WEST AUGUST 2014 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ABSOLUTELY West AUGUST 2014 £3.95

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

ROCK PROFILES MARK ELLEN'S STAR STORIES

JAMIE CATTO LIFE AFTER FAITHLESS

HELLO, SUNSHINE PACK YOUR SUITCASE, SUMMER'S ARRIVED

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY COVERS AUGUST 15.indd 1

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Craven Avenue, W5 This wonderful six bedroom double fronted detached house has been fully modernised by the current owners, providing plenty of lateral living space. There is also the benefit of two off street parking spaces to the front.Craven Avenue is tucked away in a cul-de-sac, away from passing traffic. The property is centrally located to Ealing Broadway. EPC: D

£1,450,000 Freehold • • • • •

Detached Six Bedroom House Data and Ariel Connections in all Rooms Outside Security Cameras Digital Mood Lighting and Controls Grohe Luxury Fittings in Bathrooms

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

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Riverside Lodge, W4 A stunning and modern end of terrace five bedroom town house overlooking the River Thames on Chiswick Mall. The house is divided over five floors and boasts a cinema room, a gymnasium, secure parking, five double bedrooms and unrivalled views of the River Thames. EPC:B

£3,995,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Five Bedrooms Four Reception Rooms Six Bathrooms Roof Terrace River Views 4129 Approx Square Foot

Hamptons Chiswick Sales. 020 8454 7601 | Lettings. 020 8454 7603

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27/06/2014 16:13

Flagship store now open We may be new to you but we have the experience of nearly 50 years delivering impeccably stylish, exquisitely designed products to consumers with different tastes and views.

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20/06/2014 15:50

Sale now on

387 Kings Road Chelsea, London SW10 0LR Tel: 020 7751 4586

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Summer essentials your way

There’s lots of flippin’ fun at Ealing Broadway this summer! www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk Free WiFi

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ABSOLUTELY

C ON TEN TS AUGUST‘14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 09 Editor’s Letter

CULTURE

16 What’s On This month’s diary

19 Come Away with Me Stephen Foster recommends his favourite classic travel reads

21 Mark Ellen The music journalist talks rock stars, bad reviews and Rihanna with Neil McKelvie

FASHION

30 Pool Party The summer’s hottest swimwear

HEALTH & BEAUTY 41 Fun in the Sun

Stock up on summer’s beauty essentials

43 Beauty Notes The latest tips and trends

FOOD & TRAVEL

48 History in the Baking A royal guide to cooking up a storm

53 Food Notes Essential foodie news

60 Let’s Go Outside Family-friendly camping across the UK

HOMES & GARDENS

67 Interior Inspirations The latest news, trends and local gems

74 Pitch Perfect Pendle Harte shows you how to set-up camp in your own garden

KIDS & EDUCATION 79 An Education ABSOLUTELY WEST

ABSOLUTELY CHISWICK

ABSOLUTELY ABSOLUTELY Chiswick West AUGUST 2014 £3.95

ROYAL RECIPES

THE CULINARY HISTORY OF HAMPTON COURT PALACE

ON THE ROAD

MUST-READ TRAVEL CLASSICS AUGUST 2014

AUGUST 2014

LIFE'S A BEACH S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY

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WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

SOAK UP THE SUN IN STYLE

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

MARK ELLEN

TALKS ROCK STARS, REVIEWS AND RIHANNA

AUGUST 2014 £3.95

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

ROCK PROFILES

JAMIE CATTO LIFE AFTER FAITHLESS

HELLO, SUNSHINE

Keeping them entertained

108 In their own words

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY 01/07/2014 14:35

CHISWICK: MELISSA ODABASH; ODABASH.COM WEST: MELISSA ODABAH; ODABASH.COM

Contents Chiswick.indd 7

81 Kids’ Notes

PROPERTY

PACK YOUR SUITCASE, SUMMER'S ARRIVED

COVERS AUGUST 14.indd 1

Amanda Constance talks to the founder of student essentials, the Connell Guides

MARK ELLEN'S STAR STORIES

Charles Lang, Sales Director of Chestertons, Chiswick

02/07/2014 11:52

“

Osbor ne Interiors did a fantastic job of designing and fitting our new kitchen. I couldn’t be happier with the results.

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

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

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“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability” - Sam Keen

hank you, Mr Keen, for so eloquently describing the laid-back attitude of summer – and for justifying its inherent laziness. Idle summer days remind me of school holidays; making daisy chains, rolling down hills and the heady scent of freshly cut grass. The days when holidays seemed to last an eternity are, sadly, long gone, but the joy of a fresh new summer never ceases to be a novelty. This month we pay homage to the Great British ‘staycation’. For whilst trapped in the office we yearn for far-flung, exotic beaches, London in the sun is quite extraordinary. Not only do we make the most out of those few gloriously hot days bestowed upon us, but spirits are instantly lifted. Amiably we flock to the nearest pub garden or park; we host impromptu barbecues and take pride in our gardens once more. Whilst whisking the family abroad is desirable, a holiday at home is just as memorable. In the Staycation Special, we’ve rounded up the best local pub gardens, the friendliest festivals and where to go camping with the whole family in tow. If you can’t quite face the nomadic lifestyle (or the toilets), Pendle Harte shows us how to set up camp in your own back garden on page 74. If you’re in the mood for a dose of culture, Neil McKelvie talks to Mark Ellen on page 21, the music writer and editor who’s shared the stage with Tony Blair, hung out on Rihanna’s private jet and got (very) up-close-and-personal with Lady Gaga. Enjoy il dolce far niente. niente. Until next month.

Gemma Billington, Editor

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PERMANENTLY BARD IN ASSOCIATION WITH FULLER’S INNS PRESENTS

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

EDITOR Gemma Billington EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Catherine Hales EDITORIAL INTERN Louise Godwin EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Kate Gould, Neil McKelvie, Anthony Motler ADVERTISING MANAGER Rollo Dennison CENTRAL & WEST PROPERTY MANAGER Leah Day PROPERTY EDITOR Lucie Pearce ART DIRECTOR Ray Searle PRODUCTION MANAGER Stewart Hyde SENIOR DESIGNER Pawel Kuba MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER Gemma Isteed DESIGNER Ekrem Yilmaz JUNIOR DESIGNER Rebecca Noonan PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER Andrew Mavin COPY CONTROLLER Christine Mann FINANCE DIRECTOR Alexandra Hvid FINANCE MANAGER Marianne McFadden DIRECTORS Greg Hughes, Alexandra Hunter MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout For editorial enquiries please email: alex.jones@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details. Published by ZEST MEDIA PUBLICATIONS LTD, 213 WESTBOURNE STUDIOS, ACKLAM ROAD W10 5JJ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

www.zest-media.com

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

A PLAY & A PINT? In 2010, Theatre Producer Tom Tucker dreamed up the idea of staging Shakespeare in his beer garden at the Rose & Crown in Ealing. By 2013, Tucker had founded Permanently Bard, a theatre company dedicated to the production of Shakespeare plays in pubs. This summer, the company will be touring with a production of the Bard’s most popular play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, across 12 pubs in the south of England. Fuller’s Inns Managing Director, Jonathon Swaine, said: “In this day and age, the more events that we can stage to help connect people like this together, as opposed to being in front of our TVs on our sofas, the better.”

To book your ticket in one of our Twelve Gardens: 16-19 JULY, Castle, Harrow, castle-harrow.co.uk/whats-on 23-24 JULY White Buck Burley, whitebuckburley.co.uk/whats-on 25 JULY Red Lion Chalton, redlionchalton.co.uk/whats-on 26-27 JULY Turks Head Twickenham, turksheadtwickenham.co.uk/whats-on 2-3 AUGUST The Boater, Bath, boaterbath.co.uk/whats-on 8-9 AUGUST Pilot Greenwich, pilotgreenwich.co.uk/whats-on 14-15 AUGUST The Mill Elstead, millelstead.co.uk/whats-on 16-17 AUGUST King & Queen, Caterham, kingandqueencaterham.co.uk/whats-on 21-23 AUGUST Duke of Kent, Ealing, dukeofkent.co.uk/whats-on 29 AUGUST Red Lion Chalton, redlionchalton.co.uk/whats-on 30-31 AUGUST Links Tavern, Liphook, links-liphook.co.uk/whats-on 4-6 SEPTEMBER Rose & Crown Ealing, roseandcrownealing.co.uk/whats-on 12-13 SEPTEMBER Red Lion Barnes, red-lion-barnes.co.uk/whats-on

TICKETS £12/£10 ELIZABETHAN PICNIC BASKETS AVAILABLE, CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR DETAILS OR EVENTBRITE.CO.UK

02/07/2014 11:45

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ARTS & CULTURE AUGUST 2014

A FINE VINTAGE

We normally associate images of the past with black & white photography, but in Vintage London, Gavin Whitelaw has collated an incredible collection of images of the capital taken at a time when colour photography was in its infancy. Vintage London: The Capital in Colour 1910 - 60 by Gavin Whitelaw, ÂŁ20; The History Press 13

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01/07/2014 12:33

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

10 THINGS WE

ABSOLUTELY

Published by Assouline, Oscar de la Renta: The Style, Inspiration and Life of Oscar de la Renta is a tribute to one of the fashion world’s most celebrated designers, and is crammed full of gorgeous photos and famous faces. £80; assouline.com

KNOMO

Designed specifically for busy Londoners on the go, Knomo bags not only look the part in plush leather and rich colours, but they’re durable and cleverly designed to hold every kind of modern gizmo, from iPads to Kindles. Some designs even come with a builtin charger and cable. knomobags.com

