CHISWICK APRIL 2014 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ABSOLUTELY Chiswick APRIL 2014 ÂŁ3.95

ADAM ANT

And the price of fame

SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

Easter treats and trends

BOSSY BOOTS

West London's Nanny State posters

Travel and textiles with Jennifer Manners S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY Covers April 2.indd 1

11/03/2014 10:39

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Woodville Road, W5 This classic villa style Victorian detached house has just finished a comprehensive refurbishment programme and is finished to a very high standard with intricate attention to detail and a very stylish decorative theme. There are six double bedrooms and five bathrooms; perfect for the modern family looking for an exceptional home.

Guide Price £3,200,000 Freehold • • • • •

6 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms Prime W5 Location Private Parking South-West Facing Gardens

Hamptons Ealing Sales. 020 8454 7605 | Lettings. 020 8567 9647

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26/02/2014 11:23

Chiswick Mall, W6

£1,999,000 Asking Price

This William and Mary house (1689 - 1702) is said to be built on the site of a 15th century farmhouse on Chiswick Mall. The property is elegantly presented and still retains part of the original cellar with the inglenook fireplace. The property comprises of four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 62 foot south facing garden.

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Four Bedrooms Three Reception Rooms Two Bathrooms Waterside 2121 Approx Square Foot

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26/02/2014 14:14

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26/02/14 11:28 16:00 27/02/2014

CONTENTS ABSOLUTELY

April ‘04

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 07 EDITOR’S LETTER

CULTURE

09 WHAT’S ON

This month’s diary

15 CULTURE NOTES

The latest in local art and culture

29 PRINCE CHARMING

Adam Ant takes the crown

KIDS & EDUCATION

35 AN EDUCATION

Amanda Constance looks at the innovative Greenwich Free School

37 KIDS NOTES

Keeping them entertained

FASHION

39 FASHION NOTES

Absolutely style report

41 FONDANT FANCIES Pretty pastel fashion

HEALTH & BEAUTY

NATURAL BEAUTY

Give your beauty bag a ‘green’ makeover

54 IN THE KNOW

Top tips for spring from local beauty hotspots

HOMES & GARDENS

63 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

The latest news, trends and local gems

67 WOVEN TOGETHER

Jennifer Manners talks travel and textiles

FOOD & TRAVEL

77 BITE SIZED

Essential foodie news

79 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

New recipes from Valentine Warner

84 ABU DHABI? DO! APRIL 2014 £3.95

ADAM ANT

And the price of fame

ABSOLUTELY WEST

ABSOLUTELY CHISWICK

ABSOLUTELY Chiswick SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

Easter treats and trends

Covers April.indd 1

28/02/2014 14:20

WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY

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

Travel and textiles with Jennifer Manners

APRIL 2014 £3.95

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

Valentine Warner on what to eat next APRIL 2014

APRIL 2014

BOSSY BOOTS

West London's Nanny State posters

ABSOLUTELY West

Highlights from the UAE’s ever-changing capital

PROPERTY

98 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

ADAM ANT

Narendra Gandhi, Partner at Winkworth, Ealing

Live at the Apollo

137 LIVING THE DREAM

Art of the

MATTER

This month’s prime properties

Local culture in the spotlight

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY

Covers April.indd 3

28/02/2014 14:20

CHISWICK: BEAUTY & PRO; WEST: FEVER LONDON, MYANMAR FLARE DRESS; FEVERDESIGNS.CO.UK

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03/03/2014 12:25

JO BLU Salon

Five Star Salon Thriving In Chiswick Jo, the salon’s founder proudly states “My team work hard to maintain the reputation we have worked so hard to gain. They are each talented in their own unique individual way, which makes the salon an exciting, fun, and creative place to be.

• Hair cutting • Facials • Colouring. Wella L’Oreal Redken • Dermabrasion/ Caci • Keratin Brazilian blow dry • Massage inc Hot Stone • Great Lengths hair extensions • Body wrap • Shellac nail varnish • Power hair Treatments • Manicures • Hair Pieces • Pedicures • Hair do’s including bridal • Waxing • Easy parking • Fake Bake Spray tanning

Jo Blu Salon in Chiswick continue to celebrate their award in achieving five stars with the Good Salon Guide.

JO BLUE.indd 2

11 Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London W4 3RS

Tel: 020 8996 0616 www.joblusalon.co.uk • info@joblusalon.co.uk

06/01/2014 15:37

ABSOLUTELY EDITOR GEMMA BILLINGTON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CATHERINE HALES // CONTRIBUTOR HOLLY BAXTER, KATHRYN CAVE, NICK MADDEN // TRAVEL EDITOR GEORGIE LANEGODFREY // ADVERTISING MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON // KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER SCOTT EPHGRAVE ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE EDITORIAL DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED // MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN // PRODUCTION DESIGNER TAHIR KAPUCU JUNIOR DESIGNER EDWARD TAYLOR // PRODUCTION CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN // PHOTOGRAPHER REBECCA NOONAN GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER // CENTRAL & WEST PROPERTY MANAGER LEAH DAY // PROPERTY EDITOR LUCIE PEARCE

April 2014

t’s not every day you meet a bona fide pop legend; someone that was plastered on bedroom walls all over the country. And it’s not every day that said pop legend is as devilishly bright, wild and candid as Adam Ant turned out to be. I met Adam ahead of his one-off gig at the Apollo in April. If you’re hoping to relive some Prince Charming 80s nostalgia and dress up like you’re on your way to a Brighton hen do then you may be a tad disappointed. If, however, you’re a true Adam and the Ants devotee (he’s going to play the band’s cult debut album, Dirk Wears White Sox in its entirety for the first time ever) then you’re in for a real treat. Discover the musings of a music icon and why he prefers Frank Sinatra to the Sex Pistols on page 29. And to sugar-start you into April we’ve got plenty of pretty pastel coloured pages and Easter-inspired fare in this issue. I mean, what’s not to love about Easter? The chocolate (obviously), adorable newborn farmyard animals, the fact that it’s finally light outside when you get home from work… yep, everyone welcomes Easter with open arms. This month we’ve got a sneak peek at a new recipe book dedicated to chocolate. Not only the sweet stuff but also the famous book, Chocolat, by Joanne Harris too, as well as an Easterinspired fashion page and a delightfully perky skirts and jumpers fashion shoot – which I’m reliably informed is the fashion trend of SS14. Speaking of chocolate, don’t miss the debut column by local writers Kathryn and Nick who, after gazing wistfully at confectionary shop windows, are inspired to have a go at making their own. After all, how hard could it possibly be? Find out on page 21. I do hope you enjoy the issue, see you next month

FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID // FINANCE MANAGER MARIANNE MCFADDEN // DIRECTOR GREG HUGHES MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@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. Zest Media London 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ, T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

www.zest-media.com

Gemma Billington, Editor

APRIL_Editors Letter.indd 7

03/03/2014 12:31

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of Chiswick 25/02/2014 10:04

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES

5-21ST APRIL

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

Take a trip to London’s Wetland Centre and enjoy the Easter activities: seeing duckling, learning about them and playing duckling orientated games. It’s the perfect day out for families. wwt.org.uk

What’s On

©Ian Taylor

april

ARTHUR MILNER SPECIALIST AUCTION

7 - 10 APRIL

25 BLYTHE ROAD

Specialist antique auctioneers 25 Blythe Road will be hosting London’s only online Islamic, Indian, Himalayan and South East Asian works of art auction. Under the guidance of specialist Arthur Millner, there will be approximately 300 lots including sculpture, paintings, ritual objects and other rare collectables . Online preview starts on the 31 March, viewings at 25 Blythe Road on 6 April; 25BlytheRoad.com

KITCHEN GARDEN OPEN DAY

BOAT RACE WALK AND PARTY

5 AND 6 APRIL CHISWICK PIER

Th is April, join Chiswick Pier Trust on the day before the famous Oxford vs Cambridge boat race to trace the history and learn about the rowers. The walk will begin at two o’clock, meeting at Ravenscourt Park tube station and heading to Chiswick Pier. If that wasn’t enough, a party will be hosted on the day of the race, where you can watch the event on Chiswick Pier’s big screen as the race reaches the fi nal bend and passes the pier. chiswickpier.org.uk

26 APRIL

CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS

The enclosed gardens of Chiswick House are not often open to the public, but on the Kitchen Garden Open Day they can be visited and enjoyed by everyone. Attending this event will also allow for purchases to be made of Kitchen Garden produce like plants and herbs with all the proceeds being invested back into the upkeep of the house and grounds. chgt.org.uk

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03/03/2014 15:02

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE HOT*FLUSH PRESENTS HEAVEN SENT

DORIAN GRAY

16 APRIL – 10 MAY

28 MARCH

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

BUSH HALL

Dorian Gray is a play like no other. Adapted from Oscar Wilde’s famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, the story centres on a young man who is obsessed with beauty and wishes it will never fade. When his wish is granted, he lives a life of sex, drugs and alcohol, with only a painting to serve as a reminder of the monster he would have become without the wish. riversidestudios.co.uk

Hot Gossip dancer Alison Hierlehy is still hot to trot in her fifties, and has now turned her talents to choreography. Alison’s new dance group, Hot*Flush, is made up of 20 amateur dancers aged between 45 and 70, and the ladies will be putting on a charity performance at Bush Hall this month in aid of The Haven Breast Cancer Support Centre and The West London School of Dance. Expect a night of raucous fun and entertainment with special guests and DJ sets. 8pm 1am, tickets £25 each; hotflush.eventbrite.co.uk

EDINBURGH PREVIEWS

14 APRIL – 19 JUNE 2014 TABARD THEATRE

The comedy agent behind Jason Manford and John Bishop has collaborated with the Tabard Theatre to produce this hilarious series of shows from the best comedians around, including up-and-coming star Joel Dommett. Catch this batch of comedy talent at this intimate Chiswick venue while you can. tabardtheatre.co.uk

IN THE CINEMA : NOAH 4 APRIL

Acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky has covered a range of topics in his illustrious career, and his latest project is one of biblical proportions. Literally. The story of Noah and the Ark is one that Aronofsky apparently wanted to explore right from the beginning, since his breakout indie film Pi in 1998. Having already ruffled the feathers of the Catholic church, Noah’s star-studded cast includes Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Ray Winstone, as well as reuniting on-screen husband and wife Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Will this movie sink or swim? We’re not making any prophecies (sorry) so watch this space… 10

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FULL PAGE.indd 2

28/02/2014 14:25

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED BY KHALED HOSSEINI

From the author that brought us The Kite Runner, this is another triumph set in Afghanistan, 1952. Abdullah and his sister Pari live in the small village of Shadbagh. To Abdullah, Pari, as beautiful and sweet-natured as the fairy for which she was named, is everything. More like a parent than a brother, Abdullah will do anything for her, even trading his only pair of shoes for a feather for her treasured collection. Each night they sleep together in their cot, their skulls touching, their limbs tangled. One day the siblings journey across the desert to Kabul with their father. Pari and Abdullah have no sense of the fate that awaits them there, for the event which unfolds will tear their lives apart; sometimes a finger must be cut to save the hand. Whilst Hosseini no longer lives in Afghanistan, he writes vividly about life there, addressing the issues of his native land and bringing the characters to life. Bloomsbury; £7.99

Well Read

Sheila O’Reilly’s selection of sensational reads. Enjoy! MUST A MAD AND READ WONDERFUL THING BY MARK MULHOLLAND

This is a passionate and heart-wrenching debut novel set in Dundalk, the border town of the Republic of Ireland. There is no doubting where the sympathies of the lead character lie, and one assumes therefore that of the author, and this no doubt will cause outrage in certain parts of Northern Ireland and divide opinions. Johnny Donnelly is the lead character and his strong voice dominates the book in a brilliant way. Mulholland uses Donnelly to carry out a conversation about the ‘Irish problem’ with a variety of people he meets along his journey. However, unlike some novels addressing this issue, there is a good deal of humour. Don’t be put off by the subject. Scribe Publications; £12.99

THE WALK HOME BY RACHEL SEIFFERT

Set in Glasgow and London, this is a beautifully written novel from Man Booker shortlist author Rachel Seiffert. It is a story about seeing people for what they are and not making judgements as we follow Lindsey on her journey. Seiffert is an extraordinarily deft and humane writer who tells us the truth about love and about hope and she gently brings in the more dangerous characters, who are slowly developed and over time their sinister nature becomes evident. A pick of the year by the Guardian, it’s been a few years since Rachel’s last book, however, The Walk Home shows it is worth the wait. Virago; £14.99

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ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE STAY AT HOME HOLIDAYS

Last year’s unprecedented summer heat wave prompted the British public to eschew holidays abroad and opt for ‘staycations’ instead. Word on the street is that, after the wettest winter on record, we’re in for a glorious summer. Hooray! Kingston First is encouraging people to take a short break to the historic town, combining culture with entertaining excursions such as marina masterclasses on the river, textile workshops at The Rose Theatre and Salsa lessons at La Tasca. kingstonfirst.co.uk

MURDER MOST FOUL A well known fortune hunter with a shameful reputation, it wasn’t exactly a surprise when Thomas Thynn was gunned down in the street. But who killed him? Teenage heiress to the Northumberland estates, Lady Bette, found herself drawn into the scandal, which was set around Syon Park in restoration England. Maritime historian Nigel Pickford’s story is one of murder, intrigue and a world where women lived outside the protection of the law. Lady Bette and the Murder of Mr Thynn: A Scandalous Story of Marriage and Betrayal in Restoration England, £20; Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Culture Notes FULL STEAM AHEAD

Following a £2.3million refurbishment, the London Museum of Water and Steam (formerly Kew Bridge Steam Museum) is set to re-open to the public on 22 March. This Victorian gem is truly a sight to behold and it houses some of the world’s rarest working steam engines. waterandsteam.org

DID YOU KNOW… Mike Leigh is making a movie about the life of Twickenham-based painter JMW Turner, an artist who the acclaimed director cites as a great influence. Timothy Spall has been cast in the lead role and the film is set to be released later this year. Watch this space… 15

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03/03/2014 12:28

Creative minds Gemma Billington meets Jonny Burt and Joe Kennedy, founders of contemporary art gallery The Unit London PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANNE DIXON

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03/03/2014 14:52

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

onny Burt and Joe Kennedy are like two peas in a pod. It’s not that they look alike, particularly, but their mannerisms are practically identical. More importantly, the two artistscum-curators are on exactly the same wavelength as well. When they opened The Unit London on Turnham Green Terrace last year, they admit it was a ‘gamble’, but though it has since moved premises, the eye-catching gallery went down a storm with locals. Their vision and principles are unwavering, and their confidence in what they’ve achieved so far is palpable. Both have a very modern approach and understanding of social media and how the contemporary art world is changing. Considering the gallery was always going to be temporary, the boys managed to put on successful shows and amass an impressive portfolio of artists in a very short space of time. The Unit will soon expand to Covent Garden, with a new sister gallery, The Unit Seven, due to open on Earlham Street imminently. Oh yes, did I mention that they’re both still only 23 years old?

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP THE UNIT LONDON?

JK We’d been wanting to do this for ages, since we were students at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith. We thought it would be cool to open our own gallery... JB – Not even a gallery but to go into business together and do something creative. We both wanted control and to help other artists and promote them – that was the dream really. JK We think on the same waves, we finish each other’s sentences... JB We’re obviously spending too much time with each other! It’s good because we’ve always had the same creative vision. There are a lot of incredibly talented artists who are producing amazing work, but really not getting anywhere and we thought it was a bit of an injustice. It’s endemic in the whole art industry. We want to make sure that good quality art gets seen, gets heard, we want to give the people doing that a voice. Our ethos is all about putting ‘you’ at the heart of everything we do.

WHAT DOES THE NAME MEAN?

JK We are called The Unit London for three reasons. Firstly, a nod to what we set out to achieve - a unity between artists, art lovers and the people who don’t really know about art, to create inclusivity in an industry that can so often be excluding to people who aren’t ‘in the know’. Secondly, it refers to creating a community across London - we wanted to form a bridge between the budding art hotspots in the east and the perhaps more conservative west. It’s very much about uniting different areas of London, and this is reflected in the diversity of the work we show (both fine art and urban). Thirdly, we are a collective of artists. We’re artists, for artists, and so after hundreds of scrapped names, The Unit London just felt right!

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ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE SO WHY DID YOU OPEN A GALLERY LIKE THIS IN CHISWICK? JK It was a combination of factors. I live locally, so I know the area quite well. JB The type of art we have here is quite unexpected for an area like this, but we felt that it was something that was needed. East London is saturated with these kinds of galleries – so why don’t we try to bridge that. It ties in with the ethos that everyone has the right to enjoy amazing art, so why not introduce it to an area that wouldn’t necessarily expect it. It was a gamble, there’s a lot of work that divides opinion. WHAT WAS THE FEEDBACK LIKE? JK Amazing. It brought a freshness to the area, it’s stirred reactions. JB There’s a load of kids in west London who want to get involved in art but don’t necessarily have that output or channel. That was another reason we wanted to be here and help emerging artists. DID YOU APPROACH ARTISTS IN THE FIRST PLACE OR WAS IT THE OTHER WAY ROUND? JB A bit of both. Initially it was just getting the word out and approaching artists and big names. To be honest, because we have such a clear identity established, I think a lot of artists were receptive. Also because we were a collective – we are artists ourselves – that creates a trust instantly. We know what it’s like being on the other side. It’s nice because we’re creating a little name for ourselves and word gets around really quickly in the art world, especially in London. Now we have artists approaching us and we’re branching into international talent. WHAT ARTISTS DO YOU REPRESENT? JK We have about 16 artists, both international and UK based: Carrie Reichardt who we’re really, really excited about. She’s so unique, she’s got her own style, she knows exactly what she wants to say. We have Ed Haslam, who we actually went to school with, he’s incredibly talented – we’re looking forward to doing some more work with him this year. We’ve got artists like Pure Evil and a few more urban street artists. We’re moving into 3D stuff as well now. Neon is obviously very popular at the moment. We want to move more into sculpture too. YOU MENTIONED STREET ART, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF GRAFFITI ‘ICON’ BANKSY? JK That’s the ultimate question… I think he’s a very clever man, but we’re all about draftsmanship and ability and talent – not that he’s not talented – he has a very talented mind. JB He’s done extremely well, but as a gallery we wouldn’t have that stuff. Banksy is a currency now. We do have ‘names’ but we also have new blood; people fresh out of college.

There are a lot of galleries that just rely on names and it’s boring. You see the same names and the same sort of galleries – it’s all recycled, it’s not fresh, it’s not new. We’re always very particular with who we choose. WOULD YOU SAY THAT IT IS MORE DIFFICULT TO MAKE A LIVING OUT OF BEING AN ARTIST THESE DAYS? JB Yes, but at the same time I think there are a lot of tools – especially with the internet now – and I think the problem is that a lot of artists don’t know how to market themselves properly. I think a lot of artists underestimate how valuable it is.

