BATTERSEA APRIL 2014 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ABSOLUTELY BATTERSEA & CLAPHAM

APRIL 2014 £3.95

PICK & MIX SKIRTS & JUMPERS: HOW TO WORK SPRING’S STAPLES

David Piddock INSIDE HIS URBAN REALITIES

John Torode PICKS HIS LOCAL HOTSPOTS

Eric Lanlard AT HOME WITH CAKE BOY

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Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Fitzwilliam Road SW11 ÂŁ2,000,000 This stunning three-bedroom Victorian house, beautifully refurbished by the current owner, is ideally located on a sought after residential street in the heart of Clapham Old Town. One of the many draws to this house is an exquisite kitchen/family/dining room, benefiting from a separate utility room, under floor heating and direct access to both the street and a 60ft rear garden. The kitchen itself is beautifully finished with bespoke wall/base units and granite work surfaces. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents. CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666 sales.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Destined to create the world’s most beautiful bathrooms

Battersea showroom: 41 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RE t. 020 7720 9333 Wandsworth showroom: 142 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4EE t. 020 8704 4000

For further London, Kent, Susssex and Surrey showrooms please visit our website or call 0333 011 3333 ‘At Home Design Service’ available see website for details

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APRIL / 2014 CONTENTS 5 9

EDITOR’S LETTER ABSOLUTELY LOVES

Absolutely’s top picks this month

10 WHAT’S ON

Everything that’s happening in your area

Culture 14 ALTERED PERSPECTIVES Discover Clapham-based artist David Piddock’s urban paintings

Style 21 FONDANT FANCIES

Embrace Easter’s sweet tooth with pastels

22 DOLLY MIX

Skirts and sweaters: SS14’s style staples

Health & Beauty 35 HOT FLUSH

Arabella Preston on how to get that springtime blush in your cheeks

Interiors

EDITOR’S letter Food, glorious food’ sang Oliver Twist and you have to give it to him, the boy had a point. The annual Food Issue is always my favourite, not just because we have such a high number of top chefs living locally, but also because it always ends up looking so… delicious. This year, we caught up with Wandsworth local John Torode before he jetted off back to his antipodean homeland for his latest TV series, John Torode’s Australia. Ironically, he spent most of the interview telling us why he was a terrible Aussie, but he did also get around to revealing his favourite eateries in southwest London. Find out where they are on p.58. We were also allowed into Cake Boy Eric Lanlard’s home (without getting a restraining order – brilliant!) for a behind the scenes interiors shoot. Colourful and bold, see the kitchen where the master pâtissier works his magic on p.43. Besides this, we also review London House (Gordon Ramsay’s new opening in Battersea), share our top pick of this year’s Easter eggs, unveil a sumptuous chocolate shoot and select the very best bright products for kitting out your kitchen. All in all, a mouth-watering issue. I hope you’re hungry…

43 AT HOME WITH CAKE BOY Inside Eric Lanlard’s Wandsworth house

49 GET SPRUNG

Absolutely’s cracking Easter-inspired interiors

Food & Travel 58 JOHN TORODE

Danny Bowman gets the scoop on his food hotspots in southwest London

65 IT’S AN EGG-STRAVAGANZA! This year’s best Easter eggs

66 THE ART OF CHOCOLATE

The astounding chocolate sculptures from Wimbledon’s Rocco Tanzarella

73 TRIED AND TESTED

Absolutely reviews London House, Putney Canteen and Cannizaro House

84 SOUTHERN CHARM

Georgie Lane-Godfrey discovers Italy’s unspoilt rural idyll: Puglia

Property 122 SPOTLIGHT ON... The very best of Balham

126 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Meet Fiona Bourke, Head of Lettings at Sullivan Thomas, Wandsworth

ON THE COVER: BEAUTY & PRO

Georgie Lane-Godfrey

Editor FIND US ON FACEBOOK ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’ & TWITTER ‘ABSOLUTELY _ MAGS’

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HAIR BEAUTY MAKE-UP

BATTERSEA & CLAPHAM EDITOR Georgie Lane-Godfrey EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Catherine Hales SUB-EDITOR Julia Fuller

As Voted By Tatler -

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Georgie Coleridge Cole, Charlie Gilkes, Robbie Honey

Best Boutique Salon 2013

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ADVERTISING MANAGER Luke Webb ACCOUNT MANAGER Debra Taylor GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR Alexandra Hunter HEAD OF PROPERTY Anna Hutton-Potts SOUTH PROPERTY EDITOR Lucie Pearce ART DIRECTOR Ray Searle SENIOR DESIGNER Phil Couzens PRODUCTION MANAGER Stewart Hyde MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER Gemma Isteed PRODUCTION DESIGNER Tahir Kapucu ARTWORKER Ekrem Yilmaz JUNIOR DESIGNERS Edward Taylor, Rebecca Noonan PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Christine Mann FINANCE DIRECTOR Alexandra Hvid FINANCE MANAGER Marianne McFadden DIRECTOR Greg Hughes MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout

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020 76224665 / 020 76223727 WWW.CHARLOTTECAVE.COM

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05/03/2014 17:46

06/03/2014 11:21

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At Apples & Bees the Independent family-run local health shop, you can improve your inner and outer self with our wide range of health foods, drinks, sports nutrition and skincare brands. This month we are celebrating our one year anniversary. Thank you to every one of our customers for their continued support. We are very excited to announce a new launch within the store, with Sprout juice bar.

New in store...

With spring just around the corner, there is no better time to welcome Sprout Juicery to the Battersea Park area! Specialising in healthy, fresh, organic and cold pressed juices/smoothies, raw vegan food and desserts. Sprout is the resulting vision of creator Danielle Hayley, a Canadian born model, naturopathic health advocate and yogi. With partner Eywa Dani the girls put an innovative spin on your typical juice bar, taking inspiration from Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and India. Sprout uses wholesome, pure and locally sourced ingredients, creating delicious vegan snacks, salads, soups, wraps and desserts! Daily/weekly juice cleanses and meal plans available to detox, reset and recharge for spring. Catering also available. Sproutjuicery@gmail.com

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TED BAKER SS14

Bright pastels and bold patterns dominate Ted Baker’s SS14 collection, which also features nipped-in waists and tulip skirts. The sports luxe trend also gets a nod with zipped bombers and slinky shorts. Available from Debenhams, 315 Lavender Hill, SW11, 0844 561 6161; tedbaker.com

Absolutely

NARS RADIANCE REDEFINED

There’s no better time than spring to add a little colour to your make up. NARS’s Timanfaya Satin Lip Pencil and China Seas Duo Eyeshadow are just the ticket. Space NK, 46 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7228 7563; narscosmetics.co.uk

CHARBONNEL ET WALKER

Banana sea salt caramel truffles is a bit of a mouthful but at least it's a tasty one! Luxury chocolatiers Charbonnel et Walker manage to make this riot of flavours work wonderfully and the packaging makes them the perfect gift. They are, however, rather difficult to give away. £12.50; charbonnel.co.uk

EDG CUFFLINKS A luxury designer collection of genuine British-made cufflinks by fabulous new brand EDG, The Collection is totally unique, with eye catching vibrant colours and great British design and craftsmanship. £105; edgcufflinks.com

HELPING EVERYBODY FIND THEIR PERFECT HOME

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slower pace - I promise I'll keep up! I've been all over travelling around, but now I'm looking for somewhere I can call home forever. I'll be the most loyal friend you've ever had and the only thing I ask for is plenty of hugs! I'm ready to embark on a brand new kind of adventure... If you can offer Zena a home, please call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 0843 509 4444 for more information.

L O V E S

JAEGER DRESS Take the inevitable spring floral trend in a slightly different direction with this lovely dress from Jaeger. Elegant, simple and worlds away from the fussy, girlish designs ‘floral’ often entails, we recommend teaming with brown leather chunky sandals. £220; jaeger.co.uk

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don’t miss

WHAT’S on April

IN THE CINEMA

N OA H

cclaimed director Darren Aronofsky has covered a range of unlikely topics in his illustrious career, and his latest project is one of biblical proportions. Literally. Based on one of The Book of Genesis’s most famous stories (second only to the one about the apple, which as you will recall didn’t end too well), the fable reflects a time in the Bible when God had a tendency to wipe out civilizations with nary a second thought. In a “boy who cried wolf” type situation, it turns out that the man building the giant boat designed to fit two of each animal and his own family (incidentally dangerously narrowing the gene pool for both) is actually the sane one. The story of Noah and the Ark is one that Aronofsky has apparently wanted to

explore right from the beginning, ever since his breakout indie film Pi in 1998. Already a source of controversy, Noah has a star-studded cast including Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Ray Winstone, and will reunite on-screen husband and wife Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Will this movie sink or swim? We’re not making any prophecies just yet (sorry), so watch this space. Although, we are curious to see whether or not this will spark off a series of Hollywood adaptations of Bible stories seeing as The Wolf of Wall Street already has Sodom and Gomorrah covered.

DIRECTED BY Darren Aronofsky STARRING Russell Crowe & Emma Watson IN CINEMAS 4 APRIL

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ABSOLU TELY

ARTS & CULTURE OCCUPIED Theatre503

1 April ˜ 26 April

KATE TEMPEST’S BRAND NEW ANCIENTS Battersea Arts Centre 18 ˜ 20 April

Urban poet, acclaimed spoken word artist, rapper and published playwright… Kate Tempest has certainly come a long way since singing to strangers on the night bus and pestering MCs to give her a go on the mic. Her new project, Brand New Ancients, explores the everyday Gods found across London – in the offices, the alleyways and the supermarkets – lyrically and beautifully recited over a thundering live soundtrack. A truly unique and inspirational experience. Lavender Hill, SW11, 020 7223 2223; bac.org.uk

‘We are making little territories in your country, a hostile takeover of your garden sheds, your abandoned houses and your toilets! The occupation has begun!’ Occupied tells the story of two Romanian immigrants, gripped with a need to belong, who decide to kidnap two Englishmen in order to study them and learn the ways of the English. The play is set in a derelict Victorian public toilet – but don’t let that put you off. The Latchmere, 503 Battersea Park Road, SW11, 020 7978 7040; theatre503.com

FLOWER CLASSES New Covent Garden

2 April & 29 ˜ 30 April The perfect opportunity for flower enthusiasts to develop their interest into a real skill, acclaimed florist and sought after teacher Robbie Honey is now offering classes. Currently there are two on offer, the ‘Floristry Introductory Class’, which costs £350 and the twoday ‘Advanced Wedding Flower Workshop’, which is £750. For more information on being taught by one of the best in the biz, contact Miriam at miriam@robbiehoney.com

must see

TRADE ROOTS

LA BOHÈME

21 March ˜ 21 April

5 April

contemporary look at traditional mores, Trade Roots features the work of Dawit Abebe, Faig Ahmed and Phoebe Boswell, all of whom seek to explore the intricacies and contradictions bound within ritual. The exhibition will showcase charcoal drawings, paintings and textiles designed to ‘examine the impact of new technologies, the deconstruction and reconstruction of tradition.’ 533 Old York Road, SW18, 020 8875 0110; artecogallery.com

This classic love story, set against a backdrop of 1830’s Paris, is the most performed opera in Met history and it’s not hard to understand why: starving artists, the oppressive bourgeoisie, passion, death – it has it all. Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Puccini’s masterpiece starring Anita Hartig and Vittorio Grigolo will once again grace our screens, so don’t miss it this time round!

Art Eco Gallery

Clapham Picturehouse

76 Venn St, London SW4, 0871 902 5727; picturehouses.co.uk

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TIERRA VERDE

ARTISAN AND ORGANIC

FOODS FROM SPAIN

We specialize in organic and artisan foods and wines from Spain, including Pata negra Jamon and Sherrys.

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ABSOLU TELY

books

ARTS & CULTURE

THE WALK HOME by Rachel Seiffert et in Glasgow and London, this is a beautifully written novel from Man Booker Shortlist author Rachel Seiffert. A story about seeing people for what they are and not making judgements, the reader follows protagonist Lindsey on her journey. Seiffert is an extraordinarily deft and humane writer who tells us the truth about love and hope as she gently brings in the more dangerous characters, who’s sinister natures are gradually revealed. A pick of the year by the Guardian, it’s been a few years since Rachel’s last book, however, The Walk Home shows that it is worth the wait.

This month were talking about

PROPERTY NETWORKING EVENT nyone with an interest in propertyrelated business opportunities shouldn’t miss out on this networking event. Wandsworth Borough is enjoying one of the biggest series of urban developments in Europe and its residential market is among the most active in the country. This is the time for businesses and those involved in the property

market to get involved and get in touch in order to make the most of this growth. Both commercial and residential professionals from several different fields will be in attendance and refreshments will, of course, be available. £35 for Wandsworth Chamber Members. £55 to non-members. 6–9pm on 10th April at Battersea Power Station.

A MAD & WONDERFUL THING by Mark Mulholland passionate and heartwrenching debut novel set in Dundalk, the border town of the Republic of Ireland. There is no doubting where the sympathies of the lead character lie, and this will no doubt cause outrage in certain parts of Northern Ireland and divide opinions. Johnny Donnelly is the lead character and his strong voice dominates the book in a brilliant way. Mulholland uses Donnelly to carry out a conversation about the ‘Irish problem’ with a variety of people he meets along his journey. However, unlike some novels addressing this issue, there is a good deal of humour so don’t be put off by the subject.

Scribe Publications; £12.99

out of town

HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW H

Virago; £14.99

arrogate Flower Show was first established

in 1910 as an opportunity for northern horticulturists to participate, unimpeded by distance, in large, prestigious flower shows. Harrogate has much to offer anyone even remotely greenfingered with their large scale ‘Spring Show’ gardens designed to provide inspiration. This year, themes range from a tropical courtyard with the call of the Caribbean, to a coastal retreat complete with driftwood

decking. Landmark events like the Tour de France and the 175th anniversary of the charity, Perennial, will also be represented in showpiece garden form. ‘Plants for every Place’ is particularly useful for Londoners with limited space, as experts are on hand to advise which plants will bloom under certain conditions. Regional Agricultural Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ, 01423 546 158; flowershow.org.uk

CONFRONTING THE CLASSICS by Mary Beard ary Beard manages to be that rare thing: a brilliant academic who is also accessible. Beard has reached a wide audience through her books and television presenting and as such has become a household name in connection to the classics. In her latest book, Beard presents a collection of essays exploring our rich classical heritage, including Greek drama and Roman jokes, a panoply of famous names and the often hidden world of slaves. The culmination of thirty years at the forefront of classical scholarship, Confronting the Classics is positively unmissable.

Profile Books; £9.99

All books available from Waterstones, The Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8780 2401; waterstones.com

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ALTERED perspectives

Local curator Mel Barry delves into the disorientating distortion of David Piddock’s urban paintings

hen it comes to David Piddock’s panoramic urban landscapes, the truth is often more complex than the fiction. Combining past and present, fact and fiction, there is an enigmatic quality in the work of this Clapham based artist; a scope for exploration. This mystery extends to the way they are painted. Piddock’s semi-realist style is influenced by a fascination with the

juxtaposition of old and modern in the London cityscape, and an intense schooling in analytical drawing during his three years at the Royal Academy. The poetic licence taken in his distinctive oil paintings of London backwaters and icons combine illusory tricks with perspective, lighting and subject matter, resulting in finishes that do not correlate with reality. In his Greenwich series, there is plenty of intriguing detail to discover. Two of the paintings, Greenwich Park and The Observatory, were pieced together and built up in stages over a year. Intentional inconsistencies lurk within both, but particularly in The Observatory, which depicts an altered viewpoint that is immediately believable. This deliberate signature effect is achieved to varying degrees in both paintings, but with very different techniques. Nick Wood’s 360 degrees photography was the original inspiration for the Greenwich series. In preparation for The Observatory Piddock collaborated with Wood, also Clapham-based and well known for his panoramic shots of London. The Observatory is based on twelve of Wood’s photographs, each taking in around 30 degrees wherein the point of light swivels from all angles, falling on the subject from left to right. The shadows in the foreground and background of the final painting therefore portray a mixture of lighting

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ABSOLU TELY

ART & CULTURE

THE OBSERVATORY (59 X 244CM)

HERON QUAY II (61 X 72CM)

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

LA CUCINA NAPOLETANA NEAPOLITAN COOKING...WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US AT Donna Margherita?

‘our vera pizza napoletana is famous in both london & napoli’

t’s memories of coming home from school and smelling the different dishes prepared by the neighbours as we walked through the narrow vicoli of Napoli. All those wonderful flavours filling the air sends your olfactory senses into overdrive. For example, il profumo del mare (the perfume of the sea) evokes the essence of our signature dish – Linguine with lobster, cherry tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius garlic and just a sprinkling of fresh chilli. As with all Neapolitan recipes, the emphasis is always on the freshest produce – we just turn up the volume. The entire region of Campania is

renowned for the quality of its produce, and this is reflected in the approach to food and cooking in general. It is little wonder that 4 million people choose to live in proximity of one of the most turbulent volcanos in the world. The land around this mountain is so fertile and helps produce the best tomatoes – the vital ingredient for our ‘Vera Pizza Napoletana’ for which we are famous in both London and Napoli.

Campanian cuisine is varied and we pride ourselves in always sourcing the best produce. Mozzarella from Battipaglia, artichokes from Paestum, artisan pasta from Gragnano and black truffles from Avellino are just few stars from our specials board, which changes on a weekly basis. And as the Romans used to say, dulcis in fundus (or ‘sweets at the end’) – don’t miss our pastiera (ricotta, wheat and candied citrus peel tart) or a wonderful fragrant limoncello-infused baba... Buon appetito! 183 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TE, 020 7228 2660 www.donna-margherita.com

“Nominated best pizza in London” Time Out Food 2010 “Well known locally for quality pizza and friendly family vibe, Donna Margherita is unpretentious” Time Out Food & Drink Guide 08 “Donna Margherita is one of London’s best” London Evening Standard 09 “It was the best thing I’ve eaten in ages” MetroLife, Evening Standard 05 “Not just any ordinary pizza” Guardian 09 “An authentic neighborhood Italian for the Lavender Hill mob”, this “casual” Neapolitan wins particular praise for its “fantastic pizza and pasta” Hardens, Restaurant Guide 09

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ABSOLU TELY

ART & CULTURE

THE COMBINATION OF DARK SKIES WITH STRONG LIGHT IS A TRADEMARK TECHNIQUE EXCHANGE SQUARE I (48 X 90CM)

DETAIL FROM GREENWICH PARK (77 X 300CM)

angles from both left and right, whereas in a true-to-life painting all light would appear to come from the left. The combination of dark skies with strong light is another trademark technique in Piddock’s work, as seen in The Observatory with its night sky and supernatural feel created by the lighting. Meanwhile, the stylistic approach used for Greenwich Park is a subtler amalgamation of multiple light sources. The composition is lit from the left, with the low sun casting long shadows, but the fall of the background light is at a slightly different angle than in the foreground. The effect is entirely believable despite, once again, not being true to life. Greenwich Park is based on a wide-angle viewpoint, yet Piddocks’s distinctive interpretation of the vertical and horizontal results in a classical one-point perspective, as though he traced on a flat piece of glass what he saw when looking at the view. The Observatory, however, captures a pirouetted viewpoint, based on curved horizontals from the 360 degree photograph. David describes this as working with wave-like horizontals, advancing and receding as the view rotates. Ultimately these magical paintings exist because Piddock employs unconventional parameters to achieve harmony within his altered perspectives and fictional stage. In taking this artistic decision, he has moved away from an obsession with observing directly and seeing immense detail to plot reality. ‘After measuring everything within an inch of its life during a year of analytical drawing at the Royal Academy, I came to the conclusion that there is no absolute truth to be found,’ he explains. ‘I became interested in using perspective as a frame of reference, and a basis for improvisation and invention, while accepting certain conventions at the outset.’ The result is a fictional truth, a blend of the real and the unreal, which cleverly intrigues the viewer, prompting us to question what we perceive to be ‘reality’.

IMposters

Look closely, and you’ll see that Piddock frequently invents and fictionalises, adding non-existent features in his works… Winter and spring trees co-exist in Greenwich Park, which has a layer of people imported into the foreground creating a double viewpoint. Meanwhile fictional moonlight is a captivating feature in The Observatory. The artist occasionally makes a Hitchcockian cameo appearance in his paintings, such as in Pimlico, a painting which blends two perspectives. Piddock’s London City and Riverside series is set in St Katharine’s Dock, Exchange Square and the Broadgate development behind Liverpool Street station, all of which include a number of altered and rearranged elements. Two pieces set in Heron Quay, the dockside hinterland of Canary Wharf, feature imported statuary. The angel featured in Heron Quay II is based on an ancient terracotta statue at the British Museum. The torso in Heron Quay I (above) is a 14th century ivory by Pisano, housed at the V&A.

+ +

Paintings may be viewed at David’s studio by appointment and, at the time of writing, are all available to purchase. For enquiries and appointments please call Mel Barry on 07817 757 571 or email mel barry@outlook.com davidpiddock.com

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06/03/2014 13:50

A4 Advert_Layout 1 05/03/2014 13:27 Page 1

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ABSOLU TELY

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label SS14 Collection, available from Matches Fashion, 34 High Street, Wimbledon, SW19, 020 8947 8707; matchesfashion.com

CATWALK & CLOSET

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Neutral Territory Vivienne Westwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gold Label combines quirky cuts with sophisticated neutral hues for cool summer style

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CATWALK & CLOSET Joules Flockton Bracelet, £19.95; joules.com Louche Lovebirds Grey Watch, £55; joythestore.com RYAN LO SS14

Burberry Prorsum Lace Shirt, £595; net-a-porter.com

Madeleine Thompson Redcliffe Cardigan, £317; net-a-porter.com

Missoni Tri-colour Geometric Dress, £878; matchesfashion.com

Chloe Marcie Medium Satchel, £840; matchesfashion.com

Dolce & Gabbana Single Breasted Wool Coat, £1,595; matchesfashion.com

Hobbs Bella Coat, £649; hobbs.co.uk

FONDANT FANCIES

Red Valentino Cotton-blend Coat, £640; net-a-porter.com

T by Alexander Wang Bi-colour Sweater, £260; matchesfashion.com

Embrace Easter’s sweet tooth with candy colours, perfect pastels & dusky, ice-cream shades 21

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06/03/2014 11:18

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06/03/2014 11:19

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06/03/2014 11:19

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Spotty cotton and cashmere blend sweatshirt, £395, by Mulberry at Net-a-porter.com Ivory tulle and lace dress (worn underneath), £830, by Katya Katya Shehurina Crystal flower ring, £68, by Butler & Wilson Black fishnet tights, £5.65 by Jonathan Aston Black leather strappy sandals, £670, by Casadei

STOCKISTS Photographer: Helen McArdle at ERA Management Stylist: Charlie Moore Model: Iris at Milk Management Make up artist: John Christopher at Lovely Management using M.A.C Hair stylist: Aaron Carlo at Frank Nail artist: Asher Coleman using Sally Hansen Shot on location at Belair House, 1 Gallery Road, Dulwich, SE21 7AB; belairhouse.co.uk Belair House is available for hire for weddings and private functions.