L O V E

CARLUCCIO'S

If your picnic making skills aren’t quite up to scratch, you can always rely on Carluccio’s, who have put together a rather special two-course hamper for al fresco dining. Choose from a Classic, Vegetarian or even one for the kids, all packed with delicious Italian favourites like pasta salads, focaccia and ovenroasted vegetables. 5-6 The Green, Ealing, London, W5; carluccios.com

ST M UAV E H

TED BAKER HEADPHONES

The new audio range from Ted Baker includes these fabulous luxe headphones. £179, Ted Baker, Westfield, W12; tedbaker.com

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FIELD CANDY Staycationing it this year? (Yes, we just made that word up). If you’re roughing it in the great outdoors then treat yourself to one of Field Candy’s uniquely brilliant designs. With more collaborations, styles and even personalisable options being added every season, you’ll never be in danger of losing your tent amongst the masses. fieldcandy.com

BEACH BALL LIGHTS

These quirky, nostalgic beach ball lights by TOBYhouse will evoke endless summer holidays and days at the seaside. £90; beachballlights.com

ed i

to r

’s

K PIC

THE WHITE COMPANY

©Bruce Weber Vogue, Condé Nast

Not only do The White Company sell the most luxurious bed linen and scented candles around, but they’ve recently expanded their repertoire with the introduction of a new line of wall art. This bespoke block print poster serves as a nice little mantra to get you through the day. £50 (unframed), The White Company, Westfield, W12; thewhitecompany.com

BERN WATTS HELMET

Caz Nicklin, the Chiswick-based founder of stylish cycling accessory website, cyclechic.co.uk, has added these fantastic limited edition Bern helmets to her range. Emblazoned with a cool London skyline design by artist Clare Halifax, the unisex helmets are available in matte black and satin white. Catch them while you can. £49.99; cyclechic.co.uk

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

Beauty junkies everywhere take note: Aromatherapy Associates have packaged up their awardwinning products into this pretty, travel-sized beauty bag. What more could you possibly need? £95; aromatherapyassociates.com

OLIVER BONAS

Everyone knows that accessories make the outfit, none more so than the talented chaps at Oliver Bonas, who have come up trumps with a range of colourful statement jewellery. Perfect for holidays, festivals and everything inbetween. Fusion Handmade Necklace, £59, Oliver Bonas, 24 Turnham Green Terrace, W4; oliverbonas.com

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01/07/2014 12:21

What’s On AUG UST

NEPHEW

17 August O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE

Danish rockers Nephew are heading to London for one night only to play the iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire. One of Denmark’s most popular musical acts, audience members should expect the ir signature unusual mixture of Danish and English lyrics and a powerful live show, with both an electronic and rocky edge. Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12; o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

KATE BUSH

BAT WALK

26 August - 1 October EVENTIM APOLLO

7 - 24 August LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

The mad scramble for tickets when Kate Bush announced she would be performing live for the fi rst time in 35 years will either be remembered with glee or with profound disappointment by many fans depending on the outcome of their attempts. Luckily, due to demand, seven more dates have been added to the run, meaning there may still be some chance of seeing the legend live - happy hunting! 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6; eventimapollo.com

Discover the magical and mysterious world of bats at the London Wetland Centre this August. The Bat Walks give visitors the chance not only to see these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics, but also learn more about them with a talk by one of WWT’s bat experts in the theatre before heading out to the reserve to see and hear these amazing creatures chattering and flying overhead.Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13; wwt.org.uk

REASON & INTUITION 4 July - 24 August PITZHANGER MANOR

Reason & Intuition: Alvar Aalto & Ola Kolehmainen in Soane brings together the work of modernist architect and designer Alvar Aalto and contemporary Finnish artist Ola Kolehmainen. Alvar Aalto’s creations will fi ll Soane’s dream home acting as a counterpoint to the historic rooms, whilst Kolehmainen is displayed in the gallery. Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, W5; pitzhanger.org.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

DUKES MEADOWS SUMMER FUN

24 August DUKES MEADOWS

If you fancy spending a weekend with the kids doing something a little out of the ordinary, Donkey Sanctuary approved Hunts Racing Donkeys will be offereing rides to adventurous tots all day as part of the Dukes Meadows Summer Fun. The rides will take place by the paddling pool meaning kids can go for a dip between rides and those who prefer to watch can have a splash around. Market Drive, W4; dukesmeadowstrust.org.uk

DRAG KING RICHARD III

28 July - 3 August RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

According to The Times, ‘No one can afford to miss Drag King Richard III’ - so don’t! Th is highly acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s historic epic transforms the play into a black comedy exploration of transgender identity. Terri Power joins together with STANCE Theatre to plumb the female to male transition to fi nd laughter, tears, and enlightenment in what may be the least predictable Shakespeare adaptation ever staged. 1 Crisp Road, W6; riversidestudios.co.uk

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 8-9 August OLYMPIA WEST

An opportunity to discover the bright stars of the African fashion world, right here in London. For two days the catwalks will be awash with established and emerging talent, providing buyers, industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts with the chance to see exactly what Africa has to offer, Hammersmith Road, W14 olympia.co.uk

GOLDFINGER

22 August CHISWICK HOUSE

Outdoor cinema has become a staple of the summer cultural calendar and Chiswick has no intention of being left out of the loop. Catch 007 himself on the big screen at Chiswick House, in one of the most famous fl icks in the James Bond canon.As 007 begins to investigate the somewhat sinister dealings of gold magnate Auric Goldfi nger, he uncovers a nefarious plan to attack the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. Chiswick House, W4; chgt.org.uk

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01/07/2014 15:33

JO BLU Salon

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

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www.joblusalon.co.uk • info@joblusalon.co.uk

02/07/2014 11:15

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ARTS & CULTURE

Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel (2002) Not really a travel book at all, Alain de Botton looks at why we travel; to be somewhere other than home, and the expectations and disappointments that brings. His brand of popular philosophy lends itself well to picking through our common experiences of travel, be that work or play, and he draws on the writing of artists and writers to illustrate his points. Penguin

Robert Byron

The Road Less

TRAVELED

Fosters’ Bookshop owner Stephen Foster recommends his favourite travel classics for some inspired summer reading

Patrick Leigh Fermor

The Road to Oxiana (1937) Byron’s book, traveling from Venice through to India via the Middle East in the 1930s, is surely the benchmark of modern travel writing. Bruce Chatwin, author of the excellent, if inventive, In Patagonia, thought this a sacred text. Rich language, and a deep understanding of his subject make you wish you were at his side. Penguin Classics

A Time of Gifts (1977) This is a wordy book that requires some concentration and effort. However, the beautiful language is more than reward. A Time of Gifts is the first volume of a trilogy, the third of which was published posthumously last year. In the 1930s, aged 18, Leigh Fermor walked to Constantinople. Inter-war Europe still had something of the Old World and, writing 40 years later, he created a modern classic as he reflects beautifully on the world of his youth. His school report had said he was ‘a dangerous mixture of sophistication and recklessness’, and this stood him in good stead in the war. His knowledge of Modern Greek allowed him to serve as a SOE officer in Crete, hiding in the mountains, and coordinating the Cretan resistance. Hodder & Stoughton

Eric Newby

A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush (1958)

J. G. Links

Venice for Pleasure (1966) “Its simple object is to guide the reader to places he might otherwise miss and, having reached them, to tell him what he might wish to know and then leave him, preferably at a café..." – J.G. Links This book changed the way I visited cities. Links' circular walks will take you off the beaten track, and his easy, witty style and knowledgeable comments help you to see the history and art of the place. No ticking sites off the list, it’s more about soaking it all up. He’s just as likely to recommend a café as a museum. Links was the self-taught world authority on the Venetian painter, Canaletto, and his love affair with Venice started while on his honeymoon. If you can’t bear guidebooks, then Venice by Jan Morris is also excellent. Pallas Athene

Newby and pal make an ill-prepared attempt to scale an unconquered peak in Afghanistan – something a career in millinery and a brief bit of training in Wales haven’t prepared him for. Very English, and very funny, Newby is an extremely readable author who, despite a woeful lack of preparation, has the adventurer’s spirit by the bucket load. HaperPress Portrait ©Leanne Dixon. For more books and recommendations, step into Fosters’ Bookshop, 183 Chiswick High Rd, W4; fostersbookshop.co.uk 19

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25/02/2014 14:49

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

FROM AN ARTICLE ABOUT HOW ‘AIR SYNTHESISER’ MIGHT REPLACE ‘AIR GUITAR’

ROCK PROFILES Mark Ellen’s wild and wonderful career – from jamming with Tony Blair to getting up close and personal with Lady Gaga – is the basis for his frank and funny autobiography, Rock Stars Stole my Life! Neil McKelvie meets the music journo at his Chiswick home

