Abs Putney & Wandsworth Aug13

ABSOLUTELY Putney & Wandsworth

AUGUST 2013 £3.95

TRUE BOND

JANE SEYMOUR ON GROWING UP IN WIMBLEDON

A GREAT BRITISH MENU

NEW RECIPES FROM WANDSWORTH'S MARCUS WAREING

GREEN FINGERS

KATE GOULD’S LATEST PUTNEY PROJECT

BACK TO BASICS THIS SUMMER’S NATURE-INSPIRED GETAWAYS

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CONTENTS AUGUST ‘13

07 EDITOR’S LETTER 11 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

ARTS & CULTURE 12

WHAT’S ON This month’s diary

16 MONKS, MARRIAGE & MYSTERY The rise and fall of Putney’s Thomas Cromwell

CATWALK & CLOSET 23 FASHION NOTES The top trends this month

26 NO PLAIN JANE Simon Greeves meets acclaimed actress Jane Seymour

30 SUMMER OF LOVE Swinging sixties looks for summer

HOUSE & GARDEN 45 INTERIOR NOTES August’s interior inspirations

56 GREEN GODDESS Kate Gould on her favourite landscape project in Putney

FOOD & TRAVEL 61 GREAT SCOTT!

COVER: LICKERISH / MIREIA GRAU

Recipes from Marcus Wareing’s new The Gilbert Scott Book of British Food

ON THE COVER

69 WILD WORLD Absolutely gets back to nature with these spectacular summer escapes

PROPERTY

26 TRUE BOND

Jane Seymour on growing up in Wimbledon

56 GREEN FINGERS

94 IN THEIR OWN WORDS Jonathan Loney from John D Wood & Co., Southfields

Kate Gould’s latest Putney project

61 A GREAT BRITISH MENU

118 PROPERTY NEWS

Marcus Wareing’s latest recipes

FIND US ONLINE @ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

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Invest in your lifestyle and home, visit the bulthaup specialists at Kitchen Architecture.

“If you‘re looking for a kitchen without compromise then this is the place for you“ The World of Interiors Kitchen Architecture: London | Oxford | Cheshire London showroom. 145–149 Lower Richmond Road. Putney. London SW15 1EZ. T: 0208 785 1960 www.kitchenarchitecture.co.uk for design ideas and case studies Kitchen Architecture, UK‘s award-winning retailer of bulthaup kitchens Winner: Showroom of the Year 2012 for the UK kitchen industry Winner: Master Retailer of the Year 2011 for the UK kitchen industry Winner: Master Retailer of the Year 2010 for the UK kitchen industry

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

A

August 2013

ugust, I feel, is a very strange month.

For four brief weeks, it feels like the city suddenly comes to a standstill. The buzz and rush of the daily commute turns to a mere hum as people take a step back from their quotidian stress, either disappearing off abroad, taking a break over the bank holiday or just simply relaxing in the hazy summer sunshine.

So, this month, we too have a decided to take a step back, not just from our day-to-day lives but also in time, focussing on the history of our lovely locales. In this issue, you’ll find swinging sixtiesinspired fashion, an interview with former Bond girl Jane Seymour (who just so happens to have grown up in Wimbledon) and a look at the history of our most famous landmark, Battersea Power Station.

Meanwhile, if you are still in need of some last minute holiday inspiration, we’ve chosen our top picks for the most spectacular escapes inspired by Mother Nature. From whale shark watching in the Maldives to a horse-back safari in Tanzania, it’s bound to have you reaching for your passports in no time.

However, if you’re staying closer to home, why not try recreating some of the delicious recipes from the new cookbook by Wandsworth-based chef Marcus Wareing? Or perhaps you want to focus on getting the garden of your dreams whilst the weather still holds? If so, Kate Gould has the answer, with her latest landscape project in Putney.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderfully peaceful August.

Georgie Lane -Godfrey Editor

APOLOGY Absolutely would like to sincerely apologise to Ed, Simon and the Winkworth teams for our error in last months ‘In their own words’ and take full responsibility. This was supplied correctly by Winkworth and was edited by our teams. Winkworth did not see the final version prior to print and so the mistake occurred. We do understand the damage this can do to a brand and we are very sorry.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’ AND TWITTER ‘ABSOLUTELY_MAGS’

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ABSOLUTELY Putney & Wandsworth EDITOR Georgie Lane-Godfrey EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Catherine Hales CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Georgie Coleridge Cole, Charlie Gilkes, Robbie Honey

ADVERTISING MANAGER Luke Webb ACCOUNT MANAGER Debra Taylor ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Tolga Saylan GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR Alexandra Hunter SOUTH PROPERTY DIRECTOR Paige Harkness SOUTH PROPERTY EXECUTIVE Lucie Pearce

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DIRECTOR Greg Hughes MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout For editorial enquiries please email: editorial@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscriptions@zest-media.com.

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A B S O L U T E LY

Editoric’sk P BORA BORA BALLERINA SHOES MONSOON

For those balmy August evenings, slip on these suede turquoise shoes with embellishment gold toes. £35, The Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8789 0719;

monsoon.co.uk

STRAWBERRY RANGE CATH KIDSTON

Festooned with strawberries and accompanied by a pretty matching bag, these nifty tupperware containers are just the... picnic.

cathkidston.co.uk

Move over Soya! Silky white and naturally wholesome, pour yourself a refreshing glass of Rude Health’s new range of dairy-free drinks.

Southside Shopping Centre, Wandsworth, SW18, 020 8246 6848;

waitrose.com

DADDY DEER MUG OLIVER BONAS

No idea what to get your daddy dear for his birthday? How about this amusing China mug – perfect for your nearest and, erm, deer-est. £7.50, 86 Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8789 3590;

oliverbonas.com

LOVES

RUDE HEALTH DAIRY-FREE DRINKS WAITROSE

NOTELETS FARRAGO

You can only imagine our glee when we saw these little beauties from Farrago. Adorable notelets, vintage recipe books and floral notepads – be still our hearts!

The Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8788 0162;

theexchangesw15.com

JOHN & PEARL EARRINGS AUSTIQUE

Chunky jewellery and beachwear are a classic combination – give the look a bit of edge this summer with these woven ribbon and gold earrings in various fluoro shades. Bang on trend, they’ll look even more fabulous with a tan. £105;

austique.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

In the Cinema

THE LONE RANGER Directed by GORE VERBINSKI Starring ARMIE HAMER, JOHNNY DEPP & HELENA BONHAM CARTER

E

x-Texas Ranger turned masked vigilante, fighting for justice and crusading for righteousness in the Old West accompanied by his trusty Native American sidekick, Tonto. It’s an old story, steeped in turnof-the-century sensibilities and familiar characterisation, whose catchphrases have been echoed by generations of children – who among us has never uttered the rallying cry of ‘Hi-Yo, Silver!

Away!’ before scuttling out of room? The familiar tale has been given the Disney treatment, complete with direction from Pirates of the Caribbean sensation Gore Verbinski and starring Captain Jack Sparrow himself, Johnny Depp as Tonto. Relative newcomer Armie Hamer dons

the mask of the title character after successful turns both as the entitled Aryan Winklevoss twins from The Social Network and Leonardo diCaprio’s love interest in biopic J. Edgar. Told from the point of view of Tonto rather than his ‘Ke-mo sahbee’ (a.k.a the Lone Ranger), Verbinski’s take on the television staple is comic and entertaining in its quest to turn the classic ‘Native American as sidekick’ trope on its head and inject the Old West with new vigour. Throw in a star turn from the everentertaining Helena Bonham Carter and a rousing score by infallible composer Hans Zimmer and Disney has another phenomenon on its hands.

9 August

RIDELONDON 100

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Putney 4 August

This summer, over 20,000 cyclists are following the route used in the unforgettable race of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Open to both amateur and professional

riders, this event boasts the title of largest charity fundraising cycle in the world. Test your thighs and stretch your limits, the 100 mile journey is well worth the challenge (...or for the rest of us, at least well worth a day watching it in Putney!) prudentialridelondon.co.uk

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THIRD DOOR

This month we’re talking about...

alking into the Dragon’s Den and pitching your dream to four glaring entrepreneurs takes nerves of steel. Walking out of the Dragon’s Den after having been rejected and pursuing your idea undaunted and unaided takes something much more impressive: determination. For married couple Shazia Mustafa and Yusuf Chadun, the initial setback of being turned down by the Dragons proved a minor bump in the road, as their business Third Door has just celebrated its third anniversary.

The combined workspace and nursery allows parents a flexible childcare solution, proving that family doesn’t have to be sacrificed at the altar of career or vice versa.

‘The Dragons couldn’t see past the biggest profit margin and understand the social value Third Door provides,’ says Mustafa.

Third Door have had the last laugh however and will be opening another branch of the operation that Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg described as ‘truly inspirational’.

For more on Third Door, room hire, and their combined nursery packages visit third-door.com

THE WISHING WELL Half Moon 22 August

Folky, floaty and feel-good, The Wishing Well band is performing an eclectic mix of music on the Half Moon Pub’s stage this month. The seven piece instrumental folk rock band comes from Australia and already has toured Europe and the UK three times now. With the success of two albums, it’s a rare treat to hear them live so don’t miss out.

93 Lower Richmond Road, SW15, 020 8780 9383;

W

halfmoon.co.uk

Don’t Miss

5WISH YOU WERE HERE

MEET THE OTTERS

Until 31 August

5 August

This remarkable exhibition, themed for summer, is home to the wonderful works of Bristol-based artist Dan Parry-Jones. Vivid and awash with colour, his expressive mixedmedia landscapes draw upon the beauty of the southwest coastline.

180 Lower Richmond Road, SW15, 020 8246 4840;

Ten times cooler than a petting zoo, the London Wetland Centre lets kids come meet the resident otters and watch them playing, swimming and being fed. What’s more, guided tours to help you spot other wildlife around the centre are available too.

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW15, 020 8409 4400;

wills-art.com

wwt.org.uk/visit/london

Will’s Art Warehouse

London Wetland Centre

FURNITURE PAINTING WORKSHOP The Decor Cafe 16 August

Learn how to turn a dull chair or table into a stunning centrepiece with a course in furniture painting. Hosted by the brilliant Louisa Blackmore, students will learn how to create an authentic French rustic look, how to match colours, and tips for dealing with those trickier stains – so useful!

24 Campion Road, SW15, 020 8355 6095; thedecorcafe.com

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Books

12-17 August

LOST SUMMER DRAMA CLUB LOST Theatre

OUT OF TOWN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Edinburgh 9 August ~ 1 September

im the lights, warm up the orchestra and awaken your imagination. Undergo Metamorphosis with Wu Hsing-kuo, dubbed the ‘Taiwanese Orson Welles’. Delve into silent cinema classic La Belle et la Bête, re-scored by minimalist pioneer Philip Glass, and summon the spirit of Richard Burton, as the Wooster Group attempt to reverseengineer his incredible televised performance of Hamlet in 1964. All in all, this summer’s Edinburgh International promises a season of peerless entertainment.

D

The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE, 01314 732 099; eif.co.uk

Lights, camera, action!

Get your kids into gear this summer with a drama course teaching all the essential acting and performance skills.

Open to 8-14 year olds, this smashing scheme covers dance, storytelling, lights, makeup, masks and leads up to a final performance for friends and family.

208 Wandsworth Road, SW8, 020 7622 9208; losttheatre.co.uk

7 August

SEASIDE Wandsworth Museum Can’t make it to the seaside this year? Never fear, you can get your sand, sun and sea fix right here in London.

Wandsworth Museum is hosting a bouncy beach bonanza with treats such as sandcastles, diggers, boats and even a paddling pool to sail your boat in. £3 per child, accompanying adults are free.

Wandsworth Museum, 38 West Hill, SW18, 020 8870 6060; wandsworthmuseum.co.uk

6 & 8 August

ENGLISH BEEF FOOD MASTERCLASS Duke’s Head 14 August

Tantalise your taste buds with an inspirational cookery masterclass this August. For all you foodie keenbeans, learn meaty recipes that are scrumptious and wholesome. Hosted by local butchers The Parson’s Nose this course is bound to be your beefy best friend... Deee-licious.

8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15, 020 8788 2552; dukesheadputney.com

LITTLE KICKERS FOOTBALL WORKSHOP Eddie Catz Entertainment Centre Calling all mini football stars, Eddie Catz is hosting a football workshop for all 4-7 year olds this August. Led by enthusiastic coaches, your little ones will score goals, learn tricks and – quite literally- have a ball!

68-70 Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8393 7957; eddiecatz.com

THE PEOPLE’S SONGS

By Stuart Maconie

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even decades of music that captured the flavour and feeling of their time from Vera Lynn’s “We’ll meet again” to “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal. Focusing specifically on the medium of pop, Stuart Maconie seeks not to revere what he considers to be the cream of British music, but instead delve into what these songs have meant in times of war or peace, of political upheaval and unrest between classes and of drugs and consequences.

Most of all, Maconie’s ruminations show us the true value of ‘cheap’ pop. £20, Ebury Press

THE QUARRY

By Iain Banks

A

decrepit country house, balanced on the edge of a quarry, is the scene for 18-year-old Kit coming to terms with Guy, his odd, secretive, dying father. Kit is fiercely intelligent and socially disabled, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of the burning questions before him.

Just who was Kit’s mother? What do Guy’s old friends want from him? And where is the tape that’s been missing all this time?

Iain Banks’ final novel bristles with savage, playful wit, ridiculing all expectations of what a book about a man dying of cancer should read like. £18.99, Little, Brown

STANDING IN ANOTHER MAN’S GRAVE

By Ian Rankin

T

he infamous Inspector Rebus is back, and as you might expect, he’s rubbing everyone up the wrong way. It’s just what the man does. But can he still get away with it when he’s fresh out of retirement, with a mob boss out for blood and Internal Affairs breathing down his neck? Even ex-colleague DI Siobhan Clarke is losing patience with him. Everything hinges on a decade of disappearances nobody wants to talk about - but then, Rebus specialises in making people talk. £7.99, Orion

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

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No. 1 ‘Greatest Musical of all tiMe’ The Times - Top 50 Musicals 2013

PREMIUM CHAMPAGNE OFFER Get a Premium seat and a glass of champagne for £45 Quote CHAMPAGNE

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ABSOLU TELY

ART & CULTURE

MARRIAGES AS HENRY VIII’S CHIEF ADVISER, PUTNEY-BORN THOMAS CROMWELL CHANGED ENGLISH HISTORY FOREVER. MICHELLE HIGGS TAKES A LOOK AT THE MAN BEHIND THE MYSTERY ortrayed as a pantomime villain in the BBC’s The Tudors and a powerful man just doing his job in Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, Thomas Cromwell remains an enigma. What is certain is that he was born in Putney in about 1485 when it was just a small village. His birthplace was said to be ‘an ancient cottage called the Smith’s shop, lying west of the highway leading from Putney to the upper gate, and on the south side of the highway from Richmond to Wandsworth, being the sign of the Anchor.’

It’s possible this was in the same area as the modern-day Brewhouse Lane as Cromwell’s father, Walter, was a blacksmith, brewer and cloth shearer.

Historical records reveal that Walter was frequently in trouble with the law, being fined repeatedly for watering down the beer he sold, and also for assault.

What effect this rogue of a father had on Cromwell’s upbringing is unclear but in around 1500, he left home for Europe. Some sources claim he fled his Putney home to escape from his father’s physical abuse but, whatever the reason, his time on the Continent was to shape his future.

CHANGING FORTUNES

Cromwell’s movements during this period are something of a mystery. It’s said that the man who was set to be Henry VIII’s most trusted advisor was, in fact, a bit of a ruffian in his youth and even spent time in jail. He’s also known to have fought for France at the Battle of Garigliano in Italy in 1503 and later worked as a clerk and merchant.

By the time Cromwell returned to England in 1512, he had mastered several different languages and acquired sufficient education to re-train as a lawyer.

From humble beginnings, he worked his way up through intelligence, ambition and, undoubtedly, a little bit of luck. He was quite literally a self-made man.

Now established in London’s mercantile and legal circles, Cromwell married Elizabeth Williams, the wealthy widow of a financier. They had three children: Gregory, Grace and Anne. Although we know little of Cromwell’s private life, the gossipy Imperial Ambassador, Eustace Chapuys, described how his eyes lit up in conversation and that he gave generous dinner parties. Sadly, only Cromwell’s son Gregory survived childhood and his wife is believed to have died during an epidemic of ‘sweating sickness’ in 1527-28.

Yet this tragedy did little to hold Cromwell back professionally, instead playing on his legal expertise to obtain a post working for Cardinal Wolsey. The chief adviser to King Henry VIII, Wolsey became Cromwell’s mentor and patron, introducing him at court. Here, Cromwell learned one of his most important skills: how to curry favour with the king – a kind of knowledge he stored carefully away for future use.

MONKS AND MARRIAGES

It’s well documented that Henry VIII wanted his marriage to his first wife Catherine of Aragon annulled so that he could wed his new love, Anne Boleyn. Desperate for a son, when Wolsey failed to gain the annulment from the Pope, Henry had him removed from office.

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ABSOLU TELY

ART & CULTURE

THE INEXPERIENCED EXECUTIONER TOOK THREE STRIKES TO KILL HIM

With Wolsey’s downfall, Thomas Cromwell was in danger of losing all he had worked for. The Tudor court was one of scheming, intrigue and power struggles, a place where it paid to have the right connections. Sensing the precariousness of his situation, Cromwell immediately set about strengthening his contacts with Henry’s lawyers, and in 1530, he was invited to enter the king’s service.

Cromwell’s legal skills made him invaluable to Henry and he quickly rose to become his most trusted adviser. He cemented his position by succeeding where Wolsey had failed, convincing the Archbishop of Canterbury to accept Henry as head of the Church in England in 1531, heralding a split from the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. This paved the way for the Reformation, under which the Protestant Church became the established church in England. A bold move, yet one which left Henry free to divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn.

Having learnt that keeping the king happy and wealthy was the key to success, Cromwell soon became the most powerful man in the Tudor court. Having full access to the king’s ear meant he could promote his own evangelical reforms, not least persuading Henry to authorise a translation of the Bible into English from its original Latin. This was a radical change, giving the ordinary people of Protestant England a clearer understanding of religion. Now, even if they were illiterate,

they could still hear clergymen preaching from the English Bible.

For a man like Cromwell, power proved intoxicating. It was he who masterminded the dissolution of the monasteries, bringing the king huge amounts of money and, of course, lining his own pocket in the process. But it also put him on a dangerous collision course with the new Queen Anne, who objected to his increasing power and influence and began to create issues for Cromwell.

Yet Anne had not produced a male heir and Henry was now smitten with Jane Seymour. Cromwell exploited these two facts, ruthlessly concocting a case in April 1536 against Anne to accuse her of adultery and treason. Although the evidence appeared flimsy, several of her closest male courtiers were also charged, including her brother. On 19th May, Anne was executed and Henry wasted no time in marrying Jane. In one fell swoop, Cromwell had cleverly removed the threat to his position and renewed his king’s trust.

CROMWELL’S DOWNFALL

Cromwell’s star continued to rise and in 1540, he was granted the title of Earl of Essex. For a blacksmith’s son from Putney, this was an extraordinary achievement.

Yet his ascension had also earned him many enemies at court. Acting swiftly, they saw their chance to remove him after he arranged Henry’s disastrous union with the German princess Anne of Cleves, a marriage that Henry was so repulsed by that he refused to consummate it.

In June 1540, Cromwell was charged with treason and heresy, and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Despite his pleas for mercy, Henry had him beheaded on 28th July – a grisly business as the inexperienced executioner took three strikes to kill him. Cromwell’s head was unceremoniously placed on a pike on London Bridge to deter traitors; a decision Henry would come to regret. Left with only scheming advisers to aid him, it was not long before Henry rued the day he killed ‘the most faithful servant he ever had’.

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KEEP IT LIVE www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk

A summer festival filled with music, comedy and theatre, Abbeyfest in South West London is now in its 16th year and, as always, the theme of “Keep It Live” is once again very much evident this year!

MONDAY 26TH AUGUST

Kidsfest 11am – 5pm Now in its 7th year, a special day solely dedicated to kids with lots of unique and inspirational activities and workshops for all ages that are totally free!

The festival has gone all out to put on a great line up of FREE Jazz, Funk and Soul concerts, top drawer late night comedy, Slaughterville at the Watermill, A delicious season of theatre, concerts, Blues and a fantastic Children’s festival, Kidsfest on the 26th August. And, to top it all off, for the first time ever there will be a free open air symphony orchestra concert, all taking place in the wonderful historic riverside setting of Merton Abbey Mills.

SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST

Charity Symphony Orchestra An evening of classical music from the big screen and Last Night of the Proms classics

This year we have over 10 theatre shows, 10 free open air concerts, 8 Edinburgh comedy preview shows, a blues festival, stunning music nights in the Colour House Theatre, a symphony concert, chamber concerts and a fantastic festival just for children, Kidsfest. In total, 52 days of music, theatre and comedy!

FREE ON THE BANDSTAND

FRIDAY 26TH JULY

FRIDAY 2RD AUGUST

FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST

FRIDAY 16TH AUGUST

Brendan Reily

Samara a Six Piece Band

Tony O’malley

Katie Leone Band

The finest soulful funky sounds with everything from classic anthems to new takes on recent hits

with Polly Gibbons on vocals. An infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, jazz/ latin and Soul

Jaztinged contemporary soul and blues from unquestionably one of the most charismatic vocalists in the UK since the late 60’s

A mixture of chilled out original tracks through to energetic groove based classic covers from the likes of Prince and Chaka Khan

Wherever you live in South London or North of the River, the Historic riverside setting of Merton Abbey Mills is still easily accessible – just right for a weekend day out that’s really different. It’s on the A24 Merantun Way near Colliers Wood Tube station.