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1 Chantecaille Cheek Creme £19.50; uk.spacenk.com 2 NARS Blush in Sex Fantasy £21.50; uk.spacenk.com 3 Benefit Lollitint £24.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk 4 Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Blush £18; clarins.com 5 Burberry Light Glow Tangerine Blush £29; uk.burberry.com 6 By Terry Cellularose Blush Glace in Flower Sorbet £38; uk.spacenk.com 7 YSL Blush Palette, £42.50; yslbeauty.co.uk 8 Wild About Beauty Multi-purpose Tint in Lynee, £16.50; wildaboutbeauty.com

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Celebrated pâtissier Eric Lanlard’s Wandsworth home is an exercise in contemporary living, effectively combining bold colour with modern design

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06/03/2014 10:55

A WE’VE ALWAYS LOVED COLOUR, SO IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE A VIBRANT, LAID-BACK ATMOSPHERE

tree-lined street close to Wandsworth Common replete with traditional period properties may not be the most obvious place to unearth a glass-built, partly subterranean contemporary home, but French baker Eric Lanlard has always been one to break the mould. Aside from a brief stint in East London, Eric’s base has been south of the river since he moved here in 1989, making his name as an innovative pâtissier working for the Roux brothers, before setting up his own business. Along with his partner Paul, Eric’s first property was a Victorian house in Putney, but both longed for the kind of light-filled home more typically found in Los Angeles or Sydney. ‘We were contemplating building our own, when we came across a fabulous glass cube house tucked away on St John’s Hill,’ recalls Eric. ‘It was ideal for us and we lived there for nearly eight years, until we felt we had outgrown the space.’ Fortunately the pair stumbled across their current home, built following the same principles, but with more room for their growing art collection, and snapped it up five years ago. ‘It was developed on

the former plot of nine garages, squeezed in between several properties,’ says Eric. ‘In fact, we have fourteen neighbours.’ But such is the ingenuity of the design, you would never know it. Built on a relatively narrow but deep plot, the house surrounds a Zen-like courtyard on three sides, creating a perfectly enclosed space, hidden from prying eyes. Light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows on both ground and basement levels. ‘The space has been used really cleverly,’ muses Eric. ‘Basements can be dark, but in this case the ceilings are high and large windows harness plenty of light.’ The

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ground floor houses the main living areas and the master suite, while additional bedrooms, office space, cinema and laundry are downstairs. And though their home is characterized by swathes of glass, there’s still plenty of space to hang their art collection, featuring treasured pieces by Andy Warhol, Raphaella Spence and Andrew Kinsman as well as sculptures by Mauro Perucchetti. ‘We’ve always loved colour and so it was important to create a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere, where friends and family can relax,’ explains Eric. ‘The art gives an edge to the scheme, while pops of colour, such as

the purple sofa, ensure the feel is informal. There’s a danger that a contemporary home can feel a little cold, so we wanted to counter that.’ Unsurprisingly, the kitchen, with its open-plan layout, is the heart of this home and offers the perfect opportunity for Eric to test recipes, entertain and film for TV. It stands up to the demands of a pastry chef, with its generous central island and a bank of integrated storage and ovens. ‘I would have preferred a gas rather than an electric hob, as I find it gives me more control, but that’s my only gripe,’ admits Eric. ‘It’s brilliant for entertaining friends though

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– we have a more formal dining room, but I prefer gathering in the kitchen area. As a trained chef, I’m comfortable cooking in front of people; I’m organised and I clean up as I go, so I have no problem cooking and chatting simultaneously. Personally, I don’t like being invited to dinner and then not seeing the host all evening because they’re holed up in a separate kitchen.’ Eric’s patisserie and pastry school, Cake Boy, is a twenty-minute walk away, at Battersea Reach. And when he’s not travelling, the chef can still be found producing pastries there at 6.30am daily. ‘Paul and I work long hours,’ he says, ‘so we try to relax as much as possible in the evening. The area is fantastic for eating out and it’s important to support local businesses.’ Current favourites include Chez Bruce, The Good Earth on Bellevue Road (whose sister site also serves up Chinese takeaways on St John’s Hill), and Dip and Flip on Battersea Rise for ‘the best burgers in town. It’s a very cool place.’ Sunday mornings are spent tucking into burritos with chorizo and scrambled eggs at Ben’s Canteen. And after five years, Eric says he still gets a thrill when he walks through the front door of this lightfilled house. ‘I think we’ve filled all available wall space now with our art, but we’re determined not to outgrow this home. So we store lots of pieces and rotate them every so often for a fresh look.’ Next on the agenda is an outdoor kitchen. ‘That would be fantastic, although we’re not blessed with the best weather here. But I’d love to make it work.’ And with a home that’s just as suited to sunnier climes as it is to British shores, it looks like Eric Lanlard will be able to have his cake and eat it too.

I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO HAVE A GAS RATHER THAN AN ELECTRIC HOB AS I FEEL IT GIVES ME MORE CONTROL Cake Boy’s latest app, full of new recipes, £4.99, can be downloaded on apple and android. Cake making day classes available at Cake Boy from £195 per person; cake-boy.co.uk

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06/03/2014 14:54

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Accessible Aspirational Interior Design 10% off design if you quote “Absolutely” For a complimentary consultation please contact us on 07711 408 111 or 07711 408 117 info@interiorelegancelondon.com www.interiorelegancelondon.com

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Lindt Gold Bunny and Fluffy Ears, £4.99; lindt.co.uk

Charbonnel et Walker 7.7kg Big Bertha Egg, £350; charbonnel.co.uk

Marks & Spencer Dulce De Leche Flavoured Chocolate Speckled Egg, £12; marksandspencer.com

Harvey Nichols Chocolate Egg Filled with Truffles, £24.95; harveynichols.com

Rococo Gentleman Bunny, £35; rococochocolates.com

CHOCOLATE EGGSTAVAGANZA 8 of the best Easter eggs

st mu ve a h Fortnum and Mason Jewellery Easter Egg, £200; fortnumandmason.com

Godiva Floral Beaded Egg, £55; godiva.com Hotel Chocolat The Splat Chocolate Easter Egg, £12.50; hotelchocolat.com

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RUFFLE

SOME FEATHERS London Fashion Week and National Nestbox Week coinicided this year, so to celebrate top British designers such as Dame Vivienne Westwood, Jasper Conran, Julien Macdonald and John Rocha set their creative juices to designing birdboxes, which were then auctioned off to raise money for the RSPB. ‘The UK’s wildlife is a cause that really needs our help,’ explains Giles Deacon. ‘It’s fabulous that so many designers have got behind this idea – it’s fun and makes the world a better, more beautiful place – just like fashion!’ rspb.org.uk

GARDENING

notes

THE INSIDER Robbie Honey gives his top tip for the month

GARDEN GLORY Launching in the UK for the first time is Scandinavian brand Garden Glory, which offers designer garden hoses. Outlandishly fabulous, we love the ‘Gold Digger’ reindeer wall mount and matching hose. £89.95; gardenglory.se

AL FRESCO feasts t might be slightly optimistic of us considering the Great British weather, but we think one of these outdoor kitchens by WWOO would be perfect for our gardens. We’re particularly enamoured with their wood-fired pizza ovens, giving a whole new meaning to gourmet gardening. wwoo.nl

Glass heart These sweet and simple hanging glass vases from Oscar & Eve will perk up any room. £4.95 each; oscarandeve.co.uk

MAGNOLIA STELLATA he radiant white star-shaped flowers of the aptly named 'Magnolia Stellata' bloom in March and April. The flowers appear on leafless branches, which only serve to highlight their exquisite stellar shape. Magnolia Stellata is a compact shrub, and so is perfectly suited to a small London garden. It does best in a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade and likes well-drained soil. Even though its flowering period is brief, when this magnolia ‘does its thing’ it provides such light and drama that it is an absolute joy to behold!

Robbie will be holding floristry classes in Covent Garden throughout April; robbiehoney.com

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We pride ourselves on a mission to produce delicious, fresh and imaginative food conducted with a high level of personal involvement and a flexible approach.

CORPORATE EVENTS, PRIVATE PARTIES, WEDDINGS AND PICNICS

Unit 19, Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QL TEL: 020 7978 4008 ď ś WWW.SUGARANDSPICEFOOD.COM

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THE

sweet

ESCAPE

Celebrating the famous novel’s 15th anniversary, The Little Book of Chocolat is a collection of fifty mouthwatering recipes drawing inspiration from Vianne Rocher’s deliciously decadent chocolaterie. Naughty and seductive, prepare to fall in love with chocolat all over again…

The Little Book of Chocolat: Fifty recipes celebrating the bestselling novel ‘Chocolat’ by Joanne Harris and Fran Warde, £12.99 (Doubleday). Photography by Philip Webb.

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Serving Brunch, Dinner & Drinks 7 days a week

Ben’s Canteen is an all day neighbourhood hangout; pop in for brunch, dinner and drinks 7 days a week. We’re proud to serve one of the most indulgent brunches in London with great coffee and epic Bloody Mary’s. In the evenings we serve Small Plates and Big Juicy Burgers alongside awesome Cocktails, craft Beers and exciting Wines.

140 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1SL Call us on 020 7228 3260 to reserve a table.

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Bunny got baked

food notes

Spring has well and truly sprung at GAIL’s this month thanks to its new range of tasty Easter treats. Spicy hot cross buns, chick gingerbread biscuits and garibaldi bunnies are the order of the day, as well as our favourite, the Easter Bunny Cupcake – vanilla sponge, white chocolate icing and pink-iced shortbread ears. Almost too cute to eat…almost. GAIL’s, 64 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7924 6330; gailsbread.co.uk

PIE IN THE SKY Award-winning Bristolian pie makers Pieminster have spread their wings to bring their hearty produce to London. With 11 delicious savoury fillings to choose from, we’re in danger of becoming just a tiny bit obsessed with all things pie. Find them in Waitrose in Wandsworth and Balham, and Sainsbury’s in Clapham Common. pieminister.co.uk

CHARLIE GILKES

Cocktail New kid on the block

OF THE MONTH

Wimbledon’s SAMA is a new Asianinspired kitchen which lets guests customize their own dishes, choosing from a base of either rice, noodles, soup or salad and adding their own choice of meat, veg, sauce and garnish. Bespoke curries? Yes please! 20 The Broadway, SW19, 020 8946 4538; samakitchen.com

Our innovative bar manager at Barts, Vincenzo Sibilia, has created an unusual but delicious well-balanced drink for Easter, which incidentally coincides with our 5th anniversary – we’d love you to come celebrate with us!

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT ow that the weather is starting to perk up, we’re all for making the most of it. For views as tasty as the food, we love Battersea’s family-friendly River Quarter Kitchen. Serving chunky homemade burgers, crunchy salads and fresh pasta from the open kitchen, the sunny panoramas across the Thames come free of charge. Molasses House, Plantation Wharf, SW11, 020 7978 5055; riverquarterkitchen.com

QUAIL SURPRISE

INGREDIENTS 50ml of Tanqueray Malacca Gin, 15ml of maraschino liqueur, 40ml of milk, 1 egg yolk , 20ml of white sugar METHOD Brilliantly simple! Shake all the ingredients on ice and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a quails egg if you’re feeling adventurous. Charlie owns and runs several venues in southwest London, including Battersea’s Bunga Bunga; inception-group.com

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for all

SEASONS Giuseppe Turi OF PUTNEY’S ENOTECA TURI TALKS TO Absolutely ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SEASONALITY

easonality comes naturally to me,’ explains Giuseppe Turi, owner of Putney’s familyrun restaurant, Enoteca Turi. ‘As a child growing up in Italy, we would eat whatever was in season. It was the same vegetables day in, day out, so we learnt different ways of cooking them. The flavour of a vegetable when in season is at its most intense.’ Hailing from Ostuni, Puglia’s città bianca, Turi has been part of the Putney dining scene for almost 25 years – an achievement

he attributes to his restaurant’s focus on authenticity and seasonal produce: ‘At Enoteca Turi, because our menus change with the seasons, we aim to feature the new vegetables soon as they come in.’ What produce that is depends on the region. Giuseppe explains how much the climate varies from

the North to the South of Italy, which of course impacts on the local cuisine. As a result, there will be dishes from the North which southerners wouldn’t recognise, and vice versa – there isn’t a stereotypical ‘Italian’ food as such.’ Taking this diversity into consideration, Giuseppe has developed a spring menu which reflects the culinary identities of each region, formed, he believes, from its climatic and cultural influences: ‘You find in Puglia, for example, the food is simple with

a strong Greek influence. For example the word lasagna comes from the Greek laganon, meaning a flat cake cut into strips. In central Italy, the italic tribes have always had a largely meat diet, while in the North, due to the Celtic heritage a lot of butter and animal fat are used in the cooking.’ Respecting both the regional and the seasonal in its dishes has been key in creating Enoteca Turi’s authentic menu. Expect to see delicacies from across the country: cavolo nero, a dark,

AT ENOTECA TURI, THE MENU REVOLVES AROUND THE SEASONS, WITH A FOCUS ON AUTHENTIC REGIONAL PRODUCE

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GIUSEPPE’S DEDICATION TO AUTHENTICITY HAS SUCCEEDED IN CREATING A FINE DINING EXPERIENCE WHICH WILL GENUINELY TRANSPORT YOUR TASTEBUDS rich cabbage, and agretti from Tuscany cime di rapa (turnip tops) from Puglia and bright red radicchio from Veneto which, Giuseppe says, is only used in winter ‘as it needs the cold to achieve its colour.’ Unbelievably knowledgeable on the subject, Giuseppe’s dedication to authenticity has succeeded in creating a fine dining experience which will genuinely transport your taste buds. Of course, it’s not just about the food. On the menu you’ll find

suggested wine pairings accompanying every dish, allowing guests to complete their authentic Italian experience. Once again climate reigns supreme, so those wanting a softer, fruitier white should look south. 'The North’s cooler climate retains the grapes’ acidity,’ explains Giuseppe, 'making them dry and crisp, with delicate flavours.’ It’s a similar story for reds, with the northern wine regions, such as Veneto and Piedmont, producing

lighter, medium bodied wines. 'The further south you venture, the more body you can expect. Warmer climates produce those bright ruby reds and deep purples; bold wines which offer great value for money,' he finishes. So, with this in mind, what can we expect to see on the menu for spring? ‘Lots of broad beans and fresh peas,’ says Giuseppe enthusiastically. ‘One wonderful dish we have is a fritedda from Sicily, made with peas, artichokes and broad beans, and cooked together in a sweet and sour sauce of vinegar and sugar – a legacy of the Arab influence on the island.’

With almost 25 years of service to its name, it would seem Enoteca Turi’s focus on authenticity and seasonality is a recipe for success. Family run, the restaurant has stood as a pillar of continuity, whilst many other eateries have opened and closed around it. The message? Enoteca Turi is here to stay. Absolutely's message? Don't miss out on the culinary delights of spring.

Enoteca Turi, 28 Putney High Street, SW15 1SQ, 020 8785 4449; enotecaturi.com

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THE WIZARD OF John Torode might hail from the other side of the world, but he is now so fully entrenched in the southwest lifestyle that if it wasn’t for his Aussie accent, you’d think he’d lived in Wandsworth all his life, says Danny Bowman

s one half of MasterChef’s popular presenting duo, John Torode is a familiar face on our screens. Alongside Gregg Wallace, the sight of Torode masticating his way through thousands of dishes each series entertains more than 6 million viewers, who tune in religiously for his straight-talking judgment of potential culinary stars. It’s a winning formula, and one which has slowly earned him a place in the hearts of foodies across the nation. Now Torode is back on our screens again, this time travelling back to his native Australia on a personal gastronomic road trip. Born and raised in Melbourne by his grandmother, Torode left behind his antipodean roots to move to London over two decades ago – a decision motivated by his need to feel he ‘belonged’ somewhere. ‘I felt like I was a pretty bad Aussie,’ he admits. ‘You think of an Australian bloke and they are probably a lifeguard or they play footy, they are pretty outdoor-sy, they drink beer and

they all have nicknames like Chuck. And I wasn’t like that. I didn’t drink beer, I didn’t like Aussie music at the time, I dressed differently – I was an outsider looking in more than anything else.’ Yet the Aussie is an outsider no more. Fast forward 20 years and Torode is very much central to the food-driven celebrity culture that has filled the British public’s consciousness – a phenomenon which he attributes to programmes like MasterChef which undoubtedly get the nation talking. ‘Embracing the community aspect of food has been a revelation for the UK,’ he explains. ‘They have been doing it

I felt like I was a pretty bad Aussie... I was an outsider looking in more than anything else

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I’M NOT A FOOD CRITIC I work on MasterChef, which is different

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FOOD & TRAVEL

on the continent for years, but we’re there now. In the past, you would discuss things over food; now, food is the conversation.’ As anybody who has seen MasterChef can testify, 47-year-old Torode knows his food. What’s more, he’s not afraid to voice an opinion, even when discussing the local eateries that pattern this eclectic corner of southwest London. ‘Let’s be clear,’ he begins cautiously, ‘I’m not a food critic really. I work on MasterChef, which is different. But thankfully there’s not too much to be critical of locally because there are great restaurants everywhere, up and down from Abbeville Road to Clapham on the pavement – there really is lots of passion, excitement and variety. I like The Dairy in Clapham South, I like Lahore on Norfolk Road, Dip and Flip on Battersea Rise, Cuillos on Balham High Road, and I like The East Hill in Wandsworth. There is a really great choice.’ While the owners of these establishments may be thrilled to have the Torode stamp of approval, the chef admits having one of the country’s leading food names walk into a restaurant can strike fear into the menus of even the most confident of restaurateurs. ‘I’m not some horror,’ he laughs, ‘I’m just a normal person. And I’m not there to shoot anybody down in flames or make any comments about the food, but I do get a reaction.’ And Torode does believe we should speak as we find when it comes to food, insisting that if something’s great about the meal it should be said and, similarly, if part of the experience doesn’t live up to expectations, we should speak up. ‘A good restaurant will

I’m not there to shoot anybody down in flames ...but I do get a reaction

listen to you and they will thank you for the feedback,’ he explains. ‘That’s the only way you can improve as a restaurateur.’ Away from the culinary world, Torode is a staunch southwest London supporter – he lives on the Wandsworth/Balham boundary with his partner, actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner, and his children Marselle, 15, and Casper, 13, both at school in the area. ‘It’s the place where life really grabbed me, and we are very settled,’ he tells me happily. ‘I don’t necessarily believe we will be in Wandsworth forever – you don’t know what is around the corner, do you – but it’s a great place. There are lots of parks, there are lots of community groups, and really nice, great people. London is such a dense environment of people all getting on with life. It’s rare that you can find many areas where you actually feel free from it all, but southwest London has space and clear air. We’re very lucky to live here.’ Fans needn’t worry; it seems Torode is here to stay. Not only is the presenter returning to MasterChef, but he’s also about to unveil a new show on the Good Food Channel. ‘I think it is pretty obvious that I love doing what I do,’ he muses. ‘The day that stops, the day the fire is extinguished, is the day that I retire. I’ve had a great adventure, and long may it continue.’

John Torode’s Australia begins on Monday 3rd March at 8pm on the Good Food Channel. MasterChef is due to return to BBC One later this month.

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TOP TABLES Absolutely’s favourite spots for dining out in Wimbledon

SAMA

LU-MA

imbledon’s new Southeast Asian W inspired kitchen . At SAMA you can choose from Thai curries, hot soups, chilled noodles, Asian salads & more. You create your own bowl using our high quality, freshly prepared ingredients. Every dish is unique to you, so come visit us and show us your #SAMAstyle. READER OFFER: Free frozen yoghurt made with fresh mangos when you mention ABSOLUTELY

u-Ma Healthy Living Café offers a completely delicious range of vegetarian, vegan, dairy, sugar and gluten free food and drink. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, adopt a healthier lifestyle, or just enjoy tasty, nutritious dishes, mother and daughter team Lucy (Lu) and Maria (Ma) invite you to try their food and let your body be the judge.

SAMA Asian Kitchen 20 The Broadway, SW19 Tel: 020 8946 4538

Lu-Ma Healthy Café 43 Worple Road, SW19 Tel: 020 8947 4271

samakitchen.com

justinjameshotel.com

TEATRO DELLA CUCINA

NAMADA

hef-owner of Aromatica Delicatessen in C Wimbledon, Mimmo Coppola invites you to a cooking demonstration and taster evening on Wednesday 26th March. Showcasing food from his native Puglia, Mimmo will indulge your taste buds with a welcome glass of Prosecco, canapés and 2 courses served with fine wines. Call right away to book your place or to enquire about private catering in your home.

ndian lovers take note: Southfields favourite Namada now has renowned chefs Bammu Pondefrom and the Michelin-starred Trisha on their team, creating a menu to tickle even the most particular of tastebuds with their Indian culinary art. So whether it's tikka or tandoori, take it from us, it’s well worth a try… READER OFFER: 10% off when you mention ABSOLUTELY.