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01/07/2014 15:12

his will make me sound like a monstrous old fogey, but I can’t help it.’ The ex-bass player of Ian Bentley’s Rectal Prolapse settles into his chair, looking far from bothered. ‘I’m not at all keen on stage schools,’ he continues. ‘They are sausage factories. They drill teenagers in what to say and how to present themselves and make them work with professional songwriters to come up with a hit. Any individuality is knocked out.’ The founder member of Ugly Rumours, which featured one Tony Blair on vocals, is warming up nicely. ‘Take Christina Aguilera. I was mortified when she got rave reviews as a soul diva. I thought she was stone cold useless. She was just a technician, a good one mind you, running through ridiculously clichéd vocal gymnastics while trying to prove she was singing from the heart.’ By now, the esteemed editor who scoffed pâté de foie gras and rack of lamb in front of militant vegetarian Chrissie Hynde, is on a roll. ‘I find it hard to see Adele as the new star. I’m not saying I don’t like her. But she doesn’t inspire wonder and mystery. We need more artists with soul and depth, like Morrissey, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell or Captain Beefheart.’ The bass player, Blair band mate and committed carnivore firing off these trenchant views, albeit with a big smile, are one and the same person: Mark Ellen. That’s the same Mark Ellen who presented The Old Grey Whistle Test, anchored Live Aid for an audience of 1.9 billion and was one of the most influential magazine editors/founders (Smash Hits, Select, Q, Mojo, The Word) of his generation. We’re chatting in Mark’s Chiswick home. Clearly, he’s still passionate about music and, as his hugely entertaining autobiography, Rock Stars Stole My Life!, vividly chronicles, he’s still getting up close and personal with the hottest new artists. None more so than Lady Gaga, who treated him to a tour of her tattoos, ‘I was all over the place. The last time I’d seen every inch of a 25-year-old girl was when I was 25, and she hadn’t had a mythical creature inked on her arse.’ Mark also travelled with Rihanna aboard the ‘Bling Airbus’ on her infamous 777 tour, a global jaunt that cost three-quarters of a million dollars a day. As he wryly observes, the music industry has changed since he saved up his pocket money to buy Bernard Cribbins’ The Hole in the Ground. Mark grew up in Hampshire in ‘a household that was the perfect launch pad for a love affair with pop music – three elder sisters and parents who disapproved’ (his father once complained that Mark’s cherished copy of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats was damaging the

ENJOYING THE HOSPITALITY IN THE KNEBWORTH PRESS ENCLOSURE IN ‘78

“The wider your record collection, the more rich and colourful the music you might make” stylus). Having played in school bands (Ian Bentley’s Rectal Prolapse), and discovered that ‘if you hung a guitar around your neck it was a mild aphrodisiac,’ he arrived in Oxford in 1973 and, naturally, formed a group with three friends. Regrettably, none of Ugly Rumours was front man material. ‘We just wanted to pose and wave at girls,’ Mark recalls. A fellow student, Tony Blair, was recommended, auditioned and given the job. ‘He had a high voice with a fruity tone. And he was so keen. After one gig he said, “Guys” – he often started sentences with “guys” – “we could be much better if we rehearsed.” That hadn’t occurred to us.’ Also worth noting is the future PM’s Mick Jagger-inspired stage persona: ‘low-slung flares, bare midriff, one hand on his

THE EDITOR AT HIS DESK

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ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE hip, the other wagging a finger, elbows flapping like a chicken.’ Perhaps fortunately, Ugly Rumours never made it beyond Oxford’s college circuit and Mark moved to London, intent on breaking into music journalism. ‘There were only four options – Sounds, NME, Record Mirror and Melody Maker. I went to gigs every night, wrote unsolicited reviews and hand-delivered them the next morning.’ Persistence seemed to have paid off when, out of the blue, Record Mirror commissioned him to review Elvis Costello at the Nashville Rooms. Calm reflection might have raised suspicions about why a novice was chosen for such a major concert. However, excited by his big break, Mark headed to West Kensington, imagining a glamorous journalistic future… It was only post-gig, when he met Costello’s manager, Jake Riviera, that Mark’s bubble of optimism was well and truly burst. ‘Jake grabbed me, started banging my head against the wall and yelling, “We hate f***ing Record Mirror. We hate f***ing hippies.” I did have long hair and a velvet jacket. He threw me out. Walking home, I chucked the jacket away and next morning had my hair shorn.’ At the paper’s office, the truth was revealed. After Costello’s album had been reviewed less than enthusiastically, Riviera had threatened to “personally kill to bits” anyone from Record Mirror who showed up at the gig. It was, nonetheless, a much-needed foot in the door. Mark went on to write for the

BELOW: POSTER ADVERTISING UGLY RUMOURS AT A BENEFIT FOR THE LEFT-LEANING STRUMPET MAGAZINE, AND (ABOVE) THE FOUR OTHER MEMBERS OF THIS UNFEARSOME ROCK UNIT

NME (alongside Julie Birchall, Tony Parsons and Danny Baker) and that, in turn, led to television and The Old Grey Whistle Test, linking Live Aid in 1985 and subbing for John Peel on his iconic Radio 1 show. Among the many pleasures of Rock Stars Stole My Life! are the hilarious anecdotes and acute insights about the great, good and frankly atrociously behaved (step forward Roy Harper and Jimmy Page) of the music world. One of the most fascinating characters to emerge is John Peel. ‘I got to know him well,’ Mark tells me. ‘He was paranoid. He always thought he could be replaced, which was amazing given his status. When I sat in for him – he was supposed to be on holiday – he suddenly appeared in the control room. Peel looked at the microphone and said to me, “it’s like letting someone borrow your toothbrush . . . it’s like letting someone sleep with your wife.” Peel also loved his audience. He once took a Belgian listener on holiday with his family, booking him an extra room and driving him around. Can you imagine that?’ Equally intriguing is a pen portrait of the pre-Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant, who worked for Mark on Smash Hits. ‘He had immense musical knowledge – from Bolan and Bowie to classical and folk music. We were once talking about songwriting and I asked him, “what’s the greatest bridge ever written?” And Neil replied, “Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins.” That sums him up. I have a theory that the wider your record collection, the more rich and colourful the music you might make. That was true in Neil’s case.’ Chiswick has been home for Mark and his family since 1982, a time when ‘a three-bedroom Victorian cottage with a 45-foot garden went for £36,000.’ He loves the area and, in particular, W4’s Beatles heritage. ‘When I heard the tree in Chiswick House grounds that featured in the promo for Paperback Writer was being cut down, I cycled over – after I had stopped weeping and pulled myself together – and collected some of the wood.’ So, would Mark, I wonder, swap his career for bassplaying super-stardom? ‘When I was young, yes, because I wouldn’t have known any better. But now, I don’t envy anyone. I suppose if you push me, I’d love to be Garry Tallent in the E-Street Band. The bass parts are very simple and you’re on stage with Springsteen! Wouldn’t that be fun?’ Meanwhile, until The Boss calls, you can always catch Mark playing with his acoustic jazz/blues trio, Hell In A Hatbox, at venues in west London… Rock Stars Stole My Life! (Coronet) is available in hardback, eBook and audio format. For information about Hell In A Hatbox see facebook.com/ hellinahatbox 23

Lead intv - Mark Ellen.indd 23

01/07/2014 15:12

Keeping

Jamie Catto.indd 24

01/07/2014 14:49

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

the Faith Musician Jamie Catto tells Gemma Billington why he’s taken one giant leap into the world of filmmaking and teaching creative workshops

‘H

ow exhausting is it to maintain, for the people in your life, the mask of sanity?’ I’m talking to Jamie Catto, founding member of electronica band Faithless, filmmaker, musician and, more recently, workshop leader, over Skype. It’s approximately three minutes into our conversation when he asks me this and I’m thrown completely off balance. Of course, I’m usually the one asking the questions in these scenarios, but, really, how on earth does one respond to such a question? This wasn’t the first time that Jamie and I had spoken. I’d met him in person a few weeks prior to our Skype conversation during a break from his weekend Transforming Shadows workshop, held at LAMDA in Hammersmith. He’d stopped for a coffee and a sandwich at a nearby cafe and I picked his brains for five minutes; his flock, as it were, circling the table and hanging on to his every word. He wore a jazzy, psychedelic print t-shirt, a tribal tattoo poking from under the sleeve, and he shook a small, irritating maraca at random intervals, as if to aid his train of thought. I won’t lie; I found him utterly pretentious. The Jamie Catto I talk to a few weeks later, however, is instantly warm and affable. It takes time to tune into his language and he’s almost alarmingly candid, but I also find him clever, charming and totally enigmatic. The ideal characteristics of the philosophical teacher. Catto left Faithless in 1999 and joined forces with music producer-turned-filmmaker Duncan Bridgeman and together they created the high concept project ‘1 Giant Leap’. The pair set off around the world to record musical performances and interviews from high profile types such as Stephen Fry, Billy Connolly and Susan Sarandon, which were interwoven into the film 1 Giant Leap, released as both a DVD and music album. It received two Grammy nominations and the follow up, What About Me? was released in 2009. It was the success of this ongoing project that turned Jamie onto the idea of teaching workshops. ‘When we were doing the Q&As [with

the 1 Giant Leap film screenings] a lot of the subject matter and the things we’d talk about would get very personal,’ Jamie explains, ‘it’s amazing to be in the room when somebody has an ‘aha!’ moment. It’s just become a really exciting way to work as an artist alongside the films and music.’ So, what exactly does ‘Transforming Shadows’ (the name of his workshop) mean? ‘[The workshop] is about reclaiming dormant skills and amazingness. Reclaiming mojo,’ he answers. ‘The masks and the roles are what’s left when you’ve hidden away and suppressed all those lovely parts of yourself.’ ‘You are hiding, on a massive level, deep and

neurotic behaviour. We all are.’ He continues, ‘I think that we all feel we need to hide.’ So far, so abstract. He explains it in slightly more layman’s terms, using an example of an average 14-year-old; ‘It only takes one person at school going, “ugh, that’s so uncool” for them to never dress in colourful clothes again. We’re massively sculpted by those moments of negative feedback. It’s not just hiding what a neurotic, crazy freak you are, it’s that you have shut down dressing colourfully, or that you can draw, and that you have a lot to offer. We think we have far less gifts than we actually do.’