Meanwhile, buses 93,57 & 200 connect Wimbledon station to Merton Bus Garage, just a short riverside walk away.

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Uffizi

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CATWALK & CLOSET

PRINT POWER STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD IN STELLA JEAN’S EXOTIC PRINTED PATTERNS & STRIKING SUNSHINE HAT

Stella Jean, Available from Matches, 34 High Street,

Wimbledon London, Village, SW19, 020 8947 matchesfashion.com Temperley available from8707; net-a-porter.com

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LiFE goes on for Beauty

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05/07/2013 15:30

ABSOLU TELY

CATWALK & CLOSET

FLUORO FANTASY

Love the summer’s fluoro trend but not brave enough to wear it? This pink clutch bag from Coast is just the ticket, adding a vibrant splash of neon to even the safest of outfits.

Available from Debenhams, 315 Lavender Hill, SW11, 020 7228 9189;

coast-stores.com

ADULTS ONLY It’s not easy to pull off festival chic without looking like an overgrown teenager.

Luckily French fashion house Zadig & Voltaire has the answer: Fringed bag, tastefully sparkly gilet and a gorgeous pair of printed ankle boots. We’ll take the lot, thank you very much. zadig-et-voltaire.com

COTTON EYE-CANDY

Made from handembroidered cotton woven in Spanish mills, these beautiful trousers by Jigsaw are the prettiest way to wear this summer’s crisp whites.

73 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7223 8972; jigsaw-online.com

FASHION NOTES

Editor’s Pick

MAKE A SPLASH

Heading off on your holidays this month? Take a trip to Pistol Panties first, where the saucy swimwear collection promises to add a touch of Hollywood glamour to your poolside. pistolpanties.com

SOUL BLUES

Inspired by the design of 19th century opera slippers, these cobalt blue suede numbers complete with vampy toe studs, are guaranteed to add a little drama to any outfit. Perfect with skinny jeans.

frenchsole.com

SHADY LADY Keep your peepers protected with these stylish sixties-inspired tortoiseshell and leather sunglasses by Linda Farrow for The Row. Effortlessly cool.

£269, Available from Matches, 34 High Street, 020 8947 8707, SW19; matchesfashion.com

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Northcote Chiropractic Clinic Chiropractic and Pregnancy Chiropractic Treatment helps to prepare pregnant ladies to have the most natural birth possible by aiming to maintain balance of the pelvis.

Our chiropractors are certified in Webster’s Technique and have helped many mothers safely through their pregnancy.

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05/07/2013 11:30

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ABSOLU TELY

CATWALK & CLOSET

08

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PICK

06

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Editor’s

FESTIVAL

FEVER GET YOUR ROCKS ON WITH THIS MONTH’S FESTIVAL FASHION INSPIRATION

05

3 04

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01.MCM palm tree print leather backpack, £725; luisaviaroma.com 02.ALLSAINTS Kiku denim gilet, £75; allsaints.com 03.CELTIC & CO Alisia ankle boots, £175; celticandco.co.uk 04.PENELOPE CHILVERS Saffron Tile espadrille boots, £155; penelopechilvers.com 05. JIGSAW Tribal sarong, £79; jigsaw-online.co.uk 06. OLIVER BONAS Dreamland trilby, £15; oliverbonas.com 07.RAY BAN Aviators, £135; sunglasshut.com 08. MCM palm tree print leather pouch, £335; luisaviaroma.com

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ABSOLU TELY

CATWALK & CLOSET

NO PLAIN JANE! ANDY GREEVES TALKS TO ACTRESS JANE SEYMOUR OBE ABOUT FILMS, FASHION & GROWING UP IN WIMBLEDON

J

ane Seymour OBE is quick to play down the notion of being a ‘style icon’. But I don’t understand why. At 62, the Hillingdon-born actress looks fantastic and whether she admits it or not, the fact remains that there are scores of women who have tried to emulate her look for decades.

‘It’s both flattering and fun to be classed as a ‘style icon’ and I take it as a huge compliment,’ says Jane, smiling. ‘I’m genuinely interested in fashion and when it comes to my clothes, I’ve never really thrown any away.’ This hoarding has turned Jane’s closet into something of a treasure trove, bursting with red carpet gowns and costume masterpieces collected over the years.

‘I was collecting and wearing vintage clothing long before it was fashionable to do so,’ she says. ‘People like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe have always inspired me.

What all three have is a timeless look that appeals to all generations, which is the defi nition of what a ‘style icon’ is for me. What is interesting is we don’t really look to models as style icons.

It’s actresses, actors and musicians who really inspire us.’

Born ‘Joyce Penelope Wihelmina Frankenberg’ on 15th February 1951,

Jane was raised in Merton Park in Wimbledon, living on the Dorset Road and Mostyn Road. ‘I went to Wimbledon High School for Girls and Letty Littlewood’s Ballet School, before attending the Associated Arts School in Wimbledon,’ she tells me. ‘I haven’t been back to the area for many, many years and I imagine it has changed a great deal, but my early memories of Wimbledon are very strong. I can

vividly picture Wimbledon Common and the John Innes Park, where I spent quite a lot of time.’

So, was she a regular then to the tennis charmpionships for which Wimbledon is famous? ‘No,’ she laughs, ‘I could never afford to go in an official capacity, but I’d often skulk around the gates waiting for used tickets, so I’d get to see the final sessions that way.’

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CATWALK & CLOSET An aspiring dancer, she discovered acting following a devastating injury which ended her dancing career.

She took on the stage name ‘Jane Seymour’ (after Henry VIII’s third wife) and found herself small parts in British films in the late sixties and early seventies.

But her big break came in 1973, when she played Bond girl ‘Solitaire’ alongside Roger Moore’s James Bond in Live And Let Die. From there the floodgates opened and Jane went on to secure a number of high profile roles in film and, most notably, television; for her performance as Dr. Michaela ‘Mike’ Quinn in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, she was awarded a Golden Globe in 1996.

Now, she lives in Malibu and returns to the UK sporadically, to the property she owns in Richmond where her sister lives. ‘It’s my idea of an ideal holiday, especially as it gives me the chance to see friends and family over here. I love London… the style, the theatre scene, the vast amount of history and things to do and see,’ she enthuses. ‘Just walking around is fun and inspiring. I’m always excited when I’m in London.’

Indeed Jane’s connections to the UK aren’t just familial, they’re also sartorial; she replaced Selina Scott as the face of fashion label CC (formerly Country Casuals) back in 2008. The brand is owned by renowned British retailer Austin Reed and delivers that quintessential English look.

Given Jane’s American citizenship, I question whether her style is perhaps now more ‘American’ than ‘British’.

MY EARLY MEMORIES OF WIMBLEDON ARE VERY STRONG

‘Nowadays, I think it’s harder to pinpoint the style of a particular country,’ she muses. ‘I think we’re in an era where there is such a thing as ‘global style’. If you work in London, you are likely to wear something people in Washington or New York are also wearing. But I have to say, there’s nothing like the English ‘layered’ look… it’s timeless.’

So does she think that the US and UK style are essentially the same thing? ‘There are differences, albeit subtle ones. What’s obvious is that many of the stores that triumph in the States are indeed British. But I think British people love American style too.’

When it comes to fashion tips, Jane is an advocate of dressing for the occasion. ‘Understand the style, the formality that is required,’ she advises.

‘It’s also important to know your body and what kind of clothes suit your size and shape.’ Such is her ability to wow with her outfits, retailers such as CC and Topshop have even visited her home to raid her wardrobes for inspiration.

‘I have got lots of pieces I’ve worn to award ceremonies where I had an active input into their design,’ she says. ‘There’s a beautiful, heavily embroidered blue chiffon dress that springs to mind. I wore it to a ceremony and I won an award! So it has very happy memories.’

And what about everyday wear? ‘I wear a lot of white jeans and tank tops, especially in the summer,’ she explains.

‘I’ll dress up my look with a jacket. So for example, from the CC range, I’ll wear a summery number, that could conversely be worn over occasion wear. Someone might say, ‘That jacket is just for a wedding’, but I have no hesitation wearing it with a pair of jeans. You have to have your own style.’

A CC concession can be found in Elys of Wimbledon on 16 St Georges Road, SW19; ccfashion.co.uk

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The most attractive way to heat your home

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25/02/2013 15:45

SUMMER OF

LOVE Put some swing in your step with this season’s vintage styles Photography: Tiffany Mumford

Styling: Alex Longmore

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PURPLE KAFTAN, £250, ATELIER- MAYER GOLD JEWELLED HEADPIECE, £160, GATHERING GODDESS

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BLUE AND GREEN PRINTED COAT, £240, RELLIK LONG PENDANT WITH OWL, £120, GATHERING GODDESS

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CREAM HIGH NECK MINI DRESS, £160, GATHERING GODDESS STRIPED COURT SHOE, £85, DUNE WICKER HAT WITH EARS, £218, MERCHANT ARCHIVE LONG GOLD PENDANT WITH BIRD, £440, DIDDI ILSE

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04/07/2013 11:35

LONG GOLD SEQUIN DRESS, £950, ATELIER MAYER GOLD NECKLACE WITH KEY, £48, MONA MARA GOLD HOOPED EARRINGS WITH LONG CHAINS, £195, DIDDI ILSE

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04/07/2013 11:35

ORANGE & YELLOW MAXI DRESS, £165, DOLLY DIAMOND BLACK PATENT FLATS, £79, DUNE ROUND BLACK SUNGLASSES, £169, KAREN WALKER AT ASOS WHITE BEADED NECKLACE, £124, & YELLOW JEWELLED STATEMENT EARRINGS, £55, BOTH MALENE BIRGER AT NET-A-PORTER FINE FLURO PINK AND YELLOW BRACELETS, £112 EACH, PRIYANKA AT MATCHES FASHION

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY: TIFFANY MUMFORD STYLING: ALEX LONGMORE MAKE UP: MICHAEL GRAY @ DWM USING ROCOCCO NAIL VARNISH HAIR: LUKE @ SAKS SAKS.CO.UK STYLING ASSISTANTS: LUCY DOWNING & REBEKAH ABSALOM MODEL: JUSTINA V @ PREMIER

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07/06/2013 17:40

08/07/2013 11:30

ABSOLU TELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY OF THE

BEST HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS

THE NATURAL LOOK

Aveda’s new Art of Nature make-up collection is all about fresh-faced skin and flushed cheeks. Think berry-drenched lips, forest-green eyes and copper-bronzed cheeks for the simplest way to bring summer beauty to life.

Available from Debenhams, 315 Lavender Hill, SW11, 0844 561 6161;

01. Bumble & Bumble surf foam shampoo £18.50; uk.spacenk.com

debenhams.com

02. He-Shi Liquid Express Tan £37; he-shi.eu 03. Butter London Nail Lacquer £12; boots.com

SENSORY VOYAGE Channelling the diverse beauty of Guatemala is the delightful range from Aromas Artisanales de Antigua. Inspired by the numerous fruits and flowers which grow in Antigua’s fertile volcanic soil, the range comes in the prettiest packaging and smells simply divine.

Available from Les Parfums, The Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8785 0446;

HOLD UP If you’re guilty of carrying your entire beauty regime in your handbag (you are not alone), hear us now. The rather fetching Flamingodesigned make-up bag from Lulu Guinness will help those who insist on lugging all their products around declutter, with room for just the important essentials. No more eye-liners with missing tops or shattered compacts. Ideal. luluguinness.com

antiguanaromas.com

Salon Review

BUMBLE

BATTERSEA he problem with really trendy salons, I find, is that you often don’t feel cool enough to be there. Not so with Bumble, the newly opened hair salon on Lavender Hill. It may be all exposed brick and oversized lightbulb chandeliers, but the welcome you get from salon owner Chetna couldn’t be warmer, which instantly puts you at ease.

Chetna, it turns out, has been in the business for over a decade

T

and you can tell that she really knows her stuff. I was here for a blow-dry and, as I sat down in the styling chair after my nourishing hair mask treatment had been applied, she instantly guessed what look I would want before I had uttered a word, telling me that she ‘saw my style as I walked in.’ It was pretty impressive, to be honest. As Chetna dexterously dried my hair, she also talked me through the beauty treatments on offer at the salon. From manicures to massages, facials to full body waxing, Bumble offers quite literally everything you need to be well and truly

pampered. Half an hour later and my hair was left sleek and shiny, in sophisticated loose curls – exactly what I had wanted.

By Georgie Lane-Godfrey 241 Lavender Hill, SW11, 020 7924 7760; bumblehairandbeauty.co.uk

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04/07/2013 16:09

ER: OFF CE* ORY N IEN UCT 1 O PER 1 ROD FOR EX 24 INT 2 L SPA E SPA A T RM QUO THE

SPA MEETS HEALTH AND FITNESS? NOW THAT’S BETTER.

Whether you want to work out, swim, take an exercise class, or simply pamper yourself in the sauna or enjoy a sumptuous treatment at Spa London, you’ll find everything under one roof at the newly refurbished Wimbledon Leisure Centre.

With affordable membership options to suit everyone, and our introductory 2 for 1 on our Thermal Spa Experience, there’s never been a better time to join.

Find out more at www.better.org.uk/wimbledon

Terms and conditions apply: 2 for 1 offer is valid when booking a 3 hour Thermal Spa Experience, quote spa241 when booking. Offer valid from 1st July until 31st December 2013. One booking per person and subject to programming and availability. Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX IPS No: 27793, Inland Revenue Charity No: XR43398.

THE CHOICE OF THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS SUNBED USERS GET YOUR TAN STEP BY STEP IN OUR STRICTLY CONTROLLED 0.3W/M2 SUNBEDS

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FREE 6 min tanning session for all new customers with this voucher

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ARABELLA PRESTON PICKS HER TOP BRONZING PRODUCTS

07

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PICK

1. YOUNGBLOOD MINERAL RADIANCE IN SUNSHINE, £38; selfridges.com 2. BOBBI BROWN TUBE TINTS, £16; bobbibrown.co.uk 3. NARS LIP PENCIL IN FLORALIES, £17.50; narscosmetics.co.uk 4. BOBBI BROWN PEARL PINK SHIMMER NAIL POLISH, £11; bobbibrown.co.uk 5. CHANEL LES BEIGE PRESSED POWDER IN 50, £38; chanel.com 6. ESTEE LAUDER TWO TONE EYE-OPENING MASCARA, £25; esteelauder.co.uk 7. TOM FORD BRONZING POWDER, £65; harrods.com 8. ESTEE LAUDER NAIL POLISH IN BITTERSWEET, £14.50; esteelauder.co.uk

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www.oh-so-smooth.com 05/07/2013 12:11

10/06/2013 10:00

08/07/2013 11:30

ABSOLU TELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY

IT’S ALL WHITE Brush up on your tennis in style with Adidas’s chic Barricade tennis range, as sported by Laura Robson at Wimbledon this year. High performance yet feminine style – what more could you want?

Available from Capstick Sports & Leisure, 84 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7228 7814; capsticksports.co.uk

Good Feeling

SOAP STAR

GENTEEL EXERCISE

With Harlequins rugby star Ugo Monye on board as official ambassador, Molton Brown’s first line of sport themed products, made from cassia bark, are all delectably masculine. Available from Elys of Wimbledon, 16 St. George’s Road, SW19, 020 8946 9191; moltonbrown.co.uk

Ok it might not improve your fitness, but what could possibly be better than a good old-fashioned game of croquet and a pitcher of Pimm's on a summer afternoon?

This Great Exhibition Croquet Set by Jacques of London is just the ticket. £999.99; jaqueslondon.com

Editoirc’sk P

POWER UP Bored of the gym? Tone up this summer at the historic Battersea Power Station in a series of pop-up classes hosted by Move Pop-up gym.

Featuring a mixture of dance, cardio, strength and yoga, the classes will take place every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm until September. No need to book, simply turn up with a tenner and a towel and you’re good to go. movepopupgym.com

MAN ON THE EDGE Businessman Geoff Taylor is bringing a new meaning to the term city high-flyer this month by abseiling down Battersea Power Station. Aiming to raise £60,000 for Cancer Research, the daredevil reinsurance broker is looking for other volunteers to abseil down with him on 31st August. To join Geoff, visit cruk.org/battersea-abseil.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

KEEP YOUR HOME COOL THIS SUMMER WITH MUUTO’S SLICK NORDIC INTERIORS

SCANDI

style

Available from Two Sisters Home, 3 Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19, 020 8605 2441; muuto.com

August_Interior_Opener.indd 43

08/07/2013 10:39

hudson construction ltd

hudson Construction Ltd 27 Angel Road | Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0AU 0208 224 5061 | www.hudsonconstruction.co.uk Company Reg: 7489468

HUDSON.indd 1

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HOUSE & GARDEN

r’s o t i d E ick P

VINTAGE TREASURES

We can’t wait to get our hands on the vintage-inspired ‘The Collector’ range from Oliver Bonas. Featuring distressed frames and mirrors, butterfly and bird prints, quirky clocks and wooden suitcase storage boxes, it’s a great take on jumble sale loot.

Oliver Bonas, 86 Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8789 3590; oliverbonas.com

NATURAL HABITAT

Firm favourite Habitat’s new Battersea-based mini-store is like a little hidden treasure trove.

Concealed within Homebase, once found it’s the perfect pitstop for some chic accessories whilst you’re stockpiling those DIY essentials.

Habitat at Homebase, York Road, SW11, 0844 499 1136; habitat.co.uk

INTERIOR NOTES

DEXTEROUS DRAWINGS After award-winning musician Edwyn Collins suffered two severe strokes, he learned to sketch birds as part of his rehabilitation. Now, these beautiful drawings have been brought to life in a range of sweet ceramics. Buy from The Oak Room and 10% of the proceeds go to Stroke Association. theoakroom.co.uk

Grate Expectations Offering the complete package from inspiration to installation, the Grate Expectations showroom is quite possibly the cosiest place in Wimbledon, boasting several working gas fires to help you choose your own homely hearth. We love their salvage yard, filled with unique antique cast iron fireplaces.

Station Parade, Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW20, 020 8543 9989; grateexpectations.com

NEW OPENING: BAKER & STONEHOUSE

Interior junkies, contain yourselves! The UK’s biggest independent furniture retailer, Baker & Stonehouse, will be opening their first London store this month in Battersea. Don’t miss the new ‘Rustic Reloaded’ range channelling a cool recycled industrial feel.

100 York Road, SW11, 020 3040 600; barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

INTELLIGENT

SOLUTIONS Mr & Mrs Allen tell Absolutely how Schmidt Wimbledon helped them create their dream kitchen

extent of the range available. A truly daunting choice to begin with, but then great fun, trying previously unthought of combinations and schemes and gradually bringing together all the parts to make the whole.

What was your kitchen like before?

It was a small galley kitchen in oak.

What made you chose Schmidt?

Schmidt was local to us and we liked their ranges. But it was the immediate interest taken by the designer who took the time to listen to our ideas and make some really good suggestions that decided it for us.

How did you find the process?

Our initial ideas underwent a fairly constant period of change and alteration as we became more familiar with what was possible and what was available. Throughout this process, the Schmidt designer remained unphased in the face of our sometimes impractical ideas, and always came up with an attractive and workable solution. So from our perspective, the plannining process was an interesting and pleasurable journey.

With Schmidt’s innovative E130 range of units, do you feel you have more storage?

Without a doubt. The flexibility of the E130 units is a great advantage in that the

intelligent use of their internal space allows for a more imaginative layout, free from many of the traditional restrictions on unit type, size and position.

How did you decide on what colour to go with for your new kitchen given the many colour palettes available?

We thought we had a fairly good idea of the colours we wanted until we saw the

How has the new kitchen changed the way you live?

The look and practibility of the kitchen in a small house like ours is key, and as part of a wider building project, it had to create the seamless living/kitchen/garden environment which we so wanted. We feel this has been achieved very well and has transformed the way we use the whole space.

Would you recommend Schmidt Kitchens Wimbledon?

Absolutely, we have already recommended Shcmidt to several friends.

Schmidt Wimbledon, 51-55 Kingston Road, SW19, 020 3617 8715; schmidt-wimbledon.com

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HOUSE & GARDEN

ure; Furnit Ocean Indian k n.co.u -ocea indian

CASTAWAY

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1. FIRE PIT, £1,075; CONRAN.CO.UK 2. PARROT CUSHION, £25; HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK 3. CAST AWAY FOUR PHOTO FRAME, £49.99; BUTLERS-ONLINE.CO.UK 4. LIMITED EDITION BAHAMA PARROT MEDIUM, £10; RICHARDBRAMBLE.CO.UK 5. ORIENTAL LOUNGE PAROSOL, £129; BUTLERS-ONLINE.CO.UK 6 .SHORE DRIFTWOOD DRUM SIDE TABLE, £245; ALEXANDERANDPEARL.CO.UK 7 .GLASS JAR ROPE LANTERN, £45; JOHNLEWIS.COM 8. THE EGG CHAIR NANNA DITZEL, £1,999; CONRAN.CO.UK

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04/07/2013 17:16

AS THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE FINALLY GETS UNDERWAY, SIMON MOORE FIRES UP THE FURNACES ONCE MORE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ICONIC BATTERSEA POWER STATION he effect is incredible. Even now at eighty years old, frail and crumbling, held together with scaffolds, Battersea Power Station is still a towering masterpiece in brick and steel.