THEY PROBABLY THINK MARKETING IS SOMETHING OF A DIRTY WORD... JB Yes I think so, but at the end of the day you are on your own as an artist. That’s speaking from an artist’s point of view as well. It’s a hell of a lot of patience, determination and belief, and maybe a bit of luck. You have to put yourself out there. Some artists that I know are doing well and because their social media is so strong they don’t even need a gallery. It’s all changing with the advent of online galleries but – that said – I don’t think galleries will ever die. Art is tactile and you have to see it, experience it. You can’t get that from a screen. theunitldn.com

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ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

What’s up, W4? Chiswick-based writing team Kathryn Cave and Nick Madden take a wry look at west London. Th is month they consider making chocolate from scratch

he window display in Phillip Neal’s chocolate shop on Turnham Green Terrace is so monstrously exciting that we can hardly resist stopping to admire the Easter eggs. There’s always such a fantastic display and these are just an added bonus in amongst the fun chocolate shoes, bizarre gold Buddhas and all the other bits and bobs that make up the shop’s usual wares. ‘Have you ever tried that ‘raw chocolate pie’ stuff?’ Kathryn asks suddenly, after we’ve salivated for a minute or two. Once it had been established that Nick doesn’t have a clue that raw chocolate pie is actually a thing, we make our way further up the street to the ‘Natural Food Store’ and straight to the fridge at the back. There are three flavours on display: ‘Nut’, ‘Peppermint’ and ‘Chilli’ all wrapped in small brightly coloured 60g packets. Despite initial signs of worthiness, and deep suspicion at a lack of gluten, sugar and dairy, the general excitement of new and unusual chocolate begins to (sadly) build… and with typical, illconsidered bluster, ‘I bet we could make our own,’ is soon echoing round the shop in loud Northern tones, ‘it can’t be that hard!’ This idea is rapidly squashed by Kathryn, who uses the term ‘rubbbbassshhh!’ with some derision. ‘Well let’s see if we can get raw chocolate nibs anyway,’ replies Nick, totally undeterred. It turns out this shop doesn’t have any, but we opt for all three flavours of the pie as inspiration anyway… before turning back onto Turnham Green Terrace. Kathryn is now fully on board with the venture and leads the way to ‘As Nature Intended’ on the High Road. It is Saturday and the place is crammed with busy health shoppers, as we walk up and down the aisles, baffled and giggling. No nibs again! We leave the shop thwarted and slightly deflated. But as we still only have the broadest of ideas on how to actually make chocolate from scratch, think it probably best to repair to the pub and consult Google on how feasible it all is before going further afield. The Old Man Pub (The Old Pack Horse) is fairly empty as there is no football on, so we order our usual pints of Old Rosie and Estrella and make our way towards the back. Whipping out a phone we quickly find the blog of a chocolate maker and discover that making chocolate involves grinding the nibs with sugar (in a processor that needs to be of an industrial strength), then conching, tempering, flavouring… and performing a variety of other tasks. With a silent nod Kathryn reaches for the first of the pre-bought pies… urghh – it turns out they clash monstrously with beer. kathrynandnick.com

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Q&A

go into a booth and talk - you’re kind of baring your soul a little. You definitely have to have a level of confidence. Do you talk in your everyday speaking voice or are you acting? Oh, it’s acting. A lot of the time – when I tell people what I do – if they listen to my stuff it’s very different to my day-to-day speaking voice. I consider my voice an instrument, and you have to look after it like you would with any kind of instrument. Voice-overs are pretty iconic now in terms of you hear a voice and you associate it with something. For example the MasterChef voice, Come Dine With Me – Dave Lamb is a celebrity in his own right – Peter Dickson who is the voice of The X Factor. It’s quite iconic to brands. What sort of jobs do you do? I mainly do commercials, promos, documentaries, computer games… I also do the Virgin Media voice-over. That’s been fantastic, I’ve been doing it for seven years now. I also narrated the One Direction film,

T he Voice

Voice-over artist Rachael Naylor on what it’s like to talk for a living and taking tips from Tom Hardy

How did you get into voice-over work? I’ve been a voice-over artist now for about 10 years. I went to Richmond Drama School and while I was there we did a lot of work on our voice and one of the teachers suggested I look into it. When I left college I did some acting and I saw an advert for a free two hour voice-over workshops. I went along and it was brilliant, so I had a show reel made. I started sending it out and received great response and that’s how it started. The other side of voice-over work is the business side, which people don’t realise, they think you’re just paid to talk, but there’s a lot of other things going on. It’s a tough industry to be in but also very rewarding. Have you been self employed this whole time then? Yes. I do have an agent but I also have a home studio. It means I can work with clients worldwide. I have clients in the States, in South America, Australia, Dubai… I do my own emails and marketing and PR. I love it. What skills do you need to be a good voiceover artist? You don’t necessarily have to have a beautiful sounding voice - it helps - but nowadays voice-overs are everywhere and there are many different styles. I would say that what you need is good sight reading skills and it

helps to have an understanding of the voice; understanding pitch and tone. What did you learn from Richmond Drama School that has been useful in your career? I learned a huge amount about my voice. I did a lot of training; breathing techniques, projection, warm-up etc. You really got to understand and know your voice. We did a lot of performing, which was great. I was massively inspired by Tom Hardy, he was there three or four years before me and he was coming in around the time that he was shooting Star Trek Nemesis. He’s a lovely guy. How does it work – do the producers change the scripts once you start reading them? Yes the scripts can change - a lot of the time they can be re-worked. Sometimes you get scripts in advance, sometimes not, it depends - there are so many different paths. Commercials can be just one or two line, you have to be really on your toes and you get a lot of direction. You do a reading and the director will say, “I want you to speed up here, slow down there – smile, be serious, be sad…” Does it make you self-conscious to have people listening and analysing you like that? Yes it can, and that’s something that people don’t necessarily think about. You don’t just

Reaching for the Stars, last year. I’ve recently started doing radio dramas, which ties in with my acting background. I’d like to do an animation film, that’s my aim. Would you say you are getting more varied jobs now? It’s an industry that’s booming, definitely, and it’s a really exciting place to be. When you think about it, everywhere you go, there’s a voice: corporate videos, e-learning videos… one of the jobs I did recently was instructions for a spray tanning booth! Is it quite a hard industry to crack? Yes. It’s really rewarding but it is difficult to get into. You have to be really dedicated and you have to just keep going. I got knocked back in the early days, I didn’t get an agent for a long time and I was just getting my own work. Once you’re in, you’re in - that’s the same with a lot of careers, you’re banging on that door. What do you like about Chiswick? I grew up in Chiswick, it’s so nice. It’s close enough to town yet it feel like you’re out of town. I love Richmond too, it’s a 15 minute walk from where I live. It’s gorgeous, I love to run by the river. Richmond Park is lovely, too. rachaelnaylor.com 23

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Historian Dr Hester Vaizey has published a collection of iconic public service posters in collaboration with The National Archives 25

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hat’s your first reaction when you look at these posters? A chortle, a laugh, a pang of nostalgia? Amusing and somewhat charming they may be, but this brilliant collection of public information posters from 1945 - 75, collated by historian and publishing coordinator at The National Archives Dr Hester Vaizey, is a fascinating insight into British social history and post-war propaganda. After the government produced posters to boost morale during World War Two proved to be successful, they continued to use posters to influence the lives of everyday people – from the jobs they had to the food they ate and keeping safe on the roads – leading to them being known as the ‘Nanny State’. And though styles and mediums have developed over the years, the question of the role governments play in people’s lives is just as relevant today as it was then.

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Adam Ant is back on the road with a short UK tour that ends with a special one-off gig at the Eventim Apollo in April. Gemma Billington meets the rock legend to find the Prince is now the King

03/03/2014 14:30

‘T

he best concert I ever saw was Frank Sinatra. I saw the very first Sex Pistols concert and it was better than that. It pissed on that. He was so good. People said he couldn’t sing – that’s crap. I saw him at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. I’ll tell you a story…’ Adam Ant – cigarette in hand – is pacing the room, animated, and regales us with an anecdote that is exhausting in its intensity. A youthful 59 years old with piercing eyes and adorned in chunky silver jewellery, Ant is a candid interviewee who talks without stipulation – without a personal agenda – and with pure fire in his belly. He’s blisteringly intelligent with an encyclopedic mind and, I learn, an aversion to modern technology: ‘I don’t do tablets, I hate all that sh*t. I just read books – the back of the tour bus is like a library.’ He may at times in our conversation appear to have an axe to grind – taking swipes at the music industry, record labels, modern art – but his attitude is one of defiant punk rock spirit. Ant has reached a stage in his life where he’s not interested in pleasing anyone but himself, and it’s clearly liberating. ‘The thing is, Gemma, you’ve got to do it on your own terms.’ He says, with

an intense gaze, after I suggest that he’s in a good place in his career. ‘An important thing I’ve learned is to say no. In the past I thought I learned to say no, but you end up compromising. Also, I was signed to a contract that makes the old Hollywood contracts look like a f****g ballpark: one album, four singles, two world tours a year... Do that for four or five years – ’ he breaks off, ‘we didn’t have the kind of management that encouraged us to take time off... Nobody ever said to me, between 1980 and 1990: “Here, Adam, have a f*****g holiday.” You know why? Because if I’m not working, I’m not earning.’ Ant recently returned to the music scene with a tour and an album, released in January 2013. During his 17 year hiatus he spent time in LA, where he dabbled in acting, and lived as a hillbilly (his words) in Tennessee – a period he describes as ‘a lovely existence’. The long-winded title of this surprise new album, Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter, is a convoluted, subtle dig at the record industry. To ‘marry the gunner’s daughter’ is an old naval term for a form of corporal punishment which involved being

leant over a cannon and flogged. The Blueblack Hussar (also the name of Ant’s independent record label) is Adam Ant 30 years on. The iconic ‘dandy highwayman’ who was catapulted to fame in the early 80s has grown-up; he’s a man, and a survivor. Ant describes the record as ‘old school’ and ‘very autobiographical.’ ‘You have to make quality that people want to buy.’ He adds. ‘To me, an album, if it’s 12 songs, it’s literally 12 stories, 12 chapters on what’s interested me at the time. It could be about a prostitute in 1798, or about Nelson, or something contemporary... Every album I’ve made, some I like more than others, but I’m proud of them all.’ This month, Ant will be revisiting the very beginning of his career by performing the band’s debut album, Dirk Wears White Sox, at a one-off gig at the Eventim Apollo. The album, he admits, was ‘hammered’ by the critics upon its initial release, but it swiftly garnered a cult following. ‘It was important to me to show the public that there was an Adam and the Ants prior to the one on Top of the Pops.’ He explains. ‘Dirk’, released in 1979 with the original band line-up, precedes the

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onslaught of AntMania that exploded following the release of the decidedly pop-influenced Kings of the Wild Frontier in 1980, and Prince Charming in 1981. With its post-punk sound and irreverent lyrics, Dirk was largely overlooked by the media but, some 35 years later, it has stood the test of time and is today regarded by those same sceptical critics as a classic. The Apollo show, which Ant describes as a ‘theatrical two-hour presentation’ will be the first time that Dirk has been performed live in its entirety. ‘I’m promoting this gig, it’s my money,’ he tells me, frankly. Over the years Dirk has undergone many remasterings and re-releases, but Ant now owns all rights to it and is planning to release a special white vinyl edition, which he will personally remaster. ‘It’s a labour of love, it’s going to be beautiful.’ He says simply. Ant studied graphic design at Hornsey College of Art and his training proved to be invaluable in creating Adam and the Ants. Not only the front man and songwriter, Ant had a hand in the whole package: from creating storyboards for the Ants’ theatrical music videos to designing flyers, record covers and their flamboyant costumes. ‘It’s a visual thing,’ he explains, as he springs out of the room momentarily to fetch his sketchbook, which he freely takes me through. The pages are filled with flyers and magazine cuttings – some fastened, some loose – and thick pen scribbles and drawings that illustrate early ideas and development. ‘I get most enjoyment out of writing a song, next is visualising a song, interpreting it across the board: the costumes, the presentation, the graphics...’ he explains, ‘the last bit is the performance, which is the hard graft.’ But how does it feel to perform again, I ask? ‘It’s a gift, it’s a pleasure,’ he replies, ‘I feel a great sense of serenity when I’ve finished a concert. I’ve done all my homework, I’ve done all the preparation, so the rest is just enjoyment.’

became a pin-up and teen idol. Seemingly though, the singer couldn’t truly enjoy the experience whilst he was living it. ‘It’s wonderful but there’s a price to pay,’ he says of sudden fame, and there was also a constant battle with the demands of the record label: ‘Their deal was: if I didn’t give them an album by a certain date, they put another album on top of my deal.’ he explains, ‘it was like being in the trench with those guys [the band]. Over the years you think back to those times: all the sh*t we took, the fights we had, the f*****g laughs… you start to appreciate what we did.’ Such is our enduring love of the dandy highwayman (just Google any 80s fancy dress hire and you’ll see hundreds of garish replicas of the famous costume) that the influence of Adam and the Ants is cemented in British music history. It’s almost difficult, I feel, for some fans to move on from the Prince Charming days, but it doesn’t matter. Ant’s success has given him the freedom to continue artistically without having to pander to anyone else. He readily admits to being offered ‘shedloads of money’ to put Adam and the Ants back together, ‘do the O2 – cha-ching – but then what the f**k do you do? I don’t want to do that.’ With this new chapter, Ant is in control and there’s no stopping him. He continues the Sinatra story: ‘Read about Frank, read about Johnny Cash if you think you’ve got problems. Those guys were tough – they kept working, they were singing till they dropped f*****g dead – and that’s what I want to do.’

“Performing is a gift, it’s a pleasure. I feel a great sense of serenity when I’ve finished a concert. I’ve done all my homework, I’ve done all the preparation, so the rest is just enjoyment.”

As much as our conversation revolves around Ant’s current projects and his new lease of life (musically speaking), it’s impossible not to talk about his hey day. After a new Ants line-up and upon releasing their second album, the band were launched into superstardom and Ant

Adam Ant will be playing at the Eventim Apollo on 19 April, see eventimapollo.com; adam-ant.net 33

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t’s ‘one of the country’s most impressive and forward-thinking free schools’, according to Rachel Wolf, Director of the New Schools Network; Lord Adonis, the former schools minister says: ‘The teachers and staff are passionate about the importance of education, and they combine their passion with great professionalism and skill.’ The Evening Standard has cited it as one of London’s top five ‘new model’ schools with its ‘relentless focus on standards’. On Ofsted’s Parent View website 100% of responding parents said they would recommend the school to others. So what is so great about Greenwich Free School? ‘The teachers here are all massive geeks,’ says Sarah Jones, current acting head of the school and one of its co-founders. ‘They are fantastically hard working, they love their subject and they pass that excitement about learning on to the children.’ Jones also says that because GFS is a free school, ‘we can go above and beyond the national curriculum’. This means educational school trips every fortnight and a teaching syllabus that can stray into areas left untouched by other schools. ‘We’re doing Philosophy at the moment, discussing Utilitarianism!’ Jones declares with unqualified glee. Since opening its doors in September 2012, GFS has been different. Firstly it is much smaller than the average inner-city secondary school. When it reaches full capacity by 2018 there will be 700 pupils (including 200 in the sixth from), other locals schools average 1140 pupils. With only 25 pupils in a class and only 100 pupils per year, teachers can really get to know – and spend time with – the pupils and vice versa. There is also a tough ‘high expectations, no excuses, no shortcuts’ ethos that applies to children and staff. Pupils are banned from bringing their mobile phones into school, uniform is smart and behaviour strictly policed. The school also operates on an extended day. School starts at 8am and finishes at 5.30pm. The last hour of the day of the day is spent on ‘enrichment’ activities

New Model Cool

An innovative secondary in south-east London is fast becoming one of the leading lights of the free school movement, reports Amanda Constance such as debating, Latin or sport; the school claims its pupils will spend a third more time learning than most children. Academically, the school follows a rigorous ‘depth before breadth’ curriculum giving pupils more time to master the fundamentals of Maths, English and Science. And as well as classic ‘academic’ subjects such as Latin, pupils from Year 7 have lessons in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) and ICT is replaced by ‘Computer Science and Enterprise’, teaching pupils to master commercially valuable technical skills. It couldn’t be more up Michael Gove’s street. Which isn’t surprising as GFS was the brainchild of the rightleaning think tank Policy Exchange, which itself was co-founded by Michael Gove to do this very

sort of thing. Jonathan Simons, current head of Education at Policy Exchange and now Chair of Governors at GFS was one of the schools co-founders. Sarah Jones said the idea for the school came to her after going through the Teach First programme (a Labour government initiative which saw top graduates recruited to teach in challenging schools) and teaching in Greenwich for all of her career. She loved the area, ‘but I had become frustrated by aspects of the education system – like not being able to take children out on an educational field trip and not having enough time in the day on any given subject for pupils who were struggling.’ One of the key things for her was the extended day, ‘we wanted to look at longer days for academic

“Greenwich Free School has a tough ‘high expectations, no excuses, no shortcuts’ ethos”

and non-academic reasons’. Learning for the joy of learning seems to be fundamental to the GFS ethos. As Jones says: – ‘We care about more than just exams. Every lesson should be exciting, challenging and different.’ It’s not all been plain sailing. The much-lauded founding head, Lee Faith, left the school in December after just a couple of years ‘to pursue other things’. Jones insists it’s not been a problem as ‘the team here is very strong’ but it must have been disruptive at best. A new head, Oliver Knight has been appointed and will start at Easter. The school is obviously doing something right. It’s already very oversubscribed, and not just by pupils. ‘We have been very lucky with recruitment,’ says Jones. ‘Teachers want to work here because it is different and because our kids are so great.’ But how do you get great kids? ‘By having great teaching,’ she laughs. greenwichfreeschool.co.uk

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SWEET TOOTH

To celebrate the 50th (yes, 50th!) anniversary of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Kew Gardens are hosting a heap of Willy Wonka inspired activities. Indulge your inner Augustus Gloop with chocolate bar decorating workshops, a wacky afternoon tea, face painting, a real-life glass elevator and poetry reading by staff from the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. For more information see kew.org

MOTHER’S MILK

Richmond mum Elena Cimelli has released her award-winning recipe book for nursing mothers, The Contented Calf, as a digital cookbook along with a new, smaller selection of recipes in Sneak Peek. A mother burns on average 300 - 500 calories a day to produce milk, and these clever, lactogenic¹ rich recipes provide the right balance of calories and nutrition to keep both mother and baby happy and energised. The Contented Calf e-book, £7.99, Sneak Peek, £2.99; contentedcalf.com

LEGO A GO GO

The Westfield Shopping Centre branch of LEGO are holding free building sessions for children aged six to 14 on the fi rst Thursday of every month, from 4pm to 6pm. Let your little one’s imagination run wild (and maybe they’ll give you a go too). Westfield, W12; lego.com

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It goes without saying that you want to look incredible on your wedding day. So come to us to help you prepare. We look forward to lavishing our attention on you and making you feel amazing.

On your wedding day we’ll be thrilled to see you but will also be the cool, calm and collected team you need to stay happy and relaxed. Rest assured, we work with only the best make-up artists who will complement your chosen bridal look perfectly.

We’ll advise you how to look after and prepare your hair in the weeks leading up to the wedding so that it’s in the best condition possible on the day. Whether you want glossy colour for extra shine, need to boost your locks with a luxury treatment, or want a few extensions or clip-ins to give your hair extra oomph, you’ll be in good hands here.

Book any of our bridal treatments and recieve a complimentary wedding prep blow dry by quoting ‘ABSOLUTELY’ magazines

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‘‘made to ﬁt perfectly’’ ✔ Design your own Bespoke Business or Wedding suit from £450 ✔ Choose from over 200 fabrics and 50 linings ✔ Giving you the perfect ﬁt ✔ Mobile Service we come to you

Bio Sculpture Gel, the original everlasting manicure, is a chip-free, salon treatment that cures to a strong yet flexible, glossy finish and lasts for up to three weeks. The damage-free, nourishing treatment will protect and enhance your natural nails and is available in over 150 colours. As the original nail gel, Bio Sculpture Gel is tried, tested and proven. For your nearest salon or further information on starter kits and training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians visit Proud www.biosculpture.co.uk or call 0845 331 2347 members of the

@biosculpturegb

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www.jomclaren.co.uk

020 8977 3207 www.facebook.com/JoMcLarenSuits

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ABSOLUTELY

FASHION & STYLE

TOTES AMAZE

Zatchels have recently launched a new range of ultra chic leather totes in their signature colours alongside sugary, pastel hues. Undoubtedly practical but stylish enough to take you from office to evening out. Just think – you could have one for every day of the week… £125; available at Westfield W12 and zatchels.com

Style Notes

SCANDIMANIA

Channel 4 recently dedicated an entire season of programming to the progressive lifestyles and attitudes of modern Scandinavia, and it seems that the fashion world is also embracing all things Nordic too, with the launch of Danish retail concept brand NORR in the Westfield branch of House of Fraser. Four contemporary Scandinavian womenswear brands will make up the concept store, including t-Martins, Six Ames, S’NOB de NOBLESSE and SUIT female. Westfield, W12;

This month we’ve succumbed to Nordic fever with a dash of flower power

SPRING FORWARD

Floral prints dominate the catwalks once again. Mix and match different patterns for an ultra chic look. House of Fraser, 80 George Street, TW9; houseoffraser.co.uk

MICROTREND: Heavy metal

Ursula Mascao Elaine Black, Gold and White Slingbacks with Perspex Heels, £279; ursulamascaro.com

Sport 38 Oxygen Watch, £115; oxygen-watch.com Mica Nail Lacquer, £6 each; crabtree-evelyn.co.uk Untold Metallic Pink Box Clutch, £55; houseoffraser.co.uk

Eddie Borgo Gold Hinged Plate Ring, £253; stylebop.com

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ABSOLUTELY

FASHION & STYLE ©RYAN-LO-SS14

Fondant Fancies Embrace Easter’s sweet tooth with candy colours, perfect pastels and dusky, ice-cream shades

06 04

1. DOLCE & GABBANA SINGLE BREASTED WOOL COAT, £1,595; matchesfashion.com 2. HONOR OPEN SHOULDER SILK CADY BLOUSE, £695; matchesfashion.com 3. RED VALENTINO COTTON-BLEND COAT, £640; net-a-porter.com 4. PALACE SKIRT, £179; hobbs.co.uk 5. CHLOE MARCIE MEDIUM SATCHEL, £840; matchesfashion.com 6. LOUCHE LOVEBIRDS GREY WATCH, £55; joythestore.com 7. MISSONI TRI-COLOUR GEOMETRIC DRESS, £878; matchesfashion.com 8. T BY ALEXANDER WANG BI COLOUR SWEATER, £260; matchesfashion.com 9. MICHAEL KORS WOOL-BLEND CREPE SHEATH DRESS, £900; net-a-porter.com

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Dolly mixture SKIRTS AND SWEATERS: SS14’S STYLE STAPLES

Photography: HELEN MCARDLE Styling: CHARLIE MOORE Location: BELAIR HOUSE

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Grey cotton jersey sweatshirt with appliqué resin flowers, £379, by MSGM at Fenwick Diamond tennis bracelet, £782, rings, £460 for set and studs, £141, all by Carat

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Pale blue cotton jersey sweatshirt with appliqué detail, £180, Carven at Net-a-porter.com Green and blue silk skirt, £365, by Ostwald Helgason at my-wardrobe.com Diamanté drop earrings, £300, by Atelier-Mayer.com Crystal necklace, £280, by Butler & Wilson Diamond ring, £460 for set, by Carat

