NOTTING HILL SEPTEMBER 2013 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ABSOLUTELY

SEPTEMBER 2013 ÂŁ3.95

NOT TING HILL

INSIDE FASHION

College talk with industry expert Susie Forbes

FIT FOR PURPOSE

The lowdown on product design

DECOREX

Welcoming the design fair to Kensington Gardens

STAY IN STYLE

Focus on fashion hotels

THE LOCAL LOOK West London designers at Avenue 32

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 STREET COVER_SEPT.indd 1

02/09/2013 19:03

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Uxbridge Street, Kensington W8

A charming and beautifully presented three bedroom Victorian house occupying 1,130 sq ft with excellent entertaining space and a lovely garden.

ÂŁ2,000,000 Freehold

Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com

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Denbigh Close, Notting Hill W11

A beautifully presented three bedroom house situated on this attractive, cobbled mews, just off Portobello Road.

ÂŁ2,395,000 Freehold

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 nottinghill@struttandparker.com

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OUR INTERNATIONAL DESK ENSURES THAT NEWS OF YOUR PROPERTY TRAVELS FAR AND WIDE

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DISCOVERMORE

INSPIRATION

ARTS

FLEXIBLE

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An independent co-educational secondary school for pupils aged 11-18 (A sister school to Ravenscourt Park and Kew Green Preparatory Schools)

OPEN DAYS September 19th (9.30am) October 1st/16th (9.30am/7pm) November 7th/21st (9.30am/9.30am)

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

Places Available in Years 7, 8 & 9

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EDITOR’S LETTER W

ith London Fashion Week looming, we’re turning our minds to fashion this month. Not just focusing on the clothes, though – we do have them too, of course – and not even at the designers (we do that often enough) but we’ve gleaned a few insights from voices in other parts of the industry. Because for every household name designer or model, there are countless other people working behind the scenes, many of them hugely influential in keeping the whole machine rolling. In this issue we meet Susie Forbes, the magazine editor-turned principal of the new Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design, an institution dedicated to helping students find a niche in the world of fashion, and Cathy Kasterine, a stylist whose vision helped shape the contemporary aesthetic (she’s the person behind that famous first Kate Moss shoot). Both women, of course, live locally. Also this month we look at fashion hotels, upcoming trends and some adorable children’s fashion too, in a spirit of sartorial enthusiasm. We hope you enjoy it.

Pendle Harte Editor EMAIL: PENDLE@ZEST-MEDIA.COM FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS FACEBOOK ‘ABSOLUTELY NOTTING HILL’

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ABSOLUTELY SEPTEMBER 2013

7 EDITOR’S LETTER 36 PROFILE

Susie Forbes, College Principal

CULTURE 13 WHAT’S ON

September’s diary

21 DECOREX

The design fair comes to W8

STYLE

25 FASHION SHOOT

Avenue 32’s west London looks

27 GOTHIC STYLE Black lace is back

INTERIORS 51 THE LOOK

All mapped out

53 IN DESIGN

Product design with Pearson Lloyd

FOOD & TRAVEL

84 FARMYARD FANCIES Daylesford’s new cookbook

93 FASHION HIDEOUTS Hotels for fashionistas

PROPERTY

122 IN THEIR OWN WORDS 160 PRIME PURCHASE

ON THE COVER NOTTING HILL

KENSINGTON

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP BLYTHMAN STYLING: LYNDA BELL

ABSOLUTELY ABSOLUTELY

SEPTEMBER 2013 £3.95

NOT TING HILL

INSIDE FASHION

College talk with industry expert Susie Forbes

KENSINGTON

SEPTEMBER 2013 £3.95

FIT FOR PURPOSE

The lowdown on product design

ON TREND

STAY IN STYLE

Focus on fashion hotels

New looks for a new season

INSIDE FASHION

DECOREX

Welcoming the design fair to Kensington Gardens

College talk with industry expert Susie Forbes

DECOREX

Welcoming the design fair to Kensington Gardens

STAY IN STYLE

Focus on fashion hotels

WEST LONDON DESIGN Avenue 32’s favourite

THE LOCAL LOOK West London designers

local looks

at Avenue 32

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30/08/2013 21:03

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EDITOR Pendle Harte EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Catherine Hales EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Baker, Emma Harpin, Georgie Jakob CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR Arabella Preston SENIOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Rochelle Streater ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Ian J Odiwe III GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR Alexandra Hunter CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER Anna Hutton-Potts ART DIRECTOR Ray Searle SENIOR DESIGNERS Stewart Hyde, Phillip Couzens PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Gemma Isteed, Tahir Kapucu DESIGNERS Andrew Mavin, Edward Taylor ARTWORKER Ekrem Yilmaz JUNIOR DESIGNER Rebecca Noonan FREELANCE DESIGNER Joanne Dalton COPY CONTROLLER Christine Mann FINANCE DIRECTOR Alexandra Hvid FINANCE MANAGER Altaf Karmali MARKETING MANAGER Leah Day DIRECTOR Greg Hughes MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout

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SOLO EXHIBITIONS OF THE MUSE ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMME 2013 Muse at 269 Gallery,

Opening night Thursday 19th Sep 6-9pm www.coralchurchill.com

269 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LR Open. Thurs - Sun 12-6pm www.themuseat269.com

CORAL CHURCHILL 19 Sep - 6 Oct

Opening night Friday 11th Oct 6-9pm www.lunalee.kr

LUNA JUNGEUN LEE 10 - 27 Oct

Opening night Thursday 31st Oct 6-9pm www.mathewvieira.com

MATHEW VIEIRA 31 Oct - 17 Nov

Opening night Sunday 24th Nov 12-6pm www.stephaniesmart.net

STEPHANIE SMART 21 Nov - 8 Dec MUSE.indd 2

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ABSOLUTELY | A RTS & CULTURE

CLUB TO CATWALK: LONDON FASHION IN THE 1980S VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM 10 JULY - 16 FEBRUARY

Theatricality and experimentation are powerful agents, especially in the hands of a young Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, just two of the seminal designers featured in the V&A’s new exhibition. Expect deviance and kinkiness and the weirdest, wildest shapes ever fitted to the human body. Cromwell Road, SW7 020 7942 2000; vam.ac.uk

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NINA FOWLER THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

TRUSCOTT ARMS

We are a fame obsessed culture and in her exhibition Nina Fowler seeks to expose the dark side of celebrity. Beauty and glamour are juxtaposed with violence and desperation to create a mesmerising exhibition made from both drawing and sculpture. 55 Shirland Road, W9, 020 7266 9198; thetruscottarms.com

September LAST NIGHT AT THE PROMS FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY 6 SEPTEMBER

LOVE AND LIQUOR Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Join Love and Liquor in celebrating its first birthday with an Animal Kingdom themed fancy dress party and special musical guest Mr Hudson who will be mixing up a storm in the DJ booth. 34 Kilburn High Road, NW6, 020 7625 7500; loveandliquor.co.uk

7 SEPTEMBER

ROYAL ALBERT HALL As another season of the Proms comes to an end, the Royal Albert Hall plays host to a spectacular finishing concert ranging from Vaughan Williams to Verdi, including a rare performance of Brittenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1967 overture The Building of the House. Kensington Gore, SW7, 020 7589 8212; royalalberthall.com

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ABSOLUTELY | A RTS & CULTURE PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL 2013

THE MUSE & WESTBOURNE STUDIOS 3 - 15 SEPTEMBER

Initially set up 18 years ago as a reaction to the state of the British film industry, the Portobello Film Festival showcases the talents of young up and coming film directors. This year the UK’s largest independant film competition continues to display its rebellious streak with the theme of Rock & Roll Cinema and Art. The film festival will be screening at The Muse (269 Portobello Road, W11, 020 7792 8588) and Westbourne Studios (242 Acklam Road, W10, 020 7575 3000). portobellofilmfestival.com

POSTER ART 150

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Part of the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground an exhibition of the 150 best tube posters ever produced by famous artists including Edward McKnight Kauffer and Paul Nash, and designs from each decade over the last 100 years. Covent Garden Piazza, WC2, 020 7379 6344; ltmuseum.co.uk

CLEOPATRA

GATE PICTUREHOUSE

1 SEPTEMBER

Celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary with a digital reissue, one of Elizabeth Taylor’s seminal roles is returning to the big screen. The iconic film will be preceeded by a talk from Gill Paul, whose novel The Affair takes place on the set of the film and focusses on the tragic love story at its heart. 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11, 0871 902 5731; picturehouses.co.uk

KARIM FAYED: TURNING 30 24 – 28 SEPTEMBER

RICHARD YOUNG GALLERY The Richard Young Gallery plays host to the new collection of works by Karim Fayed. In this incredible exhibition we are given an insight into the beautiful natural world. Fayed’s extensive travel is shown as we see undisturbed non-digitally enhanced images from the hills of Scotland to the deserts of Utah. 4 Holland Street, W8, 020 7937 8911; richardyounggallery.co.uk

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020 8946 1528 www.obrienhiﬁ.com

Audio

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ABSOLUTELY | A RTS & CULTURE

APAR T AR T

Apart launched in Portobello Road in 1999 and is now a full-time popup, exhibiting in locations ranging from Westbourne Grove’s former sorting office to the beach in Cannes. Among the artists is self-taught Steve Smith, whose first show was in Portobello Road in 2004 and whose work has since formed the foundation of two huge advertising campaigns in Brazil. His focus is on contrast, colour, composition and light, as seen in this blue untitled piece. ap-art.co.uk

Agenda This month’s highlights

POS TER A R T

London Transport’s vast archive of poster art spans over 3,000 specially commissioned pieces, and highlights from the collection are on show now as part of an exhibition to mark 150 years of the tube. The exhibition continues until 27 October and visitors are invited to vote for their favourite poster, which will be announced then. We love this Olympia one by Charles Burton, 1930, available to buy in a variety of sizes. ltmuseum.co.uk.

ART WEST

The third annual Art West Open Studios takes place on 28 and 29 September, when dozens of artists and designers around Harrow Road will prove that London’s art scene hasn’t completely moved east. Painters, printmakers, sculptors, furniture designers and others will be welcoming people to see their work, among them Melanie Roseveare (pictured), whose Melody Rose ceramics are selling fast. artwestopenstudios.co.uk

RC A AUC TION

The Seventh annual Macmillan De’Longhi Art Exhibition, with pieces from Rankin, Jonathan Yeo, Alison Jackson, Stuart Pearson Wright (right) and many more, comes to the Royal College of Art in Kensington Gore this month and culminates in a private VIP auction. 19-22 September; rca.ac.uk

UNITE AND T Y PE

Design your very own ceramics at Portobello Road’s Unite and Type, and use their fantastic new website to personalise typographic creamware pieces in a range of stylish fonts and colours. From teapots to piggybanks via eggcups and flowerpots, your slogan can embellish them all. uniteandtype.com 17

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ABSOLUTELY THE ELECTRIC Richard Young celebrated receiving his Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Field of Photography from The University of The Arts London. Among the guests were comedienne Ronnie Ancona and author Miranda Davis.

Social

Reporting from all the best parties in our area

LAKWATSA The recently opened bubble tea cafĂŠ on Blenheim Crescent held its second wildly successful open mic session that featured acts such as Forget the Name and special guest performer Joseph Apostol, a recent contestant on the Voice UK.

PARADISE BY WAY OF KENSAL GREEN The annual Summer Ball at Paradise generated a great turnout, likely inspired by the delicious free cocktails supplied by Grey Goose vodka and the sizzling set by The Cuban Brothers whose Latin beats had everyone on their feet. This was followed by a DJ set from Charlie Weaver that kept the party going to the small hours.

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ABSOLUTELY | HOME & GA RDEN

DECOR FABULOUS As annual interiors extravaganza Decorex comes to Kensington Gardens this September, Absolutely previews some of the highlights

VEEDON FLEECE; veedonfleece.com

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JULIAN CHICHESTER; julianchichester.com

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ABSOLUTELY | HOME & GA RDEN

GINGER & JAGGER; gingerandjagger.com

LEFT: CURIOUSA & CURIOUSA; curiousaandcuriousa.co.uk BELOW: STUART SCOTT; stuartscott.co.uk

S ABOVE: SAINT LOUIS; saint-louis.com BELOW: REBECCA SCOTT; rebeccascott.co.uk

howcasing some of the most sought after designers both internationally and in the UK, exhibiting against the prestigious backdrops of Perk’s Field and The Orangery in Kensington Palace, Kit Kemp and Martin Brudnizki present Decorex International 2013. Inspired by Kensington Palace’s historic background, the three-day event has themed this year’s display around the Silk Route. Dating back to 200 BC, it was the name given to the trade route that linked China and Europe allowing silk, porcelain and other luxury goods to be sold throughout the West. This Oriental influence will be evident at the main entrance to Decorex which will be designed by Kit Kemp herself who tells us to expect “the spice colours of the East and the dappled light of an early Autumn day.” Those looking to whet their whistle can stop by the Champagne Bar designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Amy Kent’s hand-knotted wool and silk carpets continue the theme whilst Habibi Interiors, handcrafted Moroccan tile specialists, will be launching their new range of customised panels. Stop off for a brief spell in Italy with Cox London’s lighting and furniture display inspired by the grottos of Renaissance Italy. De Gournay bring a Scandinavian presence with their hand-carved water gilded furniture, drawing on piece from 18th century Drottingholm Palace in Stockholm. These and an array of others including Nicky Haslam, Luc Druez, Blithfield and Harlequin London will all be out in force contributing to the visual spectacle sure to be dazzling visitors this September

ABOVE: BERTRAND SIDE SILO BELOW: GALERIE SMITH

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

FASHION NOTES HOT AND IN STOCK

GOWN TOWN

Chunky jewellery never goes out of style – give the look a little edge with these woven ribbon and gold earrings from John and Pearl in various fluoro shades. Bang on trend and they’ll look even more fabulous with a tan. £105, stocked at Austique, 79-81 Ledbury Road W11 austique.co.uk

Notting Hill-based State of Grace offers a bespoke, head-to-toe design and styling service for brides as well as women just looking for a new look. Creative director Lucia Silver can help you reinvent yourself with her vast knowledge of different fashion styles and periods. This is dressing up for grown-ups, with impressive results thestateofgrace. com

TUCKER We’ve fallen in love with New York brand Tucker, stocked at the everquirky West Village in Kensington Park Road. Beautiful prints, clever shapes and a way with silk characterise the look, and the new collection is on the rails now. 35 Kensington Park Road W11; shopthewestvillage.com

RING MY BELL

Bo Peeps lingerie is that rare thing: stylish and comfortable. This Butterfly set, £50, is made from soft, stretchy lace and comes in a spectrum of hues at Dolci Follie, 28a Hereford Road W2. bopeeps.com

MICROTREND...METALLIC

1. LAURENCE DACADE BELEN METALLIC PYTHON ANKLE BOOTS, £1,130, BROWNSFASHION.COM 2. MIRRORED AVIATORS, £135, RAY-BAN, SUNGLASSHUT.COM

3. MIMI BERRY BARDOT BAG, £165, MIMIBERRY.CO.UK

4. METALLIC TWEED TULIP SLEEVE COAT, £399.00, JAEGER.CO.UK 5. BURST SHOE, £85, DUNE.CO.UK

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Autumn term short courses at Central Saint Martins. Do something different. Advance your knowledge. Discover creative London. Let go. Be inspired.

Animation Architecture Business skills Ceramics Creative process Daytimes Digital design Drawing Evenings Fashion Film and video Fine art Graphic design Interior design Jewellery Journalism Online learning Painting Performance Photography Portfolio preparation Printmaking Product design Saturdays Sculpture Textiles Theatre design Weekends Writing

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

THE LOOK Absolutely’s favourite catwalk trend

4 7

NEW ROMANTICS Luxury leather and lace; embrace fashion’s dark side as the nights draw in

1 Aspinal Anne satchel, £995; aspinaloflondon.com Gareth Pugh AW13 Collection 3 Anthropologie Nocturne Azure necklace, £138; anthropologie.eu 4 Tom Ford thigh high leather boots; tomford.com 5 Roberto Cavalli velvet blazer, £1,765; net-a-porter.com 6 The Row Hentner leather pencil dress, £2,290; brownsfashion.com 7 BCBGMAXAZRIA studded lace ankle boots, £280; harveynichols.com 8 Theo Fennell black diamond and diamond bodkin drop earrings, £9,950; theofennell.com 9 Alexander McQueen De Manta embroidered satin clutch, £835; matchesfashion.com 2

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STREET LIFE The finest West London labels showcased by Avenue 32 Photography

PHILIP BLYTHMAN

Styling

LYNDA BELL

PRINTED SILK MAXI DRESS WITH BELT, DANIELLE ROMERIL BOILED WOOL COAT, NICOLE FARHI COTTON AND GOLD PLATED FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS, BEX ROX

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WHITE SKIRT WITH BLUE LEATHER FRINGING, DANIELLE ROMERIL BLACK MOHAIR SWEATER AND BLACK LEATHER GLOVES, STYLIST’S OWN GOLD AND CRYSTAL NECKLACE, ESTELLE DEVE

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BROWN WOOL WIDE LEG TROUSERS AND BROWN / GREY WOOL GILET, ALEXANDER LEWIS CREAM SHIRT AND COURT SHOES, STYLIST’S OWN ACETATE SUNGLASSES, CUTLER & GROSS

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BROWN HERRINGBONE WOOL TROUSERS, NICOLE FARHI PLUM SILK SHIRT, ALEXANDER LEWIS GOLD PLATED AND COTTON THREAD COLLAR NECKLACE, BEX ROX COTTON AND GOLD PLATED FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS, BEX ROX PRINTED PLATFORM SHOES AND CLUTCH BAG, STYLIST’S OWN

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CREAM OVERSIZE JUMPER, CHALAYAN BOILED WOOL CLOCHE HAT, ALEXANDER LEWIS RED SILK SKIRT, FELDER FELDER BELT, STYLIST’S OWN

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BLACK AND CREAM CHUNKY WOOL SWEATER AND BOILED WOOL COAT, NICOLE FARHI BLUE VELVET BOOTS, BIONDA CASTANA GREEN LEATHER BAG, CARVEN

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER PHILIP BLYTHMAN STYLING LYNDA BELL MODEL MAREL KULL AT MODELS 1 HAIR AND MAKE-UP MICHELLE FOXLEY MANY THANKS TO JULIE’S RESTAURANT, 135 PORTLAND RD, LONDON, W11 4LW ALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE TO BUY AT AVENUE32.COM

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PROFILE.indd 36

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ABSOLUTELY | PROF ILE

SCHOOL of STYLE Susie Forbes is Principal of Conde Nast’s new College of Fashion and Design. Pendle Harte visits to find out what goes on in this stylish new establishment

usie Forbes is nothing like the Devil Wears Prada. She is warm and sparkly, friendly and intensely likeable, very groomed but in a natural, low-key way and neither neurotic nor precious. She may be an influential fashion person but she’s also a mother to three teenage daughters, which must be a grounding experience. The former founding editor of Easy Living magazine’s new role as Principal of the Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design is a heavyweight title with vast responsibility for a whole new organization dedicated to the age-old question: how can I get a job at Vogue? This is a new breed of institution. It’s a college, but it doesn’t feel like any college you’ve ever been in before. This large building in Soho – the old St Martin’s library building with a discreet, small entrance on Greek Street– is a stylish white box, with rooms named things like Oval, Olympia, Hoxton and Soho (no Notting Hill). It’s not obviously an academic institution, with no pictures on the walls and no shelves – in fact even in the ‘library’ there are no books to speak of because of course everybody has been issued with their own iPad. So apart from a few magazines, this could just as easily be a conference centre, albeit a pretty cool one. Which is, of course, the point. ‘If there are ever no students here we need the place to earn its keep,’ says Forbes.