It’s actually two stations: Battersea A and Battersea B, each one the mirror image of the other. They’ve lain dormant these last 30 years, but that

proud, looming presence over the Thames has cast its spell on London, Britain and the world – when it was first unveiled, it cemented our international reputation for bold, innovative design.

That was the late 1930s.

Before then, electricity was seen as an erratic, largely unreliable commodity, supplied by any number of companies with wholly unpredictable standards

y a l P

of voltage and frequency. So, our ever-vigilant Parliament put their heads together and, in 1925, decided it should all be standardised under a local grid owned by the public. The London Power Company soon appeared, alongside some plans for a very large station on the south bank of the Thames.

15 acres were set aside in Battersea, right in the heart of London, where this new station would eventually supply the city with a fifth of its power. There were concerns, however. Protesters warned of toxic fumes choking the capital, corroding buildings, even damaging paintings in the nearby Tate gallery. Many feared it would be a colossal

eyesore; a blight on the London skyline.

So the LPC did a very clever thing. They hired Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. This architectural genius had already designed some of Britain’s most iconic structures, from the gothic grandeur of Liverpool Cathedral to the innovative simplicity of the red telephone box. Now he worked with chief engineer and architect Dr Leonard Pearce to turn a potential eyesore into something resembling a brick cathedral.

Scott played a key role in the design process, creating some of its most distinctive features. Sheer walls were

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ABSOLU TELY

HOUSE & GARDEN now to be brick-cladded over a steel frame and detailed with exquisite lines. The chimneys were remodelled with Doric fluting, looking more like columns from Ancient Greece than flues for a coal-fired power station. Combining the radical and the traditional was characteristic of Scott’s approach to architecture.

Elected as president of the Royal Institute of British Architects for 1933, he advocated a ‘middle line’ between the two.

If ever there was a middle line, Scott surely found it with Battersea Power Station. Worries about the Station clogging up the skyline were instantly forgotten as Battersea A went operational in 1933. It was hailed as a triumph of style and engineering, as the Daily Herald called it ‘a flaming altar of the modern temple of power.’

The outbreak of war saw the Station play a pivotal role, guiding RAF pilots through the mist with its plumes of white vapour. The Luftwaffe left it untouched, despite its strategic importance – it was, after all, a giant signpost to central London. It also saw vast

amounts of banknotes burnt in its furnaces – Britain was on the verge of Nazi invasion and the Bank of England wasn’t taking any chances.

Construction of Battersea B recommenced after the war, albeit with subtle changes to the interior design. Battersea A had been kitted out with lavish, Art Deco-style fittings

by Theo J. Halliday. Italian marble in the turbine hall, polished parquet floors and

wrought-iron staircases were all luxuries post-war Britain couldn’t afford. Out came the stainless steel to replicate the designs, and nobody was to be any the wiser.

With B Station operational in 1953, Battersea went from strength to strength, powering well over a quarter of a million homes and generating over 500 megawatts at the height of its powers. It was the largest, busiest and most

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HOUSE & GARDEN Clyro and The Jam have all used it for album art or music videos or both. Chances are you’ve seen it on film as well, perhaps more often than you realise. It’s been featured in several Doctor Who episodes, TV’s Sherlock (2012), Hitchcock’s Sabotage (1936), Monty Python’s Meaning of Life (1983) and even in the explosive climax of Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight (2008).

Since then, any number of companies, developers and conglomerates have tried to repurpose Battersea. Alton Towers wanted to build a theme park around it. Chelsea FC fancied it for their new stadium. Screaming Lord Sutch suggested turning it upside down and using it as a giant snooker table. All these proposals and more were shot down, one by one.

Now, finally, a plan has been approved and set in motion.

A Malaysian consortium are redeveloping the entire area, turning Battersea and the surrounding 40 acres into a town centre all of its own.

Houses, apartments, offices, businesses, and even an underground station on the Northern Line are to be built, with Phase 1 (dubbed ‘Circus West’) already begun this year.

So Battersea Power Station lives on to fight another day.

A British icon. A cultural landmark. And now a London destination, too.

efficient station of its kind on the continent. It was also the centre of engineering innovation; gas washing techniques were invented to reduce pollution and district heating schemes were introduced to use waste water to heat to 11,000 homes.

It was an industrial marvel.

And then it wasn’t. After 40 years of continuous operation, Battersea A was closed down in 1975. Battersea B followed in 1983. Simply put, it was no longer cost efficient, with the

power generated not meriting the collosal expense. Fears of demolition prompted a huge campaign to save Battersea.

Luckily, the government agreed that this was indeed a large, postcode-sized part of our national heritage and awarded it Grade II listed status.

It was a fitting tribute to a British icon, but it wasn’t the first. Pink Floyd famously captured its stark beauty in 1977 for the cover of Animals; Morrissey, Hawkwind, Biffy

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The London Alcove Company

0800 389 5724 ď ź www.londonalcove.com

Alcove Units - Bookcases - Wardrobes - Radiator Covers - Entertainment Units - Home office Furniture- and much more...

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HOUSE & GARDEN

RENOVATION D I A R I E S GEORGIE COLERIDGE COLE TAKES ABSOLUTELY ON HER JOURNEY AS SHE BUYS AND SELLS HER WANDSWORTH HOME

PLANNING & DESIGN PLANNING APPROVED

W

ith just a few weeks until completion, we are really under pressure if we are to start work the minute we get our hands on the keys.

Two weeks ahead of time we get a call from Wandsworth Council to say our planning has been approved(!) and we’re hopeful that the party wall awards are pretty much there too. With these two taken care of, next on the ever expanding to do list are a multitude of quotes, which TA needs to get the numbers in order. Quotes take up a lot of time due to endless site visits to measure for flooring, shutters, cupboards, curtains, doors, decorating… you name it.

Despite the look of horror on several friends’ faces when I tell them, we are project managing the work ourselves (on top of looking after two children and full on professional lives). And there are a lot of decisions to make…

suits me perfectly.

‘I very much know what I do and don’t like,’ I tell her when we meet. ‘I really just want someone to bounce ideas off and run curtain and sofa fabrics by before I press the button.’ Thankfully, Sophie’s ethos is to bring out the interior designer within each individual, working closely with them, listening and reacting to their ideas so the final result is an expression of their individual style as opposed to forcing a client into a particular look. I like her instantly.

I want to go a bit more modern in the new house so I suggest we meet

at my current house so I can show her my furniture. Sophie helps me decide what to take and what to sell, and we wade through piles of fabric, floor and paint samples. She makes lots of hugely valuable suggestions (there’s a reason she has been doing this for years) as well as encouraging me to get onto Pinterest and create some mood boards that she can comment on. The Pinterest idea is a brilliant one and by the early hours of the next morning I have been a fastidious student, creating a mood board for every room so that I now have much more of a feel for how it will all work together.

INTERIOR DESIGN

W

hen I can’t take another sleepless night deliberating between Cornforth White and Elephant’s Breath, velvet or linen, Karndean or oak, I decide I need to enlist some help in the form of an Interior Designer. Sophie from Child Stewart Design lives in Wandsworth and comes highly recommended by more than one contact when I put out a message for a local interior designer. Plus she offers a full scope design service as well as one off consultations, the latter of which

‘Sophie’s ethos is to bring out the interior designer within each individual’

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‘I look everywhere... but nothing is quite the right grey’

FROM BATHROOMS TO COMPLETION BATHROOMS

O

ne of our builder’s early jobs will be the first floor and family bathroom until we redo the loft – currently an extraordinary mezzanine bathroom overlooking the master bedroom – in a few years time. We’re reconfiguring the layout and moving the hot water tank to make a larger space but it still won’t be a huge bathroom. So, instead of shoehorning in a separate shower, we’ve chosen a power shower (that’ll be a mega flow and £££ then!) over the bath and plenty of room for a wide sink instead.

I traipse around Porcelanosa and West One Bathrooms but end up at the Bathroom Discount Centre on Munster Road which lots of people recommend and can’t be beaten on range, quality and price. The name BDC might not be all that luxe, but there’s plenty of luxe enough kit and the guys there are super helpful to a bathroom novice and even more helpful at ensuring we stick to budget. Plus they deliver within a week. TA and I agree on a really smart wide Saneux Sink and cabinet and spend a bit extra on a Bette Ocean enameled steel bath which we’re told is worth the money, especially if you are going shower over bath.

Tiles are not so easy. Tongue and groove is a really great look but one I’m leaving behind. I look everywhere from Topps Tiles to

Tiles & Beyond but nothing is quite the right grey. Eventually I find what I want in the maze of tiles at European Heritage on Dawes Road – a sensible nonslip textured grey ceramic for the floor but something almost white and glossier for the walls behind and at either end of the bath.

COMPLETION

A

fter a long two months since exchange, completion day eventually comes round. Not your average completion day given the property we’ve bought is empty and we’re renting our house off its new owners whilst we do the work, but completion nonetheless. We drink a bottle of bubbles sitting on a grotty carpet but it will be gone this time next week and we’re in our new house, so who cares? The sign is up for the skip to arrive on Monday, our builder is ready and raring to go and so, it would seem, are we….

Sophie Stewart; childstewartdesign.com Bathroom Discount Centre; bathdisc.co.uk European Heritage; europeanheritage.co.uk

Georgie Coleridge Cole has lived in Wandsworth pretty much all her life.

Four years ago she and her husband (aka ‘TA’ – The Accountant) bought a three bedroom house in the popular Tonsleys adjacent to Wandsworth Town. Now a mother of two, she’s moving to the other side of East Hill and taking on a project to create their forever home. This is the diary of her journey…

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BEAUTIFUL HOUSE FURNITURE FACTORY OUTLET

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Visit our showroom at 163a St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TQ or CALL 020 7223 4017 to receive our brochure.

Alternatively visit www.glasstrends.co.uk

08/07/2013 11:31

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HOUSE & GARDEN LOV E LY L AY E R I N G

Learn to build a garden for all seasons with David Culp’s The Layered Garden – a guide to interplanting many different species in the same area so that as one plant passes its peak, another takes over. £25, Timber Press, Waterstones, Southside Shopping Centre, SW18, 0843 290 8673; waterstones.com

s Editoric’k P

CO O L WAT E R

As the weather heats up, it’s important to keep your horticulture hydrated. This pretty floral watering can from Wild & Wolf is just the ticket.

All Good Gifts Ltd, 65 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7223 8257; wildandwolf.com

GARDENING

NOTES SUMMER FLAME

What could possibly be better than dining al fresco on a warm summer evening? These pretty candles will keep you outdoors as long as possible. £2.50 each, Cargo, The Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15, 0844 848 3300; cargohomeshop.com

L I V I N G WA L L S

Forget pot plants, the coolest way to bring a piece of nature into the heart of your home is a living green wall. Perfect for kitchens and bathroom, these calming focal points are also unbelievably easy to maintain.

For a bespoke design, call Treebox on 020 8543 4530 or email info@treebox.co.uk

T H E I N S I D E R ROBBIE HONEY GIVES HIS TOP TIP FOR THE MONTH grew up in a garden in Harare, Zimbabwe with endless beds of Hydrangeas grown in regimented rows. My grandfather laid out these bold plantings in a style way ahead of his time. Often when people think of Hydrangeas, they think of the ubiquitous pink or blue mop head Hydrangea macrophylla. As well as these beauties, there are an abundance of lesser-known hydrangeas to grow. One of these

I

is Hydrangea arborescens or ‘Annabelle’, which I discovered when filming the series ‘Nice House Shame About The Garden’. It has remained a firm favourite ever since. Annabelle is a refined plant with soft white flowers, which bud in a lovely shade of pale green and positively lights up a garden. It grows best in moist well-drained soil and in both partial shade or full sun.

Robbie holds pop up floristry classes in Battersea; flowersinapeartree.com

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GREEN

GODDESS AWARD-WINNING GARDEN DESIGNER KATE GOULD TELLS ABSOLUTELY HOW SHE CREATED HER FAVOURITE PUTNEY PROJECT

his beautiful garden was designed for a lovely couple, one of whom really enjoys cooking.

They had recently moved house and the garden was their new project. Plans took about six weeks to draw up and agree on, but after that we pushed on straight into the landscaping, which was another two month build. A lengthy process you might say, but in the end one we all thought was worth it.

The garden as my clients inherited it was split into a new terrace (which we didn’t touch at all, apart from adding planters for herbs near the kitchen) and a large lawn. In fact, the main portion of the garden was lawn, apart from a large playhouse and climbing frame at the bottom of the garden.

Once this large wooden structure was dismantled, the available

T

space was quite surprising. The majority of this bottom section, which contained a gnarled old apple tree, was to be put to work as a vegetable garden with raised beds made of willow hurdles. Here, we planted espalier fruit on the boundary walls:| apples, pears and Victoria plums as well as Ruby Chard, Alpine strawberries and

cut-and-come-again salad crops.

The main section of the garden was quite overgrown, so we thinned this back, but some plants were retained: a wall-trained Ceanothus, a pale pink climbing rose, a large and very old Fuchsia magellanica and an umbrella form Cotonester. The Fuchsia and Cotoneaster were in an existing raised bed, at a height which had to be maintained to retain the plants, so a new rendered white wall was built with a sofa section incorporated into it. This seating incor was then accessorised with earth toned cushions. At the end of the raised bed, the vegetable garden starts, creating a separate space with its own feel but still remaining a part of the main garden to retain the sense of space. We used pleached Carpinus to define the spaces across the garden, set in Buxus blocks. Although not evergreen,

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HOUSE & GARDEN

the Carpinus are lovely and rusty in the winter, and complement the Miscanthus and spent Hydrangea heads nearby. The sofa provides a welcome refuge in the middle of the garden, half way between the terrace and vegetable plot, and sits opposite a newly fabricated bespoke water feature – three lead wrapped pipes that discard water into a ground level pool, planted with Equisetum. The face of the water feature is clad with split sandstone and is wonderfully textured. A cleverly placed LED strip light, set into a recess where the lead pipes stick out, accentuates the ripples of the water at night and sends shadows up the textured front face of the split sandstone.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

THE CARPINUS ARE LOVELY AND RUSTY IN THE WINTER

The planting was designed primarily for ease of maintenance, incorporating many plants for winter interest since the back of the house is mainly glass at ground level. Skimmia, Choisya, Tracheleospermum and Buxus form a backbone through which much more ephemeral planting is woven: Lavender, Echinacea, Clematis and Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ – a special request from my clients as they had had it in their previous garden and absolutely loved it. Colour was important to them so I decided to follow the mentality of ‘the more the merrier’.

Now complete, the garden is mainly used for entertaining and relaxing in, but the best thing about it is that it can be enjoyed all year round. Herbs on the terrace can be picked throughout the year and the vegetable garden is flourishing under the guidance of their gardener. My clients tell me that it is now in full production and is extremely well used. Personally, I’m delighted with my creation – a pretty and practical garden for all seasons. kategouldgardens.com

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FULL PAGE.indd 2

04/07/2013 09:51

TIERRA VERDE

ARTISAN AND ORGANIC

FOODS FROM SPAIN

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

48 WEBBS ROAD LONDON SW11 6SF | 0207 228 4465 | tierraverde.co.uk

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FOOD & TRAVEL

GREAT SCOTT!

ENJOY SOME THOROUGHLY BRITISH FARE WITH THE RECIPES FROM THE GILBERT SCOTT BOOK OF BRITISH FOOD BY WANDSWORTH-BASED CHEF MARCUS WAREING

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Quail Mulligatawny Ingredients

25g butter e 2 onions, peeled and chopped e 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated e 2 tbsp mild curry powder e 2 tbsp plain flour e 300ml chicken stock e 1 x 400ml tin coconut milk e 100g peeled sweet potato, cut into into 1cm dice e 50g Puy lentils, cooked QUAILS e 1 litre chicken stock e 1/4 bunch of thyme, tied together with string e 3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed e 4 quails e 2 tbsp vegetable oil e 25g unsalted butter e sea salt and freshly ground black pepper GARNISH e 4 onion rings, breadcrumbed and deep-fried e to garnish, leaves from a small bunch of coriander, chopped

SERVES 4 d Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the onions and apple with a pinch of salt. Cook, without colouring, for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the curry powder and flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well. Pour in the stock and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to remove the sediment. Simmer for 2 minutes, then pass through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Add the coconut milk and sweet potato and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sweet potato is cooked and the soup is thick. Add the cooked lentils, heat through and season to taste.

d While the soup is simmering, prepare the quails. Place the chicken stock, thyme and garlic in a pan over a moderate heat and bring to a simmer. Add the quails and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove the quails with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. When cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the quail breasts away from the bone in one piece, and take the legs off. d Heat a frying pan until hot, then add the oil and butter. Once the butter is foaming, season the quail breasts and legs and place them, skin-side down, in the pan. Fry for 3–5 minutes, until there is moderate resistance when the thickest part of the breast is squeezed (or until completely cooked through and firm if you prefer) and the legs are crisp. Remove the quail pieces from the pan and leave to rest in a warm place. d To serve, spoon lentils and sweet potato into the bottom of each dish and place the quail legs on top followed by the quail breasts.

Ladle over the soup. Garnish each serving with a deep-fried onion ring and chopped coriander.

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Recipes taken from The Gilbert Scott Book of British Food by Marcus Wareing, ÂŁ25, Bantam Press.

Photography by Sergio Coimbra

Kendal Mint Cake Choc Ice Ingredients

ICE CREAM e 300ml milk e 300ml double cream e 25g honey e 1/2 x 400g tin condensed milk e Leaves from 25g bunch of mint e 20g Kendal Mint Cake, chopped finely, plus more to decorate if wanted e 100g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids), broken up

MAKES 6 Long used by mountaineers for instant energy, Kendal Mint Cake was carried by Sir Edmund Hilary and his team on their first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. We use it at the restaurant in our popular choc ice (an ice cream bar covered in chocolate), where it gives a minty crunch. d Make up the ice cream base by mixing all of the ingredients together in a bowl and blending with a stick blender. Pass through a fine sieve, then churn according to your ice cream machine manufacturer’s instructions. Scoop into a chilled stainless steel bowl and fold through the mint cake. Place in the freezer to firm up. d Spray six mini loaf tins (3.5 x 9.5 x 6cm) with baking spray, then line the longer sides and the bottom with baking parchment cut exactly

to the length of the tin, leaving an overhang that will cover the ice cream. Place the tins in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. d Stir the ice cream mix again, then spoon into the chilled tins. Using a palette knife, smooth the top, ensuring the mix has gone into all corners and edges. Fold the paper overhang on top of the ice cream.

Return to the freezer to freeze solid. d Cut six parchment paper rectangles 9cm wide and 18cm long. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Using a palette knife, spread a thin layer of chocolate over each paper rectangle. d One by one, turn the frozen ice cream bars out of the tins and peel off the parchment. Starting 3cm in from the edge of the chocolate, place the side of the ice cream bar on the chocolate, then roll the ice cream over to wrap up in the chocolate-lined paper. Return to the freezer.

When set, carefully peel off the paper and trim the ends using a hot, sharp knife. Garnish the ice cream at the open ends with some microplaned Kendal Mint Cake if you wish.

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Dalchini’s menu is a wonderful marriage of oriental techniques with Indian ingredients.

There is a private dining room for parties and conferences and all our services are individually tailored to suit your requirements.

We can also provide staff, equipment, crockery and cutlery hire for your private parties

~ Takeaway ~ Local Home Delivery ~ Office Lunch Delivery ~ Charity Fundraising Events ~ Outdoor Parties ~ Business Networking Lunch Dalchini caters for both Chinese and Indian menus and the restaurant also hosts a networking lunch on the last Friday of every month for business people to meet, make friends and connect with local services.

To reserve - quote ‘Absolutely’ & enjoy a free bottle of house wine when you order a 3 course meal for a minimum table of 2

Reservations and General Enquiries:

020 8947 5966 Dalchini.2.indd 2

Takeaways:

020 8947 5967

info@dalchini.co.uk 147 Arthur Road, Wimbledon Park, London SW19 8AB

05/07/2013 15:20

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FOOD & TRAVEL

CHARLIE GILKES

COCKTAIL of the Month

FRESH APPEAL

FOOD

O

ne of our best selling cocktails at our newly opened Mayfair bar, Mr Fogg’s, is ‘The Henrietta’, named after the very ship in which Phileas Fogg traveled in the infamous Jules Verne novel, Around the World in 80 Days. Fruity and refreshing, it’s the perfect choice for the summer months.

NOTES

The Henrietta

50ml Russian Standard Platinum Vodka • 40ml Eager Cranberry Juice • 15ml Raspberry Purée • 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice • 1 x Bar Spoon of Sugar • Top with Fentiman’s Ginger Beer • Garnish with fresh ginger and raspberries and serve in a large cobbler glass.

Charlie owns and runs several venues in southwest London. inception-group.com

4 We love City-worker-turnedentrepreneur Rob Ford’s newly launched business, Tilia.

Instead of resorting to the usual supermarket home delivery, Tilia delivers produce from the cream of the capital’s artisan grocers to your door, as well as up-andcoming names from the street food scene, meaning you don’t have to traipse across London to visit them. How ideal. tilia.co.uk

MIND & BODY 6 It’s not often you find a place that will nuture your mind and body at the same time, but the new Lagu Café seems to have it nailed. Offering healthy, homemade Japanese-inspired food, a natural treatment room providing various healing therapies and a gallery in the room at the back, it’s the perfect place to nourish yourself inside and out. 151 Lavender Hill, SW11, 020 7228 3789; facebook.com/lagucafe

CHOC-LOVE

Forget strawberries and cream. This month, its all about strawberries and chocolate, or more specifically, strawberries and Godiva chocolate.