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Cotton jersey sweater dress, £283, by Emma Cook at Net-a-porter.com Crystal bolster necklace, £405, by Atelier Swarovski by Christopher Kane Gunmetal ring, £85, by Vita Fede at My-wardrobe.com Black fishnet tights, £6, by Charnos at House of Fraser

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Pink cotton jersey sweatshirt with sequin 'kiss me' detail, £159, by Markus Lupfer at Fenwick Ivory silk night gown (worn as skirt), £276, by La Parla Diamanté drop earrings, £300, by Atelier-Mayer.com

STOCKISTS Atelier Mayer; atelier-mayer.com Atelier Swarovski; atelierswarovski.com Butler & Wilson, 020 7409 2955) Carat, 020 7379 5320) Casadei; casadei.com Fenwick; fenwick.co.uk House of Fraser; houseoffraser.co.uk Jonathan Aston; jonathanaston.com Katya Katya Shehurina; shehurina.com La Parla, 020 7245 0527 My-wardrobe.com Net-a-porter.com

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

03/03/2014 12:45

OB_Absolutely_26FebAd_Layout 1 25/02/2014 13:26 Page 1

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T +44 (0)20 8940 7554 E sales@original-bathrooms.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEW AND IMPROVED

Hairdresser to the stars Trevor Sorbie has revamped his Salon Approved product collection. Separated into five ‘regimes’: Straight, Colour, Volume, Curls & Waves and Frizz Free, hero products sit alongside newbies like the Colour Enhance Oil and Volume Big Hair Powder - all re-branded in slick new packaging. From £5.29; trevorsorbie. com also available at Boots, 332 Chiswick High Road, W4

NAIL IT

Biosculpture gel nails promise to keep your nails healthy and damage free underneath the long-lasting shiny colour. And there are 150 colours to choose from, so look out for the name at salons. biosculpture.co.uk

OTHER WORLDLY

As far as beauty looks go, on the surface ‘boho’ and ‘futuristic’ don’t exactly mix. However, Aveda’s new season make-up collection has combined the two, taking inspiration from ‘culture clash’ fashion and bold colours - think rich, earthy hues juxtaposed with paired back neutrals. It’s quirky but it works. aveda.co.uk

B Beauty Notes : : LIVE LIFE LOVE

SPA LIFE

The spa at Hilton London Syon Park has recently re-branded with a new name and concept. Now known as the Kallima Club and Spa, the centre has a team of experts in the fields of relaxation, fitness and nutrition, and works in collaboration with Italian skincare brand [comfort zone]. Close enough to the centre of town to reach, but set within the beautiful surroundings of Syon Park, we can’t think of a better excuse for a day of pampering. londonsyonpark.com

TOP THREE: Rose Inspired products Rosewater Hand Therapy, £14; crabtree-evelyn.co.uk Rosa Mundi Candle, £42; diptyqueparis.co.uk Rose & Pomegranate Bath Oil, £14.75; nealsyardremedies.com

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(Add some colour your way)

This Spring is set to offer you bright, embellished and bold fashion & beauty. So get your glad rags on and be ready to dazzleâ&#x20AC;Ś www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk Free WiFi

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ABSOLUTELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The make up INSIDER Arabella Preston selects the best natural products for spring

have been meaning to 'green' my make-up kit since forever. And with a host of new launches and technologies improving formulas all the time I am running out of excuses. It used to be the case that high-performance products required a rash of 'nasty' ingredients, but with an increasingly parabensavvy market, things are starting to change. Margo Marrone, founder of The Organic Pharmacy, was one of the pioneers of natural make-up. She laments the fact that regular skincare and make-up may contain any or all of the following: artificial colours, artificial preservatives, artificial fragrances, aluminum, lead and petrochemicals. If you're going to start by replacing just a couple of products, she suggests: 'Choose foundation as it covers the most area on the face, and lipstick, because you end up eating it. What we put on our skin should be free from toxins, just like what we put in our bodies.' The Organic Glam range has been a labour of love for Margo. In an industry obsessed with colour and pigment, to be restricted to natural colour makes their repertoire small and means occasionally compromising on range and tone. But there have been some triumphs, like their incredible mascara which took five years to develop and doesn't flake or clump at all. The Cover FX range is another big hit with clients. Although not organic, the range is free from – as they put it – the 'inflammatory five' (gluten, mineral oil, talc, fragrance

NARSCOSMETICS.CO.UK

and parabens). It's ideal if you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, though frankly it is so high-performing I would recommend it to anyone. The antiaging primer is one of my secret weapons on shoots: it transforms tired, dry skin brilliantly. Finally, Dr Hauschka, the granddame of the natural and organic skincare world has a fantastic line of makeup. But it's their skincare I reach for time and time again. Massage in their classic Rose Day Cream, followed by the Translucent Make-up for truly natural and glowing skin.

1. UNE Skin Glow Pencil, £6.99, lovelula.com 2. Cover FX Cream Concealer, £23, harveynichols.com 3. Cover FX Anti-Aging Primer, £28, harveynichols.com 4. Organic Glam Lipstick, £17.95, theorganicpharmacy.com 5. Organic Glam Pastel Eye Shimmer, £18.95, theorganicpharmacy.com 6. Dr Hauschka Translucent Make Up, £10.83, dr.hauschka.com 7. Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, £15.17, dr.hauschka. com 8. Organic Glam Mascara, £20.95,

theorganicpharmacy.com

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'Spring is in the air' SPECIAL PROMOTION

50% DISCOUNT

•

VELASHAPE II Body Contouring, Cellulite Reduction, Skin tightening and Inch loss

•

LASER I.P.L HAIR REMOVAL Permanent Hair Reduction

•

SKIN REJUVENATION Freshen up your skin by removing brown spots, redness and improve skin texture

•

THREAD VEIN REMOVAL Superficial veins on Face and Nose

For a FREE CONSULTATION, TRIAL or PATCH TEST and PERSONLISED TREATMENT PLAN Quote ‘ABSOLUTELY SPRING’ for your 50% discount Call 020 8747 4746 or email enquiry@aestheticsurgeryclinic.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

PROMOTION

PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AT

AESTHETIC SURGERY CLINIC If you're tired of faddy diets and fitness resolutions that don't get off the ground then why not visit the experts at Aesthetic Surgery Clinic

ith spring in the air and Easter around the corner you’d be forgiven for letting any of your New Year’s resolutions lapse. Thankfully help is at hand for those who want to look and feel their best, and better yet, there’s no faddy diet in sight! Instead, why not look and feel amazing by taking full advantage of the proven results that Velashape II offers at the skilled hands of those at Chiswick’s Aesthetic Surgery Clinic? Using a combination of heat and massage this non-invasive and pain-free treatment allows you to simply relax and be pampered and walk away visibly more sculpted and toned. Wendy Fenemore, practice manager said, ‘sometimes nature needs a helping hand. Countless men and women are seeking to lose a few centimetres, improve skin tone in

problem areas such as the tummy, thighs and bottom and target cellulite. Despite having a healthy lifestyle all the dieting and exercise can’t specifically target the areas you want – which is where we can help. Our skilled and qualified staff are able to offer a free consultation and treatment plan plus trial or patch test where necessary. With lifestyles getting more hectic, less and less time is being dedicated to ourselves, so every minute counts. If we can help you get the desired results sooner and keep them for longer, it makes sense for you to get in touch for a free consultation. Some people feel guilty for treating themselves or improving their appearance but it’s not simply for vanity. Due to age or medical conditions we have patients who have simply

no idea that solutions are available. Take unsightly hair growth and the cost and pain over the years of waxing, shaving and creams which only provide a temporary solution. After Laser IPL hair removal treatment you may never need to use anything again! So to discuss any of the treatments they offer or whether you wish to get into your favourite jeans, banish unwanted hair or rejuvenate your skin, Aesthetic Surgery Clinic are at hand to help. Th is month you can also take full advantage of their 50% discount on all Velashape II and Laser IPL treatments. Call 02087474746 or email enquiry@aestheticsurgeryclinic.co.uk Aesthetic Surgery Clinic Hogarth Club 1a Airedale Avenue Chiswick London W4 2NW

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03/03/2014 12:01

In the know...

Beauty experts from select businesses at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre give Absolutely readers their top tips for the new season

THE FRAGRANCE SHOP

When applying your fragrance, always spray on your pulse point and do not rub in as this crushes the delicate notes and causes the scent to evaporate more quickly. Layering your fragrance allows it to last longer. Try using body products such as shower gel and body lotion of your chosen scent to create a subtle cloud of perfume wherever you go. High Street Mall, thefragranceshop.co.uk; 020 8810 1806

THE BODY SHOP

Try The Body Shop’s new Vitamin E serum in oil. Apply a few drops to your hands and rub to warm the oil. Apply to face and neck in a patting motion, then use your fingertips to gently massage in a small circular motion. The oil includes new technical innovation combining power and indulgence to replenish and recharge skin cells. It’s their highest concentration of wheat germ oil yet. The Broadway, thebodyshop.co.uk; 020 8566 5433

MARKS & SPENCER

Marks & Spencers have set up a dedicated in-store beauty department across selected stores. As well as their own line of beauty products, M&S Beauty stocks a select range from established brands such as Dr Murad and Skyn Iceland. There is also a team of dedicated beauty experts on hand to give advice and offer ‘virtual’ make overs with top-of-the-range technology. High Street Mall, marksandspencer.com; 020 8566 1234

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ABSOLUTELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY

BHAVI BEAUTY

Having regular ESPA facials naturally improves the condition of the skin to provide outstanding instant and long-term results. At Bhavi Beauty a thorough skin analysis is carried out before the treatment is undertaken using completely natural products. Facials also include acupressure facial massage and gentle head massage for complete relaxation. High Street Mall, bhavibeauty.co.uk; 020 8810 0700

BOOTS

The new Limited Edition No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette (£12) is the perfect way to step out of winter and take a leap into spring. With beautiful pastel pinks and highlighter petals, you’ll achieve a naturally radiant complexion that leaves you glowing. No7 Advisor, Geraldine Freer says, ‘The No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette is very versatile. You can use it as a pretty blusher on the cheeks by mixing all the colours together, or as highlighter on your cheek bones, on the bridge on your nose and on the cupids bow. By applying the colour to the cupids bow it will make your lips look fuller, which is a key trend for SS14.’ Town Square, boots.com; 020 8567 0641

VIRGIN ACTIVE

TOP TIP FROM A VIRGIN ACTIVE PERSONAL TRAINER

Increasing your meals to 5 smaller portions throughout the day helps you burn fat more efficiently as opposed to the common conception that eating less will make you slimmer. Eating more frequently in the day helps speed up your metabolism allowing your body to burn more calories day to day. 5th Floor, virginactive.co.uk/clubs/ealing; 020 8579 9433

LASHIOUS

Give your eyelashes a longer, thicker and more natural look with lash extensions. They make your eyes look bigger and you don’t even need to bother with mascara for a glamorous look, which means no clumping, streaking or fear of contact with water. Lashious use a superior brand called Let’s Go Lashes by the Nouveau Beauty Group. The extension is a series of individual eyelashes that are glued to your current eyelashes and will last for around 4 weeks before a touch up is needed. Oak Road, lashiousbeauty.co.uk; 07549 919 065

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Invigorate Training 0208 7412244 Barnes Sports Club, Lonsdale Road SW13 9QL Barnes info@invigorate-training.co.uk.

ARE YOU SICK of being tired and overweight? Do you have low energy levels? Have you tried to get fit but have given up because it got boring, didn’t achieve what you wanted? Chances are if your reading this then you are looking for a fitness brand to help you achieve whatever your fitness related goal is and help you change your life.

“INVIGORATE HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFESTYLE”

Invigorate can help you achieve your ﬁtness related goals and so much more.

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lose weight and tone up Hypertrophy (build muscle) Increase flexibility Injury rehabilitation Sport specific program (Marathon training, Rugby program) Pre and post natal fitness

L A N O I T FUNC G N I N I A R T L L A T E E TO M S D E E N R U YO

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ABSOLUTELY

PROMOTION

BOX FRESH

Park Club member Russ Dawkins receives supports from hundreds of fellow club members as well as world champion boxers. Tim Slater tells his story

he Park Club and The Hogarth Health Club in Acton and Chiswick are renowned for big events, especially their charity events which regularly support the likes of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Children In Need and Sport Relief. Last October, The Hogarth had its biennial 24-hour Spinathon for one of its own members, Russ Dawkins. Last June, Russ’ life changed forever. While on a cycling trip in France, Russ had a horrific accident, which resulted in him going from being a super fit athlete to a paraplegic in an instant. The renamed “SpinEathon” raised £16k, a mighty effort towards a £40k target to equip Russ with specialised training kit to allow him to continue practicing the same sports as before the accident, and thereafter to raise funds for other paraplegics to do the same. The follow-on event to the SpinEathon, a white collar boxing

RUSS DAWKINS

challenge, certainly seems to have captured the imagination of other members and friends – we’ve already sold several hundred tickets! Taking place on Saturday 22 March at The Park Club, 18 members (including club owner Dan White) will slug it out in an Amateur Boxing Association authorised event. The boxers are currently going through three months of gruelling preparation with Park Club Boxing Coaches Lee Denton and Ali Ahmed. All 18 are novices (or so they say) in the pugilistic arts and all are facing three two-minute rounds on the night. Make no mistake, this is a proper boxing contest held under the Queensbury Rules.

On the night, we are setting up a boxing ring in our huge sports tennis dome and there will be a bar, award-winning British Street Food, celebrity commentators, world champion boxers, music and lots of action, with all proceeds going to go to Russell Dawkins' Back on Track charity. You can read more at theparkclub. co.uk/sections/parx-boxing search #FightForRuss and you can find us at facebook.com/ TheParkClub. For further information about touring or joining The Hogarth Health Club call 020 8994 0500 and for The Park Club call 020 8740 4599.

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SOHO BEACH HOUSE MIAMI

ABSOLUTELY

HOME & GARDEN

Bringing down the house Soho House have just published a beautifully illustrated 300 page book that offers a glimpse behind their famous doors. Eat, Drink, Nap is filled with interior decorating advice and ‘House’ recipes – from foolproof mac ‘n’ cheese to wallpaper tips. It’s your new style bible. EAT, DRINK, NAP SOHO HOUSE, £30; PREFACE

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ABSOLUTELY

HOME & GARDEN marksandspencer.com 02

Bright & Beautiful 08

of the best

kitchen brights

05 07

1. BRIGHT MINI COLANDERS, £7.50 each; tch.net 2. NEWGATE PANTRY CLOCK AQUA BLUE, £30; cotswoldtrading.com 3. ENDON LIGHTING ALZIRA GREEN METAL PENDANT, £66.99; worldstores.co.uk 4. VINTAGE BLUE PANTONE 630 AND HOT PINK PANTONE 215 COFFEE MAKERS, £25; berryred.co.uk 5. LE CREUSET DOUBLE OVEN GLOVE, CERISE, £19; johnlewis.com 6. COLOURWORKS FRYING PAN (BLUE), £15; cargohomeshop.com 7. JAZZ STACKING DINING CHAIR, £34.99; worldstores.co.uk 8. WOODEN SPOONS (SET OF 2) PASTA SERVER & SPATULA SET, £9.50; marksandspencer.com

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• • • • • •

Modern,Contemporary,Traditional Established 18 years Computer Aided Design Service Fully Qualified Installers Small building works undertaken Tiling, Flooring and Final decorations • KBSA Membership

20 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY | T: 020 8742 2236 www.osborne-interiors.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN GET THE LOOK

Unlike the Beckhams, we don’t have top interior designer Kelly Hoppen on speed dial. If you’ve always fancied recreating her signature style in your own home, however, then visit the west Londoner’s new e-commerce store, which includes a range of Hoppen designed accessories, bed linen, candles and cushions. kellyhoppen.com

Interior Inspirations Absolutely the best trends, local gems and designers CRYSTALISED

The unstoppable Zaha Hadid has collaborated with renowned French crystal makers Lalique to create an exquisite line of special edition vases. Lalique by Zaha Hadid is a collection of four clear and black crystal vases that incorporate the architect’s fluid, futuristic inspired designs.

WOODLAND CRITTERS

These cleverly designed animal mugs and candle holders by Japanese inspired homeware brand Kinto prove that ‘cute’ needn’t be twee. From £14; 95percent.co.uk

Lalique boutique, 47 Conduit Street, W1S

SLEEP TIGHT

The glamorous Asian-based Dorsett hotel group are set to expand their portfolio with the opening of Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, which will open its doors later this spring. Formerly The Pavillion (a cinema built in 1923), the Grade II listed building has been sensitively transformed into a luxury seven storey, 317 room hotel that boasts sleek, modern architecture whilst retaining the historical facade. dorsetthotels.com

STRICTLY STYLISH

Dulux have predicted teal (specifically, ‘Sea Urchin 1’) to be the colour of 2014. Alesha Dixon has showcased this rich, beautiful hue as part of the campaign, and we’re assured it looks just as good on your walls as it does on her. Available at Wickes, 492-496 Chiswick High Rd W4; dulux.co.uk

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Handcrafted Heritage Q UA L I T Y F U R N I T U R E M A D E I N B R I TA I N

4-5 Roslin Road, London W3 8DH T: +44(0)20 8993 4415 www.thesofaandchair.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

PROMOTION

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Is your home in need of a spring clean? Look no further than these local businesses

ARLINGTON KITCHENS

Founded in 1996 in the current showroom for eight years, Arlington Kitchens Ltd is your local, personal, high street kitchen company with a terrific reputation for price, quality of kitchens and installation work. No kitchen is too big or too small and they can deliver both budget and bespoke kitchens. 48 High Street, Hampton Hill, Middlesex, TW12 1PD, 0208 614 5757; arlingtonkitchens.co.uk

CHANGE THAT ROOM

Change That Room are west London’s leading interior design consultants with two decades of experience at the cutting edge of residential and commercial design. They offer a bespoke service from consultation, advice and remodelling a single room to design, build and delivery of full projects. 478 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TT, 0208 994 9993

MARBLE HILL FIREPLACES

ASHBURN CARPETS '

Ashburn Carpets are specialists in the supply and professional fitting of carpets and flooring. Working with premium manufacturers, Ashburn Carpets’ installations are always impeccable.You can see their full portfolio in their Richmond showroom. Alternatively, one of their estimators can show you samples in the comfort of your own property. 4 Ashburnham Road, TW10 7NF, 020 8940 4338; ashburncarpets.co.uk

CURTAIN CALL

Looking forward to spring? Wanting to update your rooms with lovely fresh new fabrics? Curtain Call in Richmond have a wonderful collection of fabrics and blinds to order, including the new ranges from Clarke and Clarke with fabrics from £14 per metre. 52 Friars Stile Road, TW10, 0208 332 6250; curtain-call.co.uk

Marble Hill have been established since 1974. Their impressive showrooms cover four floors with eight show areas displaying the very best in stone, marble, and contemporary fireplaces, gas fires and wood burning stoves. Their knowledge and expertise are second to none, from design through to final installation. They are the London agents for Bell balanced flue fires which are 80% efficient, offer between 2-10kw of heat and do not require a conventional chimney. 70-72 Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3BE, 0208 892 1488 ; marblehill.co.uk

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W: E: T: F:

www.bellainteriors.co.uk sales@bellainteriors.co.uk 020 8332 9898 020 8332 9777

137 Kew Road, Richmond Surrey TW9 2PN

• • •

• •

Individually designed kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms Selected high-end Italian, German and French brands From one-room service to whole-house complete project management Design, construction, furnishing Bespoke furniture for when a custom fit is important

You will benefit from our 20 years of experience, our own in-house team of designers, builders, electricians and plumbers, all offering efficient service. Assuring quality design solutions for homes across London.

Winter sale up to 40% off all kitchen appliances (limited offer see in store for terms and conditions)

www.bellainteriors.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

HOME & GARDEN

WOVEN TOGETHER From international news reporter to rugs, Barnesbased designer Jennifer Manners tells Absolutely about how she finds inspiration, being her own boss and enjoying a new pace of life

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You previously worked as an international news journalist. Can you tell us a little about this time and why you decided to go into interiors? I think recalling this time in my life will always make me smile. It was a time of adventure and living with a sense of purpose. I was driven by the notion that I was making a difference somehow by reporting the news from around the world. 24-hour news is driven by deadlines. Success is measured by being the first to report the news and by accuracy. The pressure is intense and to perform exceptionally well under such intensity was completely intoxicating. When my personal life changed and I got married and had children, my priorities began to shift too, regardless of how resilient I thought I would be to such changes! I loved news because I loved being out ‘in it’, but my desire to be away for weeks at a time changed with two little ones at home. Reporting news from a newsroom isn’t the same as being in the field; being in the field meant I wasn’t the mother I felt I wanted to be. So I began to enjoy it less and less and finally decided to end that chapter and start the next one. Interiors have always been important to me. My home has always been my sanctuary away from the world and so creating a place that surrounded me with the things I love, the things that inspire me, the things that make me laugh was essential to refuelling for my work. I believe that the things we love that fill up our homes become woven into our lives and memories too. You say your designs are inspired by travel. How so? What are some of the most memorable places you’ve been to? I remember seeing mosaic tiles on the floors of grand cathedrals in Italy when I was in my teens and being blown away. Each place, no matter how ‘developed’ the society, has a way of expressing their story through images, colours and their own forms of art. I love incorporating some of these expressions into my rugs. I often say my spiritual home is Africa because the colours, sights and sounds inspire me with a humbling feeling that is similar to watching a movie like Forrest Gump. I feel alive and intoxicated by the colourful way the people dress, by their use of natural fibres to create functional things, by their quick, contagious smiles and their guttural laughs. I love the enormous skies in Namibia and the patterns the wind blows into the sands of its desert. How long have you been living in London now? Is the pace of life very different to America? I have lived in London for nearly 13 years and lived in South Africa before moving here, so I’ve been away from America for nearly 15 years. The pace of life is very different in some ways partly because of the stage of life - children have slowed me down considerably! But because I am in London and it’s so international, the pace is probably faster than if I lived in the US. I love how everyone travels here, you never have to look far to discover someone with an amazing sense of exploration and be touched by their experience!

