CAMBRIDGE MAY 2015

ABSOLUTELY CAMBRIDGE MAGAZINE

CAMBRIDGE

MAY 2015 / £3.95

FESTIVAL DAYS

DOUBLE ACT

MUST-DO EVENTS AROUND TOWN AND COUNTY

JAMES AND JACK FOX ON FATHER & SON ROLES MAY 2015

SKY HIGH

FASHION • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • WHAT’S ON • CULTURE • KIDS • INTERIORS • PROPERTY

SUMMER GETAWAY IN THE ALPS

MAY FEVER NEW SEASON'S FASHION TO SEDUCE YOU

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contents

53

May 2015

43 ARTS & CULTURE

18

DIARY DATES

37 34 PRETTY IN PASTEL

Soft sorbet shades and flowing shapes are the perfect opener for summer

Unmissable events for the month ahead

BE AUT Y

22 A BIT OF FRY

The Fry Art Gallery's 30th anniversary exhibition focuses on work by influential artists with strong local connections

FASHION

30 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL Alphabet tote bags, soft suede and disco shoes top our must-have list this month

44 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL Primer, bronzing gel and scents of the season to get you glowing this May

FOOD & DRINK

49 TABLE TALK

Local chilli sauces and olive oils, plus a fantastic cocktail from Hotel du Vin

51 CAMBRIDGE

MAY 2015 / £3.95

FESTIVAL DAYS

MUST-DO EVENTS AROUND TOWN AND COUNTY

DOUBLE ACT

JAMES AND JACK FOX ON FATHER & SON ROLES

SKY HIGH

SUMMER GETAWAY IN THE ALPS

MAY FEVER NEW SEASON'S FASHION TO SEDUCE YOU

COVER Fashion Editor charlot te adset t Photography helen m C cardle

PERFECT PASTELS COOL AS A CUCUMBER CATWALK TRENDS STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT COVER LN.indd 1

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Knitted jumper, £360 Vintage Céline at Celestine Eleven Chiffon maxi skirt, £345 Alice + Olivia at Harrods Patent 'Lottie' box bag, £750 Charlotte Aluna ‘Leandra’ heels, £475 Bionda Castana Locket necklace, £850 Annina Vogel at Selfridges

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Absolutely finds perfect flavour combinations at a top local restaurant

TRAVEL

54 MOUNTAIN HIGH

The Alps peak in popularity over winter, but the summer hills are alive with beauty

59 UK GETAWAY

Spotlight on the Vineyard Spa, Stockcross in leafy Berkshire

INTERIORS

62 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Heavenly tubs, library-inspired chic and a Design Week to visit

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17

KIDS & EDUCATION

73 SCHOOL TALK

School of the Month and a new movement that says education needs to slow down

PROPERT Y

93 PROPERTY ROUND UP

So what are the benefits of using a property consultancy in Cambridge?

94 LIVING THE DREAM Delightful village properties close to Cambridge

MAY 2015

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EDITOR LIBBY NORMAN SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT STEPHANIE KING CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIOR EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS CONTRIBUTING HEALTH & BEAUTY EDITOR ALY HAZLEWOOD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS NEIL MCKELVIE, ARABELLA PRESTON AMANDA CONSTANCE, SHAUN CURRAN EDITORIAL INTERNS HARRIET BROWN ADVERTISING DIRECTORS TOM SMITH AND JO CLOUGHLY ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN COPY CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: libby@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries, call 01638 602924 or email: tom@zest-media.com or jo@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing christina@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

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Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

EDITOR’S letter

M

ay is absolutely my favourite month of the year. Days are longer and warmer, summer is stretching ahead and there's an explosion of colour in the garden to remind us all of the joys of outdoor living – even if we have to cut through the undergrowth first.

With that in mind, this issue is packed with ideas to inspire the glorious sunshine days to come. New Absolutely Loves pages showcase some of the best products from companies in and around Cambridge, with choice fashion, accessories and treats in the mix. Meanwhile, our fashion shoot focuses on one of this season's coolest stories – beautiful pastels and soft and wearable silhouettes. And we've got some divine beauty products to make you a model of au naturel perfection when the mercury rises.

There's plenty to entertain you – sublime jazz, classic Polish film and a new theatre production from Festival Players. Late night openings at seven of the city's great museums (14-15 May) mean you can not

13 EDS LETTER AND FLANEL LN.indd 13

only tour after normal hours but also enjoy entertainment and have a go at creative endeavours (with a glass of wine to unleash your inner muse if required).

Try and catch two of this month's other arts highlights – the 30th anniversary exhibition at the Fry Art Gallery and the new production of Dear Lupin starring James and Jack Fox – both are highly recommended.

Finally, there are three fabulous gourmet events to tempt you – the third Eat Cambridge, plus Ely and St Neots food festivals (see pages 51 and 18).

Savour the month ahead.

Libby Norman

Editor libby@zest-media.com

MAY 2015

28/04/2015 10:18

WIZARD FROM OZ

10

Designed on Australia’s sundrenched Mornington Peninsula by Shani Anderson, Oneseason’s simple shifts, kaftans and throw-on shirts tick all the boxes for beach-to-bar glamour.

Snap up your holiday capsule wardrobe at Esse before the mercury rises. esse.uk.com

Things We

ABSOLUTELY

THINK PINK

Hotel Chocolat’s pink champagne truffles are made of the real stuff, and with just a hint of strawberry.

Presented in a ribbon-tied hatbox, they are the perfect indulgence for the start of summer. £20 for 200g; hotelchocolat.com

THROW & GO

Lily and Lionel’s Sa Caleta scarf is in a soft cashmere and modal blend, making it superlightweight and warm enough to take the chill off summer evenings. And the subtle colourway is so versatile. £120; boudoirfemme.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES PIN IT ON ME

Known for its distinctive rings with fine jewels, Trinity Street Jewellers also has a choice selection of vintage pieces. This antique dragonfly brooch is inlaid with rubies, diamonds and a glittering emerald. £2,000; trinitystreetjewellers.com

RAINBOW RING

This month, we’ll be over the rainbow if you spoil us with Harriet Kelsall’s spectacular one-off bejewelled ring featuring diamonds, ruby, and multicoloured sapphires, and all set in polished white gold. £3,399; hkjewellery.co.uk

BOW-WOW

It’s hard to find a smart collar for everyday wear, but Cambridge Satchel Company has cracked it with the Peanuts, featuring Snoopy charm. Even better, 10 per cent of each sale goes to Dogs Trust. £30-£35; cambridgesatchel.com

BLUE NOTE

We love this Ganni New Port Silk Kimono jacket in rich blue silk with black ties and wide cropped sleeves – great for dressing up jeans or a plain black dress. £249; boudoirfemme.co.uk

LET’S SWING

The perfect place to contemplate the gardening chores you should have done, this capacious and comfy swing hammock chair is handmade in rainbow colours by El Salvador artisans using traditional techniques. £89.99; waitrosegarden.com

SCHOOL’S OUT

Way too cool for school, this lilac satchel is just the right size for life’s essentials. The clever zip top compartment means no fumbling for phone or keys – and it can be personalised. From £135; cambridgesatchel.com.

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GIN TWIST

The Ely Gin Company puts an artisan twist on our favourite tipple with fruits and spices – try aromatic Star Anise flavour with ice and soda. A new store in Buttermarket, Ely opens this month. £22 for 500ml; elygin.co.uk

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:12

DAVID

H A L L for a life less ordinary

kitchen & furniture makers

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0 176 3 2 61 0 1 0 o r d a v id h a l l f u r n i t u r e .co. u k 5 S a x o n Wa y , M e l b o u r n , C a m b r i d g e s h i r e . S G 8 6 D N

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> WHAT'S ON

p. 18

GREAT BARDFIELD ARTISTS AT THE FRY p.22 JAMES & JACK FOX

p.26

LET'S DANCE Richard Alston Dance Company comes to Cambridge Arts Theatre, see page 19

17 CAM_MAY15_Culture_Opener.indd 17

MAY 2015

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WATCH OUT FESTIVAL 2 3 May Ca m b r i dge Ju nc ti o n A one-day feast of performance, with some specially commissioned pieces.

A Highlights include Figs in Wigs’ Show Off, a comic turn about our digital existence.

Ely-based poet Rowan James joins forces with beatboxer Marv Radio, while Lucy McCormick channels the absurd to find her moral conscience. ◆ junction.co.uk

POLISH FILM FESTIVAL

Courtney Pine

9 -17 May S a ffro n S c re e n mmerse yourself in classic Polish I cinema and enjoy its beer and snacks in between films. Contemporary classics include Oscar-winning IDA, while acclaimed period pieces from Andrzej Wajda focus on World War II. Juliusz Machulski’s Vinci is Poland’s answer to The Italian Job – and set against a Kracow backdrop – while the 1962 Knife in the Water launched the career of Roman Polanski. ◆ saffronscreen.com

16 May Saffron Hall

A set of ballads – from Duke Ellington to Chaka Khan – marks a departure from Pine’s familiar small band line up. Instead, he’s joined on piano

by MOBO-winner Zoe Rahman (worth the ticket price in her own right) for what promises to be a sublime evening. saffronhall.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CAMBRIDGE_MAY15_What'On LN.indd 18

NIGHTS AT THE MUSEUMS 14 -1 5 May Va r i o u s his annual event gives you the chance to tour seven Cambridge museums after T hours. Highlights include Imagination Museum at the Fitzwilliam – a live performance bringing its darker recesses to life. At the Museum of Classical Archaeology, you can try your hand at sketching the sculptures and enjoy some wine. ◆ cam.ac.uk/museumsatnight

18 24/04/2015 11:58

ARTS & CULTURE / WHAT’S ON

THE POWER OF PAPER & SOUNDING OUT THE MORNING STAR O ngoi ng Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology wo intriguing T displays consider themes surrounding artistic expression. The Power of Paper features stunning prints created by indigenous communities in Australia, Canada and Australia – do watch the associated film.

Sounding out the Morning Star focuses on sounds of West Papua, juxtaposing objects collected by Sandy (A.F.R.) Woollaston with work by musicians in exile The Lani Singers. Dominic Brown’s photo (above) has become a clever ‘sound poster’ – thanks to Cambridge tech company Novalia – you touch the poster to hear their songs. ◆ maa.cam.ac.uk

Richard Alston Dance Company 1 5-16 May Ca m brid ge Ar ts T heat re

SANE NEW WORLD 3 0 - 3 1 May Ca m b r i dge Ju nc ti o n The brilliant Ruby Wax – always frank on T the subject of mental health and now owner of a Masters in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from Oxford – has based this new show on her book of the same name. The evening promises a passport to saner living, and a few belly laughs along the way no doubt. ◆ junction.co.uk

Three pieces make up the programme from RADC, now in its 20th year under the leadership of Richard Alston.

Nomadic fuses Romanian music with electronic sound, Burning is inspired by Liszt’s Dante Sonata, while Illuminations draws on Benjamin Britten’s 1940 song cycle. cambridgeartstheatre.com

PLAY OF THE MONTH 28 May -6 Ju n e , AD C T h e atre

THE SECRET GARDEN rances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 1911 children’s novel was transformed into a Tony and Drama Desk-award winning musical in the late 1980s, with music by Lucy Simon and lyrics by Marsha Norman. So definitely ripe for a revival and Festival Players – one of this area's most respected amateur

F

19 CAMBRIDGE_MAY15_What'On LN.indd 19

musical theatre groups – have taken on the challenge of bringing its fairytale qualities to stage. The show is darker than the original novel, so not suitable for children under eight, but the conclusion remains as life-affirming as ever. u adctheatre.com

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:14

ARTS & CULTURE / DAYS OUT VE DAY AT DUXFORD

Imperial War Museum Duxford will be marking the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a flying display to honour the Allied forces and those on the Home Front. The anniversary salute is led by the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B and includes a Dakota, Corsair, Wildcat and P-51 Mustangs. On the ground, you can join a VE Day street party with bunting, wartime music and living history displays and activities – including ‘beauty is duty’ 1940s hair and make-up hair demonstrations. IWM Duxford, 24-25 May, 8am-6pm. iwm.org

OUT & ABOUT Classic aircraft at Duxford, a celebration of the eel, rubber ducks on the Ouse and a chance to secure your ticket to Roar GET READY TO ROAR

Roar, the 23-day charity festival in June is fast approaching, kicking off with a two-day beer festival. Other treats on offer include a battle of the bands, The Final Furlong Tipster Dinner – with betting tips from Newmarket trainer Charlie Fellowes – and a comedy night featuring Otiz Cannelloni, Paddy Lennox and Stefano Paolini. Funds raised support The Prince’s Trust and Arthur Rank Hospice and some events are ticket only, so sign up while you can. Cambridge Roar, Cambridge Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Stow-cum-Quy, CB25, 19 June-11 July. thecambridgeroar.co.uk

Food Festivals ly is hosting its Eel Festival, celebrating the fish that probably gave the town its name, with a host of foodie happenings. The slippery critters can be sampled in various guises, alongside other eel-themed dishes and local produce.