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ABSOLUTELY | PROF ILE

‘You don’t put several million pounds into a building in W1 and then leave it sitting empty.’ So people can hire the space for events – tonight there’s a Clinique event, and recently there was a British Fashion Council symposium; Louis Vuitton has a party planned. Education has over the past generation become more commercial; students expect more for their debt, and everything is more job-focused. As Forbes says: ‘Vocational used to be a kind of dirty word, but there’s been a shift. Employability is not a bad thing and it doesn’t mean you have to take the academic rigor out of the courses.’ People will always be queuing up to work for Vogue, and that’s why the college exists. ‘The publishing and fashion industries aren’t like banking. There’s no set route in – and there seems to be a sort of mismatch between the demand and the route in, and we thought we could sort of peel away some of those opaque layers,’ explains Susie, in her lovely way. And of course there’s the idea of the Conde Nast Brand, which isn’t just about magazines any more. ‘Where there might have been resistance to brand extensions in the past, quite the reverse is true now. We have the Vogue Festival and the Wired Festival and bars and restaurants and all sorts of things around the world, and we’re part of that new landscape.’ October will see the college welcome its first batch of students onto the first year-long Vogue Fashion Foundation Diploma course (fees: £19,560 plus VAT). When I meet Susie they are still interviewing – there are 45 places and over 500 people applied. What kinds of people were they? ‘Well at first we assumed they’d be young, maybe gap year people, but it’s quite the reverse. There are lots of graduates, MA students and PhD students in their mid-20s with a multitude of different degrees, so we have had to adapt the course.’ It’s quite frightening, isn’t it, to imagine all these bright young things with law degrees queuing up to gain further qualifications in the hope of being allowed to make tea at Vogue? ‘It’s not going to be a red carpet all the way into work, but companies do realise that our students are going to be highly employable. The courses are hard work – it’s not designed to be just a meet and greet. We didn’t know who was

Guinness came in to talk and she said: ‘I’ve got 30 people in my office and 27 of those have nothing to do with design.’ We aim to work with people on what their skill sets are.’ It was Forbes who launched the enormously popular Easy Living magazine in 2005, which folded earlier this year. ‘I’d been gone for two years by then but of course it was very sad from my point of view. I sat in a room for 18 months and dreamt it up, I hired all the staff and they were my team.’ So what happened? ‘As the publisher famously always used to say to me: there may be a gap in the market, but is there a market in the gap? Anecdotally, this was the magazine people said they wanted and people kept telling us it was their favourite magazine, but maybe we listened to too small numbers in the end. We thought we had a piece of air between the Red and Good Housekeeping markets, a woman who wasn’t quite ready to move away from fashion, but in the end we didn’t really have the ground.’ Of course the end of Easy Living comes at a time when the whole world of print media is facing uncertainty. What does that mean for the college? ‘At Conde Nast we are famously the arbiters of taste and we have to take that forward, so whatever shape it takes is secondary – we will retain the central nervous system. Of course, we all imagine a printed version of Vogue in perpetuity.’ Forbes is married to leather designer Bill Amberg (‘he’s very lovely’) with whom she shares a house in Queens Park – ‘we traded our flat in Notting Hill for the house in Queens Park when we had our first baby – there were happy years in the park and though after a while I felt like my whole life was a swing-pushing exercise, we’re jolly lucky.’ Do they have leather floors? ‘Yes! And lots of lovely furniture too, but there was a moment when I had to say, no, I don’t want to live in a World of Leather store, so we don’t have any leather walls, though people do. Someone asked me recently whether I missed magazines, missed the perks and all the handbags, but I’m married to a man who makes them so I do have a surfeit of lovely leather things, which is a nice position to be in.’ All round, being Susie Forbes is probably quite a nice position to be in, I think.

‘The publishing and fashion industries aren’t like banking. There’s no set route in’ going to come until we opened the doors. Though of course we have only marketed our courses through our magazines, which isn’t the way to reach 16 year-olds really. They’re mostly girls, of course – this is an industry with an awful lot of women in it.’ So what will students actually learn? The college is fundamentally different to Central St Martin’s or the London College of Fashion in that nobody actually makes anything here. ‘There are many, many different roles at Conde Nast and that’s one of the things we’re trying to show. It’s not just journalism,’ says Forbes. ‘On film courses, everybody wants to be a film director at first because that’s the thing everybody’s heard of.’ The idea is to present a world that spans stylists and art directors and PRs and digital iPad designers and buyers and bloggers and everybody else that makes up the sprawling fashion universe. ‘Lulu

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

TREND

REPORT MIU MIU TREND PREDICTION.indd 41

Jessica at Felicities in Shoreditch picks the key trends for autumn

30/08/2013 19:24

THE ROW

BURBERRY PRORSUM

ADA ZANDITON

RICH PICKINGS

Dogtooth checks, plaid and tartan, pinstripes and herringbone: the heritage look is classic and never goes out of fashion. This season saw reworkings of tailored â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;40s shapes as well as masculinecut coats and a mash-up of fabrics for a more textured look. Capes, drapes and oversize shapes are the name of the game.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

DAVID LONGSHAW

GIVENCHY

NEOBOTANIC

MYSTIC EAST

Kimonos and imperial gold popped up at Kenzo while geisha imagery appeared at Vivienne Westwood. The fashion for flatform shoes continues with chunky-heeled boots and wedges, and accessories are far more ornate and opulent for AW13.

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CARVEN

ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

PAUL COSTELLOE PRADA

MIU MIU

PINK LADY

It’s good to see this spring colour still reigning supreme on the AW13 catwalks. A surprise hit, it’s been reinvigorated for autumn in a soft blush at Prada, delicate nude at Acne, candy colour at Simone Rocha, Barbie pink and polka dots at Miu Miu, stained berry at Diane Von Furstenburg and purplish hues at Paul Smith. A strong look that’s still pretty, it’s girl power in an outfit.

DVF

GIVENCHY

CHANEL

TUCKER

WINTER FLORALS

ADA ZANDITON

Designers continue to draw from nature, whether it be shadowy palm prints at Gucci or dramatic gold leaf at Roberto Cavalli. We also saw elaborate appliqué from Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton and Erdem. 43

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A WOMAN’S WORK

Cathy Kasterine Stylist and fashion director, W10

INTERVIEW BY LINDSAY BAKER. PORTRAIT BY EMMA HARPIN

‘‘Y

ou have to be a bit obsessed to do this job,” concedes stylist and fashion director Cathy Kasterine with a wry smile. For instance, she was up at 5am yesterday morning, she tells me, in order to set off early to catch exactly the right light for a shoot on the beach on the south coast. She shows me some of the images on her phone – they are stunning, and the light as it bounces off the White Cliffs of Dover is, indeed, luminous. “It makes it all worthwhile,” she says happily. Obsession – or certainly passion and dedication – must certainly be useful in a job like Kasterine’s. As Fashion Editor at Large of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, her job is to have a vision for a shoot – and then, along with the photographer, to make it a reality. As we sit on the sofa in her Kensal Rise home, she shows me a recent issue of the magazine. “This one sums up what we’re doing at Harper’s,” she says, proudly, as she comes to a series of pictures shot at Kensington Palace with Stella Tennant. “The best of British craziness,” as she puts it. The supermodel appears in a series of fabulously bonkers outfits – in one, a giant Fair Isle sweater, Chanel trousers with ripped chiffon flares and a small but extreme Stephen Jones hat. Speaking to the willowy, gently-spoken Kasterine, you begin to see how her fashion vision has become so sought after – not only does she work for Harper’s, she is also much in demand for commercial work and has a studio space in North Kensington where she has a team of three helping her out. Now in her mid-40s, she has had a long, illustrious career so far and still has an infectious enthusiasm for her work. So what informs her aesthetic? “Everything I experience, really” she says, as she picks up her large tabby cat and plonks him on her lap. “My reference points could be an exhibition I’ve seen, a fashion show, a book I’ve read, a model or another inspiring person I’ve met.” She loves Notting Hill, she says, having lived there for many years before moving up the hill to Kensal, and she likes cycling everywhere. She frequently potters around “magical” Goldborne Road,

pops into Coffee Plant (“the mecca for coffee,”), or grabs lunch at Lowry & Baker café. She knew early on that styling was what she wanted to do when she was growing up in Hammersmith, an avid consumer of fashion magazines from an early age. It was in her blood. Her father Dmitri Kasterine is an acclaimed portrait photographer whose work was recently shown at the National Portrait Gallery, and her mother worked for fashion magazines in the 1960s as a writer – Cathy remembers her bashing on her typewriter until late at night. Her parents separated and her dad went to live in New York. “He lived in Tribeca when it was an artist community, not a hedge-funder community,” she says, describing how she went out to join him for a stint at the age of 18 and got some work assisting the make-up artist Mary Greenwell. On a shoot she met fashion editor Liz Tilberis and a year later she was back in London, working for Vogue. Her maverick, ground-breaking credentials came to light early on – in her first ever shoot for the venerable fashion magazine. Photographed by the late Corinne Day in signature gritty style, the images showed a young, very thin Kate Moss in a down-at-heel setting in not-very-glamorous vest and knickers. It was so completely different from what had come before, (as Kasterine puts it: “Cindy Crawford in a high-cut swimsuit lifting weights, shot by Herb Ritts”) that it caused an outrcry – the main complaint was that Moss looked unhealthy. “I think it showed a new, delicate kind of beauty,” she says. The images helped set the agenda for a huge shift in fashion sensibility, making the grunge look mainstream. Although photographers are often better known than stylists, a fashion shoot is very much a collaboration. Kasterine describes it as an “equal” one. “It works both ways: they realise your dreams, or you can realise their dreams.” As for life away from work, all is good, she says. She is the mother of Lily, nine, and Louis, seven, and loves the “rare and wonderful community” of Kensal Rise, where she lives. “I’m so supported and the children are so happy – it allows me to go out and do the crazy stuff for work. Work is exciting, and happy family time is the antidote to that.” Even a fashion obsessive needs time off, it seems.

My reference points could be an exhibition, a fashion show, a book, a model or an inspiring person I’ve met

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For You,

FOREVER ALICE MILNER DISCOVERS THAT DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER WITH DE BEERS’ BESPOKE ENGAGEMENT RING DESIGN

egend has it that in the 1400s, the first ever diamond engagement ring was presented to Mary, Duchess of Burgandy, by her suitor the Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian I. Ever since, the diamond engagement ring has been a powerful symbol of romance and majesty. Traditional romantics believed that the vena amoris (Latin for ‘Vein of Love’) ran directly from the fourth left hand finger straight to the heart. Even today, a ring-encircled fourth finger remains a powerful representation of love and devotion between two people. A timeless treasure, the ring itself should sit proudly and comfortably on your hand. But which shape diamond is the best and how many? Should one have a white, yellow, rose gold or platinum band? And what size should it be? It’s not an easy choice to make, and a nervous proposer may find themselves swamped with options.

Enter De Beers. In October this year, the exquisite jewellers are set to launch their exceptional For You, Forever bespoke service. This expert in-store service invites a couple or just the man (if he’s feeling brave) to individually craft a De Beers engagement ring, helped by highly-trained Brand Ambassadors, on hand to help select your unique diamonds and their desired setting. Fascinated by this process, I visited the De Beers store in Westfield to observe how the special For You, Forever process works from start to finish. ‘Each story begins with a personal consultation,’ I am told. ‘During this, your requirements are established and De Beers shares with you their original drawings and inspirations for your design.’ Whether it’s a classic Round Brilliant, an elegant Emerald or a contemporary Princess Cut, you then select your diamond and setting – it’s catered so you find what is just perfect for you. ‘For You, Forever

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“LIGHT THE HEART WITH UNMATCHED FIRE, LIFE & BRILLIANCE”

pieces are a true statement of self – not only in the choice of style but also in the opportunity it affords a client to be very precise about their requirements.’ As I peer into the pristine display cabinets, I’m bedazzled by their stunning portfolio of designs and ask how they source their comprehensive range of diamonds. I discover that each year De Beers inspects over 25,000 diamonds, in their

quest to find the highest quality jewels for their clients. They qualify the rarity of the diamond through their special ‘4 Cs’ criteria which rates the diamond according to its carat, cut, clarity and colour. The selected few are then microscopically branded with the De Beers Marque, which reassures clients that every diamond is ‘natural, untreated, conflict-free and responsibly sourced and crafted.’

For De Beers, the diamond selection is more than just the ‘4Cs’ and a gemmological report; two diamonds can be identical on paper yet one can have true brilliance that the other lacks. Drawing on 125 years of diamond expertise, De Beers hand-select their diamonds to ensure they outshine all others. Their aim is to source diamonds that ‘Light the heart with unmatched Fire, Life and Brilliance.’ Next I am shown their pioneering diamond scanning technology – The De Beers Iris. This further enhances the For You, Forever experience, for the sparkling ‘Fire, Life and Brilliance’ of each diamond can be seen through an iPad in-store tool. Slowing down what the naked eye sees in an instant, The De Beers Iris replicates different light conditions in a series of live, moving images. I can clearly see how the perfection of the diamond’s cut causes all eight facets to illuminate simultaneously and symmetrically. It’s truly mesmerising. With what I have viewed today, the De Beers’ promise to ‘honour the light of your love’ makes perfect sense. As I watch a kaleidoscope of sparkling shapes bounce off each diamond, it takes my breath away and I’m even tempted to propose to myself. Westfield London, The Village, London W12 7GB +44 (0) 20 8746 7001 Debeers.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | HOM E & GA RDEN

DESIGNER

wares From aircraft seating to public spaces, product design is all around us, but the process remains a mystery to many. As Great Western Studios prepares to host an exhibition of work by Tom Lloyd and Luke Pearson, Absolutely goes behind the scenes

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ABSOLUTELY | HOM E & GA RDEN

Tell us about the exhibition at Great Western Studios. How will it be arranged and what will it show? The show is a mixture of a review of some of our recent work, and a new experimental installation which takes up the main atrium space at Great Western Studios. We are deeply interested in the way in which furniture can affect how we use architectural space. The installation, which is made up of 20 three-metre long timber boxes, stacked one on top of the other, will be changed on a daily basis during the show, to test out the possible uses and functions of the space. With so many different types of product under your remit, how would you describe your style or ethos? Despite the apparent disparity in our commissions, there are some strong themes that link our work together. Most it relates to what we call ‘public’ space. This could be an office, transport arena, hospital or city square. These are all areas in which we co-habit with friends and strangers. We are fascinated in the power of design to enrich this shared experience. We are at heart industrial designers. We design products for mass manufacture. Whether the commission is a commode, aircraft seat or office chair, the challenge to produce work that is intelligent, efficient and beautiful remains the same. We believe that the ability to design a beautiful mass-produced product requires as much skill and learning as any piece of craft. Can similar design principles be applied to furniture and, say, a street navigation system? Yes, in terms of touch and intuitive function that does not need explaining but of course the balance of needs which informs the design is different. What have been your most unusual/challenging projects? We have recently started designing for healthcare, and in 2011 were asked to tackle the ongoing problem of violence and aggression in A&E departments. We worked with a group of different disciplines outside design, and ended up proposing a new communication strategy for both staff and visitors, where increased information and awareness of the service would help to reduce frustration in what is a highly stressful environment. But simple chairs become increasingly difficult as we set our sights higher. How did you find your way into product design? Tom: My father was an architect and my mother a painter. Design and art was embedded in our daily lives. My elder brother and sister both became architects, so furniture and product design was my way of finding my own route in life Luke: Through realizing that I wasn’t bright enough to do quantum physics. I grew up in a family of creatives, a painter father, a fashion designer mother and a garden designer brother and although I spent my childhood making things continuously, it never occurred to me that I could do it as a living until I started designing at foundation college. What are you working on currently? As usual, we have lots of different projects in the studio. We are currently working on a hotel concept for a global brand, which is challenging the basic principles of the hotel room, and on some great kitchen products. We continue to work with the City of Bath on their public realm strategy, and the Business Class for Lufthansa. We always have a number of research projects and furniture projects running through the studio. And is there anything you’re keen to design but haven’t yet? Transport continues to interest us as it becomes increasingly important the world over. Housing would be nice since both of us are continually modifying our own homes. Lighting and some more domestic projects such as cutlery would also be nice – many of the projects we work on are large and complex now. 55

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ABSOLUTELY | HOM E & GA RDEN

SKOVDAL & SKOVDAL

Inside Design with Pearson Lloyd runs from 13 to 23 September at Great Western Studios, 65 Alfred Road, W2; greatwesternstudios.com

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29/08/2013 17:02

THE DIRECTOR OF

DESIGN

Daniel Kostiuc, Lead Designer of awardwinning studio Intarya, talks hard work, history and branching out to Brazil PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD WAITE

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ABSOLUTELY: So Daniel, Intarya has been described as one of London’s leading interior design companies - how does that make you feel? Daniel Kostiuc: So proud! We’ve been able to work with amazing clients who really trust our ability to create interiors that suit their lifestyle. We love working with clients who understand that luxury doesn’t just relate to brand or price tag – it relates most of all to quality, style and provenance. Over the years, we have built a reputation for achieving the best for our clients, who can expect interiors that are glamorous and yet understated, with ‘quality’ as the watchword. ABS: You must really love interiors! Have you always loved them – did you crayon your bedroom walls as a child, that sort of thing? DK: I always knew I wanted to work in a creative field. As a child, I loved to re-organize the house and always had my opinions about furniture, fashion, colours and fabrics (much to my parents’ annoyance!). My grandfather worked in the field of decoration and furniture design, so I think passion for design is in my blood.

Abs: Where did you grow up? DK: I grew up in Brazil and left for London at the age of 17 with the intention of studying English for six months and then going back. I fell in love with this city and decided to stay and go to college here. I studied New Media and worked in that field for a few years in London, after graduating. ABS: You studied interior architecture at UCLA – is this right? DK: Yes, that’s right. Having renovated my house in London, I received many compliments. A designer friend of mine came to visit and after seeing what I had done with my house, he invited me to work with him. After a few months, I realised that despite having an aptitude for design, I lacked theoretical knowledge. I did a lot of research and decided to move to Los Angeles to attend UCLA’s postgraduate degree in Interior Architecture.