You have a home studio in Barnes. Do you enjoy working from home and do you think you always have a desire to be your own boss? My office looks over a field towards the river and gives me a great sense of nature which of course is inspiring. I love the solitude and quiet and find I look up and several hours have passed. But then I also miss the energy and buzz of other people which can inspire in a completely different way. Fortunately, meeting with clients provides an amazing energy for me. I get enthusiastic about each new rug and how I see the rug transforming their space. My father has had his own business most of my life and so that is what has felt normal to me. It was never really a conscious decision to ‘be my own boss’, but I always knew that eventually I would. I also think it is part of the American culture to try things and risk failing. We celebrate entrepreneurs and the effort and the lessons that failing may bring.

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HOME & GARDEN

National Gallery are intricate and beautiful and I can see how the pattern could be transformed onto a rug in an elegant and modern way. I also get rug designs from my children, particularly my 7-year-old son who is also very creative. Inspiration comes from the most surprising places!

Have you always been interested in interior design? How did you end up specialising in rugs? I come from a long line of artists (The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC houses my grandfather’s painting!) so interiors is a natural extension of that same creativity for me. I have collected textiles and fabrics in almost every country I’ve travelled and learned early in my life about what makes a rug special. I was driven to specialise in rugs because of how emotional and transformative they can be. It is like marrying an ancient technique with a modern design and that really excites me. Where do you look to for inspiration on a day-to-day basis? I love the black iron railings and gates that can be found all around London for the graphic pattern they create. Even grates over heating ducts in places like the

How would you describe your style? Is your home filled with your own designs? My own design style could probably be classed as textural and soulful with a slight American flavour. I am also hugely sentimental and so I hold on to things that mean something to me but then trying to make them all work in a balanced, pleasing way is my challenge. Of course there are rugs in almost every room too! Friends ask me if my house is ‘finished’ now and I laugh. I don’t think my house will ever be ‘finished’ as I will probably always be collecting and creating. Have you had any interesting bespoke requests? Every project I work on has its own set of challenges and opportunities but the amount of detail required is never to be underestimated! I am currently working on an amazing stair runner for a house in Barnes where we have had to build a design template for each step and landing with a fish-tail splaying bottom so that there is a flow like trickling water from above – almost as if the runner itself is an art installation. It’s a knotted rug with abstract designs that will take at least four months to make and so the detail has to be perfect. The house is eccentric and exciting – everywhere you look there is something that catches the eye. So making sure my runner complements the artistic vibe is very exciting.

What is a typical day like? In theory I resist schedules as I like to be open to where the wind will blow me, but that is more of a dream than a reality. To balance motherhood alongside running a business requires planning so I try to get up with the children, see them off to school and then either go to my home studio or to meet a client. I am back for the children in the afternoon and then after they go to bed I usually work another couple of hours. It is a real discipline to run the business side of things. One of the motivations for running my own business is that I can make the school plays and coffee mornings without any stress. However, I find that the biggest challenge is to not work around the clock. So far I am completely rubbish at it, but one day I hope to get it right. jennifermanners.co.uk

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outside in and make the room appear bigger. This is a great asset when socialising with your friends. Upgrading polycarbonate roofs to double glazed roofs will also greatly improve the quality of your living space, instead of it being cold and noisy in the rain. If your conservatory is beyond repair, Mark George Conservatories will build a new bespoke hardwood replacement for you. They can either match to the existing building or create a completely new design for you, taking care to compliment the architecture of your house whilst re-using the same base work, thus removing the need for a builder. 01189 475254 www.mgconservatories.com

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31/01/2014 17:32

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HOME & GARDEN

MORNING HAS BROKEN

Judges at the seventh annual International Garden Photographer of the Year competition quite rightly awarded Kasia Nowak second place in the Breathing Spaces category for her stunning shot, Morning in Bushy Park. Th is wonderfully serene image captures the ethereal beauty of morning light at this west London gem.Morning in Bushy Park by Kasia Nowak, sponsored by the National Trust; igpoty.com

GREEN, GREEN GRASS

Deciding that the patch of land outside Chiswick Town Hall was looking a little worse for wear, the Council decided to brighten it up using local artificial grass company LazyLawn. And what a difference it makes. Venues supervisor Jonathan Brabrook commented that the makeover has been ‘a real talking point in Chiswick… everyone’s thrilled to bits with it.’ lazylawn.co.uk

GARDENING NOTES Absolutely the best news and tips from the great outdoors PRETTY IN PINK

For a tea party with a difference, head to John Lewis this Easter to stock up on their sugarsweet range of outdoor accessories. From bunting to cake stands and teapots, you’ll be dining outdoors all year. Whatever the weather. Wood Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1; johnlewis.com

Omphalodes Plant of the month cappadocica Omphalodes cappadocica is an absolutely lovely low growing perennial that flowers in March and April with really intense blue starry blooms. This is such a great ground cover plant that grows rapidly in shady conditions where the soil is not too fertile or damp. It can outgrow its allotted space when happy but it can be thinned with ease and this only needs be done once a year in the spring after flowering, and these extra clumps take very easily when replanted or potted up. kategouldgardens.com

BIRD BRAINED

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

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GREAT EGG-SPECTATIONS Eight of the best

Easter-inspired interiors 02

03 08

1. ASPREY RABBIT AND DUCK EGG CUPS, £500 each; asprey.com 2. DAWN CRITCHLEY DESIGNS MOTHER HEN PILLOW, £45; notonthehightstreet.com 3. LITTLE BABY COMPANY FUNNY BUNNY EASTER EGG TEA TOWEL, £7.95; notonthehighstreet.com 4. OLIVER BONAS RABBIT SALT & PEPPER SET, £16; oliverbonas.com 5. BUNNY & CHICKEN COOKIE CUTTERS, £5.25; oakroomshop.co.uk 6. HOP & PECK WOODEN OAK BUNNY EARS EGG CUP, £18; notonthehighstreet.com 7. ASTON POTTERY EASTER MUGS, £10.99 each, astonpottery.co.uk 8. PAUL THURLBY SET OF FOUR EGG CUPS, £19.95 each; wildandwolf.com

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Friendly atmosphere, good food and an extensive wine collection we would like to think Lala is simply unrivalled!

Sporting a cafĂŠ, deli, restaurant and bar, conveniently placed in the heart of Hammersmith, Lala is the perfect destination for a quiet meal for two, family gathering, business meeting, after work drink, or pre theatre eat. For guest lists, events, promotions and parties in the basement, call us on 07976 511 579 or email info@lalaw6.com

2-4 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London, W6 9DY For restaurant table bookings call 020 8600 0200 or email reservations@lalaw6.com

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31/01/2014 16:43

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THE LITTLE BOOK OF CHOCOLAT: FIFTY RECIPES CELEBRATING THE BESTSELLING NOVEL CHOCOLAT BY JOANNE HARRIS AND FRAN WARDE, PUBLISHED BY DOUBLEDAY ON 13 MARCH AT RRP £12.99 PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP WEBB

DID YOU K NO

W?... Cacao be valuable in Aans were so that counteztec society were some rfeit beans times out of clay made

THE SWEET ESCAPE

Just in time for Easter comes The Little Book of Chocolat, a collection of recipes by Chocolat author Joanne Harris and local food writer Fran Warde. The book celebrates the novel’s 15th anniversary, drawing inspiration from Vianne Rocher’s deliciously decadent chocolaterie 75

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03/03/2014 12:57

The home of classic Italian cuisine

Mamma Mia is a restaurant in the heart of Sheen that serves authentic and delicious homemade Italian cuisine paired with a delectable selection of regional wine. Mamma Mia is a friendly, relaxed environment and the perfect place to entertain family and friends.

Call us now on 020 8878 6725

to book a table for that special occasion or simply casual ďŹ ne dining. 459 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London SW14 7PR www.mammamiarestaurantlondon.co.uk

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JAZZ HANDS

The Bull’s Head opened as a jazz venue in 1959 and quickly became popular with rock ‘n’ roll’s elite. Following a refurbishment under new owners, Geronimo Inns, it has now reopened with a sleek new look that evokes its famous roots. 373 Lonsdale Road, SW13; thebullshead.com

PIE IN THE SKY

Award-winning Bristolian pie makers Pieminister have spread their wings with a recent increase in distribution across the country. West London stockists now include Tesco Extras in Osterley and Twickenham, Waitrose in East Sheen and Wholefoods in Richmond. Choose from 11 delicious savoury fillings (we love the Chicken of Aragon – and not just for the name) and , while you're at it, why not sign up to the dedicated V.I.PIE club area for exclusive news and competitions. pieminister.co.uk

BREAKING BREAD

Hooray for Gail’s! The artisan bakery has just opened a new branch in beautiful Barnes, with co-founder Tom Molner admitting that they had their hearts set on the site two years ago, adding that they are ‘particularly excited to be opening in the village.’ 49 Church Road, SW13; gailsbread.co.uk

Bite Sized

Absolutely essential food news

FRENCH FANCY

Th row those scales in the bin; authentic boulangerie The French Tarte have opened their second site in Twickenham (the original is based in Surbiton). Serving coffee, cakes, baguettes, pastries, savoury snacks and even a decadent afternoon tea, this is one new neighbour worth loosening your belt for. 45 High Street Teddington, TW11; thefrenchtarte.co.uk

SPORTING CHANCE

It’s rugby season and the good people at local bespoke cooking company Spook have been preparing their own brand of Twickenham Hampers specifically to satisfy hungry fans. Hampers are delivered directly to the stadium and include a delicious selection of crudités, homemade sandwiches, honey-glazed gammon, scotch eggs, sausage rolls, baguettes, pork pies and even salted caramel brownies for dessert. They’re so good that you may forget about the game… £40 per head; spookcooking.com

CAFFEINE KICK

Need a caffeine pick-me-up? Try the new 100% Natural Espresso Coconut Milk by Chi Drinks, founded by west London resident Jonathan Newman. Jonathan fell in love with the taste and nutritional benefits of coconuts whilst on honeymoon in Thailand, and this new addition to the brand contains high quality coffee and coconut cream and is loaded with Vitamins B, C and E. £1.79 for 330ml; chidrinks.co

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03/03/2014 12:55

Linnea

Linnea lunch and early dinner offer (6-7pm) at £19.50 for 2 courses or £24.50 for 3 courses including a glass of Prosecco is very good value and a good opportunity to try the full menu at this reduced price.

“O

n Mothering Sunday we will be open exclusively to celebrate all mothers in style. We will be offering a 3 course set menu for £24.50 including Roast beef “Sunday style” and other favourites from our menu so far like prawn toast Skagen, roasted Icelandic cod and chocolate and hazelnut brownie. All mothers will receive a little sweet treat to take home with them. I would recommend to book early not to get disappointed. To make a reservation call us on 0208 940 5696 or go online at www.linneakew.co.uk” Linnea is the name of the national flower of Sweden, also known as the twin flower and its botanical name Linnaea Borealis. As we are located so close to Kew Gardens, it was also a very appropriate name. Linnea was also the name of Jonas’s grandmother who so inspired him with food and cooking throughout his childhood in Sweden. 12 Kew Green Richmond, SurreyTW8 3BH www.linneakew.co.uk

For images of our food and restaurant interior you can contact us on info@linneakew.co.uk you can visit our website for all our latest happenings at www.linneakew.co.uk or follow us on twitter @Linneakew or like us on our Facebook page: Linneakew

LINNEA.indd 1

28/02/2014 12:41

Kamares Greco-Italian Fusion Restaurant

ere at Kamares, we are a family-run restaurant, that has served Twickenham, for 31 years. All home-cooked, unpretentious food. With a quality our customers expect, and deserve! We specialize in Greek Cypriot food, for example: Meze (take your time and enjoy), or slow-cooked lamb Kleftiko, Souvlaki, and Mousaka. Along with prime matured succulent chargrilled steaks, and other meats, seafood, Italian favourites - home made breads and pizza, including vegetarian options. We cater for any size group, from individual, to complete private hire of premises, and anything in between.

We also offer a take-away service, on a collection-only basis. Mention ABSOLUTELY when reserving, to receive a little treat. Reserve your table for

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thought FOOD FOR

Ever thought about what you’re going to have for your next meal whilst enjoying the one that’s being served up? Valentine Warner has. The west London chef’s obsession with hearty, unpretentious food is the basis for his new book, What to Eat Next. Here, Valentine shares a couple of easy, delicious recipes for readers who always have food on the brain 79

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Mackerel with passion fruit salsa

SERVES 2

y friend Joe came across this after filming in Brazil. He told me the story of a man in a battered hat behind his stall on a coastal road, leaning over a tiny barbecue as he knocked up this salsa in seconds to then pour it over a charred and sizzling piece of fish. I went home and cooked it immediately, knowing it would be delicious – and it was! I can imagine that the sauce would also work well with thin slices of raw fish, marinated like a ceviche. If you cook the fish over charcoal, make sure it is wiped totally dry first and heavily scattered with some good, flaked sea salt, as this should prevent it sticking. Ideally a barbecue would be better than a grill, as charcoal smoke is a magic ingredient.

What to Eat Next by Valentine Warner is published in April by Mitchell Beazley. Photographs by Chris Terry

1. Preheat the grill to high. 2. Slash the mackerel three times down each side, and season well with a good amount of sea salt, probably more than you would normally be inclined to use. 3. Lay the fish on the grill and place them not too far from the element. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the skin is blistered and browned, taking care not to rip the delicious skin when turning them over. The mackerel should be cooked, but ever so reluctant to pull from the bone

2 medium mackerel, gutted and wiped as dry as possible Flaked sea salt (approx. 1/2 teaspoon for each fish) Lime wedges, to serve For the passion fruit salsa 1/2 hot green chilli, such as jalapeño or serrano, seeds scooped out, very finely diced 3 fat and full passion fruit, flesh and seeds scooped out 1 tablespoon olive oil › juice of 1/2 small juicy lime 2 tablespoons very finely chopped fresh coriander, stalks and all 2 tablespoons very finely diced red onion

without a bit of prompting. If the flesh is just cooked but with a red blood line running along the spine, you have done it perfectly. 4. While the fish blisters, make the passion fruit salsa. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and season well with sea salt, tasting a few times. 5. Remove the fish to two plates and spoon over the salsa. 6. Serve with lime wedges and eat accompanied by cold beer drunk from the bottle, not a glass.

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SERVES 2

Open burger on sourdough with onion gravy and fried egg

lthough I love a burger in its most classic sense, I don’t eat all my burgers this way. Here’s another hot favourite that’s also good when made with venison mince. I first cooked this one gruelling rainy night after a harrowing drive to my sister’s house from London, the last half hour a particularly distressing ordeal in trying not to squash a seemingly endless herd of frogs crossing the road. Below are the ingredients I found in my sister’s fridge on arrival.

1. Squidge the mince, sea salt, Worcestershire sauce and mustard together in a bowl and form into two firm, flat, deep burger shapes 2. Now start to make the gravy. In a pan, fry the onion in the butter until very soft and turning golden brown. Add the sugar and caramelize even more before stirring in the tomato purée. Stir, but allow this to catch a bit on the pan before adding the red wine vinegar and cooking for a further minute or so. 3. Pour in the consommé and wine and simmer rapidly until the appearance of the gravy is only just syrupy rather than wet (this will take about 10 minutes), then season to taste and turn off the heat.

4. In a medium non stick frying pan, heat the sunflower oil enough that the burgers sizzle on entry and cook them to your desired doneness (about four minutes or so on each side over a medium-high heat). 5. Rest the burgers, briefly, while you fry the eggs in the same pan and toast the bread. This would be a good time to reheat the sauce if need be. 6. Butter the toast, scrape over a little more mustard and place the burgers on their platforms. Spoon over the onion gravy, crown with the eggs, sprinkle over the chives and season with a scratch of sea salt and black pepper.

300g good fatty beef or venison mince 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt, plus extra for seasoning A hearty splash of Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, plus extra for the toast 11/2 tablespoons sunflower oil 2 large free-range eggs 2 thick slices of sourdough bread, grilled or toasted Softened unsalted butter, for spreading Ground black pepper A handful of chopped chives, to garnish For the gravy 1 medium onion, halved and finely sliced 30g unsalted butter ½ teaspoon demerara sugar ½ teaspoon tomato purée 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 200ml canned beef consommé (freeze what’s left) 100ml red wine

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15/10/2012 10:42 03/03/2014 10:15

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FOOD & TRAVEL

THE HOTEL

On site since the 1930s, the ‘new’ rebuilt St. Moritz hotel nestles snugly above the village of Trebetherick, near the notorious Rock. Art Deco inspired, a £15million investment saw the hotel transform into a Miami-esque structure, reminiscent of an ocean liner from the outside. Meanwhile inside, it’s all Jamie Oliver-approved interiors by Absolute Design of Falmouth. Made up of 48 hotel bedrooms and 16 suites, each with jaw-dropping seaside views, St. Moritz is a gem of an escape for both the weekender and the holidaymaker.

ST. MORITZ Cornwall T H E S PA

THE SUITE

A first floor suite boasts a master bedroom, a luxurious en-suite bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen and a comfortable seating and dining area. The somewhat gigantic bed has the most cloud-like mattress on the market, ensuring slumber comes easy after a day on the beach. A secluded balcony overlooking the crashing waves lies just outside the bedroom and, once you get the knack of them, French windows allow access to it. Whilst it’s ideal for a couple on a romantic minibreak, children under 14 can be accommodated on z-beds, so it’s great for small families too.

T H E R E S TAU R A N T  With an impressive breakfast buffet and dinner menu, new head chef (and Rick Stein protégé) Jamie Porter delivers on quality, freshness and locality of ingredients. The Cornish Crab Salad is crustacean heaven, whilst the Whole Plaice with Brown Shrimps and Capers is rather good too. For a change of scenery, spring and summer lunches can be enjoyed by the pool (with a sea view) at ‘Sea Side at St Moritz’ – an adorable outhouse serving light bites such as crunchy, crispy squid and oriental mussels.

 Enveloped within the cosy confines of the hotel is the Cornish Cowshed, part of the much-loved family of Cowshed spas. Available to guests and non-residents alike, the spa is home to a comprehensive gym, lap and fun pools, a sauna and a Hammam-style steam room. A number of beauty treatments are on offer, but we highly recommend the Cowshed 60-minute facial. Using Cowshed’s signature therapeutic products, it includes exfoliation, cleansing, a relaxing massage and a bespoke facial mask, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean, free from any sand, salt or stress.

T H E DA M AG E

A ground floor suite from £210 per night including breakfast, first floor sea view suite from £345 per night. Average lunch is £17.50 for 2 courses, and dinner, £30 for 3 courses. The Cowshed 60-minute facial treatment is £60. Trebetherick, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6SD, 01208 862242; stmoritzhotel.co.uk

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Abu Dhabi? Do! Adrenaline junkies, businessmen, sunseekers and tourists; Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. Gemma Billington explores the UAE’s fast-paced and ever-changing capital

escending blearyeyed into Abu Dhabi international airport at 1am, the pilot, in a typically jovial manner, informed us of our punctual arrival and that the weather outside was an eyebrow raising 31°C. Had I misheard? From the spectacular luxury of Etihad Airline’s pod-like seats in Pearl Business Class, everything was plush, cool and perfectly tranquil. As we swiftly made our way from the baggage reclaim area to a fleet of white taxis awaiting us, however, it transpired that the pilot had not, in fact, been exaggerating. When one thinks of the UAE, the mind tends to automatically picture the ostentatious glamour of Dubai, but Abu Dhabi (which is actually the capital Emirate) is hot on its glittering neighbour’s heels.