Aromatica Delicatessen 9 Leopold Road, SW19 Tel: 020 8944 0309

NAMADA 197-199 Replingham Road, SW18, Tel: 020 8870 5538; namada.co.uk

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Call in for: Brunch, lunch or dinner Freshly roasted coffee 100% homemade bread, cakes & pies Healthy sandwiches Fully licensed for beers & wines Free range meat Soft play area for children

285 Putney Bridge Road Putney SW15 2PT Tel: 020 8780 9393 E: team@theputneycanteen.co.uk www.theputneycanteen.co.uk

We’re Open Mon: 7.00 am - 4.00 pm Tues - Fri: 7.00 am - 11.00 pm Sat: 8.00 am - 11.00 pm Sun: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm

C LEAVERS FREE RANGE BUTCHERS

285 PUTNEY BRIDGE ROAD, PUTNEY SW15 2PT Tel: 020 8780 2285

E: meat@cleaversbutchers.com

www.cleaversbutchers.com

At Cleavers we believe in locally sourced, quality artisan foods BUT at value prices. FEEL FREE TO POP IN AND CHAT OR BROWSE Our meat comes from a selection of wonderful farmers, many small holders raising just 30 animals at a time. traditionally reared • farm assured • responsibly farmed OPEN SUNDAYS & EVERYDAY TILL LATE

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1 Hop & Peck Wooden Oak Bunny Ears Egg Cup, £18; notonthehighstreet.com

2 Aston Pottery Easter Mugs, £10.99; astonpottery.co.uk

Oliver Bonas Rabbit Salt & Pepper Set, £16; oliverbonas.com

Paul Thurlby Set of Four Egg Cups, £19.95; wildandwolf.com

10 Little Baby Company Funny Bunny Easter Egg Tea Towel, £7.95; notonthehighstreet.com

8 White Rabbit Lamp, £78; whiterabbitengland.com

GREAT EGG-SPECTATIONS 10 of the best Easterinspired interiors

st mu ve ha

4 Asprey Rabbit and Duck Egg Cups, £500 each; asprey.com

M&S Sketch Chick Mug, £8; marksandspencer.com

Sophie Allport Chicken Egg Cosy, £6; sophieallport.com

Gisela Graham Pastel Bunny Egg Cup, £4.50; and Gisela Graham Bright Egg Cosy, £4.50 each; tch.net

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WHEN

CHOCOLATE MEETS ART

Rocco Tanzarella gives Absolutely an exclusive preview of his awe-inspiring chocolate creations I started working with chocolate by accident,’ explains chef Rocco Tanzarella of Wimbledon’s La Bottega del Pane. ‘My bread and butter was art. All of my family had worked with food for generations – my uncle, my brother, my cousins – all of them except me. When I finally joined them, I began with bread.’ With natural culinary ability in his genes, the bread was an instant hit, and Tanzarella was soon supplying the kitchens of some of London’s top restaurants, from the River Café to Novikov to Theo Randall at the Intercontinental. But it was chocolate which allowed Rocco to fulfil his artistic calling. ‘I found I could sculpt it like art and I loved it, but I didn’t know much about chocolate so I joined a school in Vienna.’ Now in the process of becoming a Master Chocolatier, Rocco’s shop has become a mecca for locals looking for bespoke chocolate sculptures and, of course, Easter eggs. ‘All of our products are superior,’ he explains proudly. ‘All of ours products are hand-made, artisanal and individual – there’s no mass production – and we take on a lot of private commissions.’ The Easter egg are impressive and beautiful in equal measure, lining the shelves of the deli counter. Each a work of art, they depict castles and avocados, toasters and sculptures – all taken from Rocco’s fertile imagination. ‘It’s like when an artist begins a painting,’ he explains when asked about his inspiration, ‘I start with a sketch. Every year we have an original theme, whether its fish or mice, the mechano or the tool box, it’s always something new.’ This year, he’s chosen

something more playful, with a range of eight silly faces destined to delight the children for which they are bought. All amazingly detailed, you can’t help but wonder how exactly they’re made? ‘We start with a chocolate egg, made in a mould and then sealed together by melting the sides. Once they have joined, the decoration begins – everything is made by hand.’ It’s a painstaking process and hugely timeconsuming – one of his most impressive pieces, a beautifully artistic egg bordered by a golden frame, took two days to make. But it’s not just about how they look of course, taste comes into it too. The chocolate produced here is exceptional in its quality, with a higher level of cocoa content and a lot less sugar. Meanwhile, for the smaller individual chocolates, it’s all about the flavour. ‘I’ve concentrated on more original tastes – vodka orange, pear and grappa, salted caramel and chilli – something a little different, not just the usual champagne truffles and hazelnut praline that you can buy anywhere,’ explains Rocco. You only have to taste them to realise that his experiments have paid off. So what’s next for the artist-turnedchocolatier? ‘I’m currently working on a book, which will showcase 70 pieces of my work accompanied by a short background story on each of them, which will be ready for Christmas.’ And the name of this gourmet tome? When Chocolate Meets Art. How apt. La Bottega del Pane, 171 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, SW19 1LH, 020 8542 7626; labottegadelpane.co.uk

Email: rocco@labottegadelpane.co.uk

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This egg takes me two days... it has to be carved out piece by piece

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Each of the eggs are decorated by hand and are completely unique

This one was made to be first prize for the Sommelier Awards, but I liked it so much that I kept it and made another for them instead!

A theme from a previous Easter, the mechano continues to be one of Tanzarellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular designs

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like when an artist begins a painting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I start with a sketch

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All of our products are handmade, artisanal and individual – there’s no mass production

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‘I FOUND THAT I COULD

SCULPT CHOCOLATE LIKE I DID MY ART...AND I LOVED IT’ I’m currently working on a book which will contain 70 pieces of my work. It’ll be like a bible for chocolate

An authentic Italian deli, La Bottega de Pane also sells an extenisve range of high quality pastas, oils and breads

This intricate castle design makes a wonderful springtime gift

This clever toaster design encapsulates the creativity and playfulness in Rocco’s work

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Fine casting in bronze, silver, gold and glass Fine bespoke jewellery with fingerprint engraving Philippa Herbert Ltd 37 Riggindale Road, London SW16 1QH Telephone 020 8769 4757 Mobile 07977 477 518 enquiries@philippaherbert.co.uk www.philippaherbert.co.uk

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Simple, stylish Argentine Steak House

Go ur me t fo o d an d f in e dinning , e x q ui site ly p l ann e d di she s c ar e f ully p r e p ar e d , s e l e c te d f r o m a ch oi ce of high q u ali t y se a so n al ing re di e n t s . P r id e s it s e l f f e a tur ing the ul t im at e Ar g e nt ine b e ef , f in e w in e s an d in te r n a tio n al c ui sin e .

283 Putney Bridge Road London, SW15 | 0208 704 1771 | glassdomerestaurant.co.uk

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PUB OF THE MONTH

THE BEDFORD BALHAM

RESTAURANT REVIEW

LONDON HOUSE

Gordon Ramsay’s latest opening south of the river has caused quite a stir. Georgie Lane-Godfrey heads to Battersea to discover what all the fuss is about

t’s no surprise really that Ramsay has set up camp in Battersea Square. What with the development of the power station, bosom buddy Victoria Beckham’s studio being based here and the fact that he lives just around the corner, some might say it was downright obvious. At the helm is Dublin-born Anna Haugh-Kelly, who joined the Ramsay Group last summer after training at its various international outposts. The focus is on British produce, and the short but sharp menu covers all culinary bases at the reasonable price of £35 for three courses. Inside, the moody blue bar complete with roaring faux fire, exposed filament lighting and oxblood leather seating feel’s very ‘done’ but the cocktail menu is also well considered. Our favourite, the Hundred Year Fizz was sweet but not a sickly mix of vodka, sparkling wine, honey, ginger and blackthorn juice – the quintessentially English tipple you’d expect from an establishment aiming to serve the best of British produce. The restaurant however is more paired back – the crisp white linens, simple black leather banquettes and fresh rose table centres are elegant, if not a little corporate. Onto the food. We started with the seared scallops, served with a

LOOK Originally a hotel in the 1830’s, this place is spacious and full of Victorian charm. We love the atmospheric dark wood, sparkling chandeliers and vintage appeal of the interiors.

VIBE tart, crisp salad of apple, celery and walnut – a crunchy complement to the melt-in-your-mouth shellfish – and the chicken wings, moist morsels of meat accompanied by a tangy green salsa of beans, parsley and garlic. So far, so good. For main, the Cumbrian beef fillet, spiced parsnip and braised cheek stuffed potato gnocci was comforting and hearty, while the steamed sea bass with slow-cooked fennel, sardine beignet and bergamot sauce was light, fragrant and brilliantly balanced. For dessert, we had the nougatine parfait – crushed, frozen nougat served with a rhubard purée – and the chocolate tart, served not only with bang-on-trend salted caramel but also artichoke icecream, giving the dish a gastronomical edge. It was a pleasant combination, but we preferred the nougatine – a saccharine hit we were happy to overdose on. The food was impressive, but the whole experience did feel a little self aware. Once they unbutton their collars and relax though, it’ll be the perfect fine dining option for discerning diners south of the river.

London House, 7 Battersea Square, SW11, 020 7592 8545; gordonramsay.com/london-house

Lively, literally. The Bedford has been renowned as a premier music destination since the late sixties and seventies when it was a spit and sawdust venue serving as a springboard for acts like The Clash and U2. Today, the live music is complemented by comedy, dance classes and sport screenings which take place every week.

FOOD Pub grub like you want it to be. Fish and chips, roasts, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches – The Bedford serves up comfort food in eye-poppingly generous portions. Try it for Sunday lunch with the family as it’s got a great kids menu too.

DRINK We recommend grabbing a pint of Sharp’s Doombar and watching one of the live matches screened here.

VERDICT So much more than a pub, we love that The Bedford really is a hub for the local community.

FIND IT 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12, 020 8682 8940; thebedford.co.uk

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Dalila

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The taste mattersâ&#x20AC;?

Lebanese Resturant Dalila combines a contemporary and elegant set up with a warm and inviting atmosphere, reflecting exactly what the Lebanese cuisine is all about. Eat in or take away. Dalila can also cater for your events, office functions or parties.

Mon - Sunday

Happy Hour

50% 6-7pm

off food

Dining in only

Lunch Menu Avaliable From 12:30 - 3pm Alternatively, you can order from our a la carte menu and get a 20% discount 123 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RH, United Kingdom

Open: Mon - Sat: 12:00pm - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - late Sun: 12.00pm - late

0207 622 0555 | www.dalila.co.uk info@dalila.co.uk

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ABSOLU TELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

BAR OF THE MONTH

MUNKI BAR PUTNEY

RESTAURANT REVIEW

PUTNEY CANTEEN Catherine Hales discovers one of Putney’s best kept secrets

bracing ten minute walk from Putney Bridge Station, briefly taking in the view from the bridge (it was quite nippy) and we arrive at Putney Canteen. The name is fitting; there is a casual, communal feel to the place and yet, once seated at our table, there is also a certain level of intimacy. The kitchen is visible through a rectangular hole in the wall and the chefs can be seen, beavering away and bantering with the staff as the orders are rung up. The menu leaves us spoilt for choice, especially the starters, but we finally make our respective decisions; I opt for the mozzarella and ricotta fritters with a romesco sauce and my companion indulges his childhood love of whitebait, which comes breaded and accompanied by a lemon mayonnaise. My fritters are compellingly good but incredibly rich, and by my third I’m already anticipating that finishing my main will be a struggle. The romesco sauce is less impressive but I don’t feel the loss of it too keenly – my fritters are delicious all by themselves. My companion’s enormous mound of whitebait is gone in record time and is, he informs me, perfect – a fact I don’t doubt when looking at his spotlessly clean plate. As we had come to Putney

Canteen on steak night it seemed a shame for at least one of us not to indulge, so a sirloin steak was duly ordered complete with chunky fries and lashings of peppercorn sauce. Meanwhile I went for the chuck steak beef burger, which came with baby gem lettuce, tomato, red onions and gherkins, as well as a battered onion ring, coleslaw and skinny fries. The steak was cooked perfectly, tender but not too bloody and peppercorn sauce (which had visible peppercorns bobbing inside it) went down a treat, once again evidenced by my companion’s liberal application and contented sighs. I suffered a moment of food envy as the steak was set down but this was soon overcome as I took a bite of my burger. Juicy and flavoursome, I was devastated when my prediction came true and I was unable to finish – luckily my companion couldn’t resist the leftover food and justly polished it off. Despite being incredibly full, the suggestion of lemon posset (not on the menu, oh I say!) proved too tempting to resist. We didn’t regret our decision as it was zesty, creamy and light – the perfect end to our meal. Putney Canteen, 285-287 Putney Bridge Road, SW15, 020 8780 9393; theputneycanteen.co.uk

LOOK Bottle green walls, library book wallpaper and brass hanging lanterns will leave you feeling transported to the refined study of an English stately home.

VIBE Taking the owner’s childhood nickname of ‘naughty munki’, this bar is a playful take on grown-up elegance. Rooms can be privately hired, and the space downstairs even has its own monk’s hole – a hidden cubby in which alcohol is concealed. Upstairs, roaming bars serve a range of beers and bubbles, giving the whole place a decadent, prohibition vibe.

DRINK Champagne, craft beers and a sophisticated range of ‘heritage’ cocktails, which take the classics and add a contemporary twist. We loved the Bramble, a wonderfully British mix of Sipsmith London dry gin, Crème de Mure liqueur, lemon juice and sugar syrup, topped off with a juicy blackberry. It’s like the English countryside in a glass.

VERDICT It only opened a couple of weeks ago, but we’re in no doubt this naughty munki is here to stay.

FIND IT 12 Putney High Street, SW15, 07455 084052; munkilondon.com

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FOOD & TRAVEL STAY THE NIGHT

ou wouldn’t expect to find the peace and quiet of a country house hotel at the end of one of the busiest tube lines in London, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Cannizaro House. Located on the West Side of Wimbledon Common, this gleaming white beacon of luxury has been an urban bolt-hole for the great and the good of the literary world for centuries, from Oscar Wilde and Henry James, to the creator of Harry Potter, JK Rowling. Having recently undergone a complete renovation, the hotel has been transformed into a luxurious Gatsbyesque residence that enhances features from its 300 year history, such as the sweeping walnut staircase, and marries them with the spectacular floor to ceiling glass Orangerie that subtly adjoins the original Grade II listed building. The 46 rooms and bathrooms have all been artfully refurbished with plush velvet furnishings, embellished silk

RESTAURANT REVIEW

CANNIZARO HOUSE Lauren Clarke falls into a culinary wonderland in Wimbledon

visit to Cannizaro House is a little like falling down the rabbit hole of the pink cotton-tailed creature that adorns their menus, and straight into a culinary wonderland. Despite an incident with a flooded pathway and some highly inappropriate footwear, we happily dried out in the Orangerie with a cocktail from the Cannizaro Collection – the Cannizaro Signature, a heady blend of Hendricks gin, peach schnapps, champagne and hibiscus flower, had ‘Drink Me’ written all over it. Onto the main event – we arrived at the plush dining room (admiring the pink flamingo wallpaper as we went) and were seated at a table in the glass extension just off the main room. Flooded with light from the glorious evening sunset and overlooking the expertly manicured gardens, it’s definitely worth asking for a table in this part of the restaurant. It’s the menu’s interesting take on seasonal British cuisine that has won Cannizaro its two AA Rosettes. To start, we shared the leek and basil soup, a refreshingly light broth topped with a rich truffle crème fraiche, and the melt-in-the-mouth Iberico pig’s cheeks, kale and black eyed beans, finished at the table Mad

Hatter style with a pot of fragrant mushroom tea. For mains, the confit sirloin of beef with oyster and bone marrow croquettes, spinach and avruga caviar was the obvious choice. Spectacular to look at, the beef was cooked medium rare, leaving it tender and full of flavour, which paired perfectly with the delicate sea saltiness of the oysters. However, dessert was the main event, so beautifully constructed it seemed a shame to lay waste to it with our spoons – that is of course, until we took the first bite. The indulgent chocolate gel with minted marshmallow, black sesame meringue and tonka bean ice cream was exceptional, whilst the warm Bramley apple frangipane tart, cider purée and fennel ice cream was a masterpiece of British orchard flavours. With so much focus on central London, it’s a delight to discover a local fine dining gem right on your doorstep. Simply follow the pink rabbit to Cannizaro House and you’ll find your gourmet happy ever after. Cannizaro House, West Side Common, Wimbledon, SW19, 020 8879 1464; cannizarohouse.co.uk

wallpaper, magnificent four poster beds and deep marble bathtubs big enough to swim laps in. But it’s the breathtaking views out over the 34 acres of manicured parkland that make a stay in one of the bedrooms at Cannizaro truly unique. Top Tip for your visit? Take full advantage of the complimentary seasonal tipple in your room (when we stayed it was plum brandy) and the homemade shortbread Cannizaro rabbits that magically appear on your pillow come bedtime.

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1974TF Cannizaro House Horizontal Ad.qxp_Absolutely March 04/03/2014 13:40 Page 1

Cannizaro House

Introducing our five course tasting menu Book this month to receive a complimentary pre-dinner glass of champagne To make a booking please call 020 8879 1464 and quote ‘Absolutely Tasting offer’. Terms & Conditions Offer is based on two guests ordering the ‘Taste from Cannizaro menu’. The menu can be seen at www.cannizarohouse.com/restaurant-in-wimbledon. Valid from 1st -31st March for lunch or dinner excluding Sunday lunch. Maximum of 8 diners. Booking in advance essential. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other food and beverage offer. Tick box if you do not wish to receive details of further offers, promotions and events For full terms and conditions please refer to the offers page on our website.

facebook.com/CannizaroHouse @cannizarohouse

Cannizaro House West Side, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4UE www.cannizarohouse.com Tel: 020 8879 1464

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• Free in-store tastings every Friday • 16 wines to sample everyday • Themed tasting events and intimate supper clubs with award winning chefs • Professional menu matching, wine list creation and expert gifting advice.

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

COME INTO THE KITCHEN INTRODUCING The River Quarter KITCHEN, BATTERSEA’S BEST RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT

iver Quarter has a mission to bring quality, fresh, healthy and delicious food to Battersea. Our menu creations are all born out of love and passion. Delivered with care and attention to detail and served by a team who aim to give pleasure and joy to all our customers, we strive to create a home away from home experience. We offer the highest of standards at affordable prices and

have something for everyone, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Situated on the bank of the River, overlooking the Thames, it is a must visit and Battersea’s hidden treasure. This month, we are very excited to introduce our new spring menu. Making the most of our delectable lobster from Cornwall, the menu includes the new ‘Lobster Burger’, which combines this wonderful

meat with chive infused butter, pickled baby Lebanese cucumbers, fennel and red cabbage coleslaw and a side of rustic hand cut chips. Meanwhile, for those looking for something lighter, we’ve also created a simple but fresh lobster salad made with heirloom tomatoes, sweet baby Thai basil and crisp lobster bread, with lemon and chive dressing – a lovely

What you’ve been saying about The River Quarter Kitchen The River Quarter Kitchen is open and inviting. Airy and so beautifully bright...yet earthy. Quality food that is not pretentious and stands on its own merit. Everyone there clearly cares about you having the best experience. Not on the menu? How can we make you happy? Comfortable and relaxed. A kitchen so open it has nothing to hide...I loved the whole experience,’ LAURA DIGIROLAMO

to keep a wonderful experience with my wife forever. Service fantastic. Starters fabuloustasty, presentation fantastic” TIM MCLEOD - Journalist

lighter dish perfect for spring. Finally, for dessert, our decadent rich valrhona chocolate pavé is served with charred roasted apricots and pistachio ice cream. Needless to say, it’s become an instant hit! Why not come down and try it for yourself? The proof is, after all, in the pudding…

The River Quarter Kitchen, Molasses House, Plantation Wharf, SW11, 020 7978 5055; riverquarterkitchen.com

Worth a visit! Go and have a great night out! Save room for dessert! You won’t regret it! Get a sitter and make it a full night out.” JOHN CORNEY– Lives locally

In my top restaurants in London, great personal service, excellent menu with locally sourced ingredients. I eat here often and am always impressed by the food - very tasty and beautifully cooked. Excellent service too. Highly recommended” ALAN HEALEY– Engineer

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NO OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDER COMES CLOSE MyHealthcare Clinic, Wandsworth, is a brand new health concept and private clinic offering you the best local private GPs and dentists, state-of-the-art equipment and an unrivalled selection of medical and dental specialists, all working together to offer you services from teeth whitening to implants, from dermatology to nutrition, from fertility to pre-and post-natal support, and from gold-standard cardiac and memory testing to travel clinic services. All available 7 days a week, and delivered through a unique and affordable membership programme, to make sure that you and your family achieve and maintain the best possible health.

INTRODUCTORY OFFERS Limited time only: founder membership oﬀer £35 a month (usually £45) 45-minute dental hygiene appointment for £10 £99 prescribed home teeth whitening, includes 60-minute appointment (usually £150)

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06/03/2014 10:19

ABSOLU TELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

THE COOKERY SCHOOL

THE HOTEL

Approached by a magnificent mile-long avenue of four hundred lime and beech trees planted in 1827, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa is a quintessentially British grande dame, discreetly nestled just six miles from Bath. A classic Palladian country house surrounded by 500 acres of parkland, replete with stables, spa, cookery school and a newly created Well-being House, the estate alone is worthy of a weekend’s exploration. Don’t miss the fine dining, which comes courtesy of Hywel Jones’ Michelin-starred restaurant, using top organic ingredients from local suppliers.

LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL & SPA

Wiltshire

Drawing on classic cooking techniques and plundering the exceptionally well-stocked kitchen gardens, the cookery school offers a wealth of informative and creative oneday courses, from Michelin Star Cooking at Home, to Speedy Family Suppers. Located in a professionally equipped Cotswold stone house on the estate, students can enhance their skills under the expert eye of Hrishikesh Desai, Roux Scholar and former National Chef of the Year, before enjoying the fruits of their labour in the form of a relaxed, communal meal.

WORDS: EMMA J PAGE

THE SPA

THE ROOMS

Situated in the main house and adjoining courtyard and cottages, rooms and suites feature sumptuous linens and marble bathrooms stocked with products from chic French brand Anne Sémonin. Classic décor is order of the day here – expect elegant printed fabrics and antique pieces expertly blended with contemporary additions including DVD players and complimentary Wifi. For a decadent escape, plump for one of the Grand Suites, complete with opulent four-poster bed and an open fire.

Adding additional wow-factor is the estate’s spa, nestled amid a vast walled garden. Sleek and minimal, its marble, wood and glass interior provides a striking but fitting contrast to the manor house. A huge swimming pool, outdoor saltwater plunge pool and a hydrotherapy pool along with thermal cabins and nine treatment rooms are the star turns here. Don’t miss the newly opened Well-being house, dedicated to nurturing mind body and spirit via a host of tailor-made programmes, including a sublime Dry Flotation treatment.

