently situated right next to the Newbury News. While diligently preparing meals for their catering clients, they also welcome visitors to their establishment, which doubles as a cozy café. Guests are invited to experience their exceptional coffee, sourced from Extract Coffee Roasters, along with delectable homemade dishes.
5Q Faraday Rd, Newbury RG14 2AD www.mrsb.kitchen/
The Flower Pot Cafe
A lovely little cafe serving breakfast and brunch with great vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Great service and value for money.
Inch’s Yard, 11 Market St, Newbury RG14 5DP
www.en-gb.facebook.com/ theflowerpotcafenewbury/
Kikis Café
A quality greasy spoon with a big garden space. The staff are down to earth, always keeping it simple and delicious. Newtown Rd, Newbury RG14 7EY
Weavers Coffee Shop
A Beloved Newbury Establishment: This establishment stands as a pillar of the Newbury community, consistently delivering exceptional service through a team of welcoming and courteous staff. Perfect for afternoon tea in your local independent. 1 and 2, Old Bake House Chambers
Weavers Walk, Northbrook St, Newbury RG14 1AL
Tiny Cafe
A little independent cafe serving a unique array of homemade cakes and pastries, full english breakfast and hot and cold drinks.
15 The Broadway, Newbury RG14 1AS
Teashop by the Canal
Visitors are warmly invited to the charming and hospitable teashop located alongside the canal. Nestled within a distinctive grade II listed building on the picturesque Kennet and Avon waterway, the teashop offers a truly unique setting. The dedicated team takes great pleasure in sourcing fresh and high-quality ingredients, which are meticulously prepared with utmost care and presented in their own distinct style.
The Stone, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS www.teashopbythecanal.co.uk/
Boswells Cafe
No matter the time of day, a wide selection of excellent coffees, teas, juices, shakes, smoothies, and more await you. Upon entering, you will consistently receive a warm and friendly welcome, as if you were meeting a dear friend. As you depart, you can be assured that the individuals who served you genuinely valued your presence and ensured that your experience was truly memorable.
50, The Kennet Centre, Newbury RG14 5EN
www.boswellsgroup.com/
The Clothes Shop
Tucked away in Pound Street, Newbury, just off Bartholomew Street is one of Newbury’s best kept secrets:- The Clothes Shop - a classically stylish ladies’ boutique opened in 1985. Ann and Debra own the shop, instantly know what will suit an individual’s shape and colouring and can recommend styles and colours customers may not have tried before.
Matalan is a British fashion and homeware retailer that sims to provide outstanding quality and value for modern families. Newbury Retail Park, Pinchington Ln, Newbury RG14 7HU www.store.matalan.co.uk/ newbury?utm_campaign=location&utm_ medium=Yext&utm_source=ENT&utm_ content=Newbury
Tres Luna Boutique
Full of stylish, affordable and imaginative pieces, Luna brings the latest designs from Italy and France to Newbury. Park Way, Newbury RG14 1DJ www.lunauk.co.uk/
Crew Clothing Company
An established retail chain with a rich nautical legacy, offering a timeless collection of casualwear crafted in classic British designs.
We’re a design studio based in West Berkshire and have been creating innovative gardens for over 10 years. We have an equally balanced passion for both horticulture, plants and nature alongside thoughtful and engaging design. We pride ourselves in our ability to work with our clients from the very beginning of the process through to the realisation of your project and the maintenance beyond. We take an imaginative, practical and commercial approach to our projects, ensuring your outdoor space is completely maximised.
So you’ve collected the keys from Hamptons and moved into a new house with a generous size garden but no character or features. What’s the first step?
To kickstart the process we like to come and meet you, discuss your vision and aspirations for the garden. Determining the scope of works for your project is really where we begin, defining the project requirements and how we can fulfil those ambitions. Some clients have a clear vision of what they may want and need and some clients aren’t
sure where to start. We can work with you in differing approaches, alongside you and guiding you.
Does it matter what time in the year people contact you?
We work on garden projects throughout the year so we can be available for you anytime. It’s important to really plan ahead as early as possible to achieve your proposed projects completion date. If you have a time in mind that you’d like the project completed, we can help define a programme for you to try ensure scheduled timescales are met. Planning through Autumn and Winter will give you the best chance of seeing your project complete and ready to enjoy the following Spring/ Summer.