Unlike the colourful, exotic souks and bazaars depicted in the second Sex and the City movie, which was set in Abu Dhabi but filmed entirely in Morocco (though I suppose this particular gaffe is the least of the film’s concerns) - the city is an amalgamation of clean, highly modern architecture and barren desert. Absolutely everything is pristine; from the expansive roads to the architecture, the impeccably-dressed residents and their cars - which seem to only be available in white, silver or black. Even the sky itself is permanently devoid of unsightly clouds. We stayed at the glamorous Rotana hotels and our first stop-off was at the man-made Yas Island, home to the famous Formula One racing circuit. There are plenty of uniquely UAE excursions to enjoy: shopping in enormous malls, eating out at world-class restaurants, dune buggy experiences, watersports,

desert safaris. There’s also a blossoming culture scene, with the intriguing (and controversial) Louvre Abu Dhabi dubbed ‘the desert Louvre’ – due to open next year on nearby Saadiyat Island, along with the world’s largest Guggenheim and a performing arts centre designed by Zaha Hadid. However, our first taste of Abu Dhabi was of its slightly less cultural attractions. After a speedy visit (and dip) in the newly-completed Yas Waterworld waterpark, we popped into Ferrari World, an enormous museum-cumtheme park which is conveniently (for adrenaline junkies) situated next door to the Formula One racing circuit. The sweeping, tent-like roof in trademark Ferrari red is practically a landmark of Yas Island, and car lovers will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven. If you feel so inclined you can take a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster here – the Formula Rossa – which reaches speeds of 120mph in just six seconds. For less high-octane experiences though, I can’t recommend the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enough. One of the world’s largest and most expensive mosques (they do nothing by halves here), the building is a breathtaking feat of architecture; imposing, snow white

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ABSOLUTELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

and, as with the rest of Abu Dhabi, immaculate. Cloaked beneath a billowing abaya, as a woman you are transformed into a concealed, floating phantom, but although you have to abide by the mosque’s strict dress code, it is a warm and welcoming environment. This reflects the current attitude of Abu Dhabi; one of underlying and unwavering tradition, but with a thoroughly modern perspective that embraces Western interests. This is partly due to the fact that the UAE is a booming business epicentre, with a bourgeoning media hub and an influx of expats. The ‘locals’ that I encountered were all from various backgrounds – India, Egypt, Algeria, Britain – and all described life in Abu Dhabi as a completely unique experience. Nightlife is increasingly popular in Abu Dhabi though kept relatively low-key and tucked away inside hotel bars and clubs. After a stunning Indian feast at Rangoli restaurant in Yas Island Rotana, we were whisked into town to a sister hotel to experience Abu Dhabi’s only Bavarian bar. Bustling and smoke-filled, I ordered a Mojito (I’m no beer fan, much to the group’s dismay) and marvelled at the scenario. After all, there I sat quaffing a Spanish cocktail in a German themed bar in the heart of the UAE. How’s that for multiculturalism? No sooner had we settled into Abu Dhabi than we were packed away into

the white taxis again and driven bright and early to Fujairah – roughly a three hour drive to the east. The extreme contrasts between old and new is rarely more apparent than when witnessing them as a passenger. Huge, modern buildings give way to acres of desert, and I never did grow tired at the sight of wild camels. We were put up in another Rotana hotel, the five star Al Aqah Beach Resort & Spa. With sandy beaches, inviting pools at every turn, colonial style rooms, cocktail bars and that intense, wonderful heat, it’s no surprise that cultural excursions are low on the agenda here. Another attraction of Fujairah is its unique location as it borders the Indian Ocean instead of the Arabian Gulf, making it a haven for divers. We took a short boat trip to Snoopy Island (named after the Peanuts character as it resembles the lazy canine’s reclining silhouette) and went for a snorkel under the guidance of Frank, a mellow, nomadic diving instructor from Germany who provided us with beers and sodas straight from the cool box after our dip. All holidays have one lasting crystalline moment that you take home with you. As I watched the sun begin its descent behind the looming Hajar mountains, the call to prayer suddenly began, like an ethereal choir formed from the mountains themselves. Cold drink in hand, refreshed from the swim with that beautiful sound reverberating through the air I had a moment of clarity: it was this moment.

T he Low Down Thomas Cook Signature – 5 nights in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah from £870 pp. Staying 2 nights at the 5 star Yas Island Rotana on Yas Island and 3 nights at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in Fujairah on room and breakfast; www. thomascooksignature.com. Based on 2 adults sharing, and a June 2014 departure date, including coach transfers, the twin-centre option includes transfers between the two hotels. Etihad Airways runs a triple daily service from London Heathrow and a double daily service from Manchester to Abu Dhabi from where guests can fly to a choice of 84 worldwide destinations. Visit etihadairways.com or call 0845 608 1225.

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ABSOLUTELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

Turkish Delight Catherine Hales samples all Istanbul has to offer, from the Grand Bazaar to the Hagia Sophia WHERE TO STAY

The Shangri-La Hotel sits perched on the Bosphorous strait, occupying a spot on the European side flanked by the Dolmabahce Palace and the Naval Museum and looking out over a panoply of mosques, minarets and rolling hills on the Asian shore. The hotel itself makes a striking addition to the coastline being set so close to the water – a fact I discovered was even more impressive when viewed from my Deluxe Bosphorus room. Luxurious without being cloying or overdone, the pale carpets, high ceilings and enormous window gave it a wonderfully airy feel and the small Asian twists (such as the embroidered bedspread) lent character. On arrival I resisted the urge to throw myself onto the enormous and, as I discovered later, incredibly comfy bed and explored dramatic black marble bathroom instead, which did not disappoint. A bath you

could swim in, an almost unreasonably spacious shower and a loo with its own phone were all upstaged by my discovery of the television concealed in the mirror. Granted, I was unable to make it play anything other than The National Geographic channel in Turkish but that hardly seemed to matter. The hotel, which opened in May 2013, is home to two restaurants, a fully kitted out spa and health centre and some staggeringly grand conference and banquet facilities located down the magnificent staircase which spirals around the three storey chandelier.

WHERE TO EAT

In an odd twist of fate, I managed to come all the way to Turkey and end up eating some of the best Chinese food I’d ever had. Every Shangri-La Hotel has a Shang Palace restaurant, each with a different aesthetic designed to fit in with their location. The Istanbul branch was intimate and tastefully decorated avoiding any jarring notes between the Asian and Turkish influences. The food was exquisite and just kept coming with dish after dish of traditional Cantonese

fare - the duck, arriving in skin, pancake and finally noodle form was flawless, crispy and succulent in equal measure. For top notch traditional Turkish food however, the Köşebaşı Restaurant in the Nişantaşı region of Istanbul was the clear winner. Hummus that bore only a passing similarity to any found in the UK and which was gone almost as soon as it was put on the table, their signature Tarsusi kebab, marinated with Turkish spices and just the right amount of kick and the Lahmacun, a type of Turkish pizza were the standout dishes. The food was of an exceptional quality, unsurprising as Köşebaşı has been consistently rated as one of the world’s best restaurants by Conde Nast Traveller and Zagat but it truly did live up to the hype. For an evening meal with the potential to blossom into a night of dancing and drinking, 360 in Taksim would be the best bet although its panoramic view of the city and slightly gimmicky live entertainment do tend to attract a more touristy crowd.

WHERE TO SHOP

Istanbul is home to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets

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FOOD & TRAVEL Biblical characters like Mary and Jesus. This historical behemoth is located a stone’s throw from another unmissable Istanbul landmark, the Blue Mosque. Even from the outside the magnificence of this structure is breathtaking. The domes and minarets seem to multiply as you look on and the white of the stones gleams in the winter sun. Unfortunately this is the sum impression I was able to form as the queue to gain entry to The Blue Mosque was so long even my British stamina for standing in line was shaken. On a return visit I would definitely attempt to go inside as it is supposed to be even more impressive than the outside.

DON’T MISS

Turkish Hammam. I was able to sample this particular treatment at the CHI Spa in the Shangri-La Hotel and I would recommend it unreservedly. After having disrobed I was led into a white marble chamber lined with basins which had a large slab in the middle. I was instructed to lie on the slab on my back and then a jug of warm water was poured over me. This was followed by perhaps the most vigorous rubbing down I have ever received after which I was covered in warm foam, a sensation so strange I feel words can barely do it justice. This process was repeated with me lying on my front and then my hair was washed with wonderful smelling shampoo and I was sent on my way. When I blow dried it, my hair had never been shinier and my skin was silky smooth for days afterwards. If I had the means, I would do this every week.

in the world. The Bazaar attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily and has over 3,000 shops on 61 streets meaning that it is impossible to do anything more than scratch the surface in an afternoon. The main drag is dominated by souvenir shops and jewellers and despite stores being grouped together according to type I find it baffling, crowded and altogether overwhelming to the extent that I emerge blinking in the sudden sunlight having only purchased a few evil eye nik naks. The Turkish style of selling takes a bit of adjusting to and is no less voracious in the fabled Spice Market where I am proposed to several times - an experience which loses some of its lustre after the eleventh time. The Spice Market is something to behold, however, and the riotous colours and echoing catcalls seem to capture more of the vitality of Istanbul than The Grand Bazaar. Both are admittedly massive tourist traps but are worth seeing, even if only briefly. Serious shoppers looking for designer tags will find them in one place: Nişantaşı. This is Istanbul’s answer to Bond Street and is peppered with elegant cafés

and expensively dressed pedestrians and could be a street in almost any major Western city – a sure sign that the European side of Istanbul identifies somewhat with that culture.

FAMOUS SIGHTS

First Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city has an incredibly rich history including serving as the capital of four separate empires. Although a Christian stronghold for hundreds of years, the Ottoman invasion in 1453 transformed the city into a centre of Islam, a change represented in architectural form by the Hagia Sophia. Initially a church and later a mosque it no longer belongs to any denomination and instead serves as a museum as appointed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, first Turkish President and founder of the Turkish Republic. The inside has an incredible, hallowed atmosphere and the juxtaposition of enormous hanging discs inscribed with the names of Allah and Muhammad rub shoulders with mosaics of familiar

T he Damage

A double room at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul starts from 410 euros per room per night. Includes breakfast. Price includes tax and service. British Airways flies to Istanbul from London Heathrow, three times a day from £145 return.

britishairways.com. To book visit shangri-la.com or call 0800 028 3337

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APRIL 2014

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PROPERTY

Overstone Road, W6 Located in Brackenbury Village, this fabulous three double bedroom, three bathroom maisonette was the subject of a total refurbishment programme approximately 18 months ago. Offered in immaculate condition throughout, the maisonette is presented in a clean and modern style.

ÂŁ1,195,000 Share of Freehold Winkworth, Hammersmith / 020 7371 4466; winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

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You may know us from walking your dog, local charity events or simply recognise a familiar face. Because many of our agents live where they work, they really understand what matters to buyers and sellers there. And because people know us, time and again we are able to sell and let properties more quickly and more profitably than anyone else.

T A N YA M C F E E LY S AL E S M AN AG ER

Tanya is a true Brook Green local since leaving her native Ireland five years ago. Having decided that Brook Green was an eclectic mixture of big city life and village familiarity, she decided it was not only a great place to live but also a great place to work. Consequently Tanya knows what is going on socially, communally and commercially in all corners of W14 and brings this unique perspective to the office every day.

C H E L S E A 0 2 0 7 5 8 9 6 67 7 — K E N S I N G T O N 0 2 0 7 7 9 5 42 8 8 N O T T I N G H I L L 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 4 8 0 5 — L A D B R O K E G R O V E 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 3 3 0 — B R O O K G R E E N 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1 L A N D & N E W H O M E S 0 2 0 7 3 1 3 7 7 1 1 — D E V E L O P M E N T & I N V E S T M E N T 0 2 0 7 3 1 3 7 7 1 1 — C O M M E R C I A L 0 2 0 7 9 8 5 07 1 5 W W W. B EC TIVE .CO.U K FIND US ON

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Coningham Road

SHEPHERDS BUSH W12

Lakeside Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A stylish and sophisticated lifestyle is at the heart of this Victorian terrace house (200 sq m/2,152 sq ft approx.) having undergone full remodelling and refurbishment. The house has an easy flow and is decorated in a light and contemporary manner. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, reception room/bedroom 5, kitchen/diner, cloakroom, utility room, garden. EPC Rating C.

A substantial, late Victorian family home (175 sq m/1,884 sq ft approx.) offering bright and well proportioned accommodation. The house is bright with high ceilings and is decorated in a contemporary manner. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, (1 en suite) reception room, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, cellar utility room, garden. EPC Rating D.

FREEHOLD £1,595,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

FREEHOLD £1,450,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Blythe Road

Girdlers Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Thoughtfully configured, this extremely bright and spacious upper maisonette (96 sq m/1,033 sq ft approx.) has undergone extensive refurbishment. The interiors are fresh and contemporary with neutral colour schemes and solid Oak flooring across the second floor. The property has a good flow while enjoying excellent proportions. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, dining room, loft storage. EPC Rating D.

An Ideally located property just off Brook Green, this bright and spacious three bedroom top floor duplex (89 sq m/958 sq ft approx.) boasts a generous southerly roof terrace. Beyond the door of this white stucco fronted Victorian building, lays impressive proportions flooded with natural light. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining room/ reception room, storage, roof terrace. EPC Rating D

LEASEHOLD £875,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

LEASEHOLD £850,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7313 7711

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 FIND US ON

BROOK GREEN 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Blythe Road

13:42

BROOK GREEN W14

Sinclair Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Beautifully presented, this stunning ground floor flat (76 sq m/818 sq ft approx.) in the heart of Brook Green has undergone extensive refurbishment and boasts many special features throughout. The flat is entered at ground level where a generous porch can be found. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, open plan reception room/kitchen, storage room. EPC Rating C.

A very unique and large one bedroom flat occupying the whole of the raised ground floor of this substantial Victorian terraced house. The property offers excellent proportions with notably high ceilings throughout and tall bay windows in the reception room as well as bedroom. Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, storage.

LEASEHOLD £695,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

SHARE OF FREEHOLD £685,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Netherwood Road

Avonmore Place

BROOK GREEN W14

A well proportioned and bright first floor flat (49 sq m/527 sq ft approx.) converted from a wide Victorian end of terrace house. The flat has high ceilings and is decorated in a neutral manner with full width reception with large bay window to the front of the house and double bedroom with built in storage to the rear. Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, reception room. EPC Rating D.

A bright and spacious flat (43 sq m/463 sq ft approx.) which would be perfect for a first time buy or an ideal rental investment. Located on the third floor of what was once an old dairy, this property is presented in excellent condition throughout, and in a fantastic location just off Hammersmith Road. Bedroom, en suite bathroom, open plan reception room/ kitchen. EPC Rating D.

SHARE OF FREEHOLD £460,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

LEASEHOLD £410,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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Burnaby Gardens

CH I SWI CK W4

Netherwood Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A great opportunity to rent a very spacious family home on this popular road. The house has been refurbished to a very high standard and offers ample living accommodation. The house offers a spacious ground floor entertaining space with utility room and garage. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), 2 reception rooms, kitchen, garage, garden. EPC Rating C.

A stunning family home, with exceptional entertaining space and fantastic sized bedrooms is available to rent on a popular road close to the Central Line. This well designed, extremely modern house has masses of built in storage and benefits from a private roof terrace and wooden flooring throughout. 5 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, en suite bathroom, reception room, kitchen, roof terrace. EPC Rating D.

UNFURNISHED £1,250 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

UNFURNISHED £1 ,150 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Avonmore Gardens

Sinclair Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A large, lateral flat ideal for professional sharers in a convenient location for commuting. This flat has been completely refurbished throughout, it benefits from great views, plenty of natural light and is presented in good order. Avonmore Gardens is a short walk to West Kensington station. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom, reception room, kitchen. EPC Rating D.

A great opportunity to rent a spacious property with large private garden and ample entertaining space. This is a great flat with good natural light for a lower ground floor and excellent built in storage. The flat has been recently refurbished and is presented to a very high standard. 2 bedrooms, shower room with sauna, reception room, semi open plan kitchen, garden. EPC Rating C.

FURNISHED £650 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

FURNISHED £550 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7313 7711

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 FIND US ON

BROOK GREEN 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Glazbury Road

13:43

BROOK GREEN W14

Netherwood Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

A stylish, spacious and completely refurbished split level flat with large bedrooms and plenty of natural light. The square footage is approximately 910 sq ft. This very unique flat has been redesigned to provide modern accommodation and much larger than average bedrooms. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, open plan kitchen and reception room. EPC Rating D.

A smart flat with high ceilings and good size living area. This well presented property benefits from wooden flooring, modern appliances and great living space. This flat is in a fantastic location for the local amenities, within close proximity from the Central Line at Shepherd’s Bush and the Westfield Centre. Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, study, kitchen. EPC rating D.

UNFURNISHED £495 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

F U R N / PA R T F U R N I S H E D £ 4 4 0 P E R W E E K B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Carthew Villas

Sinclair Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

BROOK GREEN W14

A newly refurbished and modern flat with a fantastic roof terrace situated on a quiet road in the heart of Brackenbury Village. Carthew Villas is located just off Brackenbury Road and close to the many transport links at Hammersmith Broadway or Goldhawk Road station (District Line). 2 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen, roof terrace. EPC Rating E.

A high spec modern apartment with ample storage and great aspect towards Kensington. A great opportunity to rent a smart, modern flat that has been completely refurbished to provide good storage and an excellent quality finish. Sinclair Road is just a very short walk from the Central Line at Shepherds Bush. Bedroom, bathroom, reception, kitchen. EPC Rating D.

FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED £425 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

FURNISHED £325 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS NARENDRA GANDHI Partner at Winkworth, Ealing

Photography: Rebecca Noonan

t’s six o’clock on a Saturday morning and there was a time when I would be struggling from the night before. Not these days! With two young children, everything now is approached with military precision, or at least with best intentions. Saturday and Sunday is a time for me to get my jogging gear on and try to unwind by running around Ealing Common armed with a stopwatch, trying to beat my personal best each time. As it happens, one of my personal bests was a time when I was chased by a very fierce looking Rhodesian Ridgeback off its lead. I broke out in a cold sweat when its owner told me such dogs were used to fight lions back in the day… I live to tell the tale. My wife and I have now lived in Ealing for well over a decade and buying into a Winkworth franchise happened by pure chance at a time when I had been operating at various senior Estate Agency positions in the corporate world. I had got to a stage in my life when I wanted to run my own business, yet have the support of a strong brand name too. Winkworth has offered this and much more, particularly with our new software package which allows us to access buyers from a number of our other 60 London offices. Winkworth have been established in the Ealing & Acton area for over 20 years and I recall at the time of going into partnership, my business partner telling me that it would be like a ‘marriage’, and he was not wrong! With fourteen staff members in the office, there is never a dull moment. Over the past

two decades Ealing has witnessed monumental changes in the area as a whole. It continues to attract buyers from neighbouring Chiswick, Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith. Why? You might well ask. Well, I can give you many reasons: • Good schools (particularly the Public Schools for girls) • Good garden sizes compared to our neighbouring boroughs • The availability of parking and of course, the transport links with the prospect of the much talked about Crossrail, which will half the commuting time for those Ealing and Acton residents working in the City. I guess it is little wonder that Ealing, known as ‘Queen of the Suburbs’, is buzzing with activity, given the fact that early last year it was branded as one of the top three hotspot boroughs in London. I’m sure that over time it will become even more of a magnet for the young professionals, whilst still catering for the traditional family market... It’s Sunday, late morning, time for my wife and I to take the girls swimming… It’s never ending, but I certainly would not have it any other way!

� 020 8896 0123; winkworth.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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An extended five bedroom, semi detached house offering 1,920 sq ft of living and entertaining space and a 98ft east south facing garden with a large decked sun terrace area.

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03/03/2014 09:59 11:41 03/03/2014

Richford Street, Hammersmith, W6 £1,500,000 Freehold Brook Green 020 3542 2020 Email sbg@kfh.co.uk

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A beautifully presented and well proportioned four bedroom Victorian family home. Located along a quiet residential street, close to Brackenbury Village and Shepherd’s Bush Central underground station for the Central Line.

• • • • • • • • • •

Four bedrooms Two bathrooms Superb condition Large eat in kitchen Additional study Original period features West facing garden Close to local amenities Excellent transport links EPC rating E

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04.14

Ravenscourt Road, Ravenscourt Park, W6 £2,250,000 Freehold Hammersmith 020 8563 9633 Email shm@kfh.co.uk

10:00

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This five double bedroom Victorian townhouse offers generous proportions with high ceilings, period features and an open plan living space leading to a lawned rear garden.

• • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Open plan living space Beautiful period features High ceilings Front and rear gardens Convenient location Planning permission

03/03/2014 09:05 11:41 03/03/2014

King Street, Hammersmith, W6 Prices from ÂŁ625,000 Just one remaining new build, one bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor of this landmark residential development. This apartment is spacious, has outside space and benefits from underground gated parking. St Peters Place is due to be completed in Spring 2014. Leasehold. Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk

Interior images shown are for representation purposes only

Computer generated images

King Street, Hammersmith, W6 Prices from ÂŁ1,400,000 A collection of beautiful new build townhouses set around a desirable residential square. These stunning houses offer both three and five bedroom accommodation with outside space and underground gated parking. St Peters Place is due to be complete in Spring 2014. Freehold. Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk

Computer generated images

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St Marys Grove, Chiswick, W4 £6,500 pcm Unfurnished Chiswick 020 8987 0099 Email lck@kfh.co.uk

A stunning five bedroom family house boasting a spacious kitchen/ breakfast room, impressive double reception room, four modern bathrooms and a private garden. Situated in a great location for local schools and Chiswick train and Gunnersbury stations.

• • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Two bathrooms Large double reception room Bright and modern kitchen/breakfast room Superb private garden Great for transport and schools EPC rating E

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

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Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 £7,345 pcm Unfurnished Hammersmith 020 8563 9889 Email lhm@kfh.co.uk

A beautiful five bedroom family house overlooking the River Thames. The property is arranged over four floors and boasts a spacious kitchen, two bathrooms and a private garden.

• • • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Modern kitchen/breakfast room Double reception room Two bathrooms Private garden Overlooking the River Thames Close to Ravenscourt Park tube EPC rating E

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Development Round up

Per Month � Northfields

020 8740 8833; enquiries@northfields.co.uk

Prices start from

£599,995

� Linden Homes

0844 644 1582; lindenhomes.co.uk

Montford Palce, TW16

£1,950

‘Terrazzo’ staircase will also be preserved along with its classically styled balustrades. The revival continues outside, where beautifully landscaped private gardens (over the new basement car park, recently constructed) feature the original concrete fountain surround, which will be restored to its former glory as an impressive centrepiece.

Claremont Grove, W4

verlooking the green surroundings with a stylish interior, is this collection of 18 three bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartments. Each apartment has a spacious bright reception room with dual aspect double glazed windows, wood flooring and a dining area. The ground floor apartments have patio doors offering direct access to the shared gardens with extended views of the immediate greenery. The bespoke white gloss kitchens with dark wood accents have a contemporary style that makes the space well-suited to entertaining. The three double bedrooms share the same contemporary sense of style as the rest of the apartment and offer exceptionally large built in wardrobes with carpeting and gas central heating for that snug warm feeling. The master bedroom has an ensuite shower room. Set close to the River Thames this elegant three storey development is well-positioned to enjoy the best Chiswick has to offer.

Ashlar Court, W6

shlar Court is a fine specimen of how International Modernism influenced British civic architecture of the 1930s. The building is of load-bearing masonry construction, punctuated by the regular spacing of the timber sliding sash windows. Steel windows, with their typically slender frames were also utilised; for the ‘winter gardens’ and the stair towers. Linden Homes is also making some further additions to the building under the guise of both masonry construction, built using handmade bricks in ‘monk’ bond, to match the existing brickwork and the introduction of contemporary ‘pavilions’ on the accommodation wings. The introduction of large powder coated aluminium windows on these extremely stylish top floor apartments, ultimately give a light and airy feel. While the refurbished homes offer innovative layouts for stylish modern living, Linden Homes’ approach has been to prioritise the restoration of Ashlar Court’s unique character. The existing iconic brass clocks will be celebrated at Ashlar Court, following a meticulous refurbishment before they are reinstated in the building for visitors to see. Among the listed features being retained are spectacular travertine and bronze fireplaces, walnut veneer panelling and woodblock floors. The

idden in a pretty spot just a short stroll from the River Thames in Lower Sunbury, Surrey, lays Montford Place, a collection of homes rousing an interest much bigger than its intimate scale. It’s a quiet, gated community from award-wining Linden Homes made up of traditional three, four and five-bedroom Georgianstyle houses, plus two-bedroom apartments. Montford Place’s village setting is a big draw for those looking for a unique setting on the outskirts of London. The neighbourhood is surrounded by the friendly atmosphere of Lower Sunbury: a riverside community clustered with green spaces and parks, shops and eateries. The development itself rests within a conservation area near a long sweeping bend of the River Thames. Handily close to bustling Walton-on-Thames, it’s in the borough of Spelthorne. In common with all Linden Homes’ developments, each Montford Place property comes with integrated kitchen appliances as standard, plus a 10-year NHBC warranty for peace of mind, as well as a two-year customer care warranty.

Prices start from

£710,000 � Linden Homes

0844 417 5318; lindenhomes.co.uk.

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BATH ROAD, W4 A beautifully presented Grade II Listed family house situated in the Bedford Park Conservation Area. Subject of considerable refurbishment and retaining a wealth of period features. Approx. 2,226 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 5 bedrooms, dressing room, 2 bathrooms, double reception room, dining room, garden. Freehold Guide Price £2,250,000 SOLD

Airedale Avenue, W4

SOLD

Guide £1,850,000 Bedford Road, W4

SOLD

Guide £3,850,000 Cranbrook Road, W4

CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk

JOHN D WOOD_APR.indd 2 Absolutely C/W FEB24 2014.indd 4

SOLD

Guide £1,090,000 Cornwall Grove, W4

Guide £999,950

johndwood.co.uk

28/02/2014 27/02/2014 16:24 15:03

Abso

ENNISMORE AVENUE, W4 A newly built detached house situated just off Chiswick High Road and offering contemporary living space. Convenient for both Turnham Green and Stamford Brook Underground stations. Energy Rating: A. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 en suite), dressing room, kitchen/breakfast room, reception room/dining room, family/cinema room, sauna/steam room, courtyard, garden. Freehold Guide Price £2,900,000 SOLD

Chiswick Green Studios, W4

SOLD

Guide £799,950 Watchfield Court, W4

SOLD

Guide £695,000 Chiswick Mall, W4

CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk

15:03

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SOLD

Excess £2,000,000 Theresa Road, W6

Guide £1,200,000

johndwood.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase

Vendor Advice Should I have a survey carried out?

aving a full structural survey carried out can save a lot of time, money and heart ache in the long run. There can be any number of hidden problems with a property, such as structural defects, rot and subsidence, which only a surveyor is trained to identify. A structural survey investigates all aspects of the building, including the types of materials used, the condition of the roof, the state of the foundations, the integrity of the walls and much more. Thankfully, structural surveyors act solely for the buyer, offering impartial advice while having a legal responsibility to find any major problems, so if you do subsequently find issues which should have been identified, you may be able to claim compensation from the surveyor. On the other hand, if you opt to have a basic Mortgage Valuation Report or Homebuyers Survey carried out, you have very little (if any) comeback down the line should you find problems which were not spotted.

Tanya McFeely

Sales Manager at Bective Leslie Marsh, Brook Green 

020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

bright and spacious four double bedroom, three bathroom family house situated on the west side of Caithness Road, which is directly off the north side of Brook Green. There are two fabulous floors of living space; a formal double reception on the raised ground floor, and fantastic garden level floor of playroom/media area to the front of the house with fi replace, kitchen area and conservatory breakfast/family area leading on the west facing garden.

Details

Caithness Road, W14 £2,600,000

Contact

Finlay Brewer, Brook Green 020 7371 4171; finlaybrewer.co.uk

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020 8740 8833 www.northfields.co.uk

LETTINGS CLAREMONT GROVE, W4 A collection of 18 three bedroom luxury apartments in W4 Overlooking the green surroundings with a stylish interior, we think these completely refurbished apartments have a magnetic attraction that you’ll find tempting. Each apartment has a bright reception room with dual aspect windows, three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, bespoke white gloss kitchens with dark wood accents and all appliances including dishwasher and washer/dryer. Located not far from the Hogarth Roundabout and the A4, this development has access to quick routes in and out of the capital.

£1950 pcm / £450 pw • Set close to the River Thames • Allocated off street parking • Direct access to communal gardens • Total floor area: 85m². EPC: Band C • Close to Chiswick Station

Northfield Avenue Ealing BroadwayPitshanger LaneShepherds BushPaddington NORTHFIELDSv2.indd 3

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St George’s Hill, Weybridge

A beautifully presented and immaculate bespoke Octagon Home built in recent years. Master bedroom suite • Two further bedroom suites • Two additional bedrooms Two family bathrooms • Games room/bedroom six • Drawing room • Dining room Kitchen/breakfast/family room • Study • TV/media room • Utility room • Garaging Gardens • Approximately 5,039 sq ft • Energy Rating: C

01932 798 104

stuart.cole@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £3,650,000

Over 670 Offices in 49 Countries SOTHEBYS_APR.indd 6622 SIRCOB Richmond2Absolutely 2 Page.indd 1

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6622

St George’s Hill, Weybridge

A magnificent, balanced family home, backing directly onto the golf course. Five bedroom suites • Staff apartment • Five reception rooms • Indoor pool complex Tennis Court • Level mature gardens • Backs directly onto the golf course Plot of over 1 acre • Private garden • Approximately 8,127 Sq ft • Energy Rating: C

01932 798 104

stuart.cole@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £7,950,000

Over 670 Offices in 49 Countries

15:09

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Kerr Absolutely DPS Feb 2014_Kerr Westside Ad templates 28/02/2014 15:08 Page 1

75 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 8EH

sales@kerrandco.com

www.kerrandco.com Stowe Road, W12 £699,950 Share of FH A beautifully presented light and spacious two bedroom flat in good condition set on the ground floor of this period building on Stowe Road. The flat comprises of a large entrance hall, reception and dining room and private garden. It has a large double bedroom, second double bedroom, modern kitchen and bathroom both with under floor heating.

Blades Court, Lower Mall, London, W6 £925,000 Share of FH A two bedroom two bath flat set within this gated riverside development with views over the River Thames providing a large dual aspect reception room with doors on to the private patio garden, principle master bedroom suite, a second double bedroom, second bathroom and a kitchen off the reception room.

✆ 020 8743 1166 KERR & CO_APR.indd 2

28/02/2014 15:12

www.kerrandco.com

A beautifully presented family home

Richford Street, London, W6 £1,799,950

This end of terrace Victorian house has been sympathetically restored by the current owners to provide balanced accommodation over four floors. The lower ground floor comprises of cloakroom, kitchen/dining/family room whilst the raised ground floor has a dual aspect reception room leading on to a rear balcony.

To the first floor there is the master bedroom, family bathroom and an additional double bedroom – there are two double bedrooms on the second floor. There is a landscaped rear garden measuring approximately 62ft.

✆ 020 8743 1166 KERR & CO_APR.indd 3

28/02/2014 15:13

S wor n &C o C H I S W I C K

194 Chiswick High RoadChiswickLondon W4 1PD

Sale, Letting, Survey Valuation of properties in Chiswick sales@swornandco.com 020 8995 3076 www.swornandco.com

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SOLD

Central Chiswick, W4

A stunning one bedroom apartment.

Riverside, W4

A beautifully presented two bedroom apartment.

SOLD

Grove Park, W4

A detached house on a large wide plot.

Sworn & Co would like to thank all of their clients who successfully sold their properties through our agency in 2013â&#x20AC;Ś

SOLD

Chiswick, W4

An outstanding extended ďŹ ve bedroom home.

SOLD

without you we would not have achieved the sales we have. We are proud to say that not a single sale fell through throughout the whole year and look forward to more of the same in 2014.

SOLD

Acton, W3

A unique one bedroom home.

SWORN&CO_march.2.indd 3

Chiswick, W4

A three bedroom home near Chiswick High Road.

SOLD

Chiswick, W4

A four storey home in need of modernisation.

SOLD

Shepherds Bush, W12 A substantial four bedroom family home.

30/01/2014 16:18

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FITZGIBBON_APR.indd 3

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020 8749 7719

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

INDEPENDENT

INVOLVED

CMYK

COVERDALE ROAD W12

FREEHOLD GUIDE £1,800,000

5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS  DOUBLE RECEPTION ROOM  FULL WIDTH KITCHEN / DINING ROOM FAMILY BATHROOM  2 BATHROOMS (1 EN-SUITE)  CELLAR  WESTERLY FACING GARDEN  EPC RATING E42

GODOLPHIN ROAD W12

SHARE OF FREEHOLD £650,000

2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS  OPEN PLAN RECEPTION / DINING / KITCHEN EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM  BATHROOM  EAVES STORAGE  PRIVATE ENTRANCE  EPC RATING C72

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

Finlay Brewer_APR.indd 2

28/02/2014 12:50

020 7371 4171

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

INDEPENDENT

INVOLVED CMYK

GODOLPHIN ROAD W12

£1,300 PW / £5,633 PCM

BEAUTIFUL FOUR BEDROOM FAMILY HOUSE  TWO FLOORS OF LIVING SPACE  LARGE STYLISH KITCHEN IMPRESSIVE  WEST FACING GARDEN  EPC RATING E 53

WOLVERTON GARDENS W6

£790 PW / £3,423 PCM

LOVELY 3 BEDROOM FAMILY HOUSE  DOUBLE RECEPTION  EAT-IN KITCHEN  FAMILY BATHROOM PAVED GARDEN  EPC RATING F 34

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

Finlay Brewer_APR.indd 3

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ROLFE EAST Thinking of moving...

Montpelier Road, Ealing, W5 2QP

51 The Mall Ealing W5 3TA

020 8567 2242

£4,999,950 Freehold

Rolfe East are proud to offer this magnificent ‘one of a kind’ residence in Ealing! Situated within the Montpelier School catchment, this premier seven double bedroom detached home offers luxurious living and occupies a double sized plot. Offering huge entertainment space, reception rooms and a luxury fully fitted kitchen, the property boasts a further three bathrooms on the upper levels as well as a large loft, balcony to the front and huge basement below. Outside, it offers secure forecourt parking via remote gates, a garage and side access to the rear! Call our local Ealing office for further information on 0208 567 2242.

To see our full range of properties visit us online

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property News DEODAR ROAD, SW15

House Hunting Gordon Lindsay

Director of Gordon Lindsay Associates � 020 8400 2726; gordonlindsayassociates.com

Property I’d most like on my books and why... Any two bedroom flats near the high road or the local transport facilities. We have a number of investors looking to add to existing portfolios in these areas specifically. The best place to invest... It’s always best to invest in properties located close to transport in Chiswick or Hammersmith, ideally just off the High

Road. One or two bedrooms, furnished or unfurnished, are best. The most interesting property I have been involved in is... Years ago I was involved in an old convent in Ealing that had squatters in. It was massive and had loads of potential, but had some covenants that complicated future development.

The toughest sale and why... Fortunately we haven’t had many tough sales - as long as you deal with issues straight away most things can be sorted out without too much fuss. Finest property showcase... One a bit off our normal patch, a fabulous three bedroom Riverside property in Putney agreed just shy of the asking price.

Finlay Brewer supports The Upper Room

inlay Brewer are delighted to have begun what they hope will be a long association with the charity The Upper Room by sponsoring their inaugural series of Winter Lectures. The charity works with socially disadvantaged people including the homeless, economic migrants and ex-offenders to help them improve their lives and give them the confidence to become economically independent. The fi rst of these profi le raising lectures attracted great audiences

to the St Saviour Wendell Park Church, home to the Upper Room, to hear speakers including Sir Michael Pownell KCB, Clerk to the House of Lords and Matthew Morgan, speaking on ‘The Painter Zoffany’s Life in Chiswick’. Still to come are: media expert Torin Douglas MBE, who will be discussing

‘Turmoil at the BBC – can it restore trust?’ and Andy Slaughter MP who will be examining ‘The Future for Palestine’. To fi nd out more about this extraordinary charity and The Winter Lectures, go to fi nlaybrewer.co.uk/ news or theupperroom.org.uk.

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ABSOLUTELY Property FEATURED PROPERTY

MINUTES WITH...

Charles Lang Associate Chesterton Humberts, Chiswick Sales

� 020 8995 3443; chestertonhumberts.com

What makes Chesterton Humberts the goto-agent in the area? An enthusiastic and energetic approach, coupling professional knowledge with a client orientated attitude. How long have you been in the area? The majority of our team are local Chiswick residents and have lived in the area for all of their lives. What is your company ethos? Property transactions can be an incredibly stressful time. Our customer focused approach is aimed at making the process as trouble free as possible.

Hartington Road, W4 £1,495,000 Freehold

ocated in this peaceful riverside modern development just off Hartington Road, this fabulous end of terrace townhouse offers spacious accommodation over four floors. Accommodation includes a large well appointed kitchen/breakfast room, first floor reception room with study area and wood floors, top floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and balcony overlooking communal gardens, family bathroom, two further bedrooms, and dressing room/bedroom 4. There is also a private patio area which in turn leads to the extensive communal gardens, off street parking and garage for storage/ motorbikes/cycles.

What can we expect for the market in the Spring/Summer? Both the property prices and the volume of new instructions are increasing, meaning that the early forecast for this year is looking to be very promising indeed.

A buoyant buy-to-let market Katie White

Associate Director of Fitz-Gibbon, St Margaret’s Letting Team � 020 8892 8921; fitzgibbon.co.uk

ere at Fitz-Gibbon, we have seen a real increase in first time investors entering the buy-to-let market. Many are looking to secure an income for their retirement rather than opting for traditional pension funds. This has in turn brought desirable and good quality properties to the rental market. As lettings specialists, we are looking forward to bringing some exciting properties to the market, which will offer both a good return and strong capital growth in the future.

No rain on Acton’s parade

Stuart Balfré

Sales Manager at Bushells � 020 8993 6767; bushells.com

Bective go the extra mile

he weather is no obstacle for our motivated buyers here in Acton. The majority of our buyers have braved these stormy conditions to result in one of the most electric starts seen in Acton for many years. Th is has unsurprisingly seen even more properties go under offer within hours of coming to the market, showing not only the strength of the market but the determination of buyers to be involved in the future of the area.

� 020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

ective Leslie Marsh’s Brook Green office can boast unparalleled success for both sales and lettings achieving record prices. The secret to their success is Sales Manager Tanya McFeely and Lettings Manager Brianna Joss’s unique ability to introduce serious buyers and tenants to the neighbourhood from our Notting Hill, Kensington and Chelsea offices. Many of these applicants have not initially considered the area or

realised its value for money in comparison. Tanya and Brianna go the extra mile. Organising and throwing themselves into a variety of charity events, they make sure they not only know the local area, but also know the local community.

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

2 Bedroom apartments from £750,000

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

For more information

0844 644 1576 lindenhomes.co.uk/ashlarcourt

Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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25/02/2014 27/02/2014 12:25 14:47

ABSOLUTELY Property

Luxurious Lettings

Lowdown

for Landlords Preparing for viewings

andlords need to see their rental property as prospective tenants would see them. Go to your property, imagine you’re a prospective tenant, and walk in. This can be illuminating: things that were OK when you had your landlord’s hat on can be a complete turn-off when you’re playing tenant. The previous tenants should have made good any incidental damage and arranged a professional clean. However, your property may still be in need of a general sprucing up. Ask your lettings agent to visit the property with you. Agents spend a lot of time with prospective tenants and can tell you how to give your property the added edge. Usually, it’ll just be some general upgrading and a few cosmetic touches. A good agent can also tell you not just what needs doing, but where to source the materials and labour.

A stunning architect designed contemporary house with a range of unique and energy efficient features.

�

esigned by an award winning architect, this family home is the pinnacle of contemporary living. Boasting a host of features such as electrically operated privacy glass, LED voice activated lighting, under floor heating and an extremely high energy efficiency rating, the property is ideal for the Tenant looking for a unique and cutting edge property. The layout comprises an impressive entrance with oversized doorway, large open plan reception and fully equipped kitchen with gold leaf designed bar, patio, WC, lower ground floor with exceptionally sized reception, double bedroom with en-suite, study room and access externally to a small patio, first floor with three double bedrooms, each with built in storage and black out facilities, and a stunning modern bathroom with heated towel walls.

Sean Kerr Lettings Manager at Kerr & Co. � 020 8743 4332; kerrandco.com

Details

Keith Grove, W12 £1,100 Per Week

Contact

Marsh & Parsons 020 7605 7760; marshandparsons.co.uk

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GREYHOUND ROAD, HAMMERSMITH, W6

£385,000

This one bed has been refurbished to a very high standard and is a great opportunity for a first time buyer or an investor. The property is located seconds away from Queens Club and holds quick convenient access to all the local amenities at Hammersmith Broadway, Fulham Broadway and West Kensington. The closest underground station are Barons Court, Hammersmith and West Kensington.

RAVENSCROFT ROAD, CHISWICK, W4

£2,145 PCM + FEES

A beautiful two/three bedroom property located in the very heart of Chiswick. The property consists of two double bedrooms and a single which can be converted into a study, fully equipped kitchen, spacious tiled bathroom, a large bright reception with wooden floors and balcony. The balcony gives access to steps which lead down to a large garden. WWW.LONDON-ESTATES.NET 020 8741 8485

61, DALLING ROAD HAMMERSMITH LONDON, W6 OJD OFFICE@LONDON-ESTATES.NET

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featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Mayfield Avenue, Chiswick

£2,000,000 A well presented four bedroom, three bathroom, Victorian semi-detached house naturally arranged over three floors and situated on one of Chiswick’s premier roads. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

Chiswick

Fulham

Clapham

Richmond

Twickenham

Hammersmith

Chelsea

Putney

Kew

Teddington

West Kensington

Battersea

Barnes

Sheen

Kingston

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Wellesley Road, Chiswick

£1,395,000 A renovated five bedroom, three bathroom family house arranged over three floors with bi-folding doors leading to a southerly facing patio and mature garden. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

Wavendon Avenue, Chiswick

£1,750,000 Located on one of Chiswick's more desirable roads, This period house, arranged over three floors, has four bedrooms and three bathrooms 32' garden with rear access. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

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SALES SALES

5 -7 Tur n h a m G re e n Te rra ce, C h isw ic k , Lon don , W4 1R G Tel 0 2 0 8 7 4 7 8 8 0 0 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E-m a i l i n fo @wh i t m a n a n dco.com · We bsite w w w. w h i t m a n a n dco. co m

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, KINGS HOUSE, W4 W4

£465,000 £2,950,000

LETTINGS SALES

An amazingly light, well presented triple discreetly aspect flat the added benefit of athe balcony and private Three bedrooms, luxury Luxury bathroom, A newly built contemporary detached house, set with behind secure gates, boasting latest technology andgarden. ideally positioned for all amenities. 14' reception room, fully integrated kitchen, fired central heating, share in the freehold, room balcony privateroof, garden with side access. Ideally master suite, Four further bedrooms, Three furthergas luxury bathrooms, Sauna/Steam room, 25’Reception withand retractable 25’ Bespoke Kitchen/Breakfast situated within close20’ proximity of Chiswick tube station and the extensive andstreet restaurant Chiswick High room, Fully integrated Cinema/Family room, Park Private landscaped gardens, Additional shopping courtyard, Off parkingfacilities for 3 cars.on Ideally situated justRoad. north of Chiswick High Road offering close proximity to the boutique shops, clubs and restaurants and Turnham Green Tube Station. No chain.