We’re addicted to their fresh juicy strawberries dipped in the finest Belgian chocolate and sprinkled with either fresh coconut shavings, chocolate flakes or honey-roasted almond pieces.Yum. godiva.com

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CHARISMATIC BLONDE ELLIE AND HER TOP-NOTCH TEAM AIM-TO CREATE GORGEOUS FOOD, SIMPLY AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED AND MADE WITH THE HIGHEST ATTENTION TO DETAIL

OUR SECRET IS GORGEOUS FOOD WITH SUBLIME TASTE!

CHILLI BEES CATER FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES, ANNIVERSARIES, INFORMAL AND FORMAL DINNER PARTIES,REUNIONS AND EVEN ROMANTIC DINNERS FOR TWO. WHATEVER YOUR REQUIREMENTS, NUMBERS OR BUDGET, WE CAN HELP CATER EVERYTHING FROM FOOD, TO CROCKERY, TO MARQUEES AND FLOWERS IN A RELAXED AND PROFESSIONAL WAY. WE AIM TO PROVIDE ENERGETIC, ATTRACTIVE SERVICE COMBINED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD TO HELP ENSURE YOU ENJOY YOUR PARTY FROM BEGINNING TO END WITH NOT A WORRY IN THE WORLD.

22 THE SWAN CENTRE ROSEMARY ROAD LONDON SW17 0ARWWW.CHILLIBEESCATERING.CO.UK020 8946 3311 CHILLI BEES_V3.indd 1

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FOOD & TRAVEL R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY CHECKS OUT BATTERSEA’S HOTTEST NEW VENUE

PUB OF THE MONTH

THE LEATHER BOTTLE EARLSFIELD

LOOK

T

he fifth outposting of The Breakfast Club on Battersea Rise is already so popular that when I walk past for a snoop the weekend before my review, I can’t see a thing due to the enormous queue outside.

When I finally do get inside, I’m met by what looks like a set from Grease: the restaurant has that American diner feel, channelling a 50s kitchen. Chairs and tables are predictably mismatched and shabby and quirky interiors abound: think a giant pug ornament on the bar and an 80s laundrette in the back.

It’s through here that you go to get to King of the Ladies Man, the adjoining bar complete with lurid disco-inspired drinks and kitsch 70’s décor – pink flamingo wallpaper, gold drapes, vintage issues of Playboy et al.

Back in the main restaurant, my date and I were seated, greeted and soon had a plate of cheesy nachos to share for starters. Towering between us, (and I mean quite literally towering, the portion was huge) the nachos were replete with wonderfully fresh guacamole, salsa and melted cheese. It would seem that The Breakfast Club is no friend to the dieter, not that we were deterred. Having polished off

The most impressive pub garden ever, filled with funky tiki huts, a huge luscious green lawn and even a make-shift beach from time to time.

our fair share, alongside our bottle of chardonnay chosen from a wine menu divided into categories of ‘Cheap’, ‘Good’ and ‘Charlie Big Potatoes’, the size of our mains made our eyes almost pop out of their sockets.

My date had ordered a monster of a burger aptly titled Cow vs Pig – an organic steak patty topped with a pile of BBQ pulled pork, cheese and pickles in a fluffly white bun and served with heaps of chips.

I meanwhile had stuck with the Mexican theme and ordered the ‘Big Bad Burrito’. Big it was, but it was by no means bad, filled with a spicy mix of pulled pork, beans, cheese, and the usual burrito shebang.

Neither of us finished our portions, in fact we probably could have shared one, but the food was tasty and satisfying and, I would imagine, the perfect hangover cure.

If King of the Ladies Man is the place for dates, The Breakfast Club was made for spending time with mates – a laid back atmosphere, reasonable prices and heaps of fullfat comfort food. Just make sure you come hungry…

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

VIB Laid back alfresco dining for all the family, including your four-legged friends – the pub is very dog-friendly and has its own resident canine cutie, Tom.

FOOD Here it’s all about the ultimate summer BBQ: Piri Piri chicken burgers, rack of pork ribs, halloumi and veg kebabs, grilled yellowfin tuna and, of course, the delicious Leather Bottle burger filled with crispy bacon and melted cheese. Specials appear daily in the dining room, where the cuisine is modern British – we recommend the goats cheese salad with pea shoots and butternut squash for an ideal lighter summer meal.

DRINK: Try one of the four cask conditioned ales (Youngs, of course) or a speciality lager. For something more refreshing, Rekorderlig and Kopparberg fruity ciders are also on offer.

VERDICT The perfect place to chill out in the sunshine with friends and enjoy a lazy lunch.

FIND IT 538 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17, 020 8946 2309; leatherbottlepub.co.uk

5-9 Battersea Rise, SW11, 020 7078 9630; thebreakfastclubcafes.com

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Posh Picnic in the Park

Presents

Battersea Park August 16, 17 & 18 BOOK r1 2fo k et s tic

quote 1 A BFE AST24

Feast in style with

posh picnic POP UP restaurants live music top chefs champagne beach cocktails artisan food vineyard farm BBQ cook offs cake and bake Buy tickets at www.foodiesfestival.com or 0844 995 1111

ABSOLU TELY

FOOD & TRAVEL THE FARM

Situated in the heart of Devon, Aller Farm’s main export is milk and, as a result, the surrounding fields are full of cows whose gentle lowing, alongside the song of birds, becomes part of the background noise – a distinct improvement on city traffic. The entire place has an incredibly welcoming feel, enhanced by the warmness of our host, Emma, who takes us on a tour and shows us the larder full of milk straight from the cow and fresh eggs. The tents are a set away from the farmhouse in two small clusters, but are private enough that they feel peaceful.

ALLER FARM Devon THE VIBE

The most striking thing about Aller Farm is that, although it is easy to see how wonderful it is for families, there is also a definite appeal for young couples and groups of friends wanting to get back to nature. The absence of technology, the excitement of successfully lighting the stove, the romance of the paraffin lanterns, all accompanied by a glass of wine makes this the perfect escape for a city-weary clutch of friends just as much as families.

Refreshing and adventurous with the massive advantage of being entirely comfortable, ‘glamping’ truly is the answer.

THE LOWDOWN

THE TENT

This is camping unlike any you have experienced before. If the thought of erecting a tent, not showering for four days and sleeping on the cold ground makes you shudder, but you are still in love with the romantic idea of a rural getaway, then ‘glamping’ might just be for you. The tents laid on at Feather Down Farms (although ‘tent’ doesn’t do them justice) are cabin-like in appearance and each contains a master bedroom, a bunk bed room and a cupboard bed (all of which can be pre-made if you so wish) as well as a working toilet, woodburning stove (which warms the entire tent), a sink with running water and dining table. The decor is on the right side of twee and the rustic metal mugs and hearts carved out of the shutters are the perfect finishing flourishes.

Activities abound and include the opportunity to assist in the milking, feeding one of the young calves – the current calf is called Doris – by hand and retrieving eggs from the coup. The surrounding countryside is festooned with footpaths so there are countless walking opportunities.

Closer to the tents is a small stream in which young children can build dams and adults can chill wine. A brick oven provides the perfect place for cooking pizzas and sitting around telling ghost stories before walking back to your cosy cupboard bed.

THE DAMAGE

Very reasonable, especially for a group.

Prices start from £245 for a midweek stay (Monday-Friday). There are 7

tents in total (2 are frills tents) and each tent sleeps 6 (max. 5 adults); featherdown.co.uk

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Pure

SHORES GEMMA BILLINGTON DISCOVERS AN ISLAND PARADISE AT THE CONRAD MALDIVES RESORT

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e arrived at Rangali Island, the home of the spectacular Conrad Maldives resort, in style – aboard a petite seaplane piloted by a relaxed, barefoot captain. It was an exciting yet slightly more rustic journey after the supreme comfort of a Business Class flight with

Turkish Airlines, who recently launched their Maldives flight path via Istanbul. I immediately recognised the scenery below as if taken directly from the pages of a brochure; the semi-submerged islands and reefs dotted sparsely across the vast Indian Ocean. On a hot yet overcast day, the hazy sky and endless water seemed to join up as one, which we slowly and dreamily cruised through. I was swiftly brought back to earth (mentally, thankfully, and not literally) when we entered a heavy cloud and the tiny plane rattled enthusiastically.

Luckily the pilot remained, like the ocean,

absolutely calm. All agitated nerves were swiftly appeased with a warm welcome and a cold flannel when we arrived at the gorgeous resort – two separate islands connected by a wooden bridge.

The precarious nature of the Maldives (it’s the planet’s lowest country at just 1.5 metres above sea level) has been well documented and sits in contention with its unspoiled, honeymoon paradise cliché. Though it is a touch surreal to be essentially deserted amidst a fragile archipelago miles from anywhere in the heart of the Indian Ocean, it’s incredibly

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FOOD & TRAVEL easy to give in to its abundant natural beauty. The resort has every kind of expected luxury on-tap, but its clever design quietly understands that no mod con could begin to compare to what you’ll fi nd outside your bedroom window. Even the most ardent City worker will soon resign their BlackBerry to the hotel room.

The Conrad has plenty of activities to keep you entertained, should you tire of il dolce far niente; from a wealth of spa treatments to water sports, a kids club, excursions to your very own desert island and even a whimsical looking threeman submarine available for hire. We were informed, quite candidly, that Maldivian cuisine isn’t exactly sought after, but fortunately there are ten outstanding restaurants to choose from at the resort that cater to the varied nationalities of its guests.

A fabulous champagne and lobster buffet romantically set on the beach is a highlight, but the intimate ninecourse Japanese feast prepared in front of your very eyes at the Koko Grill restaurant is simply not to be missed.

By far the most spectacular activity on offer, however, is the opportunity to swim

with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish (don’t worry, they’re vegetarians) through the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP). The Conrad has sponsored the MWSRP for over five years and the excursion is a way of assisting their research into these vulnerable gentle giants. It’s a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you don’t fancy getting your

toes wet (then you may very well be in the wrong place), the ethereal manta rays that are attracted to the lit-up bridge at night are a must-see. These enormous, ghostly creatures swim in graceful figures of eight and are a joy to behold.

We spent four incredible days in the Maldives – a country that, before I went, had resigned to being the sole prerogative of newlyweds. This, however, is a country that needs to be seen to be believed. Forget what you think you know and lose yourself to its spellbinding natural beauty which will – to dip well and truly back into the book of clichés – create memories that will last a lifetime.

Daily rates at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island start from $625 (approx £388) plus taxes, based on two adults sharing a Beach Villa. To make a reservation or for more information, visit conradmaldives. com or call 00 960-668-0629. Return fares from London Heathrow to Male from £642 for economy class or £1,822 for business class, including taxes and charges. For more information, visit turkishairlines.com or call 0844 800 6666

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Fast-track your child’s healthcare When it comes to making children better, The Portland Hospital has the highest levels of paediatric expertise and the most advanced technology in the UK. Discover how your child can benefit from the country’s leading experts in children’s health today.

Story by Stacey Jackson

C

ommon sense tells you that, if your child gets ill, the best person to treat them is a leading paediatric consultant experienced in their condition.

Our dedicated children’s unit is home to the largest group of private paediatricians in the UK, covering over 50 different clinical specialties. They are among the best in the world at diagnosing and treating both common and complex childhood conditions from birth to age 18. Using the very latest technologies, they treat over 40,000 children each year, ranging from routine check-ups to extremely rare and complex cases.

Many of our consultants hold senior posts at leading NHS trust hospitals such as Great Ormond Street and St Mary’s Hospital. They’re supported by a team of experienced children’s health professionals, including specialist children’s nurses and play specialists.

We don’t treat any adult patients in our children’s unit, so your child’s hospital experience will be completely tailored to their needs. We find that this can relieve your child’s anxiety about visiting hospital and help them to make a speedy recovery.

Rapid appointments Don’t wait. For same day and next day appointments, including evenings and Saturdays, call 020 7390 8203.

When you’re thinking about private healthcare for your child, safety will of course be an important consideration.

Do bear in mind that some private hospitals don’t offer any on-site critical care facilities. Our children’s unit is fully equipped with the latest medical technology and facilities. Should the need arise, we have a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit staffed by a dedicated team of critical care experts.

You’ll be pleased to know that you won’t need to join a queue for this exceptional service. Our convenient and rapid appointments give your child the care they need at a time that suits your family and your lifestyle, including during the summer holidays so none of the new school term will be missed.

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Why we’re the UK’s number 1 private children’s hospital * The largest group of private paediatricians in the UK * Leading experts in common and complex childhood conditions * Full critical care facilities * No waiting lists * Same day, next day, evening and Saturday appointments * Part of HCA Hospitals, which has invested £500 million over the last ten years in the latest technologies and facilities You don’t need medical insurance to take advantage of our world-class facilities, and our prices are very competitive. An initial consultation to assess your child’s condition and determine the best course of action only costs £250. Please quote ‘self pay 250’ when you contact us.

To find out more, call us now on

020 7390 8203 Or visit www.theportlandhospital.com

part of HCAHospitals | World-Class Healthcare

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WILD AT HEART LIONS AND ELEPHANTS AND GIRAFFES, OH MY! MICHAEL KALLENBACH EXPLORES THE WILD WILDERNESS OF THE TANZANIAN SERENGETI ON HORESEBACK

I

t was our first morning riding to the Explore camp and we had been up since the crack of dawn. Here we were, now in the middle of the Serengeti plains, not far from the banks of the Grumeti River, and we had already begun to ache. By lunchtime, we needed a break; our joints, not used to the fast cantering alongside the giraffe, elephants and topi, were sore – yet the horses were fit and ready to go on all day.

We dismounted and then suddenly our grooms were there to lead the horses to water and feed. For our part,

we plonked ourselves in luxurious khaki chairs allowing the spring sunshine to fall on our faces. There were four riders in our group – Sophy, Eve, Lucinda and myself. I had been on several riding holidays in Africa before so while I thought I knew what to expect, I never imagined such luxury and comfort would come my way.

Lucinda, the weakest rider in our group, quickly decided that she wasn’t up to the fast pace of the horses. Instead, she opted to go by lorry and sat in the comfort of a Jeep as she viewed the game, while one of

the back-up guides had little difficulty in leading her horse alongside his.

The mobile tents at Explore had been set up prior to our arrival, where an array of dainty tea cakes were waiting for us – similar to those exquisite creations served at Fortnum and Mason – and drinks of cranberry juice mixed with ginger ale.

We were given a typically South African warm greeting

by Julius Schuld, the manager of the camp and Ian Boucher, chef extraordinaire. Originally from Cape Town, Ian is the first to admit that he is ‘dead scared’ of lions and hopes they never come near his tent at night. But despite this phobia, at mealtimes he is fearless, proudly announcing what he has prepared for dinner, and always using locally grown ingredients.

THERE’S ALSO A WHISTLE NEXT TO OUR BED IN CASE A LION APPEARS

For instance, he explains, ‘You will get carrot soup, but not with caviar.’ It was hard to imagine anyone in our group expecting caviar, yet the spacious tents themselves were luxurious in every possible way – from fluffy towels and dressing gowns, to hot running water and a flushing toilet. Our mobile camp even has its own electricity.

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There’s also a whistle next to our bed if we suddenly imagine a lion has come to snuggle up next to us in the night, but as Julius assures us soon after arrival that ‘no one has ever had use of it.’ In any event, a guard stands watch over my tent every night from dawn to dusk, so there’s really nothing to fear.

Of course, we were all there for the riding, not to snuggle up with lions. The horse I was allocated was called Katavi, so named after the country’s third largest national park located along the rift escarpment in the west of Tanzania. A proud 17 hand ex-eventer that was bought from a dealer in Johannesburg, Katavi had come via a spell in Zimbabwe to join his other Swahili-named stable mates.

As we cantered through the short brown grass, darting in

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FOOD & TRAVEL between the fallen acacia trees, Katavi and I quickly bonded.

This was his first safari, I was later to learn from one of our expert guides, the South African born, Alison Mundy.

Having previously worked in Botswana and Zimbabwe, there is nothing about horses she doesn’t know.

Ali is in charge of the stables and they are among the most immaculate and pristine I have ever seen. What’s more, the horses are execllently cared for, having their temperatures taken twice a day and several grooms on hand who are able to double up as a farrier if and when the need should arise.

In our search for game we would often canter alongside giraffe, zebra, ostrich, eland and topi, a type of antelope similar to the hartebeest.

We never came across lion or leopard, but thankfully this wasn’t my first – and I hope not last – African horseback safari.

After two nights at the Explore camp, we rode onto Serengeti House for the final stretch of our horse safari, an exclusive-use retreat. Here I was forced to say a fond farewell to Katavi who had carried me so safely on my adventures. There were a few consolations, however – we arrived at Serengeti House

just before lunch and were able to witness about 20 elephants drinking at the tiny pond about 15 feet from where we were sitting.

Later that afternoon, as I packed my bags getting ready to fly back home, I was told

by Gregory, one of the staff members, not to venture near my bungalow alone as an elephant was lurking outside.

Armed for all

eventualities, he accompanied me to safety so that I could retrieve my possessions.

Two days later, he sent me an email. ‘The elephants have never shown up again, but we did have an old buffalo – it charged one of the staff doing some maintenance work.

But otherwise everything is fine and nobody was hurt.’ I smiled as I read this, but that night I dreamed that Katavi and I had cantered away from the elephants, out of trouble, back into safety and, of course, luxury.

7 night itinerary to Tanzania from £4,660 per person based on two people sharing including Kenyan Airways economy flights, all internal flights, full board accommodation (including three nights at Serengeti House), park fees and game drives/rides.

Abercrombie & Kent, 0845 485 1141; abercrombiekent.co.uk.

Singita Serengeti House costs from $6800 per night for up to 4 guests. Additional guests $1300 pp per night; singita.com

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

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Places Available in Years 7, 8 & 9

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FAMILY FUN

All you need to keep them amused Editoirc’sk P

FRENCH FANCY

Well-loved by French parents for years, Vertbaudet’s UK site is proving to be just as popular. A mecca for all things child friendly, the site is full of online exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. We love its gorgeous boys clothes, flying the flag for stylish young gents. vertbaudet.co.uk

LITTLE MERMAID This beach-print bathing suit from Boden is made oh-so-cute by cherry blossom detailing and the addition of yellow sunglasses. Aspiring mermaids will love it. Now, where did that bucket and spade get to? £16; boden.co.uk

MINI CHIC

Chloe SS13 collection is the ultimate summer wear for girlies. Pinafores with grosgrain straps, tulle dresses, leather ballet pumps, lamé cotton voiles and more.

For a picture perfect picnic, call on Chloé.

152-153 Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7823 5349; chloe.com

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

We love this brightly striped circus tent, with its cute bunting and performing hoops. Perfect for clowning around – just add mice... £71.50; sistersguild.co.uk

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

When better to learn tennis than in the sunshine? Henry Lamb runs tennis camps in southwest London throughout the summer holidays to keep little ones out of your hair.

Or if you’re worried about the weather, mini Murrays will love the trips to France running throughout August, where they can brush up on their French, as well as tennis. Parfait! henrylamb.co.uk

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Intensive and interactive series of workshops for students between 7-18 years old to gain valuable skills & practical advice from professionals.

Creative Writing Art and Drawing Drama

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Call 020 8274 5222 now to enrol, visit our website or email info@maec.ac.uk for more details.

Open Days

Want to chat to someone about your options? Visit our Open Day on Tuesday 9 July, 4 - 6pm or Wednesday 11 September, 2 - 8pm at Merton Adult Education, Whatley Ave, Wimbledon Chase, SW20 9NS

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AN

EDUCATION AMANDA CONSTANCE GIVES HER TOP TEN TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

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a Plan B. Henrietta Barnett, for example, has ten children competing for every one place, whereas most London private schools have just four children for every one place.

hether your child is still in utero (yes, really) or just switching schools for A-levels, these ten tips will help you find the right school for your child.

9

No decision is finite. ‘There are many official transition points,’ says Freedman, ‘such as at three to four years, seven, eleven, 13 and 16, but it can often be easier to move your child mid-term.’

1

Plan ahead. According to Lisa Freedman, managing director of independent educational consultancy At The School Gates, lack of planning is the biggest mistake parents make. She also reveals that she has some clients who start thinking about schooling before their child is even a twinkle in his father’s eye. ‘People who succeed are those who plan from birth,’ says Freedman, who believes this to be highly sensible. ‘Getting your child into the right school early helps as one school does tend to lead to another.’

10

If your child is at a state primary and you want them to get into a good state secondary in London, Freedman’s advice is straightforward. ‘Move to within one kilometre of the school, go to the local church and coach!’

At The School Gates, 020 8341 6463; attheschoolgates.co.uk

2

Be very aware of deadlines.

When registering, remember that every school is different, so don’t get caught out. Many schools, for example, only take children who are registered in their first year of birth. Phone and find out.

3

Read the admissions criteria. It would be a shame not to get in because you haven’t read the small print.

4

Don’t worry! There is great anxiety surrounding schooling, particularly with parents starting their 3-4 year olds on the independent education escalator in hyper-competitive London.