There's an eel throwing competition (no animals will be harmed) and a procession involving a giant version called Ellie. 1-4 May. visitely.org.uk St Neots Food & Drink Festival, meanwhile,

E

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includes stalls from local producers, plus cooking demos and live music. A flotilla of yellow rubber ducks will take over the River Ouse for a charity duck race.

St Neots, 23 May. stneots-tc.gov.uk

20 28/04/2015 10:23

Michelin-star chef, Galton Blackiston, gives our kitchens a rave review.

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21/04/2015 16:49

SPOTLIGHT

A Bit of Fry The Fry Art Gallery's 30th anniversary exhibition focuses on work by artists with local connections – from Cambridge Art School alumnus Edward Bawden to Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry

F

or 30 years the Fry Art Society has been working to document and showcase the work of the Great Bardfield community – a loose collective of artists and designer-makers who created homes in this North West Essex village and its environs between the 1920s and 1970s. While they may be a lot less less celebrated than, say, St Ives or Glasgow communities, the impending publication of a Victoria and Albert Museum book about their work will doubtless widen their circle of fans.

If not all the names of the group are familiar, their work will be as it helped to define post-war design language in Britain

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FRY ART_MAY_15 LN.indd 22

and was very much a part of everyday life.

Most were jobbing artists and so their commercial commissions ranged from advertisements, book-jackets, film posters and pottery to textiles and wallpaper.

Cambridge Art School (now Anglia Ruskin University) alumnus Edward Bawden, for instance, worked extensively for London Underground – one of his tile designs can be seen at Tottenham Hale tube station. He also designed the lion and unicorn masthead that topped The Observer newspaper until 1989, as well as producing posters for classic British films such as the Ealing Comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt.

Eric Ravilious, meanwhile, produced the cricketers’ woodcut that has graced the cover of every edition of Wisden since 1938.

FRY GRAYSON PERRY IN GALLERY

Wo r d s L I B B Y N O R M A N

22 24/04/2015 12:31

FRY ROTHENSTEIN STILL LIFE

ARTS & CULTURE / SPOTLIGHT

He was a prolific illustrator of books, but also designed more everyday objects – including a commemorative cup for the coronation of Edward VIII (later revised and used for George VI's coronation).

Even the ubiquitous moquette-covered seats of London Transport and British Rail have a Great Bardfield connection; influential Swiss-born textile designer Marianne Straub lived in the village for a while and created an eponymous 1970s design that wearied commuters sat upon and children decorated with chewing gum until well into the 1990s.

The focus of this anniversary exhibition is on showing a timeline of how the community evolved and the sheer breadth of work they created. There are 80 pieces

THE GREAT BARDFIELD artists’

work helped define

POST-WAR DESIGN

language

on display, with names such as John Aldridge, Kenneth Rowntree, Duffy Ayers and Michael Rothenstein also in the mix.

Highlights include a complete series of submarine lithographs by Ravilious – whose career was cut short when he went missing in action over Iceland in 1942 – and Bawden’s stunning linocut Brighton Pier, a

23 FRY ART_MAY_15 LN.indd 23

later revision of a piece first created for a book illustration in the 1950s.

While the artists chose the area for its tranquility, cheap housing and sense of space, the sleepy village of Great Bardfield did rise to national prominence for a heady period in the 1950s when the artists hosted a series of open house events in the village.

Publicised nationally and internationally – and very much part of the Festival of Britain spirit that had gripped the nation in the optimistic post-war years – the events attracted hordes of day-trippers who wanted the opportunity to see inside living and breathing artists’ homes.

Such was their success that spin-off exhibitions were held in Cambridge and Bristol and the group even embarked on a

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:32

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FRY BAWDEN BRIGHTON PIER

ARTS & CULTURE / SPOTLIGHT

The artists CHOSE THE AREA for its tranquility, cheap housing and SENSE OF SPACE

FRY TWO WOMEN IN A GARDEN

multi-city tour to show their work to the wider world. This open house flavour will be recaptured from July, when the Fry uses part of the gallery to showcase the artists' domestic designs, including wallpaper, textiles and pottery.

To celebrate the continuing connection Great Bardfield has with the art world and bring the timeline bang up to date, there are a number of exhibits by artists still at work within the Great Bardfield area.

There is even a ceramic exhibit by Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, who spent

FRY ATTIC BEDROOM

part of his childhood in the village. Called Whore of Essex – I Love Thee, it reflects a somewhat less pastoral view of the county, but fits in surpisingly well with works from the Great Bardfield Group. There's even a kind of kinship, since Perry once famously remarked that the art world found it a whole lot easier to accept his cross-dressing than his pottery winning the Turner Prize.

Perry, who visited the Fry Art Gallery in 2012, wrote in its visitors' book that the gallery is: “a concentrated burst of loveliness, a shrine to the art of my home county”. And that’s a pretty good description of both this small jewel and its anniversary exhibition. u From Eric Ravilious to Grayson Perry, Fry Art Gallery, CB10. Continues until 25 October.

Free. Check website for opening times fryartgallery.org

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MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:32

XXXXXX ARTS & CULTURE / XXXXXXX / THEATRE

Fox & Fox

The relationship laid bare in the book of letters from father to son Dear Lupin comes to Cambridge in a new play starring James Fox and his youngest son Jack. Absolutely caught up with them to find out about treading the boards together and the play’s portrayal of family relationships Wo r d s A l S e n t e r

ABSOLUTELY What attracted you to the play?

JAMES “Actors love it when they are given brilliant words to say and we have exactly that in Dear Lupin. I was attracted by the quality of the writing, the subject matter and the running time – it’s relatively short. I’d read the script and it very much appealed to me. It’s a marvellous adaptation by Michael Simkins.

He has managed to take something literary, something epistolary, and make it into a real theatrical experience without losing anything of the quality of Roger’s writing.”

JACK “It was while I was on the down escalator at Oxford Circus that I started to read Dear Lupin, and from the first page I was gripped. By the time I reached Vauxhall, I was on the phone to my agent to say that I had to have a meeting with the producers. It wasn’t at all a done deal and I knew that they had other people in mind to play Charlie.”

misdeeds are exposed in the play but he’s unashamedly open about what he has done. I think that everybody has to learn from their mistakes but they need to be allowed to make them in the first place.”

ABS What is it like to be on stage together?

JAMES “So far we’ve been able to keep family connections out of the work and we’re developing a professional rapport. I rely on Jack a great deal.”

JACK “I think that my father’s judgement is better than mine and he is a wonderful source of advice. Dad has been around the mill a few times and you should always listen to people with the experience.”

ABS What does Dear Lupin portray in terms of characters and relationships?

JAMES “I think that in Roger we’re putting a gent on stage and gents don’t get much of an airing these days. What he writes is honest and he’s a shrewd social satirist. He’s authentic – almost aristocratic – but not stuffy or pompous, even a bit raffish and very good company.”

JACK “Roger had a wonderful irreverence which I think had an echo in Charlie’s lack of respect for authority. During the course of the play Charlie discovers that Roger was proud of him, despite his misadventures. They offer each other advice, although it’s debatable how much the ‘unrepentant spiv’ – as Charlie described himself – actually listened to his father. The play is about family and about treasuring the bonds between family members.”

ABS As a father and son, do you see parallels between this relationship and your own?

JAMES “I couldn’t possibly comment on whether or not there are similarities between the two father-and-son relationships.

Unlike Charlie, Jack was pretty successful at school and so this is a real acting job for him. I don’t think that there are any obvious parallels.”

JACK “Like Charlie, I remember behaving like an idiot, with those moments of being naughty when you worry about the repercussions for your parents of whatever sin it is that you have committed. All of Charlie’s

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Dear Lupin, Cambridge Arts Theatre, 4-9 May 7.45pm plus 2.30pm performances on 7 and 9 May. cambridgeartstheatre.com

26 22/04/2015 15:39

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21/04/2015 14:31

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 30

PETAL POWER

p. 33

PRETTY IN PASTEL

p. 34

DRESS YOU UP This season sees Madonna return as the face of Versace for the fourth time. The iconic singer was shot by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott and models body sculpting statement pieces from the summer collection. versace.com

29 CH_Fashion_Opener_May.indd 29

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:43

st y l e C e n t r a l

Alphabet tote bags, suede and disco shoes are at the top of our must-have list this month Wo r d s c h a r l o t t e a d s e t t

DELLA KAUR:

Bespoke and beautiful Wo r d s l i b b y n o r m a n

ella Gould is mastermind of this carefully curated Magdalene Street boutique with a bird’s eye view of life on the Cam. Della trained in jewellery and soon outgrew the market stall where she sold her work – selling it faster than she could create it. When the opportunity arose to move into riverside premises, she took it and began sourcing accessories. Renowned jeweller Chris Powell retains a studio here, so this is still the place to have a bespoke wedding or engagement ring created. What Della calls ‘recycling’ is also increasingly popular with customers – treasured pieces of family jewellery are reworked to ensure they remain wearable.

Alongside fine jewellery, there are elegant dress pieces, gorgeous bags from Barcelona brand Lupo and Indian silks, scarves and pashminas tailored to Della’s specifications on regular buying trips. Supporting artists is key – as is ensuring everything is fairly sourced and sustainable – so this is a very easy place to indulge in retail therapy without guilt, and find something you won’t see elsewhere. u

D

● D E L L A K AU R 31 Magdalene Street, Cambridge, CB3

dellakaur.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Fashion_Confidential_May.indd 30

Tailor Made MAX&Co.

Fashion darling Olivia Palermo has signed up as the style ambassador for Italian fashion label Max&Co and stars in their latest summer campaign.

Olivia models the collection which comprises of modern tailored ‘foundation pieces’ such as midi skirts, silk blouses and a classic trench which all fit into Olivia’s own timeless style aesthetic. For Olivia’s video style tips on creating the perfect workwear wardrobe, go to: maxandco.com

30 22/04/2015 15:41

FASHION / NOTES

8

A IS FOR ABSOLUTELY Mar y Katrantzou x Ma tc h es fa s h i o n .c o m

of the best

Queen of the digital print, Mary Katrantzou has collaborated with matchesfashion.com on an exclusive collection of alphabet tote bags, ‘Initials’, launching 22nd April 2015. Through A-Z, the 26 designs feature a different mix of architectural, graphic and abstract prints.

Priced at £575, each initial bag is a limited edition run of 20. matchesfashion.com

LEOPARD PRINT The print that’s always in vogue

01

ONE TO WATCH Alice Archer

Continuing with their ethos of championing new fashion design talent, cult Mayfair boutique Browns have discovered Royal College of Art graduate Alice Archer and produced her debut capsule collection. Alice’s trademark style is the most exquisite embroidery that creates a 3-D effect. Our stand out piece is the ‘Becca’ silk maxi skirt. £2,000; brownsfashion.com

02

03

04

05

06

SAY IT WITH SUEDE Victoria Beckham

Move over leather, suede is the new star of our wardrobes. This season’s most coveted fabric featured heavily in many key SS15 shows including Balenciaga, Burberry and Valentino. This chic button up shirtdress set to be a summer classic as it ticks all the modern-meets-retro trend boxes.

Shirtdress, £1,150; victoriabeckham.com

07

DISCO PLATFORMS Saint Laurent

Nothing quite sums up the Seventies Disco super-trend like these metallic ‘Candy’ platforms

by Saint Laurent. These are show-stopping shoes to party like it’s 1979 in; team yours with sheer opaque tights and a mini dress on the dance floor.