LINDEN GARDENS, OAKBROOK, W6 W4

£330£850,000 PER WEEK

newly decorated ground flat with private facing century garden.mansion. Large double withensuite wardrobes, reception room with A majestic, gothic stylelower apartment set floor withingarden this detached Grade II listedwest nineteenth Master bedroom bedroom with bathroom & roof terrace, wood floors, with shower over, fittedroom, kitchen, The flat is on one of Chiswick's roads, moments shops, Second doublebathroom bedroom with luxury ensuite shower 26’3 xgarden. 14’8 Reception room, Fully integrated kitchenbest with located granite work surfaces, Utilityfrom room,the Video entry phone, cafés Communal landscaped gardens, off street parking, Automatic security gates, Ideally located within proximityfurnished. of Stamford Brook restaurants on the High Road and 5 Allocated minutes from Turnham Green station. The property is available earlyclose September, Station and the extensive shopping and restaurant facilities on Chiswick High Road.

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SALES LETTINGS POINT COTTAGE, WHARF LANE, LAMB W4TW8

£350 PER WEEK £1,600,000

SALES

ABeautifully stunning Grade II listed two cottage on one of Chiswick’s premier roads The River Thames. This former historical public house now offers masteropen bedroom presented double bedroom second floor flatsituated in this by highly sought after riverside development. Boasting a stunning plan with ensuite bathroom, three double bedrooms, bathroom, roof terrace,Large generous lateral space with separate area, fitted kitchen, kitchen reception room, a further river side balcony and a family master ensuite bedroom. open planreception reception room, fully fitteddining kitchen with granite work utility a stunning / cinema / study downstairs. Very good access to A4/M4 for routes into central London and out to the West. tops, room, fittedcloakroom wardrobesand and riversidegames views.room Underground parking space included.

SPENCER ROAD, W4 W4 QUEEN ANNES GROVE,

£430£1,150,000 PER WEEK

AAspacious semi and detached five bedroom familytwo house ideallybedroom located in this residential street close amenities. bedrooms, Three Bathrooms, large, light beautifully presented double flat tree on lined this highly desirable roadtoinallthe heart Five of Bedford Park, just minutes from Two reception rooms, Fully integrated kitchen, Private landscaped garden, street for two cars. Situated within close proximity of Chiswick Turnham Green underground station. TopConservatory, floor position ensures beautiful viewsOff from theparking reception and bedrooms. (main line) Station, bus routes and local shopping and restaurant facilities.

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AWA R D

WINNING

Stuart Road, Acton, W3

ÂŁ806 per week

An exquisite, newly renovated four bedroom family home boasting stunning modern features and stylish accommodation, ideally located on the borders of Poetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner in Acton. The property has been refurbished to the highest standard throughout, comprising of a double reception room, a state-of-the-art kitchen with high spec appliances and dining area with bi-fold doors leading to a delightful rear garden. Churchfield Road is nearby and offers a superb selection of independent shops and cafes, as well as Acton Central Station (Overground lines). 82 High Street, Acton, London, W3 6QX Tel: 020 8997 0076 enquiries@orchardsoflondon.com

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

King Edwards Gardens, Acton, W3

£3,700,000

An incredible seven bedroom detached family home, exceeding 6500 sq ft, offering generous living and entertaining space, presented in good condition and located in a popular road on the Ealing/Acton borders. The property comprises an extensive ground ﬂoor offering ﬁve reception rooms, a good size kitchen with kitchenette, downstairs bedroom and bathroom, amazing storage, a bright and spacious workshop and private garage, as well as a beautiful landscaped garden. Located close to Ealing Common and Acton Town Stations (Piccadilly and District lines).

Maldon Road, Acton, W3

£830 per week

Orchards of London are delighted to offer to the market this fabulous five double bedroom family home, finished to an excellent standard throughout, benefitting from two bathrooms and a roof terrace, located in the popular Poet’s Corner of Acton. The property comprises a large double reception room with wood floor, guest Maldon Road is ideally situated in heart of Poets corner just moments from the ever popular Churchfield Road and Acton Central station. Tenancy charges may vary. All Fees stated are exclusive of VAT. Preparation of Tenancy Agreement &/or Change of Occupancy: £200 (per tenant), deposit, check-in Fee £195 (optional). End of the tenancy agreement: Check out fee of £195 if the property has an inventory conducted on tenancy commencement. Renewal Fee of £195 which falls due after initial fixed term. Contract change £200. Rent advertised does not include any additional services such as council tax, water or utility charges unless stipulated otherwise.

82 High Street, Acton, London, W3 6QX Tel: 020 8997 0076 enquiries@orchardsoﬂondon.com

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AWA R D

WINNING

Waldeck Road, Ealing, W5

£1,650,000

A truly exquisite five bedroom detached family home, boasting style and sophistication with spacious living and entertaining space, and South facing garden, located on a premier road in Ealing. The property comprises two bright and spacious reception rooms with stunning period features, guest cloakroom, an incredible open plan kitchen, dining and family room. Waldeck Road is a popular residential area within walking distance of West Ealing Station.

Woodfield Road, Ealing, W5

£999 per week

A truly spectacular five bedroom family home, beautifully presented in excellent condition, boasting character and charm, located in the ever popular Pitshanger area. This wonderful property comprises a fabulous modern kitchen diner, guest cloakroom and wet room, enormous double reception, a further second reception room and a beautiful large garden at the rear. This stunning family home is ideally located in the school catchment areas of St Gregory’s, North Ealing and Montpelier. Tenancy charges may vary. All Fees stated are exclusive of VAT. Preparation of Tenancy Agreement &/or Change of Occupancy: £200 (per tenant), deposit, check-in Fee £195 (optional). End of the tenancy agreement: Check out fee of £195 if the property has an inventory

7 Station Parade, Ealing Common, London, W5 3LD Tel: 020 8992 4242 enquiries@orchardsoflondon.com

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

Ellesmere Road, Chiswick, W4

£1,395,000

A truly exquisite four bedroom house presented to the market in exceptional standard throughout, beneﬁtting from contemporary interiors and three bathrooms. The property comprises a guest WC, stylish kitchen, a fantastic reception/dining room leading to a central courtyard which further leads to a wonderfully bright and spacious ofﬁce which doubles as the house’s main entrance room.

Woodstock Road, Chiswick, W4

£1,700 per week

This stunning family home boasting four double bedrooms and private off street parking offers a wealth of space and comfort, located on a desirable residential road in the pretigious Bedford Park Conservation area which is within easy reach of the High Road. The property consists of a bright and spacious entrance hall with guest cloakroom and utility room, a very large kitchen with breakfast room, an expansive reception room with stunning wood ﬂoor and working ﬁreplaces, separate dining area with access to a wonderful private garden. conducted on tenancy commencement. Renewal Fee of £195 which falls due after initial fixed term. Contract change £200. Rent advertised does not include any additional services such as council tax, water or utility charges unless stipulated otherwise.

www.orchardsoﬂondon.com Tel: 020 8995 9797 171 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 2DR

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

The Birches

Superb Specification • Electric Gates • Stone driveways • Alarm • CCTV • Video phone entry • Handmade doors & sash windows • Wood flooring • Glass roof with rain sensors leading to the landscaped garden

• Underfloor heating • Pre-wired for home cinema • Corian kitchen work surfaces • Bosch appliances • Bespoke kitchen • Double Glazed throughout • Dressing room • Walk-in wardrobe • Off-street parking

A development of insight

New Home Luxury Distinctive prime location

Inspirational architecture

Birch Grove, a quiet tree lined street, in the highly sought after Creffield Road conservation area. This traditional neighbourhood is highly regarded as a prime location within the borough of Ealing. Ealing Common is blessed with varied local amenities and transport links. Each new home is a short walk from Ealing Common and West Acton stations. In addition to this there is a great range of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants with the wide open spaces of Ealing Common nearby.

Each of these gated homes has been meticulously designed to blend in with character of the surrounding properties so as to maintain the look of the conservation area. These four bedroomed homes have been finished to the highest possible standard using only the best materials and workmanship. Built over four floors, with artistic and insightful interior design, will provide any family a sumptuous, desirable and spacious home.

7 Station Parade, Ealing Common, London W5 3LD

Tel: 020 8992 4242

ORCHARDS_APR.indd 6

Orchards of London, as sole agents, are delighted to offer these two architect designed homes, finished to a truly exceptional standard, in the Creffied Road Conservation area, London Borough of Ealing.

All enquiries to 020 8992 4242 or enquiries@orchardsoflondon.com or visit our website www.orchardsoflondon.com Project co-ordinated by Finnegan Associates

www.orchardsoflondon.com enquiries@orchardsoflondon.com

82 High Street, Acton, London W3 6QX

Tel: 020 8997 0076

28/02/2014 10:04

ABSOLUTELY Property

Living the Dream � The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market.

Waldene, Princess Drive, KT22

his luxurious six bedroom home is situated on the prestigious Crown Estate in Oxshott. This modern property is finished to the highest standards, comprising of 0.75 acres of landscaped grounds, a sun terrace, 7,500 sq ft of living space over two floors with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, four spacious reception rooms and a fabulous open plan kitchen/breakfast room opening on to the terrace and gardens, with triple garage.

£4,750,000

UK Sotheby’s International Realty � 01932 860537, sothebysrealty.co.uk

Greyhound Road, W6

Ramillies Road, W4

Ennismore Avenue, W4

£385,000

£1,695 Per Week

£2,950,000

� 020 8741 8485; london-estates.net

� 020 8995 9797; orchardsoflondon.com

� 020 8747 8800; whitmanandco.com

his modern and bright one bedroom raised ground floor Victorian flat has been refurbished to a very high standard and is a great opportunity for a first time buyer or an investor. The property is located seconds away from Queens Club.

London Estates

his beautifully presented four bedroom semi-detached family home comprises a spacious reception room with period features, separate dining room, and a modern kitchen with a bright breakfast room opening onto a pleasant rear garden via French doors.

Orchards Of London, Chiswick

his spectacular property comprises the luxury master suite, four further bedrooms, three further bathrooms, sauna/steam room, reception room with retractable roof, kitchen/breakfast room, cinema, gardens and parking for three cars.

Whitman & Co

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Portland Terrace, TW9

Ravenscourt Avenue, W6

two bedroom apartment situated on the raised ground floor of an imposing white stucco house on “The Green” in the heart of Richmond. The apartment has been extensively refurbished throughout.

charming six bedroom, architect designed property which boasts superb interior design. The property offers ample living and entertaining space including a roof terrace and beautiful landscaped garden with a summer house used as an office.

£3,950 Per Month

£10,075 Per Month

� 020 8940 0066; jackson-stops.co.uk

� 020 8563 9633; kfh.co.uk

Jackson Stops & Staff

KFH, Hammersmith

Parliament Mews, SW14

beautiful four bedroom house situated within a gated development on the banks of the Thames. The spacious accommodation is arranged over three floors, and comprises of an entrance hall, cloakroom, utility room and kitchen/family room, two bedrooms, a 27’ double aspect reception room with views over the Thames and a balcony, a further bedroom, family bathroom and master bedroom with dressing room, balcony with river views and en-suite bathroom. There is also a south facing garden, off street parking and garage.

£1,350,000 Featherstone Leigh

� 020 8876 4567; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Spotlight on W5: Average asking price - £900,837Average asking rents - £2,004 pcmAverage property value - £626,406

Data provided by

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For the lifestyle you deserve

• An exclusive collection of private new homes nestled on the banks of the River Thames • Georgian-style designs combine style and a premium speciﬁcation • Easy access to the M3 for London, the South Coast and the West • Part Exchange* available for a guaranteed move

LOWER SUNBURY

Green Street, Sunbury on Thames TW16 6RL 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £710,000

Marketing Suite and Show Home open daily 10am – 5pm

QR scan me now

0844 417 4468

lindenhomes.co.uk/montford *On selected homes only. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Not available in conjunction with any other oﬀer. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Photographs show Show Home interiors. The kitchen/dining room, bedroom and living room include upgrades from £1,000 to £10,000 depending on the size of property.

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FO R SALE

VALETTA ROAD W3 £ 4 9 5 , 0 0 0 SHARE OF FREEHOLD • • • • •

A light, imaginatively designed garden flat 2 bedrooms Generous bathroom Reception room with bay Kitchen / breakfast room

PHILLIP WOOLLER_APR.indd 1

• • • • •

NW facing garden with separate access Exterior brick storage Original fireplaces and stripped floorboards Own entrance 648 sq ft / 44 sq m approx. EPC-D

28/02/2014 11:46

FO R SALE

CLIF TON AVENUE W12 £ 575 , 0 0 0 LEASEHOLD • • • • •

A bright and contemporary upper maisonette 2 double bedrooms Shower room 19’ reception room Kitchen open plan

PHILLIP WOOLLER_APR.indd 2

• • • • •

Decked roof terrace Open views Excellent storage / wardrobe space Close to Askew Road shops and transport 720 sq ft / 67 sq m approx. EPC-D

28/02/2014 11:47

FO R SALE

AYLM ER ROAD W12 £74 5 , 0 0 0 SHARE OF FREEHOLD • • • • •

A spacious Edwardian family maisonette 4 bedrooms Bathroom and shower room en suite Reception room Kitchen

PHILLIP WOOLLER_APR.indd 3

• • • • •

45’ east facing garden Own ground floor entrance Excellent built-in and eaves storage Close to local shops and Stamford Brook tube 1107 sq ft / 103 sq m approx. EPC – D

28/02/2014 11:47

FO R SALE

TH E VALE W3 GUIDE PRICE £1, 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

A fine Mid Victorian family house 3/4 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) Separate WC 2/3 reception rooms with original fireplaces

PHILLIP WOOLLER_APR.indd 4

• • • • •

Adaptable basement / utility Kitchen/breakfast room 41’ south facing garden plus 18’ side return Great light and original detail 2206 sq ft / 205 sq m approx. EPC – F

28/02/2014 11:47

Offices throughout London

West Kensington Mansions, W14

£900,000 Leasehold

Set in this charming red brick mansion block, this five bedroom apartment is a stone’s throw from West Kensington station. The accommodation briefly comprises, to the first floor, eat-in Kitchen, Bathroom, Master Bedroom, two further double bedrooms, whilst to the top floor there is a reception and two bedrooms. With almost 1,500 sq ft of accommodation this split level apartment is ideally located for the all amenities of West Kensington and High Street Kensington. EPC = E Hammersmith Office 0208 563 0123 hammersmith@bushells.com

Maclise Road, W14

£825,000 Share of Freehold

Spacious three bedroom garden flat forming part of an attractive period conversion. There is further potential to extend, subject to planning permission, into the coal vaults and the side return. The property briefly comprises, large open plan kitchen, sitting room and dining room, master bedroom, two further bedrooms, three coal vaults and a private garden. Located moments from Kensington Olympia and Kensington station the property is in an ideal location. EPC = D Hammersmith Office 0208 563 0123 hammersmith@bushells.com

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

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bushells.com

Avenue Gardens, W3

£525,000 Leasehold

This stunning top floor period conversation flat is presented in excellent condition offering wonderful entertaining space. On the second floor of this impressive semi detached house, there is a spacious reception room with fireplace and dining area, separate high spec kitchen with plenty of storage space, two large double bedrooms with a fireplace and a new modern bathroom, further benefits a spacious loft for storage and plenty of windows making this a bright and airy flat. EPC=D Hammersmith Office 0208 563 0123 hammersmith@bushells.com

Willcot Road, W3

£865,000 Freehold

This impressive semi detached Edwardian house offers a large double reception room with bay window, kitchen, a further reception room with a bay window and door leading onto a garden. On to the first floor there are four large double bedrooms two with bay windows and a family four piece bathroom. Further scope to extend subject to planning permissions. EPC=D

Acton Office 0208 993 6767 acton@bushells.com PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

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

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Chesterton Humberts property experts

Chiswick Green Studios Chiswick W4

ÂŁ2,500,000 leasehold

A split level, loft style apartment forming part of this highly desirable gated development with porter, residents gymnasium & secure parking. The flat is located on the ground floor with a spacious entrance hallway, impressive reception room with floor to ceiling windows & a wonderful integrated kitchen with breakfast bar/island leading through to dining area & floor to ceiling doors leading to private patio style garden. The property also includes master bedroom with dressing area with & en-suite bathroom, study area, 2 further bedrooms & 2 further bathrooms, laundry/cloakroom & large basement. EPC rating C

Chiswick

020 8995 3443

sales.chiswick@chestertonhumberts.com

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Chiswick Staithe Chiswick W4

ÂŁ1,495,000 freehold

Located in this peaceful riverside modern development just off Hartington Road, this fabulous end of terrace townhouse offers spacious accommodation over 4 floors. Accommodation includes a large well appointed kitchen/breakfast room, 1st floor reception room with study area & wood floors, top floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom & balcony overlooking communal gardens, family bathroom, 2 further bedrooms & dressing room/bedroom 4. There is also a private patio area which leads to extensive communal gardens, off street parking & garage. EPC rating E

Chiswick

020 8995 3443

sales.chiswick@chestertonhumberts.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Safe As

Houses JAMES LESLIE

Branch Manager 020 8994 4111 faronsutaria.co.uk jleslie@faronsutaria.co.uk

SUTTON COURT, W4

, one bed Charming ground floor veniently con apartment wit hin this block. located apartment 14 Price: £400,000 1994 Price: £79,95020

ames Leslie looks through 30 years of property details. He showcases the outstanding price increases since opening their office on Turnham Green Terrace in the 1980’s and highlights what a sound investment bricks and mortar can be.

S OU T H

A very brig FIE LD ROAD, W ht and spac 4 two bed flat w it h large ious first floor, k it ch en /dining room and ga rden. 1994 Price : £110,000 2014 Price : £600,00 0

HARTSWOOD ROAD

A wonderf ul semi-deta , W12 ched family house wit h garage , off parking and 200’ gardenstreet . 1994 Price: £275,000 2 014 Price: £1,800,000

AD, Wn4g OOK RuO R B N featuri n, A se R o C 3 storey h versio

Fabulousilt k itchen, loft conn. e u custom b d West facing gard an 00 : £1,100,0 014 Price 2  0 5 ,9 e: £179 1994 Pric

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Frithville gardens, W12 £300 PW Furnished

A lovely apartment right in the heart of Chiswick. Offers a double bedroom with built in wardrobes, westerly facing reception, bathroom, kitchen, parking and use of a large roof terrace. EPC: D

A bright and airy first floor conversion in a central location. Westerly facing reception, double bedroom, modern kitchen and bathroom. EPC: C

The Windmill, W4 £419,950 Leasehold

Sutton Lane south, W4 £438 PW Furnished

Chiswick high road, W4 £219 PW Furnished

A fabulous garden flat of just under 1000 sq ft comprising of two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, very large living room, modern kitchen, garden and off St Parking. EPC: E

A top floor apartment with far reaching views ideally situated for Kew Bridge and Gunnersbury Stations. Bedroom with built in wardrobe, shower room, open plan kitchen / reception room. EPC: D

www.gordonlindsayassociates.com 020 8400 2726 / email info@gordonlindsayassociates.com

or visit the “register” section of the website and submit your details and questions.