‘Don’t feel it is the end of the world if your child doesn’t get in to the school of his choice at this age,’ says Freedman. ‘Most London prep schools are really very good.’

5

If you want to be sure of a place at a London prep school, go for an academically non-selective one such as Norland Place, Wetherby or Pembridge Hall. With schools like

this, it’s simply a case of first come, first served. ‘Some of the best preps are still non-selective’, says Freedman, ‘so it’s just a case of getting there first.’

Cranmore School

6

If you’ve got a boy in Years 5 or 6, consider boarding.

There is a shortage in supply for secondary transfer in London, especially for boys, due to the fact that historically they were sent away to boarding schools. The number of places for boys in the capital’s schools has also recently decreased, as more previously boys-only schools, such as Latymer Upper, are now co-ed.

L

7

ooking for a prep school for your son but want to avoid the competitive capital?

Cranmore, a single-sex prep school in Surrey, was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted earlier this year, making it a more-than-attractive alternative for London parents.

8

Cranmore School, Epsom Road, West Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT24 6AT, 01483 280340; cranmoreprep.co.uk

If you are moving your child from a state primary to an independent secondary school, start coaching in Year 5 to ensure success.

Go for grammar, but have a private back up. London has some superb grammar schools but beware, most grammars are highly selective and start the vetting process early – be prepared by Year 5. And you need

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PROPERTY

DAULT ROAD SW18

An immaculately presented four bedroom family home on a very popular road, ideally located for Allfarthing School. It has a large extended kitchen/dining/family room with bi-folding doors opening onto the garden, providing a great space for family living.

On the ground floor there is a double reception room, ideal for more formal entertaining. Over two further floors are four double bedrooms and two bathrooms.

ÂŁ895 Per Week John D Wood & Co., Wandsworth, 020 8871 3033; johndwood.co.uk

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KERSLEY STREET, SW11 An attractive family house situated close to Battersea Park, with a wealth of living and entertaining space.

Benefitting from a pretty patio garden. Approx. 2,086 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,000,000

ALBERT PALACE MANSIONS, SW11 A beautifully presented 1st floor flat in a popular mansion block situated on Lurline Gardens, close to Battersea Park. Approx. 790 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room.

Freehold Share Guide Price £775,000

BATTERSEA 020 7228 0174 battersea@johndwood.co.uk

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03/07/2013 03/07/2013 17:03 16:32

Abso

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, cellar, garden.

Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ1,695,000

WANDSWORTH 020 8871 3033 wandsworth@johndwood.co.uk

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A well presented and spacious Victorian family house which has been extended with both a loft and side return extension, situated on a prestigious tree-lined street immediately to the west of Wandsworth Common. Approx. 2,124 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

TRUSTE

WESTOVER ROAD, SW18

141 Years of Property

18

72 - 2013

www.johndwood.co.uk

03/07/2013 03/07/2013 17:03 16:32

ALBERT DRIVE, SW19 A substantial detached house offering an excellent degree of well proportioned accommodation ready for its next incarnation. Approx. 2,419 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 5 bedrooms, bathroom, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility , 2 separate cloakrooms, garden.

Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ1,395,000

WINCANTON ROAD, SW18 A remarkable property with many original features including fire places and a tiled entrance hall, still offering all the benefits of modern day living. Approx. 1,368 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, Jack and Jill en suite shower room, kitchen/dining/family room, sitting room, garden.

Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ895,000

SOUTHFIELDS 020 8870 8811 southfields@johndwood.co.uk

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Abso

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception room, garden.

Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ1,000,000

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141 Years of Property

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CLAPHAM 020 8673 2854 clapham@johndwood.co.uk

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A truly immaculate example of an extended Victorian terraced house in the heart of Clapham South located close to the Underground station. Approx. 1,647 sq ft. Energy Rating: E.

TRUSTE

CATHLES ROAD, SW12

72 - 2013

www.johndwood.co.uk

03/07/2013 03/07/2013 17:04 16:33

Gorst Road

£2,850,000 Freehold

This remarkable detached house has been beautifully refurbished, cleverly combining stunning original features with contemporary design. The property stands out due to the corner position that it occupies and the fact that it has such tremendous natural light throughout. The accommodation currently measures just shy of 3,300 square foot with potential to develop further into the basement.

• Six double bedrooms • Reception room • Study • Kitchen/dining room • Family room • Ground floor w/c • Walk through dressing room and large en suite shower room • Shower room • Open plan bath and shower with separate w/c in loft bedroom • South facing garden • Cellar • Eaves storage

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

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Sisters Avenue

£2,500,000 Freehold

An incredibly spacious semi-detached Victorian town house arranged over four floors. This beautiful property is presented in excellent decorative order with a tremendous feeling of natural light in all of the principle rooms. The accommodation measures approximately 3,750 square feet and the basement has not yet been fully excavated, meaning that the vast majority of this square footage is above ground level.

• Six double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen/dining room • First floor w/c • Four bathrooms (two en suite) • Two dressing rooms • Garden • Cellar/utility room

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

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Kelmscott Road £1,175,000 Freehold This superb natural four bedroom mid terrace Victorian house is situated on a sought after residential street between the commons. The house is presented in good decorative order and retains lots of its original features.

• Four double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen/dining room • Two family bathrooms • Garden • Balcony • Cellar

Burland Road £1,375,000 Freehold This immaculate Victorian house has been extended and completely refurbished by the current owners to an extremely high standard. The property has a tremendous sense of light and space combining high quality fittings with lots of period features.

• Four double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen/family room • Family bathroom • Bath/shower room • South facing garden • Cellar

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

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Wandsworth Common Westside £899,995 Freehold This magnificent triple level apartment occupies the first, second and third floors of an imposing Victorian house overlooking Wandsworth Common. The property has superb proportions in all of the principle rooms and measures approximately 1,887 square feet.

• Five double bedrooms • Semi-open plan Kitchen/breakfast/reception room

• First floor w/c • Shower room • Master en

suite bathroom/separate walk in dressing room • West-facing roof terrace

Lavender Hill £725,000 Share of Freehold An extremely impressive three bedroom duplex flat occupying the top two floors of a converted Victorian house. This stunning flat has recently been refurbished by the current owners incorporating high quality materials and fittings throughout.

• Three double bedrooms • Open plan kitchen/reception/dining room • Bathroom • Shower room (en suite) • Roof terrace

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

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Shelgate Road £1,500 per week A wider than average Victorian house, measuring just shy of 3000sq foot, has an exceptional amount of living space and has been tastefully decorated throughout. To the front of the property is a very wide double reception room which has original Victorian feature fireplaces and open up to a conservatory family room.

• Kitchen/breakfast room • Double reception room • Family room/conservatory • Five double bedrooms • Three bathrooms • Downstairs W/C • Cellar • Available now • Unfurnished

Manchuria Road £1,200 per week This absolutely stunning five bedroom house is presented in immaculate decorative order throughout. Whilst the property has undergone significant refurbishment, it also retains many of its original features.

• Five bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Ground floor w/c • Play/media room • Utility/storage room • Family bathroom • Two shower rooms • Southfacing garden • Eaves storage

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

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£915 per week Mallinson Road

Fernside Road

• Four bedrooms • Reception room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Family bathroom • En suite shower room • Large garden and childrens play area • Cloakroom • Study • Unfurnished

• Four double bedrooms • Double reception room • Eat in kitchen • Two bathrooms • Fully refurbished • Pretty garden • Unfurnished

£895 per week Culmstock Road

Manchuria Road

• Five double bedrooms • Double reception room • Eat in kitchen • Family bathroom • Shower room • Cellar • Garden • Unfurnished

£850 per week

£750 per week

• Three double bedrooms • Family bathroom • Downstairs W/C • Reception room • Dining room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Garden • Cellar • Unfurnished

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS JONATHAN LONEY

Manager at John D Wood & Co., Southfields Photography: Rebecca Noonan

‘W

hy?’ is a question I’ve been asked so many times in my life but more often than not, it’s when a conversation comes around to my decision to be an estate agent.

Estate Agency was certainly not the path laid out to me by my careers advice teacher, nor one my parents had in mind whilst funding my education. I do hold them partly responsible, however, for the path I chose. Whilst at university studying for a career in advertising, they moved from the bustling market town of Guildford to a sleepy hamlet in Somerset. This was a natural life progression for them, but for me, a young twenty-something leaving university with a twinkle in his eye looking forward to commuting from my family home in Guildford to a job in an advertising firm in London, it was devastating.

Negotiations took place between us (it turned out to be a useful skill to learn) and a compromise was reached. My parents would dip into their pockets a final time and fund my basic digs in London for two months. If I failed to find a job, obviously in advertising , then I would have to return to the hamlet and live with them.

Two months seemed like an eternity, so, as those in their early twenties tend to do, my time in London was idled away. Before I knew it, the hamlet was calling and images of free time spent

morris dancing sprung into my mind. Whilst thinking of this, a sign in a shop window for an office junior caught my eye and now twenty years later I find myself not morris dancing nor advertising, but still negotiating.

Now, of course, 18 years on I would not want to do any thing else and I have loved every minute of my career in estate agency. For the last seven years I have been selling houses in Southfields and have enjoyed the community and village (not hamlet) feel as well as witnessing a hidden gem being discovered. Over the last year this hidden gem, championed and loved by locals, has become known as an excellent alternative for buyers looking in Clapham, Battersea, Wimbledon and Fulham.

At John D Wood & Co. I am privileged to be part of a large network of offices across central and south west London and to be able to offer our sellers a level of coverage which is maximised by excellent marketing. Since opening in Southfields, we are achieving outstanding results for our clients and I am thrilled to have sold the first house on Southfields grid for £1 million. We are also delighted to be supporting the local community, in particular Sheringdale School with their fundraising .

020 8870 8811; johndwood.co.uk

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Completely at home in London With 50 branches across the Capital and over 35 years’ London property experience, we are perfectly placed to help with all your property needs.

So, if you’re thinking of selling, letting, buying or renting, visit kfh.co.uk today.

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Our services Sales and Lettings Financial Services Chartered Surveyors Block Management Commercial Property

05/07/2013 12:06 17:49 02/05/2013

08.1

Durnsford Avenue, Southfields, SW19 £765,000 Freehold Southfields 020 8871 9655 Email ssf@kfh.co.uk

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A beautifully presented house situated on the popular Grid offering good access to transport at Earlsfield, Southfields or Wimbledon Park and ideally located for local primary schools.

• • • • • • • •

Four bedrooms Through reception room Modern fitted kitchen Family bathroom En suite shower to master Great storage in cellar Close to Wimbledon Park EPC rating D

16:55 03/07/2013 09:07

Derwent Avenue, Kingston Vale, SW15 £799,950 An attractive four double bedroom, two reception room, detached period family home requiring modernisation. Located in the sought after Kingston Vale area close to Richmond, Putney and Wimbledon. No onward chain. Freehold. EPC rating F. Kingston 020 8939 8191 Email ski@kfh.co.uk

Windsor Mews, Earlsfield, SW18 £675,000 A beautifully presented and unique two bedroom mews house located in a secluded gated mews on Wilna Road with a private roof terrace and decked garden. Close to Earlsfield station and all local amenities.

Leasehold. EPC rating D. Earlsfield 020 8944 6464 Email sea@kfh.co.uk

Woodside, Wimbledon, SW19 £585,000 Situated in a convenient and sought after location close to both Wimbledon town and village is this stylish two bedroom flat with a wealth of space, two bathrooms and a stunning private garden. Leasehold. EPC rating C. Wimbledon 020 8944 4000 Email swm@kfh.co.uk

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Orchard Rise, Kingston, KT2 ÂŁ4,950 pcm A lovely five bedroom detached family house in Kingston Upon Thames benefitting from a spacious eat in kitchen, three reception rooms, three bathrooms and a delightful private rear garden. Furnished or unfurnished.

Kingston 020 8939 8181 Email lki@kfh.co.uk

Granville Road, Southfields, SW18 ÂŁ5,850 pcm A stunning four bedroom beautifully refurbished house in this popular Southfields road with a family bathroom plus three en suites, a large private rear garden with lawn and patio areas and off street parking for several cars. Unfurnished. EPC rating C. Earlsfield 020 8875 2980 Email lea@kfh.co.uk

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15:19 03/07/2013 09:09

ABSOLUTELY Property

Wonderful Wimbledon Can you increase the value of your home by up to 100%?

Sean Purtill

Rob Smith

Managing Director at Ellisons

Land Manager at Ellisons

� 020 8944 9494; ellisons.co.uk

� 020 8944 9911; ellisons.co.uk

S

ounds too good to be true? Oh yes it does! The truth sometimes can be astounding. Ellisons Estate Agents are expanding their Land and New Homes Department, as demand for land has gone through the roof.

During the last 25 years Ellisons have been advising clients in the sale of their house, land or commercial premises to developers whose aim is to achieve planning permission for a development scheme.

Developers are prepared to pay well in excess of what a property may be worth, often as

�

much as 25% and occasionally even up to 100% of existing value. This depends upon the development scheme they are able to build, which always has to be passed by the local planning authority.

Don’t think it’s easy - often it can take over a year, sometimes up to three years to achieve planning permission. Professional advice at the beginning and until planning is passed is essential. You need to ensure you’re not going to be short changed by a developer and that their planning scheme has a strong chance of being passed. Often developers

will try to be too optimistic about what can be achieved and this only wastes people’s time.

A good land and development agent can steer you clear of the pitfalls and bring about a swift and profitable conclusion.

Occasionally a developer may buy at an enhanced level without tying in planning permission. This is normally when a site has a strong chance of being developed.

Demand for all types of land is exceedingly high. Ellisons have added to their Land and New Homes team by appointing Rob Smith as Land Manager. He has over 10 years experience in advising clients on land matters and previously was a planning officer for a London Borough.

If you think you have land, commercial premises or a large garden which could benefit from development, then give Rob a ring on 020 8944 9911.

A wonderfully positioned detached family house in a sought-after residential road, with stunning views over Wimbledon Park and golf course. The property offers scope to extend or develop, subject to the usual planning consents.

Details

Home Park Road, SW19 £3,450,000 Freehold

Contact

Hamptons International, Wimbledon 020 8454 7249; hamptons.co.uk

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Wimble Raynes P Mor Lett

Wimbledon’s Estate Agent

ww

Passionate About Property

Shortlisted by The Sunday Times & The Times as one of the best Lettings Agents in London.

Get on board with this award-winning agent now!

www.ellisons.uk.com

Wimbledon Village

£2,700,000

A magnificent and substantial four bedroom two bathroom family home with three elegant receptions set in a prestigious cul-de-sac in Wimbledon Village close to the high street and common. Beautiful walled garden and double garage.

Ellisons_logo_contact_footer_Layout 1 11/01/2013 08:31 Page 1

Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Morden T 020 8543 1166 Lettings T 020 8944 8626

www.ellisons.uk.com Passionate About Property ELLISONS_AUG.indd 2

Wimbledon

£1,350,000

A beautifully presented Victorian double fronted period home extending to 2066 sq ft with five bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms, three receptions and superb kitchen/breakfast room. Attractive south facing garden.

Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Morden T 020 8543 1166 Lettings T 020 8944 8626

www.ellisons.uk.com 05/07/2013 10:54

Howard’s Lane £1,695,000 An exceptionally attractive and very well presented double fronted Victorian semidetached house with a superb 57’ x 32’ south facing garden in prime West Putney.

The lateral footprint creates particularly ample reception space and the house flows beautifully towards the very private and lawned rear garden, which benefits from a wide separate side access that runs to Coalecroft Road.

A substantial and very well presented six bedroom family home offering 3995 sq ft of accommodation on this popular Upper West Putney residential road.

Double fronted freehold victorian house • semidetached • two generous reception rooms • modern • Reception Room • Dining Room • Kitchen/ kitchen/dining room • large study • 57’ x 32’ south Breakfast room • Family room • Study • Downstairs facing lawned garden • side access to Coalecroft Road Cloakroom • Utility Room • Master bedroom •with cellar • four double bedrooms • south facing balcony en suite • Double Bedroom with en suite • Four overlooking garden • family bathroom with separate shower • en-suite shower • utlity cupboard • woodFurther Double Bedrooms • Two Further Bathrooms framed double glazed sash windows • loft storage • Garage With Osp.

Chartfield Avenue £3,850,000

Coalecroft Road £999,950 An exceptionally attractive three bedroom early Victorian cottage on this highly desirable residential road in prime West Putney. The property is very well presented and enjoys a private west facing garden. There is a large side return which, if desired, affords the purchaser an opportunity to extend the kitchen breakfast room across the full width of the house (subject to the necessary consents).

Hazlewell Road £2,750,000

A splendid six bedroom semi-detached Edwardian family house with a 92ft south facing private rear garden and provision to park two cars off- street.

Freehold victorian cottage • prime west Putney location • reception room with french doors to L-shaped garden • dining room • kitchen breakfast room (underfloor heating) • country style kitchen with butler sink • 21’ • 92ft South Facing Off street parking west facingGarden garden ••utility cellar with plumbing for for two cars • Wide entrance hallway • Reception washer/drier, additional fridge/freezer • scope for room • Fully extended kitchen/dining/living room • further extension (subject to the necessary consents) • Family room • Master bedroom with ensuite • Five three bedrooms • bathroom (under floor heating) • loft further double bedrooms. storage • many original features • purpose built wine storage • built-in wadrobes and cuboards

Tel: 020 8780 1100 sales@warrenputney.co.uk

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

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ

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warrenputney.co.uk

03/07/2013 15:57

T: 020 8780 1100

warrenputney.co.uk

Howard’s Lane £1,695,000 An exceptionally attractive and very well presented double fronted Victorian semidetached house with a superb 57’ x 32’ south facing garden in prime West Putney.

The lateral footprint creates particularly ample reception space and the house flows beautifully towards the very private and lawned rear garden, which benefits from a wide separate side access that runs to Coalecroft Road.

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ey.

uns

Double fronted freehold victorian house • semidetached • two generous reception rooms • modern kitchen/dining room • large study • 57’ x 32’ south facing lawned garden • side access to Coalecroft Road • cellar • four double bedrooms • south facing balcony • Semi-Detached Freehold House • 40’ Private Rear Garden With • Semi Detached Period Property • Spacious Reception Room overlooking Room garden •• family bathroom with separate Open Westerly Aspect • 2550 sq ft + 278 sq ft Storage • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast 30 West Facing shower • en-suite • utlity cupboard • wood• Extended Kitchen/Dining room • Master Bedroom With En-Suite Garden • Potential To Extend (Subject to shower the necessary framed double sash• Two windows • loft storage Bathroom • Five Further Bedrooms. consents) • Master Bedroom • Built Inglazed Storage Further

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Clarendon Drive

oad ony

-

£1,725,000 Pentlow Street

Bedrooms • Family Bathroom.

Coalecroft Road £999,950

m

An exceptionally attractive three bedroom early Victorian cottage on this highly desirable residential road in prime West Putney. The property is very well presented and enjoys a private west facing garden. There is a large side return which, if desired, affords the purchaser an opportunity to extend the kitchen breakfast room across the full width of the house (subject to the necessary consents).

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Chartfield Avenue

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Freehold victorian cottage • prime west Putney location • reception room with french doors to L-shaped garden • dining room • kitchen breakfast room (underfloor heating) • country style kitchen with butler sink • 21’ west facing garden • utility cellar with plumbing for washer/drier, additional fridge/freezer • scope for • River Views • Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living further extension (subject toroom the necessary consents) • • Bathroom • Bedroom • Balcony With Direct Views Of The three bedrooms • bathroom (under floorRiver heating) • loft Thames • Allocated, Gated And •Covered Off-Street storage many original featuresParking • purpose built wine Space. storage • built-in wadrobes and cuboards

£2,250,000 Boatrace Court

• Entrance Hallway • Family Room • Drawing Room • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Cloakroom • Master Bedroom With En-Suite Bathroom • Four Further Double Bedrooms • Family Bathroom.

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uk

£1,050,000

£425,000

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

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ

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sales@warrenputney.co.uk

warrenputney.co.uk

03/07/2013 15:58

ABSOLUTELY Property

MOVING in Nothing’s better than the inside scoop. Local agents give their recommendations...

Interiors

Two Sisters on Church Road is a wonderful shop to spend time browsing in, whether you are looking for inspiring ideas for your home or searching for a one-off, vintage gift.

Roland Simpson Jackson-Stop s & Staff

Local Hangout

The great cinema Clapham Picture House shows mainstream films, has comfy seats and its own bar, so you can take drinks in with you.

Alistair Hilton John D Wood & Co.

Local Street

Webbs Road is a great little street, which offers a multitude of independent and boutique shops to explore. A fantastic new Spanish deli Tierra Verde has just opened- a must visit!

Annabel Hay

Douglas & Gordon

020 8879 0099 • jackson-stops.co.uk

020 8673 2854 • johndwood.co.uk

020 7924 2002 • douglasandgordon.com

Fact

Time Out For Mum

Best Place For

Albert Bridge built in 1873 as a toll bridge was nicknamed “The Trembling Lady” due to its tendency to vibrate when large numbers of people walked over it.

Yoga Mama is a private yoga studio located in the heart of Putney that offers a range of yoga and Pilates classes. Classes are open to students of all levels.

Battersea Park Zoo is family run, has lots of animals and is really entertaining for children of all ages. If they aren’t too tired afterwards, there is always the park for them to run wild in as well.