Platforms, £885; harrods.com

31 Fashion_Confidential_May.indd 31

08

01. ANNA-KARIN KARLSSON Sunglasses, £365; annakarinkarlsson.com 02. MARC CAIN Backpack, £315; marc-cain.com 03. SOPHIA WEBSTER Shoes, £300; brownsfashion.com 04. MAWI Clutch bag, £525; mawi.co.uk 05. SHRIMPS Faux fur jacket, £395; matchesfashion.com 06. CHRISTOPHER KANE Shopper bag, £750; matchesfashion.com 07. HOUSE OF HACKNEY Dress, £235; houseofhackney.com 08. CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA ‘Kitty' flats, £525; charlotteolympia.com

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:42

AWARD WINNING INDEPENDENT DESIGNER WOMENSWEAR BOUTIQUE IN CAMBRIDGE 10% OFF SUMMER COLLECTIONS WITH THIS ADVERT

Mai Leather Jacket

by Selected Femme

SELECTED F E M M E

W W W. B O U D O I R F E M M E . C O . U K 01223 323000 2 King Street, Cambridge, CB1 1LN

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FASHION / TRENDS CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA

Wedges, £795; charlotteolympia.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Dress, £1,775; harrods.com

P.A.R.O.S.H Skirt, £414; farfetch.com

SHOUROCK

Necklace, £460; brownsfashion.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS, Bag, £245; harveynichols.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

FRENCH SOLE

Ballet Pumps, £120; frenchsole.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA SS15

ERDEM,

Skirt, £545; brownsfashion.com

Dress, £1,200; net-a-porter.com

PETAL POWER

ETRO

Trousers, £345; mytheresa.com

Bold botanical prints are blooming this season B y charlot te adset t

SIMONE ROCHA

Bag, £300; brownsfashion.com

PIERRE HARDY Sandals, £712; thecorner.com

PIERS ATKINSON Headband, £570; piersatkinson.com

33 FASHION PRODUCTS_May.indd 33

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:45

Chiffon pleated dress, £660 Tibi at Net-a-porter.com Earrings worn throughout, £550 Shaun Leane ‘Albina’ shoes, £535 Bionda Castana Locket necklace, £950 and Dice bangle, £350 both Annina Vogel at Selfridges ‘Hana Hollow’ ring, £120 & ‘Divan’ ring, £320 both LeiVanKash

PRETTY IN

Strike a sweet note in this summer's sorbet shades that look good enough to eat Fashion Editor charlot te adset t P h o t o g ra p h y h e l e n mCca r d l e

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22/04/2015 15:47

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22/04/2015 15:47

Lace shirt, £430 A.W.A.K.E. at Browns Silk midi skirt, £815 Roksanda at Net-a-Porter.com ‘Atlanta’ bow mules, £475, Bionda Castana Gemstone ring, £450 and horseshoe ring, £2,850 both Annina Vogel at Selfridges

MAY15_FashionShoot.indd 36

22/04/2015 15:47

Knitted jumper, £360 Vintage Céline at Celestine Eleven Chiffon maxi skirt, £345 Alice + Olivia at Harrods Patent 'Lottie' box bag, £750 Charlotte Aluna ‘Leandra’ heels, £475 Bionda Castana Locket necklace, £850 Annina Vogel at Selfridges

MAY15_FashionShoot.indd 37

22/04/2015 15:47

'Je T’Aime Jane' jumper, £275 Bella Freud at Harrods Crepe trousers, £390 Phillip Lim at Net-a-Porter.com ‘Anouk’ suede court shoes £375 Dice bangle, £350 Annina Vogel at Selfridges ‘Divan' ring, £320 LeiVanKash, other rings from £550 Annina Vogel at Selfridges

MAY15_FashionShoot.indd 38

22/04/2015 15:47

Crepe top, £420 Alexander Lewis Lace skirt, £785 Giambattista Valli at Browns Faux fur clutch, £335 Shrimps at Start Boutique Locket necklace £850, dice bangle £350, rings, from £550 each, all Annina Vogel at Selfridges

MAY15_FashionShoot.indd 39

22/04/2015 15:47

Lace dress, £1,750 Emilio Pucci at Harrods ‘Nia’pearl ring, £270 LeiVanKash Lilac tights £9.95 Jonathan Aston ‘Allure’ court shoes, £395 Jimmy Choo

Fashion Editor: Charlotte Adsett Photographer: Helen McCardle Model: Alisa at Profile Models Make-up: Camila Fernandez using Mac Cosmetics Nails: Jessica Thompson using OPAT polish Hair: Leigh Keats at Premier Hair and Makeup using Baptiste Fashion assistants: Hannah Sargeant and Emily Belfiore Photographer's assistant: Luke Johnson Retouching: The Invisible Touch Shot in JJ Loft space in East London With thanks to JJ Locations www.jjlocations.com 020 7749 0500

STOCKISTS alexanderlewis.eu andy-wolf.com anninavogel.co.uk biondacastana.com brownsfashion.com celestineeleven.com charlottealuna.com harrods.com jimmychoo.com jonathanaston.com leivankash.com net-a-porter.com shaunleane.com start-london.com

MAY15_FashionShoot.indd 40

22/04/2015 15:48

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> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p. 46

8 OF THE BEST SERUMS

p. 47

SCARLET WOMAN Chanel favourite, Keira Knightley has now taken on a further role at the French fashion house as the face of their Coco Rouge lipstick line. Great news for fans of the dramatic lip. chanel.com

43 Chiswick_May15_Beauty_Opener.indd 43

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:22

sa lo n R e v i e w

WYBOSTON LAKES A luxury spa retreat with great food

Primer, bronzing gel and scents of summer, all to keep you looking fresh this May W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e

Wo r d s A b s o l u t e ly

inding somewhere to indulge in and hers time can be hard F his enough; getting even the most enlightened metrosexual to accompany you to a spa is another thing entirely. But Wyboston Lakes has done the persuading because it’s easy to get to, the food looks great and the pictures of Y Spa leave us gasping for superlatives. They even have golf – my partner makes a note for future reference.

Our time is limited, so we are booked in for one treatment, an Elemis White Brightening Facial. This 70-minute session is designed to lift our complexions, fight signs of ageing and leave us feeling illuminated.

With treatment and some relaxation, we will still have time for a spot of lunch.

Y Spa is even better than the photos suggest, and our treatments are utterly relaxing. I’m impressed by how gentle the Elemis products are, while my partner tells me proudly that his skin is ageing rather well, having asked a lot of scientific questions of his extremely patient and skilful therapist.

Both of us feel invigorated and – yes – a bit younger as we finish off our morning in the fabulous outdoor hydrotherapy area.

Lunch feels like part of the treatment because the restaurant overlooking the lake serves exceptional food – like the spa its menu offers just the right mixture of luxury and healthful options. If you’re going to take time out – alone or with friends – this is definitely the place to feel spoiled. u

Lip Talk Get the Burberry pout

Behind the scenes of the famous Burberry beauty campaign, here's Jourdan Dunn slicking on a beautiful nudey pink lipstick. We're smitten. burberry.com

● W Y B OSTO N L A K E S Wyboston, Bedfordshire, MK44. wybostonlakes.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CAM_May15_Beauty_Notes LN.indd 44

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HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

8 of the best

ROSE GARDEN Acqua di Parma

SERUMS

Acqua di Parma has succeeded in bottling summer with its new scent for women Nobile Rosa.

Notes of Damask and Centifolia rose are softened with smokier hints of amber and musk.

From £87; John Lewis, Grand Arcade, Cambridge, CB2.

editor’s

PICK

best

BUY

BRONZED BEAUTY Laura Mercier

01

Decided to take a spring break, but want to enhance your tan into the summer?

This bronzing gel from Laura Mercier glides on and can be built up at the same time as your natural colour. £26; John Lewis, Grand Arcade, Cambridge, CB2.

03

04

02

PRIME TIME YSL

Prime your face with the new Touche Éclat blur primer from YSL Beauté.

Working to smooth and refine the skin’s surface for easy make up application, the addition of light reflecting pigments means that you could wear just this and look as radiant as ever. £29.50; yslbeauty.co.uk

07

06

ROCK THE AGES Jo Malone

This limited-edition cologne range captures different eras – from Tudor to contemporary. Choose from scents such as Georgianinspired Lily of the Valley & Ivy or elegant Edwardian Geranium & Verbena. £42; Jo Malone, 14 Rose Crescent, Cambridge, CB2 and jomalone.co.uk

45 CAM_May15_Beauty_Notes LN.indd 45

05 08 1. ELEMIS, Absolute Eye Serum, £30; timetospa.co.uk 2. TOM FORD, Intensive Infusion Treatment Essence, £82; houseoffraser.co.uk 3. GIVENCHY, Hydra Sparkling Serum, £45; houseoffraser.co.uk 4. NATURE BISSÉ, The Cure Pure Serum, £206; net-a-porter.com 5. SUNDAY RILEY, Bionic Anti-Aging Cream, £175; cultbeauty.co.uk 6. NUXE, Nuxellence® Detox, £47; uk.nuxe.com 7. VERSO, Super Facial Serum 4, £95; net-a-porter.com 8. CODAGE, Sérum N° 03 Radiance and Energy, £73; selfridges.com

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:15

Tastes

to be enjoyed

INDULGE YOUR SENSES AT THE CAMBRIDGE CITY HOTEL

Whether you wish to enjoy one of our specialty coffees, freshly prepared lunchtime bar snacks or delicious afternoon teas, our newly refurbished Book Room Bar & Lounge are warm and welcoming places to relax. In the inviting comfort of our newly designed Book Room Restaurant, we use fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Through a combination of skill, flair and imagination, we promise our chefs will always treat you to a meal you’ll remember. cambridgecityhotel.co.uk

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> FOOD NEWS

p. 49

RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE SHEENE MILL

p. 51

EAT THE WEEK From fast-rising cook Anna Barnett, comes this book of recipes for every imaginable scenario in the life of a busy urbanite. This is cooking with personality, big on both fun and flavour.ÂŁ17.99, Murdoch Books; amazon.co.uk

47 C&A_MAY15_Food_Opener.indd 47

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:42

Steeped in history, î ˘e Sheene Mill is a magniicent 16th century Grade II listed water mill set on the River Mel. With outstanding views over the old mill pond and Cambridgeshire countryside, î ˘e Sheene Mill is the perfect setting for Lunch, Dinner, Birthday Parties, Celebrations and Weddings with 9 en-suite rooms.

2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, sg8 6dx - 01763 261393 - www.TheSheeneMill.com SHEEN MILL.indd 2

09/03/2015 13:06

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES GO EAT FESTIVAL Now in its third year, a feast of local produce is on offer at the Eat Cambridge Festival. The gourmet celebrations kick off with a night food market and end with a huge food and drink fair at Cambridge Corn Exchange. With over two weeks of foodie events, it’s your chance to find small independent producers and indulge yourself.

9-23 May. eat-cambridge.co.uk

ns

ous

e af

RECIPE

SALMON TIKKA LETTUCE WRAPS Recipe Anjum Anand Makes 8-10 INGREDIENTS for the tandoori marinade 50g plain yogurt 6g fresh root ginger, peeled weight, grated into a paste • 2 garlic cloves, grated into a paste • 2 tsp gram flour 1 tsp paprika • ¾ tsp chilli powder 1 tbsp vegetable oil • ¾ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp light crème fraîche for the wraps 2 small, skinless salmon fillets 8–10 even-sized Baby Gem lettuce leaves, washed and dried • 2 tbsp capers finely shredded red cabbage (optional) for the topping

TABLE TALK Chilli sauce and olive oils from two local producers, plus a fantastic summer cocktail from Hotel du Vin

SOME LIKE IT HOTTER

SALAD DAYS

Tim and Susan Murphy began experimenting with growing chillis back in 2009, using them to make their own sauces.

Soon they couldn’t grow enough so sourced a local grower to focus on the end product.

Sauces such as Naga Napalm and Ghost Pepper offer plenty for the hardened chilli aficionado to savour, while jellies, jams and relishes are a way to enjoy different depths of flavour – from simmering smoke to fire. cambridgechilli.co.uk

With salad days upon us, now is the time to source a really good olive oil.

OOO (it rhymes with zoo) is a Cambridge company that offers pure extra virgin oil produced on a family farm in Cyprus. Olives are handpicked and cold pressed the traditional way in the coastal village to produce an oil that is the perfect base for dressings – and tasty enough to serve with a swirl of balsamic vinegar as a dip for sourdough. ooocompany.com

30g Greek yogurt • 30g light crème fraîche 10g finely chopped onion • 10g chopped coriander • 1–2 green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)

Cocktail of th e Month HOTEL DU VIN

The Discover y of DNB (a)

METHOD

Mix together the ingredients for the marinade until smooth. Season well and taste – it should be slightly over-seasoned at this point.

Add the salmon, turn to coat and marinate for 1 hour. 02 When you are ready to serve, preheat your grill to high. Place the salmon on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper or foil and grill for 7-9 min, turning once, or until the fish is just done and charring in places. 03 When the fish is ready, cut each fillet lengthwise into 4 or 5 pieces, then break up into large chunks. Place each piece in a lettuce leaf. Add a teaspoon of topping and scatter with a few capers and red cabbage if using. Serve immediately. ◆ 01

* I Love Curry by Anjum Anand (Quadrille, £19.99) quadrille.co.uk

An homage to the discovery of DNA right here in Cambridge, this next gen cocktail was specially created for us by Hotel du Vin mixologist Tom Arnold INGREDIENTS

1 egg white • 35ml espresso • 35ml Bacardi 8yr old • 20ml Marie Brizard Cacao Brun chocolate liqueur • 20ml Frangelico • 1 rasher diced cooked smoked bacon + rasher cooked bacon • fried egg sweets

49 Cambridge_May15_Food_Notes LN.indd 49

METHOD 01 Dry shake the egg white, then add 35ml espresso, 35 ml Bacardi 8 year old, 20ml chocolate liqueur and 20ml Frangelico with cubed ice into the shaker and hard shake.