I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO WORK IN A CREATIVE FIELD

worked on a few projects before starting the degree, I had some knowledge of the ins and outs of conceptualising, running projects, and the business aspect of Interior Design. What I had to concentrate on was the more ‘bookish’ parts of the course – History of Art, Cad and Colour Theory. They were really fun to do, but definitely a learning curve. ABS: What happened after you graduated from there? DK: I had done a number of internships with very reputable designers in Los Angeles during my degree. At the end of the course,

ABS: Were you a studious student or one of those ‘annoying’ people who did precisely zero work and came out with straight As? DK: A bit of both, really. Because of my previous experience, having

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touches that bring the project together. I have a very handson approach and lead the team from creating design concepts, furniture designs (we design about 80% of the furniture we install), colour and material direction, to choosing the art and some of the accessories. ABS: You’ve worked on five-star resorts, hotels and properties worldwide. Does the country in which a property is built inspire you – or is it just the architecture of the building itself? DK: The location and architecture of any building - be it a resort, hotel, house or apartment - are very important to the interior design. I think it is vital to be mindful of those things, even when the design is going to contrast with the local style or perhaps, the architecture. ABS: How would you describe your own style? We’re fascinated to know what your interiors at home are like, can you tell us? DK: I guess my style is quite eclectic. When designing for myself, I like to create a sense of space by using light colours with simple shapes and contrasting them with antiques and some vintage furniture and accessories. I like the lived in feel, so I am very anti-minimalist, but clutter is something I really hate, so storage is essential (I have concealed storage everywhere). I also like my home to feel warm and cozy, so I have a lot of family pictures and art that has meaning to me.

during my thesis module, my professor offered me a position in his hospitality design company, so I had a job offer before graduating, which was great. I worked with him for a couple of years before being headhunted by a very high profile LA designer. Those experiences were completely invaluable. ABS: Tell us about how you got involved in Intarya and your role in the company. DK: After working in LA for a few years, I felt it was time to return to London. I joined

I REALLY LIKE VINTAGE OR HISTORICAL REFERENCING IN MY DESIGNS

Intarya as Creative Director in 2009 and have been Managing Director since the beginning of 2012. I am the main point of contact for all our clients and I am constantly involved with the creative process. Working with clients at the top of their game, I believe it is essential that I take personal responsibility for each project, from beginning to end. The only way I can do that is by understanding the client’s requirements and staying connected with the design, construction and manufacturing processes, as well as the final

ABS: What is your studio like? How do you like to work? DK: We have an awesome space right by the river, with large windows, lots of glass and natural light. I think natural light is essential for creativity. My team and I work in a very collaborative way, so we are always bouncing off ideas and creating designs together. I have a very close relationship with my team – they are very talented and experienced, and share my passion for design and for giving our clients the best possible results. We are currently a team of 14 including designers, architects, design assistants and support staff.

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ABS: How do you define the concept for a new project? DK: At the initial meetings with our clients. We begin to understand their tastes, lifestyle and the function of each room in the house or apartment. It is with this information that we begin to create the concept of each new project. I think it’s essential that each project is unique and specific to the client, so it’s actually the client who defines the concept. It’s then our job to transform the client’s wishes into reality. ABS: What would you say are your main sources of inspiration? DK: I would say history. I really like vintage or historical referencing in my designs, even in contemporary projects. I think historical referencing (even if subtle) gives credibility to an environment and creates timeless interiors. I am also inspired by art and fashion, with much of my design inspiration coming from the runway. ABS: What do you like doing in your spare time? DK: I really enjoy going to the theatre, ballet and art galleries. I love traveling, seeing new places, and from time to time I like to spend a few days by the sea. ABS: What are your plans for the rest of this year and the future? DK: We have a number of projects that I am extremely excited about that will be completed in 2013.

Another very exciting prospect for 2014 is the opening of our new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Having my roots in Brazil (added to the economic improvements the country has seen over the last

I BELIEVE IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT I TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR EACH PROJECT

few years and the increased real estate values in the main cities) has meant that it is the perfect location for Intarya to extend its reach. We have, for a few years, worked on a number of projects outside the UK, but Brazil will be the first country where Intarya has a fully-fledged location. But in the beginning, the plan is for most of the design work to continue to come from our main studio in London, while the Sao Paulo office will take care of the projects on the ground. Over the next three to five years, the intention is to further increase our reach internationally – both in terms of interior design services and the design and manufacturing of furniture, lighting and textiles. INTARYA 8 Albion Riverside, 8 Hester Road, SW11 020 7349 8020 • intarya.com

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ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

HOT STUFF

Exploring an overlooked opportunity in interior decorating

ost people don’t take the time to consider radiators as part of the aesthetic of their home. Even if they do, it is usually in a bid to conceal them - an attractive or even stylish radiator doesn’t come into play. However, this does not have to be the case. As with other functional items in the home – ovens, fridges, even kettles – radiators now come in a host of colours and designs. From the traditionally beautiful cast iron floor standing models to the ultra modern brushed aluminium units, you can choose one that not only works well with your home’s overall look, but also accentuates it, either by drawing the eye or blending in. It can even be a statement architectural piece. To find the radiator that will best suit you it is important to consider which brand has what you are looking for. For over thirty years, Bisque has been at the forefront of the radiator revolution, producing stunning products designed by the likes of Paul Priestman and

Leo Salzedo. They also offer a huge range of colours with designs like Arteplano available in 28 colours, plus 18 special finishes, perfect for the more adventurous heat seekers amongst us. For more tradition styles, look to Carron. Carron was founded in Stirlingshire, Scotland in 1760 by the Roebuck Family and provides a more understated but no less attractive option. Carron has had many associations with highly regarded engineers and designers of the years, such as James Watt and Robert Adam. They now produce a range of radiators made using traditional foundry methods; authentic reproductions taken from original mouldings. They boast an inspiring collection that echoes many influential periods from Art Nouveau and Rococo, through to Arts and Crafts. Find both Bisque and Cannon at Nu-Line. Nu-Line’s superb range of radiators are designed to suit every requirement – with all the accessories and fittings you need. For more information visit the shop to speak to an expert or call the showroom manager.

Darren, Showroom Manager: 020 8206 1002, sales@nulinebathrooms.com Nu-Line Bathrooms Unit 12-14 Malton Road W10 5UP; nulinebathrooms.com

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ABSOLUTELY | HOME & GA RDEN

MOOD BOARD Chrystina Schmidt of Skandium reveals her inspirations

Most inspiring experience? Every time I am given free hand to refurbish a person’s space, I am honoured when people give me their trust and let me guide the space to bring it to its best potential within a given budget. Most treasured possession? That constantly changes. One is living in an ever-changing flow but right now it is a new table light designed by Andreas Engesvik, Norway (above). It is unlike anything else, with a very different attitude which lifts my spirit. Favourite designer? There are so many. It is more about particular pieces, every good designer has a highlight, like the light mentioned above by Andreas, or the Cité chair (below, left) by Jean Prouvé (below, left), a very innovative chair when it was launched and remains so today. There is Paul Kjaerholm, ever relevant, so understated elegance. But likewise Bruno Mathsson, so different from the others. Favourite holiday destination? Any place with beautiful natue but I particularly love Japan, the island in the south of the country and the Como Shamhbala hotels anywhere (left). Heaven, here I come! Favourite piece of furniture? Hm…. again, maybe the Cité chair by Jean Prouvé. Skandium best-seller? Moomin mugs, would you believe it but actually, our Bello chest of drawers (left) sell remarkably well, I am so happy to say. skandium.com 67

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ABSOLUTELY | K IDS PENGUIN PIECES Swedish children’s brand Mini Rodini is stylish as well as sensible and the new season’s rainwear comes decorated with darling little penguins to keep sprogs splash-free. You’ll find the range at Kidsen. kidsen.co.uk

BELLE & BOO Belle & Boo is the fantasy world of illustrator Mandy Sutcliffe, who dreamed up the characters of a little girl called Belle and her bunny friend Boo, who adorn a range of products ranging from stationery to dresses. We love this beautiful cotton satin dress and its nostalgic illustration, £39, belleandboo.com

PRINT RUNS Beautiful children’s clothes inspired by African and Asian textiles come from Isossy, where fabrics in limited runs result in unusual and offbeat pieces. isossychildren.com

Absolutely

TINIES

How to keep them amused

FA I R Y TA L E WO R L D S

A new edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales is published this month by Taschen, including the most beautiful illustrations from an international cast of artists, including this German illustration for The Tinderbox from 1956. £24.99, taschen.com

PINK LINING

Personalised miniature rucksacks from Pink Lining are infinitely more stylish than the average child’s bag, and the range includes overnight bags and dinky wheelie cases too. For the most discerning of travellers. pinklining.com/uk 69

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ABSOLUTELY | EDUCATION

Sleep School A new academy in London will let its students start later.

Amanda Constance

reports on the teen sleep debate

eenagers are lazy, right? Wrong. According to a growing body of research, they just have a different body clock from the rest of us. Scientists believe that if schools would wake up to this evidence and let teens start their day later, they would see great gains in both the health of their students and academic results. Some schools are taking note. When the UCL Academy in Swiss Cottage, northwest London, starts the new term this September, it will have been a year since it became the first London school to allow teens to ‘sleep in’. When the academy, which is sponsored by University College London, opened in September 2012, its students were allowed to start at 10am and leave at 5.30pm. Headmistress Geraldine Davies claims that the school is already seeing positive results. ‘Youngsters are turning up alert and ready to learn and are focused and engaged in lessons,’ she says. ‘We have no hard data on exam results yet… but the aim is to rigorously review the effects. Pupil and teacher surveys have so far been positive.’ Scientists say there is now biological evidence underpinning the argument that schools should start later. It was in the US in the 1990s that researchers first identified an ‘adolescent time shift’ in the sleep pattern of teenagers and in the past

two decades a number of US schools have adopted later start times. In the UK, Professor Russell Foster, a professor of circadian neuroscience at Oxford, has been at the forefront of work on teenage sleep patterns and their effect on performance at school. He explains: ‘The biology of human sleep timing changes as we age. As puberty begins, bedtimes and waking times get later. This trend continues until 19.5 years in women and 21 in men. Then it reverses. At 55 we wake at about the time we woke prior to puberty. On average this is two hours earlier than adolescents. This means that for a teenager, a 7am alarm call is the equivalent of a 5am start for a person in their 50s.’ Foster observed a school in Liverpool where many students were getting just five hours sleep a night. Unsurprisingly, teachers reported students falling asleep in class. He says a lack of sleep increases stress and is associated with a loss of humour, lack of empathy and low mood. Indeed, research has shown that bloodglucose regulation was greatly impaired in young men who slept only four hours on six consecutive nights, with their insulin levels comparable to the early stages of diabetes. But it isn’t just a biological problem. Society isn’t very conducive to a good night’s sleep with more relaxed parental attitudes to bedtimes and access to TVs,

PCs, gaming devices and mobile phones all promoting an alertness that doesn’t aid healthy sleep. Prof Foster has become so persuaded of the need for schools to adjust their start times that, in 2009, he instigated a 10am start for 800 students at Monkseaton High School in North Tyneside, the first British school to do so. After observing the students, Foster says that the outcomes were clear: ‘The Monkseaton experiment shows, frankly, that if you start at 10am, grades go up.’ Dr Paul Kelley, who was then headmaster of Monkseaton, went on to advise the new UCL Academy in northwest London. There are doubters, however. One issue is a perceived negative impact on afterschool activities, particularly competitive sports, although schools in the US have reported that this hasn’t been a problem. But a greater issue here and in Australia is union objections to longer working hours for teachers and support staff. Later this year, Dr Kelley will publish research he has conducted with Professor Foster on adolescent sleep and he remains convinced that there is an ‘overwhelming case’ for shifting the times of a school day so that their starting times match teenagers’ biology. It will reduce their sleep deprivation, their learning will improve and, crucially, it will help to protect their physical and mental health,’ Kelley says. 71

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26/03/2013 18:25

ABSOLUTELY | HEA LTH & BEAUT Y

BEAUTY NOTES N A IL IT

Just launched at Kell Skott in Golborne Road is the Essie manicure and pedicure, plus Artistic gel nails. Enjoy the treatments while you’re getting your hair done or simply on their own – nail technician Flori Malureanu will guarantee that your extremities are flawless, shiny and fresh. 93 Golborne Road W10; 020 8964 3004; kellskotthaircare.com

A CUT A BOV E Celebrity to the stars, Jamie Stevens, has been nominated for the prestigious Hairdresser of the Year award for the second consecutive year. At 32, Jamie is also the youngest of the eight nominees and will now submit eight images that best represent his artistic vision. The results will be announced in November. Good luck! Jamie Stevens Hair, 9 Russell Gardens, W14; jamiestevenshaircom

BUZ Z OFF If the thought of dousing yourself in mozzy repellent is completely unwelcome, praise be to Isabella Smith, who has created a range of nostalgic, floral fragrances which act as natural insect repellents. Effective and non-toxic, the delicate scents make you untraceable to mosquitoes, ticks, wasps, bees and black flies... and the collection will look pretty on your dresser, too. £9.50; isabellasmith.co.uk

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L A S T- MINUTE HOLIDAY? 3 TO P T R AV E L M US T- H AV E S

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Kérastase Styling Spray à Porter 150ml, £19.50; lookfantastic.com Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50, £76; liberty.co.uk Clarins After Sun Moisturiser Ultra-Hydrating Luxury Size, £27; clarins.co.uk

Sjal’s new luxury Rose Aura skincare set is the gentlest but most effective way of eliminating dirt and excess oil to leave your skin really glowing. Ingredients include gold, silver and rose quartz and the set comes with a natural sponge as well as deep pore cleanser, energy tonic and cellular renewal cream. It launches this month at Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com

R ICH PICK INGS Benefit cosmetics have just launched a limited edition collection make-up kit designed by Matthew Williamson. The Rich is Back is a disco-inspired kits for nights on the town that includes eyeshadows, the popular They’re Real mascara and lipgloss. There’s even a handy tips & tricks how-to guide included. The flamboyant designer said, ‘This is high-octane glam makeup for dressing up to look fabulous & dance the night away.’ £26.50. benefitcosmetics.co.uk 73

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ABSOLUTELY | HEA LTH & BEAUT Y

sense for where problems lie and a holistic approach to solving them. She also uses cranial techniques to address old injuries and stress. Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays at The Life Centre, Notting Hill 020 72214602 thelifecentre.com

5 Steve Mellor at Freedom2Train

THE PERSONAL TRAINER

Beauty BLACK BOOK

Arabella Preston recommends the best local therapists

1 Amanda Harrington at InParlour THE TANNER

Amanda’s famous ‘contour’ tan means she is on speed-dial for London’s most glamorous ladies. All done in the comfort of your own home, her tans last up to 10 days and are always streak free. The unique brush-on system feels more like a massage and your skin is left buffed and bronzed. InParlour 020 77367713 inparlour.co.uk

2Heidi G at Josh Wood Colour THE COLOURIST

As Josh’s right-hand woman, Heidi knows all there is to know about colour and is queen of the infamous ‘halo’ technique, that sunkissed look that is particular to Notting Hill women in the know. And when

you’re spending hours in the chair it helps that she’s good fun too. 6 Lansdowne Mews, W11 3AN, 020 33930977 joshwoodcolour.com

3Sophie Gass

THE MANICURIST

A savvy curator of manicurists, Sophie hand-picks only the best. She runs her zen Holland Park salon with a light but stylish touch. With her own line of chic accessories and clothes on sale, it’s a one-stop-shop for glamour. 4 Ladbroke Grove, W11 3BG, 020 72294044 sophiegass.com

4Sally Christ at The Life Centre THE MASSEUSE

Sally’s powerful massage technique is second to none. With 23 years experience she has an intuitive

Steve has worked with everyone from Arctic explorers to marathon runners to actors and models. He is a passionate advocate of outdoor exercise and as an elite rower himself, brings professional sport techniques to real-life scenarios. Gentle but tough, his motivational skills are the best around. freedom2train.com

Reinhard Michaels at 6 Holland Park Pilates

THE PILATES TEACHER

Ex-dancer and actor Reinhard Michaels teaches Pilates with his own unique touch. As a friend put it to me “you can tell when someone’s been training with Reinhard from the little dancerly flourishes they add to their movements!” It’s never boring and he always inspires you to enjoy yourself. 020 77276270 hollandparkpilates.com

7Denise Roach

THE YOGA TEACHER

Denise’s practice is centred around powerful Vinyasa yoga that focuses on the flow of movement and breath. But don’t be fooled, it’s hard work and gets noticeable results. Denise is a calm yet tough teacher who encourages you to believe beyond your current capabilities. Denise teaches at Yogaloft www. yogaloftlondon.com and is also available for private tuition deniseroachyoga.co.uk

3 4

5 6

8Carleigh Rayner at Strip 7 THE WAXER

Carleigh, like all the Strip therapists, is expert in all things wax. The unique Strip hot wax is the only way to go - relatively - painfree when it comes to your bikini line. The funky therapy rooms with their TVs and comfy beds all help in distracting you from the task in hand too. 112 Talbot Road, W11 1JR, 020 77272754 stripwaxbar.com

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feel different, be different

Re-designed Pool and Spa Area Opening end of September

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Experience our unique atmosphere 020 7229 2291 BodyWorksWest - a boutique members health club

NOTTING HILL 020 7229 2291 BODYWORKSWEST.CO.UK

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LUCA HAIR & BEAUTY The most striking thing about Luca is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. With 20 years of creative hair dressing experience and extensive beauty treatments on offer (including laser hair removal, waxing and manicures) the skilled professionals who work there are clearly passionate about what they do. An appointment feels more like a visit to a friend than sitting in a beauty salon. 107 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3NS, 020 8968 4025; lucabeauty.co.uk

ON THE

RISE

On Saturday 28 September Sun Riser celebrates the local businesses that make Kensal Rise special

hree times a year Sun Riser seeks to capture some of what makes the community in Kensal Rise so unique. Chamberlayne Road offers the perfect crossection of shops, salons, restaurants and bars and places to pursue creativity. Enjoy a morning of retail therapy at high end boutique love kr for you and KIDSEN for some stylish threads for the little ones. Pause for

MINI PICASSOS & THE STUDIO Providing a fantastic creative outlet for children ranging from toddlers to teenagers Mini Picassos offers art classes (also available for adults), drop in painting sessions and birthday parties. Learn to draw and paint at The Studio and take part in Friday daytime courses and evening lifetime drawing. Amateur or expert, there is something for everyone. 8 Station Terrace, NW10 5RT, 07903638817; www.minipicassos.co.uk

a delicious lunch at Madame Gautier and afterwards drop the kids off for an afternoon of creativity at Mini Picassos whilst you nip into Jivita or Luca Beauty for a relaxing massage or expert beauty treatment. Finally, indulge in a little homeware shopping at the Tile Shop and don’t forget to treat your four-legged friend to a groom at Just Barking. All of this on the same street, it’s no wonder they want to celebrate!