Charles Weller Palace Gate Lettings

020 7978 4404 • palacegatelettings.com

Alister Shaw

Hamp tons International

020 8454 7245 • hamptons.co.uk

Hannah White Jacksons

020 8675 6565 • jacksonsestateagents.com

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Voted south west London’s Best Lettings Agent by our clients at the 2013 ESTA’s We love a fair fight!

we prove that BIG is not always better ...

020 8704 1313

CHAMBERLAND R E S I D E N T I A L

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lettings@chamberlandres.co.uk / sales@chamberlandres.co.uk 212 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TD www.chamberlandres.co.uk

04/07/2013 15:15

sullivanthomas.co.uk

TEMPERLEY ROAD SW12

£700 p/w

Stunning 3 double bedroom Victorian house completely refurbished to a very high standard with a polished finish.

• 3 Double Bedrooms

• Shower Room

• Reception Room

• Garden

• Kitchen/Breakfast Room

• Unfurnished

• 2 Double Bedrooms

• Split Level Flat

• Reception Room

• Furnished

TRINITY ROAD SW17

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

Wandsworth Lettings: 020 8682 3121

£350 p/w

Great 2 double bedroom split level flat with a good size reception room, good eat in kitchen, modern bathroom.

• Eat in Kitchen • Bathroom Wandsworth Lettings: 020 8682 3121

Fulham Bishops Park Sales: 020 7731 3333 Lettings: 020 7751 8898 Fulham Parsons Green Sales: 020 7751 8899 Lettings: 020 7751 8898

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TURRET GROVE SW4

£2,350,000 F/H

Exquisitely designed and finished to the highest standard, this wide contemporary house enjoys off street parking and an outstanding south facing garden.

• 3126 sq ft

• 5 Bath/Shower Room (3 En Suite)

• 6 Bedrooms

• Reception Room

• 650 Sq ft Kitchen

• 50’X27 South Facing Garden

• Media/Playroom

• Adjacent Garage Available

• 5/6 Double Bedrooms

• Study

• 2 Reception Rooms

• 4 Bathrooms (3 En Suite)

• Kitchen/Breakfast Room

• 156’ x 41’ Garden

• Dining/Garden Room

• Off Street Parking

BRODRICK ROAD SW17 £3,850,000 F/H A rare and exceptionally wide, almost detached double fronted ‘country’ style house with an outstanding garden and location to match.

Wandsworth Sales: 020 8767 7711

Wandsworth Common Sales: 020 8767 7711 Lettings: 020 8682 3121

SULLIVAN THOMAS_AUG.indd 2

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

Wandsworth Sales: 020 8767 7711

sullivanthomas.co.uk

02/07/2013 15:22

The spoils of the hardy workplace warrior.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

A taste of Battersea From daytime cafés to night-time restaurants and bars – Mark Howell, director of Aspire estate agents, says there is something for everyone in Battersea

H

Mark Howell Director of aspire, Battersea � 020 7801 3400; aspire.co.uk

ome to established residents, new families and young professionals, Battersea is sought after not only for its lively community, but also for its vibrant mix of bars, cafés and restaurants – appealing to a range of tastes and lifestyles.

Battersea Park Road has changed greatly in recent years, and has become a lively hub for either grabbing a snack at Captain Corelli’s coffee shop or dining out at San Gennaro, which serves some of the best pizzas in the city.

For a slightly different take there is Jamie Oliver’s Recipease – an eat-in and take-out café, customers can also sample their own cooking under the

supervision of the chef. For those wishing to eat on the go, The Hatch offers simple and healthy bistro style dishes served in take-away boxes next to Ransome’s Dock, or simply grab a coffee from Mr Coffee, a little van stationed on Hester Road.

Local bars and clubs add to the lively feel of the area. Near the park are the popular Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Albert pub, all serving good food. On Northcote Road, the stylish All Bar One or Babel are great places to relax after shopping.

Mouth-watering options are on offer at the popular Bunga Bunga on Battersea Bridge Road, or tucked away behind the park is the Doodle Bar, where you can relax with a drink and have a doodle!

HOUSE HUNTING Tamzin Incledon Associate Director at Douglas & Gordon � 020 7924 2000; douglasandgordon.com

Most satisfying transaction I’ve had...

All sales that we conduct are satisfying in many ways; you see people’s lives change and move on. The most satisfying transaction recently has been an older client who has lived in her home in Bolingbroke Grove for 42 years. She became a widow six years ago and her family in Ireland have been begging her to go and live with them. We have just exchanged and now she is preparing her elderly cat for the move.

Most interesting property I’ve been involved with...

In November last year we sold a bank repossession house on Alfriston Road. It had been tenanted for a number of years and

needed a full make over. The buyers involved me at every stage of their plans for the house, from the use of space to the paint colours. As an agent, it is such a treat to see a house go through full renovation and to be finished to such a high standard. We currently have the house back on the market for £1,495,000.

The property I’d most like on our books...

that the internet would play such a key role when people wanted to buy or sell a property.

All searches, no matter whether you are a buyer or a vendor start on the net. It’s a fabulous engine for vendors to see what agents are doing and what presence they have. Purchasers searches start on the web portals too, but I would strongly urge buyers to call up the agents- we remember you a lot more when you pop in to the office or call us up.

Most unusual interior...

As an agent working in this area you invariably have your favourite roads. Mine have always been Elsynge and Vardens Road; the architecture in both fascinates, particularly in Elsynge which is known as Architects Road, where builders in the Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased their building skills. I am delighted to be able to offer to the market an architecturally designed house on Vardens Road for £2,950,000.

I never thought I’d see...

Back in 1996, when I started as an estate agent on Lavender Hill, I would never have thought

All the houses between the Commons and the North Side look similar, but when you open the door each house tells a different story and each of the current owners have put their own stamp on their property. We have recently agreed a sale on a house in Winsham Grove, where the owners have created an entirely open plan ground floor, with a small partitioned off playroom to the front. Unusually, the reception room is at the back, with concertina doors leading to a south facing garden.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Absolutely SW17

DUNCAN IRENS � PARTNER AT RYMER IRENS 020 8767 2222; rymer-irens.com

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT… There are so many great restaurants in the area that it is hard to pick a favourite, but if you like Chinese food then I would suggest trying The Good Earth on Bellevue Road – it really is jolly good!

STYLISH BOUTIQUE… Investing in your home? It might be worth giving R&M Lines a call.

They have been serving South West London for over 20 years and are specialists in full residential refurbishments.

BEST KEPT SECRET… If you are a bit of a coffee hound, pop into Prestige who are also on Bellevue Road – their coffee, in my opinion, is simply unrivalled and the views across Wandsworth Common are stunning.

LOST HOUR… It would have to be Wandsworth Common of course. Plenty of fun and games all year round, especially come the summer – just take a picnic and chill.

THE MOST FABULOUS COCKTAIL IS… The Classic Mojito. I am not that big on my cocktails and would normally steer towards a pint of ale, but you can never go wrong with a few Brinkley Mojito’s – Lovely Jubbly!

MOST FABULOUS PROPERTY… Veronica Road, SW17. A double fronted Victorian family home, which has undergone a complete renovation, along with the addition of a subterranean extension to provide nearly 5,500 square feet of living space. £3,500,000.

Up Your Street

A

terraced period home located in the most sought after conservation ‘South Park Gardens’ area of central Wimbledon, boasting light & spacious living accommodation and a stunning garden. This beautifully presented house benefits from a large ‘double’ loft conversion with planning in place for a ground floor extension to add to the already spacious accommodation. Further offering an entrance hall, double reception room, kitchen/dining room, four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, it is perfectly situated within the catchment area for the Holy Trinity school. Just five minutes down the road from this period home is the New Wimbledon Theatre. The golden statue atop of the New Wimbledon Theatre, of Laetitia the Roman goddess of Gaiety, was removed during WW2 as it was a landmark device for German bombers, and was only replaced in 1991.

Details

South Park Road, SW19 £999,950 Freehold

Contact

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, Wimbledon 020 8944 4000; kfh.co.uk

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Our 184 negotiators have perfected the right balance in their approach, so you enjoy the experience and get the results you want.

On average we achieve

Thanks so much for all your extraordinarily hard work on our behalf. You have transformed our lives, and been delightful in the process!

A HAPPY BUYER

OF THE ASKING PRICE

Local know-how. Better results.

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Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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

Criffel Avenue SW2 ÂŁ1,999,999 A magnificent Victorian house, presented in excellent condition throughout with a beautiful, mature 77ft private garden. Located on a quiet residential road in the heart of the Telford Park Conservation Area, this stunning, semi-detached family home boasts just over 2,300sqft of accommodation arranged over three floors. The property offers stunning reception space including a triple aspect Aga kitchen, a magnificent master suite, a further four large bedrooms and three bathrooms. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents.

BALHAM: 020 8673 4377 sales.bal@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results.

Our ofďŹ ces:

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Kensington

Mayfair

Pimlico & Westminster

Balham

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Little Venice

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

Marylebone

Notting Hill

Mallinson Road SW11 ÂŁ1,535,000 A beautiful, wider than average four-bedroom house situated on one of the finest roads between the commons. This attractive family home comprises a double reception leading through to a fantastic Boffi kitchen with a spacious side return, a stunning double reception room, four double bedrooms (two en suite), a family bathroom and a large private garden. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 sales.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

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LETTINGS

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

Larkhall Rise SW4 £2,000 per week

Broxash Road SW11 £975 per week

A magnificent six-bedroom house in Clapham Old Town, boasting exceptional living space arranged over five floors. The property has been enhanced with conservatory style extension, allowing an exceptional amount of natural light to flow through the property and access to the beautiful garden. EPC=D

This property is presented in immaculate condition throughout, boasting a double reception room, a large eat-in kitchen with side return extension and doors to a private paved garden, five double bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Located close to the Northcote Road and Clapham South tube station. EPC=E

CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666 lets.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 lets.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

Keildon Road SW11 £975 per week

Killyon Road SW8 £925 per week

Presented in fantastic condition this property is split over four levels.

Boasting double reception room with wooden floors, a large modern eat-in kitchen with side return extension leading out to a south facing paved garden, five double bedrooms and two modern bathrooms. EPC=C

Located on a pretty tree lined street in the heart of Clapham, this magnificent family home features an incredible open plan double reception room, a superb kitchen leading out to a private garden, five bedrooms, three bathrooms (one en suite) and ample storage throughout.

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 lets.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

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CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666 lets.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

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The Letting Specialists forThe South WestSpecialists London Letting for South West London Specialists 0334 Prop Review SOUTH AUG 2012 F-A_Layout 1 03/08/2012 08:17 Page 1

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West London

The Letting Specialists for South West London Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw Lovely garden flat close to Clapham Common and tube. The flat has a bright double reception room with doors leading to a garden, fitted kitchen, one large double bedroom, and a small study.

The Letting Specialists for South West London

Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw Lovely garden flat close to Clap bright double reception room w kitchen, one large double bedr

Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw Lovely garden flat close to Clapham Common and tube. The flat has a bright double reception room with doors leading to a garden, fitted kitchen, one large double bedroom, and a small study.

Nightingale Lane, SW12 – £790 pw A very spacious family house close to Wandsworth Common. The house has a double reception room, large kitchen dining room with further sitting/play room leading to a large garden, five bedrooms, one bathroom, cloakroom. The house also has a garage and off street parking.

Nightingale Lane, SW12 – £790 pw A very spacious family house close to Wandsworth Common. The house has a double reception room, large kitchen dining room with further sitting/play room leading to a large garden, five bedrooms, one bathNightingale Lane, SW12 room, cloakroom. The house also has a garage and off street parking.

– £790 p A very spacious family house cl has a double reception room, la sitting/play room leading to a la room, cloakroom. The house als

Salford Road, SW2 – £450 pw A fabulous recently refurbished flat within walking distance of Balham tube. The flat comprises of two double bedrooms, one bathroom, a beautiful bright open plan lounge/kitchen, and private garden.

ecting Chelsea with Battersea owland Mason Ordish in 1873

CE & TRUST…

in Letting & Management CONFIDENCE & TRUST ...

Salford Road, SW2 – £450 pw A fabulous recently refurbished flat within walking distance of Balham tube. The flat comprises of two double bedrooms, one bathroom, a beautiful bright open plan lounge/kitchen, and private garden.

Albert Bridge connecting Chelsea with Battersea Designed and built by Rowland Mason Ordish in 1873

Battersea:

Clapham:

Earlsfield:

1 The Polygon Lane CONFIDENCE & TRUST… in Letting370 &Garratt Management Clapham Common SW4 0JG Earlsfield SW18 4ES ... in Letting & Management

134 Northcote Rd Battersea SW11 6QZ

Balham : 020 7978 4404

80 Balham High Rd Balham SW12 9AG Balham: Albert

Battersea:

020 7720 5588

134 Northcote Rd Battersea SW11 6QZ Battersea: Bridge connecting

Clapham:

020 8879 6205 Earlsfield:

1 The Polygon Clapham Common SW4 0JG withClapham: Battersea

370 Garratt Salford Road,Lane SW2 – £450 pw

Earlsfield SW18 4ES Earlsfield: Chelsea A fabulous recently refurbished teLettings.com www.PalaceGateLettings.com 808675 Balham 134 Northcote 1 The Polygon Clapham 370tube.

Garratt Lane 7978 020 5050High Rd 020 7720 5588 020The 8879 6205 Designed and020 built by 4404 Rowland Rd Mason Ordish in 1873 flat comprises of two d

Balham SW12 9AG Battersea SW11 6QZ 020www.PalaceGateLettings.com 8675 5050 020 7978 4404

Common SW4 OJG Earlsfield SW18 4ES open plan lou a beautiful bright www.PalaceGateLettings.com 020 7720 5588 020 8879 6205

CONFIDENCE & TRUST… Balham:

PALACE GATE_AUG.indd 2

Battersea:

in Letting & M Clapham:

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Drakefield Road SW17 - £395pw

The Letting Specialis for South West Londo

The Letting Specialists The Letting Specialists for South West London for South West London A modern two bedroom flat close to Tooting Common and the tube. The flat comprises of a large lounge with dining area, fitted kitchen, two spacious double bedrooms, one bathroom, and a separate cloakroom. EPC – C

Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw Lovely garden flat close to Clapham Common and tube. The flat has a bright double reception room with doors leading to a garden, fitted kitchen, one large double bedroom, and a small study.

Bowood Road SW11 - £360pw A lovely one bedroom garden flat in a Victorian conversion off Clapham Common. The flat consists of a large open plan reception room and kitchen with dining area, one double bedroom, bathroom, cellar and garden. EPC- D

Nightingale Lane, SW12 – £790 pw A very spacious family house close to Wandsworth Common. The house has a double reception room, large kitchen dining room with further sitting/play room leading to a large garden, five bedrooms, one bathroom, cloakroom. The house also has a garage and off street parking.

Chelsham Road SW4 - £850pw Stunning Victorian family house in Clapham. The house features a double reception Chelsea with Battersea Albert Bridge connecting room, kitchen room, Mason Ordish in 1873 Designed and built breakfast

by Rowland family room, conservatory, good size garden, four double bedrooms, study, one bathroom, Balham : one shower room,Battersea: and off parking.

80 Balhamstreet High RdEPC-E134 Northcote Rd

Salford Road, SW2 – £450 pw A fabulous recently refurbished flat within walking distance of Balham tube. The flat comprises of two double bedrooms, one bathroom, Fireworks and in Battersa Park a beautiful bright open plan lounge/kitchen, private garden.

CONFIDENCE & TRUST…

in Letting Clapham:

Battersea: Balham: Balham 9AG 134 Northcote Battersea Rd SW11 6QZ 80 Balham High SW12 Rd

1 The Polygon Clapham: Clapham1 The Common Polygon SW4 0JG

Balham SW12 9AG

Battersea SW11 6QZ

020 8675 5050

020 7978 4404

020 8675 5050

020 7978 4404

& Management Earlsfield: 370 Garratt Lane Earlsfield: Earlsfield SW18 4ES 370 Garratt Lane

Albert Bridge connecting Chelsea with Batte

Clapham Common SW4 0JG Earlsfield SW18 4ES 020 7720 5588 020 8879 6205

020 7720 5588 020 8879 6205 Ordish in Designed and built by Rowland Mason

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

CONFIDENCE & TRUS

PALACE GATE_AUG.indd 3

Balham:

Battersea:

04/07/2013 10:47

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ABSOLUTELY Property

WITH US IT’S

PERSONAL Absolutely speak to the men behind the brand. Chris Cady and Nick Hignell on their love of Jacksons & south west London Photography: Rebecca Noonan Tell us about each of your roles and how they have changed throughout your time with Jacksons.

The wonderful thing about the progression of our roles at Jacksons is the bipolar nature of what we do today, compared with what we both did when we started. Whilst from different backgrounds, we both started as ‘juniors’ as it was called in those days, and having progressed through every job possible, we now find ourselves as Associate Directors. To us this is a wonderful thing, to have ‘been there and done it’, so to speak, allows us to empathise with our staff more and be able to guide them, as we have done what they are doing now. I think this is lost in many businesses today, not often do those in higher positions come from the shop floor and we are both proud of the fact that we most certainly have. Today, we both oversee our respective departments and are in charge of making sure that Jacksons is the very best estate agent it can be, not from a profit making perspective (as this is secondary to us), but we simply want to be known as being personal to our customers and dedicated to our chosen field.

What key attributes do you look for in new Jacksons team members?

We look for different things to other estate agents; this mainly manifests itself in us trying to find individuals who are driven, ambitious, polite, caring and down to earth, but above all else normal. We don’t want your typical arrogant or aggressive estate agents; we simply want people who love what they do and want to find an environment that nurtures such ambitions, instead of turning people into robots or caricature sales people.

What makes people choose you over other estate agents and what do you do differently?

The simple answer is everything, which may seem conceited but there’s nothing we do at Jacksons that isn’t designed to deliberately buck the trend.

Nothing is out of the box and our drive, ethos and mission statements are built around the premise that we must do all we can to succeed in our efforts to be the very best we can be. In many ways we see ourselves as the antithesis of estate agency, the counter proposition if you will. If you are tired

of being lied to, having your home overvalued, receiving no feedback and generally being given poor service, then there is an alternative and this is Jacksons. We strive every day to train our staff to not lie, to not show something that someone doesn’t want to see, to be experts in their field and to be kind, considerate and polite. This is what sets us apart as ‘with us it’s personal’.

You are opening a couple of new offices in the near future, one in Dulwich and one in Abbeville Road. What made you choose Abbeville Village for the new office and how will it fit into the area?

Abbeville Road was a natural choice for us when deciding on where next to take our company. Being a dominant agent in Balham for nearly 20 years, and having successful offices in Battersea and on Bellevue Road, we continually deal with people that are either moving to or from Abbeville Village.

In recent months we have successfully sold and let properties on Trouville Road, Elms Road and Abbeville Road. Jacksons play a very big part in the local community; this summer alone we have sponsored over 16 local events. Abbeville is a very close-knit community and we believe we can be a big part of this moving forward.

Jacksons put great importance on being local, why is that?

There are many companies that emphasise locality and say that their staff live in the local area or rent a property near to their offices, but is this what it means to be local? No, we don’t think so. All three of our Directors, who own Jacksons, come from South West London. The Managing Director has not moved out of the Wandsworth Borough since he was born here over forty years ago. To us, that is what it means to be local, not living in a certain road for five minutes. This experience gives us a deeprooted love and affection for our areas, and we want others to share this, be submersed in what we see as being the very best place to live in the world, and to see what makes South West London so great.

jacksonsestateagents.com

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featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Dymock Street, Fulham

£1,200,000 A classic 4 bedroom, 3 storey Victorian house, thoughtfully and practically extended to provide excellent family accommodation in popular South Park location.

t: 0207 228 2278

Broxash Road, Battersea

£795 pw Four bedroom Victorian house set between the commons with Clapham south tube station, Clapham Common and Northcote Road within easy reach. EPC = F.

t: 020 7228 2378

Battersea

West Kensington

Barnes

Sheen

Kingston

Clapham

Fulham

Richmond

Twickenham

Chiswick

Putney

Chelsea

Kew

Teddington

Hammersmith

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Lilyville Road, Fulham Guide Price £2,300,000 An elegant and beautifully presented mid-terrace Victorian house, providing 4 storeys of flexible family accommodation in one of Fulham’s most desirable roads.

t: 0207 228 2278

Broomwood Road, Battersea

£950 pw Stunning five double bedroom, three bathroom Victorian house with south facing garden situated in the ever popular 'between the commons' area. EPC = E.

t: 020 7228 2378

It’s our area...

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Offices throughout London

Dorchester Court SW16

£275,000

Belvedere Court SW4

£399,950

A fantastic two bedroom flat, situated on the ground floor of this well regarded mansion block moments from Streatham Hill. The property is presented in good order throughout and offers: parquet flooring, original features including fireplace, a modern fitted kitchen, large reception room with bay window and communal garden. EPC=D

Set within a purpose built development, this three double bedroom property benefits from three large bedrooms, kitchen, substantial living room, bathroom, communal gardens and a private garage.