It’s this vulnerable teenager analogy that clicks and that resonates. ‘People think that if they’re their big, unapologetic self, they won’t be liked or they’ll be rejected,’ he contines. Beneath what I initially percieve to be pseudo-philosophical babble, the idea of hiding our true selves, of undiscovered talent, is universal. But are these spiritual workshops? ‘I try and avoid the spiritual side of it,’ he replies. ‘Not avoid, but I try not to dress it up, I try to keep it practical. This stuff is relevant whether you give a sh*t about spiritual stuff or not. We all make ourselves small.’ Such is Jamie’s passion and belief in what he’s doing that he’s planning to introduce his unique teachings into schools. ‘All children learn in many different ways,’ he explains, ‘this includes academic ways, but also visual ways, musical ways, physical and emotional ways as well as through stories. School is a filtering system for obedience. They don’t want maverick, one-off thinking, groundbreaking people in schools, which is weird because that’s what the planet needs. That’s what has given us leaps in technology and medicine; these crazy, one-off mavericks.’ ‘Obviously we have to have guidelines to respect each other.’ he continues, ‘but we also want to celebrate each other’s darkness and light.’ For those intrigued by the world and wisdom of Jamie Catto, his workshops continue to tour the country at various venues and festivals over the summer. His bursary system is incredibly flexible, as part of his all-inclusive, everyone-getsa-chance philosophy. Finally I bring our conversation back to 1 Giant Leap and ask him what he learned from his travels: ‘[I learned] everything that I’m teaching in the workshops,’ he responds, ‘Michelangelo said that the sculpture of David was already in the rock, he just had to remove the excess rock out of the way. I feel that way about people.’ You may not yet be convinced, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more impassioned teacher. With an open mind – and a little faith – a whole new world of possibilities awaits. For more information see jamiecatto.com 25

Jamie Catto.indd 25

01/07/2014 14:52

SHOWROOM OPEN MON - SAT 9AM - 5PM The Hersham Centre Molesey Road, Hersham Surrey KT12 4HL

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25/06/2014 06/05/2014 15:20 07:54

ABSOLUTELY

FASHION & STYLE AUGUST 2014

TUM IN THE SUN

Dare to bare this month and embrace fashionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest fetish: the exposed midriff. Jil Sander SS14, Available from Matches Fashion, 13 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9; matchesfashion.com

Fashion Opener.indd 27

01/07/2014 12:36

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01/07/2014 17:15

MY STYLE 01

03 07

ANNA GROTKAMP, FOUNDER OF B LONDON BOUTIQUE

1. WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT B LONDON BOUTIQUE? I have always travelled extensively and searched for good quality luxury resort wear all year round. Having a background in beauty and fashion gave me the idea of opening a one-stop luxury spa and boutique enabling customers to get holiday-ready under one roof. 2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BARNES? ANY FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUTS? I love the village feel and that everyone knows and speaks to each other. You’re in London but it feels like you’re in a small village. My favourite hangouts are Shop Nina for fashion, gifts and homeware and the fabulous Olympic Cinema for cocktails and movies.

3. WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON? My style icon is Carine Roitfeld, closely followed by my favourite bloggers Julie Sarinana (Sincerely Jules), Tash Sefton and Elle Ferguson.

4. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE CLOTHING/ACCESSORY DESIGNERS? I love J Brand or Donna Ida Denim for every day, as well as Givenchy & Saint Laurent for special pieces. My favourite accessory designer is Celine.

7. WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? A ring that used to belong to my grandma (who passed away a long time ago) and was given to me for my 30th birthday.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM OF CLOTHING OR SWIMWEAR THAT YOU STOCK AT B LONDON? My current favourite is the Vix Turquoise Ruda Snakeskin dress & our leopard ponyskin espadrilles. I also love all the Melissa Odabash kaftans.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART? I love The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh as well as a painting my sister painted for me.

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION? My all time favourite travel destination and my second home is Ibiza and Formentera.

9. WHEN TRAVELLING, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU PACK IN YOUR SUITCASE? A pair of classic Chanel espadrilles and my Kindle, followed by a Vix bikini and a sunhat. B London Boutique, 16 Barnes High Street, SW13; blondonboutique.com 29

Mood Board.indd 29

01/07/2014 15:21

TAKE ME TO MY BEACH

Go out all glam in summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest swimwear

Fashion Products.indd 30

01/07/2014 12:37

ABSOLUTELY

FASHION & STYLE

12 11

1. Maslin & Co Tiger Hide Beach Towel in Natural, £175; gift-library.com 2. Termite Eyewear, Base + Half Sunglasses in Violet, £160; termiteeyewear.com 3. The Strelitzia Deep V One Piece, £190; wearehandsome.com 4. Tokyo Kaftan in Sky Red Print, £605; daisydarche.com 5. Melissa Odabash St Barts Bikini, £172; blondonboutique.com 6. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Leaf Bikini Top, £28 and Briefs, £18; debenhams.com 7. Gardenia Shoes in Tan, £160; kurtgeiger.com 8. Frankie Pastel Gingham, £159; pistolpanties.com 9. Lazul Azurite Isis Tunic, £267; selfridges.com 10. David Iconique Black Cotton Kaftan, £77; miodestino.com 11. Miraclesuit Jena in Turquoise, £125; miodestino.com 12. Rani Bracelet, £65; plumo.com; 13. Greek Sandals, £65; plumo.com 14. Joubi Kosey rings, £65 each and Body Chain, £599; joubi.co.uk

Fashion Products.indd 31

01/07/2014 12:37

Fashion Shoot August.indd 32

03/07/2014 16:49

U N D E R

T H E

SUN

Classic tailoring mixed with statement jewellery and swimwear make for a summer of sophistication Photography: JAMES LUCAS Styling: HANNAH BECK

Entire look by Hasan Hejazi

Fashion Shoot August.indd 33

03/07/2014 16:49

White suit by Hasan Hejazi Cuff by Karla Ross

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03/07/2014 16:49

Body by I.D Sarrieri, Earrings by Karla Ross, Ring by Imogen Belfield

Fashion Shoot August.indd 35

03/07/2014 16:50

Swimsuit by Moeva Earrings and Cuff by Karla Ross

Photography: James Lucas Styling: Hannah Beck Hair and Make up: Alice Oliver using Bobbi Brown and Aveda Models: Elise Lebrun @ESTABLISHED and Leila Sharma-English @ESTABLISHED Production: Beauty & Pro beautyandpro.com. Shot on location at The Park Club (www.theparkculb.com)

Fashion Shoot August.indd 36

03/07/2014 16:50

ZAEM JAMAL.indd 2

17/06/2014 10:30

ABSOLUTELY

PROMOTION

“I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT” Jane Dowrick wanted some shoes to help her dance all night. Foot Solutions had the answer

rimary school teacher Jane Dowrick wanted to look her best for her son’s wedding. Being a keen dancer she was looking forward to stepping out onto the dance floor. But she faced a problem. As Jane explains, “I can’t wear high heels for very long because I suffer from back and hip pain. To make matters worse I also have a bunion.”

But she was determined to have a good time and decided to splash out on a new outfit for the day and a cocktail dress for the evening. However, she was still unsure what shoes she could wear for style and comfort. “I decided to visit Foot Solutions – and I’m so glad I did!” adds Jane. “I spent an hour with their staff undergoing tests and scans to monitor how I walked and pinpoint any problems. To my surprise they had a great range of fashionable heels. I chose a pair of gold Ziera shoes which were perfect. These together with the special custom inserts supplied by Foot Solutions meant I was ready for the big day. I was the first one on the dance floor and the last one off – I could have danced all night!” “The staff at Foot Solutions were so helpful and professional,” says Jane. “It was a genuinely lovely experience.” Contact the Richmond store on 020 8940 1814 to arrange a FREE foot analysis. Foot Solutions 4 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 1RW footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

WE MAKE FEET HAPPY! Correct footwear and arch supports can improve balance and posture and relieve pain.

At Foot Solutions, our trained consultants use high-tech foot scanning equipment and gait analysis to help find the perfect customised footwear and arch supports for your feet.

Visit our RICHMOND store today TO ARRANGE A FREE FOOT ANALYSIS call: 020 8940 1814 email: richmond-surrey@footsolutions.com FOOT SOLUTIONS, 4 RED LION STREET, RICHMOND, TW9 1RW /footrichmond @footrichmond

A short walk from Richmond station, opposite Pizza Express www.footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

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Foot Solutions Advertorial.indd 38

02/07/2014 11:58

ABSOLUTELY

HEALTH& BEAUTY AUGUST 2014

LIFE’S A BEACH

Add some seaside chic to your beauty bag with Ciaté’s mermaid inspired manicure. The Shell Manicure includes real crushed shells that create a unique and pretty pearlised finish. £20; ciate.co.uk 39

Beauty Opener.indd 39

01/07/2014 12:27

DESIGN • SUPPLY • INSTALL

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SUNBURY MAY.indd 2

26/03/2014 14:16

ABSOLUTELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY

kerastase.co.uk

Summer

BEAUTY

E S S E N T I A L S

5 6

Get into holiday mode with Absolutely’s summer must-haves 10

1. Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, £63; timetospa.co.uk 2. Colours of Brazil Summer Bronzing Compact, £30; clarins.co.uk 3. Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35, £19.50; murad.co.uk 4. Deborah Lippmann Stripper To Go, £10 for 6 mitts; harveynichols.com 5. Trevor Sorbie Straight Conditioner, £2.99 for 100ml; trevorsorbie.com; 6. Sunleÿa Age Minimising After Sun Care, £137; sisley-paris.com 7. Shiffa Healing Balm, £50; spacenk.com; 8. Legology Air-Lie Daily Lift for Legs, £60; myshowcase.com 9. Skyn Iceland Skin Hangover Kit, £17.50; marksandspencer.com 10. Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Body Lotion, £63; esthederm.com 11. The Mist by Creme de la Mer, £50; cremedelamer.co.uk 12. Tria Hair Removal Laser, £375; triabeauty.co.uk 13. Prada Candy Florale, £52; harrods.com