What type of projects get you most excited? All of them! The opportunity to create change in a client’s life gets you excited every time. From small town gardens to large country estates, each project we’re involved in is going to lead to a positive impact on your day-today life. From creating social spaces to make memories, kitchen gardens that provide therapeutic activities to wildlife gardens that connecting you to the surrounding natural world. We’re versatile and can adapt to work on all types of projects and we get equally excited about each one.
Is there a project that you’re most proud of? 10 years ago, we designed a therapy garden at West Berkshire Hospital, Newbury. We’re immensely proud to know that to this day the garden still provides a retreat to relax, recover, connect and engage for the patients, staff and visitors who use it. We’ve maintained our relationship with the hospital, we’re currently heavily involved in new projects and regularly stop by to see and hear about the positive impact this garden has on so many.
www.joshhandrickgardens.co.uk
Newbury Arts
Why not enjoy a night at one of the great theatres spotted around Newbury!
Clarendon Fine Art Newbury
Discover the newest arrivals available at Clarendon Fine Art. Find the perfect original paintings, fine art prints and more from the largest selection of original art in the UK.
43 Park Way, Newbury RG14 1AY www.clarendonfineart.com/
Stanley Spencer Gallery
The Stanley Spencer Gallery is dedicated to the life experience and imaginative world of one of Britain’s most talented artists. Its regular programme of summer and winter exhibitions promotes inspiration and enjoyment through expertly curated encounters with high quality art. Located in the heart of Cookham village, the Gallery is uniquely connected to Stanley Spencer’s spiritual home and lifelong source of artistic inspiration.
16 High St, Cookham, Maidenhead SL6 9SJ www.stanleyspencer.org.uk/
Arlington Arts
Opened in October 2006 by KT Tunstall, our pedigree as a music venue was set in stone almost immediately. Initially intended as a school resource that could be hired to the local community, Arlington Arts has grown to be considered one of the leading music venues in the South of England. All the while, we have continued to provide support to Mary Hare School and its wider activities with our profits from live events, community projects and corporate hires being donated to the national school for the deaf. T 01635 244246 www.arlingtonarts.co.uk/
Vue Cinema
All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals. The Kennet Centre, Newbury RG14 5EN t. 0345 308 4620 www.myvue.com/cinema/newbury/
City Arts Newbury
City Arts is an independent community art hub in the heart of Newbury, West Berkshire. It was created in 2015 by Claire Struthers-Semple and Isabel Carmona with the aim of providing a friendly and welcoming place to learn, share, teach, collaborate and exhibit art. A place where people could come together and enjoy Art in a friendly environment.
10 Hampton Road Newbury www.cityartsnewbury.org
National Association of Street Artists
We are performers, dancers, musicians, designers, makers, writers and directors. Between us we make performance that is intimate and monumental, strolling and static, that plays with words, images, movement, sound and light, that tells stories and offers worlds of wonder for people to play in.101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space, Communications Rd, Greenham Business Park, Newbury RG19 www.nasauk.org/
Family days out
Newbury is a great destination for a family trip offering entertainment for kids of all ages. We’ve picked some of the most popular family-friendly things to do and sorted them into a handy list.
The Chase Indulge in captivating walks through woodlands, meadows, and heathlands. Adorned by majestic broadleaf and coniferous trees, the landscape is a tranquil haven. Serene streams and a picturesque lake add to the serene ambiance. Wildlife thrives in the sprawling 143-acre expanse, enriching your experience with their diverse presence. Cherish these enchanting moments with loved ones.
A great local park and playground fully stocked with amenities for kids and teenagers alike including climbing frames, swings and basketball courts. Newbury RG14 6SB www. freeparks.co.uk/park/blossomsfield/
Interview with ‘RPA Architects’
Tell us a little about the background of your firm?
RPA Architects Ltd has been operating in the Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire area for almost 21 years. We have a wide range of experience but specialise in private residential homes. We enjoy the challenge of creatively reconfiguring, extending and renovating existing houses, old and new, as well as building bespoke new homes for our clients to enjoy for many years to come.
What type of projects have you been working on recently?
Recent projects include extension and renovation works to Grade II Listed properties, a new build stone farmhouse for a young couple and the conversion of a group of disused agricultural barns to provide a number of contemporary homes.
Our work involves considering energy efficiency and sustainability and we help our clients to make informed decisions on how to improve their home for the future. As part of this process we always advise our clients regarding project budget and we strive to make their money work hard for them throughout the process.