Add 1 rasher of diced cooked bacon to the cocktail shaker to flavour.

02 Strain the cocktail and pour over ice into a science beaker. Garnish with a crispy smoked bacon rasher and fried egg sweets.

* Tom Arnold finished in the top ten of the world finals for Marie Brizard last year and is highly ranked at many other international mixology events. Sample his divine cocktails at Hotel du Vin, Cambridge. hotelduvin.com

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:43

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FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW

The Sheene Mill Absolutely finds perfect flavour combinations at a popular south Cambridgeshire restaurant Wo r d s L I B B Y N O R M A N

J

ulie and I are normally ladies who lunch on a wilting sandwich while madly multi-tasking, but this is a red-letter Friday – we’ve sneaked a few hours off. Our destination is The Sheene Mill, a picturesque spot for lunch with its views over a millpond of the Cam. The bar area is buzzing with fellow lunchers as we enjoy a pre-prandial glass; unfortunately wine is off radar as we both have to go back to work – a shame as the wine list includes champagne and prosecco by the glass and lots of good stuff by the bottle. We’re lunching à la carte and decide we’re hungry enough for the Lebanese sharing board – I can’t resist grilled halloumi and Julie wants to see if the humous is as garlicky as hers. It is, and also a very moreish dip for the flat bread, falafel and tabouleh.

I’ve thought long and hard about The Sheene Mill fish pie, but eventually settle for hake wrapped in pancetta, while my companion chooses rump of lamb. Our

helpful waiter says both come with sides, but we order a plate of wilted spinach to share anyway – since we don’t get out much. My hake is beautifully presented and the flavour combination is just right, with zest from caperberries, red pepper sauce and a hint of anchovy on the potato sarladaise (a moreish potato cake affair). I don’t normally choose lamb in restaurants, but Julie’s plate converts me. It comes with an intriguing mini saucepan on the side containing a mini shepherd’s pie – she declares the whole thing divine and eats the lot.

Two courses is certainly enough, but then the waiter starts describing puddings and all thoughts of sensible evaporate. Julie chooses Grand Marnier pannacotta with honeycomb and blood orange. I almost go for rhubarb and custard soufflé (diet choice?) until the waiter tells me about the toffee sauce and clotted cream accompanying the granny smith apple tarte fine. The maître d’ joins us and says it’s his favourite pudding too.

51 CAMBRIDGE_MAY15_Food_Review LN.indd 51

Both men turn out to be wise judges, in my opinion, although both finales are beyond delicious.

Now very full, and more than happy with our choices, we decide we should return soon to start working our way through the rest of the menu because The Sheene Mill really has got its flavour combinations – and service – just right. 

● The Sheene Mill

37-39 Station Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, SG8. 01763 261393. thesheenemill.com

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:12

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> MOUNTAIN HIGH: DISCOVERING GSTAAD p. 54 UK GETAWAY: THE VINEYARD SPA

p. 59

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE We find out what Julie Andrews' favourite place has to offer in summertime, as Gemma Billington goes on an Alpine adventure to Gstaad. Glacier walks, chocolate factories and remote cabins are just the beginning...

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MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:45

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

DISCOVER

Mountain

HIGH The Alps may peak in popularity over winter but, during the summer months, the hills are alive with beauty Wo r d s G e M M a B i l l i n g t o n

W

hy would you go to Gstaad in summer? I had been posed this question before setting off on my brief, mid-July sojourn to the idyllic Alpine village, and during the train journey from Berne airport through the picturesque Swiss landscape, I had time to ponder it. True, it was a few degrees cooler here than the London I’d left behind (typical) and the chalets did seem to have something amiss without their snow-covered roofs and icicles, but Gstaad outside of ski season is certainly not without its charms.

For one thing, Switzerland is visually stunning in summer. The alpine peaks are still dusted in snow but the land flourishes with spring flowers. Everything is a lush shade of green, and great plumes of cloud seem to tumble down the mountains. The two-hour train journey simply flew by, with the glorious views providing ample distraction.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chiswick_May15_ TRAVEL.indd 54

Gstaad’s motto is: ‘Come up, slow down’ alluding to its leisurely pace and high altitude. Actress Julie Andrews, who owns a holiday home in the area, describes it as the “last paradise in a crazy world.”

Along with Andrews, a plethora of famous dignitaries have chosen Gstaad as their holiday getaway, and looming over the centre of town is the retreat of choice for the world’s elite: the famous Gstaad Palace hotel.

Chugging into the quaint train station, a chauffeur in immaculate Gstaad Palace uniform doffs his peaked cap and imperceptibly takes my cases from me. A lift to the hotel is welcome but somewhat superfluous; the Palace is mere minutes away and is visible from practically every angle with its castle-like structure and extravagant towers. The Palace may look imposing on the outside, but once inside it’s as cosy and intimate as any alpine chalet. The interior decor is a tasteful Swiss palette of subtle check, muted colours and traditional wooden

54 24/04/2015 12:47

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

55 Chiswick_May15_ TRAVEL.indd 55

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:47

Down Hall, on your doorstep . . .

Down Hall Hotel is one of England’s most established country house hotels featuring 99 luxurious bedrooms, set in 110 acres of grounds and its right on your doorstep!

You are most welcome to visit us for: Traditional Afternoon Tea £21.50 per person Dinner or Lunch in the Grill Room £32.50 for 3 courses Sunday Lunch £24.50 for 3 courses Or just a walk around the beautiful grounds and enjoy a picnic from £19.50 per person

We look forward to welcoming you to Down Hall!

Matching Road, Hatfield Heath, Nr Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM22 7AS Tel: +44 (0) 1279 731 441 | Fax: +44 (0) 1279 730 416 | Email: info@downhall.co.uk | www.downhall.co.uk

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST furniture. A small balcony jutting off my spacious bedroom provides views across the village and a personal sanctuary in which to sit back, take in the sublime surroundings, and relax.

Gstaad Palace opened in December 1913 and, following a hugely successful inaugural skiing season, the building was extended the following year. The hotel has survived two World Wars and ensuing economic turmoil, and has been managed by the Scherz family for nearly 80 years. After the Second World War, international music stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Édith Piaf and Louis Armstrong held exclusive concerts at the Palace, and the hotel has attracted Hollywood stars and royalty throughout its history, welcoming everyone from Paul McCartney to Princess Diana.

Rumour has it that Michael Jackson, friend of Palace regular Liz Taylor (whose husband-at-the-time Richard Burton said they “only felt home in Gstaad”), enquired about purchasing the Palace, simply because he “liked the castle.” The hotel is still synonymous with celebrity clientele and there’s a distinct air of

glamour to it, particularly inside the retro Greengo night club, which opened in the 1970s. But the Palace embodies a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and it’s this plus an unrivalled personal service that keeps guests – celebrity or otherwise – coming back year after year.

But what is Gstaad’s appeal outside of skiing season? Well, for starters, summer may be the one time you’re physically able to stay in the Palace – its winter season sells out months in advance.

However, another attraction is that, unlike other alpine resorts, Gstaad is very much open over summer, and there’s a host of cultural and sporting activity.

Most famous is the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open tennis tournament, which

The Palace embodies a RELAXED, intimate ATMOSPHERE that keeps GUESTS COMING BACK year after year takes place in late July and this year celebrates its centenary. The Palace is a family-friendly place, hosting a kid’s summer tennis tournament and offering family-friendly packages throughout the season, including a delightful Willy Wonka-inspired excursion with a trip to legendary chocolate factory Maison Cailler. For active types who can pry themselves away from the Palace’s restaurants, bar, pretty terrace area or award-winning spa, there’s an Olympicsized outdoor heated pool (one of the first to be built in Switzerland), an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, Pilates studio and gym. The mild summer temperatures and majestic views are perfect for nature lovers who can indulge in woodland walks, hikes and biking, plus a highly-recommended outing to the nearby Glacier 3000, which has even more high-altitude rambles and simply breathtaking views. For adrenaline junkies (or hard-to-please teenagers) the Palace can organise high-octane activities like paragliding, jeep safaris and even river rafting.

57 Chiswick_May15_ TRAVEL.indd 57

Another must-do is a visit to the Palace-owned Walig Hut, a traditional Swiss cabin 1,700 metres above the village of Gsteig, originally built in 1786. With little but the dulcet chimes of cowbells for company, Walig Hut makes a whimsical lunchtime or dinner excursion (traditional Swiss fondue is cooked by a private chef, followed by a shot of fiery Kirsch) or even a romantic overnight stay. Condé Nast Traveller awarded it Best Wilderness Hotel in 2013, and it’s easy to see why.

One of my last excursions organised by the Palace was a horse drawn carriage ride around Gstaad. Our guide (born and bred in Gstaad) was infectiously enthusiastic, not to mention thoroughly knowledgeable. As the afternoon began to give way to evening, we trotted through the pristine town centre, where cars are forbidden and the Chanel and Louis Vuitton boutiques are ensconced in pretty, traditional chalet designs. Outside of the centre, at the grassy feet of the mountains, our guide told stories of growing up in Gstaad and pointed out her childhood home. In a moment of utter tranquillity, I deemed Gstaad to be the most romantic, idyllic and serene place on earth. So, why would you visit it in summer? My answer is, why would you not?  Rates start from £348 (490CHF) in a Single Classic room (per room and night including half-board, all taxes and service) and from £525 (740CHF) for a Double Small Room.

For further information and reservations call (+41) 33 748 50 00 or visit: palace.ch

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 12:47

Specialists in arranging travel since 1936

RIVER CRUISES

Danube | Douro | Elbe | Rhine | Rhone | Seine | Main | Moselle | Mekong

At Premier Travel, we have been making travel arrangements for our clients for over 75 years, and are proud of our reputation for providing unbiased travel advice and excellent customer service. We keep on top of the latest travel trends and work with carefully selected tour operators and cruise lines to ensure we bring you the best service and value for money.

River cruising is becoming increasingly popular and we work closely with award winning Riviera Travel, who are known as the best in their field. Our relationship with them allows us to bring you their excellent cruises and escorted tours but with our personal service and guidance to ensure you book the right one for you.

Look no further for: Tailor-made travel worldwide | Flights & hotels | Cruises City breaks | Beach holidays | Ski holidays | Escorted tours | Self-drive | Rail journeys Coach holidays | Weddings & honeymoons | UK holidays

www.premier-travel.co.uk Call us on 01223 500007

Book an appointment today Arrange to come and speak to our specialists at a time that is convenient for you.

See our website for details

Visit one of our branches located in: • Cambridge (Addenbrooke’s & Sidney Street) • Bishop’s Stortford • Ely • Halstead • Haverhill • Huntingdon • Newmarket • Royston • Saffron Walden • St Ives • Swaffham PREMIER TRAVEL.indd 1

21/04/2015 16:38

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY

WHAT IS IT?

T

he Vineyard Spa is, unsurprisingly, a haven for Epicureans. The hotel and spa is owned by the Michael family, who also preside over the Peter Michael winery in Knights Valley in California.

The hotel is inspired by the Judgement of Paris, a famous wine tasting in 1976 that saw Californian wine surpass classic French wines in a blind tasting held by British wine merchant, Steven Spurrier.

The hotel displays a large-scale painting of the notorious tasting, also by the same title, which united some of the wine world’s most influential wine writers and journalists. The hotel prides itself on its impressive private art collection, as well as its 3,000 bins, with around 100 of them available to taste by the glass.

THE VINEYARD SPA STO C KC R OS S

W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

THE SPA

T

THE RESTAURANT

he “5 Bubbles” spa is nice, but it’s definitely not the hotel’s focal point.

The swimming pool isn’t great for swimming in, as it’s round and quite small, but the palm tree-framed atrium in which it is set is glorious on a sunny day. The treatment rooms, although airy and light, are equally unexceptional, which is by no means a comment on the service you’ll receive: The therapists are welcoming and thorough, with customer service clearly at the forefront of their training. We went all-out, first indulging in a pedicure, which incorporated paraffin wax treatment and high quality Mavala nail polishes. Then came the massage; let's ignore the irritating, predictable muzak, because the masseuse was competent and responded to each and every knot in my back. This, combined with the delicious Darphin oils used was so good and relaxed me so much that I had to take a nap afterwards.

O

ne of the best things about the hotel is the restaurant. Go all out and opt for the wine tasting menu; each delectable course comes with a sip of Californian wine and a sip of French wine so you can partake in your very own version of the Judgement of Paris. Head chef Daniel Galmiche believes, “Eating out is one of the greatest pleasures of life. I have made it my mission to communicate this.” There’s no doubt that he’s succeeded in his quest, even for my vegetarian companion, who was resigned to the belief that French chefs just don’t do vegetarian food. Not the case, as the seven-course menu was altered to suit her tastes. Meat or no meat, we were both very impressed.

THE DAMAGE Rooms start from £194 per night.