Summer Beauty Essentials.indd 41

03/07/2014 16:48

FEEL HOTTER THIS SUMMER Check our website for latest promotions

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ASC-FINAL.3.indd 2

01/07/2014 16:10

ABSOLUTELY

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Review

HERSHESONS BLOW DRY BAR ‘From the moment I walked into Hershesons Blow Dry Bar and was asked to select my ‘do’ from the wall of vast posters I knew this was not your standard blow out. I went for Smooth Wavy, which my stylist, Ellen Pebbles Parratt, executed with no fuss but lots of fun in 40 mins (usually appointment times are 30 mins, but I have a lot of hair). Ellen advised me not to brush it but to just ‘rough it up’ bed-head style and it lasted for a full three days. Genius.’ Each style costs £25 and walk-ins are available but they advise booking at weekends and evenings. By Arabella Preston Westfield, The Village, W12; hershesons.com

BEAUTY NOTES This month we’re experiencing carnival fever with the colourful new collection from Bio Sculpture

Aqua Fresh

TOTAL ECLIPSE

Perfectly capturing the scent of summer, Ghost’s new fragrance, Eclipse, is full of tropical citrus charm. Juicy top notes of lemon, mandarin, blackcurrant, peach and apple are balanced with base notes of amber and musk, keeping it seductive, not girly. Great for carefree summer days. £46.50 for 75ml, available from The Perfume Shop, Westfield White City, W12; theperfumeshop.com

This special birthday fragrance celebrates Acqua di Parma’s 10th anniversary. This Iris Nobile Eau de Parfum smells divine and is presented in an 18ct gold silkscreened bottle to boot. Perfecto. £108 for 100ml; acquadiparma.com/en

FINE PRINT

Just as you should change your make-up every three to six months, we believe that your wash bag should always be up-to-scratch too. We’re currently coveting the new line of smart and practical cosmetics bags (available in three different sizes) from queen of prints Orla Kiely. From £20, available at John Lewis, KT1; orlakiely.com

SHAKE YOUR TAIL FEATHER re you heading over to nearby Notting Hill Carnival this month? Even if you’re not taking part in London’s most hedonistic weekend, you can get into the party spirit with Bio Sculpture’s new Carnival collection of vibrant gel polishes. Search for local techinicans at biosculpture.co.uk

Beauty News.indd 43

01/07/2014 12:27

proudly presents

boomerang.indd 1

04/12/2013 16:56

A story about super-hot tresses, tender loving care and travel. It’s the new wave of summer hair. Go lighter, think brighter! STARRING: * Cloud Nine micro irons and The O revolutionary rollers * Awapuhi Wild Ginger by Paul Mitchell

WITH A SPECIAL APPEARANCE: Book a full price cut and blowdry with Francesca or Zoe, Monday–Friday, and receive 10 FREE FOILS. Quote ‘ABSOLUTELY’ magazines.

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

02/07/2014 10:49

ABSOLUTELY

PROMOTION specific, if it takes 5 minutes for your skin to start reddening (skin erythema) then SPF 50 should provide you with 50 times 5 minutes of protection – 250 minutes (just over 4 hours). If you can’t face doing the maths, don’t worry: as a general rule you shouldn’t spend more than two hours in the sun without re-applying your sunscreen regardless of the SPF. Any form of sunscreen is potentially bad for you if used or applied incorrectly or in insufficient quantity as it offers the false belief that we are safe, usually leading to an unhealthily prolonged spell in the sun. For this reason Dr Bela offers a guide for us all to follow: •

PERFECT SKIN Protecting your skin is paramount at this time of year. Trevor Bishop meets Dr Bela, Consultant Dermatologist at The Park Club’s MediSpa

he sun is out. We’re all suddenly so much happier and we just want to get outside and enjoy it. After all, this is England and we never know when the next sunny day will visit. But how many of us really know the facts; the significance of SPF, UPF, UVA or UVB? It’s interesting to consider the lengths we go to just to avoid a cold and yet, let’s be honest, we are generally quite blasé about skin cancer. As with all illness, prevention is better than cure and Park Club MediSpa Consultant Dermatlogist, Dr Bela, is keen to advise us all on how to prevent melanomas. Avoiding the sun would be one way, though it’s possibly not practical and certainly not likely for the majority of the sunstarved residents of our cloudy island. So the next best thing is to cover up with sun screen and appropriate clothing. There are two types of harmful ultraviolet rays that we need to protect ourselves against; ultraviolet A (long-wave) and ultraviolet B (shortwave) rays and the correct type and use of sunscreen is so important in our defence. UVB are the rays that cause damage to the

“THE SUN IS THE BIGGEST SINGLE ENEMY TO THE SKIN FOR 2 REASONS: MELANOMA, SKIN CANCER FORMATION AND AGING” epidermis (skin surface) while UVA penetrates beyond the epidermis into the dermis. It doesn’t cause any visible damage but it can penetrate glass and is the most potentially damaging in regards to skin cancer. The ideal sunscreen would be a waterproof, broad-spectrum (protecting you from UVA & UVB) high SPF factor sunscreen. In order to be called a broad-spectrum sun-screen, it will have undergone rigorous laboratory tests and should be at least SPF 15. Incidentally, SPF levels are not a measure of how much protection the sunscreen will provide you with, rather it is a measure of time in minutes that it will work for. To be

First of all, choose the product very carefully; don’t choose based on price, brand or bottle size. Consider all of the above and do your own research. Ideally, apply sunscreen twice in the morning to cool, dry skin, waiting at least 30 minutes between applications and at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.

•

Sunscreen is always the last step before foundation make-up, but applied after a barrier repair skincare product since sunscreen ingredients bind to the stratum corneum. This binding is prevented if one is already perspiring. Wearing make-up with SPF does not provide adequate coverage but it does, nonetheless, provide an extra layer of protection. All colours and types of skin should be using sunscreen.

UPF levels in clothing are worth taking into account as well as the sun’s rays penetrate unprotected materials. UPF is rated from 15 to 50+ with 15-24 classed as good, 25-39 as very good and 40-50+ classed as excellent. So, enjoy this great spell of weather for as long as it lasts but look after yourselves and if you have any doubts or suspicions, book in for a mole-check with Dr Bela. In fact, if you do so before the end of August, you will receive a 15% discount, not to mention the peace of mind.

For more information on skin protection, aesthetics, as well as expert mole checks and removals, please visit theparkclubmedispa. co.uk or contact The Park Club MediSpa on 020 8743 1900. 45

The Park Club Advertorial.indd 45

02/07/2014 11:19

MAXIMISING SPACE When space is at a premium, the ability to open up and extend our homes in attractive and flexible ways has never been more important. With many glazing products on the market, finding the right one for you is harder than it sounds. At ODC, we believe that if quality and aesthetics matter equally to your brief, then we can help. In fact, we know that we will find a glazing solution to delight you. Quite simply, our business depends on it. ODC TRADING LTD

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OR CONTACT OUR DEDICATED DESIGN TEAM ON 020 8896 3019

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02/07/2014 10:36

ABSOLUTELY

FOOD & TRAVEL AUGUST 2014

SWEETNESS & LIGHT

Part of the new summer patisserie menu at indulgent French bakery Maison Blanc, the Mousse Pomme is a delicate sweet treat of vanilla sponge and apple mousse with a raspberry centre, topped off with a white chocolate leaf. It’s almost too beautiful to eat. Well, almost… Maison Blanc, 26 – 28 Chiswick High Road, W4; maisonblanc.co.uk 47

Food Opener.indd 47

01/07/2014 14:40

A new book of sweet and savoury recipes is inspired by London’s Royal Palaces. Absolutely takes a look inside King Henry VIII’s kitchens at Hampton Court Palace

History in the Baking

enry VIII was a monarch renowned for his love of lavish abundance – whether it was women, food, palaces or sport, Henry indulged his passions on a grand scale. So when he took over Hampton Court Palace in 1529, one of the first projects he embarked upon was to increase the size of the palace kitchens. While Henry’s own meals were served to him in his lodgings from a private kitchen, he travelled with a vast entourage of around 600 courtiers, all of whom were entitled to meals at the palace twice a day and he needed kitchens large enough to provide for them. By the time the builders had finished, Hampton Court boasted around 55 rooms devoted to food production, staffed by 200 people. Henry was a generous patron and the meals served were by no means meagre or uninspired. A Tudor diner at court, depending on their status, could expect to be served a wide range of fresh produce, from copious quantities of meat – roast beef or mutton and hearty stews – to freshly baked breads and a variety of fruit and vegetables grown in the palace gardens. On feast days or special occasions, Henry would dine with the court, seated at a top

table surrounded by his most favoured guests. Elaborate banquets, often lasting several hours, would be prepared, and included an array of luxury ingredients, including swan, venison, salmon and porpoise. Henry is famous for having a sweet tooth and ‘sweetmeats’, crystallised or honeyed fruits, sugared almonds, jellies or marzipan sculptures were an important part of his regal feast, all prepared in his confectionery kitchens. During the sixteenth century sugar was still a highly expensive commodity and

serving sweet confections was seen as a mark of extravagance and luxury – naturally they featured prominently on the monarch’s banqueting table. Inevitably, monarchs that followed Henry VIII needed to update the Hampton Court kitchens, but areas of the original Tudor kitchens have survived and visitors to Hampton Court can still marvel at the facilities available to sixteenth-century cooks. Tea Fit for a Queen (Ebury Press, hardback £10)