With easy access to various transport links, local amenities, night life and the lively high streets of Brixton and Clapham. EPC=D

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

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

Dumbarton Road SW2

Battersea Park Road SW11

£285,000

£375,000

A beautifully presented one double bedroom flat, ideally located for both Clapham and Brixton. Situated on the top floor of this beautiful Victorian house, the property benefits from a good size double bedroom, well appointed open-plan kitchen and a contemporary split level reception room with exposed brickwork to both sides. EPC=D

Situated in the heart of Battersea is this fantastic two bedroom first floor flat. Offered to the market in good condition throughout, and situated within easy reach of many local transport links, Battersea Park and an abundance of shops and night life. EPC=D

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

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

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

BUSHELLS.AUG.indd 2

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bushells.com

Ducie Street SW4

£335,000

Situated on this well regarded street in Clapham North, is this one bedroom ground floor garden flat. The property benefits from a wealth of period features, as well as being just a short walk from both Clapham and Brixton, where you will find an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a multitude of transport options. Consisting of: One double bedroom, reception room with bay window and fireplace, a kitchen with access to the garden, bathroom and basement storage. EPC=C Clapham Office  020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Spotlight on Putney THROUGH THE KEYHOLE...

7

7 Garden...

The property benefits from a lawned 92ft south facing garden, with a good sized patio area which leads on from the kitchen/family room.

HAZLEWELL ROAD, SW15, £2,750,000 FREEHOLD 7 A splendid six bedroom semi-detached Edwardian

� MICHAEL CROWTHER, Director at Warren, Putney 020 8780 1100; warrenputney.co.uk

family house, with a 92ft south facing private rear garden and provision to park two cars off-street. The property is beautifully presented throughout and has been tastefully extended to the rear. The generous ground floor reception space is complemented by a superb master bedroom suite and five further double bedrooms on the upper floors.

Hazlewell Road is an exceptionally popular residential road in the heart of prime West Putney, offering easy access to local amenities and all major transport links into the city. It is also in close proximity to excellent local schools.

7

7 Master bedroom...

The master bedroom suite has become an important feature for large family houses in Putney. The en-suite has been finished to high standards and benefits include large built-in wardrobes and private views over the garden.

7

Kitchen/family room...

7

The property has been extended to the rear to create a generously proportioned, open plan kitchen/ family room.

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE

BEST SCHOOL

RAINY DAY

FUN FOR FREE

There are so many people vying for property, specifically in the small catchment area of the Hotham Primary School.

The school was voted the borough’s greenest at the recent Wandsworth Green Guardian awards.

Going to one of the many pubs in Putney seems the obvious choice. I personally like the Jolly Gardeners for colder days, as they have a roaring fire and a fab wine list.

A leisurely walk following the river can lead you all the way to Hammersmith and beyond if you’re ambitious enough.

Alternatively, the Putney Christmas Lights and Market is a free event that offers fun for the kids, free goodies and entertainment for all.

SPORTS AND RECREATION This time of year lends itself to outdoor sports, and there is no shortage of tennis courts in the area.

There’s also the Virgin Active Gym and Putney Leisure Centre, both on Upper Richmond Road.

NICOLE CHAMBERLAND Owner of Chamberland Residential 020 8704 1313; chamberlandres.co.uk

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OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 7736 6110

furzedown 020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

Marney Road, SW11

£675,000

This exceptionally well presented two bedroom garden flat has recently undergone a full refurbishment. The property is located on a quiet residential road that leads off Clapham Common. The large open plan living space has bi-fold doors leading onto an attractive garden.

• Two Double Bedrooms • Shower Room • Two Double Bedrooms • Garden

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

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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.co.uk

05/07/2013 10:33

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

Lumiere Apartments, SW11

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

£800,000

This stunning sub penthouse apartment is finished to an extremely high standard in an award winning development, moments from Clapham Junction Station.

The property benefits from a fantastic roof terrace, accessible from both bedrooms, offering spectacular views over London.

• • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Large kitchen/reception Roof terrace Porter Residents- only cinema room

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

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Abbotswood Road, SW16

£1,595,000

An amazing five bedroom family home - refurbished to the most exacting of standards - with versatile, balanced, light and free flowing living close to three thousand square feet.

• Five double bedrooms • Four bathrooms • Eighty foot garden with office • Bags of parking • Close to Tooting Bec Common,Streatham High Road,great schools and transport links

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

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

ASPIRE_PROPERTY_INSIDEPGS_AUG.indd 151

.co.uk

04/07/2013 12:17

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

Ormeley Road, SW12

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

£950,000

Memory Lane

Clifford Harvey of aspire’s Balham office talks to a vendor about family living and proximity to parks and schools at her house in Ormeley Road.

How long have you lived in the property?

We moved to Balham in 2002 and bought this house in Ormeley Road in June 2006.

What do you like most about living in Balham?

Primarily, the people we have met but we also love how easy it is to pop down to the shops on the High Road and be able to get pretty much anything! It is also a fantastic place for

young families as there are so many different parks, play groups, schools etc for the children.

Where did you draw inspiration from for the design/interior of the property?

A good friend of mine, Caroline Fulton, has fabulous taste and she is a great inspiration.

We do try to keep the house child friendly and as practical as possible as we don’t want to be too precious about it -so most things are

indestructible!

Did you install any special features in the property?

Nothing specific, but we have not knocked down the wall between the two ground floor reception rooms. We use one as a sitting room and one as a playroom. It is lovely to be able to close the door on all the toys and have some adult space.

.co.uk

ASPIRE_ADVERTORIAL_AUG.indd 2

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Are there any further changes or developments you would have made had you stayed in the property?

We might have put a further bedroom up in the loft to give us an extra bedroom/study space.

What was your favourite room in the house?

The kitchen - it is really light and bright and we spend most of our time in here. With three young children, it works really well to have the open plan kitchen, dining area and playroom.

What will you miss the most when you move?

The ease of not having to drive anywhere as Balham has everything we need on the doorstep.

We have also made some very great friends

whilst being here and our neighbours are lovely.

What’s your favourite memory at your house?

Bringing our three children home from hospital.

It has been a really special house for us. We moved in as boyfriend and girlfriend and will move out married with three children! We are very sad to be leaving Ormeley Road.

For further information please contact Clifford Harvey at aspire’s Balham office on 020 8 673 6111 or balham@aspire.co.uk

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

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

ASPIRE_ADVERTORIAL_AUG.indd 3

.co.uk

03/07/2013 09:55

ABSOLUTELY Property

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

Hazlewell Road, SW15 A newly refurbished substantial double fronted six bedroom detached house. This property has been subject to a total refurbishment and has been carefully restored to an exceptional standard using the highest quality materials. The property is situated in the heart of West Putney.

£3,295,000 Freehold

� Winkworth, Putney 020 8788 9295; winkworth.co.uk

Elm Park, SW2 A four bedroom house situated in this great location near the open greens of Brockwell Park whilst also being close to Brixton town centre and the ever popular Brixton Market.

£750,000 Freehold

� haart, Brixton, 020 7274 2878; haart.co.uk

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KERSLEY STREET, SW11 A most attractive four bedroom family house located on popular Kersley Street, moments from Battersea Park. The house enjoys beautifully proportioned accommodation, with a wealth of entertaining space leading to a pretty patio garden. There is also opportunity to extend by way of a side return, for which there exists full planning permission.

£1,700,000 Freehold

� John D Wood & Co., Battersea 020 7228 0174; johndwood.co.uk

Lavender Hill, SW11 An extremely impressive three bedroom duplex flat occupying the top two floors of a converted Victorian house. This stunning flat has recently been refurbished by the current owners, incorporating high quality materials and fittings throughout. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, and transport can be found at Clapham Junction which is within easy walking distance.

£725,000 Share of Freehold

� Rampton Baseley 020 7228 5111; ramptonbaseley.com

Westmead, SW15

Bedford Hill, SW12

A truly spectacular family home, newly built and finished to an exceptionally high standard. Featuring almost 10,000 sq ft of sumptuous accommodation arranged over four floors, including five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a separate staff annexe, indoor pool, media room, gym, double garage, with private south-west facing gardens and generous carriage driveway with electric gates.

A truly outstanding three bedroom period conversion flat with a large private rear garden. Situated just a short walk from the town centre, station and a 200 yard walk to the Common, it is a truly convenient home. This stunningly renovated Victorian house also offers a large reception room, a luxurious bathroom and an open plan kitchen/dining room which leads into the large private garden.

£4,950,000

£720,000

� Andrew Scott Robinson 020 8971 6780; as-r.co.uk

� Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, Balham 020 8675 1123; kfh.co.uk

Share of Freehold

Leasehold

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Earlsfield Sales 020 8871 4366 Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Stunning Family Home £999,950 Swaffield Road, SW18 Ref: 3764 Arranged over four levels this beautiful family home offers fantastic space and well thought out accommodation. The double reception opens onto an amazing kitchen breakfast room with sliding doors leading out to a lovely private garden. The basement level has been professionally converted to provide accommodation ideal for guests or an au-pair. The property has been finished to an extremely high specification and with no onward chain the successful purchaser can move in quickly and enjoy all the benefits this property has to offer.

• Beautiful Period Home • Five Bedrooms • Four Luxury Bathrooms • Stunning Kitchen • Private Garden • Close To Schools EPC = C

Perfect for Entertaining £785,000 Leasehold Haslemere Avenue, SW18 Ref: 3962 This bright and spacious 1930’s property offers accommodation which is hard to find in such a central location. With four bedrooms, a beautifully extended kitchen/family room, landscaped South facing garden and detached garage to name just a few of the benefits, we may just have found your perfect family home.

• Stunning Family Home • Four Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Extended Kitchen • South Facing Garden • Detached Garage

EPC = D

haart of EARLSFIELD

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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 14:17

Wimbledon Sales 020 8947 9141 Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Over 55’s Development £179,950 Church Lane, SW19 Ref: 4924 This delightful one bedroom apartment is set in the John Innes conservation area of Merton Park and has been modernised to a fantastic standard and is ready to move into. Exceptionally well presented, located on the ground floor with a large reception, modern kitchen, spacious bathroom as well as a lift, communal lounges, laundry, gardens and parking facilities. A superb retirement home.

• One Double Bedroom • Ground Floor Flat • Very Well Presented • Warden Controlled • Quiet Location • Parking Facilities

EPC = B

Perfect First Flat £275,000 Thornton Hill, SW19 Ref: 5173 Not only does this one bedroom offer well proportioned space over two levels, but has the added bonus of allocated parking and a share of the freehold. Set in the ever popular slopes of Wimbledon with easy access to local transport and the excellent amenities of the town centre and the superb restaurants, bars and open spaces of Wimbledon Common and the Village.

• One Bedroom Flat • Over Two Floors • Share Of Freehold • Allocated Parking • Ideal First Home • Great Location

EPC = D

haart of WIMBLEDON

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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

04/07/2013 11:39

Battersea Sales 020 7228 8895 Clapham Sales 020 7622 6686 Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Shaftesbury Estate £595,000 Freehold Tyneham Road, SW11 Ref: 3345 2 bedroom Victorian house on the ever popular Shaftsbury Estate offering easy access to an abundance of coffee houses, restaurants and local shops and amenities. Perfectly located for local train / tube stations and bus service s with easy access into Central London. T he nearby regeneration of Battersea Power Station / Nine Elms and Vauxhall will only enhance future values in the immediate area.

• Victorian House • 2 Bedroom • Open Plan Lounge • Bathroom • Rear Garden • Close to Amenities • Close To Station

EPC = D

Living The Dream £525,000 - £550,000 Leasehold Rectory Grove, SW4 Ref: 3153 Live the life in Clapham Old Town with its selection of café’s bars restaurant & Virgin active gym still only moments away from the tube station with easy access into Central London. Clapham Common is only 5mins walk away. This Victorian double bedroom split level flat offers over 900 sq ft of accommodation with its wood flooring open plan lounge/kitchen for those sociable parties, a separate utility room and most importantly its location in the ever popular Clapham Old Town.

• Victorian conversion • 2 double bedrooms • Popular location old town • Over 900sq ft • Modern kitchen

EPC = E

haart of BATTERSEA AND CLAPHAM

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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

05/07/2013 13:18

Balham Sales 020 8675 6848 Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Excellent Location £385,000 Leasehold Endlesham Road, SW12 Ref: 3633 Are you looking for you first property? Then look no further! This spacious property offers an excellent opportunity to be part of the cosmopolitan lifestyle Balham has to offer with its restaurants, bars and cafes. Benefit from your own private garden, excellent for those summer time barbeques with friends, family and even neighbours!

• Two Bedrooms • Ground Floor • Private Garden • Double Glazing • Excellent location

EPC = D

Close to the Common £365,000 Leasehold Salford Road, SW2 Ref: 3662 Enjoy the open spaces of Tooting Bec Common, great for weekend walks or those morning jogs! This superb two bedroom ground floor flat benefits from a shared front garden that is ideal for plant lovers.

Situated in the admired Telford Park area close to Streatham Hill station, and within a mile of Balham station.

• Two Bedrooms • Ground Floor • Period Conversion • Bright Accommodation • Shared Front Garden

EPC = D

haart of BALHAM

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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 14:21

Dulwich 020 8299 3728 Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Great Family Home £689,950 Hindmans Road, SE22 Ref: 7833 A particularly stylish 3 bedroom Victorian house with a great balance of period character and contemporary cool. Brilliant secluded location but very central being close to North Cross Road. The house also has a superb landscaped garden.

• 3 Bedrooms • Superb Location • Landscaped Gardens • Stylish Property • Lots of Character • No Chain

EPC = D

One of A Kind £1.15 Million Archdale Road SE22 Ref:7824 This sensational Victorian school conversion has it all. An incomparable combination of period character and contemporary style. Nearly 1,600 sq. ft. of exceptional space.

One of the most interesting properties in London. Also in a fabulous location.

• Massive Living Room • Very High Ceilings • Excellent Secluded Garden • Reserved Car Parking • Full Length Loft • Exceptional Character

EPC = D

haart of DULWICH

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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 15:34

Southfields Sales 020 8789 0408 Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Substantial Family House £950,000 Freehold Gartmoor Gardens, SW19

Ref: 4734

A wonderful Victorian family house located in the heart of Southfields, laid out over 6 levels making this ideal for a large family. Just 2/3 minutes from the many cafes and restaurants in Southfields Village plus the District Line tube, for easy commuting into London. Wimbledon Park nearby is perfect for summer family picnics & bike rides. For tennis fans, the world famous Wimbledon Tennis Club is also close by.

• 5 Bedrooms • Central Location • Tall Ceilings

• Tube Access To London • 61 ft Rear Garden • Sole Agents EPC = D

haart of SOUTHFIELDS

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For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 15:00

ABSOLUTELY Property

Showcase A substantial family home with cleverly considered connections between the numerous spacious living areas.

7 Located on a quiet tree-lined street of well-kept sizeable family properties, directly off Wandsworth Common and close to fashionable Northcote Road.

It’s also walking distance from many excellent schools, with direct transport links to The City & West End from nearby Wandsworth Common mainline and Clapham South tube.

Details MORELLA ROAD, SW12 ÂŁ2,650,000 Freehold

Contact John Thorogood 020 7228 7474 john-thorogood.co.uk

Not only have the owners of this handsome Victorian home boosted its floor area to a huge 3343 square feet, they have designed jaw-dropping extensions to ground and lower ground floors with style and flair, successfully delivering the best possible layout and providing both levels with access to the rear garden and enclosed patio.

Practicality has not been forgotten, however and a beautiful study with floor-to-ceiling glass partition, a generous utility room and excellent storage have been accommodated without compromising bedroom space. In all there are six bedrooms and four bathrooms including a sumptuous first-floor master suite and guest bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor.

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05/07/2013 16:52

Life is more enjoyable

without having to worry about your finances Oportfolio is a ‘one-stop-shop’

and buildings/contents insurance.

for all your financial needs, offering

So no matter what stage you are at

unbiased whole of market mortgage

in your life, we will hold your hand

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For independent advice, call us on

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020 8877 1169

Oportfolio Ltd is an Appointed Representative of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

email us: enquiries@oportfolio.co.uk or visit us at www.oportfolio.co.uk.

OPORTFOLIO.indd 2

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

personal mortgage advice

05/07/2013 11:00

Why Whynow’s now’sthe thetime timeto to gg Prices Pricesare are

According According toto Rightmove Rightmove HPI, HPI, June June 2013, 2013, average average asking asking price price 1 1 has has risen risen 10% 10% inin the the last last 6 months.

6 months.

15% 15%more moretenant tenant 2 2 applications applicationssince since2012.

2012.

Contact Contactus... us...

Balham Balham Sales: Sales: 020 020 8675 8675 2244 2244 Balham Balham Lettings: Lettings: 020 020 8675 8675 5060 5060 Battersea Battersea Sales: Sales: 020 020 7326 7326 8171 8171

Battersea Battersea Lettings: Lettings: 020 020 7326 7326 8173 8173 Putney Putney Sales: Sales: 020 020 8780 8780 2233 2233 Putney Putney Lettings: Lettings: 020 020 8780 8780 2667 2667

1. Rightmove 1. Rightmove HPI HPI report report June June 2013.

2013.

2. Comparing 2. Comparing Q2 application Q2 application registrations registrations 20122012 vs 2013. vs 2013.

Internal Internal Andrews Andrews figures. figures.

3. Average 3. Average monthly monthly salessales viewings viewings overover Q3 2012 Q3 2012 versus versus the the average average monthly monthly viewings viewings overover the the whole whole of 2012. of 2012.

Internal Internal Andrews Andrews figures. figures.

4. Average 4. Average salessales o ers o ers received received overover May-June May-June 2012, 2012, versus versus the the average average o eroprice er price for the for the whole whole of 2012. of 2012.

Internal Internal Andrews Andrews figures. figures.

ANDREWS.indd 2

05/07/2013 11:02

oo get getmoving... moving...

2

2.2

More More viewings viewings this this Summer Summer than than any any other other time time ofof 3 3 the the year. year.

O Oerer prices prices 5%5% higher higher during during May-July May-July compared compared 4 4 toto the the 2012 2012 average. average.

Southfields Southfields Sales: Sales: 020020 8874 8874 6686 6686 Earlsfield Lettings: 020020 8944 9020 Earlsfield Lettings: 8944 9020 Streatham Sales: 020020 8769 7722 Streatham Sales: 8769 7722 Streatham Streatham Lettings: Lettings: 020020 8769 8769 4477 4477

y s

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05/07/2013 11:03

p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Nightingale Triangle

p r e m i e r

Family home

Calbourne Road SW12 A beautiful family home which has been sympathetically updated and extended to provide a large amount of accommodation in a prime location. Over three floors you will find four bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room, spacious kitchen and rear garden. This is a truly splendid property in the heart of the Nightingale Triangle. ÂŁ1,295,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

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08/07/2013 15:03

p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Nightingale Triangle Family home

p r e m i e r

Calbourne Road SW12 A beautiful family home which has been sympathetically updated and extended to provide a large amount of accommodation in a prime location. Over three floors you will find four bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room, spacious kitchen and rear garden. This is a truly splendid property in the heart of the Nightingale Triangle. ÂŁ1,295,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

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04/07/2013 11:50

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham 020 8675 6565

Putney Opening 2013

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Newly renovated

p r e m i e r

Gorgeous house

Alderbrook Road SW12 This double-fronted Victorian house has been newly renovated and refurbished to exacting standards. The terraced house boasts beautiful oak finishes, built-in appliances and a mood lightning installation. A galleried staircase has amazing light via a series of sash windows and skylights. The four double-bedroom, three-storey home also has three bathrooms, a reception room, kitchen, dining area and rear garden. ÂŁ1,150,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

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www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham 020 8675 6565

Putney Opening 2013

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Newly renovated

p r e m i e r

Gorgeous house

Alderbrook Road SW12 This double-fronted Victorian house has been newly renovated and refurbished to exacting standards. The terraced house boasts beautiful oak finishes, built-in appliances and a mood lightning installation. A galleried staircase has amazing light via a series of sash windows and skylights. The four double-bedroom, three-storey home also has three bathrooms, a reception room, kitchen, dining area and rear garden. ÂŁ1,150,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

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p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Victorian home

Very Spacious

p r e m i e r

Tierney Road SW2 A simply wonderful home which offers a staggering amount of space and versatile accommodation.

With a floor space of over 3000 square foot this is a home that would suit a family for a number of years. Retaining many of its original features this five bedroom, two bathroom property is exceptional in every way. ÂŁ999,950 Freehold

Streatham 020 8677 9900

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08/07/2013 15:04

p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Victorian home Very Spacious

p r e m i e r

Tierney Road SW2 A simply wonderful home which offers a staggering amount of space and versatile accommodation.

With a floor space of over 3000 square foot this is a home that would suit a family for a number of years. Retaining many of its original features this five bedroom, two bathroom property is exceptional in every way. ÂŁ999,950 Freehold

Streatham 020 8677 9900

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www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham 020 8675 6565

Putney Opening 2013

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Stunning condition

p r e m i e r

Prime location

Aldren Road SW17 This wonderful three bedroom family home is located on one of the most sought after roads in the Earlsfield area. This Victorian property has been thoughtfully and respectfully extended to both the rear and above too add to the living and bedroom space. This is a superb property and very rare to the market. ÂŁ725,000 Freehold

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

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08/07/2013 15:05

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham 020 8675 6565

Putney Opening 2013

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Stunning condition Prime location

p r e m i e r

Aldren Road SW17 This wonderful three bedroom family home is located on one of the most sought after roads in the Earlsfield area. This Victorian property has been thoughtfully and respectfully extended to both the rear and above too add to the living and bedroom space. This is a superb property and very rare to the market. ÂŁ725,000 Freehold

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

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04/07/2013 11:50

CurrellResidential

£625 per week Queenstown Road, SW8 •

o bedrooms

•

o bathrooms

• Open plan kitchen • arge balcony

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£290 per week Este Road, SW1 • Very large one bedroom • Great transport links • Open plan kitchen • Close to Clapham Junction

020 3668 1000

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battersea@currell.com

www.currell.com

03/07/2013 10:13

ABSOLUTELY Property

Lowdown for Landlords � Este Road, SW11, £290 Per Week

What happens at the end of a tenancy?