The Vineyard, Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8JU; 01635 898 103; the-vineyard.co.uk

59 CHIS_MAY15_UK GETAWAY.indd 59

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 13:00

Transform your home with

Cambridge Bi-folding Doors…

…a new company dedicated to the design, supply and installation of high quality aluminium bi-folding doors

With summer on the way there has never been a better time to invest

• UK-made ORIGIN bi-folding doors

in home-changing bi-folding doors. Our high-specification aluminium

• Factory-trained installers

bi-folding doors are manufactured to your precise requirements by

• 20 year guarantee

Origin, the UK’s leading bi-folding door specialist.

• Part of Paxtons, established 1992

Select from a wide choice of door configurations, glazing and handle options, and over 150 colours and wood grain finishes – many available from stock for fast delivery.

And, all Cambridge Bi-folding Doors are installed by our own factory-trained technicians and are covered by our comprehensive 20 year guarantee.

Visit our showroom at Cambridge Bi-folding Doors, Unit 21 Shire Hill, Saffron Walden CB11 3AQ

Telephone 01799 520233 sales@cambridgebifoldingdoors.co.uk

To start the transformation call 01799 520533.

Part of Paxtons Home Improvements Limited

cambridgebifoldingdoors.co.uk CAMBRIDGE BI-FOLDING DOORS.indd 1

22/04/2015 14:28

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 62

COPPER BLUSH: OUR FAVOURITE METALLIC HUE

p. 65

GARDEN NOTES

p. 71

CALIFORNIA CALLING Their first foray into interior design, Rodarte’s new collection for the The Rug Company marries high couture with an ethereal dose of West Coast cool. ‘Cobalt’, £1,535 per sq m, by Rodarte, for The Rug Company; therugcompany.com

61 Chiswick_May15_Interior_Opener.indd 61

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:52

10 of the best

library looks Heavenly tubs, library-inspired chic and Clerkenwell Design Week

ARTSANTI

Magellan Desktop Globe With Metal Frame, £54; artisanti.com

Wo r d s J e s s i c a k l i n g e l f u s s

KATE HUME

Pebbles Vase Smooth Lime, £360; conranshop.co.uk

AW15 TREND

From John Lewis’ new season collection; johnlewis.com

WHARFSIDE

Danish Retro Sideboard in Walnut, £4020; wharfside.co.uk

ASTELLAHRELA

Biblioteca Wallpaper Mural , £249; astellahrela.com

Tub Time Drummond’s

The splendid freestanding ‘Spittal’ is the ultimate statement piece for large bathrooms or bedrooms.

Inspired by classic designs of the 1920s, it is built for today’s bathrooms. The solid brass frame is elegantly bright-plated in nickel or chrome and then handpolished.‘The Spittal Freestanding Shower’, From £20,340, excl. VAT; drummonds-uk.com

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CHIS_MAY15_Interior.Insp.indd 62

62 22/04/2015 15:50

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES

ALEXANDER & PEARL

DESIGN WEEK

Junior Vintage Leather Brass Studded Armchair, £945; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Clerkenwell

From 19 - 21 May, Clerkenwell Design week will be back in evidence as showrooms, studios and galleries open their doors to the public to display the very best in architecture, interiors and innovative design. clerkenwelldesignweek.com

editor’s

PICK SPRING TO LIFE Habitat

Habitat’s new SS15 collection incorporates mixed mediums, handmade items and pared down geometrics to create a striking and textured style that works anywhere from the bedroom to the patio. We particularly love their woven pendant shades. habitat.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS

Copper Lampshade; johnlewis.com

must

HAVE

ANDREW CLANCY FOR DÉANTA

Strand Lamp Small Black, £450; conranshop.co.uk

BY THE BOOK Pure Colour

Jane Cumberbatch’s new book provides interiors inspiration for those who tend to shy away from colourful walls and furniture. Her useful tips and chic aesthetics will have converted in no time. £16; amazon.co.uk WHARFSIDE

Danish Serving Trolley, £1,500; wharfside.co.uk

OAK SO SIMPLE Touchstone B athrooms

For many, indulging in a bubble bath is the best way to escape from the world. Make sure your sanctuary is everything you want it to be with bespoke designs and gorgeous amenities from Touchstone Bathrooms. touchstonebathrooms.com

63 CHIS_MAY15_Interior.Insp.indd 63

CHARLES & RAY EAMES

Tall Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman Black Leather £6,815; conranshop.co.uk

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:50

XXXXXX&/INTERIORS HOMES XXXXXXX / PROMOTION

GARDENS TO YO U R D O O R

Offering everything from arbours to zinnias, waitrosegarden.com is a convenient online garden centre. Everything is delivered straight to your door, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your garden this summer

W

ith the best of summer still to come, May is a great month to plan your outdoor space. Whether you are looking to add a feature, plant vegetables, create an outdoor eating area or plan the perfect summerhouse retreat, waitrosegarden.com can help.

With over 5,000 products available, it delivers everything from seeds and plants to compost, tools and garden pots and planters straight to your door.

Practical tips on what to order now for colourful borders throughout the summer and ideas for ‘right plant, right place’ – whether it be the suntrap on the terrace

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CAMBRIDGE_MAY15_Waitrose.indd 64

or that tricky spot in the shade – help you to select plants that will work in your garden. For inspiration, look at the everchanging range of special offers to help you make more of your plot. Subscribe to the garden centre’s regular emails and you’ll also get month-by-month advice delivered straight to your inbox.

When the hard work of planning and planting is done, waitrose.com has lots of ideas for enjoying leisure time too, with kids’ gardening and outdoor play equipment, al fresco dining and barbecue kit – even hammocks and shade sails for creating the perfect spot to read the papers or snooze in the sun. u * waitrosegarden.com

Win £250-worth of garden products We’re offering you the opportunity to win your choice of waitrose.com garden products, to a value of £250. To enter, first visit the waitrose.com website to discover the answer to these two questions: 1) What is the name of the Waitrose nursery?

2) The nursery is home to the National Collections of which two plants?

Once you’ve found the answers, simply write them on a postcard – along with your name, address and a daytime phone number – and either drop them in to the reception desk at Waitrose Trumpington store or post them to May Garden Competition, Waitrose Cambridge, 50 Hauxton Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FT. The competition closes on 31 May 2015.

The winner will be the first correct answer drawn after the closing date of 31 May 2015. The prize is as stated above and no cash alternative will be offered. Competition entrants must be over 18 and entries will not be accepted from staff of Waitrose, John Lewis, Zest Media and their families. The editor’s decision is final.

64 24/04/2015 13:04

HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS

TAI PING

ROSE UNIACKE

‘Elipse’ collection, from €1115 per sq m excl. tax; taiping.com

Pendant Light with Copper Shades, POA; roseuniacke.com

MUT DESIGN

‘Float’ collection, €23,843.64; mutdesign.com

KARTELL

Bourgie’ lamp, by Ferrucio Laviani, £322; amara.com

COCOLUX

‘Sol’ and ‘Luna’ fragrances, £55 for 350g; roullierwhite.com

HEAL’S

Blue Dot Real Good Chair, from £139; heals.co.uk

ROSE UNIACKE

MEIKE LANGER

‘Blanche’ valet, £365/€500; meikelanger.com

‘Copper Roll Top Bath’, £9,500; roseuniacke.com

TOM DIXON

3tomdixon.net

COPPER BLUSH

WINNIE LUI

‘Innermost Beads Octo Suspension Light’, £1,900; nest.co.uk

Add a splash of warm elegance with this eye-catching metallic hue

By Jessica klingelfuss

LOBMEYR

‘Still’ collection, by Formafantasma, for Lobmeyr, prices vary; lobmeyr.at

TALISMAN

‘A Superb Lacquered Copper Coffee Table on Floating Plinth 1980s’, £4,200; talismanlondon.com

65 CHIS_MAY15_Interior_Products_Right.indd 65

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:54

XXXXXX&/INTERIORS HOMES XXXXXXX / PROMOTION

ROOM

TRANSFORMERS Now a firm favourite among architects and homeowners alike, bi-fold doors maximise space and light and suit both contemporary and traditional properties. Local specialist Cambridge Bi-folding Doors offers a full range of style solutions and complete design-to-installation service

S

uitable for almost any setting, the bi-fold door has become a firm favourite of architects and designers because it offers clean lines, flexible access options and a panoramic view of the world beyond your four walls.

Most importantly at this time of year, it also helps to blur the divisions between indoors and out – letting you make the most of your garden or terrace and truly incorporate it into the rest of your living space. Little wonder then that so many homeowners are installing them – either as part of a larger renovation project or to replace existing doors.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CAMBRIDGE_MAY15_PAXTONS.indd 66

Cambridge Bi-folding Doors is a new division of the long-established local firm Paxtons Home Improvements and offers a complete design through to installation service, using its own consultants, designers and liveried fitting teams.

Director Gary Bower says the UK – and this region – has fallen in love with the bifold’s practical and aesthetic qualities: “At all levels – from architect and designer to home owner – the door’s ‘room changing’ capabilities are being recognised”.

All the company’s aluminium doors are manufactured by market-leader Origin and designed to maintain their smooth action with no adjustment.

Long lasting powder coatings offer a durable, colourfast finish that requires no maintenance. And moving parts are concealed within the running system to protect them from the elements, also ensuring they are well away from small fingers. Like Paxtons, Cambridge Bifolding Doors is a member of the glazing industry’s consumer protection scheme (DGCOS) and its doors and installations come with comprehensive guarantee to ensure peace of mind.

Glass can be designed to your specifications, with high-insulation, tinted and ‘minimal clean’ options available to suit your location and specific needs. New bi-folding doors can be fitted with electric blinds (these can also be fitted to existing doors). Remote controlled, the blinds enable you to create shade and privacy – or transform your outlook – at the mere touch of a button. u *Cambridge Bi-folding Doors’ showroom is at Unit 21, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden CB11 3AQ, or call 01799 520233. cambridgebifoldingdoors.co.uk

66 22/04/2015 15:37

Criterion Audio is Cambridge’s new premier hi-fi dealer. From vinyl and valves to the latest in streaming and headphones, we can help you find the perfect audio system whatever your budget and needs. We have a wide range of carefully-selected products, from familiar brands to new and interesting manufacturers you will not find anywhere else in the country.

Whether you are taking your first steps into hi-fi or you are a connoisseur of fine audio, we look forward to welcoming you to our purpose-built listening rooms and showroom to hear the best audio systems available today.

Our showroom is on Oakington Road, Girton, CB3 0QH and we have plentiful parking. To talk to us or arrange your own private demonstration, please call (01223) 233730, visit our website at www.criterionaudio.com or email info@criterionaudio.com.

May Selections

The closed-back Audeze LCD-XC offers the prize-winning sound of its sister open-back designs while isolating the listener and reducing ambient noise. Ideal when you want the ultimate audio quality but keep the music to yourself. £1,499.

The Chord Electronics Hugo is a game-changing DAC and headphone amplifier launched to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their famous DAC 64. It brings world-class audio quality and the flexibility of battery-powered portability. £1,400.

C

M

The stunning KEF Blade Two is based on the same advanced materials and technologies as the Blade Concept. It delivers holographic imaging and breathtaking realism, performing at a level few speakers at any price ever reach. £15,999.

Y

M

Y

For vinyl fans, the new Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB (DC) sets new standards at its price, with a carbon fibre tonearm usually only seen on much more expensive turntables. An ultra precision motor driver ensures ultimate speed stability. £425.

Y

MY

K

Special Offer

Customers making a purchase of over £150 in May will receive a Criterion gift voucher for 10% of the total amount paid.

CRITERION AUDIO.indd 1

21/04/2015 11:07

design matters

The Painted Kitchen company • Individually designed kitchen furniture • Hand made to order www.designmatters-cambridge.co.uk | 01223 847773 | info@designmatters-cambridge.co.uk 132 Shelford Road, Cambridge, CB2 9NE

ABSOLUTELY CAMBRIDGE MAGAZINE

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LONDON

MAY 2015 / £3.95

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FASHION • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • WHAT’S ON • CULTURE • KIDS • INTERIORS • PROPERTY

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24/04/2015 13:10

HOMES & INTERIORS / PROMOTION

DESIGN FOR

LIVING

Kitchens need to earn their keep as more than rooms for food preparation, and design guru Bryan Turner advises thinking about your daily priorities to create an elegant space for work and play THIS LARGE OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH CLEARLY DELINEATED PREP AND SOCIAL SPACES

efficiently you and your family move in and around it. For example, think about how easy it is to get between key areas of your workspace as you cook – typically this will be around a food prep area, cooking appliances and possibly refrigerator.

Comfort is a key factor – and one of the elements that define a well thought out room – you should be able to move around unhindered and work without feeling hemmed in. Classic mistakes to avoid are having a door immediately behind your main working area, so look at existing entry and access points into the kitchen. Also think about how other members of your family use the room.