JUST BARKING As any pet owner will tell you, the health and well-being of their dog is of the utmost importance. Regular grooming is essential to maintaining this and with a team led by Colin Taylor, international competition judge, your pooch’s welfare is in safe hands. Just Barking also offer a range of high end treats including toys and handmade leather collars. 116 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3JP, 020 8964 3231; justbarking.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

KIDSEN Nominated Britain’s Best Children Store by the Telegraph, KIDSEN is a Scandinavian inspired lifestyle store selling some of the best children’s brands. With products ranging from shoes, clothes, furniture and gifts, you will find everything you need in this fabulous store in the heart of Kensal Rise – along with tons of helpful advice. A must visit for any fashion savvy parent. 111 Chamberlayne Road NW10 3NS, 020 8969 7565; kidsen.co.uk

THE TILE SHOP With more than 25 years experience, The Tile Shop provides a friendly service and honest advice for all your tiling needs. It has a wide range of wall and floor tiles including porcelain, ceramic, glass, stone, mosaics and Victorian reproduction wall and floor tiles. 4-6 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3JD, 020 8968 9497; tileshoplondon.co.uk

MADAM GAUTIER A new addition to Chamberlayne Road, although already a respected presence in the Kensal Rise area, Madam Gautier is now offering exquisite French cuisine at their combined Bistro, Bar à Vin and Traiteur. A team of highly-trained chefs, mouthwatering dishes and even an adorable special menu for the kids make this an exciting addition to the community. 64-66 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3JJ, 020 8968 8142; madamegautier.co.uk

JIVITA AYURVEDA Known for their skilful and efficient service, Jivita Ayurveda offers organic body and beauty treatments to satisfy the needs of the health conscious. A selection of organic food and beauty products to supplement an organic and conscientious lifestyle. Anyone looking to sample their services willl be thrilled to hear that Indian Head Massages will be on offer for as little as £5 for fifteen minutes - a steal! 89 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3ND, 020 8964 4993; jivitaayurveda.com

LOVE KR One of Kensal Rise’s favourite fashion outlets will be showcasing hot Danish label Samsøe & Samsøe. Described as ‘an epic fashion tale’ the Autumn collection is all about mixing and matching contrasting deep, almost moody colours with bright splashes of neon. The Scandinavian influence is strong with soft knits and black leather featuring heavily and abstract natural landscapes clashing stylishly with the urban shapes. 98A Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3JN, 020 8962 5635; lovekr.co.uk

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18/07/2013 12:04

ABSOLUTELY | HEA LTH & BEAUT Y

By the Book

Notting Hill’s hottest new club is the Library, a gym for people who hate the gym. Pendle Harte signs up and is converted

ost people at the Library hate the gym, says Zana Morris. No surprise there, you might think – but the Library in question is actually a gym, not a reading room. And although it’s beautifully decorated and very stylish looking (sofas, bookshelf-wallpaper, lovely towels and delightful hotel-style touches everywhere) it is a results-driven, serious place. Owner Zana Morris has been in the trade for long enough to know that the extended workout is not something that easily fits into people’s lives – not once they’re past their 20s anyway – and besides, it may not really be beneficial either. 15 minutes is enough, she says, when it’s intense, targeted training. Which is exactly what most of us want to hear, isn’t it? Why waste time? But don’t think this isn’t a place to linger. There are sofas to lounge on and books to read that are much more intellectual than you’d expect from a gym – there’s Susie Orbach, surprisingly, alongside Tolstoy and Dickens, plus various contemporary works of literary fiction and only the odd self-help book. So you’re encouraged to lounge, although behind the laid-back exterior lies a fitness programme that’s far from fluffy. Promising to transform your body in just 12 days, the Library’s kickstart programme is two things: an effective intense but manageable scheme that will make you lose fat and gain muscle; and a clever way of getting you hooked on the Library. Personally, I have never been a gym type, nor a dieting type, nor the type to deny myself another drink or slice of cake. I labour under what turns out 79

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ABSOLUTELY | HEA LTH & BEAUT Y

12 DAY COUNTDOWN

DAY 1 This is easy. I skip breakfast, though enjoy coffee with double cream. My workout is manageable and so is lunch – a Pret crayfish and rocket salad with extra walnuts and gruyere. Dinner is steak (with lashings of Philadelphia) and salad. I can do this.

DAY 2

to be the illusion that I’m healthy and fit enough. Going for a run is something other people do. Given the choice of gym or library, I’d be in the library every time. Still, Zana is so likeable and so unevangelical that I would probably agree to anything she suggested. Relentlessly positive but with a winning smile and a big sense of humour, she’s not like most people in her trade. Talking me through what is in fact a heavily restrictive, grueling diet of no carbohydrates, no sugar and extra high fat, she makes it sound fine. ‘You can still have coffee – just put double cream in it,’ she smiles. No alcohol though, of course – but it’s all in aid of reprogramming the way your body responds to insulin and after 12 days of this, you are well on your way to a healthy future, says Zana. Which turns out to be much needed – weighing and measuring reveals that I am not looking at a healthy future with a body fat percentage of over 30% (it should be between 19 and 29).

THE VERDICT Progress meetings with Zana are surprisingly enjoyable because Zana is enthusiastic and full of praise for my efforts. A month into my new life, I have lost 7lb of fat (which as Zana points out, is more than a baby’s worth), while gaining several pounds of actual muscle and losing inches everywhere. This means that my metabolism has quickened and – hooray – my body fat percentage is into the upper 20s. Nutritionwise, Zana believes that carbohydrates are the enemy and should be avoided most of the time. ‘But if someone gives me a bowl of pasta I don’t panic,’ she says, reassuringly. She agrees that it’s more realistic to find a sustainable way of eating that works long term rather than following a draconian programme then giving up. And I’m happy with that. THE LIBRARY 206-8 Kensington Park Road W11 020 7221 7992 thelibrarygym.com

No I can’t. I wake up feeling shaky, as if I haven’t eaten for days, and slightly nauseous. A bit like recovering from norovirus. Coffee (extra double cream) helps a bit and I force myself to eat two boiled eggs with some macadamia nuts, though what I really need is a nice slice of toast. I can’t face spooning Philadelphia into my mouth as instructed, which already means that I am getting the proportions all wrong. By my midday workout I am feeling slightly better and things do improve throughout the course of the day. Dinner is an omelette with lots of cheese, and salad with avocado and pumpkin seeds. It would be improved by the slice of sourdough and the glass of wine that my partner has with his.

DAY 3 Wake up feeling weak. Doing this would be much easier if I didn’t have to make breakfast and get children ready for school while getting myself ready for work. I feel hungry and slightly nauseous, a bit like early pregnancy. Nothing on my breakfast list appeals at all, so I go straight to the Library, where my workout (chest and back) makes me feel slightly faint. Zana tells me that days two to four are always the worst; if it gets really bad I am allowed to have a shot glass full of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice. And I can call her any time. Feeling brave, I meet a friend for lunch and order a salad nicoise, from which I pick out the things I’m allowed and leave an embarrassing plate that looks like a fussy child’s.

DAY 4 & 5 I’m clearly not eating enough protein or fat so I wake up starving and find myself in the kitchen at 7.45 making bacon and eggs just for myself in a deranged and obsessive state. I discover crispy bacon to be a good enough substitute for toast, craving as I am something with a bit of texture. We have dinner at a pizza restaurant, where I make do with a small and boring salad. My seven-year-old, who has been learning about nutrition at school, gives me a bossy lecture on the importance of carbohydrates. And tells me my breath smells.

DAY 6 Looking in the mirror, I am convinced that the bags under my eyes are significantly reduced.

DAYS 7-12 It gets easier. I feel hungry but can’t stomach slimy salmon and Philadelphia without the necessary bagel. A rotating workout schedule focuses on shoulders and arms; chest and back; legs, of which legs are definitely the hardest. Still, 15 minutes is manageable and I am beginning to think of myself as slightly a gym person.

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FOODIE NOTES FEED THE FAMILY Fabulous new platters from Feng Sushi take the work out of choosing food and are designed to cater for all occasions. This is the family platter, £32.75, which includes 30 pieces that suit children’s as well as parents’ tastes. Salmon cream cheese maki, king prawn tempura maki, salty edamame and vegetarian inari are highlights. Yum fengsushi.co.uk

DELIVERANCE New to the menu at Deliverance - the company that delivers cuisine from all over the globe to your very doorstep at the drop of a hat - is the Deliverance picnic, packed to be taken to the park or eaten in your garden. A full spread for four includes mini fishcakes, rice balls and chicken wings as well as a whole peri-peri chicken (served warm) plus Moroccan salad, pasta salad, sweetcorn, coleslaw and garlic bread. £10 per head, delivered. deliverance.co.uk

REINVENTING FISH

New at Kensington Place is the ‘Scallopdog’: Scallop hot dog, brown shrimp vierge and cucumber served in a brioche bun as well as ‘fried wings’ made with tender spicy fried skate fillet, triple-cooked chips and fennel slaw. Everything arrives together on a tray, and it’s priced at just £25, making it perfect for a relaxed and informal lunch or dinner. 201 Kensington Church Street W8, 020 7727 3184

HOTEL CHOCOLAT Cooking with chococlate is nothing new but Hotel Chocolat’s new range spans cocoa pesto (yes, actual pesto with cocoa nibs) and cocoa-shell infused gin. Who’s a chocoholic now? hotelchocolat.co.uk

HOT STUFF

Recently re-opened and refurbished, No.65 and King (formerly Westbourne House) is back with a bang serving up classic dishes with contemporary twists and cocktails so devilish they come with a XXX warning. Hot off the heels of a successful two months of lobster themed dishes, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for oyster season. 5 Westbourne Grove, W2, 020 7229 2233; 65king.com 83

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a love for food Daylesford’s new cookbook promises ‘recipes and notes for cooking and eating well’. Absolutely enjoys a taster

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THREE TOMATO TART This is all about the quality of your tomatoes. You want a biggish, beefsteak red tomato for the sauce and for slicing.

APRICOT AND ALMOND TART

12 large ripe red vine tomatoes, preferably heritage (see introduction, above) 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon tomato paste

This combines apricots with a classic almond cream (frangipane), but we also use the same recipe with whatever stone fruits, such as plums or cherries, are prolific in the market garden. You can even make the tart with soft fruits like figs, or raspberries, which won’t look quite as spectacular as fruit that holds its shape, but will taste equally good. In autumn we sometimes use apples or pears, but these harder fruits need to be poached first in a little sugar and water to soften them.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or a bowl of whipped cream.

Chop 6 of the large tomatoes. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium pan over a low heat, then add the onion, garlic and the coriander and cumin seeds and cook for about 10 minutes, until the onion softens, stirring constantly. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chilli, lemon juice and half the thyme leaves and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

SERVES 6

Around August Jez recommends Marmande, which are the rich, sweet, ‘ribbed’, bulbous-looking ones that have more flesh than seeds. Earlier in the year Stupice is one of the first tomatoes to ripen, and is a good, full-flavoured one to use for the sauce. Sweet, juicy Golden Cherry tomatoes are perfect for the finishing layer.

MAKES 6

Add 200ml of water and bring to the boil, then cook over a medium heat for about 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and all the juice has evaporated. Taste and season as necessary. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3–4mm thick, and cut around a small plate or use a large cutter (about 12cm in diameter) to cut out 6 discs. Line a baking tray with a sheet of greaseproof paper, place the discs on top and put into the fridge to rest for 20 minutes (this will help to stop the pastry shrinking in the oven). When ready to cook, remove the pastry discs from the fridge and prick all over with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until light golden and crisp. Remove and leave to cool. Slice the remaining red tomatoes thinly (around 3mm). Divide the cooked tomato mixture between the pastry discs, spreading it right to the edge. Arrange the slices of red tomato on top (approximately 6 slices on each). Sprinkle with the Parmesan and return the tarts to the oven for a further 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the yellow cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size, put into a bowl, combine with the rest of the olive oil and the remaining thyme leaves and season. Remove the tarts from the oven, spoon some of the yellow tomatoes and their juices on to each tart and serve.

1 blind-baked 20cm x 4cm sweet pastry tart case 7–10 fresh ripe apricots 2 tablespoons apricot jam For the frangipane: 100g butter 100g caster sugar 1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk 80g ground almonds 20g plain flour First make the frangipane. Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light, creamy and pale in colour, then add the egg and yolk gradually (you can also do this in a mixer). When all the egg is combined, stir in the ground almonds and the flour. Put into the fridge to chill for 1–2 hours, for the mixture to firm up, then spoon into the tart base, using the back of a spoon moistened with a little water to smooth the surface. Preheat the oven to 170°C/gas 3. Cut the apricots in half, discarding the stones, then, depending on the size of the fruit, cut each half into two or three wedges. Starting at the outside of the tart, evenly space the apricots in a circular fashion, pushing each wedge halfway into the almond cream, and letting the other half protrude and point upwards. Repeat with more circles, working towards the centre, until all the apricots have been used up. Place the tart tin on a baking tray and put into the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the frangipane is golden brown, the apricots are nice and caramelised and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Take out of the oven and leave in the tin. Meanwhile, put the apricot jam into a small pan with 2 tablespoons of water and bubble up until you have a syrup. Brush the top of the tart with the syrup. Allow to cool slightly, then remove the tart from the tin and serve while still warm.

Recipes taken from Daylesford’s A Love for Food, published this month by Fourth Estate, £30 85

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Ukai (oo-kaaee), our name, is inspired by the traditional method of river fishing practiced for some 1,300 years using Cormorant birds to catch sweetfish. Spawned in 2006, Ukai has quickly become a favourite amongst sushi lovers in the London area, with its first outlet in trendy Portobello. Ukai offers a culturally rich Japanese experience in a contemporary setting. Due to interest, many of its various Japanese inspired products including flower teas (which blossoms in front of your eyes), delicate incense and a variety of stylish tableware are now available to be purchased.

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19/12/2012 16:03

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Detox Kitchen’s turkey and courgette spag bol

FOR 4 PEOPLE

INGREDIENTS 2 x red onions finely diced 2 x garlic cloves finely chopped 2 x carrots finely chopped 3 x sticks celery finely chopped 300g x minced turkey 1 x tsp. cumin 1 x sprig rosemary finely chopped 2 x sprigs thyme finely chopped 100g x cherry tomatoes 400g x Organic tinned cherry tomatoes ½ x pint organic chicken stock 4 x courgettes

TO MAKE: Fry the onion in a little olive oil for 10 minutes on a medium heat. Then add in the garlic, carrot and celery and cook for a further 3 minutes. Add the minced turkey and cook for another 5 minutes until the meat is sealed. Then add in the cumin, rosemary and thyme, cherry tomatoes, tinned tomatoes and stock. Bring to the boil then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cook on a low heat for 25 minutes. Season. Using a julienne grater (you can do this by hand but you need to get the courgette very thin like spaghetti) grate the courgettes. Grate them until you get to the soft, seeded centre. Season and set aside. Once the spag is cooked, leave it to rest for 10 minutes. Now plate up some big healthy portions.

FOOD REVIEW

The Detox Kitchen Imagine waking up every morning to find your entire day’s sustenance magically on your doorstep. Pendle Harte enjoys the Detox Kitchen experience

his, apparently, is what Elle McPherson eats. Every day when she’s in her Bayswater pad, the supermodel takes a dawn delivery of a Detox Kitchen box containing precisely one day’s nutrition. It’s a clever concept for so many reasons, not least the plain convenience of it all. No shopping, no cooking, not even any thinking about what to eat. But also it’s an easy way to guarantee a few healthy days, a quick detox that will leave you looking and feeling better. So: minimal effort and will-power for maximum impact – what’s not to like? On day one of my three-day detox I find, as promised, a delivery on my doorstep. This is the protein menu and inside the box are several smaller boxes, neatly labeled ‘lunch’ or ‘dinner’ along with minuscule snacks (three hazelnuts, say) and a week’s supply of supplements (probiotic capsules and psyllium husk, a colon-cleaning powder) and a bottle of beetroot, apple and carrot juice. On the menu today is raspberry bircher muesli (delicious), quinoa and lentils with broad beans, and chicken, broccoli and green bean salad. A tiny chunk of lemon is there

too for ‘tea’ and a small pot of edamame beans for my mid-afternoon snack. It’s all tasty and filling – and there’s even pudding. A small mix of kiwi, blueberries and coconut that does taste like a treat. The next morning the elves have come again, this time with muesli and rice milk (pretty tasteless but not objectionable), brown rice and roasted peppers for lunch and an extremely delicious Thai spiced fish curry for dinner, followed by, unbelievably, a sliver of raw cacao cake (chocolate! On a detox!). Today’s snack is terrible though, a handful of dry curly kale that doesn’t resemble food at all, just dry leaves. No matter: a sprig of mint makes delicious tea and carrot and ginger juice is good and spicy. On the final day there’s granola with more rice milk for breakfast, a salad of pearl barley, hazelnuts and peas, and a vastly improved snack of broccoli and sesame, plus apple and raspberry crumble for pudding. If I were Elle McPherson I would certainly do this full time too. At £35.99 per day it’s an expensive way to live in the long term, but for a three day no-brainer blitz it’s a winner. Hooray for the Detox Kitchen. detoxkitchen.co.uk 87

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65 & KING BAR AND GRILL

Its Shucking time for Oysters

CHEF LOVES THE FRESHEST OYSTERS

There is an “R” in the month and our menu celebrates the arrival of the oyster season.