Looking back, there a job that you are most proud of?
We renovated and extended a Georgian Farmhouse in north Hampshire. The house had
been extended in the 1970s but was in a state of disrepair. Renovations included damp treatment, repointing with lime mortar and installing underfloor heating. Existing extensions were totally remodelled and further extended. The work included the installation of a steel and timber staircase with a bridge linking old and new elements, a polished concrete floor and exposed brickwork. The end result has been featured in magazine publications and the owners have a ‘forever home’ of which they are incredibly proud.
Can you tell us a little about your process?
After meeting our clients and agreeing their brief a measured survey is carried out to give us an accurate base on which to develop our proposals. We then produce several concept designs to table and discuss. This establishes client priorities and enables us to refine the design in readiness for a relevant planning application.
Following the planning process we develop the technical design and work with our clients to refine the specification, which allows builders to price the works accurately. Some projects involve specialist input from others and we are there to coordinate this for our clients.
We like to develop a good relationship with our clients to ensure we understand their aims and aspirations, after all building your dream home, whether from scratch or working with an existing building, is an emotional affair and it is important to get it right!
Are you happy to give appraisals to Hamptons clients before they exchange?
Absolutely. We pride ourselves on being responsive to all of our clients from day one. This includes visiting potential clients to help guide them on whether a house would make a good purchase and has the potential to become their future home. We love to help and often find ourselves dreaming about the solutions we could offer way before we are appointed as the project’s architects!
Local Schools
Where our children spend most of their week and how they are being educated is a decision which should take some serious consideration. We have put together this list of suggestions to make your life a little bit easier. Many local schools and nurseries offer free tours so please go and visit your choice options before making that final important decision.
Enborne C.E. Primary School
Our school is a place where the children come first, they are central to every decision we make. We strive to ensure our children are happy and successful; they grow, during their time with us, to be ambitious and resilient. Our talented teachers inspire and motivate children, encouraging scholarship, intellectual curiosity, independent thought and effective learning habits. We are proud that our children are courageous and learn to behave with integrity.
Enborne C of E School, Enborne, Newbury RG20 0JU
www.enborne.w-berks.sch.uk/home
Brockhurst & Marlston House Schools
Our model of education aims to combine the best features of the single sex and co-educational systems and offers you a unique choice of education which we believe best enables boys and girls to achieve their potential and to develop their self-confidence. We are also a progressive school and aim to be at the forefront of developments in education where we think they will offer benefits to our children and parents.
Marlston Rd, Hermitage, Thatcham RG18 9UL
www.brockmarl.org.uk/
Our culture of achievement is fuelled by a love of learning, grounded in our core values, and driven by the belief that everyone can succeed. ‘Excellence Through Endeavour’, our school motto, perfectly communicates our belief that through hard work and determination every pupil can achieve things they didn’t think were possible. Our curriculum and co-curriculum offer ensures that during their time with us, pupils gain knowledge, lifelong learning habits, creativity, self-confidence and a social conscience. Stoney Ln, Thatcham RG19 4LL www.kennetschool.co.uk/app/os#!/home-2
Every girl at Downe House is valued, supported and challenged as an individual and provided with an exceptional range of opportunities to explore and develop her strengths. So many things make the difference at Downe – we aim to ignite a love of learning and ensure that when the time comes to leave, she believes she can achieve anything.
Compton C of E Primary School is a remarkable school. We pride ourselves on providing the best possible primary education for all our children. As a Church School, we have established a clear vision and a set of values which are embedded into our school culture and demonstrate our Christian Distinctiveness. You can read more about this in our Key Information section. Simply put, we want all our children to ‘Live life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10) in order for them to Learn, Achieve and Flourish. We provide high quality teaching and learning and subsequently have very high standards of achievement. In addition, we provide countless opportunities for all our children, both inside and outside of the classroom, to enable them to flourish.
School Rd, Compton, Newbury RG20 6QU www.comptonprimaryschool.org/westberks/ primary/compton
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary and Nursery School is a happy and inclusive school, where we are all committed to fulfilling our Mission Statement: Following in Jesus’ footsteps; Recognising the Holy Spirit in ourselves and each other; and Nurturing our God-given gifts. We are a wonderful, diverse, multicultural community with a strong Catholic ethos, where the teaching of the Gospels is at the centre of all we do. Our strong welcoming ethos and sense of belonging ensures that all children make progress with our dedication to encourage them to be the best that they can be, both within our St Joseph’s family and in their future lives.