Teenagers descending in a ravenous huddle, friends popping in for a working lunch or children doing their homework may all need to be accommodated.

AN INFORMAL ISLAND AREA ADJOINING THE WORKSPACE HELPS TO ENCOURAGE COOKING AND EATING TOGETHER

Comfort is A KEY FACTOR in creating a kitchen – also CONSIDER HOW other family members use the room

W

ith the new season’s first home-grown treats – rhubarb, asparagus and baby broad beans – are arriving in the shops, and all thoughts turn to relaxed summer entertaining. But there is nothing like cooking for a crowd to show up an existing kitchen layout’s inadequacies. This is a familiar story heard by bespoke kitchen creator Bryan Turner: “Suddenly, you are wondering why you didn’t go for the double oven, why you ever thought a wine cooler

was an ‘extravagance’ and what on earth you – or your designer – were thinking when you decided to locate the dishwasher at the opposite end of the kitchen to the sink”.

Turner's company has been designing and hand-building bespoke kitchens for over 25 years – including many designs in period properties where it’s important to combine functionality with character – and he suggests that to really instigate a change for the better, you need to consider the basics and actually look at how you want your kitchen to earn its keep.

His key advice is to consider your kitchen’s existing layout and how

69 CAMBRIDGE_MAY BRYAN TURNER KITCHENS LN.indd 69

Ultimately, you may find that your original ideas evolve once you actually review the things that matter to your family and will make the kitchen a pleasure to live in. Bryan Turner advises thinking of the bigger picture: “The most important thing is not to get dragged down by detail.

By all means, have your heart set on some incredible appliances, but ultimately, your kitchen needs to work as hard as possible for you. The secret is to keep some basic principles in mind at all times. If you do that, regardless of budget, you should be able to look forward to catering for the best of summertime soirées”. u Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture, 01953 601567 bryanturnerkitchens.com

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:24

AUGUSTA JON E S REMBO STYLING JESUS PEIRO GENT MAALOF COUNTURE LOU LOU ACCESSOR IES

BY APPOINTMENT

01638 561770

www.larab.co.uk / info@larab.co.uk

5 ROUS ROAD - NEWMARKET - SUFFOLK - CB8 8DH LARA B.indd 1

23/03/2015 10:46

HOMES & INTERIORS / GARDENING

GARDEN NOTES

Ka t e G ou l d’s

PLANT

This month we’re dreaming of a lookout in the trees and designing our place in the sun UP IN THE CLOUDS

of t h e Mon t h

THE JUNGLE LOOK

Artisan Structures creates bespoke garden furniture and structures using locally sourced wood (mostly sweet chestnut and oak), while willow is coppiced at Granchester to create wind breaks and walls.

Recent commissions include carved benches, magical play houses and bespoke outdoor eating areas. artisanstructures.co.uk

Spring has well and truly sprung – making us pine for exotic summer shores. For those who can’t jet off quite yet, why not add a touch of tropical charm to your English garden with House of Hackney’s printed deckchairs? Paradise feels closer already. £215; houseofhackney.com

ROSA ‘SKYLARK’ ith its perfect pink globes of massed petals, Rosa ‘Skylark’ is a semi-double English Rose from David Austin that works well alongside bronze Fennel, Clematis recta and Veronicastrum ‘Fascination’.

It begins as a deep pink, later fading to a softer lilac with a bright white centre – making this a stunning addition to the garden border. kategouldgardens.com

W

Sitting pretty his neat Oban bench from waitrosegarden.com is part of a smart garden range with a distinctly Arts & Crafts feel.

The frame is produced from treated FSC Acacia wood for a weathered look and the seat is in woven rattan.

Smart enough to double up for kitchen or conservatory, it is also durable enough to live on the terrace. £169.99; waitrosegarden.com

T

71 Cambridge_May15_Gardening LN.indd 71

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:49

Sancton Wood School A small, independent nursery & day school of 200 boys and girls, ages 1-16 in central Cambridge We are a family-oriented school and our small setting allows for the provision of an outstanding contribution to the social, emotional and academic development of each child. We have small class sizes of approximately 16 across the school and this excellent pupil:teacher ratio is the key to our educational philosophy that focuses on the provision of a tailored educational programme for each pupil.

2 St Paul’s Road, Cambridge CB1 2EZ T: 01223 471703 E: office@sanctonwood.co.uk

Contact us today to arrange a visit! - www.sanctonwood.co.uk MINERVA.indd 1

21/04/2015 15:40

WWW.MARIECHANTAL.CO.UK

> SCHOOL OF THE MONTH: SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL p. 75 SLOW LEARNING p. 75

73 CHIS_May15_Kids_Opener.indd 73

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 13:11

THE PERFECT MATCH

FOR YOUR MUSIC & YOUR HOME BeoSound Moment is a new intelligent, wireless, music system that integrates your music and streaming services into one, bringing the music listening experience back into your home.

bang-olufsen.com

£1,795*

BEOSOUND MOMENT

Bang Olufsen of Cambridge 29 Magdalene Street Cambridge CB3 0AF Tel: 01223 464400 Email: cambridge@bang-olufsen.co.uk Website: www.bang-olufsen.com/cambridge *BeoSound Moment recommended retail price ©LW

BANG & OLUFSON.indd 2

09/03/2015 13:00

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

SCHOOL OF THE MONTH Sa n c ton Wood S c h ool C a m br i d ge

Type: A small independent coeducational day school for pupils aged from one to 16.

Size: 220 pupils History: Founded in 1976 by Jill Sturdy to provide Cambridge with an educational establishment of excellence. The main aim of the school is to make each and every pupil aware of his or her innate qualities and skills, and to develop these to their full potential.

Approach: “We are a family-oriented school and our small setting allows for the provision of an outstanding contribution to the social, emotional and academic development of each child. We have class sizes of approximately 16 across the school and this excellent pupil-teacher ratio is the key to our educational philosophy that focuses on the provision of a tailored educational programme for each young person.”

Admissions guidance: Contact our Registrar Emma Preston for more details.and to arrange a visit at admissions@sanctonwood.co.uk Contact: www.sanctonwood.co.uk and 01223 471703

Slow Learning

A new movement that says a real education can’t be rushed is gaining ground W o r d s A M a n d a C o n s ta n c e

R

emember the slow food movement? A reaction against mass-produced, air-freighted food led to a minor revolution. Well, now we have slow education.

One of its promoters is Mike Grenier, an English teacher and housemaster at Eton who cofounded the movement. Grenier says: “It struck me that the model of processing people through exams with narrow ideas about teaching, was mimicking the worst aspects of a McDonald’s production line.”

He became interested in creating a model for education that makes time for creative teaching and learning. It is less about teaching to the test and more about allowing children to think independently.

It advocates long-term projects to allow children to experiment – and sometimes to fail as they learn.

Matthew Moss High School, a mixed comprehensive in Rochdale, signed up to the movement 18 months ago and so far, it’s a great success. Three lessons a week have been freed up in years 7

75 Chiswick_May15_Education.indd 75

and 8 to give students time to develop projects they are really interested in. At the end, a viva examination explores their knowledge and understanding. The school has also developed a scheme whereby younger students volunteer to attend classes given by sixth-form pupils. The topics they teach aren’t connected to the exam syllabus; they are just of personal interest to the student teacher.

Some critics query whether such ‘project-based learning’ is a return to the bad old days of the 1970s when children were left with gaping holes in their factual knowledge. But Grenier robustly refutes this, saying that slow education is avowedly not anti-academic.

“We’re not progressive,” says Grenier.

“The academic is fundamental. We also believe in teaching people how to do stuff.

It is about producing self-reliant children and adults. In fact, it could be seen as highly academic, since it values learning for its own sake rather than for where it could lead.” u sloweducation.co.uk

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 13:13

Family run business with over 28 years of experience.

Our new opening hours are: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm | Saturday 10am - 4pm FREE no obligation quote call 01763 245000 or 01223 870440

27 Royston Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6SE www.trademark-kitchens.co.uk TRADEMARK KITCHENS.indd 2

23/03/2015 08:55

May 2 0 1 5

IN THEIR OWN WORDS p82 PRIME PURCHASE p89 LIVING THE DREAM p94 SPOTLIGHT: TRUMPINGTON p96

HUNTINGDON ROAD Cambridge

ÂŁ1,100,000

rather special beautifully presented and well proportioned detached residence with versatile accommodation arranged over three floors. Incorporating a rather special open plan kitchen/ dining room with adjoining living room in all extending to about 2900 square feet. The property stands within its own established grounds that extend to about 1/4 of an acre, with detached double garage and extensive A

01233 214 214

77 PROPERTY FRONT COVER.indd 77

Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road

www.cheffins.co.uk

MAY 2015

24/04/2015 13:20

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Arkwr

Saffron Walden £2,250,000 Stunning country house situated in this secluded elevated position within its own parkland setting, yet only 1 mile from Audley End station providing a fast service into London Liverpool Street station.

• Kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & boot room • Reception hall, 3 further reception rooms, study • 6 bedrooms, 3 with en suite, family bathroom

• Parklands which extends to 22 acres, 2 fenced paddocks • Substantial barn/workshop, triple garage, 3 loose boxes • Situated close to Saffron Walden & Audley End station

www.arkwrightandco.co.uk 51 High Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1AR ARKWRIGHT&CO_MAY.indd 1

info@arkwrightandco.co.uk

01799 668600

Open 7 days a week 17/04/2015 14:27

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Little Sampford £1,650,000 Magnificent former rectory situated within wonderful gardens and grounds with stunning views.

• 4 reception rooms, study, kitchen, breakfast room • Master bedroom suite, 6 further bedrooms • Playroom, 2 bathrooms, 4 attic rooms, potential flat

• Coach house, heated swimming pool, hard tennis court • Beautifully presented gardens and grounds • In all about 7 acres

Toppesfield £1,500,000 Stunning former rectory in this secluded and private position with beautiful mature gardens.

• Approximately 5000 sq ft of accommodation • 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room • Master bedroom with en suite and dressing room

• 4 further double bedrooms, en suite shower room, family bathroom • Beautiful gardens with lake, swimming pool, hard tennis court • Stable yard with 4 loose boxes. In all about 3 acres.

www.arkwrightandco.co.uk 51 High Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1AR ARKWRIGHT&CO_MAY.indd 2

info@arkwrightandco.co.uk

01799 668600

Open 7 days a week 17/04/2015 14:27

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Arkwr

Thaxted £725,000 Beautiful Grade II listed family home situated in the centre of this popular medieval market town.

• Stunning bespoke kitchen/breakfast room • Dining room, sitting room, family room, utility room • 4 bedrooms, dressing room, large family bathroom

• Private landscaped garden with paved terrace • Driveway providing parking for 4 cars • Property has been completely re-wired & re-plumbed

Great Chishill £575,000

Newport £435,000

Delightful Grade II listed period cottage.

Charming Grade II listed cottage in peaceful location.

• Country kitchen, dining room, large sitting room, study • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Attractive gardens, ample parking, single garage

• Sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, family room • 4 bedrooms, bathroom • Pretty enclosed courtyard garden

www.arkwrightandco.co.uk 51 High Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1AR ARKWRIGHT&CO_MAY.indd 3

info@arkwrightandco.co.uk

01799 668600

Open 7 days a week 17/04/2015 14:27

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Saffron Walden £775,000

Great Chishill £675,000

Rarely available 6 bedroom detached family house.

Well-appointed 5 bedroom detached family house.

• 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room with conservatory • 6 Bedrooms, family bathroom, en suite & shower room • Enclosed rear garden, large shed, ample parking, single garage

• 3 reception room, kitchen, utility room • Master bedroom with en suite, 4 further bedrooms, bathroom • Double garage, large gardens, heated swimming pool

Newport £525,000

Hempstead £875,000

Most attractive Victorian semi-detached period house.

Grade II listed family house in this wonderful village.

• Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms, family bathroom • Rear garden, off road parking, walking distance to mainline station

• 3 reception rooms, kitchen, study, utility room • 4 double bedrooms, 2 attic rooms • Gardens, pool, tennis court, outbuildings, 1.2 acre paddock available

www.arkwrightandco.co.uk 51 High Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1AR ARKWRIGHT&CO_MAY.indd 4

info@arkwrightandco.co.uk

01799 668600

Open 7 days a week 17/04/2015 14:28

JAMIE CURTIS & SAM COOKE Partners at Cooke, Curtis & Co Photography Ben Bull

SaM Coo ke

amie and I have known each other for over 15 years – we met when he gave me a job at the Haverhill branch of Cheffins. When he moved across to manage Saffron Walden, I took over at Haverhill.

Some years down the line I had what I call my mid-life crisis and decided to restore rusty 1970s Porsches for a living. That ended when I got a call from Jamie, then at TuckerGardner, and decided earning my keep was probably a sensible idea. So we worked together again, Jamie managing Cambridge City branch while I looked after Shelford.