65 WESTBOURNE GROVE LONDON W2 4UJ 020 7229 2233 65KING.COM 65 & KING_NH_SEPT.indd 2

30/08/2013 12:46

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U N D E R

A F RICA N

SKIES

JO CAIRD VISITS SOUTH AFRICA TO INVESTIGATE JOHANNESBURG’S CULTURAL REBIRTH

et’s not beat about the bush – Johannesburg has a bit of a reputation problem. When I told friends I was going, most made ‘are you sure it’s safe?’ faces, while the man next to me on my outbound journey intoned worrying crime statistics until the in-flight entertainment began. But while it’s undeniably the case that Joburg is more dangerous than, say, Padstow, crime rates have been falling for years now – and as long as you take sensible precautions (the kind you would take in any major city), you’ll be fine. Johannesburg’s unfortunate reputation, along with the fact that Cape Town is better known as a city destination, means that visitors to South Africa tend to pass through on their way elsewhere or skip the city altogether. It won’t be this way for long, though – Jozi is a city on the up. After checking in at the Peech Hotel, a boutique establishment with a gorgeous garden in one of Joburg’s well-to-do northern suburbs, I travel

to Newtown to get my bearings on a walking tour of the cultural quarter. Joburg’s Central Business District (CBD) was a no-go area for a long time, but a decade of urban regeneration has borne fruit, bringing money back into the city centre and transforming it into a vibrant, creative place. A five-minute stroll takes you past three museums, a handful of trendy bars, a theatre and a dance venue. It’s quiet in the daytime, but when I return on Saturday night the area is buzzing. It’s after 2am when I head back to the Peech that night, but there’s no sign of the fun stopping at DJ bar Ko’spotong, and young clubbers are queuing out the door of the Bassline. When it comes to urban regeneration in the CBD, however, Braamfontein and Maboneng are the places to watch. I head to Braamfontein for its Neighbourhoods Market, a funky collection of food stalls and local clothing and jewellery designers that sets up every Saturday in a multistorey car park. I wander around sipping

a glass of South African chenin blanc and nibble on samosas, grilled halloumi, bratwurst, waffles and ice cream, buying a vintage playsuit while I’m at it. There’s a market with a similar feel at Maboneng on Sundays; it’s part of Arts on Main, a recent development that includes an airy gallery space, a couple of designer shops, a terrace bar and Canteen, a very nice brasserie whose tables spill out into a courtyard filled with olive trees. My lunch is luxuriously laid-back – a holiday from my holiday – and a postprandial perusal of Main Street reveals several more eateries that go straight on to my ‘to try’ list – as well as The Living Room, a breezy terrace bar with great views over the urban landscape. But it’s not just the centre of Johannesburg that’s worth exploring. Not far from my hotel are two of Jozi’s most respected commercial art galleries. The Goodman and Everard Read are both open to the public and well worth a visit, whether or not you’re considering investing in the South African art market. 89

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And don’t miss Circa, the Everard Read’s newest space, an extraordinary optical illusion of a building that hosts changing exhibitions of world class contemporary art. On the day of my gallery visits, I stop for a bite of lunch at Tasha’s, a buzzy eatery in the local area with an enormous menu that includes everything from liver on toast to fish and chips. My Salade Niçoise is delicious but so generously proportioned that I am unable to finish it – not the first or the last time I am defeated by a plate of food this week. Further north still is Liliesleaf, where Nelson Mandela and the other grandees of the African National Congress were arrested in 1963 for plotting the overthrow of the apartheid regime. This interactive museum, whose exhibits include audio accounts of those involved, as well as the room where Mandela lived in disguise as a hired man prior to his arrest, is very sensitively curated and deeply moving. I visit the Apartheid Museum the next day to try to put this important episode in the country’s troubled history in its full context. The two experiences, though not exactly pleasant, are vital for anyone hoping to understand modern South Africa. Another South African essential is barbecue – called braai in Afrikaans, it’s a national passion and features on almost every menu I come across in Jo’burg. It’s a speciality at Moyo, a wonderfully

quirky restaurant where a make-up artist paints delicate designs on diners’ faces as they wait for their food. My friend and I opt to share two of the braai options on offer: her boerewors – or farmers’ sausages – were rich and meaty, as different from a British sausage as you could get, while my fillet steak was one of the best I’ve ever had. Most people who come to Johannesburg also head out on safari, but for those who can’t spare the time, there are opportunities to get up close and personal with animals on a day trip from the city. At Lion Park, which is somewhere between a reserve and a zoo, I am taken on a guided drive through enclosures containing herbivores, lions, cheetahs and wild dogs. It’s not quite the savannah, but our guide is very knowledgeable and the benefit of a place like this is that you’re guaranteed animal action: out on safari proper you can go hours with only wildebeest for company. Another thrilling perk is the chance to spend time in the lion cub enclosure. I won’t soon forget the all-too-brief minutes I spent with these magnificent animals as they dozed in the shade. Not far from here is the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO site, where evidence has been found of some of the earliest human and pre-human activity. I wander, awe-struck, through the Sterkfontein Caves, gazing at ancient stalactites and stalagmites and an eerie

underground lake that lies silent and still in the darkness. Back in the city the following day I take a guided cycle tour through Soweto, once one of South Africa’s most infamous townships and now essentially a suburb of Joburg. Parts of it are still very poor and there are certainly areas it would be inadvisable for tourists to visit, but much of Soweto is now comfortably middle-class and it’s fascinating to have my expectations of such a place confounded. My final evening in Joburg begins with a ‘sundowner’ cocktail at recently opened boutique hotel 54 on Bath. I’ve truly embraced South Africa’s sundowner tradition this week, sampling old school colonial style at the Polo Bar at the Westcliff Hotel and contemporary elegance at the San Deck at the Sandton Sun Hotel. All three venues have fantastic views over the city, but 54 on Bath – with its garden terrace – is my favourite. As I watch the sun set and the full moon rise over this sprawling city, it strikes me just how much more of Johannesburg there still is to discover. South African Airways offers return flights to Johannesburg from London Heathrow from £839.85, 0844 375 9680; flysaa.com. The Peech Hotel offers rooms from £144 per night (based on a bed & breakfast basis), +27 11 537 9797; thepeech.co.za

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INN FASHION FASHION WEEK DOESN’T HAVE TO END ON THE RUNWAY. GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY PICKS THE HOTTEST HOTELS FOR A STYLISH STAY THIS SEPTEMBER

HOTEL DU PETIT MOULIN PARIS

BEST FOR: FASHIONABLE SURROUNDINGS

t may look like just a sweet, local boulangerie from the outside but inside, in the words of Ab Fab’s Edie, ‘It’s Lacroix, sweetie! Lacroix!’ Decorated by the eccentric French designer, the interiors are pretty fruity to say the least. Each of the hotel’s 17 rooms is unique, filled with an eclectic mix of punchy patterns, clashing colours and opulent fabrics. Striking doesn’t quite cover it – think polka dot carpets in the corridors, baroque mirrors in the bathrooms, Flemish frescoes in the bedroom and

60s furniture throughout. There’s also an abundance of original sketches by Christian Lacroix himself, just in case you were in any danger of forgetting that this remarkable hotel is his creation. Only breakfast is served in the hotel’s vintage bistro (complete with its own zinc bar which becomes a guest-only watering hole at night), but when you’re situated in the very heart of Paris’s fashionable Marais district, why wouldn’t you venture outside? Jewish-quarter-come-gay-quarter, Le Marais is home to countless stylish French boutiques – think The Kooples, Sandro, Zadig & Voltaire – and ‘frip’ shops filled with vintage treasures. Simply put, it’s the most fashionable place to shop in Paris. Doubles from €190, 29-31 rue de Poitou 75003 Paris, +33 1 42 74 10 10; hotelpetitmoulin.com

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HOTEL CONTINENTALE FLORENCE

BEST FOR:PUTTING YOUR FASHION FOOT FORWARD

F THE SURREY NEW YORK

BEST FOR: BEING IN THE THICK OF IT

he place to indulge your inner Upper East Sider. Having just undergone a $60 million refurbishment by master architect and designer Lauren Rottet, The Surrey has reinvented itself to become the darling hangout of New York’s elite. And when you take into consideration that it’s just off Central Park and only a ten second totter in clacking heels to Madison Avenue, it’s easy to see why. Walk inside this Beaux Art townhouse hotel on 76th Street and you’ll be greeted by a Chuck Close tapestry of supermodel Kate Moss in the lobby – part of the hotels 31-piece strong contemporary art collection and confirmation of The Surrey’s sartorial credentials. Upstairs, rooms are a chic palette of grey, cream and beige and the Penthouse Suite has its own private wraparound terrace with stunning panoramic views across Central Park. Can’t stretch to the Penthouse? No matter. Head to the 17th floor and you’ll find a private roof-top garden from where you can enjoy equally spectacular views. Meanwhile, the glamorous Bar Pleiades downstairs plays homage to the hotel’s 1920’s heritage and is inspired by fashion pioneer Coco Chanel. With black and white lacquered finishes, french doors and quilted walls, it’s much like being locked inside a classic Chanel handbag – with exceptionally good cocktails to complement the food at Café Boulud next door. Here, renowned chef Daniel Boulud merges French cuisine with American ingredients to Michelin star-winning effect. There’s a reason this restaurant is such a popular pitstop for shoppers. Don’t miss out. Nightly rates start from $495 for a Deluxe Salon (ex tax & breakfast); thesurrey.com

eet are an important part of the body,’ said Salvatore Ferragamo. ‘They tell a story about the character of the person to which they belong.’ But then, surely a hotel does too? Florence’s Hotel Continentale is one of three boutique hotels owned by the Ferragamos, the royal family of footwear. Set in a beautiful medieval building in the historical city centre, don’t be fooled by the hotel’s charming exterior. Inside, Hotel Continentale is all slick white interiors and pared back wood – a modern take on Italian chic – with just a sprinkling of 50s style in the form of black and white photographs and hot pink chairs. Climb the hotel’s stairs and you’ll find its undisputed highlight, the La Terraza rooftop bar. Sat on top of the medieval Consorti Tower, the view from here is something of an architectural tour of Florence, encompassing Brunelleschi’s dome, Giotto’s bell and the Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno. A stay here will get you free entry into the Salvatore Ferragamo museum, but the stylish staff can arrange priority access to all of Florence’s top attractions too. Meanwhile, closer to home, the hotel’s White Iris Beauty by Daniela Steiner spa sits in the Medieval Tower. Don’t miss the spa’s signature treatment which, in true Ferragamo style, is a Sublime Feet Pedicure, an indulgent experience which transforms tootsies into feet worthy of a fetish. From £779pp for three nights, including return flights, private airport transfers and breakfast; kirkerholidays.com

BEST of the Rest

TOP DESIGNER HOTELS

TO R T U G A B AY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC With interiors designed by local hero Oscar de la Renta, a Six Senses Spa and two golf courses, Tortuga Bay is the ultimate luxurious tropical getaway. Punta Cana, Higüey, Dominican Republic, +001 888 442 2262; puntacana.com

PA L A Z Z O V E R S A C E AUSTRALIA Sat overlooking the sea on Australia’s spectacular Gold Coast, this glamorous hotel is Versace through and through, from the sumptuous bedrooms to the lavish tableware in the four on-site restaurants. Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Queensland, +617 5509 8000; palazzoversace.com

A R M A N I H OT E L DUBAI Not only does Armani’s super sleek Dubai hotel have eight restaurants and an enormous spa, but it also sits atop Burj Kalifa, the tallest building in the world. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, +971 4888 3888; dubai.armanihotels.com

U X U A C A S A H OT E L BRAZIL Designed by Wilbert Das, Creative Director of Diesel, this idyllic hotel in the quaint fishing village of Trancoso is made up of nine casas built from organic and recycled materials. Quadrado, Trancoso, Brazil, +55 73 3668 2277; uxua.com

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Authentic taste of Persian cuisine, for those of you who can’t travel to it!!

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£1.20 £4.50 £4.50 £3.50 £3.50 £4.00 £4.00 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50 £4.00 £4.50 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50

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£6.00 £3.50 £3.50

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ron £7.50 h a touch of saff ato es £9.50 saffron with grilled tom The following dish ced lamb served to perfection in ted min y ina juic mar of ers bone £9.00 Koobideh - Two skewn - A skewer of spring chicken on the ron inated in saff mar £9.00 t kha fille Osto our ken baJoojeha more tender flav of succulent chic er for ly skew gent A ed han ed tomato £11.50 in saffron and grill Joojeh-bi-Ostok n served with grill ken marinated .00 £12 n pepper and onio A whole spring chic gree ri with t htia Bak lamb fille n er of diced prime £12.00 fried to perfectio Shish - A mixed skew t grilled or pan .00 bass / salmon fille £12 ed tomato Sea grill le who with A ed Mahi ed lamb serv ed tomato tenderly marinat £14.00 t served with grill Barg - A skewer of prime lamb fille £12.00 skewers of diced ed tomato Two grill h with nje ed Che bideh serv ed tomato .00 er of Barg and Koo served with grill ed tomato £12 Soltani - A skew ken and koobideh served with grill er of boneless chic t chicken fillet fillet and succulen Makhsos - A skew er of diced lamb .00 g and skew £28 ed Bar or mix A njeh Ghafghazi an, a choice of Che £1.50 Joojeh-bi-Ostokh ato Sini - A skewer of with grilled tom Koobideh served £2.50 two skewers of ato or onion Extra grilled tom Extra rice steamed rice wit are served with

KHO

RESHT All Khoresht dishes are served with steamed rice with a touch of saffron Ghormesabzi - An aroma tic lamb and herb infuse d stew Gheimeh - A delicious dicedlamb, yellow split pea and tomato stew garni Khoreshte Bademjan (ava shed with fried potatoes ilable as v ) - A perfect marriage of auber

gently with tomato

Party bookings, events & catering e availabl

Anar Persian Kitchen 349 Portobello Road, London W10 Reservations & Deliveries: 020 8960 6555

FREE DELIVERY

www.anarpersiankitchen.co.uk

ded poussin slow cooked

with crushed walnuts

DISH OF THE DAY

Monday - Zereshk Polo-

ba-Morgh

- Loobia Polo

A perfect combination

of lamb and rice-slow

Wednesday - Dolmeh

A tasty aubergine and

cooked lamb in tomato

Bademjan va Felfel

A celery lovers delight

d with ground lamb, rice,

h Karafs

- This stew combines lamb,

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Mahi

celery and herbs to make

A favourite amongst Persia ns - This fusion of dill, chick peas, navy beans,

broad beans and rice is

and lime juice

£5.00 £4.50 £4.00 £4.00

DRINKS

Coke, Diet Coke, 7UP

, Orangina Dough - A refreshing yogur t drink in a glass or by the jug Sekanjabin drink made with sugar

Pomegranate Juice Cherry Juice Still/Sparkling

£11.50 £9.50

DES

s combined with rose water

£10.00 £12.00

lamb shank

limes

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A refreshing sweet mint

£10.50

a delicious flavour

served with a succulent

potatoes and flavoured with dried

£10.00

£10.50

a delightful dish (serve d with rice)

Polo-ba-Mahicheh

Sunday - Abgoosht

by braised chicken

Persian spices

split peas and herbs.

incorporates fried fish with parsley and corian der to create

Saturday - Baghali

A rich lamb stew with

sauce, green beans and

bell pepper dish, stuffe

Thursday - Khoreshte

This fragrant herbed rice

£9.50 £9.50 £10.00

and infused with pomeg ranate puree

A colourful rice dish burstin g with flavour and aroma , jewelled with barberr ies and saffron accompanied Tuesday

Jug £4.50

and vinegar, mixed with

fresh cucumber

£1.90

Glass £1.80 £3.50

£2.50

Still/Sparkling Fresh Mint Tea / Persi an Tea (with or without mint) Turkish Coffee Please be aware that

PERSIAN KITCHEN.V2.indd 1

£9.50 £9.50

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contain traces of nuts.

30/08/2013 16:15

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 9

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SEPTEMBER 2013

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

HOLLAND PARK, LONDON W11 This extraordinary apartment is approximately 5,941 sq ft and has been completely refurbished to the most exacting of standards by the current owner. Energy efficiency: Band D

Guide price ÂŁ15,000,000 Share of freehold Holland Park & Notting Hil | 020 7371 1111 | hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

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Holland Park W11 £7,250,000 A beautifully refurbished lateral apartment offering magniﬁcent proportions throughout. The extensive living and entertaining space covers the entire raised ground ﬂoor of this imposing double-fronted villa. The generous bedroom accommodation includes a sumptuous master bedroom with a dressing room and en suite bathroom. A private, mature landscaped garden of over 70ft in length offers beautiful views and excellent privacy. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

PRIME SALES: 020 7313 2891 PrimeSales@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

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

SALES

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

Observatory Gardens W8 £3,250,000 This is a beautifully presented two-bedroom raised ground floor maisonette with high ceilings and period features. Situated within this highly sought after development. The exceptional two-bedroom apartment benefits from a beautifully finished, bright interior, private street entrance, 24hr porterage, a gym and underground parking. Observatory Gardens is centrally located for the many excellent shops, restaurants and transport facilities of both Kensington High Street and Notting Hill Gate. EPC=G.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Kensington Court W8 £2,950,000 A rare, beautifully refurbished two-bedroom lateral apartment, situated on the first floor (with lift) of a prestigious period mansion block in the heart of Kensington. This impressive interior designed property with under floor heating throughout, comprises a superb reception room, modern fitted kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, dining space, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, cloakroom, a study and a second bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en suite shower room. Share of Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@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

Chepstow Villas W11 ÂŁ1,250 per week A simply exquisite two double bedroom flat with two bathrooms in an exceptional location in Notting Hill. Arranged over the second floor, the apartment offers incredibly bright and neutral reception space with an open plan kitchen, two large double bedrooms with excellent built-in storage, the master with en suite shower room and a further bathroom.

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Earls Court Road W8 ÂŁ825 per week A bright three-bedroom, split level apartment located moments from the amenities and transport links of Kensington. The property boasts a spacious, open plan reception room, with modern kitchen and neutral decor, three double bedrooms all with excellent storage, three bathrooms and a decked roof terrace. EPC=E.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 lets.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Offices throughout the UK

CARTERJONAS.CO.UK To view The Collection 2013/14, simply visit cjview.me/thecollection

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13/08/2013 12:01

HOLLAND PARK HOLLAND PARK W11 This extraordinary apartment is approximately 5,941 sq ft and has been completely refurbished to the most exacting of standards by the current owner. 6 reception rooms n Kitchen n Master bedroom suite n 5 further bedroom suites, including 1 staff en suite bedroom n Gym n Cinema n Steam room with integrated shower and sound system n Spa n Plant room and large storage n Landscaped private garden enjoying full afternoon sun n Energy efficiency: Band D

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ15,000,000 THIS PROPERTY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS ON MOBILE OR DESKTOP

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 gareth.jones@carterjonas.co.uk

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SIMPLY VISIT URL:

cjview.me/ahp13

13/08/2013 12:02

Offices throughout the UK

CARTERJONAS.CO.UK To view The Collection 2013/14, simply visit cjview.me/thecollection

Bullet point

HOLLAND PARK

Bulle

CLARENDON ROAD W11 This beautifully extended property in the ever popular Clarendon Road offers fabulous family living in an exceptional, immaculately refurbished setting. 3 reception rooms n Open-plan kitchen/dining room n 6 bedrooms, 1 en suite 3 bathrooms n Self-contained lower ground floor 2 bed apartment n Off-street parking n Private garden n Communal gardens available by separate negotiation Energy efficiency: Band F

£12,000 PER WEEK*/£52,000 PER MONTH* Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 laurelin.taylor@carterjonas.co.uk

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THIS PROPERTY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS ON MOBILE OR DESKTOP SIMPLY VISIT URL:

cjview.me/ahp14

*Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact your local branch for this information.

13/08/2013 12:03

Bullet BAYSWATER point

BATHURST STREET W2 A stunning penthouse apartment finished to an exceptional standard. It benefits from temperature control throughout and is ideally located to the open spaces of Hyde Park. Reception room n Kitchen n Study Lift n Energy efficiency: Band F

3 bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ3,495,000 LEASEHOLD

3 bathrooms

Balcony THIS PROPERTY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS ON MOBILE OR DESKTOP SIMPLY VISIT

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7402 1552 hydepark@carterjonas.co.uk

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URL:

cjview.me/ahb6

13/08/2013 12:04

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11

A wonderful three bedroom maisonette benefitting from having two south-west facing terraces.