£ TH E DA M AG E

From £360 per room, including use of spa facilities. Cookery classes from £175 per person. Spa treatments from £30 per person. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ, 01225 742777, lucknampark.co.uk

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FUNDU LAGOON

Heaven spent Thinking of a safari holiday for 2014? Henry Morley of Better Late Luxury rounds up his favourite African lodges for discerning travellers wanting luxury for less

FUNDU LAGOON PEMBA ISLAND

s remote as it is beautiful, Pemba Island forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago, lying to the north of its larger, better known sister island, Unguja. Fundu Lagoon itself sits on one of Pemba’s stunning, unspoilt beaches and is only accessible via boat. It’s all ridiculously romantic, providing barefoot luxury in the truest sense – this is a place where you most definitely do not need shoes. Each of the eighteen rooms here – canvas tents set under makuti (thatch) roofs on wooden decks – offer panoramic views of the Indian

Ocean, meaning that you fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the waves caressing the beach. Follow the wooden walkways and jungle pathways through indigenous forest to the main hotel and you’ll find the stunning infinity hillside swimming pool overlooking the lagoon, a hidden oasis amongst the groves. The marine wildlife here is not to be missed, and you can both dive and snorkel to get a closer look at the reef fish found around the small barrier islands. Sound like too much hard work? Try a sunset cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhow, watching the dazzling sunset with a sundowner cocktail in your hand – the closest you can get to paradise on earth. Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5 saving between $1740 (£1078) and $3000 (£1858) per room. Valid until April 2015 (excluding 21st December – 5th January).

PEMBA ISLAND

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FOOD & TRAVEL

MAHALI MZURI

WE ALSO LOVE...

MAASAI MARA, KENYA

T GREYSTOKE

GREYSTOKE MAHALE TANZANIA

ne of the few African lodges that offers a truly unique experience, Greystoke Mahale is an extraordinary camp in remote western Tanzania where the main aim is to get up close and personal with the local stars – the chimps. Here you’ll find not only a storybook tropical forest full of chimpanzees, but also the second deepest lake in the world – Lake Tanganyika – all yours to explore by boat or kayak from the sustainable beachside camp. Completely isolated from human civilisation, the camp offers daily treks into the misty mountains to discover the waterfalls, wildlife and wondrous birds and butterflies hidden under the treetops. A great one for children, the trek tracks the chimps so that you get to watch them in their natural habitat, interacting with each other in their uncannily human way. Keep your eyes peeled as you might just spot the odd leopard along the way, too. In the evenings, it’s time to relish the sense of seclusion Greystoke Mahale provides and curl up with a good book and a glass of wine whilst the sun sets across the lake. Secret Season Special: Stay at Greystoke between 1st June – 30th June 2014 and pay only $450 (£267) per person per night, 54% less than the high season nightly rate of $1075 (£663) per person per night. Henry Morley is the Managing Director of Better Late Luxury, an exclusive travel platform offering luxurious holidays at discounts of up to 55%. To book any of the deals described in this feature call 020 3137 1247, email enquiries@betterlateluxury.com or visit betterlateluxury.com

his is no ordinary luxury safari camp. This is Sir Richard Branson’s safari camp and trust us, it doesn’t disappoint. Sat in the most pristine part of the African bush, Mahali Mzuri’s 12 tents perch on a ridge overlooking the awe-inspiring landscape of Kenya’s Motorogi Conservancy. It also happens to be in the path of the world-famous annual Great Migration, meaning that there really is nowhere better for a quintessential ‘Big Five’ safari. We recommend a trip hot air ballooning over the plains for an all-encompassing bird’s eye view of the Maasai Mara during the day, followed by a spot of stargazing at night using the camp’s telescope.

LEOBO OBSERVATORY

SOUTH AFRICA One of only a handful of sole-use private reserves in South Africa, Leobo Private Reserve is a 12,000 acre estate encompassing rugged rocks, bushveld savannah, natural streams and an abundance of wildlife. 35,000 ZAR (£2199) per night or 175,000 ZAR (£10995) for the week. Book 7 nights and receive free helicopter transfers to and from Johannesburg airport and free helicopter trips during your stay. You save 20%. Deal expires on 1st April 2014.

LUWI BUSH CAMP

Make sure you bring all the family too as Mahali Mzuri is super child friendly – the camp is full of children’s books, games, and kites, plus a TV, DVD player and games console for extra entertainment. The friendly staff are also able to organise tailored activities to further educate younger guests on their African surroundings and the local wildlife (so top marks back in the biology classroom, then). Meanwhile, older guests will love the spa rooms where treatments use the Africology range of products which are wonderfully natural and eco-friendly, and the 12-metre infinity pool – perfect for early morning swims and refreshing dips after game drives. Stay for 4 nights, pay for 3. This offer is available for new bookings staying until 30th June 2014. Saving of 25% per person. Normal nightly rates in mid season are from $890 (£549) per person per night.

ZAMBIA Nestled in the shade of huge mahogany trees, Luwi Bush Camp’s remote location by a permanent hippo and crocodile filled lagoon makes it perfect for walking safaris. Price for the week from: $2,990 per person (£1844) as part of their ‘Week on the Wildside’ package, saving you 22% overall. Valid from May – October 2014.

VAMIZI ISLAND LODGE

MOZAMBIQUE Defining castaway chic, Vamizi Island Lodge is made up of romantic timber villas dotted along beautiful beaches on it’s own exclusive island. From $1085 per person per night (£669). Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5. Valid 1st March – 20th April, 21st June-14th July, 13th Dec20th Dec.

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SOUTHERN

CHARM Georgie Lane-Godfrey discovers Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unspoilt idyll: Puglia

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Voglio prendere in prestito un fuoco al mano,’ I plead to the two puzzled women in front of me. ‘Un fuoco al mano?’ – I mimic lighting a cigarette, and they look even more bemused. Unfortunately for me, there’s no such thing as a ‘fuoco al mano’ but I can’t for the life of me remember the word for a lighter. ‘Hand fire’ will have to do. They crease up their wizened faces, trying desperately to understand me. Apparently I no longer speak Italian (that’s two years of uni down the drain then) and so they decide to enlist the help of a male companion from inside the house. I’m in Puglia, southern Italy, about five miles from the pretty white-washed town of Ostuni aka la città bianca. Yet despite this proximity, it’s remote, and I’ve spent near on an hour wandering down country lanes in the hope of finding an inhabited house. When I finally stumble across one, it’s the dogs who greet me first, a motley crew of ragged mongrels who bound up barking, then happily trot along side me as I approach the two stationed before me. The women are old, their faces weathered and, of course, they speak absolutely no English. But after much frantic gesticulation, their friend (or brother or lover, who knows?) seems to understand me and produces a lighter from his pocket (an accendino in Italian, in case you were wondering). When I promise to return with it imminently, they smile in amusement, waving me off as I depart. I’m pretty sure they don’t have a clue what I’m saying, and the confusion on their faces upon my return confirms this. But if you visit Puglia yourself, you’ll understand that this exchange is in no way surprising. The region is rural, and poor, and the pace of life here is a lot slower. The heel of the boot that is Italy, Puglia is as far south as you can go, a road to nowhere except the sea. And there is a lot of sea. Puglia is blessed with over 800km of glorious coastline, which during off-season is often deserted and, during high season is only marginally more crowded. It’s a quaint corner of Italy, still relatively unspoilt by the tourist hoards and, as such, throws up its own charming conundrums. One of those is where to stay. Although you can find five star hotels in the region, they aren’t as replete as in the rest of the country so choice is limited. You’re much better off renting a villa as we did – try The Thinking Traveller collection (thethinkingtraveller.com) , which provides luxury villa rentals in Puglia, Sicily and

The heel of the boot that is Italy, Puglia is as far south as you can go, a road to nowhere except the sea

the Ionian Islands. We stayed at Trullo Pinnacolo, a stylish modern villa designed by French architect Fabrice Bejjani and only completed last year. It’s pretty remote, and you have to trundle down rough country lanes lined with dry stone walls (akin to those you’d find in Yorkshire) in order to find it. But find it you will – The Thinking Traveller made sure of that, providing us with detailed instructions with accompanying photos so that we find our way to the high electric gates easily and punch in the security code, holding our breaths as they swing open before us for the first time. We needn’t have worried; Trullo Pinnacolo is stunning. Built into a hill, the round trullo provides the apex of this stylish modern villa, which drops down in stages to the striking black mosaic tiled pool of the slickly designed terrace overlooking the rolling olive groves typical of the region. Cool and contemporary, it’s packed with all the creature comforts you could possibly want – design-led interiors, six sophisticated ensuite doubles, a daily maid service, Sky TV, two outdoor eating areas and that all-important barbeque (hence the quest to find the lighter). It’s easy to see that it’s been a labour of love for Bejjani, transforming the traditional trullo into a contemporary conversion. These iconic trulli are a familiar sight in the region, conical limestone buildings scattered across

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• Acres of private fenced fields • Constant supervision • Heated indoor areas • Swimming pools • Agility course • Socialisation

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03/03/2014 10:49

Luntley Court Farm Holiday Cottages In Herefordshire

Luxury self catering cottages with sixteenth century origins in the centre of the famous Black and White Village Trail. Set amongst Herefordshire countryside between the Welsh border town of Hay-on-Wye and Ludlow.

T:01544388422M:07814797721 www.luntleycourtfarm.co.uk Luntley Court Farm Cottages, Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9EHinfo@luntleycourtfarm.co.uk

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ABSOLU TELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

the Puglian countryside. The oldest surviving ones are thought to date back to the 16th century, but you’ll be hard pressed to find them. Trulli were built as temporary structures without cement so that they were easy to construct and dismantle again whenever their occupants needed to leave town in a hurry (read: when the tax man appeared). Providing cool accommodation in the summer and a warm and cosy retreat in winter, trulli are undoubtedly the architectural calling card of the region. You’ll find the largest cluster of them in the picturesque town of Alberobello, one of Puglia’s two UNESCO world heritage sites. The other site is the Castel del Monte in Andria, built by Frederick II in the 13th century – a symbol of Puglia’s rich history. Weaving together the cultures of the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines and the Normans, it was the Spanish Bourbons who left the most prodigious mark. After the rustic charm of the trulli, a visit to the town of Lecce comes as something of a shock to the senses. Puglia’s baroque masterpiece, Lecce is an abundance of awe-inspiring architecture with ornate facades adorning almost every corner. La Basilica di Santa Croce is the crowning jewel, it’s design so intricate that

As beautiful as Lecce is, it's the bucolic trulli dotted amongst the olive groves which reflect the real Puglia

it took almost 200 years to complete. But it’s not just all about the baroque – there are also Norman masterpieces to discover, such as the Church of Saints Niccolo’ and Cataldo – an austere Norman church adorned with fussy Italianate 17th-century decoration, a brilliant visual representation of the regions history. As beautiful as Lecce is, it’s the bucolic trulli dotted amongst the olive groves which reflect the real Puglia. An agricultural region, Puglia produces 40% of Italy’s olive oil and 17% of its wine, with a focus on reds – the most widely grown grape variety, Negroamaro (which translates as ‘black bitter’), is almost exclusively cultivated in Puglia. What’s more, the food here is simple and rustic – la cucina povera – and the region’s signature dish, orecchiette con cime di rapa, little ear-shaped pasta with turnip florets, is wholesome and unpretentious – much like Puglia itself. Rural, charming and unspoilt, Puglia is a taste of a bygone Italy; the quaint pastoral idyll you imagine southern Italy to be. Go there before everyone else does and spoils it. Just remember to brush up on your holiday Italian first… Think Puglia’s Trullo Pinnacolo sleeps up to 12 in 6 bedrooms. From €9,850 per week, prices include daily maid service and weekly linen change, towels, a comprehensive guide to the villa and the local area, and Think Puglia’s awardwinning service with 24/7 local support. Call 020 7377 8518 or visit thethinkingtraveller.com

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DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is

ac e Ye s A ar va s 7 ila , 8 ble &9

Open Days March 25th (9.30am) May 6th (7pm)

a place where you would want to be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a place of learning and

June 17th (9.30am)

discovery, laughter and friendship.

July 2nd (9.30am)

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com

The new independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

KEW HOUSE SCHOOL.indd 2

@kewhouseschool

03/03/2014 11:57

ABSOLU TELY

FAMILY FUN BOHO

babes

Vintage-inspired brand Their Nibs’ new collection is a captivating fairytale mix of old-fashioned innocence and whimsical prints. No suprises then that Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Sadie Frost and Thandie Newton are all reported to be fans. Too cute. theirnibs.com

ROLE

models ▲ Looking for a babysitter with a difference? Wimbledon-based childcare agency Role Models provides unique ad-hoc care for kids over three with a designated ‘role model’ – a minder who specialises in either music, drama, sport, arts & crafts or homework help. It’s education, entertainment and childcare all in one. rolemodels.me

BIBBITY

bobbity do!

Kids NOTES O OTES

▲ Combining practicality and style, we love the fabulous bibs from Les Pascalettes. Coming in a range of eye-catching colours and explosive patterns, these wipe-clean reusable outfit-savers are guaranteed to make your little one the coolest kid at the table. lespascalettes.com

Editor’s Pick

MINI

adventures

t’s the Easter holidays! Which means once again keeping the kids entertained. Full of the capitals best kept secrets, Little London contains over 200 hand picked activities and handy tips for things to do with the kids. Fuss-free family days out? We’re sold. £12.99 (Virgin Books), available from Clapham Books, 120 High Street, SW4, 020 7627 2797; claphambooks.com

FLY ME

to the moon ▲ Play at pilots this month with these nostalgic gems. Real Flying BiPlanes are a breeze to assemble and provide hours of imaginative fun. And at this price, entertaining children has never been so easy. £5.99, Trotters, 86 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7259 9620; trotters.co.uk

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ABSOLU TELY

EDUCATION

UNDER pressure For some high-achieving teenagers, the demands of 21st century school life can be too much. But our elite establishments are waking up to the problem, with a local school leading the way, says Amanda Constance

itting around a campfire after a day out riding in the African bush, I turned to a young girl who had been out with us that day and asked her if she had had fun. Hugging her knees, a deep frown on her face, she whispered, ‘No – I’m worried about all the work I’m missing at school.’ On the holiday of a lifetime, surrounded by the very best that the natural world could offer, this privileged teenager was miserable. And she’s not alone. More and more teenagers from affluent, loving backgrounds are experiencing anxiety, stress and depression. Theirs is a world of high expectation and high achievement where no success is ever good enough. This acute pressure to achieve can lead to illness, trauma and at worst children taking their own lives. Suicide is now the third biggest killer of young people aged 15-24. Thankfully, schools are waking up to the problem. One school that has been particularly open about the pressures on high-achieving teenagers, and is taking great strides to help them, is King’s College School in Wimbledon. This month the school will host a conference called True Grit: Developing

BORN FREE’S VIRGINIA MCKENNA OBE VISITS WIMBLEDON SCHOOl ast month saw renowned British actress and star of the iconic 1966 fi lm Born Free, Virginia McKenna OBE visit The Study Prep School in Wimbledon as part of her work as one of the founders of the international wildlife conversation charity, The Born Free Foundation. Speaking to the girls about the true story of George and Joy Adamson’s fight to return Elsa the lioness to the wild, McKenna’s talk aimed to protect and promote wild animal welfare and compassionate conservation. The talk proved so inspirational that the girls have selected The Born Free Foundation as their charity to support this term, and will be embarking on a number of fundraising initiatives to raise money for the cause, including the sale of delicious Born Free cupcakes! The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon, 020 8947 6969; thestudyprep.co.uk

Emotional Resilience in Schools. Designed for heads of other independent schools and those in charge of pastoral care, it will bring together experts in neuroscience, psychology and education. Andrew Halls, headmaster at King’s, says: ‘We thought we’d sell 100 tickets; we hit that in a day or two and have had to stop at 180.’ Clearly, King’s is not alone in recognising there is a problem. There is enormous academic pressure in elite schools. ‘In schools like King’s,’ says Halls, ‘kids are surrounded by a culture of extraordinary achievement. They want to go to Oxford or Cambridge. They want to get excellent A-levels. They want to get a First.’ And the bar is now set so high, ‘10 A-stars at GCSE might just get you a shrug from Oxbridge,’ says Halls. For many pupils, academic excellence is just the start. They want to excel at sport and be the best actress or musician. Insecurities over body image are rife and in an age of rolling news, young people have a highly-sensitized awareness of suffering around the world. If you throw in the pressures of parental expectation and possible family breakdown or bereavement, even the most motivated pupils can feel overwhelmed. Halls believes things have intensified exponentially in recent years. ‘In a southwest London, fee-paying, competitive, highly academic world, it’s on a totally different level.’ The game-changer for many is the internet. Schools have always been a microcosm of social pressures, and the advent of social media means that how you look, who you know, where you party, even where your family go on holiday is up for scrutiny. ‘Teenagers might share hundreds of pictures daily,’ explains Halls, ‘their lives have become a public commodity to be commented on by hundreds of strangers. It is up to us to help children find the balance between aspiration and feelings of worthlessness.’ Which is why King’s has been researching the idea of ‘emotional resilience’, a concept that helps identify the traits that enable people to resist adversity, cope with uncertainty and bounce back from traumatic experiences. ‘Schools can no longer pretend it’s not happening,’ says Halls. King’s has identified 10 key character traits of resilient high-performing teenagers: proper sleep patterns, time for exercise, meals at set times and finding time to relax. Resilient children accept being ‘good enough’ and have a sense that they have some control over their lives. Halls is adamant that there is nothing wrong with striving to be brilliant. The best schools, he says, ‘are strongly aspirational, but they have very attuned antennae for the ones who can’t cope with the pace.’

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Smart picks from over a million properties. Garage New build >VVK Ă&#x2026;VVYZ

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27/02/2014 09:34 14:53 08/01/2014

APRIL 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

Broomwood Road, Between the Commons, SW11 At a spectacular 1456 square feet (135.3 SQ.M), this exceptional 3 double bedroom, 2 bathroom family maisonette is bigger than many three bedroom houses in the area. It has been designed with flair, has outstanding living space and a beautiful sunny south-facing garden.

ÂŁ1,125,000 Share of Freehold John Thorogood | 020 7228 7474 | john-thorogood.co.uk

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BRAEMAR AVENUE, SW19 A delightful Edwardian family house located on a highly regarded residential road within easy access of Wimbledon Park and Southfields Underground stations. Approx. 1,330 Sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, front and rear gardens. Freehold Guide Price £975,000

ASTONVILLE STREET, SW18 A beautifully presented and spacious family house situated on the Southfields ‘Grid’. Wimbledon Park and King George’s Park, with their various recreational facilities, are close by. Approx. 1,210 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, en suite shower room, kitchen/dining/family room, living room, garden. Freehold Guide Price £975,000 SOLD

Elborough Street, SW18

SOLD

Guide £799,950 Wolseley Avenue, SW19

SOLD

Guide £850,000 Heythorp Street, SW18

SOUTHFIELDS 020 3151 6344 southfields@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 2 JDW6640 Absolutely SW 4 Page 1

SOLD

Guide £975,000 Crescent Gardens, SW19

Guide £1,150,000

johndwood.co.uk

05/03/2014 16:02 03/03/2014 12:41

AMBLESIDE AVENUE, SW16 A beautiful detached double-fronted house which is set just yards from the green open space of Tooting Bec Common. Approx. 2,971 sq ft. Energy Rating: F. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, 2 kitchens, boot room, workshop, garage, cellar, garden, off-street parking. Freehold Guide Price £1,500,000 SOLD

Winfrith Road, SW18

SOLD

Guide £565,000 Wilna Road, SW18

SOLD

Guide £885,000 Earlsfield Road, SW18

WANDSWORTH 020 3151 6344 wandsworth@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 3 JDW6640 Absolutely SW 4 Page 2

SOLD

Guide £1,450,000 St. Ann’s Hill, SW18

Guide £545,000

johndwood.co.uk

05/03/2014 16:02 03/03/2014 12:45

KLEA AVENUE, SW4 An immaculate ground floor maisonette benefitting from it’s own front door and private rear garden, conveniently located close to Clapham Common and Abbeville Village. Approx. 811 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception, kitchen/breakfast room, garden. Leasehold Guide Price £725,000

PRIORY GROVE SCHOOL, SW8

CAVENDISH ROAD, SW12

A spacious double volume apartment set in a classic school conversion quietly located on Priory Grove close to Stockwell Tube and Larkhall Park. Approx. 874 sq ft. Energy Rating: C.

A tastefully renovated apartment with off-street parking and use of a communal garden located close to the transport links of Clapham South. Approx. 751 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, parking.

2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen/reception, off-street parking.

Freehold Share Guide Price £599,950

Freehold Share Guide Price £575,000

SOLD

Cathles Road, SW12

SOLD

Guide £1,050,000 Cathles Road, SW12

SOLD

Guide £1,000,000 Wontner Road, SW17

CLAPHAM 020 3151 6240 clapham@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 4 JDW6640 Absolutely SW 4 Page 3

SOLD

Guide £1,150,000 The Chase, SW16

Guide £599,950

johndwood.co.uk

05/03/2014 16:02 03/03/2014 12:43

PRINCE OF WALES DRIVE, SW11 An extremely well proportioned flat on the 2nd floor of this Victorian house forming part of a terrace of similar properties on Prince of Wales Drive. Approx. 814 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room. Leasehold Guide Price £750,000

CABUL ROAD, SW11

SHEEPCOTE LANE, SW11

An extremely well proportioned garden flat situated within the heart of Little India. Approx. 660 sq ft. Energy Rating: C.

A well presented flat occupying the 1st floor of a Victorian purpose built terrace, forming part of the Burns Road Conservation Area. Approx. 540 sq ft. Energy Rating: E.

Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, garden.

Bedroom, bathroom, reception room.

Leasehold Guide Price £500,000

Lease to 2128 Guide Price £425,000 SOLD

Victoria Rise, SW8

SOLD

Guide £495,000 York Mansions, SW11

SOLD

Guide £1,600,000 Primrose Mansions, SW11

BATTERSEA 020 7293 0348 battersea@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 5 JDW6640 Absolutely SW 4 Page 4

SOLD

Guide £600,000 Ship House, SW11

Guide £875,000

johndwood.co.uk

05/03/2014 16:02 03/03/2014 12:44

Devereux Road

£2,695,000 Freehold

This incredible new build house has been built with a stunning period style façade and a high end contemporary interior. The architect has designed the internal space, with modern day family needs in mind from the start - rare for this area.