T

here are a number of things that need to be addressed at the end of a tenancy including changing utilities over and cleaning. However, the main aspect is dealing with the return of the tenants’ deposit and advising them of their responsibilities, to ensure that the handover of the property at the end of the tenancy is as smooth as possible.

On the last day of the tenancy, an inventory check out should be carried out, comparing the condition and contents against the inventory produced at the start of the tenancy.

The tenants must therefore ensure that the garden is tidy, furniture is placed back in the same rooms as described in the inventory, any damage made good and the property cleaned just prior to the check out.

Cleaning, however, tends to be the biggest problem and my advice is to find out and use the same cleaners that were used by the landlord or agent prior to the tenancy commencing. This should ensure that the property is cleaned to the same standards and will avoid unnecessary charges.

Once we have the check-out report, we then have to assess if any damage has been caused, the property has been left clean, garden left tidy and if any items are missing or damaged. The length of the tenancy, time since the property was last decorated, age of carpets and furnishing are all aspects that need to be taken in to consideration in proportioning cost for any damage as well as an element of fair wear and tear. However, landlords are not able to claim new for old, which I know can be frustrating especially with items that hold some sentimental value.

Luckily major problems with damage are few and far between and most tenancies end with only minor issues, usually concerning cleaning or where our guidance and advice has not been taken.

CHARLES WELLER �

7

A very large one bedroom flat with flexible space and access to a beautiful communal roof terrace. The flat is situated within the much sought after Shillington Old School extremely close to the Clapham Junction station with great transport links to the rest of the city.

Contact

Currell Residential, Battersea 020 3668 1000; currell.com

� Warren Road, KT2, £11,000 Per Month

7

A recently refurbished eight bedroom detached house, presented in superb order. Situated in the exclusive Coombe private estate, with easy access to the A3, Wimbledon Village and Kingston town centre with its excellent shopping facilities.

Contact

Jackson-Stops & Staff, Wimbledon 020 8879 0099; jackson-stops.co.uk

Director at Palace Gate Lettings 020 7978 4404; palacegatelettings.com

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05/07/2013 16:55

New to the market � Sisters Avenue, SW11, £1,825,000

The Cost of Moving

W

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

The lower ground floor has been made into a fabulous open plan kitchen, dining and reception room. Close to Clapham Junction and the green open spaces of Clapham Common.

Contact

Featherstone Leigh, Battersea 020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

� Mallinson Road, SW11, £1,535,000

7 This attractive family home comprises a double reception room, opening to a fantastic Boffi kitchen and Miele appliances with spacious side return, four double bedrooms, two ensuite and a family bathroom. The kitchen leads out to a noticeably wider garden, ideal for al fresco dining. On a most sought after street near to the selection of amenities available on Northcote Road.

Contact

Marsh & Parsons, Battersea 020 7228 9292; marshandparsons.co.uk

hether you are a first time seller or first time buyer it is important to know what costs you are going to face during the selling or buying process in the upcoming weeks.

The main cost for sellers are: estate agents fees ranging from 1.25% - 2.5% +VAT, solicitors fees, (normally £500.00 - £1000.00), removal costs/storage costs and lastly it is always worth double checking to see if you have a redemption penalty on the mortgage as you don’t want to be paying three percent to the bank if you don’t have to! The buyers main outlay is usually stamp duty (SDLT). Dependant on what price you are paying, this can vary from 0% under £125,000, 1% under £250,000, 3% under £500,000 and 4% under £1,000,000 and remember it is for the whole amount not just the difference between them. Other costs will include a solicitor, which will cost a similar amount to when you sell, usually £500 - £1000. Mortgage arrangement fees and surveyors costs can also add up.

Moving will be an expensive time and it is best to be fully prepared for what’s around the corner. My best advice: this is the time to open up the spread sheet and get crunching those numbers.

Christopher Cady �

Associate Director at Jacksons, Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077; jacksonsestateagents.com

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New to the market � Sisters Avenue, SW11 £1,825,000

The Cost of Moving

W 7 This stunning five bedroom house has been finished to a very high standard, with three bathrooms, two reception rooms, study, two cloakrooms, patio and a two-tiered landscaped garden. The lower ground floor has been made into a fabulous open plan kitchen, dining and reception room. Close to Clapham Junction and the green open spaces of Clapham Common.

Contact

Featherstone Leigh, Battersea 020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

� Mallinson Road, SW11 £1,535,000

7 This attractive family home comprises a double reception room, opening

to a fantastic Boffi kitchen and Miele appliances with spacious side return, four double bedrooms, two ensuite and a family bathroom. The kitchen leads out to a noticeably wider garden, ideal for al fresco dining. On a most sought after street near to the selection of amenities available on Northcote Road.

Contact

Marsh & Parsons, Battersea 020 7228 9292; marshandparsons.co.uk

hether you are a first time seller or first time buyer it is important to know what costs you are going to face during the selling or buying process in the upcoming weeks. The main cost for sellers are: estate agents fees ranging from 1.25% - 2.5% +VAT, solicitors fees, (normally £500.00 - £1000.00), removal costs/storage costs and lastly it is always worth double checking to see if you have a redemption penalty on the mortgage as you don’t want to be paying three percent to the bank if you don’t have to! The buyers main outlay is usually stamp duty (SDLT). Dependant on what price you are paying, this can vary from 0% under £125,000, 1% under £250,000, 3% under £500,000 and 4% under £1,000,000 and remember it is for the whole amount not just the difference between them. Other costs will include a solicitor, which will cost a similar amount to when you sell, usually £500 - £1000. Mortgage arrangement fees and surveyors costs can also add up. Moving will be an expensive time and it is best to be fully prepared for what’s around the corner. My best advice: this is the time to open up the spread sheet and get crunching those numbers.

Christopher Cady �

Associate Director at Jacksons, Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077; jacksonsestateagents.com

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FOR SALE

Wroughton Road Between The Commons SW11 £1,295,000 | FREEHOLD This wonderfully spacious 5 bedroom Victorian terraced house with SW-facing garden is already well in excess of 2100 square feet without even having been extended into the side return or basement. It offers a purchaser the opportunity to update and remodel to their own tastes. Situated on the sunny side of this highly regarded street close to good schools, Northcote Road and Clapham South tube.

EPC rating - D

• Entrance Hall • Dining Room • Kitchen • Potential Side Extension • Reception Room • Cellar • SW-facing Garden

• 5 Double Bedrooms • 2 Bathroom/WCs • Scope for Development • L.B. Wandsworth • 2192 SQ.FT./203.5 SQ.M. (inc storage)

FOR SALE

Nightingale Lane Nightingale Triangle SW12 £675,000 | LONG LEASEHOLD This exceptionally spacious apartment in a Grade II listed building has just been extensively refurbished throughout. Both bedrooms are large doubles whilst entertaining space is outstanding with a 20' reception and large kitchen/breakfast room. Permission for a south-facing roof terrace has been sought and there is an enormous storage loft. Situated close to Clapham South tube & Wandsworth Common mainline stations. No chain. EPC rating - D

• Entrance Hall • 20' Reception Room • Newly-Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room • 2 Large Double Bedrooms • Bath/Shower Room/WC • Planning Application in for Roof Terrace

• Large Unconverted Loft • L.B. Wandsworth • Long Leasehold • Residents' Parking • 1719 SQ.FT./159.7 SQ.M. (inc loft)

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

@JTEstateAgents

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

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Absolutely Aug13.indd 1-2

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FOR SALE

Montholme Road Between The Commons SW11 £1,950,000 | FREEHOLD

Wonderful 5-bedroom, 3 reception, 5-bathroom Victorian family house with rare 55’ SW-facing garden. It has jaw-dropping contemporary design and finishes and 2500 square feet of space all beautifully styled and equipped for modern living. Situated close to Northcote Road, excellent schools and transport facilities to The City/West End. EPC rating - D • Front Garden with Light well • Open-Plan Double Reception • Kitchen/Family Room • Playroom/Cinema/Bedroom 5 • 55’ SW-facing Garden • Cloakroom/WC • Utility Room • Master Bedroom Suite • Luxurious En-Suite Dressing Area

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

• Walk-in Wardrobe • 3 Further Double Bedrooms, • 2 En Suite Bath/Shower rooms • Separate Family Bathroom • 5 Bath / Shower Rooms Total • L.B. Wandsworth • Residents’ Parking • 2458 SQ.FT / 228.2 SQ.M

@JTEstateAgents I N N O VA T I O N

SINCE 1991 INTEGRITY

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28/06/2013 14:57 28/6/13 23:15:42

ABSOLUTELY Property

Property News

FAMILY MOVING TIPS FROM ANDREWS With the longer days and the warmer weather, summer is the perfect time to make the move to the place of your dreams – especially if you have children.

Here are our top tips for moving with the family.

The holidays are a time for irregular bed times and not sticking to the usual weekly timetable, and with the children at home, you can involve them with the moving process, which

D&G Insider

A

ll the heads of department of Douglas & Gordon have just returned from a team building exercise in the New Forest. I have always unmercifully teased friends who work for companies that do this sort of thing, thinking that it must be a complete waste of time. I sped off to the New Forest in my rather beaten up BMW expecting 24 hours of pointless

will also help them understand and better accept the big change that is happening around them.

Giving your children small responsibilities, like putting their toys away in packing boxes, will help them feel involved in the process, and allow you to explain the process step by step. Why not suggest they paint or decorate the boxes themselves? By making it fun the change will be far less upsetting for them, and far less

stressful for you!

An added benefit of moving during summer is that you can – weather permitting – take the children outside as the house is emptied, and keep them distracted.

For more advice or a free* valuation contact Andrews today. andrewsonline.co.uk *Free no obligation valuation does not apply to valuations conducted for insurance or mortgage purposes

games and challenges.

Oh boy, was I wrong. We were split into teams and all day we had to work on different challenges, projects and races. Suddenly the sales manager of East Putney had my life in his hands as he was holding the security rope whilst I tried to walk along a one inch wide piece of wood that was 30 feet in the air. If I fell off and he wasn’t concentrating, Douglas & Gordon would have been looking for a new sales director. Next we were paddling rafts that had been built by colleagues with no ship-building knowledge whatsoever.

So what has this got to do with Douglas & Gordon and estate agency?

Well, I think it sums up the ethos of Douglas and Gordon. We are one of the very few estate agencies in London that think ‘team’; the offices

are all in what we call ‘clusters’. Our negotiators are paid fundamentally on team results. At Douglas & Gordon you won’t find a negotiator trying to tie up an offer even if he knows his colleague has a second viewing two days later; we work together and make sure that when you accept an offer, we can be fairly confident that every avenue for your property has been explored. If every head of department of Douglas & Gordon is prepared to put their lives into their colleague’s hands, I can assure you that your property will be looked after with the same care and attention.

� George Franks, Sales Director, Douglas & Gordon 020 7924 2000; douglasandgordon.com

NEW OFFICE SALES MANAGER AT FEATHERSTONE LEIGH BATTERSEA James Castleman has been appointed sales manager at Featherstone Leigh’s Battersea branch. James joined the Featherstone Leigh team in early 2012, and has extensive experience in residential sales across the prime south west London market.

James comments, “I’m really excited to be joining the Battersea team, and am looking forward to continuing their work in the area. We’ve seen a tremendous amount of activity over the past few months, in both our sales and lettings departments. A lot of newly listed properties are going under offer within a couple of weeks and sometimes only days. Many are in such high demand that offers go to sealed bids.” � James Castleman Sales Manager, Featherstone Leigh 020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property News

5 minutes...

Glenn Murphy � Branch Manager, haart, Balham 020 8675 6848; haart.co.uk

Tell us about your experience within the industry?

My experiences within the industry have been extremely rewarding and the praise I have personally received are a reflection of the type of service that I offer both buyers and sellers. Having been an estate agent for over fifteen years, it may be hard for you to believe but I am as committed to the industry today as I was all those many moons ago. It just goes to show how much I really do love what I do and the company I represent.

The affect of Stamp Duty...

Gregory Besterman This year has been characterised by a steady level of sales, rising prices and multiple bids on many properties. The supply of property for sale has been and is still relatively limited, meaning that buyers have to offer quickly to avoid being disappointed. As a consequence, there may be an elongated search period which, given current rising prices, may result in properties edging out of their price range.

What do you enjoy most about being an agent?

The part of my job I enjoy the most is gaining an instruction over other local agents, as the competition is fierce and the standards are extremely high. You have to be exceptional and be constantly innovative by coming up with fantastic USPs. Achieving prices far beyond a vendor’s expectation is definitely another rewarding part of our working week. Working for haart fortunately does make my job that much easier as we offer the latest advances in property marketing through our ‘Audio Tours’ and ‘Prime Brochures’.

How are you finding the Balham market?

The local market in Balham is a very fast-paced environment and properties are going ‘under offer’ almost as soon as they come on to the market.

You have been in agency for almost two decades, what has changed?

Fifteen years ago, before the internet, the process generally was a little slower and interest was built up over a longer period. Now, the interest is built up over a very short space of time and the overriding trend is to hold an open house and let buyers put their best foot forward, which usually results in prices over and above asking price being achieved.

Pedder tee off for Cancer Research UK

On Friday 28th June, Pedder held their third annual Charity Golf day in aid of Cancer Research UK at Dulwich & Sydenham Golf Club. Despite a rainy start, 56 golfers turned up and the sunshine came out for a lovely afternoon. Through ticket sales, hole sponsorship and a raffle of prizes generously donated by local companies, Pedder raised over £2,800 for Cancer Research UK. The annual event continues to be a great success, and a great fundraiser. � Pedder, Crystal Palace 020 8670 7160; pedderproperty.com

Oliver Whitehead � Managing Director, Oportfolio 020 8877 1169; oportfolio.co.uk

Properties over £2 million are still affected by the ludicrous SDLT (stamp duty).

System-buyers have to pay 5% for a property at £2 million (£100,000) but a property sold for £2,000,001 would attract SDLT at 7% (£140,000)! However, the values of properties in this price range have stayed virtually unchanged since the end of 2011, whilst cheaper properties in our area have increased by at least 15%. So although it goes against the grain to pay an excessive, badly thought out tax (the Treasury has been promising to address this problem for a number of years), the tax appears to have distorted this part of the market so that it offers much better value than elsewhere. If a one-off tax increase of 2% is coupled with that area of the market being effectively 15% cheaper, then it seems a compelling incentive to buy into this market before it realigns with the rest of the property market!

A buyer must of course be fully conversant with all of the costs involved in buying, but it does pay to view this tax as part of your purchase price and not view it in isolation! � Managing Director, Sullivan Thomas 020 7731 3333; sullivanthomas.co.uk

London’s mortgage market is looking rosier than ever As a result of the Government backed Funding for Lending scheme introduced just over a year ago, homeowners in London can now expect to achieve an asking price of £515,243 for the average property, which is well above the national average of £252,798, according to figures from Rightmove.

The prime residential market is set to remain buoyant for the rest of the year, with figures from Rightmove also suggesting that the market can expect an increase of 1.2% month on month.

There are now many happy Londoners who bought at the right time and have now seen investment returns of over 180% in some cases. Therefore, if you are gearing up to put your property on the market this summer while prices remain high, we advise you to consider a couple of things before you put your property up for sale.

Aside from the clear return on investment, be mindful of the reasons why you are moving as this will help you decide what it is you want for your next home. At this stage it is important to speak to an expert adviser who can offer impartial guidance, relevant expertise and unbiased support throughout the entire process.

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Give your property the best chance When you instruct D&G to sell your property it will appear on the 15 leading property portals plus our own website, which is probably very unfair on all the competition.

£2,950,000 Freehold Vardens Road SW11

£1,795,000 Freehold Elms Road SW4

A fabulous four/five bedroom Victorian family home with an impressive 66ft.garden.

A substantial end of terrace family home with an abundance of charm and period features throughout.

4/5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, Reception room, Kitchen/family room, Dining room, Garden, EPC: F.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen/breakfast room, Conservatory, Garden, Cellar, Off-street parking, EPC: D.

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

Clapham South Sales 020 8675 4400 clapsthsales@dng.co.uk

£1,100,000 Freehold Chelverton Road SW15

£949,999 Freehold Temperley Road SW12

This fantastic five bedroom family house is ideally located just moments from all the facilities of Putney High Street.

Set in the heart of the Nightingale Triangle on a very sought-after street is this stunning house.

5 bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Cloakroom, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cellar, Garden, EPC: D.

2 double bedrooms, 1 further single bedroom, 2 en-suite bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Garden, EPC: C.

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

Balham Sales 020 86730191 balhamsales@dng.co.uk

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douglasandgordon.com

£795,000 Share of Freehold Griffin Gate SW15

£750,000 Freehold Abercrombie Street SW11

A delightful two bedroom apartment offering spacious accommodation and situated within this popular gated development.

An attractive, three double bedroom house situated in this popular road just off Battersea Park Road.

2 bedrooms, En-suite shower room, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Roof Terrace, Off-street parking, EPC: B.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, South-facing garden, Roof terrace, EPC: D.

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

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

£650,000 Leasehold Putney Bridge Road SW15

£525,000 Leasehold Lavenham Road SW18

This superb two bedroom split-level flat has recently been completely refurbished and is immaculately presented throughout.

Located within the sought-after Southfields Grid, this spacious split-level maisonette is presented in good condition.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Reception room, Bespoke kitchen, South-facing roof terrace, EPC: C.

2 bedrooms, Shower room, En-suite bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, First and second floors, EPC: D.

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

Southfields Sales Office: 020 8874 8822 sthfldssales@dng.co.uk

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71% WOULD PAY MORE

ÂŁ1,500 per week Unfurnished Charlwood Road SW15

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 fantastic opportunity to rent this superbly located, five bedroom, detached family house.

Putney Lettings Office: 020 8788 3333 putneylets@dng.co.uk

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen, Off street parking, Garden, EPC: C.

ÂŁ1,100 per week, Unfurnished Broomwood Road SW11

A recently refurbished five bedroom family home within walking distance to Northcote Road.

Battersea Lettings Office: 020 7924 2002 battlets@dng.co.uk

5 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Garden, EPC: D.

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ÂŁ950 per week Unfurnished Lessar Avenue SW4

A wonderful family home presented to a high standard throughout.

Clapham South Lettings Office: 020 8675 0888 clapsthlets@dng.co.uk

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Double reception room, Dining room, Kitchen, Garden, EPC: E.

ÂŁ900 per week Unfurnished Shandon Road SW4

A stunning family house on one of the most popular roads in the heart of Abbeville Village.

Clapham South Lettings Office: 020 8675 0888 clapsthlets@dng.co.uk

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden, EPC: C.

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ISO 9001 :2000 GB00411

The closest thing to a licensed agent in an unlicensed world.

£875 per week Unfurnished Caldervale Road SW4

£807 per week Furnished/Unfurnished Weiss Road SW15

A bright and spacious family home, moments from Clapham common.

A beautifully presented family home, ideally placed for the facilities of Putney High Street and some of West Putney’s best schools.

4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Cloakroom, Fully fitted kitchen, Reception room, Garden, EPC: D.

4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Eat-in kitchen, Patio garden, Available in August, EPC: D.

Clapham South Lettings Office: 020 8675 0888 clapsthlets@dng.co.uk

Putney Lettings Office: 020 8788 3333 putneylets@dng.co.uk

£795 per week Unfurnished Calbourne Road SW12

£700 per week Unfurnished Overstrand Mansions SW11

A well presented and neutrally decorated family home conveniently located in the Nightingale Triangle.

A fantastic opportunity to live in one of Battersea’s most sought after Mansion Blocks.

Master bedroom with en-suite, 3 further double bedrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden, EPC: E.

3 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Double reception room, Kitchen/Breakfast room, EPC: C.

Battersea Lettings Office: 020 7924 2002 battlets@dng.co.uk

Battersea Park Road Office: 020 7498 5243 battpklets@dng.co.uk

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£623 per week Unfurnished Engadine Street SW18

£575 per week Unfurnished Montholme Road SW11

A beautifully presented three bedroom family house with fantastic entertaining space.

A stunning two bedroom garden flat perfect for a couple or for two professional sharers.

3 bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/dining/family room, Cloakroom, Garden, EPC: D.

Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, Second bedroom, Reception/kitchen room, Garden, EPC: C.

Southfields Lettings Office: 020 8874 8844 sthfldslets@dng.co.uk

Battersea Lettings Office: 020 7924 2002 battlets@dng.co.uk

£525 per week Furnished Trade Tower SW11

£460 per week Unfurnished Wandsworth High Street SW18

A spacious and stylish two bedroom apartment situated within this popular development.

A spacious and trendy loft style apartment in the heart of Wandsworth with a large roof terrace.

1 double bedroom, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Underground parking space, Concierge, EPC: C.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Open-plan reception room/ kitchen, Terrace, EPC: D.

Battersea Park Road Office: 020 7498 5243 battpklets@dng.co.uk

Southfields Lettings Office: 020 8874 8844 sthfldslets@dng.co.uk

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A website worth a gander douglasandgordon.com

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