ÂŁ1,250,000 Leasehold

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111

Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11

A charming and immaculate one bedroom, raised ground floor flat with a south-west facing balcony.

ÂŁ500,000 Leasehold

Notting Hill 020 7221 1111

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Gloucester Walk, Kensington W8

An impressive five bedroom maisonette with wonderful views and access to the beautifully maintained communal gardens.

ÂŁ2,850,000 Share of Freehold

Kensington 020 7938 3666

Launceston Place, Kensington W8

An outstanding and beautifully presented three bedroom maisonette with fabulous entertaining space.

ÂŁ3,000,000 Leasehold

Kensington 020 7938 3666

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Earls Court Road, Kensington W8

An impressive and beautifully presented four bedroom stucco fronted house with the advantage of off-street parking.

ÂŁ1,900 per week Unfurnished

Kensington Lettings 020 7938 3866 kensington.lettings@struttandparker.com

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Portland Road, Holland Park W11

A superb four bedroom family house boasting original period features throughout with patio garden, located on this prime residential street in Holland Park.

ÂŁ2,750 per week Unfurnished

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7221 1111 nottinghill.lettings@struttandparker.com

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Argyll Place, North Kensington W10

Setting new standards for luxury living, be the first to experience Argyll Place’s elegant collection of superbly appointed town and mews houses.

from £1,300,000

New Boutique Development in RBKC Mews Houses from £1,300,000 Townhouses from £2,750,000 Large Townhouse from £3,800,000

Simon Fernandes 020 7225 3866 simon.fernandes@struttandparker.com JSA: Bective Leslie Marsh 020 3667 5581

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15/08/2013 14/08/2013 09:32 15:00

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Sales Experts

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

Should I redecorate pre-sale?

n most cases, I would always advise spending the bare minimum but focus your spending on where you will get the maximum wow factor and desired impact. Creating an attractive entrance and facade goes a long way with the all-important first impressions – a handsome front door will always stand out from the crowd, while a fresh coat of paint and keeping to a neutral colour palate will increase your potential audience. Maximising natural light and the careful placing of key items of furniture, throws and cushions can also perfectly finish a room. Further small changes are vital - a new bathroom floor, regrouting of tiles, additional lighting or new doors or handles can add those essential finishing touches. Remember a clean, well presented, uncluttered home with a bowl of fresh flowers will always go a very long way with potential buyers.

Where should I invest?

aking a long term view, always plum for the blue chip addresses - these are very resistant to any downturns and the first to recover. If your budget won’t allow you to buy a property in Argyll Road, W8 or on Addison Avenue, W11 invest in a ‘Teflon Town’ such as Oxford or Cambridge where there is constant demand for properties due to the universities and the businesses which surround them. Transport is arguably the critical factor in the successful investment, and you might take a more speculative approach and buy on an extremity of the Cross Rail or in a town where a new Waitrose has opened.

What common mistakes do sellers make?

When is the best time to sell?

Should I use a financial advisor?

e try to advise our clients properly so that they don’t make glaring mistakes and I think with the popular television culture, sellers are much more tuned in these days to ‘what sells’. It’s important to highlight your properties best features, gardens flats with untamed jungles at the back will devalue a property and space should not be filled with clutter or children’s toys, if at all possible.

nlike the provinces the central London market is not governed by the seasons, it’s entirely driven by confidence in the UK economy and, perversely, crisis in overseas economies which sparks a flood of overseas investment in London property.

Why hasn’t my property sold?

his is the million dollar question. With a thriving London market, unless there is an obvious blight, this question usually comes down to price and in some unbelievable cases, the fact that Douglas & Gordon are not involved! Price is absolutely critical as to why your property hasn’t sold in most cases. If enough buyers are being introduced to the property by your agent, after approximately 10-12 viewings, you should have a good idea of how the property is being taken by the market place and the offers should start to come in. Another reason may be your photographs and property details. As so much of the property market is over the internet, it is imperative that you ensure your agent has made every effort to make your home look its best.

inancial advisors can provide an assortment of options that can help when buying or even selling a house. Whilst it is not something imperative it is always useful to explore different avenues. Fully understanding your financial situation and limits is a key part of the process and so anything that can make that a more simple and easy process is always recommended. Any form of forward planning when it comes to the property process is something I would advocate. Being prepared for any eventuality and being fully aware of the financial process ahead will put you at a strong advantage.

1. Kim Turner

2. William Tellwright

Sales Manager, Bective Leslie Marsh

Manager, John D Wood & Co.

3. Stewart Boyd Director, Winkworth

� 020 7795 4288; bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

� 020 7727 2233; johndwood.co.uk

� 020 8960 4947; winkworth.co.uk

6. Alistair Heather,

4. Michael Wilson

5. Maddie Lewington

Director, Mountgrange Heritage

Associate, Douglas & Gordon

Associate, Strutt & Parker

� 020 7221 2277; mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

� 020 7727 7777; douglasandgordon.com

� 020 7221 1111; struttandparker.com

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You may know us from walking your dog in the park, local charity events or simply recognise a familiar face; we walk the same streets and eat in the same restaurants you do. Of course, it’s also quite possible that you – or someone you know – has bought or sold a property through us. We’ve been around for years and our success is built on the fact that people who use us once, tend to use us again. And tell their friends. Because most of our agents live in the areas in which they work, they really understand what matters to buyers and sellers there. Many agents will claim to know more about where you live than anyone else. But we understand it’s because people know us, that time and again we sell and let properties more quickly and more proﬁtably than anyone else.

Keith Rigby Keith has been a Director at our Notting Hill office for over 16 years, and lived here almost as long. Many of our clients know him first as a fellow parent and neighbour, meaning he’s as likely to sell a house at the school gates as he is from his desk.

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Chelsea: 020 7589 6677 Kensington: 020 7795 4288 Notting Hill: 020 7221 4805 Ladbroke Grove: 020 7221 0330 Brook Green: 020 7603 5181 Or to see the latest on the central London property market visit: bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

16/08/2013 15/08/2013 10:21 18:03

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Refreshingly different estate agents

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16/08/2013 15/08/2013 10:22 18:04

Setting new standards for luxury living, be the first to experience Argyll Place’s elegant collection of superbly appointed town and mews houses.

Showhouse Launch Thursday 26th Thursday 3rdtotoSaturday Saturday28th 5th September October 11am to 7pm Mews houses from £1,300,000 Townhouses from £2,750,000 Large Townhouse from £3,800,000 Argyll Place, Pangbourne Avenue, North Kensington W10 6DL www.ArgyllPlaceW10.com

New Boutique Development in RBK&C

Argyll Place North Kensington W10 Argyll Place is a new boutique development of twenty exquisite town and mews houses in North Kensington, by luxury property developer Taylor Wimpey Central London. Situated in the St Quintin Estate, the development provides a stylish, modern alternative to existing W10 housing stock. Each property is elegantly finished throughout, with high specification fixtures and fittings; mews houses with vaulted ceilings and the large town houses with 40 ft. long reception areas and as much as 3,340 sq ft of interior space. Each property also comes with a private garden, secure underground parking and views over the local park. Prices for the mews houses start at £1.3m and the town houses start at £2.75m.

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Freehold £1,3m - £3,85m Ladbroke Grove office mm@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 3667 5581 argyllplace.co.uk JSA Strutt & Parker 020 7318 4677

19/08/2013 15/08/2013 16:17 18:24

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Pretty as a Picture

Pembridge Crescent Notting Hill W11 A sensational double height former artist studio (148.8 sq m/1,600 sq ft approx.) in a premier Notting Hill location. This unique property has been wonderfully refurbished and reconfigured into a magnificent open plan living space benefitting from exceptional ceiling heights and an abundance of natural light. Pembridge Crescent is a tranquil tree lined street nestled between the first class amenities of Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill Gate. 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms (1 en suite), bathroom, reception room, tv room, kitchen, storage, patio.

Share of Freehold ÂŁ2,500,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805 Energy Rating E

Refreshingly different estate agents

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16/08/2013 15/08/2013 10:23 18:25

Period Grandeur

Stanley Crescent Notting Hill W11 A magnificent communal garden maisonette (211 sq m/2,271 sq ft approx. Inc vaults) brimming with period grandeur in a prime Notting Hill location. This particularly wide apartment occupies the raised and lower ground floors of a substantial period property and offers a private patio garden plus direct access to the beautifully landscaped Stanley Crescent gardens. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, patio garden, access to communal garden.

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Share of Freehold ÂŁ4,250,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805 Energy Rating D

16/08/2013 15/08/2013 10:23 18:25

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Lateral Living

Pembridge Square Notting Hill W2 An amazing lateral apartment (148 sq m/1,597 sq ft approx.) occupying the entire top floor of a magnificent detached villa which overlooks, and provides access to, the very beautiful Pembridge Square Gardens. This well proportioned, spacious property benefits from glorious westerly views, stunning sunsets and an abundance of natural light. The apartment also has access to a particularly large undemised flat roof. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, dining room, kitchen, access to communal garden.

Leasehold ÂŁ2,250,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805 Energy Rating E

Refreshingly different estate agents

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The Great

Alexander Street Notting Hill W2 A huge triplex apartment (170 sq m/1,838 sq ft approx.) with magnificent first floor reception room brimming with period features. The property offers off street parking and a charming westerly garden and terrace. Alexander Street is located in a serene enclave close to Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road. The property offers off street parking and a charming westerly garden and terrace. 4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms, wet room, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, 2 cloakrooms, utility area, terrace, garden, off street parking.

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Freehold ÂŁ2,750,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805 Energy Rating E

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Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Beautifully Bright

Queensdale Road Holland Park W11 A striking corner house benefitting from a wonderful kitchen/living area with double height ceilings, well proportioned bedrooms and a roof terrace and access to Norland Square gardens. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, study, cloakroom, roof terrace, access to Norland Square communal gardens.

Furnished/Unfurnished ÂŁ1,395 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388 Energy Rating E

Refreshingly different estate agents

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Exquisite Finish

St. Lawrence Terrace North Kensington W10 A substantial end of terrace house with a stunning double reception room with feature fireplaces, original cornicing, wooden flooring and an expansive kitchen/family room which leads onto the garden.5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), shower room, double reception room, kitchen/ family room, utility room, cloakroom, garden, terrace, off street parking.

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Unfurnished ÂŁ2,850 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388 Energy Rating E

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS Kay & Co. MATTHEW ABERNETHY: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Photography: Rebecca Noonan

t’s strange how things turn out in one’s life. Many of us fall into a career and realise how much we enjoy it (yes even Estate Agents). Training at the Royal Agricultural College I never thought that I would end up selling property in Central London, but then we do enjoy the verdant backdrop of Hyde Park which provides enough green open space for me these days. Kay & Co started over thirty years ago and has always been forward-looking. We have weathered many different market conditions over the past three decades. We pride ourselves on providing a bespoke, friendly and local service, with experienced and knowledgeable staff who really care about what they do. We strive to maintain the highest of standards in customer service, presentation and sales progression and aim to make the stressful experience of buying or selling a property as easy and pleasant as possible by guiding buyers and vendors through every part of the transaction. Our Hyde Park & Bayswater office where I run the sales team is seamlessly linked with our Marylebone & Regents Park office headed up by Paul Sulkin. This widens the pool of prospective buyers and allows us to cast our net as wide as possible. In the spirit of being forward-

looking, we have recently undertaken a serious facelift of our brand, including refurbishing our offices and commissioning a brand new website to make sure we stay ahead of the game in terms of presentation and advertising. Our offices are now stylish, classy and modern and we have noticed a significant increase in walkin enquiries. I really believe our new website is one of the best in the industry and we have had excellent feedback. The message of our rebrand has been that Kay & Co remain local and familiar but are striving ahead. London Property is still creating a huge buzz across the globe and no doubt many dinner party conversations around W1 and W2 discuss the international buyers flooding in to buy a piece of the action. These buyers range from the buy-to-let investor looking for a one-bedroom flat to sovereign wealth funds and family trusts looking for multiple units. In the last year over 50% of property has been sold to international buyers and with the press reports of “Tyburnia” being the latest hot spot to invest and live in, we look forward to a great Autumn. 020 7262 2030; kayandco.com

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Sacrifice never tasted sweeter.

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KENSINGTON COURT, W8 A 1st floor flat with many period features including cornicing and chapel windows. Benefitting from a master suite and a Gaggeneau kitchen with under floor heating. Approx. 1,420 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 2 bedrooms, 2 en suite bath/shower rooms, reception, hallway, study/dressing room, lift, porter. Freehold Share Guide Price £2,950,000

KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET, W8

NOTTING HILL GATE, W11

A meticulously refurbished upper maisonette which retains many of its period features and benefits from a decked roof terrace. Approx. 1,636 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

Benefitting from local transport and shopping facilities and close to the open spaces of Holland Park and Kensington Gardens. Approx. 756 sq ft. Energy Rating: B.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception.

Bedroom, bathroom, open-plan reception room, landing, study.

Lease to 2175

Leasehold Guide Price £895,000

Guide Price £2,475,000

johndwood.co.uk

KENSINGTON 020 7908 1100 kensington@johndwood.co.uk Our offices in RBK&C:

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Chelsea

South Kensington

Kensington

Holland Park

Ladbroke Grove

Sales: 020 7887 2311 Lettings: 020 7352 8111

Sales: 020 7835 0000 Lettings: 020 7835 0044

Sales: 020 7908 1100 Lettings: 020 7908 1100

Sales: 020 7727 2233 Lettings: 020 7727 2233

Sales: 020 7229 2356 Lettings: 020 7229 2356

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ARGYLL ROAD, W8 A beautifully presented 6 bedroom family house with parking set in a private and secure road to the rear of the house. If only one parking space is required then the garden could be re-landscaped to provide more space. Approx. 4,239 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, garden, private parking. Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ8,500,000

JSA: Knight Frank 020 7938 4311

johndwood.co.uk

KENSINGTON 020 7908 1100 kensington@johndwood.co.uk Our offices in RBK&C:

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Chelsea

South Kensington

Kensington

Holland Park

Ladbroke Grove

Sales: 020 7887 2311 Lettings: 020 7352 8111

Sales: 020 7835 0000 Lettings: 020 7835 0044

Sales: 020 7908 1100 Lettings: 020 7908 1100

Sales: 020 7727 2233 Lettings: 020 7727 2233

Sales: 020 7229 2356 Lettings: 020 7229 2356

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LANCASTER ROAD, W11 A superb house which has been exquisitely refurbished and maintained, full of individuality and perfect for family living. Approx. 2,986 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2/3 reception rooms, garden, roof terrace. Freehold Guide Price £4,500,000

NORBURN STREET, W10 Known as ‘The Black House’ or ‘Villa Musica’, this well proportioned house is set over three floors and boasts a roof terrace overlooking London. 3/4 bedrooms, 1/2 bathrooms, reception room, patio, roof terrace. Freehold Guide Price £2,250,000

johndwood.co.uk

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7229 2356 ladbrokegrove@johndwood.co.uk Our offices in RBK&C:

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Chelsea

South Kensington

Kensington

Holland Park

Ladbroke Grove

Sales: 020 7887 2311 Lettings: 020 7352 8111

Sales: 020 7835 0000 Lettings: 020 7835 0044

Sales: 020 7908 1100 Lettings: 020 7908 1100

Sales: 020 7727 2233 Lettings: 020 7727 2233

Sales: 020 7229 2356 Lettings: 020 7229 2356

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HOLLAND PARK, W11 A meticulously finished and very high spec penthouse flat with direct access onto a private terrace. Recently benefitting from an extensive refurbishment and superbly located for facilities of Holland Park Avenue. Approx. 1,454 sq ft. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, dining room, utility room, communal gardens. Lease to 2998 Guide Price ÂŁ2,750,000

johndwood.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK 020 7727 2233 hollandpark@johndwood.co.uk Our offices in RBK&C:

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Chelsea

South Kensington

Kensington

Holland Park

Ladbroke Grove

Sales: 020 7887 2311 Lettings: 020 7352 8111

Sales: 020 7835 0000 Lettings: 020 7835 0044

Sales: 020 7908 1100 Lettings: 020 7908 1100

Sales: 020 7727 2233 Lettings: 020 7727 2233

Sales: 020 7229 2356 Lettings: 020 7229 2356

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Completely at home in Holland Park

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Conveyancing Block Management Chartered Surveyors

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of selling, letting, buying or renting, visit us today. KFH Holland Park 128 Holland Park Avenue London W11 4UE Tel 020 3542 2111 Email shp@kfh.co.uk

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Queensdale Place, Holland Park, W11 £3,650,000 Freehold Holland Park 020 3542 2111 Email shp@kfh.co.uk

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An incredibly light, four double bedroom Victorian house in Holland Park featuring a stunning, high ceilinged kitchen opening on to a beautiful west facing garden.

• • • • • • • • •

Four double bedrooms Three luxury bathrooms Designer kitchen Sonos AV system Lutron lighting Under floor heating 24ft west facing garden Summer house/office EPC rating C

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St James’s Gardens, Holland Park, W11 £2,395,000 Leasehold Holland Park 020 3542 2111 Email shp@kfh.co.uk

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A beautiful three double bedroom maisonette offering high ceilings, large windows and a glorious 31ft garden laid to lawn. Situated on a desirable garden square.

• • • • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Three bathrooms High ceilings Reception room Kitchen/dining room 31ft private garden Access to communal garden Close to underground EPC rating D

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Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, W2 £1,299,000 Shared freehold Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

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A two double bedroom flat within a stucco fronted building, moments from Kensington Gardens. The accommodation is bright and spacious and includes a generous west facing reception room.

• • • • • • •

Handsome period building Spacious reception/diner Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms (one en suite) Modern fitted kitchen Bright double aspect Close to the Central Line

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Porchester Terrace, Bayswater, W2 £4,950,000 Freehold Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

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This seven bedroom family house comprises approximately 3,400 sq ft of beautifully bright and well planned living space, including a rear garden and parking for two/three cars.

• • • • • • • • •

Seven bedrooms Three reception rooms Large family kitchen Four bathrooms Study Nanny quarters Rear garden Off street parking EPC rating E

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Queensdale Walk, Holland Park, W11 £3,445 pcm Furnished Holland Park 020 3542 2120 Email lhp@kfh.co.uk

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A bright and newly refurbished house in this pretty and picturesque mews. The property benefits from a private garden and is located close to all the amenities and transport links of Holland Park Avenue.