• Five bedrooms • Kitchen/ Family room • Reception/ Drawing Room • Five Bathrooms (four en-suite) • Media/ Playroom • Utility room • Two downstairs cloakrooms • Wine room • Gymnasium • Outside Patio • Garden • Ten year new build warranty

131 Nor thcote Road London SW11 6PS T:020 7228 5111 batterseasales@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

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The Orangery

£1,750,000 Freehold

Occupying a large plot on this sought after residential road is this superb Freehold house with excellent lateral space. The entire accommodation is arranged over the ground floor (a rare find in the area) with excellent proportions in all of the principle rooms. One of the major features that is instantly noticeable is the tremendous sense of natural light. The property boasts mainly large sash windows and French doors throughout.

• Three bedrooms • Reception room • Kitchen/dining room • Family bathroom • En suite shower room • Conservatory • Patio garden • Secure off street parking

131 Nor thcote Road London SW11 6PS T:020 7228 5111 batterseasales@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

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Dents Road £1,750,000 Freehold

An extremely grand family house, positioned on one of the most sought after roads between the commons. This stunning semi-detached Victorian property requires modernisation, offering the incoming purchaser an opportunity to design a house suiting their own tastes and needs.

• Five bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Ground floor and first floor w/c • Separate family bathroom • Garden • Cellar • Side access

Ballingdon Road £1,695,000 Freehold This attractive five bedroom Victorian house is positioned on one of the most sought after residential streets between the commons. The property has been extended on the ground floor into the side return, on the top floor into the loft space and is immaculately presented throughout.

• Five double bedrooms • Reception room • Kitchen • Family room • Ground floor w/c • Family bath/shower room • En suite bath/ shower room • En suite bathroom • Garden • Cellar

131 Nor thcote Road London SW11 6PS T:020 7228 5111 batterseasales@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

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Bowood Road £1,675,000 Freehold

This absolutely stunning family house measures approximately 2,150 sq ft and boasts a tremendous sense of light and space throughout. The house is immaculately presented and incorporates high quality materials and fittings throughout.

• Four double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen/dining room • Ground floor w/c • Family bathroom • En suite bath/ shower room • West-facing garden • Cellar

Altenburg Gardens £1,675,000 Freehold Measuring circa 2,240 square feet, this superb modern house boasts light and spacious living accommodation arranged over three floors. The house was built with a Victorian style façade which is in keeping with the rest of the street.

• Four double bedrooms • Study/play room • Kitchen/family room • Ground floor w/c/ utility room • Master bath/shower room • Family bath/shower room • En suite shower room • Roof terrace • West facing garden

131 Nor thcote Road London SW11 6PS T:020 7228 5111 batterseasales@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

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Rusham Road £800 per week

Boasting great entertaining and living space, the ground floor comprises a spacious hallway with downstairs loo, a reception room to the front of the property and kitchen/breakfast room to the rear which leads onto a pretty decked garden that also has a separate workshop area.

• Reception room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Downstairs loo • Garden • Workshop area • Four double bedrooms • Family bathroom • Separate loo • En-suite bathroom • Eave storage • Unfurnished

Marcilly Road £750 per week A Victorian house situated next to Wandsworth Common which provides beautiful living and entertaining space. The accommodation is arranged over three floors with superb living space on the ground floor and four very good sized double bedrooms on the upper levels.

• Four bedrooms • Double reception room • Extended kitchen/dining room • Family bathroom • Shower room • Downstairs loo • West facing garden

50ft (approx)

131 Nor thcote Road London SW11 6PS T:020 7228 5111 batterseasales@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

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£575 per week

Winsham Grove

• Two double bedrooms • Study/nursery • Kitchen • Reception room • Bathroom • Loft storage • Own front door • Unfurnished

Northcote Road

£440 per week

• Two double bedrooms • Reception room • Bathroom • Shower room • Eat in kitchen • Unfurnished

£425 per week

• Two double bedrooms • Reception room • Eat in kitchen • Bathroom • Furnished/Unfurnished • Available immediately

Bramfield Road

Honeywell Road

£310 per week

• Reception room • Open plan kitchen/breakfast room • Double bedroom • Modern bathroom • Great location

131 Nor thcote Road London SW11 6PS T:020 7228 5111 batterseasales@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

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Living the Dream The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market. Chatsworth Way, SE27 A splendid double fronted family house for sale in West Norwood. An impressive sense of grandeur is noticeable with substantial proportions in all principle rooms, with approximately 4058 sq ft of space.

£1,650,000 Freehold Pedder, West Norwood 020 8670 9008; pedderproperty.com

Ambleside Avenue, SW16

Cotherstone Road, SW2

A beautiful, detached double fronted house that has been meticulously cared for over the years and is set just yards from the green open space of Tooting Bec Common. The property offers five bedrooms, three bathrooms, four reception rooms, kitchen, boot room, garage, workshop, cellar, front and rear gardens, as well as off-street parking.

A truly unique and stunning six bedroom double fronted house, located on a desirable garden square in Brixton, surrounded by a number of green open spaces and the Rush Common. This attractive property benefits from a wealth of living space, with two reception rooms, a conservatory, utility room, private garden and a roof terrace, this is an ideal home for a large family.

£1,500,000

£1,250,000 Freehold

John D Wood & Co., Wandsworth

KFH, Clapham

020 8871 3033; johndwood.co.uk

020 8675 5436; kfh.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Longbeach Road, SW11

Osward Road, SW17 Immaculately presented and architecturally redesigned, this stylish and impressive three storey Victorian family house offers excellent entertaining space, four/five bedrooms, and to the rear is a stunning, landscaped west-facing garden.

Price on Application Freehold Rymer Irens, Nightingale Lane

This impressive double fronted Victorian maisonette is situated on one of Clapham Common Northside’s premier roads. Arranged over the top two floors, the property offers approximately 1,272 sq ft of living space, and is very wellpresented throughout.

£850,000 Share of Freehold Featherstone Leigh, Battersea

020 8045 8989; rymer-irens.co.uk

020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Boundaries Road, SW12

Fairmount Road, SW2 A stunning four bedroom terraced house, situated on the south west facing side of this well regarded road in Brixton. The property benefits from a wealth of original period features, and is approximately 1722 sq ft. There are four good size double bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room, dining room, separate utility room, kitchen/breakfast room and a good size private garden. There is also potential to extend, subject to the relevant planning consents.

The property is a superbly presented 1344 sq ft two bedroom second floor luxury apartment located in a high quality purpose built block built by “Mercury Developments” in 2007. Just some of the benefits include a large master bedroom suite with dressing area and en-suite bathroom with separate shower cubicle, communal gardens and two private parking spaces.

£880,000 Freehold

£685,000 Leasehold

Bushells, Clapham

Lauristons, Balham

020 7627 8084; bushells.com

020 8772 9373; lauristons.com

Spotlight on SW19 Average asking price - £1,217,336Average asking rents - £2,526 pcmAverage property value - £688,553

Data provided by 105 LTD_BattClap_April.indd 105

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Now at ho m Clapham C o Introducing our second branch in Clapham. KFH Clapham Common 30 The Pavement London SW4 0JE

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o me in C ommon. Due to our growing success in the area, we have now opened a second branch in Clapham at 30 The Pavement. Along with our Abbeville Road branch, this new addition has strengthened our network to 15 branches in South West London and over 50 across the Capital. With our London wide reach and in depth local knowledge, we are best placed to help with all your property needs. So if you are thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting contact us today.

Leigh Munday Sales Manager Tel 020 3700 8555 Email scc@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 2

Sarah Burgess Lettings Manager Tel 020 3700 6300 Email lcc@kfh.co.uk

06/03/2014 10:48

New Park Road, Brixton, SW2 £975,000 Freehold Clapham 020 8675 5436 Email scs@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 3

Extending over 2,100 sq ft is this stunning, newly refurbished five bedroom house arranged over three floors with a private rear garden. Located off of Brixton Hill near Streatham Hill train station.

• • • • • • • •

Stylish reception room Stunning kitchen/diner Study area Five double bedrooms Four bathrooms Decked garden Potential separate flat EPC rating C

06/03/2014 10:48

Akehurst Street, Putney, SW15 £1,675,000 Freehold Putney Hill 020 8780 0033 Email sph@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 4

A beautifully presented semi detached family home offering six bedrooms, two reception rooms and a stunning kitchen/breakfast room leading to a 70ft west facing rear garden.

• • • • • • • • •

Six bedrooms Three bathrooms Two reception rooms 26ft kitchen/family room 70ft garden Cellar 2,607 sq ft of accommodation Off street parking EPC rating E

06/03/2014 10:49

Haydon Park Road, Wimbledon, SW19 Guide price £1,695,000 Freehold Wimbledon 020 8944 4000 Email swm@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 5

An impressive five bedroom detached family house offering over 2,100 sq ft of accommodation arranged over four floors and a garden studio.

• • • • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Two bathrooms Entrance hall Front reception room Second reception/study Dining room Kitchen/breakfast room Front drive EPC rating E

06/03/2014 10:50

Clapham Park Road, Clapham, SW4 Prices from ÂŁ699,950 Brand new two bedroom mews houses, situated in a gated courtyard, offering easy access to Clapham Common and Clapham High Street train station. The houses boast a fantastic specification that includes German bespoke kitchens, with a full range of integrated appliances, hardwood flooring and a new build warranty. Freehold. Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk

Landor Road, Clapham, SW9 Prices from ÂŁ695,000 An attractive pair of townhouses that are being cleverly converted into individual highly specified new apartments with some retained period features. There are only two bedroom apartments remaining and two of the units offer private gardens with large purpose built garden rooms. Leasehold. Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk

Computer generated image

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Hardwicks Square, Wandsworth, SW18 £1,650 pcm Furnished Putney 020 8785 3433 Email lph@kfh.co.uk

An attractive two bedroom flat within a modern development offering a balcony and off street parking. Located near Wandsworth Town train station.

• • • • • • •

Reception room Open plan kitchen Bathroom Two double bedrooms Balcony Off street parking EPC rating B

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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Tranmere Road, Earlsfield, SW18 £1,450 pcm Furnished Earlsfield 020 8875 2980 Email lea@kfh.co.uk

A beautiful one bedroom, ground floor maisonette with a large private rear garden located in a popular residential road near Earlsfield train station.

• Double bedroom • • • • •

with fitted wardrobe Reception room Eat in fitted kitchen Modern bathroom Large private garden EPC rating D

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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Norman Road, Wimbledon, SW19 £2,750 pcm Furnished Wimbledon 020 8944 4040 Email lwm@kfh.co.uk

A stunning and immaculately presented three bedroom house which is finished to a high specification throughout and offers a beautifully landscaped garden and parking. This property is located near Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon underground stations.

• • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Reception room Dining area Modern fitted kitchen Loft space Available April EPC rating E

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase

A stunning duplex two bedroom flat located within a gated school conversion, boasting double height ceilings and windows that give the property a wonderful feeling of light and space.

his superb flat is beautifully presented throughout and offers just under 1,000 sq ft of living space. One of its main features is a truly exceptional reception/dining room with double height ceilings and windows giving a tremendous sense of natural light. The kitchen, complete with granite works tops and integrated appliances, is linked to the reception room, making it ideal for entertaining. The flat further benefits from a modern bathroom and two double bedrooms, both on the mezzanine level, complete with built in storage space.

Details

Reed Place, SW4 ÂŁ750,000

Contact

Marsh & Parsons, Clapham 020 7501 3666; marshandparsons.co.uk

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Marylebone

Notting Hill

Leathwaite Road SW12 ÂŁ1,475,000 A lovely mid terrace Victorian house excellently located and offering great potential to extend (subject to the relevant permission). This fantastic four-bedroom family home offers great living space, generously proportioned bedrooms, a large garden area to the rear and rather unusually, a fantastic roof terrace with westerly aspects. The unrivalled location is within easy walking distance of Northcote Road, Clapham and Wandsworth Common. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents. BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 sales.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Rossiter Road SW12 ÂŁ1,300,000 This stunning, newly built five-bedroom house boasts a south facing garden, two terraces and a balcony. The accommodation includes a large kitchen with terrace and spiral stairs leading out to the garden, a media room/bedroom with skylight and en suite shower room, a large reception room leading out to a south facing garden, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and terrace, three further large bedrooms (one with en suite) and a family bathroom. Freehold. EPC=B. Joint Sole Agent. BALHAM: 020 8673 4377 sales.bal@marshandparsons.co.uk

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The Negotiator Awards 2013 (for the 2nd year running!)

Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year 2013 - Gold (for the 2nd year running!)

Community Champion of the Year

Best London Estate Agency

The Negotiator Awards 2013 - Silver

Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year 2013 (Medium) - Gold (for the 4th year running!)

Dinsmore Road SW12 ÂŁ1,250,000 This stunning family home is decorated to a high standard and is situated on a quiet residential road, close to the amenities of Balham and Clapham South. The accommodation offers a good size reception room, a superb family kitchen/dining room leading to a private garden, a large master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, three double bedrooms, study and a family bathroom. Dinsmore Road is conveniently located for the wide open green spaces of Clapham Common. Freehold. EPC=C. Sole Agents. BALHAM: 020 8673 4377 sales.bal@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Montholme Road SW2 ÂŁ899,950 This stunning split level, two-bedroom garden flat is perfectly located between the commons. The property has been beautifully maintained by the current owners to comprise two double bedrooms, including a master with en suite bathroom on the upper floor, a further bathroom and a beautiful front reception room with plantation shutters. To the rear of the flat is a large dining/kitchen area that opens directly through french doors out to the large west facing garden area. Share of Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents. BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 sales.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results. Our ofďŹ ces:

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Kensington

Mayfair

Pimlico & Westminster

Balham

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Little Venice

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

Marylebone

Notting Hill

Park Hill SW12 ÂŁ1,600 per week Having undergone a complete refurbishment, this substantial house features six double bedrooms, including an impressive master bedroom with en suite bathroom and adjoining dressing room, three bathrooms, a large reception room, playroom, study and an impressive kitchen/dining area that opens onto a beautifully landscaped garden. The property further benefits from a separate nanny flat attached to the house, but accessed through a private entrance. CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666 lets.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

LETTINGS

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Streathbourne Road SW17 ÂŁ925 per week This immaculately presented six-bedroom Victorian house is generously proportioned throughout and includes a grand entrance hall and an atrium stairwell. The rear of the ground floor is extended to create a beautiful kitchen/ dining room with concertina doors leading out to a garden. The family room features an iron wood burner and a further separate reception room, which also retains many original features. EPC=E BALHAM: 020 8673 4377 lets.bal@marshandparsons.co.uk

Garfield Road SW11 ÂŁ375 per week A wonderful one-bedroom ground floor garden flat is located close to the amenities of Lavender Hill and the open spaces of Clapham Common. This wonderful apartment is well presented throughout comprising a good sized reception room flooded with natural light, a modern kitchen with dining area with french doors leading onto a private west facing garden and a double bedroom with built-in wardrobes. EPC=D. BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 lets.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk Tenant fees apply, see www.marshandparsons.co.uk/services/lettings/tenant-fees for more information.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Spotlight on Balham Priory Grove School, Priory Grove, SW8

his stunning and spacious two bedroom double volume apartment is located on the ground floor of this classic school conversion, quietly set on Priory Grove close to

Simon Hardie

Stockwell Tube and Larkhall Park. The property has excellent entertaining space, a bathroom, separate kitchen and also benefits from secure off-street parking.

Manager of John D Wood & Co., Clapham 020 8673 2854; johndwood.co.uk

ÂŁ599,950

Dining area and open plan entertaining space Adjacent to and flowing through from the reception area, this large space offers a vast area in which to entertain with easy access to the separate kitchen.

Bedroom 1 Benefitting from natural light from the windows of the living space, this bedroom features built in storage and enjoys views over the double volume entertaining space below.

Reception Featuring exposed brickwork and large south facing windows, the reception area exudes character and provides a cosy space to relax nestled in the corner of an open plan, double volume space.

Public Knowledge

Leigh Pay

Lettings Manager of Lauristons, Balham 020 8772 9373; lauristons.com

RAINY DAY

FUN FOR FREE

BEST SCHOOL

SPORTS AND REC

Balham Bowls Club is a great place to go, offering a large selection of ales and wines, a great Sunday Roast or a game of musical bingo.

Chestnut Grove School hosts a Farmers Market every Saturday, offering fresh fruit, juices, vegetables, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, breads and much more.

Henry Cavendish, Telferscot and Holy Ghost Catholic Primary. Chestnut Grove Secondary School also has a superb reputation.

Tooting and Clapham commons are ideal for runners and Tooting Bec Lido has the largest outdoor swimming pool in the UK.

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Chesterton Humberts property experts

Clapham Common West Side Clapham SW4

ÂŁ2,700,000 freehold

A sensational family home set over 4 floors, with grand entertaining rooms & 4/5 well proportioned bedrooms, benefitting from wonderful views across Clapham Common. The property retains many original features with high ceilings, working fireplaces & potential to extend to the roof (STPP). This beautiful family home is situated opposite Clapham Common & is ideal for both entertaining & family living. Battersea

EPC rating F

020 7924 4400

sales.battersearise@chestertonhumberts.com

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Airedale Road The Nightingale Triangle SW12

£1,500,000 freehold

Situated in the heart of ‘The Nightingale Triangle’ & conveniently located close to Wandsworth. the property comprises 4 double bedroom, 2 bathrooms, extended rear reception room & cellar. Balham & Wandsworth Common stations provide the nearest mainline link, with services into Victoria & Waterloo. Balham station is the nearest underground transport with Northern Line services into The City/West End. Battersea

EPC rating E

020 7924 4400

sales.battersearise@chestertonhumberts.com

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Chesterton Humberts property experts

Mysore Road Battersea SW11

ÂŁ350

per week

A stunning period conversion with reception room, dining room & adjacent kitchen with fully integrated appliances. The double bedroom has built in storage & separate bathroom with bath including shower. Mysore Road is close to both Clapham Junction & Clapham Common and within close proximity to the bars & restaurants of Battersea Rise. EPC rating C

Battersea

020 7298 5930

lettings.battersearise@chestertonhumberts.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS FIONA BOURKE Associate and Head of Lettings at Sullivan Thomas with Carter Jonas, Wandsworth Photography: Kiti Swannell What’s not to like about living around Wandsworth Common? Some Common facts: • 171.6 acres. • Known to be one of the safest commons/parks in London. • Home of former prime minister David Lloyd George. • Home of Chez Bruce, Michelin starred restaurant. • The average house price has almost doubled since 2005.

started working for Sullivan Thomas in 1999 and I’m still here! This year we had the exciting merge with Carter Jonas, which means we now have a much greater reach across London yet retain our independent identity and approach. Through my job I’ve let to couples who I’ve witnessed go on to get married, buy in the area and bring up their families here – why move? Wandsworth Common is an oasis of relative calm and only a 12 minute train journey to the centre of London. Having previously lived in Clapham and then Northcote Road and working at the time in Chelsea, I had no idea Bellevue Road and Wandsworth Common existed behind me. I always headed North or East, so it felt like a bit of a discovery – Marco Polo I’m not! The Common is a lovely mix of trees and open spaces and is split by the railway line. It’s widely used for running, dog walking, cycling, children playing, and sports - mostly football, touch rugby, rounders and softball. There’s the great All Star tennis club, the Common Ground café and two children’s play areas. As a daily dog walker I often see a heron on the pond, it’s just a lovely place to have on

your doorstep. Saturday morning football for 4 to 12 year olds is a familiar sight, with encouraging parents on the sidelines with their coffee and… dogs. There are many reasons why families move to the area; larger houses with good size gardens, easier parking, the open spaces of the Common and the great schools including Honeywell, Belleville, Finton House, Hornsby House, Northcote Lodge, Emanuel and the new Bolingbroke Academy. It’s quite special to be able to walk your children to school across the Common every day in London. Bellevue Road is a pretty road with a village feel that faces North across the Common and has a number of great shops and restaurants, including Brinkley’s bar and restaurant, Oliver’s Lounge (fabulous shoes and boots), Siena (great fashion), Prestige (friendly independent coffee shop) and a popular Caffé Nero where you’ll find many mums with their dogs after the school ‘run’ and entire families and their dogs at the weekend. It’s a lovely sight to turn on to Bellevue Road from Nightingale Lane in thelate afternoon, or early evening at any time of the year (apart from when it’s raining!) and the light is fabulous. In the summer, Bellevue Road is the place to be to have a sun-downer at the famous Hope Pub or the Althorp Bar overlooking the common. There are great transport links, Wandsworth Common train station is one stop from Clapham Junction, where you seem to be able to reach the rest of the UK, as well as the popular 319 bus route which takes you directly to Peter Jones on King’s Road.

020 8682 3121; sullivanthomas.co.uk

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sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

DINSMORE ROAD SW12

£500pw/£2,167pcm*

A lovely split level flat in this ideal location close to Clapham South Tube and Balham stations.

Wandsworth Lettings: 020 8682 3121

• Reception room

• Good storage

• Kitchen/breakfast room

• First floor flat

• 3 bedrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band D

• Bathroom

BALHAM PARK ROAD SW12 £380pw/£1,645pcm* An excellent, bright flat in an amazing location moments from Wandsworth Common train station.

Wandsworth Lettings: 020 8682 3121 *Rent excludes administration fees. For further information please contact your local office.

• Reception room

• Great location

• Kitchen

• Unfurnished/furnished

• 2 bedrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band C

• Bathroom

Full online details including the EPC are available by scanning this code using any QR code scanner

*Rent excludes administration fees. For further information please contact your local office.

Part of a network of 9 offices in London and a further 19 across the country

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ROSENEATH ROAD SW11

£1,600,000 F/H

With a spectacular south-facing garden, this family house offers one of the most outstanding and large private gardens situated ‘Between the Commons.’

• Double reception room

• 2 bathrooms

• Kitchen

• Basement

• 4 bedrooms

• Energy efﬁciency: Band D

• 2 reception rooms

• 2 bathrooms

• Kitchen breakfast room

• Utility room

• 4 bedrooms

• 65ft rear garden

• Ofﬁce / 5th bedroom

• Energy efﬁciency: Band E

ELLERTON ROAD SW18

£1,450,000 F/H

Set well back from the street, this is an attractive and wide family house in the popular Magdalen Estate.