We had discussed going into partnership many times, but it was a case of right time and place; 2014 was when everything finally came together. We discussed early plans for Cooke, Curtis & Co over a pint in the Green Man, which – as it turned out – is just up the road from our offices. Trumpington was always a preferred location as we felt there might be a place for an agency with a long-term commitment to this area. I live here, my children go to school here and I have local roots going back to the days when this was a sleepy village. We like the idea of business supporting community – we’ve just become proud sponsors of

J

the local ladies’ netball team.

There is a good mix of housing here and brilliant routes into town by bike or public transport.

Waitrose Trumpington is also a big draw. I recently helped a client move from a period house a few miles away to a modern house in the locality; being close to Waitrose was pretty much top of the wish-list.

We’re also getting a state-of-the-art secondary school next year, the first in Cambridge for about 50 years. u

OUR CITY OFFERS URBAN LIVING AT ITS BEST Jamie Curtis

JAM I E CU RTIS

hoosing our office was really important – we wanted to be in a visible spot. One day a friend who happened to be cycling through Trumpington called to say it looked like the hobby shop on the High Street was being vacated, so we made a call to the landlords to ask if it might be suitable for us. It took several months of planning, but we opened our doors in February this year. We’ve got an old Hobby Stores

C

sign displayed on the wall inside – it was that shop for so long we feel it’s part of the building’s history.

Plans for significant development in Trumpington have been in the making for over 20 years, and we think what is being done is fantastic.

The biomedical campus is bringing thousands of jobs and that means homes are needed, and demand should continue to grow as it’s going to become important for biomedical companies to have a headquarters in or around Cambridge.

Our city may be changing a bit, but offers urban living at its best.

It’s been a revelation to see how many families now use their car as little as possible, preferring to cycle to work and the centre, and we have a network of safe routes that make this possible. I see strong parallels between Cambridge and other great liveable cities across Europe.

We always hear tales of how local property is being bought by outside investors, but this is overstated. We recently had 31 viewings for a house that clearly had investor potential, of which 30 were simply couples looking to create a family home here. And that’s the best thing about what we do; seeing transactions through and ensuring negotiations work as they should can make all the difference to people’s futures. u

01223 508050; cookecurtis.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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PROPERTY / PROFILE

83 CAM_May15_ITOW.indd 83

MAY 2015

22/04/2015 15:18

Kevi n Hen r y E S T. 1 9 8 8

BRINKMAN ROAD, LINTON, CAMBRIDGE £180,000 A LITTLE ‘BOBBY DAZZLER’! This two bedroom, ground floor maisonette is better than many bungalows we have sold.

In tip-top order, with refurbished bathroom and kitchen, new gas boiler, double-glazing, landscaped garden and garaging. MUST BE SEEN!

Chosen by The Guild of Professional Estate Agents

KEVIN_HENRY.indd 2

Over 780 offices throughout the country

15/04/2015 17:25

ESTATE AGENTS

LETTINGS

CONVEYANCING

RELOCATION

NEW BUILD & DEVELOPMENT

FINE PROPERTY COLLECTION

DOLLS CLOSE, BALSHAM, CAMBRIDGE £269,995 A very solidly built 1950’s semi enjoying a large, south facing rear garden. There is ample scope to enlarge the property further. The property enjoys a living room, large kitchen / dining room / family room, utility room and cloakroom, together with three generous bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor. It has electric heating, doubleglazing and is set nicely off the road.

1 MARKET STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX CB10 1JB. EMAIL: sales@kevinhenry.co.uk SAFFRON WALDEN AREA: 01799 513632. HAVERHILL AREA: 01440 840043.

PARK LANE OFFICE, LONDON: 0203 368 8460 www.kevinhenry.co.uk

KEVIN_HENRY.indd 3

Kevi nHenr y

E S T. 1 9 8 8

15/04/2015 17:26

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Stambourne, nr Thaxted

£895,000

Stunning Grade II Listed former Essex farmhouse with 3.5 acres Four reception rooms, kitchen, breakfast room, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2nd floor landing/study and cloakroom. Stable complex, cartlodge garaging, workshop, formal gardens and paddocks.

Wimbish

£439,950

Quendon

£465,000

Individual detached village residence with delightful rear garden

Stunning Grade II Listed residence in the centre of the village

Sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Garage, parking, 150ft garden. EPC: E

Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Double garage, parking, garden. Many period features.

Saffron Walden

Helions Bumpstead

£650,000

£465,000

Spacious family house in a popular residential location

Fine detached family house in popular village location

Sitting room, dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Double garage, landscaped rear garden. No onward chain. EPC: D.

Two reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Landscaped rear garden with brook frontage, garage, parking. EPC: C

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Duddenhoe End, nr Saffron Walden

£550,000

Highly individual semi detached thatched barn with paddock Sitting room, dining room/bedroom 2, kitchen/breakfast room, minstrels gallery, master bedroom, bathroom, double bay garage, 126ft garden, paddock, stabling, outbuildings. Total plot of approx. 0.68 of an acre.

Helions Bumpstead

£355,000

Delightful and well presented detached period home Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, study, garage/workshop.

770ft garden. EPC: F.

Steeple Bumpstead

£479,950

Stunning single storey barn conversion with walled garden Vaulted sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Double garage, landscaped garden. EPC: EPC: D. D.

Sally Smales

“Our teams of property specialists all

Senior Negotiator, Saffron Walden Office 01799 520520

live locally and have been with us for

ssmales@mullucks.co.uk

local area and their property expertise

many years. Their knowledge of the means they are well placed to provide advice on any property related matter. ”

MULLUCKS WELLS.indd 2

20/04/2015 12:55

BEST

BEST

BEST

BEST

ESTATE AGENT

ESTATE AGENT

in Cambridge

in Cambridge

LETTING AGENT in Cambridge

LETTING AGENT in Cambridge

2013 for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

2014 for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

2013 for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

2014

radcliffeandrust.co.uk 01223 307898

for

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Two bedroom riverside apartment

Riverside Place, Cambridge, CB5 Riverside Place is a development of modern and spacious apartments built by Wates builders in 2005. The apartments are well regarded within Cambridge and this prestigious development is set back attractively from Riverside offering peaceful views of the Cam. The property itself, is situated on the first floor and enjoys wonderfully open plan living accommodation which includes a recently updated, high spec, built in kitchen area. The entrance and living areas have a light wooden style floor while the living room also benefits from large windows overlooking the Cam that attract a large amount of natural light.

Guide Price £525,000 Four bedroom detached family home

Wellbrook Way, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 Radcliffe & Rust are delighted to offer for sale this spacious and well-presented four bedroom family home. The property is located in a modern development in the highly sought after village of Girton. Internally accommodation comprises entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, living room, dining room, study, first floor landing, four bedrooms with en-suite to master and family bathroom. To the rear is a well-kept, split level, garden laid to part patio, part decking and part shingle. To the side is a driveway that offers off road parking and that leads to the garage. To the front the property is bordered by an attractive shrubbery.

Guide Price £475,000

Cambridge’s number one estate agent, as awarded by allagents.co.uk Radcliffe & Rust May.indd 1

22/04/2015 11:18

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET PRIME

PURCHASE Family Properties SOHAM

BARLEY

£650,000

£650,000

CB7

deal for multigenerational living, I this substantial 5-bedroom detached house occupies a large mature plot of over 2 acres and was built to individual specifications for its owners. Located some 4 miles from Ely station and with easy access to Cambridge and London, it has spacious living areas, including large sitting room, dining room, study and kitchen/breakfast room. With 4 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the first floor, it also includes a generous 1-bedroom self-contained annexe flat on the ground flooor, providing additional living space. A garage/ workshop space provides ample parking, while the long driveway offers seclusion. u

SG8

ompleted in 2004, this high-specification village residence is located in Barley, which offers easy access to Cambridge, as well as nearby rail links to King’s Cross and Liverpool Street. Built of brick and flint and set in a private courtyard, it has a reception hall with cloakroom, large living room and adjoining conservatory/ garden room. The generous kitchen and dining area has a separate utility room and there is also a ground-floor study.

The main bedroom offers extensive storage and en suite wet room and there are 3 further bedrooms plus family bathroom. The garden is laid to lawn and features mature plantings, a brick garden store and double garage. u

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 David Clark & Company

 Mullucks Wells

01353 665020; clarkhomes.co.uk

01799 520520; mullucks.co.uk

GREAT CHESTERFORD

CB10

£715,000

his contemporary 5-bedroom family home is located in the village of Great Chesterford, just south of Cambridge and with its own mainline railway station, school and inns.

Located on a large corner plot with driveway and double garage, it has an impressive

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89 CAM_May15_Prime_Purchase.indd 89

main living room and separate snug/study. The dining room features bookshelves and a large walk-in cupboard, while the kitchen/breakfast room has a separate utility area with butler's sink. Upstairs there is a large master bedroom with en suite wet room, plus 4 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The large and secluded walled garden is laid to lawn with mature shrubs and trees, terraces, pond and pergola. u  Mullucks Wells

01799 520520; mullucks.co.uk

MAY 2015

28/04/2015 10:25

We are Sam Cooke and Jamie Curtis and we’ve been estate agents round here for over 35 years between us. ost recently we ran the Great Shelford and Cambridge offices of another wellknown company, so have sold hundreds of local properties over the last few years, probably more than anyone else.

COOKE AND CURTIS MAY.indd 2

Sam Cooke Sam Cooke became an Agent in 1999 and before starting CC&C in 2015 worked as an Associate Director of Tucker Gardner, running their Great Shelford sales office. Before that he was an Associate at Cheffins. He is a qualified member of the National Association of Estate Agents.

Sam’s family can trace its Cambridge roots back over 500 years and he counts among his close relations a former Director of Cambridge United and former ayor of the City. He grew up in ulbourn and Stapleford and now lives in Trumpington with his wife and three smallish children.

When not selling houses he is a Governor of Trumpington Community College, a student of Taekwondo and an enthusiast of rusty old cars and cycles that he occasionally races. With no success.

Jamie Curtis Jamie Curtis started working as a Cambridge Estate Agent in 1992 and since then he has been responsible for the sale of thousands of properties locally.

His career began with a firm on egent Street. He has worked as an Associate at Cheffins in their Cambridge, Haverhill and Saffron Walden offices and most recently as Associate Director of TuckerGardner running their Histon and then Cambridge City offices.

Jamie was born in Mill Road, Cambridge and started life in a little hamlet near Linton called Streetly End. After a spell in different parts of the country as a youth he returned home and now lives in Fulbourn with his wife, youngest son and a few chickens.

When he gets spare time he likes to grow, cook and eat things from the garden.

22/04/2015 09:32

Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7AU

Guide price £1,250,000

335 sqm / 3600 sqft

Drive & outbuildings

780 sqm / 0.19 acre

1930s

Detached house

EPC – C / 78

17 bed, 2 recep, 17 bath

Various potential uses

High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ

Guide price £425,000

93 sqm / 1,000 sqft

Large drive and garage

490 sqm / 0.12 acre

Early 1800s

Period cottage

EPC – E / 42

3 bed, 2 recep, 1 bath

Council tax band – D

Beverley Way Cambridge CB2 9JS

Guide price £350,000

92 sqm / 995 sqft

On road parking

170 sqm / 0.04 acre

1960s

Terraced house

EPC – C / 73

3 bed, 2 recep. 1.5 bath

Council tax band - C

High Street Chesterton CB4 1NG

Guide price £550,000

124 sqm / 1334 sqft

Garage and parking

180 sqm / 0.04 acre

1982

Detached house

EPC – D / 64

4 bed, 2 recep, 2 bath

Council tax band - E

A substantial detached house with versatile accommodation and a generous plot, just a few minutes’ cycle from Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the train station.

An outstanding, beautifully restored period house set right at the historic heart of this thriving village in 0.12 acres backing on to playing fields 7 miles south of Cambridge.

A three bedroom family house with south facing garden on a pleasant, small road just off Trumpington High Street.

A detached family house with garage, parking and a sunny, walled garden in a secluded courtyard well back from the High Street.

hello@cookecurtis.co.uk

COOKE AND CURTIS MAY.indd 3

www.cookecurtis.co.uk

+44 (0) 1223 508050

22/04/2015 09:32

PROPERTY / PROMOTION

New office now open in Cambridge

SIMONE GILKS Are there buy-to-let loan opportunities in a rising property market?

A

lbert Einstein has many famous quotes and I am quite fond of this one: “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”.

This is particularly true of the buy-to-let market right now and here are a couple of statistics that give a clue as to what is going on: 1) Gross buy-to-let mortgage advances grew by 23% in 2014, compared to the previous year (source: CML). 2) UK house prices grew by 8.5% in 2014. Of the English regions, Greater London, South East and East Anglia saw the greatest annual change in property prices (source: Halifax House Price Index, seasonally adjusted data).