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PARMESAN AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO SCONES MAKES 8 Serving these moreish little savoury scones alongside their sweet counterparts are the perfect balance to all the sugar. They’re best served warm straight from the oven with a slick of butter or leave them to cool then halve and fill them with sprigs of pea shoots or watercress. • 225g self-raising flour • a good pinch of salt • 50g unsalted butter, cubed, plus extra to serve • 40g Parmesan, finely grated • 3–4 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked • 40g sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped, plus 8 pieces to decorate • 125–150ml milk, plus extra for brushing • pea shoots or watercress, to serve 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

2. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the Parmesan, thyme leaves and chopped sundried tomatoes. 3. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk. Use a round-bladed knife to stir everything together to make a rough dough. Bring it together with your hands then tip it gently on to a board and knead it lightly and quickly until the dough is smooth. 4. Pat down and shape into a round, about 2.5cm thick. Cut out 8 rounds using a 6cm cutter, re-rolling the dough as necessary, then place on the prepared baking sheet. Push a piece of sun-dried tomato into the top of each one. Brush with a little milk and bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until just golden.

BLOOD VELVET CAKE SERVES 10 When ‘Colonel’ Thomas Blood tried to steal the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London was almost divested of its most precious treasures. Fortunately, his attempt was thwarted and the Tower’s happy triumph over the thief is still commemorated there today with this chocolate-flavoured, blood-red coloured cake. It’s finished with a cream cheese icing and a nod to the historic event – chocolate crowns. • 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease • 250g golden caster sugar • 2 large eggs, at room temperature • 175g plain flour • 25g cocoa powder, plus extra to dust

5. Serve spread with a little butter and stuffed with a few pea shoots or watercress leaves. Store, unfilled, in an airtight container for up to three days.

• 100ml buttermilk • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • ½ tbsp red wine vinegar • 1½ tbsp edible red food colouring paste FOR THE CHOCOLATE CROWNS AND ICING • 50g dark chocolate (minimum 50 per cent cocoa solids), broken into pieces • 75g unsalted butter, softened • 125g icing sugar • 250g cream cheese 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4. Grease and line a deep 16cm round cake tin. Whisk together the butter and sugar until soft and creamy. Gradually whisk in the eggs, adding a spoonful of flour if the mixture looks as if it’s curdling. 2. Sift over the remaining flour and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and food colouring paste together. Add to the flour mixture and fold everything together. Spoon into the tin and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the tin and leave to cool on a wire rack. 3. For the chocolate crowns, put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl, resting over a pan of simmering water. As soon as the chocolate has melted, allow to cool for 5 minutes. Cover a baking sheet with baking parchment. Spoon the chocolate into a small plastic bag, snip the very tip of one of the bag’s bottom corners and pipe the shape of crowns by outlining three loops together, a bar underneath and a dot on top of the middle loop for a ‘jewel’. Pipe more crowns than you need so you can choose the best shapes. Leave to set at room temperature. 4. For the icing, beat the butter and icing sugar together, then fold in the cream cheese until smooth. Carefully peel away the paper from the cake. Put two large tablespoons of icing aside, then spoon one tablespoon on top of the cake. Smooth it over to cover, then work the mixture around the sides. Spoon the remaining mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe three swirls in the centre of the cake. Push a chocolate crown into each and serve.

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www.danielstores.co.uk www.danielstores.co.uk

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Take it Outside Whether it’s a swift half at lunchtime, an afterwork pint or a boozy weekender, summer is all about al fresco indulgence. Here’s Absolutely’s pick of the best local pub gardens and outdoor spaces

REVOLUTION, RICHMOND BEST FOR: Cocktail hour Although Revolution Richmond has well and truly shaken off its student roots, it still manages to combine a sense of sophistication with a full-on party vibe. Pop in for a lunchtime treat of well-presented American diner style food or make an evening of it with Revolution’s extensive (and famous) cocktail menu whilst enjoying fabulous views of the river from the beautiful balcony (pictured). Perfect for summer parties and soirées. revolution-bars.co.uk

and you’ve found yourself a pub that you could happily spend the whole summer in. geronimo-inns.co.uk/london-the-eagle

THE VICTORIA, EAST SHEEN

THE TAP ON THE LINE, KEW

THE EAGLE, SHEPHERD’S BUSH BEST FOR: Garden parties Located the proverbial stone’s throw away from Ravenscourt Park, The Eagle is becoming famous across London for having one of the city’s hippest and most photogenic pub gardens. Get your camera phone ready to take it all in; from the cheery bunting to the large, colourful lounging cushions, deck chairs and even beach hut style seating areas. Throw into the mix some delicious lunch, dinner and BBQ menus

BEST FOR: Something a little different Don’t let the fact that the Tap on the Line is located on a London Underground platform put you off. In fact, the Tap’s unique location is what makes it really rather special. Recently refurbished, this pub has charm by the bucketload and is set on the platform at Kew Gardens station. The outdoor seating area is absolutely beautiful, with potted plants and flowering arched trellises. If the weather turns sour, you can always take shelter in the gorgeous glass conservatory area. It’s also good to know that you’re not in any real danger of missing the last train home. Unless you get a little carried away with the Pimm’s, of course… tapontheline.co.uk

THE VICTORIA, EAST SHEEN BEST FOR: Sophisticated dining Located north of Richmond Park, The Victoria is a picture postcard public house-cum-boutique

hotel. But it’s not just its idyllic setting that pulls in the crowds. With top restauranter Greg Bellamy and Michelin-starred chef Paul Merrett at the culinary helm, this little East Sheen gem is a must for food lovers. During the summer, relax in the garden or in the pretty conservatory dining area and enjoy the special Garden Kitchen Menu, which includes charcuterie, sharing platters, steaks and chargrilled fish of the day. thevictoria.net

THE AERONAUT, ACTON BEST FOR: Fun and games More than just a place to grab a quick pint, The Aeronaut doubles as a circus as well; hosting cabaret, acrobatics and other kinds of circus performances every Friday and Saturday. The Aeronaut’s large garden is worth a visit alone, and more than lives up to this unique and eccentric establishment. We love the funfair style shacks and lighting (especially once the sun has set) and you can expect plenty of al fresco entertainment and events over the summer. drinkinlondon.co.uk/aeronaut 51

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PROMOTION

New look pub hits the bull’s eye Warm and welcoming, individual and interesting – local residents have been charging back in to the new-look Bulls Head since its extensive refurbishment at the end of June

he Bulls Head, on the Strand on the Green, has fi rmly stamped T its way back into the centre of Chiswick’s busy pub scene, boasting an enchanting revamped interior; all delivered with the truly great standards expected of a local pub. Ideally located on the north bank of the Thames, with cracking views up and down the river towpath, the Bulls Head is a summer must-visit and the perfect place to enjoy pub dining, al fresco. Opposite the pub is Oliver’s Island, named after Cromwell, who it is believed made the Inn his headquarters at various times during the Civil War when seeking refuge on the island. Inside, the refreshed well-thought-out décor has preserved all the best features of this traditional Grade II listed 18th Century Inn – including low ceilings, cosy corners, nooks and crannies, wooden beams and worn flagstones – combining its period charm with some fresh, contemporary touches. General Manager Stephen King said: “We wanted to take the bull by the horns with our new makeover and achieve the wow-factor – something I truly believe we have delivered. We have taken all the elements of what makes a historical pub great and added the best of modern food and drink. “We have also invested in the Bulls Head riverside garden, making it an ideal summer spot for local residents and walkers alike to enjoy a taste of the great outdoors as well as a traditional pub experience. “We look forward to sharing it with lots of returning and new guests over the coming few weeks.”

featuring mains such as hand-battered fish and chips; and creamy chicken and mushroom pie. Plus, the two-course set evening menu for £12, from 4pm Monday to Thursday, including the ever-popular Brewer’s Chicken; and the Gourmet Burger. The drinks menu is as equally as enticing with an exciting range of drinks to suit every taste and budget, from award-winning wines to cask and craft ales, bottled lagers, ciders and soft drinks.

If you like timeless pub classics, hearty portion sizes and big, bold flavours, then the new menu is sure to be a favourite too. Typical starters include farmhouse pate with cider and Galloway mustard served with toasted bloomer bread and ale chutney (£5.49); seared scallops with black pudding, crispy prosciutto and fresh asparagus with a honey and mustard dressing (£6.99); and spicy coated whitebait with tartare sauce (£4.99). The main event features dishes such as two lightly grilled sea bass fi llets served with pan-fried scallops over a delicate crayfish, pea and chive risotto (£13.99); breast of duck served pink on a bed of egg noodles, tossed in sweet chilli sauce and served with wilted pak choi and sesame seeds (£14.49); and a 35-day matured 8oz sirloin steak, cooked to your liking and served with chips, onion rings and a grilled tomato (£13.99). There is also the set lunch menu available from £5, 12pm – 4pm Monday to Saturday,

Open Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 23:00 and Sunday 12:00 – 22:00; a warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you at the new-look Bulls Head. Bulls Head 15 Strand on the Green, Chiswick, W4 3PQ T: 0208 994 1204 A little treat just for you... £10 off food when you spend £30 or more. Just bring your copy of Absolutely along with you Valid Monday to Thursday only 7th – 23rd July This offer entitles the Guest to £10 off food when £30 or more is spent on food from our main or specials menus. The voucher must be redeemed at the Bulls Head. Offer excludes Lunch Menu, Evening Set Menu, Sunday Roast Menu & Children’s Menu. Valid Monday to Thursday, 7th – 23rd July 2014. Only one £10 discount per voucher, one voucher per person, one voucher per table. This offer must be surrendered upon use. Copied, defaced or damaged vouchers will not be accepted. Cash value of this voucher £0.00000001. This voucher is not transferable. Offer subject to availability. We reserve the right to cancel, amend or withdraw this offer at any time. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with Tesco vouchers, Gourmet society cards or with Spirit employee vouchers including friends & family vouchers. Offer available to over 18s only. www.drinkaware.co.uk. Promoter: Chef & Brewer, Sunrise House, Ninth Avenue, Burton-UponTrent, Staffordshire, DE14 3JZ.