St. Bart’s is an outstanding secondary school that prides itself on developing each individual as a valued member of the school community wanting all students to make excellent progress, develop essential life skills and to contribute positively to the school and the wider community.
We deliver garden design services across Berkshire, London and the South East - from hard landscaping, garden structures and zoning, to materials, colour and planting, outdoor kitchens, spas and pools.
At the heart of our ethos is our aim to design gardens which create wonderful moments and memories, connecting our clients to nature, inspiring wellbeing and thoughtfully linking outdoor and indoor spaces. We support and encourage biodiversity and the ecology of every garden, and we are passionate about sustainable design. As part of an Architectural and Interior Design Practice, we are uniquely placed to offer design services across the entire home.
You have just bought your new Hamptons home and the garden is a blank canvas, what do I do next?
The best way to start creating your dream garden is by meeting you at your home. We combine your wish list with our insights, local knowledge and years of experience to quickly
give you an overview of what is possible. Combining our ideas with your requirements and tastes, we create a concept vision and from there, the project requirements, timelines and costings, so you have a clear understanding of the full design process.
What projects does HollandGreen Landscapes specialise in?
We design for all types of gardens, from family gardens and wildflower meadows in Berkshire, to country estates in the Cotswolds and courtyard gardens and balconies in London. Every garden is unique, and we love working with our clients to create spaces that work perfectly for them.
How do you create a magical garden?
Our aim is for you to have a joyful, emotional connection to your garden. One of the early steps in the design process is learning about what you like and the gardens that have inspired you. We believe the art of a beautifully designed garden is creating spaces which draw people to them, be that for some calming alone time, or as a social space with family and friends. Our attention to detail and sense of place means every garden is uniquely and imaginatively considered.
What follows the design process?
Using our network of specialist contractors and suppliers, we source all garden furnishings, trees and plants to the highest quality and your budget. Overseeing your garden’s build and ensuring everything runs smoothly means you will enjoy a rewarding experience and have exactly the garden you wish for.
To start your garden design journey, contact HollandGreen
hello@hollandgreen.co.uk
Tel: 01844 390 381
Josh Handrick (right) and the HG Landscapes Team
Josh Handrick, Senior Landscape Designer at HollandGreen tells us about their Studio.
Award-winning Garden Design
Creating Wonderful Moments and Memories
We are a Landscsape Design Studio, part of the renowned residential Design Practice HollandGreen. Recognised for creating beautifully-crafted gardens at the forefront of sustainability, we link our clients’ indoor and outdoor spaces, inspire wellbeing and forge strong connections to nature.
Fitness & Health
Leading a hectic life? Need somewhere to tone your body, recharge your muscles or simply stretch? We have put together the best locations for you to do just that. Whether you fancy going for a swim or need regular fitness classes, we know that our recommended providers will do their best to keep you in shape.
Newbury Better Health & Fitness Centre
Located in the heart of Newbury on Park Way, Newbury Better Health & Fitness Centre was originally constructed as a cinema complex in the 1930s. With its charming character, the building has undergone an extensive renovation, surpassing £1 million in investment. Apart from offering a wide range of studio classes, the facility features a spacious combined gym and functional/ free-weights area, a swimming pool, a sauna, and a Functional Suite as well as the provision of a comprehensive learnto-swim program for both children and adults.
We’re a health club where you can make fitness fun and revitalise your routine. Drop in for an exercise class - we have over 190 sessions per week. Enjoy a game on the tennis courts, swim some lengths, relax in the spa. Catch up with friends over coffee in the Clubroom. There’s something here for everyone.
We are different to other Gyms! We pride ourselves on offering a first class service providing members with incredible results. Our bespoke app and facility really sets the standard. Train alongside likeminded people within our friendly community whilst being supported and coached throughout your entire programme.
Unit 18 Riverpark Ampere Road
Newbury RG14 2DQ T. 07360 278594 www.shadedfiness.co.uk
Berkshire Fitness & Wellbeing
Offers a comprehensive service to help clients in Newbury, Berkshire reach their goals. from losing fat & improving core stability to repairing muscular strains & reducing postural imbalances.