• • • • • • • • •

Two bedrooms Family bathroom En suite shower room Wood floors Separate kitchen Newly refurbished Private garden Moments from the Central Line EPC rating D

15/08/2013 14:27 09:40 13/08/2013

ABSOLUTELY Property

Property News Nicholas Kreidi

Senior Lettings Negotiator at Rickman Properties

September, busy as usual Rickman Properties are looking forward to September as it is usually a busy time for their lettings department, especially with worldwide corporations relocating staff & their families to London, due to the start of the educational year too. We are already seeing an influx of quality properties to rent in the Royal Borough as with being instructed on many quality apartments & houses, both furnished or unfurnished, to rent. We at Rickman strive on matching the requirements of applicants with suitable properties, with the utmost professionalism, helping their move or relocation go as smoothly as possible. � 020 7937 9777 • rickmanproperties.com

Fermoy Road

HOUSE HUNTING 1. Property I’d most like on my books and why? I’ve always been intrigued by the subterranean house on Oxford Gardens just by the Junction with St. Marks Road. It was designed by Michaelis Boyd Associates and is almost invisible to passers by. Yet, it extends two floors below street level and even has its own water supply from a bore hole. 2. The best place to invest? The northern reaches of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello. The Wornington Green redevelopment will completely change the feel of the area and there are still some relative bargains to be found. 3. The most interesting property I have been involved in is: We sold an unusual Victorian terraced house several years ago that looked average from the outside but inside had been turned upside down. The ground floor had the

James Kerman

UP YOUR STREET James Matthews,

Managing Director at Whitman & Co.

Director of Winkworth, North Kensington

bedrooms and the first floor had a huge vaulted living area opening up the loft space. 4. The toughest sale and why? A recent house sale on Basing Street W11 that took just over two years from start to finish. We initially had over 40 viewings and luckily we found a very patient buyer. He was pleased to see the market had risen 15-20% in the two years since he agreed the price. 5. Finest property showcase... A splendid five bedroom three-storey Victorian house on Fermoy Road W9. The architect-owned property offers all original room sizes, and many of the original period features such as 3m ceiling height on the ground floor. This up-and-coming location gives all the benefits of Notting Hill living at £1,600,000- roughly the same cost as a two bedroom flat on Westbourne Grove. � 020 7792 5000 • winkworth.co.uk

The Power House, W4

his landmark building in central Chiswick, the first 20th century building to be Grade II listed, used to power the trams of west London. Extensively redeveloped in the late 1980’s, the building now houses Metropolis Recording Studios and its lofty heights are home to an array of exclusive apartments. For sale is the principal penthouse totalling over 3,500 sq ft of flexible living and entertaining space with an exceptional south facing terrace offering far reaching views.

� 020 8747 8800 • whitmanandco.com

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minutes...

Nicholas Spencer

Sales Manager at Anscombe & Ringland, Notting Hill

3. What properties are you most excited about having on your books? We have taken on some great properties this year, across all price ranges, however at this moment in time our three bed in Academy Gardens and freehold house on South End Row are of particular interest.

1. Why did you choose this area to work? I chose Notting Hill as a location due to its inherently strong market, cosmopolitan range of buyers and the diverse range of property.

4. What do you predict for the property market for 2013/14? I’m hoping more of the same. On the whole we have been terrifically busy this year, dealing with many international buyers, who appear to keep the market marching forward.

2. What is your company ethos? To work hard and go the extra mile, whether that is for an applicant or client. Speed and efficiency of service is something we pride ourselves on, and there’s no greater compliment than repeat business due to previous performance.

� 020 7727 7227• anscombes.co.uk

Enna-Mae Assiter Associate Director, Chesterton Humberts, Notting Hill

Prices up 50% on 2007 Property prices in Notting Hill continue to rise with the demand constantly outstripping supply; there is the attraction of a vibrant central location and it is amongst the few established areas of London which brings a flow of buyers from immediate localities, as well as the national and international market. There has certainly been an influx of foreign investment in Notting Hill, with prices now 55% above recorded 2007 levels. The fantastic variety of properties, from impressive period buildings to stylish modern developments, means that there is something to suit all tastes! There is a consistent flow of buyers to the area, drawn to it by the excellent transport links, the many shops/restaurants and proximity to good schools. I fully expect prices to continue to rise throughout the year, as the demanding market in the area consistently evokes strong competition between buyers due to the shortage of stock. � 020 3040 8585 • chestertonhumberts.com

Ledian Kuci Manager, Benham and Reeves Residential, Lettings, Hyde Park

Summer Surge Beaney Pearce Lettings Property Surgery

ollowing our recent and hugely successful series of Property Surgeries, Beaney Pearce is holding their first Lettings focused Property Surgery at our Chelsea office, 14 Culford Gardens, SW3 2ST, on Wednesday 24th September from 6.00pm. This surgery is aimed at current and prospective Landlords and Tenants with guest speakers from

Maddie Lewington Associate at Douglas & Gordon

D&G Diary � 020 7727 7777 • douglasandgordon.co.uk

Quintessentially on the London Highlife as well as a guest accountant on maximising your Rental Investment. We do hope you can make it and will come and share a glass or two of wine and some nibbles. Please RSVP to Thea Rowe trowe@ beaneypearce.co.uk � 020 7221 9044 • beaneypearce.co.uk

Rental demand is high in the areas bordering Hyde Park such as Notting Hill, Mayfair and Marylebone. The summer has seen the usual surge of enquiries from families looking for a home before the start of the new school term in September. We’re busy with families looking for large homes around Notting Hill Gate and Hyde Park. Demand from professionals is also high, particularly from IT and Finance executives. We’re seeing plenty of enquiries from students – they love Notting Hill too and often get together to share accommodation, allowing them to get more property for their money. The trend towards sharing goes beyond the student market. We’re also seeing a significant increase in professional sharers. With budgets under pressure, many are getting together to rent larger flats with two bathrooms to reduce accommodation costs.

Welcome back! I hope you all had jolly holidays, what a spoiling summer we’ve had. Much of the summer was spent dealing with everyone’s summer breaks, trying to get deals through � 020 7402 9866 • brlets.co.uk before the autumn market starts. This month we discovered the new and exciting opening of The Duke of Wellington on Portobello Road. They us to sample their new menu. I’m sure it will were extremely kind in asking us (amongst all the be a raging success. It has definitely put itself agents I’m sure) to their opening day where they on the map already. Here’s to an exciting and treated us to a magnificent feast, allowing busy September.

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Luxurious Lettings Lowdown

for Landlords Rent & Deposits

ental prices are always based on what is being achieved in the market for comparable properties. The lettings market is perhaps a little more susceptible to fluctuations than that for sales, as there are usually two peak periods in the year when new tenants begin to look, or existing tenants seek a change of home, namely August to October and at the start of each New Year. As with any market, it is a case of what is available and who is looking and imbalances can affect prices achieved considerably. When claiming a deposit the equivalent to 6 weeks’ rent is standard for all long lets. Where the total annual rental amount exceeds £100,000, Home House Estates will hold the deposit as stakeholder, as in such instances a deposit cannot be registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Home House Estates will arrange for a professional inventory check-in and check-out to be conducted at the start and end of the tenancy respectively, and we will hold the deposit until mutual agreement is reached by both the landlord and tenant regarding any damage to the property. Home House Estates usually collect the rent on a monthly basis, though it is known in some cases for 6 months to the entire amount to be paid in advance.

Victoria King

Lettings Manager, Home House Estates � 020 7493 1911 • homehouseestates.co.uk

�

A magnificent family apartment with superb terrace.

ituated on the ninth floor of a well maintained purpose built block and in excellent condition throughout, this fabulous apartment consists of four bedrooms (each with its own en-suite bathroom), a well equipped kitchen, as well as dining and reception areas with south and

Details

Porchester Gate, W2 £6,000,000

west aspects. The west facing terrace runs along the length of the apartment and boasts truly enviable and far-reaching views over Hyde Park. The block is located seconds from the green spaces of Kensington Gardens, and a short taxi ride away from the West End.

Contact

Home House Estates 020 7493 1911; homehouseestates.co.uk

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THE QUADRANT, W10 - £475 PER WEEK

CHESTERTON ROAD, W10 - £475 PER WEEK

This immaculate two double bedroom, two bathroom penthouse This beautifully presented two bedroom apartment on the raised OXFORD GARDENS, W10 £800 per week apartment offers fantastic outside space. Each room has a ground floor would make a perfect home for a professional Set on the beautiful tree Oxford This fabulous two bedroom apartment provides a tranquil yet sociable environment in which balcony combined with lined a very large Gardens, private roof terrace. couple or sharers. to relax and unwind. The property offers a mix of modern features with a traditional twist including high ceilings, sash windows and wooden flooring. The kitchen is lovely and bright, stylishly fitted with modern units. A large reception room provides room for large sofas and dining furniture. Two double bedrooms are spacious and comprise good storage.

OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD An extraordinary and individual modern country house in a stunning location. Built originally in 1962 for the artist John Merton, Pound House

ST. HELENS W10 - £500 WEEK ST CHARLES W10£475inPER is broadly Palladian GARDENS, in style and is a wide, single storeyPER building with large windows over looking SQUARE, the gardens. It was extended 1978WEEK to include a garden room and a large studio complex including a workshop and dark room . The property currently has very high ceilings and aving been newly refurbished, this flat is in superb condition. An This beautifully refurbished two double bedroom apartment is brick parapets surrounding the roofW10 which has good storage space. CHESTERTON ROAD, £380 per week open plan kitchen and living room is a sociable environment ideal finished to a high standard including designer furnishings. et on An entertaining. immaculate modern one |bedroom apartment set onroom the |raised groundthe ofroom a beautiful period conversion one ofensington. the sought for ever popular harles uare in onorth Four bedrooms | four bathrooms garden room | hall | drawing studio complex |floor dining | wine tcellar | integrated garaging | small lakemost arboretum | after residential streets in North Kensington. Beautifully decorated, the property comprises a generously sized reception area with some of over six acres of land the original features such as large sash windows. A good sized double bedroom has a neutral decor and excellent storage. The kitchen is separate and fitted with modern appliances and the bathroom is spacious and modern.

THE WHOLE WINKWORTH NETWORK, NOW IN YOUR POCKET Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

020 7792 5000 | northkensington@winkworth.co.uk

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OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large, modern country house with far-reaching views and extremely flexible accommodation with potential to extend further. Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large house. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garagingr

HARVIST ROAD, QUEENS PARK, NW6 £2,999,950 Freehold

WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD AOARE, truly stunning property arranged over four floors with over 3200sq ft. of internal living space overlooking Queens Park. This property is immaculate throughout has been award winning developers Green.views On the floorflexible there Located in the Wiltshire and countryside andtotally built refurbished in the 1960’sbyasthe a large, modern country house Richmond with far-reaching andground extremely isaccommodation a formal reception to the front and a fantastic kitchen diner with snug room that has been converted into the side return to maximize with potential to extend further. Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large house. the space and impact. The first floor consists of an amazing master suite with dressing room all of which takes up the 650sq ft of the Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garagingr floor. The upper floors consist of four further bedrooms and two bathrooms. Attention to detail has been the key here so the house has many benefits including internal video intercom, air conditioning throughout, and a lovely south facing garden.

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/kensal-queens-park

See things differently.

020 8960 4947 kensalrise@winkworth.co.uk

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OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large, modern country house with far-reaching views and extremely flexible

DUDLEY ROAD, QUEENS PARK, NW6 £1,500,000 Freehold accommodation with potential to extend further. Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large house.

A superb opportunity to acquire a lovely period family home on a quiet tree lined street in the heart of Queens Park. Dudley Road is Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garagingr located only a few minutes walk to Queens Park station (Bakerloo) and the multitude of quality shops, bars, delis and restaurants on Salusbury Road.

OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large, modern country house with far-reaching views and extremely flexible

KESLAKE QUEENS £1,599,950 accommodationROAD, with potential to extend PARK, further. Located in the Wiltshire countryside and built in the 1960’s as a large house.

Set the beautiful surroundings of Queen’s Park, this refurbished three bedroomed offers stunning interiors and beneﬁts Fourinbedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining roomfamily | wine house cellar | integrated garagingr from a gorgeous south facing garden. The property retains a wealth of original features and comprises double reception room with dining area, a family-sized kitchen with French doors onto garden, master bedroom, good-sized second and third bedroom.

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/kensal-queens-park

See things differently.

020 8960 4947 kensalrise@winkworth.co.uk

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Pont Street, SW1 £1,100 per week A beautiful property in this desirable location, minutes from the designer shops and boutiques of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square. This third floor flat features a separate eat-in kitchen which opens onto a fabulous wrap-around terrace and is just a short walk from Knightsbridge and Sloane Square Stations. EPC=D. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and terrace. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 jared @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Pembroke Square, W8 £3,250 per week

Old Brompton Road, SW5 £550 per week

A beautifully presented house set in this sought-after and elegant garden square close to Kensington High Street and Earls Court. Refurbished to the highest standard with a pretty landscaped west-facing garden and an offstreet parking space. EPC=E. Two reception rooms, kitchen, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, garden and off-street parking. Unfurnished. Sole Agents

Immaculate ground floor flat offering a large reception room with a southfacing terrace. Extra storage is provided in the reception room and hall area with large fitted cupboards. Maintained gardens surround the building situated close to West Brompton and Earls Court Stations. EPC=C. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom. Furnished.

020 7937 9976 jared @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Amanda Man Associate Director

It’s the silly season for lettings again and as ever Kensington and Notting Hill are top of the list when it comes to the most popular areas to live. We have so many prospective tenants wanting to get settled in as soon as possible and need more flats and houses available for long and short rental. Give the girls a call or pop into either office when you are passing.

Henrietta Soames Associate Director

Kensington Office 020 7937 9976 Notting Hill Office 020 7221 2277 North Kensington Office 020 8960 0181

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Northumberland Place, W2 £2,500 per week Charming house in the heart of buzzy Notting Hill. Beautifully laid out, the property boasts a stunning eat-in kitchen, excellent bedrooms and bright open entertaining space, perfect for a family. The property is located moments from the trendy and sophisticated Westbourne Grove, as well as excellent transport links. EPC=E. Double reception room, kitchen/dining room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and garden. Unfurnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 nick @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Holland Park, W11 £2,800 per week

Arundel Gardens,W11 £2,000 per week

This stunning four bedroom apartment located in the heart of Holland Park, has a charming, light reception room, a spacious eat-in kitchen ideal for entertaining which leads onto the most beautiful, landscaped and unusually large garden. EPC=F. Two reception rooms, kitchen, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and garden. Furnished.

A simply stunning and very unique spacious apartment ideally situated on Arundel Gardens. Boasting the most beautiful garden which leads onto the spectacular communal gardens. EPC=D. Two reception rooms, kitchen, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, garden and communal gardens. Unfurnished.

020 7221 2277 rosie @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7221 2277 nick @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

At Mountgrange Heritage we don’t just see our local area as somewhere we work but as somewhere we belong; our village. We produce our ‘Village Matters’ newsletter to shout about the great businesses and personalities that make up the village. Pick up the latest copy from one of our offices now or read it at mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

…values that you’ll love MOUNTGRANCE_SEPT.indd 2

12/08/2013 12:48

St Quintin Avenue, W10 £595,000 Share of Freehold Located on this ever popular street in North Kensington is this exceptionally bright flat with wonderful open views. The property would benefit from updating throughout. Conveniently located within short walking distance of both Latimer Road and Ladbroke Grove Underground stations and amenities. EPC=D. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom. Sole Agents

020 8960 0181 julia @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Newton Road,W2 £525,000 Leasehold

Wynnstay Gdns, W8 £3,100,000 Share of Freehold

Stunning raised ground floor character conversion apartment in this highly sought-after location just off Westbourne Grove. Reception room with feature fireplace and presented in excellent decorative order. The flat would make an ideal first time purchase or rental investment. EPC=D. Reception room, open-plan kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Sole Agents

Lateral and spacious apartment situated on the first floor (with lift) in this highly sought-after portered mansion building with views towards Adam and Eve Mews from the reception rooms.Totalling 1,885 sq ft (approx.) the property requires total modernisation. EPC=C.Two reception rooms, kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and balcony. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 tashan @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7937 9976 tom @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Summer is here at last and with it comes an increased energy in the property market. Call us on any of the numbers below now or pop in and meet the team at any of our three local offices to discuss your property requirements for 2013. Liz Thomson Director

Michael Wilson Director

Kensington Office 020 7937 9976 Notting Hill Office 020 7221 2277 North Kensington Office 020 8960 0181

MOUNTGRANCE_SEPT.indd 2

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proudly sponsoring this pioneering festival of film for the 6th year running FREE entry to all films – full listings and locations can be found at portobellofilmfestival.com

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MOUNTGRANCE_SEPT.indd 2

PORTOBELLO

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12/08/2013 12:49

kayandco.com

W2 Hyde Park Square, Hyde Park

020 3394 0016 lettings.hydepark@kayandco.com

ÂŁ1,400 Per Week Unfurnished A stunning three bedroom apartment in this prestigious newly developed building overlooking Hyde Park Square. Accommodation features a spacious reception room with an open-plan kitchen and a balcony overlooking the square. Finished to an excellent standard throughout, and located moments from the open spaces of Hyde Park and the boutiques and cafes of Connaught Village. Energy Rating: C.

W2 Connaught Close, Hyde Park

020 3394 0016 lettings.hydepark@kayandco.com

ÂŁ650 Per Week Furnished A delightful first floor maisonette set in a quiet cobbled mews close to Hyde Park. Accommodation comprises a large reception room, a separate kitchen, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. Furnished to a high standard throughout. Use of an adjoining garage available by separate negotiation. Energy Rating: E.

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kayandco.com

W2 Gloucester Square, Hyde Park

020 3394 0016 sales.hydepark@kayandco.com

ÂŁ1,350,000 Share of Freehold Set over the lower ground level of this charming stucco period building, this attractive two bedroom, two bathroom apartment offers well balanced contemporary accommodation with a landscaped private courtyard. Gloucester Square is conveniently located close to the boutiques and cafes of Connaught Village and is exceptional for links to Paddington and Lancaster Gate station. Energy Rating: D

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Living the Dream The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market. Woodsford Square, W14 An exceptional five bedroom corner house refurbished to the highest of standards in this exclusive Holland Park development. Occupying a fabulous plot a bright, modern interior benefits from views over the tennis club to the front and beautifully planted communal gardens to the rear. The reception space is arranged over three floors, of particular note is the stunning open plan first floor that offers great lateral space and amazing views. A sleek, beautifully equipped kitchen / dining room leads on to the private southerly aspect garden through floor to ceiling glass inlaid doors that take full advantage of the beautiful gardens.

£4,250,000 � 020 7368 4197; marshandparsons.co.uk

Chepstow Place, W2

Holland Park, W11

An immaculately presented lateral flat on the first floor of this striking period conversion. The property has been extensively refurbished to a very high specification with oak wood flooring and high calibre fixtures and fittings. Chepstow Place is a prestigious location in Notting Hill, just off Pembridge Square and within walking distance to the amenities of Westbourne Grove. Notting Hill Gate Underground Station is within close proximity on the Central, District and Circle lines.

A third floor two bedroom flat with wonderful views in a prime position on Holland Park. The property benefits from afternoon sun and has high ceilings to the reception room with electric blinds and an excellent kitchen. The master bedroom offers plenty of storage, the main bathroom is in immaculate condition and the second bedroom has an ensuite shower room. The property consists of master bedroom, bathroom, second double bedroom, ensuite shower room, kitchen and reception room.