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Recipe

THE KEW-CUMBER Whet your whistle at the Gin & Tonics pop-up, part of Kew Gardens’ summerlong celebrations of the power of plants. Here, the team behind The Gin Garden (a travelling gin garden, of course!) have offered us a refreshing Kew-themed cocktail recipe. ‘We created this drink to celebrate our residency at Kew Gardens as part of their Plantasia festival. Not only does it taste delicious, it’s good for you too! The Kew-cumber is easy to make at home, containing only a few ingredients, and because its mixer is freshly pressed cucumber juice and sparkling water, it isn’t overly sweet and extremely thirst quenching – the perfect drink for hot afternoons in the garden.’

FOOD NOTES

It’s gin o’clock at Kew Gardens this summer and the Sindercome Social comes to Shepherd’s Bush

INGREDIENTS 35ml cucumber infused No.3 London Dry Gin (infuse your gin with sliced cucumbers for 48 hours) 5ml lime juice 5ml basil and mint syrup (simmer water and sugar to from a simple syrup then add herbs, keep on heat for 5 mins, strain and bottle) Top with freshly pressed (juiced) cucumber juice which has been diluted with sparkling water - 1 part cucumber juice to 10 parts sparkling water Fill a high ball glass with ice and add the ingredients above, stir and garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint. Plantasia runs until 7 September; kew.org; gingarden.com

DID YOU KNOW? Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus and belong to the same botanical family as melons and squashes. Fresh extracts from cucumbers provide us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top of the phytonutrient list for cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits.

TIME FOR THAI

Modern Thai eatery, Busaba Eathai, have opened their eleventh restaurant along the river in Kingston. We love the sleek interior, communal-style tables (so much more sociable, don’t you think?) and, of course, the delicious stir-frys, curries, sides and salads. 4 Riverside Walk, KT1; busaba.com

Born in the USA

American cuisine isn’t exactly the stuff of Michelin-starred menus but one thing you can rely on is that it’s damn tasty. Where else on Earth would you find such finger lickin’ stodge as chilli dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches? The good news is that you don’t have to take a trip across the pond to sample such delights, just head on down to Shepherd’s Bush’s hippest new joint, the American diner-inspired bar, restaurant and music venue, the Sindercombe Social. See you there. thesindercombesocial.co.uk

SUMMER IN A GLASS s there anything better than wiling away a lazy summer’s day doing absolutely nothing? Well, unless the only exercise you partake in is raising a glass of sparkling Sipsmith Summer Cup, of course. The west London copper distillers have come up trumps with their deliciously fruity summer offering. Simply serve 35ml of Summer Cup over a glass filled with ice, lemonade and a garnish of lemon. Cheers! From £19.35; sipsmith.com

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All aspects of home refurbishment kitchens, bathrooms & bedrooms

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Raising the Steaks Earlier this year, fiery chef Marco Pierre White opened his Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant at Syon Park Hotel. Anthony Motler heads over to see if it’s a cut above

ver the early part of his career, Marco Pierre White worked to carve out a reputation as the benchmark in modern cooking, becoming one of the youngest chefs ever to achieve three Michelin stars and famed for creating innovative and meticulous dishes until his retirement from the kitchen in 1999. Since then, Pierre White has forged a career as a successful restaurateur, and in recent years has turned a carnivorous hand to steakhouses, opening a string of them across the country. The most recent addition is the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill at Hilton London Syon Park hotel. The menu promises new twists on old favourites as well as seasonal British produce, perfectly suiting the restaurant’s surroundings within the grounds of the sprawling greenery of Syon Park, punctuated by Syon House, the august and regal stately home owned by The Duke of Northumberland Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted and led to our table, walking past a notably large number of differently posed photographs of Marco Pierre White thinking, chopping and generally being wistful. The staff, it must be noted, were outstanding, with an excellent knowledge of the menu and only too happy to venture an opinion or suggestion where required, creating a convivial atmosphere and rapport. We opted to start with potted duck with piccalilli for myself and a beetroot and goat’s cheese salad for my girlfriend and we were pleasantly rewarded for our choices. The sharp, tangy piccalilli cut through the rich, creamy duck wonderfully and provided an excellent initiation to proceedings. As we moved onto the entrées, I felt it would be remiss of me to avoid the steaks seeing as they are the centrepiece of this establishment, and duly chose a 16oz T-Bone, served with onion rings and chips. It was immensely satisfying with the beautifully crisp and golden onion rings complementing it perfectly. Our other entrée, the lemon and rosemary chicken, served with truffle

chips, had a wonderful depth of flavour and was delightfully presented. To round things off we went for a dessert sharing platter to get an overview and it didn’t disappoint, with the sticky toffee pudding proving a highlight. Then it was on to the stylish outer bar of the hotel for cocktails. Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill at Hilton Syon Park provides great service and a wonderful setting for an

evening out. Given that it had, at the time of visiting, only been open for six weeks, you get the distinct impression that the best is yet to come from the newest addition to the Pierre White portfolio, and that is something to truly look forward to. London Syon Park, Middlesex, TW8 0207 870 7777 londonsyonpark.com

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Where George and Charlotte played the most gracious of hosts King George III and Queen Charlotte spent many cherished moments entertaining at Kew Palace, set in the heart of the tranquil Kew Gardens. Today the palace continues to be an enchanting venue for dinners, functions, meetings and receptions.

• Open April – September • Dinner - up to 30 • Drinks receptions - up to 60 • Indoor and outdoor settings • Private guided tours

Host your unforgettable event at Historic Royal Palaces hrp.org.uk/hireavenue | 0844 482 8398 Historic Royal Palaces corporate and private events: Tower of London Hampton Court Palace • Banqueting House • Kensington Palace • Kew Palace

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U KG E TAWAY

WATER MEADOW COTTAGE Blenheim Palace Estate

T H E C O T TA G E It might be a quintessential Cotswolds cottage from the outside, but push open the heavy oak door of the traditional stone portico and you’ll find more of a boutique London hotel than a cosy country pad. The sitting room’s plush Victoriana-inspired interiors are decadently off-beat – think twinkling chandeliers in rusted birdcages – while the dining room’s huge wooden table is perfect for long brunches with the Sunday papers. Upstairs, you’ll find a beam-ceiling bathroom, complete with cast iron roll top bath, and two boudoirstyle bedrooms decked out in elegant chinoiserie wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and sumptuous monogrammed linens – the kind of rooms that were made for luxuriant lie-ins.

Words: Georgie Lane-Godfrey

T H E L O C AT I O N

THE EXTR AS

Perched on the banks of the River Evenlode at the end of a quiet tree-lined country lane, Water Meadow Cottage’s location could not be more idyllic. A picturesque former hunting lodge dating back to the 18thcentury, the cottage sits guarding the gates to the historic Blenheim Palace Estate – home to the Duke of Marlborough, birthplace to Sir Winston Churchill and one of England’s most spectacular stately homes. A visit to this World Heritage Site is a must, even if it’s just for a stroll along the river in the beautiful grounds. Further afield, the ‘city of dreaming spires’ that is Oxford lies just 15 minutes to the south, as does the designer outlet centre Bicester Village, providing high end retail therapy. Personal shoppers and chauffeur-driven transfers available on request, naturally.

Those not so keen on self-catering needn’t worry – Water Meadow Cottage has its own impressive seasonal menu from which gourmet dishes can be selected and delivered fresh to your door. They also provide guests with all the basic essentials upon arrival and there’s an extensive honesty larder for everything else, so you’re spared the usual trek to the shops after you’ve unpacked. Meanwhile, those looking for some R&R will love the massages available on demand in the stylish summerhouse – the lovely Daniel will commute down from London to soothe away your stress with a relaxing holistic massage; all you need do is commute across the pretty cottage garden. Dinner reservations, local recommendations – everything really is taken care of, making this cottage the perfect country retreat for those still wanting the comforts and conveniences of urban life. From £425 per night (2 night minimum), or £2,525 per week. Peak rates and 3 night minimum stay apply over high season. 5 night rates available. £25 surcharge per night for 1 large or 2 small dogs. Water Meadow Cottage, Hanborough, Witney, OX29; watermeadowcottage.co.uk

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PROMOTION Tolon bay view

in the heat, and it’s easy to slip into a lazy morning routine; simply shrug on shorts or a sarong, stroll to the gently-sloping beach for a refreshing morning swim and pop into the local grocers on the way back. Buy fresh fruit and bread, cheese and jam, and enjoy breakfast on your private balcony. Bliss! The little town has many family-run restaurants and lots of ice-cream parlours – kids’ paradise! – and, in the evenings, the centre buzzes with people strolling around, shopping, drinking and eating. Enjoy a romantic supper on the beach as night falls – freshly-caught fish, perhaps? - toes in the sand, waves lapping. Kids can paddle just a few feet away and marvel at the flying fish jumping in the shallow sea. Everyone will sleep well after a day of fun, sunshine and fresh air… Simply repeat daily for seven or 14 nights of holiday perfection.