07736 515281
www.berkshirefitness.co.uk/
Newbury Cross Fit
Enjoy the highest quality workouts based on fundamental and functional movements that support your everyday living. Come challenge your fitness levels. Be clear, be confident & achieve. Leave us with a huge smile on your face, always having achieved.
www.newburycrossfit.co.uk/
Local Restaurants
The Woodspeen
It might be set within a restored 19C farmhouse, but The Woodspeen has a contemporary feel, courtesy of an airy, Scandic-style extension with a vaulted larch ceiling. Menus centre on the seasons and bring together ingredients from the kitchen garden and the surrounding area. Arrive early for a drink in the intimate bar; the ‘25 Yards’ gin is crafted using botanicals from their garden. Lambourn Rd, Woodspeen, Newbury RG20 8BN
www.thewoodspeen.com/
The Vineyard
Stunning original artwork from the owner’s private collection hangs on the walls of this smart hotel restaurant. Elegantly presented dishes are elevated by the skilful preparation of good quality ingredients, and they offer over 50 wines by the glass –some from their own Californian vineyard. Stockcross, Newbury RG20 8JU
www.the-vineyard.co.uk/eat/restaurant/
Indigo Bay
Get together with friends and devour classic Indian curries at this casual dining spot in Bartholomew Street serving delicious house specialties in a welcoming atmosphere. 54-55 Bartholomew St, Newbury RG14 5QA
www.indigobaynewbury.co.uk/
Lusso
Indulge in a delectable pizza, savour cocktails, and relish homemade gelato at this cosy pizzeria with al fresco dining in the charming Weavers Walk. Old Bake House Chambers Weavers Walk, LUSSO 11, Newbury RG14 1AL www.lussokitchen.co.uk/
Mio Fiore
A family run Italian restaurant serving fresh authentic dishes from all regions of Italy alongside a great selection of wine and beer.
5 Inch Yard, Market St, Newbury RG14 5DP
www.miofiore.co.uk/
Goat on the Roof
Seasonal British Tapas alongside natural and sustainable wines that showcase the best organic and sustainable produce from around the British Isles.
At Lebanese House Newbury, they guarantee their customers the finest quality of food and service. The restaurant focuses on the authenticity of Lebanese cuisine and is committed to serving only the best. Their aim is to convey their passion for Lebanese cuisine through a quest for perfect ingredients and techniques. Customers can expect a dining experience centred around carefully prepared Middle Eastern specialties, all in a peaceful, relaxed, yet elegant environment. 5/6, Old Bake House Chambers Weavers Walk, Newbury RG14 1AL
www.lebanesehouse.co.uk/
‘Virtually’ all you need
Some suggested local social media groups to help you connect, learn, buy, sell and have fun.
Newbury and Thatcham Berkshire www.facebook.com/newburyberks/?locale=en_GB
Newbury. Happening now www.facebook.com/groups/351385655623265/
You should inform your Local Authority of where you are moving from and where you are moving to around a month before you move. You can do this here. https://system8.rbwm.gov.uk/ publicaccesslive/selfservice/services/ changeofaddress/coastart.htm
You’ll need to include the forwarding addresses for every adult in the property that pays council tax.
Search for information and services from your council. Information for residents about West Berkshire Council including council tax, bins and recycling, schools, leisure, streets and parking, this and lot’s more at the below link. www.westberks.gov.uk
Planning & Building Control
Unsure which services you need?
If you are thinking of making changes to your property, you may need to apply for planning permission and / or Building Regulations approval. If you’re not sure which applications to make, please use the guidance below to help you to decide what you need to do.
Please note that many developments will require both.
What is planning?
Planning is the process of deciding whether a proposed development should go ahead or not. It uses national and local policies to consider the development in its context and may look at the impact of the work on neighbours and the wider community, existing architecture, the land, the layout, and existing or proposed infrastructure (such as drains, transport and schools).
You will probably need planning permission if your proposed development will do any of the following:
• create a new building, or change the use or appearance of an existing building
• affect the sunlight, privacy or outlook for neighbouring properties
• affect the nearby area with noise disturbance, smell or fumes
• work on or around listed buildings or any conservation areas
• affect traffic volumes, road safety or access
• change the density of development in an area
• use significantly different materials or finishes from nearby properties
• have an effect on existing trees
What is building control?
Building control applies national statutory regulations to ensure the structural quality of any building work, in areas such as safety, public health, accessibility, and the materials used. Most substantial building projects (such as an extension, knocking down walls or converting a garage or loft) will need Building Regulations approval.