Most market commentators predict continued increases in house prices and, with a shortage in housing stock and a rise in the rental market, this should be good for rental yields as well.

Perhaps this is why over a quarter of landlords say they intend to buy at least one property in the next 12 months, according to BDRC Continental, in order to take advantage of market opportunities. Yet some landlords still face problems and may miss out on these opportunities. For

example, well over a third of landlords said lending criteria are one of the biggest barriers to property investment. Others don’t have the deposit for a new buy-to-let mortgage, or they don’t want to remortgage because they are tied into a fixed rate. So that’s the problem, and here’s the potential opportunity. Some clients have raised capital with a Buy To Let Equity Loan, which is a second charge loan with no monthly payments. Instead, landlords repay a share in any equity growth achieved over the term of the loan. As this is a second charge, there is no need to disturb the existing mortgage and with no monthly payments, there is no additional stress test on rental assessment. This solution is not for every landlord, but it is good to have such an option to help solve ongoing problems clients face when raising capital for a new investment property.

This option is also available to expats, subject to meeting certain criteria. This can be useful to know since this group is typically somewhat excluded from many finance options. Einstein was a wise man, and his words are proved right here. There are most certainly opportunities to consider re-investing in property, even when prices are rising. u

Independent Mortgage and Financial Advisors committed to providing you with the best ongoing real-time support and expertise.

Investment Management Pensions Savings & Investments Trusts Mortgages Corporate Services Insurances Retirement Planning Beauwater Mortgages 12 Signet Court , Swanns Road, Cambridge, CB5 8LA

LONDON COUNTIES - 0203 8154553 EAST COUNTIES - 01223 322278

www.beauwater.co.uk

Simone Gilks, Mortgage Specialist, Beauwater.

01223 322278. beauwater.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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22/04/2015 16:24

24/04/2015 13:23

PROPERTY / FOCUS PROPERTY

ROUND UP

[FIVE MINUTES WITH]

[ F E AT U R E D P R O P E R T Y ]

CHESTERTON CB4

£550,000

ocated in the thriving suburb of Chesterton, close to the new Cambridge Science Park rail station scheduled to open next year, this detached 4-bed family home is in a secluded shared courtyard set well back from the High Street. On the ground floor it features an impressive split-level dining/family room that opens onto the landscaped garden, a second sitting room with fireplace and utility/shower room adjoining the kitchen.

Upstairs there are 3 double bedrooms, large single bedroom, plus family bathroom. The property has two dedicated parking spaces and separate garage. 

L

DAVID RADCLIFFE Partner at Radcliffe & Rust Estate Agents

Why estate agency?

Well, it might sound silly but my business partner Richard and I both love property. Old or new, big or small, immaculate or fixer upper, all property is pretty interesting – and in this line of work we get to see them all. Also, we both love Cambridge and meeting new people. Actually, I think it would make more sense to ask: why not estate agency?

Cooke Curtis & Co  01223 508050;

cookecurtis.co.uk

[EXPERT ADVICE]

JASON FROST Managing Director Bloomhall, 01223 451022 bloomhall.com

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A PROPERTY CONSULTANCY?

he Cambridge property market is one of the most dynamic and challenging in the country; many properties sell in only a few days and some of the best homes never reach the open market.

The property consultant acts independently on the buyer’s behalf, finding homes to fit their specific requirements and helping them to negotiate the best price. Unlike an estate agent, property consultancies have the buyer’s interests in mind.

In addition to reviewing advertised properties, property consultancies also have access to off-

T

market opportunities.

Technology has had a profound impact on house hunting, as house buyers can quickly search online.

However, a dynamic market like Cambridge discriminates against the individual as things move so quickly and so much happens by word of mouth.

A consultancy located within the area not only has access to traditional contact networks, but employs full-time researchers. They will scan every available data source to track and understand the true housing market, identifying trends and opportunities for customers. 

Your company ethos?

At Radcliffe & Rust, we have been developing a company that, at its heart, is built on customer service.

I will always remember what the bank manager said: “There are a lot of estate agents out there, why you guys?” I said to him that we want to be the John Lewis of estate agents.

Strangest request during a property transaction?

“Would the purchasers also like my cat?” They did, and good ol’ moggie even made it onto the fixtures and fittings list!

The street/village where you’ll move when you win the lottery?

I’ll buy a stunning home in Burwell/ Reach/Fordham and an apartment in Cambridge for the weekends.   Partner at Radcliffe & Rust Estate Agents 01223 307898, radcliffeandrust.co.uk

FOCUS ON CB4 [ AVERAGE ASKING PRICE ]

£388,147

[ ANNUAL VALUE CHANGE ]

+7%

[ AVERAGE ASKING RENT ]

£1,619

pcm

Data provided by zoopla.co.uk

93 CAM_May15_Roundup.indd 93

MAY 2015

28/04/2015 10:28

LIVING THE

DREAM

Delightful Period properties in village locations

HELIONS BUMPSTEAD CB9

£355,000

his 3-bedroom Victorian villa is located opposite the church gates in the hamlet of Helions Bumpstead, around 9 miles from Saffron Walden, and nearby mainline station at Audley End. It has 2 reception rooms and the kitchen has a separate cloakroom/utility. On the first floor are 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom, plus a small study/box room. The property has a small garden to the front with a larger rear garden and adjacent garage/ workshop. u

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GREAT CHESTERFORD CB10 offers over

£400,000

his period 3-bedroom property in the pretty village of Great Chesterford has many period features, including an inglenook fireplace, priest hole and exposed beams. The ground-floor accommodation includes large living room, separate dining room and family bathroom. Upstairs there are 3 good-sized bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom. To the rear of the property is a secluded south-facing garden. u

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 Mullucks Wells

 Kevin Henry

01799 520520; mullucks.co.uk

01799 513632; kevinhenry.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET [FIVE MINUTES WITH]

MELBOURN SG8

£425,000

his renovated Grade II-listed house is located in the centre of Melbourn, a historic village seven miles south of Cambridge. Local facilities include a 17-acre science park, school, and railway station. The living room features wooden flooring, open fireplace and decorative cornicing. A separate dining room has tiled floor and timbered ceiling, while the high-specification kitchen features granite and timber worksurfaces. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms – including one with dual aspect – and a modern family bathroom. The south-east facing garden includes a paved terrace with summerhouse, raised beds and vegetable garden. 

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 Cooke, Curtis & Co

01223 508050; cookecurtis.co.uk

TOM ARKWRIGHT

Residential Sales Negotiator Arkwright & Co

WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING AN ESTATE AGENT?

W

hile choosing which estate agent to use is not an exact science, it is important to get it right and there are some guidelines that will assist you with your choice.

It is a good idea to invite at least three agents to assess your property before making your decision about the agency and the valuation of your home.

In a competitive market, and with fewer properties being offered for sale, it is important to make sure that the value

Consider the evidence provided by each agent to back up the figures quoted being suggested is genuine and not just a figure to impress you and win your business. Consider the facts, figures and evidence provided by each agent to back up the figures that they have quoted.

Securing a buyer can often be a swift process, but the overall transaction does take time and can become very stressful. So, as part of the decisionmaking process, also consider if this is an agent you feel you can trust and who will give you the time, dedication and support required to make the process as smooth and trouble-free as possible from start to finish.   Arkwright & Co, 01799 668600 arkwrightandco.co.uk

95 CAM_May15_rural retreatse.indd 95

MAY 2015

28/04/2015 10:32

PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

SPOTLIGHT ON

TRUMPINGTON The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

ADDENBROOKES ROAD CB2

£360,000

his 2-bedroom apartment is on the ground floor of a stylish contemporary block within walking and cycling distance of the Biomedical Campus and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. It features 72sqm of floor area plus a private glazed veranda. The large open-plan living space has a high-specification kitchen and opens onto the veranda. A hallway leading off the living area contains a luxurious bathroom, small study area and 2 double bedrooms. The apartment has an allocated parking space, plus access to a bike store and pleasant paved courtyard to the front. u

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 Cooke, Curtis & Co 01223 508050; cookecurtis.co.uk

2

THE GRANGE CB2

£999,995

he Osprey (illustrative example top) is a detached 5-bedrooom family home in a quiet location close to Trumpington Country Park that is designed to offer convenient and luxurious family living. A large entrance hallway on the ground floor

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leads on to a spacious dual aspect kitchen and family room with French doors onto the garden. A utility room, cloakroom, living room and dining room comprise the rest of the ground-floor space. On the first floor there is a large master suite with bathroom, 2 double bedrooms, one with en suite, and a further family bathroom. On the second floor there are 2 bedrooms and bathroom. A feature of the property is the studio above the garage – suitable as self-contained guest or home working space. u  Bidwells 01223 841842; bidwells.co.uk

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20 Market Place, Ely, Cambs CB7 4NT

Tel: 01353 665020 www.clarkhomes.co.uk

Tower Road Ely

£435,000 A superbly appointed semi detached chapel conversion situated within the grounds of the period former Tower Hospital. Readily accessible central Ely and the main line rail station (London Kings X about 1 hour and Cambridge about 15 minutes). Parking space.

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Ground floor cloaks/shower 1st floor lounge with feature glazing 3 bedrooms Stylish kitchen/diner & sitting area Gas-fired heating Large, landscaped gardens

Wood Lane Stretham £525,000 A detached, modern, 4 bedroom, non-estate family home situated on a quiet no-through road, facing farmland yet convenient for the central village amenities. Stretham is about 3 miles south of Ely and 12 miles north of Cambridge.

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Stylishly appointed throughout 4 reception rooms (incl. Garden room) Fitted kitchen/breakfast room 2 x en suite shower Oil-fired heating Double garage EPC Band C

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PASSION FOR LIFE RENAULT CLIO DYNAMIQUE NAV 1.2 16V 75 • Integrated touchscreen navigation • 16" alloy wheels

ALL-NEW RENAULT TWINGO PLAY SCe 70 • 5 doors • R&Go nav app included

VISIT OUR NEW RENAULT SHOWROOM

FOUR YEARS WARRANTY & RENAULT ASSISTANCE

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown (excluding ZOE) are: urban 40.4 127–105g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2

The 2015 4+ package applies to new vehicles when ordered from a UK Renault-approved dealer. All vehicles provided with 4 years’ warranty and Renault Assistance as standard. assistance. *Price shown applies to New Renault Twingo SCe 70 when ordered from 1–30 April and registered by 30 June 2015, and includes delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12 car grant (PiCG), but excludes mandatory battery hire from £25 per month. Based on 750 miles per calendar quarter, excess miles 30p per mile including VAT. You will not own the battery. conditions, use of electric accessories and external temperature. ††Running cost figure based on (a) overnight electricity charges (British Gas off-peak Saver 3 unit rates for payment via DD and painted roof at £399. Twingo shown with optional Powder Blue paint at £225.

FOUR YEARS WARRANTY & RENAULT ASSISTANCE

JOHN BANKS 13 SWANNS ROAD, CAMBRIDGE CB5 8JZ TEL 01223 351616 RENAULT.indd 2

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THE RENAULT RANGE FROM £9,495*

RENAULT CAPTUR DYNAMIQUE NAV TCe 90 • Integrated touchscreen navigation • Handsfree keycard

RENAULT ZOE DYNAMIQUE INTENS • Up to 130 mile range (NEDC)† • Less than 2p per mile††

TODAY AT 13 SWANNS ROAD, CAMBRIDGE (7)–50.44 (5.6); extra-urban 60.1 (4.7)–72.43 (3.9); combined 51.4 (5.5)–62.77 (4.5). The official CO2 emissions are may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. Renault ZOE CO2 while driving: 0, mpg: n/a.

Warranty up to 4 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first). For full warranty terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/warranty. For Renault Assistance terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/ months’ government road fund license and £55 first registration fee. ZOE shown: deposit £0; 48 monthly payments of £188; final payment £6,005. **Renault ZOE offer includes the UK government’s plug-in Visit renault.co.uk/zoe for full terms and conditions. †NEDC is a standard European measurement of emissions and consumption. Range is influenced by several factors including speed, driving style, road as at 29/1/2015) and (b) a range of up to 130 miles per full charge. Clio shown has optional Flame Red Renault i.d. metallic paint, available at £595. Captur Shown with metallic i.d. paint at an additional £495

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Missed out again?

Bloomhall can help.

Finding a new home in Cambridge can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience: many properties sell in only a few days and some of the best never reach the open market.

Bloomhall provides property search and relocation services focusing on Cambridge and the surrounding villages. With over twenty years’ experience, our team works with you to understand your exact needs and then makes sure you hear about every relevant opportunity. Once we have found your ideal home, we are there to support you along each step of the purchase and relocation process.

Whether you want the inside track on an advertised property or to secure an off-market deal, Bloomhall is here to help. info@bloomhall.com | www.bloomhall.com | +44 (0)1223 451022 Bloomhall, Wellington House, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1BH

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