Wandsworth Sales: 020 8767 7711

Full online details including the EPC are available by scanning this code using any QR code scanner

Wandsworth Sales: 020 8767 7711

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Wonderful Wimbledon

Wimbledon Hill Road Worple Avenue, SW19 A very well appointed semi-detached family house with a south westerly facing rear garden which has been subject to considerable extension and refurbishment by the current owners to offer turnkey living to an incoming purchaser in this desirable cul-de-sac location.

£1,795,000 Contact

John D Wood & Co., Wimbledon 020 8944 7172; johndwood.co.uk

THE BEST OF SOUTHFIELDS VILLAGE Annual price increase: 7% | Average house price: £488,862 (Zoopla)

A stylish and contemporary property set in a secure block of luxury apartments situated on Wimbledon Hill. Finished to a very high standard, the property includes three bedrooms with en suite facilities, excellent reception/entertaining space, a generous private courtyard, good storage and private parking.

£1,450,000 Leasehold

Hamptons International, Wimbledon 020 8946 0081; hamptons.co.uk

KFH in conjunction with Zoopla.co.uk has compiled a selection of London village guides and found that living in or near to a village in London can typically command a premium in the region of 51%. Each month we’ll feature one of those villages, and this month we’re focusing on Southfields village.

In the heart of leafy south west London, Southfields is best known as home to the All English Lawn Tennis Club, this popular residential suburb comes into centre stage once a year for the international Wimbledon Championships. Located between Wimbledon and Putney, Southfields’ charm lies in its true village atmosphere and in the heart of the village where Wimbledon Park Road meets Replingham Road there are a host of independent shops including a deli, butcher and a greengrocer. The excellent primary schools are a great attraction to young families as is the handful of mostly independently run restaurants and supportive local community spirit with events running throughout the year. Historically, Southfields takes its name from the old manorial system, where it was known as the South Field of the manor of Dunsford.

Transport Links � Southfields tube station (Zone 3) � Bus routes: 39, 156 and 493. Night bus: N87 Main Schools � St Michael’s COE Primary School � Sheringdale Primary School Interesting Fact HP Sauce was once made in a factory on the corner of Kimber Road and Merton Road.

For more information visit www.kfh.co.uk/village-guides

Gartmoor Gardens, Southfields, SW19 £499,950 - Shared Freehold A fantastic ground floor conversion flat enviably located in the desirable Gardens area of Southfields close to Wimbledon Park as well as local shops and transport links. This Edwardian flat offers wellproportioned accommodation throughout, with two double bedrooms, a spacious open plan living area, a modern bathroom and a private rear garden.

KFH Southfields: 020 8871 9655

Princes Road, SW19 A substantial double fronted period house, which has been imaginatively extended and modernised to create a stylish contemporary home. The house enjoys uninterrupted views, a planted front garden and gravelled driveway. Creatively modernised by Littman Goddard Hogarth Architects, this period property offers light and comfortable accommodation over three floors.

£2,100,000 Leasehold

anderson scott robinson, Wimbledon Town 020 8971 3800; as-r.co.uk

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lauristons

APRIL 2014

ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

JUST RELEASED: CONTEMPORARY LODGE IN HISTORIC GROUNDS OF THE FORMER ANNIE MCCALL HOSPITAL

LAURISTONS

HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL

WARRIORS BATTLE AGAINST THE BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

20 THINGS TO DO THIS EASTER IN SOUTH WEST LONDON

BALHAM BLAZERS TRIUMPH AT LOCAL AWARDS

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

LAURISTONS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL

taff from Lauristons recently enjoyed an afternoon visiting a year one class at Wix Primary school in Battersea. The topic this term is buildings and Lauristons were invited in to meet the children and staff to talk about structures and houses and the role of an Estate Agent. After listening attentively and asking lots of wonderful questions, the children enjoyed creating their own property brochures complete with price, key features and drawings of some of the rooms. Key Stage 1 Leader

and Class Teacher Alice David-Jekyll commented “The afternoon was fantastic and worked brilliantly with our Buildings and Structures International Primary Curriculum Topic”. The talk was such a success that Matthew and the team have been invited back to speak to another class the school has confirmed, which gives the team the time they need to perfect their delivery to what has been their most demanding audience to date.

LETTINGS MARKET ALEX VINTER DIVISIONAL LETTINGS MANAGER

he year has started with a more positive outlook compared to early 2013, possibly as a result of stronger confidence and less uncertainty in the economy. Our prospective tenants continue to move towards longer term tenancies as ‘generation rent’ starts to imbed itself; with more than 50% of new lets agreed this year are longer than two years. This can help to ‘inflation proof ’ against rising rents

HINTS

TIPS LAURISTONS_EDITORIALSTYLE.indd 122

alongside muted upcoming interest rises, which are a definite possibility within 18-24 months’ time as unemployment drops to their pre-crash levels. The help to buy scheme has not had a significant effect. Available and affordable first time buyer stock continues to be hard to come by. The outlook looks strong with a busy spring and summer expected for all of Lauristons Lettings offices.

SPORTS NEWS

ff the pitch and following the four nominations received last month at the Active Wandsworth Awards, we are delighted to announce that Balham Blazers Football Club won all four award categories; the highly coveted sports club of the year Award (for the second time having won it previously in 2011), BBFC General Manager Greg Crutwell won the outstanding contribution to sport award and BBFC committee members Rachel Arbuckle and Louise Eveington won voluntary services to sports awards. On the pitch we congratulate Aaron Mitchell who has been offered a professional contract with QPR. Aaron joined Balham Blazers as an under 10 player and was offered a

scholarship at QPR as an under 16. It just goes to show with hard work and dedication what can be achieved. Congratulations to the U10 colts who are within touching distance of the London County Saturday Youth Football league team trophy. Having only lost two games this season, the team has been putting in a sterling performance, most recently beating Bedhead Sky U10 FC 3-1 and Broomwood Braves U10 FC 8-2. With four games left to play including a match against 2nd in the league Clapham Rangers U10 FC, we look forward to keeping up with the team’s progress as they edge closer to the title.

LAURISTONS LOVE….IDEAS ON HOW TO PUT REDUNDANT COFFEE FILTERS TO GOOD USE For many coffee lovers, the days of using a percolator seem a distant memory. Many of us most probably have redundant coffee filters hiding at the back of our kitchen cupboards. Here are a few ideas of how to put them to good use: • Disposable snack bowls: For popcorn, crackers, crisps, etc. • Prevent spills: Wrap around a taco shell to prevent spills • Drip catcher: For ice creams and frozen lollies • Glass cleaner: For windows, mirrors and surfaces

• Handy wipes: Especially good to keep in your car • Flower pot liner: Useful for repotting • Safe stacking: Place between plates to avoid scratching the surface

05/03/2014 17:47

1994 – 2014

COMMUNITY NOTES

Museum.

the 16th April at the Pump House in Battersea.

20 THINGS TO DO THIS APRIL IN SW LONDON



Don’t miss one of the worlds longest running sports events on the calendar – the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race taking place on the 6th April. Head over to the Wetlands Centre in Barnes on Easter weekend for egg-citing duckling themed activities for all the family. Visit the Craft & Vintage fair which supports local designers, makers and traders at the Balham Bowls Club on the 13th April.

Learn how to make a Bee Skep in a practical workshop at Fulham Palace on the 5th April.



On the second Saturday of April, visit the Easter market tucked away in St Marks church

hall and gardens, Wimbledon. 

Family fun: sign up to attend the Ice age workshop at the Wandsworth Museum on the 8th April (for 3 years +)



Free craft workshop at St Marys Church, Balham – taking place on the 12th April



Discover and get involved with the fascinating history of lotions and potions on the 9th April at the Wandsworth Museum. Suitable for all the family.

Any budding ﬁlm directors? Sign up for the Easter holiday workshops at the Balham Studio Film School. Suitable for 7-14 year olds.



Interested in horse riding? Attend one of the events at Wimbledon village stables taking place this April

Easter sewing camp – sign up to sew me pretty taking place at the start of April in Wimbledon. Suitable for 7years +



 



Is this the year you embark on writing that novel? Sign up to one of the creative writing courses in Balham www. chalkthesun.co.uk A modern day classic comes to the new Wimbledon theatre – book your tickets for Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Have a laugh with Patrick Monahan, the matchmaker at the Bedford, Balham on the 30th April.



For Fashionistas out there – visit the Garment Project from

Enjoy a day out in central London supporting the 37,000 runners taking part in the Virgin London Marathon on the 13th April

Looking to walk off all that Easter chocolate? Walk the Wimbledon Way – a heritage walk created in 2012 that is 2.012km long passing some of Wimbledon’s fascinating heritage and culture.



Head to Kew on the 5th April to create your own Willy Wonka inspired chocolate bar with the team from the Roald Dahl



Love creepy crawlies? Join the fun at Fulham Palace on the 23rd April.

To coincide with the launch of the ﬁlm Rio 2, enjoy a day of parrot themed fun at Battersea Zoo on the 8th April.

SPORTS NEWS

DYLAN MAAS JUNIOR SPORTS REPORTER U13A CAPTAIN, WIMBLEDON WARRIORS

ince the success of Dorking we have had light training and a rather aggressive friendly against Battersea Ironsides. The great news is that I’ve been put forward to the Surrey youth trials so fingers crossed for that.

sides was hard and Our game against the Bat tersea Iron d being trodden on within somewhat painful, due to my han day with my hand in a scrum. I did spend the rest of Sun swelling, which helped a bucket of ice trying to reduce the lost 15-10 but we have no hugely - thanks mum for that! We and we very nearly drew shame as they are a league one side ld not get the ball over the in the last seconds, but we just cou coach from the Bat tersea line. It’s a compliment that even the draw. Oh well. Ironsides thought we deserved the final three league fixtures, March is huge for us as we have our are our direct competition Old Cats league leaders which I feel away and lastly Old for winning our league, Chipstead I’ve been put forward to the Alleynians... and to cap it all off sed for that. Surrey youth trials so fingers cros bits by the end of the month. Think my body is going to be in

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

PROPERTY ROUNDUP This months property highlights Lebanon Gardens, SW18

charming four bedroom terrace house having been renovated by the existing owners to a high standard. This property boasts vast amounts of natural light due to the large bay window to the front aspect and an open-plan style ground floor that has been thoughtfully sectioned into key areas that includes a lounge and dining area, both with fabulous fireplaces, ornate cornices and ceiling roses together with a hand built kitchen/ breakfast room. Decorated to a high standard, this spacious four bedroom terrace house would equally suit a young or growing family. EPC EER D

£1,250,000 Putney Sales 020 8780 8780

Craven Gardens, SW19

Queenstown Road, SW8

well-presented three bedroom semi detached home located within this highly desirable tree lined residential road, 0.4 miles from the District line tube and Mainline BR station. Offered to the market with no onward chain this family sized home enjoys a large double reception room with two feature fireplaces, an excellent extended kitchen/ family room and offers ample scope for loft extending (STPP). The accommodation comprises three bedrooms, family bathroom, double reception room with bay window, extended kitchen family room and a private rear garden with side access. EPC EER E

beautifully presented two double bedroom top floor flat with open plan kitchen & roof terrace. Recently renovated and modern throughout this property comprises of a sunny reception room, modern and fully fitted open plan kitchen with direct access onto a lovely facing roof terrace with peaceful views over the iconic aspects of Queenstown Road, two well-proportioned double bedrooms and a three piece bathroom. ideal for couples or sharers, 1st to see will take. EPC EER C.

£799,950 Freehold Wimbledon Sales 020 8946 9468

LAURISTONS_FEB_PROPERTY.indd 124

£1,800 Per Calendar Month Battersea Lettings 020 7978 5800

05/03/2014 17:58

1994 – 2014 The Lodge at Annie McCall, SW4

newly built end of terraced, freehold Lodge within the grounds of the converted Annie McCall Hospital by renowned developers Henley Homes, which was recently featured within the Daily Telegraphs most attractive developments in London. This fantastic 2 bedroom house will feature a private garden to the ground floor and private balcony to the first floor, both accessed

via floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, all coupled with high specification contemporary kitchens, bathrooms and finishing. Completions from Spring 2014 onwards.

£600,000

New Homes 0870 600 3690

Dagnan Road, SW12

fantastic newly refurbished, two double bedroom ground floor flat with private patio. The flat has been finished to a high standard throughout and offers two good size double bedrooms, modern bathroom, open plan living with modern fitted kitchen and access to private rear patio. Minutes’ walk to Clapham South Tube station and Clapham Common. EPC EER C.

£2,200 Per Calendar Month Balham Lettings 020 8772 9373

Upper Richmond Road, SW15

Grove Road, SW19

fantastic two double bedroom apartment presented in excellent decorative order situated in this popular converted police station in Central Putney. Comprising a spacious open-plan kitchen / reception room, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en suite with separate shower and bath, further double bedroom, family bathroom with shower over bath. The property further boasts allocated parking and porter. Percy Laurie House is situated on the Upper Richmond Road and is within 0.2 miles of Putney mainline railway station in addition to the shops & amenities of the town. EPC TBC.

et on a sought-after residential road, this beautifully presented two bedroom semi-detached house is smartly presented, offers ample living and entertaining space, quality fixtures, a spacious reception room, well equipped kitchen/diner and private garden. EPC EER E.

£1,900 Per Calendar Month

£1,650 Per Calendar Month

Putney Lettings 020 8780 8780

Wimbledon Lettings 020 8405 5340

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05/03/2014 18:02

Property News Currell Culture Corner Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park A fantastic opportunity to pick up some amazing art at accessible prices. 13th-16th March.

Victoria Farrar

Sales Director of Douglas & Gordon

020 3668 1000; currell.com

020 7924 2000; douglasandgordon.com

Body Language, Saatchi Gallery A great exhibition exploring the human form. Until 23rd March. Gods, Myths and Legends, Battersea Arts Centre Various theatre companies bring mythical characters into the modern day, including Orpheus and the Odyssey. Throughout April and May. Easter Egg Hunt, Modern Hall Park Head out to Morden to take the little ones on a wildlife themed Easter egg hunt. 18th-21st April.

Lend Lease unveil Cobalt Place, Battersea

obalt Place, a new development by internationally renowned developer, Lend Lease. These 104 stunning new properties are built to the highest sustainability standards, with high quality specification including contemporary kitchens with handless doors, double-glazed windows, underfloor heating and fresh air ventilation to each apartment. The development is a showpiece for natural and new, it is where modern architecture meets a natural building material, called Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), which will unlock a new era in the future of sustainable development and healthier living. Due for completion from Spring/Summer 2015. Prices start from £380,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

George Franks

Director of Currell, Battersea

Lauristons • 0207 978 5800; lauristons.com

verything in the property world is being regulated more and more! Estate agents are heavily watched and controlled by the Ombudsman, and by the way, if you’re using an estate agent which isn’t registered with the Ombudsman, you need to ask yourself why? Even photographs that go into details and are advertised on the websites need to be a true representation of the property. For example, if the house is sitting next to a pub, or it is a flat over a shop the photograph needs to show this. Property is valued to some extent by its size. If you think that in central London, every square foot is worth the price of a weekend away, then the accuracy of a floorplan is not unimportant. Sometimes at Douglas & Gordon we have taken instructions from other estate agents and our floorplans can often be 5% to 10% smaller than the agent before us. The owner of the house is understandably perturbed by this revelation, as this can often make their property worth much less. Now, I am not saying that our floorplans are mean, but I am saying that some other floorplans may be overly generous. So if you are buying a property and your price per square foot matters to you, rather than the outlook, or the style or the way it is decorated, then maybe it is worth having that floorplan doublechecked. Also, our governing bodies should start to take floorplanners under their regulatory umbrella.-

New office for Martin & Co At Martin & Co Chelsea & Riverside we are very excited to announce the opening of our new 9 person property management office in Battersea Reach. This is in addition to our current lettings office in Flotilla House, which we moved into last May. Director, Michael van de Vyver says ‘The opening of our new premises in Baltimore House will allow us to deliver exceptional customer service to existing and new clients. We are pleased to say we now let & manage over 200 properties in the development, and this number is only set to grow!’ martincolondon.com; 020 7585 0504

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Jonathan Loney John D Wood & Co. Southfields

020 3151 5905; johndwood.co.uk

A look ahead to the Spring property market in Balham

he Balham housing market in 2013 was defined by a limited supply of properties for sale and a growing number of buyers – creating perfect conditions for a market prepared to pay a premium for the right property. Clifford Harvey, of aspire’s Balham office gives us his predictions for 2014: It was April last year, that we witnessed a surge in activity with demand outstripping supply - a trend which continued during 2013 with some of our highest prices rises recorded – averaging ten per cent in Balham. As we move into Spring 2014, we expect prices to grow, however probably not at the same rate as in

Clifford Harvey

Director at aspire, Balham 020 8673 6111; aspire.co.uk

2013 with the imbalance of supply levelling out, as more property comes onto the market in the traditionally busier Spring - bringing a more stable environment with a healthy turnover of property to satisfy the buyer demand. A more consistent weather picture will also bring greater consistency in the property market too. We currently have more flats and maisonettes to sell but we expect more family homes to come onto the market during Spring and early Summer when the gardens are looking good and when families are thinking about a move prior to the start of a new school year. All in all, we predict a less fraught supply/ demand ratio as we move through 2014.

The Earlsfield Sales Branch celebrate their win.

KFH celebrates success at awards evening

inleigh Folkard & Hayward celebrated the success of 2013 with a glittering awards evening held at The Brewery, EC1Y, London, on Friday the 24th of January 2014. Over 600 KFH staff attended the black tie event which recognises and rewards the highest achievers across all of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s business divisions including

sales, lettings, financial services, professional services, block management and commercial property. The top sales branch was awarded to Earlsfield, managed by Rebecca May, while the best performing lettings office went to Battersea, managed by Duncan Blakelock. Hosting the evening was Managing Director and founder of KFH, Lee Watts, who delivered an

outhfields has long been that hidden gem, loved by residents for its community feel, great schools, green spaces and easy links into London. With the continued lack of supply and high demand for property, buyers have started to cast their eye further afield. It comes as no surprise then that Southfields now finds itself at the top of many wish lists and on the radar for those originally looking in areas like Wimbledon, Putney, Clapham and Fulham. Southfields residents however are happy to stay put, and who could blame them. This increased demand for homes to buy has been met with poor supply. Properties on the highly desirable ‘Grid’ are finding large numbers of viewers and receiving multiple offers from highly motivated buyers. We have recently seen some properties achieving 18-20% over their asking prices as competition really starts to heat up. With no sign of the market offering more stock, and the popularity of Southfields on the increase, it’s fair to suggest this climate is going to remain for some time to come.

Lee Watts, MD & Founder of KFH at the awards ceremony

entertaining speech highlighting the company’s achievements for 2013 as well as announcing some important upcoming milestones for the Group in 2014. He handed over to renowned comedian, Russell Kane, who kept the audience in stitches while handing out the awards. kfh.co.uk

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featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Longbeach Road, Battersea

ÂŁ850,000 An impressive double fronted Victorian maisonette with three bedrooms situated on one of Clapham Common Northside's premier roads, offering 1,272 sq ft (approx) of accommodation. EPC = D.

t: 020 7228 2278

Jedburgh Street, Battersea

ÂŁ500,000 A stunning one bedroom ground floor garden flat. Wooden floored reception room, modern kitchen leading onto a west-facing garden, Modern fitted bathroom and private cellar for additional storage. EPC = D.

t: 020 7228 2278

An independent estate agency with 13 offices working together throughout south-west London

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Sister’s Avenue, Battersea

£1,725,000

This stunning five bedroom house has been finished to a very high standard, with three bathrooms, two reception rooms, study, two cloakrooms, patio and a two-tiered landscape garden. EPC Rating C.

t: 020 8744 0595

It’s our area... ZOOPLA_APR.indd 3

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Offices throughout London

Whancliffe Mews, SW4

£399,950

Beresford House, SW4

£539,950

A beautifully presented one bedroom ground floor garden flat, situated within this impressive private modern block in the heart of Clapham, and close to the shops, bars and restaurants of Abbeville Village and Clapham Common. EPC=C.

Set within a gated development close to Brixton and Clapham North stations, you’ll find this amazing two double bedroom first floor apartment. The property boasts over 900 sqft of living space and a private balcony! EPC=B.

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Wakehurst Road, SW12

Rosebery Road, SW2

£1,750,000

OIEO £460,000

Well located off of the popular Northcote Road and a short walk to Wandsworth Common and Clapham Junction, is this well-proportioned three bedroom family home. Offering scope for further development, this is a must see property. EPC=B.

A two double bedroom top floor flat, within this beautiful end of terrace period property between Clapham Common and Brixton. Offering a wealth of natural light, two double bedrooms, a modern fitted kitchen, bathroom and reception room. EPC=C.

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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bushells.com

Kingswood Road, SW2

£500,000

A fantastic opportunity to acquire this two bedroom, ground floor garden flat, located on a popular road between Clapham and Brixton. The property boasts a good sized private garden and the added bonus of the freehold to the building. Book your viewing today to avoid disappointment! EPC =D.

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Luxurious Lettings

A stunning, bay-fronted three double bedroom house in South Park Gardens.

one up to a wonderful high specification, with a fantastic kitchen and bathroom. This lovely home comprises of through lounge/diner with fireplace and wood flooring, a modern kitchen with integrated appliances and plenty of storage, three good size double bedrooms, a beautiful four piece bathroom and a lowmaintenance garden with side access.