Gordon Lindsay Associates, 9 Turnham green terrace mews, Chiswick, London, W4 1QU GORDON LINDSAY_APR.indd 2

28/02/2014 15:35

Wavendon Avenue, W4

£1,750,000 Freehold

A beautifully maintained and well presented period house in this sought after location just to the south of Chiswick High Road. The house offers balanced accommodation over three ﬂoors with all rooms being well proportioned. Excellent storage and wardrobes. 25’ garden with rear access and side return “secret courtyard” garden. • Popular and sought after location • Separate utility room • Charming and practical family house • Four double bedrooms • Two reception rooms • Two bathrooms

• Excellent storage including large eaves space • 25’ garden with rear access • EPC = E

w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k  0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 0 Andrew Nunn & Associates_APR.indd 2

28/02/2014 12:56

St Albans Avenue, W4

£1,750,000 Freehold

In our opinion one of the ﬁnest refurbished Victorian properties to come to the market in a long while. This exquisite 1744 sq ft four double bedroom property has been meticulously reconstructed behind its Victorian facade with no expense spared on the renovation. • Sought after location • Stunning renovation • 1744 sq ft

• Four double bedrooms • Two luxury bathrooms • Double reception room

• Kitchen/dining room • Front & Rear landscaped gardens • EPC = D

w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k  0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 0 Andrew Nunn & Associates_APR.indd 3

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

DUKE ROAD, W4 An immaculately presented and fully extended Victorian cottage on the exclusive Glebe Estate. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, patio, garden. £1,250,000 Freehold 020 8419 1263 chiswick@faronsutaria.co.uk

HOLLAND GARDENS, TW8 An impressive split-level penthouse in an exclusive gated community near the river Thames. Energy Rating: E. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, roof terrace. £995,000 Leasehold

020 8419 1263 chiswick@faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES • LETTINGS • AUCTIONS • PROPERTY FINANCE • SURVEYS • CONVEYANCING

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Abso

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SALES & LETTINGS

BURLINGTON LANE, W4 An Edwardian semi-detached house located in the heart of Grove Park, close to Chiswick Rail Station (Waterloo in 30 minutes), multiple bus routes and the open spaces of Chiswick House and grounds. Energy Rating: D. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden, private parking. £1,500,000 Freehold 020 8419 1263 chiswick@faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES • LETTINGS • AUCTIONS • PROPERTY FINANCE • SURVEYS • CONVEYANCING

15:13

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SALES & LETTINGS

STERNE STREET, W12 A spacious split-level apartment is arranged over the 1st and 2nd floors, boasting its own private entrance. Energy Rating: E. 3 bedrooms, reception room, 2 bathrooms. £799,950 Leasehold 020 8419 1273 shepbush@faronsutaria.co.uk

STOWE ROAD, W12 A contemporary top floor flat in a stucco fronted end of terrace period conversion. Energy Rating: D. 2 double bedrooms, bathroom, reception room. £525,000 Leasehold 020 8419 1273 shepbush@faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES • LETTINGS • AUCTIONS • PROPERTY FINANCE • SURVEYS • CONVEYANCING

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SALES & LETTINGS

EDITH ROAD, W14 A garden flat located on the desirable Edith Road. Offered in superb decorative condition and with a 121 year lease, benefiting from a 700 sq ft. garden and potential to be further developed (stpp). Energy Rating: D. 2 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, shower room, bathroom, garden. £885,000 Leasehold

020 8419 1273 shepbush@faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES • LETTINGS • AUCTIONS • PROPERTY FINANCE • SURVEYS • CONVEYANCING

15:13

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property Round up Marsh & Parsons expands London network with new Askew Road office Laurie George Emsworth Baskerville Lettings Manager

Sales Manager

he opening of the new Askew Road office this March will mark Marsh & Parsons’ 19th in the capital and reflects the continuing rapid expansion of the 158 year old agency. The new office has been refurbished at a cost of £200,000 and will cover Shepherds Bush, Acton, Wendell Park and Ravenscourt Park. The office will complement the agency’s existing Brook Green office and will strengthen their presence in an area. We are already experiencing high demand from both purchasers and tenants moving west from central London. To celebrate, Marsh & Parsons will be offering customers in the

Director at Featherstone Leigh, Richmond

� 020 8940 1575; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

area a 0% sales fee for the fi rst three months following their March opening. Th is represents a reduction from a standard commission of 2% and will save customers in the area an average of nearly £17,000* per sale. Peter Rollings, Chief Executive at Marsh & Parsons, said: “The office opening reflects growing demand for property in the area, which is becoming an increasingly fashionable part of west London. We will be launching with a full sales and lettings team to complement the existing team of 15 at our Brook Green office.”

Facts: � 020 8102 0123; marshandparsons.co.uk

Brendan Wynne

• Marsh & Parsons now has 19 offices in London. • The sales manager for the office will be George Baskerville, a highly experienced agent with over six years experience who until recently has been working in the nearby North Kensington office. • The letting’s manager will be Laurie Emsworth, a lettings professional with over four years experience who is currently the Lettings Valuer of the Brook Green and Fulham offices.

* Th e average price paid for property in Hammersmith & Fulham over the last year was £847,339 (Zoopla)

e’ve had an extremely busy start to the year in the Richmond office, achieving record breaking prices on properties in the area, particularly above the £1.5 million mark. With an easy commute into central London, close proximity to excellent schools and beautiful surroundings, properties are rarely on the market for long. We’ve seen a huge surge in the number of applicants looking to buy in the area, so homeowners contemplating selling and moving up a rung on the property ladder can be assured that now is a fantastic time to put homes on the market.

Country road show Adrian Johnson Associate Director at Hamptons, Chiswick � 020 8987 8444; hamptons-int.com

amptons Chiswick are pleased to announce that we will be hosting this multi branch event on Saturday 22nd March. From expert buying and letting advice to a showcase of the best properties available in the country, we can help you fi nd the perfect location. The event will run from 10am to 2pm, there will be face painters for the children, nibbles and drinks. If you are thinking of moving out of London we look forward seeing you at the road show.

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LO N D O N W 1 2

Because it’s round the corner from work – ideal for a quick pick me up before my shift.

The Bloom is a development of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in bustling Shepherd’s Bush with Private Sale apartments launching 8 & 9 March. Underground parking available to select apartments.

Scan to register

To find out if an apartment at The Bloom is right for your life call 020 7603 1384 (Quote AB10) or visit the-bloom.co.uk Eligibility criteria apply – for full terms and conditions please visit the website.

THE BLOOM_APR.indd 2 NHH87041_The_Bloom_Absolutely_Chiswick_210x297_10th March_Ad_AW.indd 1

15:41 27/02/2014 14:19

www.sintonhomes.com

EALING BROADWAY THE ULTIMATE SPRING COLLECTION From £1,325,000 Freehold – Sole Agents

ESTATE AGENTS & SURVEYORS

A wonderful collection of just 5 stunning brand new town residences in the heart of Ealing. Offering spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom homes with spectacular living space, amazing kitchens and the last word in modern gizmo’s. Large garage, extra parking, inside/outside town gardens. LAUNCH WEEKEND 8th MARCH.

OLDE EALING VINTAGE VICTORIANA

ST STEPHENS AREA BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH

A classic mid-Victorian semi in a peaceful spot now due a comprehensive renovation programme that would reward you with a gorgeous period home with garage and walled west facing 50’ garden.

Don’t get that stabbed in the back feeling my missing this spacious 2 bedroom flat with direct access to a private 50 west facing garden and parking.

Offers In Excess of £1,000,000 Freehold

Offers Around £550,000 Shared Freehold

www.sintonhomes.com / 020 8566 1990 / 8 Springbridge Road, Ealing Broadway, London W5 2AA Sinton Andrews_APR.indd 2

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IN THE LEE OF ST STEPHENS CHURCH Offers In The Region Of £2,750,000 Freehold OFF YOU KNEES AS WE HAVE THE ANSWER TO YOUR PRAYERS A wonderful opportunity to acquire this marvellous former rectory, one of Ealing’s residential landmarks. The much loved home of our clients for many years, this is a once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of Ealing’s history. Standing in a large lawned garden dotted with magnificent oaks and with family accommodation of over 4000 sq ft.

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2nd M 2 y a d r u t a S

arch

Saturday 22 March, 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm Hamptons Battersea, Chiswick, Richmond & Muswell Hill Hosted by Hamptons International, this multi-branch event will provide you with all the information you need to make your country move. From expert buying and letting advice to a showcase of the best properties available, we can help you to find the perfect location. So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of making the move out of London and would like some assistance with buying, selling or letting, we look forward to seeing you at the Roadshow. For more details about the event or for a free market appraisal, please contact your local Hamptons International branch today.

Hamptons Chiswick 48 Turnham Green Terrace, London, W4 1QP Sales. 020 8454 7601 chiswick@hamptons-int.com Lettings. 020 8454 7603 chiswicklettings@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk Please dial in full. If you have already appointed another agent, you may be subject to a restrictive contract.

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Beyond your expectations

28/02/2014 15:20

Douglas & Gordon only advertise 90% of their property

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

douglasandgordon.com

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Sales

£1,200,000 Share of Freehold Beaconsfield Walk SW6

An incredibly unique four bedroom property offering 1,205 sq.ft. of immaculately presented living space in the heart of Parsons Green.

Master bedroom, En-suite shower room, 3 further bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, Patio, Garden, EPC: C.

Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

£999,950 Freehold Roxwell Road W12

H 02

A fashionable unmodernised four bedroom 1,438 sq. ft. family house on this attractive street in the Askew Road Delta.

4 double bedrooms, Shower room, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen/dining room, 2 cloakrooms, Cellar, Garden, EPC: E.

Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ850,000 Freehold Gransden Road W12

A three bedroom 1,400 sq.ft. house with a westfacing garden offers the perfect opportunity to develop a house to your own specifications.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Cloakroom, Conservatory, Garden, Cellar, EPC: D.

A two bedroom maisonette with private garden in West Kensington.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Patio, EPC: C.

Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ685,000 Share of Freehold More Close W14 Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

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Lettings

ÂŁ585 per week Unfurnished Castelnau Gardens SW13

A beautifully finished two bedroom ground floor in this sought-after location near the River Thames.

2 double bedooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Eat-in kitchen, Garden, EPC: D.

A lovely three double bedroom mansion flat situated on the first floor of this popular building, ideally located with park views.

3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Eat-in kitchen, Park views, EPC: D.

Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ525 per week Unfurnished Hauteville Court Gardens W6 Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

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Lettings

douglasandgordon.com

£525 per week Unfurnished Castelnau Gardens SW13

A stunning recently refurbished two bedroom flat on the first floor of this popular mansion block, located close to both Hammersmith & Barnes.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Eat-in kitchen, EPC: C.

A lovely period cottage with a fantastic west-facing garden situated just off King Street, close to Ravenscourt Court Park underground station.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Utility room, West-facing garden, EPC: D.

Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

£450 per week Unfurnished Dalling Road W6 Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

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

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask

the sales Experts Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market

1. Should I redecorate pre sale?

t is not essential to redecorate your property pre sale; however it really depends on what personality you have stamped onto your property. A clean, neutral and contemporary space is always more preferential to a ‘loud’ colour scheme, as it may not be as alluring to the wider demographic of purchasers that you need to appeal to. After all, the key to generating not only the best price, but a swift sale too, is to appeal to the widest possible audience.

2. Where should I invest?

ven in the current economic climate, Prime London property offers a great opportunity to make a good investment return, with increasing numbers turning to buy-to-let properties instead of pension funds. Brook Green property prices lie between the more affordable Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush, and the more expensive areas of Notting Hill and Chelsea. A lot of Brook Green’s popularity is a result of its good transport links; it is serviced by six tube stations and two railway stations, making it ideal for commuting. It is also well situated for some of London’s best schools. Shepherds Bush continues to grow in popularity, and demand is coming from many people trying to move from the traditionally

Contact

more affluent areas of Holland Park and Notting Hill, which is less affordable to many. The regeneration programme will have a significant effect on the market as well as helping local businesses.

3. What common mistakes do sellers make?

ot keeping their property tidy when it is on the market. This is vital throughout the marketing period, whilst it can be tricky when there are tenants and/or children living in the home, but first impressions are lasting. Another point is not to over clutter a home - this will make it appear smaller than it actually is and could affect the price offered. Vendors sometimes like to stay in their property whilst viewings take place. This makes potential buyers feel uncomfortable and restricts their honesty about the offer they would like to make. Leave viewings to the professionals, this will achieve the maximum price for your property.

instructed. Are they properly advertising the property and being proactive about marketing and selling? If the answer to either of these points is no they are not, then you are not being well served by the agent you have chosen. If they are being proactive and widely advertising then there is little you can do other than consider the price you are quoting. Do your own research before putting it on the market to understand where the price point should be.

5. Should I use a Financial Advisor?

y advice would be to definitely use a Financial Advisor, the mortgage market changes daily and they have access to all lenders and products and will be best placed to get you the very latest and best product available.

4. Why hasn’t my property sold?

nless there are significant structural issues precluding buyers from moving forward, then you need to look firstly at the agent you have

2. Tanya McFeely

Sales Manager at Bective Leslie Marsh, Brook Green

4. Robert Barr

Sales Manager at Kerr & Co � 020 8743 1166; kerrandco.com

� 020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

1. Edward Prickett

3. Dylan James

5. Adrian Johnson

� 020 3151 5873; johndwood.co.uk

� 020 8740 7766; faronsutaria.co.uk

� 020 8987 8444; hamptons-int.com

Manager of John D Wood & Co., Richmond

168

Ask the expert.2.indd 108

Manager at Faron Sutaria, Sheperds Bush

Associate Director at Hamptons International, Chiswick

28/02/2014 15:44

OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD- £775,000 LEASEHOLD ORCHARD LOFTS, W13 9SY £550,000 An extraordinary individual modern countryfrom houseitsinmost a stunning Built originallystudio in 1962 forlighting the artist Johninto Merton, House This Grade ll listedand building has been converted recent location. use as a photographic and depot nine flPound ats which is broadly Palladianand in style and isthe a wide, storey building from with large windows over looking the gardens. It wasThe extended in 1978 to retain, re-integrate enhance best single parts of the building its first incarnation as an orchard warehouse. nine flats are arranged include the a garden room and a large studiofeaturing complexaincluding a workshop andhandmade dark room .on The property haslight very down high ceilings around now restored central atrium steel staircase that was site. A glasscurrently roof floods throughand the brick parapets surrounding the whichthe hasflats. good storage space. atrium and a new six person liftroof services Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Warehouse style apartments | Totally unique | Converted warehouse | Must be seen to appreciate | Ready for immediate occupation | Estimated EPC: B over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/ealing

See things differently.

020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

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OARE, WILTSHIRE ÂŁ2,750,000 FREEHOLD HOLLAND GARDENS, TW8 ÂŁ475,000 An extraordinary and individual countryinhouse in a stunning location.close Builtto originally for theunderground artist John Merton, House This is a very spacious, second flmodern oor apartment this modern development the river.inIt1962 has gated parkingPound and there is is gym broadly Palladian in style and is abenefi wide,tssingle building with large windows gardens. over looking the gardens. It was extended in 1978 to a in the development. It also fromstorey a balcony overlooking communal include a garden room and a large studio complex including a workshop and dark room . The property currently has very high ceilings and brick parapets surrounding the roof which has good storage space. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) | Designated parking | EPC: D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/chiswick

See things differently.

020 8994 7096 chiswich@winkworth.co.uk

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OARE, ÂŁ2,750,000 FREEHOLD UPPERWILTSHIRE MAISONETTE, ARCHEL ROAD, W14 ÂŁ925,000 LEASEHOLD An extraordinary and individual modern country house inflaoors stunning location. Built originally in 1962 for the artist Johnprivate Merton,entrance Pound House Stunning four bedroom maisonette arranged over three in a pretty mid-terraced Victorian house. With its own is broadly in style and is the a wide, storey building large windows looking the gardens. was extended in 1978 to and a roofPalladian terrace accessed from firstsingle floor half-landing, thewith property is offeredover in extremely good order It throughout. Situated towards include a garden room andRoad, a large complex a workshop and links dark with roomthe . The property currently has very high ceilings and the eastern end of Archel thestudio property is wellincluding positioned for transport closest underground stations located at West brick parapets surrounding the roof whichCourt. has good storage space. Kensington, West Brompton and Barons Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | 4 Bedrooms | Reception Room |Kitchen |Bathroom | Shower Room | Roof Terrace | Own Private Entrance | EPC: D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

See things differently.

020 7371 4466 hammersmith@winkworth.co.uk

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OARE, WILTSHIRE FREEHOLD PERRYN ROAD W3 £2,750,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,750,000 FREEHOLD Anmost extraordinary modern country house a stunning location.inBuilt originally in 1962order for the artist JohnThe Merton, Pound House A impressiveand andindividual substantial, five bedroom periodinproperty presented excellent decorative throughout. address of this is broadly property Palladianspeaks in stylefor and is a wide, storey large windows the from gardens. It was extended in 1978 toLine particular itself, beingsingle located in ofbuilding the bestwith roads in Acton andover onlylooking moments Acton Central and Acton Main include aand garden room and large studio complex including a workshop and room . The property very high ceilings and stations a leisurely strolla away from The Park Club with its wide range of dark leisure amenities ideal forcurrently families.has Offering spacious ground parapets surrounding the roof 150’ whichrear hasgarden good storage flbrick oor accommodation, a wonderful and lotsspace. of character. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Premier Road | Wealth of Character | Excellent Room Sizes | Scope for loft Conversion | No Chain | EPC: Band D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/ealing

See things differently.

020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

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OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD COBBOLD MEWS, W12 £1,295,000 FREEHOLD An extraordinary individual modernspace, country house a stunning location. Built in 1962 the artist Johnindividual Merton, Pound This mews house and is a former industrial known asin‘The Ship’ thanks to its hintoriginally of nautical style,for was once three housesHouse and is broadly Palladian in style and unquestionably is a wide, single unique storey building with large windows over looking thestyle gardens. It waswhich extended in 1978 to has been transformed into one house, boasting remarkable levels of both and space will not be found include a garden anywhere else. room and a large studio complex including a workshop and dark room . The property currently has very high ceilings and brick parapets surrounding the roof which has good storage space. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Three Bedrooms | Glorious Reception Space | Two Roof Terraces | Kitchen Diner | Architect Designed Space | Mews Location | EPC: D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/shepherds-bush

See things differently.

020 8735 3266 shepherdsbush@winkworth.co.uk

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WOODVILLE GARDENS, W5 £1073 PER WEEK

FITZGERALD HOUSE, W5 £611 PER WEEK

An amazing family home located within close to Ealing Broadway

A fantastic three/four bedroom house in a lovely area of Ealing

which has been refurbished to a very high standard throughout.

Broadway providing excellent access for shops, transport and parks.

Ample off-street parking | Three reception rooms | Six bedrooms | Eat-in

Three/four bedrooms | Office/ Study | Three bathrooms | Two en-suites | Lovely

kitchen/breakfast room | Fees Apply : EPC: E

light reception room | Fees Apply : EPC: C

For more information on this property call:

c o office | 020 8896 0123

DUNRAVEN ROAD, W12 £450 PER WEEK

DAVIS ROAD, W3 £500 PER WEEK

A beautifully presented two double bedroom garden flat on

A recently refurbished and extremely stylish three bedroom, two

Dunraven Road.

bathroom duplex apartment.

Two Bedrooms | One Bathroom | Garden EPC: D

Three Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Kitchen/Reception Room | EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

he her s

sh office | 020 8735 3255

he her s

sh office | 020 8735 3255

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

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See things differently.

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Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

ST PETERS SQUARE, W6 £850 PER WEEK

MACLISE ROAD, W14 £575 per week

A delightful three bedroom lower maisonette situated in this highly

A lovely three double bedroom maisonette with roof terrace situated

sought-after address with its own private garden.

close to Kensington Olympia.

Garden | Communal Gardens | Unfurnished | Fees apply | EPC: D

Good Storage | Furnished | Fees apply | EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

Hammersmith | 0207096 7371 4466 Chiswick office |office 020 8994

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

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HOLLAND GARDENS, TW8 £392 per week

SUTTON LANE NORTH, W4 £350 per week

Two bedroom, third floor apartment with river frontage, en-suite

One bedroom, third floor apartment in a prime central location

bathroom, underground parking and concierge.

within Chiswick. Fully refurbished to the highest of standards.

Two bedrooms | Open plan living | Two bathrooms (One en-suite) | Furnished |

Fees apply | EPC: C

EPC: E

For more information on this property call: Chiswick office |office 020 8994 Hammersmith | 0207096 7371 4466

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_LETTINGS_APR.indd 3

See things differently.

28/02/2014 17:04

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

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

Community Champion of the Year

Best London Estate Agency

The Negotiator Awards 2013 - Silver

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

Brackenbury Road W6 £1,265,000 This attractive Victorian mid-terrace house is located in the heart of Brackenbury Village within easy reach of excellent primary schools. Presented in excellent condition throughout. The accomodation includes a modern kitchen, a spacious double reception room with dining area, a feature ﬁreplace and high ceilings. he lower ground level is currently arranged as a large master suite and the top ﬂoor offers two double bedrooms served by a shower room. reehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

BROOK GREEN: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

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

LETTINGS

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

Keith Grove SW6 £1,100 per week Designed by an award wining architect, this four-bedroom family home is the pinnacle of contemporary living. Boasting a host of features such as electrically operated privacy glass, LED voice activated lighting, under ﬂoor heating and an extremely high energy efﬁciency rating, the property is ideal for a tenant looking for a unique and cutting edge property. Keith Grove is located within easy reach of the open spaces of Ravenscourt Park, Wormholt Park and the popular Askew Road with its cafe’s, deli’s and gastro pubs. EPC=B

BROOK GREEN: 020 7605 7760 lets.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results.

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0 % Commission 100 % Local know-how And a commitment to getting you the best possible result …on the house! > Maximum exposure to the best buyers > London’s best negotiators* > Unequalled customer service* > Award-winning marketing > Over 150 years’ experience To celebrate the opening of our newest office at Askew Road, we are offering to sell your property for free! For full Terms and Conditions, call us or visit marshandparsons.co.uk/sell-your-home-for-free

Askew Road Office 120 Askew Road, London, W12 9BL

* Voted ‘Best Customer Service 2013’ by The Sunday Times and ‘Best UK Estate Agent 2013’ by The Negotiator

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HHC SEPT NEW WESTISIDE 2013 _Layout 1 23/08/2013 09:29 Page 1

The Personal Touch the results you want...

Whether you want to get in shape using the best equipment, be expertly led in inclusive personal training sessions or classes, play tennis, squash, swim in our mood lit pool, or relax in the lounge bar, our professional, friendly team are on hand to welcome you. Let us inspire, guide and motivate you. Call Jo or Luke now on 020 8994 0500 and arrange a Club tour. The Hogarth Health Club Airedale Avenue Chiswick London W4 2NW

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