£1,995 Per week � 020 7221 5388; bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

£725 Per Week � 020 7371 3377; carterjonas.co.uk

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Regent House, W14 £400 per week, Furnished A spacious one bedroom first floor flat in this secure development in Brook Green, benefiting from allocated parking. 529 sq ft. EPC B

Bullingham Mansions, W8 £825 per week, Unfurnished A neutrally decorated bright three bedroom lateral flat in this popular mansion block just off Kensington Church Street. 1198 sq ft. EPC: E

De Vere Gardens, W8 £2,400 per week, Unfurnished A newly refurbished four bedroom duplex apartment over the 3rd and 4th floors with large private decked terrace. 2174 sq ft. EPC: D

Observatory Gardens, W8 £1,495 per week, Unfurnished A recently refurbished two bedroom maisonette in this popular portered building, benefiting from wood floors and high ceilings. 1534 sq ft. EPC: G

Hamptons Kensington Lettings. 020 7717 5459 | Sales. 020 7717 5457

Hamptons Ken & NH_Sept.indd 2

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Stanley Gardens, W11 £750 per week, Furnished A stunning two bedroom garden apartment with wooden floors, neutral interior, private patio area and beautiful communal gardens. EPC: D

Lansdowne Crescent, W11 £725 per week, Furnished A well presented, two bedroom garden apartment benefitting from wood floors throughout, modern kitchen and bathroom. EPC: D

Pembridge Road, W11 £950 per week, Furnished A stunning large two bedroom maisonette having been completely renovated to offer luxury accommodation. EPC: D

Alba Place, W11 £1,150 per week, Furnished An amazing light and bright two bedroom mews house. The property has an open plan kitchen/reception room with excellent dining space. EPC: C

Hamptons Notting Hill Lettings. 0207 034 0405 | Sales. 020 7205 5444

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beaneypearce.co.uk

Desirable location Kensington Furnished ÂŁ675 per week 020 7221 9044

BEANEY PEARCE_NH_SEPT.indd 2

A recently and tastefully refurbished two bedroom conversion apartment, with wood floors throughout, located on a very pretty street in Kensington. The property comprises a master bedroom with plenty of storage, second double bedroom with fitted wardrobe and a door leading onto a private patio, bright reception room with a feature fireplace leading into a modern open plan kitchen,bathroom and cloakroom. Walking distance from both Notting Hill and High Street Kensington, great for commuting (via the Central, District and Circle lines) and taking advantage of all of the restaurants, shops and bars the areas have to offer. (710 sq.ft/ 66 sq.m)

2 bedrooms, reception, kitchen, bathroom, patio, cloakroom, Energy Efficiency Rating: C

23/08/2013 14:11

Established 1991 SALES & LETTINGS Classic first floor Harcourt Terrace A stunning, elegant and beautifully refurbished first floor balcony apartment finished to an exceptional standard in an attractive converted building conveniently located close to ‘The Beach’. The apartment benefits from an abundance of natural light and high ceilings with a wonderful South West facing terrace. With solid European oak wooden floors throughout, a bespoke fitted kitchen with Miele appliances, it is truly a stunning London home. (595 sq.ft/55.3 sq.m)

Double bedroom Reception room/kitchen Bathroom Balcony Roof terrace with decking, lighting, power and water Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Share of Freehold £1,295,000

020 7838 1888

The complete package North Kensington An immaculately presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment on the first floor of a wellregarded building completed in 2009. A light and bright apartment, with balcony to the front accessible from both bedrooms, and a full length south facing terrace to the rear with access from the reception. With secure underground parking, 24 hour porterage and lift access. (1,029 sq.ft/ 95.59 sq.m)

2 bedrooms Reception room Kitchen 2 bathrooms Balcony Roof terrace Off street parking Energy Efficiency Rating: B

Leasehold £875,000

020 7221 9044

BEANEY PEARCE_NH_SEPT.indd 3

Chelsea

Notting Hill

South Kensington

T: 020 7590 9500

T: 020 7221 9044

T: 020 7838 1888 23/08/2013 14:15

Kensington

ÂŁ1,150 pw Furnished

BENHAM&REEVES_NH_SEPT.indd 2

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London’s Letting Agency

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

0800 092 9656

Hyde Park

£420 pw Furn/Unfurnished

Hyde Park

£475 pw Furnished

Kensington

£575 pw Furnished

£2,250 pw Unfurnished

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

BENHAM&REEVES_NH_SEPT.indd 3

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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

Best BTL investments?

he most important thing to remember when purchasing a “Buy to Let” is that it is an investment, and head should always rule heart. Applicants have become increasingly more demanding over recent years; they require a high standard of finish, neutral décor, wood floors are obligatory and proximity to an underground station is paramount. They require clean, convenient and comfortable living. Investors should avoid lower ground floors, walk ups and ex council (even if they do seem to offer great value per square foot). Two double bedroom, two bathroom properties let well in most markets. Period conversions, finished well, are still in high demand and outside space or communal gardens are always desirable.

Who is renting in the area?

t this time of year, just before we enter the busy Autumn market, we tend to find that the majority of our tenants are either wealthy international students attending top London universities such as the London School of Economics and Imperial College or are corporate tenants, moving into the area for work placements. These corporate tenants tend to be split between single professionals looking for upmarket apartments and larger families for who school catchments are a priority. The area appeals for its good transport links into the city, large open spaces of greenery and also the beautiful period homes on offer. Holland Park and Notting Hill are very international and nationalities tend to come from France, Italy and America.

Rental yield vs capital growth?

apital growth continues to improve as the property market gathers pace, but with rental prices consistently rising and remaining strong, especially over the Autumn months, it is wise to secure tenancies to receive good rental yields over the coming years as property prices stabilise.

“

How to attract the best tenants?

he property should be well presented and fresh in decor. Neutral decor, fresh paintwork, high quality furnishings and fixtures all add to the appeal of a property. Landlords should also be able to make a quick decision corporate tenants tend to select a first, second or a third choice and move down their list. The best quality tenants are very often offered plenty of options, so the quickest response will always have the advantage.

The most important thing to remember when purchasing a “Buy to Let” is that it is an investment, and head should always rule heart.

“ Why should I use a property management agent?

wning a rental investment places a lot of responsibility on a landlord, with complicated and ever changing legislation being imposed, most of which carries heavy penalties for noncompliance. Employing a managing agent to act on your behalf alleviates this stress and enables you to have peace of mind that your interests and investment will be looked after. The experience a managing agent has in dealing with property issues means they are able to act in the most financially reasonable way to ensure your return is maximized.

1. Caroline Phillips

2. Ed Woolgar

3. Anna Ambrose

Lettings Manager, Beaney Pearce

Director, Chesterton Humberts

Area Lettings Director, Marsh & Parsons

� 020 7221 9044; beaneypearce.co.uk

� 020 3040 8343; chestertonhumberts.com

� 020 7313 6910; marshandparsons.com

4. Michael Palmer

5. Sally Livermoor

Lettings Manager, KFH

Lettings Manager, Faron Sutaria

� 020 3282 1550; kfh.co.uk

� 020 7229 2404; faronsutaria.co.uk

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“internationally respected locally renowned”

Coleherne Mews, SW10 £1,050 per week Three double bedroom mews house (approx. 1567 Sq ft) with private terrace & garage. Unfurnished

Warren House, W14 £800 per week A 1300 sq ft two bedroom & two bathroom apartment with 24hr porter, gym, terrace & underground parking. Furnished

‘‘The only Accredited Estate Agent in Kensington & Chelsea by the Guild of Professional Estate Agents’’

Hyde Park Gate, SW7 £525 per week Large one bedroom apartment with lift opposite Hyde Park with plenty of storage & porter. Furnished

Conduit Mews, W2 £1,350 per week A 1735 Sq ft three bedroom mews house with Patio garden & garage. Furnished or Unfurnished

Abingdon Court, W8 £1,250 per week A newly refurbished three bedroom, three bathroom apartment in this portered block in Kensington. Unfurnished

Regents Court, W8 £975 per week Two double bedroom & two bathroom apartment with lift, porter and an underground parking space. Furnished

0207 937 9777 RICKMANS_NH_SEPT.indd 1

21 Earls Court Road London W8 6EB

www.rickmanproperties.com 23/08/2013 14:50

Academy Gardens W8

key

F E AT U R E S

PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT C ONCIERGE SERVICE 1982 SQFT/184.1 SQM

£5,500,000 L E A S E H O L D

FIRST FLO OR (LIFT) T WO RECEPTION RO OMS KITCHEN

Notting Hill Gate Office

THREE BEDRO OMS

t: 020 7727 7227

THREE BATHRO OMS

e: nottinghill.sales@anscombes.co.uk

GUEST CLOAKRO OM

15 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ

UNDERGROUND PARKING SPACE CURRENT EPC RATING: E

Anscombe & Ringland_Sept.idd 2

anscombes.co.uk

23/08/2013 15:15

South End Row W8

key

F E AT U R E S

HOUSE 2368 SQFT/220 SQM FIVE FLO ORS

£4,200,000 F R E E H O L D

T WO RECEPTION RO OMS KITCHEN FIVE BEDRO OMS

Notting Hill Gate Office

FOUR BATHRO OMS

t: 020 7727 7227

GUEST CLOAKRO OM

e: nottinghill.sales@anscombes.co.uk

D OUBLE GARAGE

15 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ

PRIVATE PATIO CURRENT EPC RATING: C

Anscombe & Ringland_Sept.idd 3

anscombes.co.uk

23/08/2013 15:16

ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase

Vendor Advice Costs

he more prepared your property is to sell the better. Legally you are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate, (EPC), which is valid for 10 years. You may already have an old one registered for the property if you bought from the middle of December 2007. If you have made improvements to the property that are valid I’d recommend to instruct a new one, which costs roughly £80. If you’re selling a property that has an acting managing agent it would be worth finding out how much they will charge for supplying a management pack to the prospective buyers solicitor once the deal is agreed. This cost can range from £100 to £400 and the sooner you pay the quicker they start to gather the information. There needs to be an agreement on percentage fee for the chosen estate agent that you want to market your property with. Normally somewhere between 1.5%2.5%. There is normally nothing to pay up front unless the agency charges extra for brochures or extra marketing. The fee needs to be paid on completion and the amount is relative to the price achieved for your property. This is the biggest cost in selling! Solicitors fees are roughly £800-£2000 depending on who you use. You definitely get what you pay for in this department. Look at the breakdown of costs. Most quotes don’t include searches, transaction fees etc., which is usually around £500. Removal men and a professional clean are the last costs if you choose to have them. Don’t get me started on purchase costs!

An attractive and well-presented house situated in a popular secluded cul-de-sac.

�

his stucco fronted property is elegantly proportioned, with excellent entertaining space. Arranged over four floors, the property comprises of five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shower room, two kitchens, entrance hall, four reception rooms, dining room, wine cellar, conservatory, and a

pretty terrace and garden. The location is a sought after, quiet address and benefits from the excellent shopping and transport facilities of Westbourne Grove, Portobello Road and Notting Hill Gate. The open spaces of Kensington Gardens are nearby.

Amir Eshtehardi

Associate Director, Wilfords � 020 7361 0400 • wilfords.com

Details

Kildare Terrace, W2 £4,350,000

Contact

Strutt & Parker, Notting Hill 020 7221 1111; struttandparker.com

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Bedford Park 020 8994 5432

Chiswick 020 8995 2345

Ealing 020 8579 5050

Hammersmith 020 8748 4256

Holland Park 020 7221 5455

West Kensington 020 7603 1384

•

Large reception room

•

Two double bedrooms

•

Excellent location

A well-located, 935sqft period conversion on the corner of Lansdowne Crescent and Ladbroke Grove. The property consists of two double bedrooms, separate kitchen, bathroom and separate w/c, private patio area and access to a beautiful, secluded communal garden. Lansdowne Crescent is situated a short walk from the cafes, restaurants and shops of Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Holland Park. Transport links include Holland Park (central line), Notting Hill Gate (Central line, District and Circle line) and is within close proximity to Shepherds Bush.

Holland Park office: 1 Holland Park Terrace, Portland Road, London, W11 4ND

Lansdowne Crescent, W11 | £830,000 Leasehold

www.barnardmarcus.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Showcase Linden Gardens, W2 This fantastic period conversion for sale on the raised ground floor of this handsome terraced building is located on a popular leafy street in Notting Hill Gate. The property offers two bedrooms, beautiful wooden floors and period features throughout. The lovely open plan reception / dining room is perfectly balanced with contemporary and classic features and the natural light which comes from the floor to ceiling window, gives the room an airy, light feel.

£1,500,000 Share of Freehold � 020 7724 1222; kfh.co.uk

Pembroke Square, W8 An opportunity to rent this totally unique property on a desirable Kensington Garden Square. Upon entering the spacious galleried dining room with adjoining handmade kitchen, the property offers an impressive view of the double-height reception room with large windows overlooking the private south facing patio. Two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, recently refurbished bathrooms and charming features such as the beautiful reclaimed wooden hand-rail and the spiral staircase, all add to the distinctive feel of this split-level home.

£650 Per Week � 020 7937 9976; mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Westbourne Crescent, W2

East Churchfield Road, W3

Recently refurbished to an exquisite standard, this two bedroom ground and garden apartment offers well balanced accommodation and a landscaped garden, complementing the contemporary finish in this wonderful period building. It is superbly located, minutes from Hyde Park and conveniently situated close to Lancaster Gate and Paddington Stations.

A stunning fully refurbished and extended 6 bedroom Victorian townhouse next to Acton’s much desired Poet’s Corner. With over 3811 sq ft, the house provides two floors of contemporary living space created to ensure maximum enjoyment of the 63ft garden and the expanse of Acton Park immediately beyond.

£1,850,000

£2,750,000

� 020 7262 2030; kayandco.com

� 020 8749 7719; finlaybrewer.co.uk

Leasehold

Freehold

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SALES

5-7 Turnham G reen Terrace, Chiswick , London, W4 1RG Tel 020 8747 8800 • Fax 020 8995 7275 Email info@whitmanandco.com Website w w w.whitmanandco.com

THE POWER HOUSE, W4

GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000

The ultimate West London Penthouse ideally located in this landmark Grade II listed period building “The Power House” offering over 3500 square foot of flexible living and entertaining space with commanding views across West London. Master Suite, Three further double bedrooms, Ensuite bathroom, Main bathroom, South facing roof terrace with far reaching views, Further terrace, 28’x 36’ Reception room/Dining room/Kitchen, Study, Conservatory, Utility room, 16’ Mezzanine accessed via spiral staircase, Secure underground parking, Ample storage. The apartment is ideally situated for Chiswick High Road’s shops, cafes and restaurants and offers close proximity to both Stamford Brook and Turnham Green Underground Stations and numerous other communications. Offered with no onward chain.

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Letting Agency of the Year 2013

Lonsdale Road Notting Hill NW11

ÂŁ3,400,000

Located on one of the finest streets in Notting Hill, this bright & spacious terraced house combines Victorian elegance with exciting modern living spaces. Set over 4 floors this recently renovated property comprises a large kitchen/diner, double reception, 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a pretty patio garden.

freehold

EPC rating D Notting Hill

020 3040 8585

sales.nottinghill@chestertonhumberts.com

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09/08/2013 18:00

St Helens Gardens Notting Hill W11

ÂŁ350

A well presented fully furnished flat, on the ground floor of this modern block in the heart of Ladbroke Grove. Within close proximity to local parks & coffee shops, this spacious property is finished to a high standard. Comprises 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom & open plan kitchen/reception room. Available to rent immediately.

per week

EPC rating C Notting Hill

020 3040 8588

lettings.nottinghill@chestertonhumberts.com

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09/08/2013 18:01

71% WOULD PAY MORE

ÂŁ2,950,000 Share of Freehold Kensington Court W8

Beauty is in the eye of the Freeholder 71% of 300 people surveyed would pay extra for a flat with a share of freehold as opposed to a long lease. Call our expert team on 020 7591 8746 to discuss the best options available to you.

A beautifully refurbished two bedroom portered flat with lift located in the heart of Kensington.

Kensington Gate Sales 020 7581 1152 kengatesales@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/dining space, Study, Cloakroom, EPC: D.

ÂŁ1,980,000 Leasehold Albion Street W2

An excellent third floor apartment in this popular portered block, with Hyde Park moments away.

Notting Hill Sales 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

3 double bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Porter, EPC: C.

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douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,150,000 Leasehold Douro Place W8

A charming two double bedroom flat on the second floor of this period building.

Kensington Gate Sales 020 7581 1152 kengatesales@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, No onward chain, EPC: F.

ÂŁ575,000 Leasehold Lancaster Road W2

An attractive apartment enjoying a private entrance and patio garden.

Notting Hill Sales 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

Double bedroom, En-suite bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Terrace, EPC: C.

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The United Nations of Douglas &Gordon Our worldwide web extends beyond the internet with six affiliated global offices and more opening later in the year. Dubai / Moscow / New York / Paris / South Africa / Sydney

ÂŁ745,000 Leasehold Kensington Gardens Square W2

A well-presented, bright and spacious apartment located in this secure private gated development.

Notting Hill Sales 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

Bedroom, Bathroom, Reception, Kitchen, 2 balconies, Swimming pool, Car park, EPC: B.

ÂŁ875,000 Leasehold Linden Gardens W2

A bright and spacious two double bedroom flat on the lower ground floor of a Victorian house.

Kensington Sales 020 7792 1881 kensales@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception/dining room, Kitchen, Private decked garden, EPC: C.

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douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,550 per week Unfurnished Observatory Gardens W8

A wonderful, recently refurbished ground floor maisonette in Kensington.

Kensington Lettings 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Dining room, Kitchen, Parking, Porter, EPC: E.

ÂŁ1,450 per week Unfurnished Bark Place W2

A unique low built house with modern interior and excellent entertaining space.

Kensington Lettings 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden, Garage, EPC: D.

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Britain’s Best Talent In The Telegraph’s poll of Britain’s estate agents who go above and beyond, D&G were considered number one. We are honoured to be recognised for pushing the boundaries, we promise not to be boundlessly smug.

£1,200 per week Furnished/Unfurnished Palace Court W2

A stunning split-level apartment with an amazing first floor reception room.

£825 per week Unfurnished Bridstow Place W2

A newly refurbished house located on this hidden away street in the heart of Notting Hill.

Kensington Lettings 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Off-street parking, Porter, EPC: G.

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Roof terrace, Off-street parking, EPC: E.

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douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ500 per week Furnished/Unfurnished St Lukes Road W11

A stylish and well-presented two bedroom flat in Notting Hill.

ÂŁ350 per week Furnished Durham Terrace W2

A delightful 2nd floor studio flat in the heart of Notting Hill.

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Open-plan kitchen, EPC: D.

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

Reception/studio room, Bathroom, Eat-in kitchen, EPC: C.

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absolutely west Sept 2013 v2_Layout 1 02/08/2013 17:38 Page 1

the ultimate family Club for health, sports & relaxation

call 020 8740 4599

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