Details

Effra Road, SW19 ÂŁ2,350 Per Month

Contact

Ellisons, Wimbledon 020 8944 8626; ellisons.uk.com

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OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON balham

battersea 020 7801 3400

clapham north 020 7840 3700

clapham south

020 8673 6111

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 8769 7900

020 8675 1222 020 8772 7080

Elms Road, SW4

£525,000

A delightful one bedroom flat on one of the best roads in Abbeville Village. The property is beautifully presented and offers light, airy and spacious accommodation comprising of a reception room, separate kitchen/diner, large double bedroom, utility room, bathroom and a separate W.C. • Spacious one bedroom flat • 732 sq/ft • Eat in Kitchen • Utility room • Extensive storage

aspire clapham south 020 8675 1222 clapham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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.co.uk

05/03/2014 17:18

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

Ascensis Tower, Battersea Reach, SW18

£1,350,000

A luxury three bedroom riverside apartment situated on the third floor of this prestigious development, boasting far reaching river views. • Spacious, light reception • Open-plan kitchen • Master bedroom with en-suite • Two further bedrooms & family bathroom • Glass terrace • Underground parking space

aspire battersea 020 7801 3400 battersea@aspire.co.uk

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Cathles Road, SW12

£1,250,000

A quite superlative four bedroom family home enviably located on a quiet residential street moments from Clapham South Tube station and the common. The current owners have ensured that the pretty period features throughout the house have been lovingly maintained. • Beautiful Kitchen • Private rear garden • Cellar • Cloakroom/Utility Room • Plenty of storage • Close to Clapham South Tube

aspire balham 020 8673 6111 balham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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.co.uk

05/03/2014 17:18

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON balham 020 8673 6111

battersea 020 7801 3400

clapham north 020 7840 3700

clapham south 020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

Hayter Road, SW2

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

£725,000

Memory Lane

David Kirkup of aspire’s Clapham office talks to a vendor about the wonderful sitting room and barbeques summer evenings in the garden of his flat in Hayter Road. How long have you lived in the property? We have lived in this particular property for two years but have lived in the Clapham and Brixton area since 1999 - we’ve certainly seen some changes in that time! What do you like most about living in Clapham? The whole area is so vibrant and exciting and pretty much has everything you would want. There are beautiful tree lined streets, you have access to both Clapham High Street with all

its’ shops and bars, while Brixton - with it’s great markets and nightlife is minutes away. Whether you want a quiet meal in a secret little restaurant or go all out and drink until the small hours - it’s all there for you. Having lived here for so long, you actually build up a feeling of community, which can be a bit unusual for London. Where did you draw inspiration from for the design/interior of the property? Our tastes have evolved over the various

houses we have moved into and from - picking up small items that become a focus for style and colour. There is a pub on Ferndale Rd called The Duke Of Edinburgh which used to have the most fantastic assortment of furniture and dressings and that actually used to inspire us a lot. Wandering around second hand / vintage stores are a great source of fantastic one offs. Photos have always been important to us as well - it’s great to walk past a wall of memories.

.co.uk

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Did you install any special features in the property? We didn’t really install anything too special although the reworking of the garden was a big job. Previously it was an unloved, dank, decked space so we really wanted to bring as much character and light to it which is where the European style white walled raised borders came from - plus the outdoor lighting within the planting. The uplighters casting shadows through the ‘sculptural’ plants looks amazing in the summer evenings. Are there any further changes or developments you would have made had

you stayed in the property? If money was no object, I think we would install doors in the kitchen opening out onto a new balcony with steps down into the garden. I love fresh air getting into the house. What was your favourite room in the house? We spend most time in the sitting room and I think it is our favourite - slowly we’ve pulled together interesting lights which add such a cosy atmosphere. That and the garden - we have great BBQs in the summer.

aspire battersea 020 7801 3400 battersea@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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KEATINGS.indd 2

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Clapham BrixtonDulwich

www.keatingestates.com

SALES

Nelsons Row, Clapham SW4

Asking Price £499,950

• Located off Clapham High Street • Beautifully presented with original features throughout • One double bedroom and converted loft space with bathroom. • Open plan living space. Clapham Office: 020 7720 2113  clapham@keatingestates.com

SALES

Park Lofts, Lyham Road , SW2

Asking Price £865,000

• 1744 sq ft, loft-style apartment in a sought after school conversion. • Boasting floor to ceiling windows, solid wood and slate floors as well as under floor heating. • Off-street parking. • Short walk from the vibrant shops, nightlife and culinary marvels of Brixton and Clapham. Brixton Office: 020 7095 5777  brixton@keatingestates.com

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29/01/2014 16:00

www.pedderproperty.com

Navigate further afield with the SE London experts Maybe you want more for your money. Perhaps you want an area blessed with green spaces and good schools, perfect for a young family. Or you’re looking for that “village” feel, with local shops, bars and parks. With over 30 years experience in South East London, who better than Pedder to help you navigate this up-and-coming area? And who better to help you discover your new home? Because no-one knows South East London like Pedder.

A passion for property Pedder. SE London’s premier agent

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29/01/2014 04/03/2013 16:00 09:28

silver

The best buyers hunt in packs Welcome them to your door with an Open View With 58% more buyers1 than last year, the competition is fierce. Our Open Views gather buyers together to visit your property all at once, each primed and eager to move. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect way to get the best price for your home. ANDREWS.indd 2

27/02/2014 14:51

Book your free valuation2 today Sales Balham 020 8675 2244 Battersea 020 7326 8171

1 2

Source: Andrews internal figures Q4 2013 compared to Q4 2012. Free valuation does not apply to valuations conducted for insurance or mortgage purposes.

ANDREWS.indd 3

Putney 020 8780 2233 Southfields 020 8874 6686 Streatham 020 8769 7722

Andrews. Get ahead. andrewsonline.co.uk 27/02/2014 14:51

ABSOLUTELY Property

Lowdown for Landlords

Why should you use a Managing Agent?

hy should you use a Managing Agent is a question we frequently hear from prospective Landlords. The answer, whilst clear to a professional, can be twofold to home owners. The benefits of using a Managing Agent include professional knowledge on compliance, formal accounting functions, experience with repairs and maintenance ,ensuring Landlords receive value for money and having an emergency callout service for 24 hour assistance. Whilst these factors are all professional aspects Currell Management provide as standard, there are also emotional strains to consider; as a Landlord, do you wish to have the awkward discussion regarding late rental payments? Do you wish to have possibly embarrassing conversations about tenant’s lifestyles when checking the property midtenancy? Would you want to be involved in potentially heated ‘check out’ negotiations? These are all regular aspects a professional Managing Agent undertakes as an objective, independent agency, acting on the Landlord’s behalf.

Michael Paul Head of Property Management at Currell

020 7354 8080; currell.com

A newly decorated and spacious two double bedroom apartment.

eaturing two spacious bedrooms with built in storage, a large bright lounge, a separate fitted kitchen with a large fridge freezer and dishwasher, excellent storage throughout and a private roof terrace that’s perfect for entertaining. This lovely apartment

Details

Upper Richmond Road, SW15 £1,700 Per Month

is located within moments of Putney High Street and both train and tube stations. With these amenities at your doorstep, this property is perfect for those professionals who commute. Available now, furnished.

Contact

Chamberland Residential 020 8704 1313; chamberlandres.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

New to the market

Norroy Road, SW15 A brilliant family home refurbished to a very high standard. There is a spacious double reception room on the ground floor, which boasts a number of lovely period details. The light kitchen is fitted with contemporary units and modern appliances and double doors lead out to an elegant garden. The Master Bedroom

has ample built-in storage and a feature fireplace. There are two further double bedrooms on the first floor, both with built-in storage, and a contemporary bathroom. On the second floor there are two further double bedrooms and a separate shower room. The property also benefits from a cellar.

ÂŁ1,400,000 Freehold

Contact

Douglas & Gordon, Putney 020 8788 3000; douglasandgordon.com

How long should the process usually take to complete a sale/ purchase?

his is a difficult question to answer, as there are many variables that dictate the length of a transaction. If the buyer or seller has a related sale/purchase and further sales above and below then all have to get ready before a sale can exchange contracts. Assuming no other transactions are involved then the sales process should be concluded in four to six weeks. For this to happen, the conveyancer will need to approve the contact, conduct a local search and have a mortgage offer or funds from the buyer to exchange contracts and then completion is set by mutual agreement.

Philip Agius

Branch Manager of Jacksons, Earlsfield 020 8971 7070; jacksonsestateagents.com

Lower Richmond Road, SW15 A very rare opportunity to purchase a unique riverside apartment, enjoying a breath-taking panoramic view of the River Thames. The flat is located on the third floor of what was The Star and Garter Hotel, a highly distinctive and characterful building and a historic Putney landmark. Tastefully furnished throughout, the accommodation benefits from very high ceilings to create a light and airy living space and generously proportioned windows to provide maximum enjoyment of the view beyond.

ÂŁ1,250,000

Leasehold - Share of Freehold Contact

Warren 020 8780 1100; warrenputney.co.uk

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Christopher Cady, Associate Director

Stunning home,

Off street parking.

p r e m i e r

Trinity Road, SW18 A substantial three storey Victorian terrace house which totals approx. two thousand six hundred and fifty square feet and has been fully renovated and extended to the rear. The kitchen has been extended both into the side return and into the garden creating three clearly defined areas with under floor heating and full width folding doors leading onto the garden. ÂŁ1,650,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

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Balham 020 8675 6565

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Putney Open 2014

Clapham 020 8875 7995

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

East Dulwich 020 8875 7999

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Nightingale Triangle,

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

p r e m i e r

Beautifully extended.

Gosberton Road, SW12 An attractive, well presented and spacious Victorian terrace house situated within a popular residential which forms part of The Nightingale Triangle. The house has been renovated and extended. There are five double bedrooms served by three bathrooms complimented by well balanced ground floor living accommodation. A side extension housing the well planned kitchen/breakfast room leads onto the attractive rear garden. ÂŁ1,495,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

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Sophia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Carroll & Tilly, Sales Manager

Semi detached,

Substantial family home. Dornton Road, SW12 A substantial five bedroom family home. Comprising a stunning reception room, a further reception room and to the rear is an extended kitchen breakfast room. The first floor encompasses a master suite, dressing room and a luxury bathroom, to the rear is a double bedroom, shower room and utility room. There are three further bedrooms and bathroom on the top floor. ÂŁ1,450,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

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05/03/2014 16:30

Balham 020 8675 6565

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Putney Open 2014

Clapham 020 8875 7995

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

East Dulwich 020 8875 7999

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Tonsleys home,

Five double bedrooms.

Fullerton Road, SW18 This fully extended property provides a combination of well balanced entertaining space plus ample bedrooms and bathrooms. Neutrally decorated throughout affording the opportunity to move straight in or to personalise as required. Entrance hall, wide double reception room, cloakroom/w.c. fully extended kitchen breakfast room, five double bedrooms served by two bathrooms, with one of these being ensuite. To the rear is a secluded South West facing garden. ÂŁ1,350,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Town 020 8875 8899

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05/03/2014 16:30

CurrellResidential

£1,250,000 Freehold Elsley Road, SW11 • Four double bedrooms • Three en-suite bathrooms • Garden • Allocated parking

Currells_April.indd 2

04/03/2014 09:42

£400 per week Wycliffe Road, SW11 • Two double bedrooms • Shaftsbury estate • Close to Clapham Junction • Available immediately

£400 per week Ingelow Road, SW8 • Two double bedrooms • Period conversion • Diamond conservation area • Available now and furnished

020 3668 1000

Currells_April.indd 3

battersea@currell.com

www.currell.com

04/03/2014 09:42

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time

Warren_Corp_April.indd 2

05/03/2014 09:22

Dedicationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you need!

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH 020 8780 1100

139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ sales@warrenputney.co.uk

www.warrenputney.co.uk

Warren_Corp_April.indd 3

05/03/2014 09:23

This handsome double fronted six bedroom detached Edwardian house is located on one of the most prestigious residential roads in Upper West Putney. A much loved family home it offers over 4,000 Sq Ft of generously proportioned and well balanced accommodation.

Egliston Road, SW15 £3,500,000

• Over 4,000 Sq Ft • Large Drawing Room • Dining Room/Study • Kitchen/Breakfast/ Family Room • Downstairs Cloakroom • EPC Rating E • Master Bedroom With En-Suite Shower • Five Further Double Bedrooms • Two Additional Bathrooms • Cellar With Utilities • Carriage Driveway • 76Ft Garden

An imposing, handsome and well presented detached Victorian house with a large west facing garden and off street parking on one of the best roads in West Putney.

Hazlewell Road, SW15 £4,000,000

• Detached Victorian Freehold House • Large West Facing Garden • Three Reception Rooms • 26Ft Kitchen Breakfast Room • Guest W.C. • Master Bedroom With Large En-Suite Bathroom • Six Further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Two Further Modern Shower Rooms • Off Street Parking • Study • Potential To Extend (Stpp) • EPC Rating D

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH / 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ Warren_BC_April.indd 2

05/03/2014 17:49

T: 020 8780 1100

Westleigh Avenue, SW15

warrenputney.co.uk

£2,795,000 Hotham Road, SW15

• Double Fronted Detached House • Reception • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Study • EPC Rating D • Family Room • Utility Room • Downstairs Cloakroom • Master Bedroom With EnSuite • Five Further Bedrooms • Study Area • Bathroom • Shower Room • 123Ft South Facing Garden • Garage • Carriage Driveway

Fanthorpe Street, SW15

• Freehold • Edwardian House • Atrium • EPC Rating TBC • Reception Room • Family Room • Dining Room • Kitchen • Cellar • Private South Facing Gardens • Rear Access To Earldom Road • Three Double Bedrooms • Bedroom/ Study • Family Bathroom • Master Bedroom En-Suite • Storage

£1,450,000 Ashlone Road, SW15

• Victorian • 1,840 Sq Ft • Double Reception • Kitchen Breakfast Room • Downstairs W.C. • Cellar • 30Ft Private Rear Garden • Master Bedroom • Four Further Double Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • EPC Rating E

£1,595,000

£1,195,000

• Terraced Victorian Freehold House • 33Ft West Facing Garden • Three Double Bedrooms • Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Bathroom • Shower Room • Eaves Storage • Fitted Cupboards • River Views • Quiet And Extremely Attractive • Residential Road • EPC Rating D

Tel: 020 8780 1100 / sales@warrenputney.co.uk / warrenputney.co.uk Warren_BC_April.indd 3

05/03/2014 17:49

Egliston Lawns, SW15

£4,500 PCM Haldon Road, SW18

• Fabulous Family House • Three Reception Rooms • Eat-In Kitchen • Utility Room • Master Suite • Two Further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Guest W.C. • Garage • Large South Facing Garden • Off-Street Parking • Gardener Included • EPC Rating D

Manor Fields, SW15

£3,750 PCM

• Spectacular Semi Detached House • Through Reception • Kitchen/Dining/Family Room • Unique Garden • Five Double Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms• Guest W.C. • Beautifully Presented • Original Features • Well Located • Residential Road

£2,250 PCM Griffin Gate, SW15

£1,500 PCM

• Three Bedroom Apartment • Prestigious Mansion Estate • 11 • Two Double Bedroom Flat • Modern Development • Reception Acres of Beautiful Grounds • Top Floor • Bright Reception • Dining Room • Fully Fitted Kitchen • Smart Bathroom With Shower • Roof Area • Fitted Kitchen • Smart Bathroom • Guest W.C.• Large Garden • Central Location Master Bedroom • 2 Further Double Bedrooms • 24Hour Security • Off-Street Parking • Porter Service • EPC Rating D

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH / 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ Tel: 020 8780 1100 / sales@warrenputney.co.uk / warrenputney.co.uk Warren_BC_April.indd 4

05/03/2014 17:49

CGI representation of The Schoolyard

The Old York Road

The Thames Path

Northcote Road

Stunning new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with balconies in the heart of vibrant SW18 SECOND PHASE NOW SELLING To register your interest and book a viewing at our marketing suite call 0844 406 9288 or visit

www.theschoolyardsw18.com L&Q HOUSING.indd 2 7327_Advert_Absolute_B&C_297x210_Jan14.indd 1

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05/03/2014 16/01/2014 14:40 12:01

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Experts

Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market 1. Should I redecorate pre-sale?

nless there is something obvious such as a leak from a bathroom then the answer is no, keep your hands firmly in your pockets! In fact, these days the majority of buyers prefer to carry out some works or decorating themselves when they move in so that they can put their own stamp on their home. That said, if a house or flat is empty or there is a bedroom which is a little on the small side, then some dressing of the property can work wonders and help buyers visualise the space.

2. Where should I invest?

here is always buzz, gossip and speculation about where the “next big boom” is going to happen in the capital, currently being touted as the next big thing are Brixton, Crystal Palace, Nine Elms, Peckham and Streatham, amongst others. However, whilst these areas may be seeing a fairly rapid change in their fortunes, investment money will always do well in areas that have steady growth and will remain popular. Areas such as Wandsworth, Balham and Clapham will always be popular and so for a safe investment money put into property in these areas should be subject to less volatile fortunes than the next flavour of the month.

main factor is probably the price. Internet property portals are some of the most visited websites, and due to this, buyers are more clued up now than ever before about what their money can buy them. Most buyers will view on average six properties before putting in an offer, so it is important to market your property at a price which grabs attention and doesn’t put people off.

4. What common mistakes do sellers make?

ne of the most common errors we encounter is when the seller starts looking before they have started marketing their own property. Often they will find something which ticks all the boxes and then find that their offer is not taken seriously as they have yet to sell their own home. Moreover, given the current surge in values we are regularly valuing homes above the sellers expectations. Following a successful ‘open house’ event we typically are tying up sales at or, very often, above the asking price. This means a sellers budget can be much higher

3. Why hasn’t my property sold?

1. Alex Oppenheim 4. Phil Agius

Branch Manager of Jacksons, Earlsfield 020 8971 7070; jacksonsestateagents.com

5. When is the best time to sell?

ight now, without a shadow of doubt. The current substantial imbalance between supply and demand has had a monumental impact on property prices in the period between January 2013 and the present day. We strongly feel that as the weather begins to improve and spring flowers start to emerge, there will be noticeable increase in the number of properties coming to market. As the supply and demand scales begin to show signs of balancing, it is likely that the heat will come out of the market slightly and house prices will show signs of softening. Take action now to achieve the optimum price for your home.

6. Should I use a Financial Advisor?

n most instances using a financial advisor is a good idea, as they will have access to the best rates at the time. However, in addition it is worth speaking to your current lender direct, as for an existing client, a preferential offer might be made. Never use a mortgage broker that is tied to a particular lender – make sure the broker of choice is fully independent.

There is always buzz, gossip and speculation about where the “next big boom” is going to happen in the capital.

number of things could put buyers off a property. Misleading brochure photographs which don’t properly portray the character of the property or area will immediately put some people off. If you are presenting your property well, with immaculate interiors and good marketing material, the

Associate Manager of John D Wood & Co., Battersea 020 3151 5722; johndwood.co.uk

than they had expected and consequently their search is far more successful when they have a complete chain beneath them.

2. Timothy Perkin

Residential Sales at Rymer Irens, Nightingale Lane 020 8045 8989; rymer-irens.com

5. Nigel Budd

Sales Director of Lauristons 020 8946 9468; lauristons.com

3. Victoria Farrar

Director of Currell, Battersea 020 3668 1000; currell.com

6. James French

Manager/Director of Douglas & Gordon, West Putney 020 8785 6666; douglasandgordon.com

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BOUTIQUE LIVING IN THE HEART OF W6 ASHLAR COURT Ravenscourt Gardens, London, W6 0TU

2 Bedroom apartments from £750,000

• A collection of 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments • Beautiful Grade II listed building • Many original features being retained • Secure underground parking • Lovingly restored communal gardens • Excellent transport links

For more information

0844 644 1576 lindenhomes.co.uk/ashlarcourt

Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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25/02/2014 04/03/2014 12:25 15:32

ABSOLUTELY Property

House Hunting Property I’d most like on my books and why? Apsley House has the most incredible location, being on the corner of Hyde Park. It is just the most beautiful listed house, steeped in history and complete with original Robert Adam Staircase (I think the only other surviving original is in Home House - a close second favourite). It wouldn’t get much better than marketing “No. 1 London” - what an address! Best place to invest? I know it’s my ‘patch’ so one can argue I’m being biased, but I think there are plenty of investors who are in agreement with me when I say Battersea is the place to invest. I know prices have soared upwards (with still a way to go) around the park and surrounds but there are still pockets that are good value and haven’t quite caught up price wise to the perceived ‘prime areas’ of SW11. Battersea Square, for instance, is a super spot close to the river and is well placed for access to Clapham Junction - and did I mention Gordon Ramsay has just opened his latest restaurant there?

The reception of Foxmore Street.

The most interesting property I have been involved in is... There was a large family house we were selling that nobody liked showing because it had an incredibly ‘creepy’ feel to it. Not surprisingly, bites were few and far between. However, we did receive a cheeky offer and on reporting it, accompanied with the advice to reject this derisory bid, the vendor flatly refused the advice and instructed us to accept immediately. She was almost panicked and said she just really needed to ‘get out of that house’, her behaviour was incredibly strange and just re-affirmed our suspicions that it was the haunted house on the hill. Very spooky indeed.

Sophie Poland Sales Manager of John D Wood & Co. Battersea

The toughest sale and why? I once had a repossessed riverside flat that was under offer for 18 months. The buyer changed three times as the flat was fraught with issues ranging from a defective title and change of use planning problems. Also, the company handling the sale for the bank was most inefficient, with high staff turnover meaning my contact changed at least five times during this period. I showed the flat about 150 times, even managed to lock myself inside in the dark (there were no electrics) and had to be rescued by the porter. Thank goodness for mobile phones or it could have been a very long night. I celebrated for a week when it actually exchanged - a year and a half later. Finest property showcase... Foxmore Street, SW11 A beautiful family home on Foxmore Street situated just moments away from Battersea Park and located within the conservation area, this is an extremely well proportioned and presented house. £2,500,000. 020 7228 0174; johndwood.co.uk

KFH expands its reach in South West London

ith more than 50 offices across the capital, 17 of which are located in South West London alone, we’re proud to announce the opening of our new branch in Clapham Common, SW4. The new branch opened for business in February, and both Leigh Munday, Sales Manager and Sarah Burgess, Lettings Manager, have extensive experience in the London Property Market. Located at 30 The Pavement, the new branch directly overlooks Clapham Common, and is a stone’s throw away from Clapham Old Town. It covers a large area which includes Clapham Old Town, Clapham High Street, Clapham North, Stockwell and the streets surrounding Wandsworth Road. Leigh Munday comments: “In the first week of opening, our sales team registered over 150 keen buyers, with the majority of them local residents. It seems many first time buyers are keen to stay in the area, which has so much to offer, from a number of convenient transport links to many popular

cafés and gastro pubs.” Sarah Burgess adds: “Clapham Common and its surrounding areas are proving extremely popular, with many young professionals taking advantage of all the area has to offer. Interestingly, a number of our landlords appear to be renting their homes as they move abroad for work reasons. The quality of properties available are subsequently of an exceptional

standard and we’ve had fantastic feedback from tenants”. KFH Clapham Common 30 The Pavement, London SW4 0JE Sales: 020 3700 8555 Lettings: 020 3700 6300 kfh.co.uk

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Wishing Everyone a Happy Easter!

www.chamberlandres.co.uk | 020 8704 1313 lettings@chamberlandres.co.uk | sales@chamberlandres.co.uk 212 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TD Chamberland_APR.indd 2

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Properties To Buy and Let Don’t see what you are looking for?

Call us 24/7 on 020 3031 3984

£1,395,000 SW4

£1,495,000 SW12

A stunning 4 bedroom property of over 2000 sq.ft. Presented in a modern and high spec condition, must be viewed. . • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Private Garden

• Off-Street Parking • Study Room • EPC: D

£1600p/w SW11

A jaw dropping 4 bedroom house refurbished to the highest standard and ready to move in. . • 4 Bedrooms • Walk-In Wardrobe • Cloakroom

£550 p/w

• Off-Street Parking • Utility Room • EPC: D

SW12

A superb 3 bedroom apartment in one of the most . prestigious developments in Battersea, truly exceptional.

An immaculate 2 bedroom flat located in a decadent street within a short walking distance. of Balham Tube station.

• 3 Double Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Private Balcony

• 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Close to High Street

• River Views • Open Plan Kitchen • EPC: D

• Garden • Furnished • EPC: E

Morgan Randall, London’s favourite estate agent

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London’s favourite estate agent

Prices Up by 15.4% figures released by The Halifax

Your property may have risen by over £1000 per week since this time last year, do you really know how much your property is worth today?

Call us now 020 3031 3984 2011 2012 2013

0% 2.2% 15.4%

Greater London House Price Movement Our valuers have seen reactions of surprise and astonishment when informing owners just how much their home is actually worth in today’s market.

Whether you are thinking of selling or just curious, give your local estate agent Morgan Randall a call now and book in a free no-obligation valuation. Don¹t guess, know where you stand either way.

Balham Office 112-114a Balham High Road Balham London SW12 9AA

T: 020 3031 3984 (24 Hours) E: balham@morganrandall.com 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturdays

Tube: Balham (0.2 miles) Train: Balham (0.2 miles) Bus: 155, 249, 355 Morgan Randall, London’s favourite estate agent

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Wimbledon Village, SW19 Occupying a substantial corner plot in a prestigious road close to Wimbledon Common and the Village, this substantial newly built house is finished in a contemporary style to the highest specification. The property is exceptionally light throughout and offers superb space for family living and entertaining. There is a beautiful bespoke kitchen/ dining room, a huge reception room, separate formal drawing room and study plus seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. EPC: B.

£17,500 pcm Unfurnished • • • • • •

Newly built Superb entertaining space 7 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms Wrap Around Gardens Garage and Off Street Parking

Hamptons Wimbledon Lettings. 020 8454 7629

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Wimbledon, SW20 A substantial detached house laid out over 4 floors and offering excellent and flexible accommodation. The historic house, previously used as a school, was thoughtfully converted and restored by the present owners in 2002. The property now offers four reception rooms, including Oak and Mahogany rooms, library, orangery, French antique lighting, large kitchen/breakfast room, five generous bedrooms, a triple aspect room on the top floor, double garage and driveway with parking for several cars. EPC: E

£3,250,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Historic Property Carefully Restored Excellent Reception Space 5 Bedrooms Garage and Driveway South-Westerly Garden

Hamptons Wimbledon Sales. 020 8454 7249

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After the umpteenth year, the self-made man rested.

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29/08/2013 16:10

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The Orangery, SW17 | ÂŁ1,750,000 Freehold This wonderfully unique and beautifully presented home offers excellent lateral living & entertaining space including an elegant 28ft reception room, three bedrooms (one of which is en suite) and a charming, landscaped garden.

rymer-irens.com

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Dalebury Road, SW17 | Price on Application Freehold A truly fabulous double-fronted Victorian family home situated on this highly desirable road close to Wandsworth Common and offering over 3,000 sq ft of living space including seven bedrooms, two elegant reception rooms and attractive kitchen/dining room.

34 Bellevue Road London SW17 7EF

89 Nightingale Lane London SW12 8NX

020 8767 2222

020 8045 8989

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Lyford Road, SW18 | ÂŁ3,500,000 Freehold Built c. 1908 and situated moments from Wandsworth Common, this beautifully extended semi-detached family house offers two floors of entertaining space, six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a large, south west facing rear garden.

rymer-irens.com

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05/03/2014 16:37

Ellerton Road, SW18 | ÂŁ1,450,000 Freehold Set back from the road (within the Magdalen Estate), this attractive Edwardian three storey family house has a delightful 66ft south west facing rear garden along with two lovely receptions rooms, five bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Ellerton Road, SW18 | ÂŁ1,325,000 Freehold Immaculately presented throughout, this charming two storey family house offers well-proportioned accommodation throughout including two reception rooms, four bedrooms and to the rear is an attractive 49ft garden.

34 Bellevue Road London SW17 7EF

89 Nightingale Lane London SW12 8NX

020 8767 2222

020 8045 8989

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Osward Road, SW17 | ÂŁ1,450,000 Freehold Immensely stylish with an especially impressive ground floor arrangement, this three storey Victorian family house offers exceptional entertaining space, five bedrooms (including a superb master bedroom suite) and a west facing garden.

rymer-irens.com

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A SA G L RE E ED

£1,450,000,* Freehold

Hosack Road, SW17 - EPC: D

SO LD £2,000,000,* Freehold

Loxley Road, SW18 EPC: E £1,450,000,* Freehold

Hosack Road, SW17 EPC: D

£625,000,* Share of Freehold

LD SO

£1,550,000,* Freehold

Wandle Road, SW17 - EPC: E

A SA G L RE E ED

SO LD Brandreth Road, SW17 - EPC: D

Tunley Road, SW12 - EPC: D £600,000,* Share of Freehold

*Asking Price

34 Bellevue Road London SW17 7EF

89 Nightingale Lane London SW12 8NX

020 8767 2222

020 8045 8989

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TO LET

Calbourne Road, Nightingale Triangle, SW12 £625 | PER WEEK An attractive, three double bedroom, two bathroom, Victorian house with well-fitted modern kitchen and South-facing garden on this delightful residential road in the Nightingale Triangle, close to Wandsworth Common and excellent transport facilities. EPC - D.

• Double Reception • Kitchen • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms (1 x En-Suite) + WC • Roof Terrace

• South-Facing Garden • Residents Parking • Cellar & Eaves Storage • London Borough of Wandsworth • 1528 Sq Ft/142 Sq M

TO LET

Honeywell Road, Between The Commons, SW11 £595 | PER WEEK Beautifully refurbished and extended two-double-bedroom flat with brand-new kitchen and bathroom, landscaped garden and massive storage cellar. Available immediately. EPC - D.

• 2 x Bedrooms • Reception • Kitchen • Bathroom • Cellar Storage

• Landscaped Garden • Very close Honeywell School • Residents Parking • London B of Wandsworth • 850 Sq Ft/79 Sq M + storage

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

@JTEstateAgents

john-thorogood.co.uk | 020 7228 7474 | info@john-thorogood.co.uk | 140 Northcote Road SW11 6QZ

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FOR SALE

Ravenslea Road, Nightingale Triangle, SW12 £1,275,000 | FREEHOLD This smart Victorian terraced house has been totally refurbished to a very high standard in a contemporary style. It has a superb layout with a fantastic full-width open-plan kitchen/living/dining area opening on to a sunny 35’ south-west facing garden. The property is situated in the sought-after Nightingale Triangle close to excellent schools and direct tube/mainline services to The City/West End. EPC - C.

• Entrance Hall • Front Reception Room • 23’ X 17’ Open-Plan Kitchen/ Family Room • 4 Double Bedrooms

• 3 Bath/Shower Rooms (2 En Suite) • Utility Room • Cloakroom/WC • Storage Cellar • 35’ SW Facing Garden

FOR SALE

Adderley Grove, Between The Commons, SW11 £1,650,000 | FREEHOLD This beautifully extended and designed 4/5 bed Victorian “semi” has a smart contemporary kitchen extension, spacious loft conversion and an enviable master bedroom with dressing and shower rooms en suite. It enjoys a very light aspect, handy side access to the garden and a wonderfully quiet location close to schools, fashionable Northcote Road and tube access to The City/West End. EPC - E.

• Side Access • Entrance Hall • Double Reception Room • Kitchen/Family Room • Cloakroom/WC • Cellar

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

• Garden • Master Bedroom Suite • 4 Double Bedrooms • Study/Bedroom 5 • 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Eaves Storage • 1920 SQ.FT/ 178.2 SQ.M

@JTEstateAgents I N N O VA T I O N

SINCE 1991 INTEGRITY

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FOR SALE

Alderbrook Road

Nightingale Triangle, SW12 £1,695,000 | FREEHOLD

A wide and imposing 3-storey Victorian house (2581 SQ.FT / 238 SQ.M) with sunny west-facing garden, a wealth of original features and great scope for extension into loft, side return and basement. Very close to Clapham South tube, Balham mainline, the edge of Clapham Common and excellent schools. EPC - E.

• Wide Hall • Drawing Room • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Cellar • Cloakroom/WC

• West-facing Garden • 5 Bedrooms • 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Unconverted Loft • L.B. Wandsworth

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

@JTEstateAgents

john-thorogood.co.uk | 020 7228 7474 | info@john-thorogood.co.uk | 140 Northcote Road SW11 6QZ

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FOR SALE

Broomwood Road

Between the Commons, SW11 £1,125,000 | SHARE OF FREEHOLD At a spectacular 1456 square feet (135.3 SQ.M), this exceptional 3 double bedroom, 2 bathroom family maisonette is bigger than many three bedroom houses in the area. It has been designed with flair, has outstanding living space and a beautiful sunny south-facing garden. Situated just off Northcote Road and right by Wandsworth Common in the likely catchment for Honeywell School. EPC - D. • Entrance Hall • Side Access • 27’ Double Reception • 24’ Kitchen/Family Room • 3 Double Bedrooms • 2 Bath/Shower Rooms (1 En Suite)

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

• Cloakroom/WC • South-facing Garden • Residents’ Parking • Likely Honeywell Catchment • 1456 SQ.FT / 135.3 SQ.M

@JTEstateAgents I N N O VA T I O N

SINCE 1991 INTEGRITY

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Previous Development

FOR SALE

Bramfield Road, Between The Commons, SW11 £1,850,000 | FREEHOLD This superb extended Victorian house (2300+ sq.ft) is being stylishly re-developed to create an outstanding family home with huge kitchen, sumptuous master suite and converted basement . Its location is highly sought after; directly off Northcote Road and Wandsworth Common, close to the three free schools - Honeywell, Belleville, and Bolingbroke Academy, and about half a mile from Clapham Junction.

• Entrance Hall • Part Open-Plan Double Reception • Kitchen / Dining Room • Side Return & Rear Extension • Basement Family Room • Utility Cupboard • Landscaped Garden

• 4 Double Bedrooms • 4 Bath/Shower Rooms (3 En Suite) • Cloakroom / WC • Eaves Storage • Residents’ Parking • No Chain • L.B. Wandsworth

FOR SALE

Culmstock Road, Between The Commons, SW11 £1,525,000 | FREEHOLD Boasting superb lateral space, a sunny south-facing garden and scope for extension, this 4 double bedroom Victorian house occupies a quiet tree-lined location close to the exclusive West Side of Clapham Common – convenient for Clapham South tube, Northcote Road and excellent schools. EPC - C.

• 4 Bedrooms • 2 Reception Rooms • 2 Bath/Shower Rooms (one en suite) • Cellar/ Utility Room • Scope for extension

• 25ft South-facing garden • Residents Parking • London Borough of Wandsworth • 1825 Sq Ft/ 169.6 Sq M

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

@JTEstateAgents

john-thorogood.co.uk | 020 7228 7474 | info@john-thorogood.co.uk | 140 Northcote Road SW11 6QZ

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Hendrick Avenue

Wandsworth Common SW12 £2,500,000 | FREEHOLD This wide and handsome late-Victorian, semi-linked house, with rare 45’ x 26’ garden, offers a substantial “natural” footprint. Beautifully modernised and sympathetically extended to create a first-class family home with further potential for a basement conversion, it’s located in the sought-after middle section of one of the area’s premier roads, close to Wandsworth Common, great schools, fashionable Northcote/Bellevue Roads and good transport links. EPC - D • Front Garden • Bike Store • Entrance Hall • Front Reception Room • Rear Reception Room • Extended Kitchen/Dining Room • Cloakroom/WC • Cellar / Utility Room

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

• 45’ x 26’ Rear Garden • 5 Double Bedrooms • 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Loft Storage • Potential for Basement Conversion • Residents Parking • London Borough of Wandsworth • 2650 SQ.FT/ 246 SQ.M

@JTEstateAgents I N N O VA T I O N

SINCE 1991 INTEGRITY

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Spencer Park INTRODUCING

Designed by Chassey & Last Architects, these four magnificent homes redefine exclusive living, each a masterpiece of classical and contemporary elegance.

ach house offers over 4,600 sq ft of brilliantly proportioned living space with generous ceiling heights and finishes specified by international interior design consultants The London Furnishing Co. The bespoke specification and home technology are exacting and implemented to reflect the aspirations of the most discerning home owner, family and guests. Each house has a master suite, four family bedrooms and an en-suite guest bedroom. The master suite occupies the entire second floor level, providing around 740 sq ft of refined luxury, extensive dressing area and spa bathroom with free standing bath and walk in shower. Outside each house are several off-street parking spaces - inside the properties provide outstanding living, reception and entertaining spaces and beautifully appointed kitchen/dining rooms all with access to a terrace and the substantial garden beyond.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Each of the gardens has private gated access into the beautiful Spencer Park - a tranquil haven of almost four acres, exclusively for residents use and providing a safe sanctuary in which children can play. It has its own tennis court, playground and rose gardens, and also provides an ideal retreat for residents’ private yearly celebrations. Asquith Villas are very well placed for travel across central London & beyond from nearby Clapham Junction which is within half a mile, while Clapham South provides Northern Line connections to

the Capital’s entire tube network. The houses also enjoy close proximity and easy access to some of the Capital’s finest primary and secondary schools. Austin Thorogood, Director of John Thorogood, comments; ‘Spencer Park is a special privilege afforded to very few and is one of the finest and most closely guarded green spaces south of The River. These magnificent homes therefore represent an incredibly rare opportunity for a radically changed lifestyle without leaving London.”

Asquith, Spencer Park, SW18 Villas 1 & 3 - £4.95m • Villa 2 - Sale Agreed Villa 4 - Not Yet Released

Joint Sole Agents

John Thorogood, 020 7228 7474; austin@john-thorogood.co.uk Savills, 020 8877 1222; rchatwin@savills.com

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Sales

ÂŁ1,550,000 Freehold Narbonne Avenue SW4

A fantastic family home that has been fully extended and refurbished to a high standard. The property is situated in an excellent location moments from the centre of the Abbeville Village.

5 double bedrooms, 1 en-suite shower room, 2 family bathrooms, Cloakroom, Reception room, Dining room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cellar, Garden, EPC: E.

Clapham Southside Sales 020 8675 4400 | clapsthsales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,525,000 Freehold Abbotstone Road SW15

This beautifully presented five bedroom family house (1,862 sq.ft.) is located on this smart residential street in the heart of West Putney.

5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Cellar, Garden, EPC:C.

West Putney Sales 020 8785 6666 | wputneysales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

ÂŁ1,299,950 Freehold Mexfield Road SW15

This beautifully presented family house (1,557 sq. ft.) is located on a smart residential road, ideally placed for East Putney Underground station.

4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Westfacing garden, Cellar, EPC: D.

This fully extended and well-presented mid-terrace Victorian family house is ideally located for quick and easy access to Wix's School, and boasts an excellent balance of living and entertaining space.

5 bedrooms, Family bathroom, En-suite shower room, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cellar, Patio garden, EPC: D.

East Putney Sales 020 8788 3000 | putneysales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ1,275,000 Freehold Freke Road SW11 Battersea Sales 020 7924 2000 | battsales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,000,000 Share of Freehold Albert Bridge Road SW11

A truly unique and rare chance to completely refurbish this wonderful penthouse with stunning views, stretching to nearly 1,100 sq.ft. and with a private roof terrace.

2 double bedrooms, Family bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Roof terrace, Private gated parking space, EPC: C.

A unique, split-level lateral mews flat, covering 1,387 sq.ft. finished in immaculate condition and situated close to Clapham South underground station.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Study area, Mezzanine level, Garage, EPC: D.

Battersea Park Sales 020 7720 8077 | battpksales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ899,999 Share of Freehold Anchor Mews SW12 Balham Sales 020 8673 0191 | balhamsales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

ÂŁ850,000 Leasehold Grandison Road SW11

This exquisitely presented flat occupies the first and second floors of this mid-terrace Victorian property and has the added benefit of planning permission for a 120 sq.ft. south-west facing roof terrace.

2 double bedrooms, Family bathroom, En-suite shower room, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, EPC: D.

Located on the ground floor of this handsome and popular mansion block, on the ever-popular Prince of Wales Drive, this flat offers a fantastic balance of living, entertaining and bedroom space.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Shared garden, EPC: D.

Battersea Sales 020 7924 2000 | battsales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ725,000 Share of Freehold Prince Of Wales Drive SW11 Battersea Park Sales 020 7720 8077 | battpksales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ699,950 Share of Freehold Oakhill Road SW15

A substantial and well-presented two bedroom flat (999 sq.ft.) ideally located close to East Putney underground station boasting excellent living and entertaining space.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (en-suite), Openplan kitchen/reception room, Second reception room/study, South-west facing garden, Cellar, Offstreet parking, EPC: D.

Recently extended by the current owners is this stunning two double bedroom garden flat in an incredible location. The property offers great design and style yet maintains numerous period features.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Dining area, Garden, EPC: C.

East Putney Sales 020 8788 3000 | putneysales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ599,950 Leasehold Saltoun Road SW2 Clapham Southside Sales 020 8675 4400 | clapsthsales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

ÂŁ565,000 Leasehold Lavenham Road SW18

A stunning and spacious garden flat on one of Southfield's premier streets. The property offers fantastic entertaining space, with a large and light reception room with exposed wooden floorboards.

2 bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, Garden, Ground floor, Southfields grid location, EPC: D.

On a popular road in the Heaver Estate this flat offers 820 sq.ft. of living space with a good sized reception room as well as a share of the freehold.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, First floor, Close to local amenities, EPC: D.

Southfields Sales 020 8874 8822 | sthfldssales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ549,950 Share of Freehold Louisville Road SW17 Balham Sales 020 8673 0191 | balhamsales@dng.co.uk

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05/03/2014 14:43

Seriously... The grass really is greener.

Meet 32 hand-picked country estate agents, who can provide objective, balanced advice and show you some of the finest property outside the capital, from chocolate box cottages to country estates. A little taste of the country including racing pigs and face painting makes for a fun afternoon for all the family. The Grand Hall Battersea Arts Centre London, SW11 5TN Racing Pigs

Face Painting

2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7pm March 27th Admission Free

Indoor Grass

For more information, contact Sam at The London Office on 020 7839 0888 or Katie at Douglas & Gordon on 020 7924 2000

D&G.indd 8

05/03/2014 14:44

Lettings

ÂŁ1,200 per week Unfurnished Balmuir Gardens SW15

A truly exceptional house located on this popular road in Central Putney. The property has recently been refurbished throughout to a very high standard.

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Utility room, Cellar, Garden, EPC: E.

A light and spacious five bedroom family home conveniently located within easy walking distance of local schools and the shops and restaurants on Northcote Road.

5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cellar, Garden, EPC: D.

East Putney Lettings 020 8788 3333 | putneylets@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ900 per week Unfurnished Gayville Road SW11 Battersea Lettings 020 7924 2002 | battlets@dng.co.uk

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05/03/2014 14:44

Lettings

douglasandgordon.com

£700 per week Unfurnished Ursula Street SW11

A lovely terraced house ideally situated in a much sought-after area known as 'the Sisters' within walking distance of Battersea Park.

3 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Garden, Cloakroom, EPC: D.

A stunning split-level three bedroom garden flat arranged over two floors of this pretty period property. The flat has recently been completely refurbished to a very high standard.

3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Open-plan kitchen/dining room, Southfacing garden, EPC: D.

Battersea Park Lettings 020 7498 5243 | battpklets@dng.co.uk

£700 per week Furnished Putney Bridge Road SW15 East Putney Lettings 020 8788 3333 | putneylets@dng.co.uk

Douglas & Gordon will charge an initial one off tenancy agreement fee of £240 per tenancy and an individual tenant reference fee of £45 per tenant. For further details please go to www.dng.co.uk/fees

D&G.indd 10

05/03/2014 14:44

Lettings

ÂŁ620 per week Furnished St. Georges Wharf SW8

A unique opportunity to rent a one bedroom apartment situated within the prestigious St Georges Tower, one of the tallest residential dwellings in Europe.

Bedroom, Shower room, Reception room, Kitchen, 24hr concierge, Gym, Spa, Sauna, Steam room, Swimming Pool, EPC: B.

A stylish two bedroom ground floor maisonette moments from the shops, restaurants and main line station of Earlsfield.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, South-facing garden, EPC: D.

Battersea Park Lettings 020 7498 5243 | battpklets@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ392 per week Furnished Quinton Street SW18 Southfields Lettings 020 8874 8844 | sthfldslets@dng.co.uk

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05/03/2014 14:45

Lettings

douglasandgordon.com

£370 per week Furnished Bramfield Road SW11

A stylish and contemporary garden flat ideally located just off the popular Northcote Road, close to shops and restaurants and within easy walking distance to Clapham Junction Station.

Master bedroom, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Garden, EPC: D.

An immaculately presented and neutrally decorated one bedroom apartment on the first floor of this Victorian conversion. The property has recently been refurbished throughout.

Double bedroom, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, EPC: C.

Battersea Lettings 020 7924 2002 | battlets@dng.co.uk

£350 per week Furnished The Chase SW4 Clapham Southside Lettings 020 8675 0888 | clapsthlets@dng.co.uk

DNG.indd 2

03/03/2014 13:39

Douglas & Gordon only advertise 90% of their property

Amazingly, over 10% of our properties are sold or let without being advertised. Some transactions happen so quickly we do not have time to advertise. In other cases our clients ask us to sell or let their property discretely. We source property specifically to fulfil our buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the perfect solution sometimes being a property that has not even reached the market. To make sure you are getting the full picture, register with Douglas & Gordon now.

douglasandgordon.com

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03/02/2014 16:38 15:34 21/01/2014