LOW-KEY AND RELAXED Greece’s northern Peloponnese is perfect for family holidays that won’t break the bank njoy a great-value holiday to Greece this summer with local E specialist Sunvil Holidays. The small and friendly beach-side resort of Tolon (just under two hours from Kalamata airport) is perfect for families of all ages – and for couples in search of that very simple but much-envied Greek lifestyle. Relax or walk on the long, narrow stretch of sand around the glorious bay, explore on bicycle or perhaps try a complimentary taste of windsurfing or dinghy sailing, or a motorboat trip to the nearby island. Alternatively, hop on the local bus (just 25 minutes) to the beautiful old town of Nafplio, or try a boat excursion to the nearby islands of Hydra or Spetses. Diving (including courses for beginners) is also available. For history enthusiasts, there are ancient sites galore within easy reach, from ancient Epidavros with its impressive amphitheatre (classical plays are

Lido apartments

Tolon’s beach at sunset

performed in July and August) to Corinth, Mycenae, Argos, Nemea and Tyrins. Free bike hire and use of canoes, plus several hours’ use of windsurfing kit, a sailing dinghy or a motorboat, are included when staying at the spacious and simplyfurnished Lido self-catering apartments, complete with swimming pool and located in a quiet side street just two minutes’ stroll from the beach and shops. Marble floors and air conditioning ensure comfort

Remarkable Reductions: A 7-night high-season stay in the Lido apartments in Tolon costs from a great-value £695 pp (four sharing), inclusive of flights (Gatwick) with 20 kg baggage allowance and in-flight catering, transfers and selfcatering accommodation. If, however, you can travel on 20th July, the 7-night price reduces to £369 pp (two sharing a spacious studio - a reduction of 48%), or to £362 pp (four sharing a spacious one-bedroomed apartment – again, a reduction of 48%). 14 nights cost from £459 pp for four sharing – saving 39%. Call Sunvil Holidays on 020 8758 4758 to speak to an expert or visit www.sunvil.co.uk.

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A S K T H E E X PE RT S

THIS CRITIC’S CHOICE Travel recommendation and comparison websites are all well and good, but you do tend to take the average aspiring critic’s not-sosought-after opinions with a pinch of salt. Globalista, on the other hand, is guaranteed to feature only the best hotels, destinations, restaurants and activities. That’s because their website is members only and every report is put together by established writers. They also offer a handy concierge service to create your dream bespoke holiday if you’re short of time. globalista.co.uk

TRAVEL NOTES

Take a trip down the Thames or book a last minute getaway with Mr & Mrs Smith

Water baby

BRIGHTON ROCKS

Brighton train station is beautiful but, let’s face it, apart from M&S there’s not a huge amount to do if you’ve got a long wait. The Cyclist Refreshment rooms is a trendy new all-day dining concept recently launched at the station. Relax and enjoy great food and drink whilst killing time or grab some tasty snacks if you’re in a hurry. It was about time, anyway. thecyclistbrighton.co.uk

rand, gracious and celebrating her centenary this year, Genevieve is a 40ft riverboat that was lovingly restored to its Edwardian glory by travel specialists Sunvil in 2010. This rather special lady was part of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012 but this summer she’s taking it easy with a new guided tour along the Richmond stretch of the Thames. Hire Genevieve for special occasions for up to 10 people and be wined and dined in style. sunvil.co.uk

BECAUSE I’M ‘APPY ancy a quickie? (Break that is). Well, Chiswick’s own hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have done it again with the launch of a handy new booking app. If you’re in desperate need of a last minute getaway or simply fancy browsing through endless photographs of some serious holiday eye candy, it’s just a click away. The free app will give you instant access to over 900 boutique hotels around the world as well as exclusive discounts and special offers. Download at mrandmrssmith.com/app

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A Canvas Home from Home Feeling brave enough to venture beyond the back garden? Family Traveller Magazine’s William Gray reveals his 10 favourite family campsites in the UK CAMPFIRES, BUSHCRAFT AND STARGAZING Trellyn Woodland Campsite’s location is hard to beat. Not only does it lie within 10 miles of a dozen coves and beaches and barely 100 yards from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Abercastle, but you are also within easy striking distance of St David’s, Ramsey Island (ramseyisland.co.uk) and the reconstructed Iron Age hill fort of Castell Henylls (castellhenllys. com). The campsite itself has plenty to keep you occupied, whether it’s stargazing around the campfire or learning how to make fire yourself on one of Trellyn’s three-hour bushcraft courses (from £15 pp). There are just five pitches, each with its own picnic table and campfire, while the Dragon Tipi has a double bed, two futons and a separate campfire kitchen. Upping the glamping stakes, the yurts have oak floors and handcrafted furniture, while the modern and spacious geodomes have panoramic windows and wood-burning stoves. BEST FO R KIDS AGED: 6–12 years. HOW MUCH? Pitches from £240 per week; tepees from £450 per week; yurts from £565 per week; domes from £510 (all sleep four to six). trellyn.co.uk

SEASIDE GLAMPING Choose between luxury tree houses and safari tents at Harvest Moon Holidays’ fabulous new glamping site on Lochhouses Farm, adjoining the John Muir Country Park, east of Edinburgh. With sweeping views across sand dunes towards gannet-festooned Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, this is a great spot for free-spirited families who love the great outdoors. The big empty beaches are irresistible, whether you’ve brought a bucket and spade or your own horse (£12 per night). On site there’s a farm shop, campfire and a kids’ corner with ducks, rabbits, lambs and other cuddlies. Boasting an internal area of 40sq m, the seven safari tents sleep up to eight and feature en suite toilets and hot showers, a fully equipped kitchen with Belfast sink, pine dresser and wood-burning stove, plus a lounge/dining area that opens onto a covered veranda. BEST FO R KIDS AGED: toddlers to 12. HOW MUCH? Safari tents £685 to £960 per week; tree houses £820 to £1,140 per week. harvestmoonholidays.com

ECO-FRIENDLY CAMPING GETS SERIOUS Forget inflatable mattresses and damp flysheets – inside The Really Green Holiday Company’s fabulous family yurts (sleeping up to six) at Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight, you’ll find a four-poster bed, a double futon or day bed, wardrobe, dresser and other home comforts, all on a raised wooden floor strewn with rugs and mats. Each yurt also has an outdoor brazier – ideal for barbecues – while the undercover communal Dome has plenty of space for cooking if the weather turns against you. A lot of thought has gone into making this campsite as eco-friendly as possible – firewood is gathered from sustainable woodland and there are solar-powered lights and super-efficient

TRELLYN WOODLAND CAMPSITE, PEMBROKESHIRE

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composting toilets. Organic herbs and vegetables are grown onsite for campers to use, and there’s an excellent farm shop nearby that sells local cheeses, sausages, ice-cream and other Isle of Wight goodies. As well as fine beaches at Sandown, Ryde and Ventnor, the Isle of Wight is crammed with family attractions, from falconry displays and red squirrel safaris at Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park (robin-hill.com) to time travel back to the Jurassic Age at Dinosaur Isle (dinosaurisle.com). BEST FO R KIDS AGED: toddlers to early teens. HOW MUCH? From £375 to £645 per week for a 16ft yurt (sleeps five), or £410 to £705 per week for an 18ft yurt (sleeps six). thereallygreenholidaycompany.com

CASTAWAY ISLAND CAMPING The Isles of Scilly are the nearest thing in the UK to the islands of the Caribbean or even the Indian Ocean. They exude a nostalgia for a slower pace of life, where kids are free to roam (there are just a few cars on the main island of St Mary’s and none on the other islands) and enjoy the natural environment. Highlights include a picnic on a sandy beach, the perfect pub lunch and some sleepy stargazing. There are five campsites to choose from: two on St Mary’s and one each on St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes. Some have their own beaches, some are exposed to the elements and some are on a farm such as Peninnis Farm Luxury Camping on St Mary’s, which has seven spacious, custom-designed safari tents all fully furnished with kitchens, comfortable bedrooms and stylish shower rooms. Kids can lend a hand on the working farm and collect eggs for breakfast. Hugh Town, the harbour and many of the island’s beaches are just a five-minute walk away. Alternatively, catch the boat to Bryher for a truly rugged, small-island camping adventure. Bryher Campsite has a well-stocked

shop and the glorious Hell Bay Hotel is just down the road if you fancy a taste of five-star lunch. Seal snorkelling is the ‘in’ thing to do in the Scillies where you and your kids (minimum age eight) can get up close to Atlantic grey seals, (scillysealsnorkelling.com). BEST FO R KIDS AGED: 4–12 years. HOW MUCH? From £796 for three- or fournight breaks in June to £1,195 for a seven-night stay in the summer school holidays, per safari tent (sleeps six). peninnisfarmluxurycamping.co.uk

ENCHANTING YURT VILLAGE The Park at Mawgan Porth in north Cornwall is a find. Tucked in a valley behind Mawgan Porth Beach, this thoughtful reinterpretation of a holiday park has everything from airstream trailers to eco-homes. The yurt village is a highlight with five Mongolian-style yurts decked out with wood burners, reclaimed wood beds and driftwood lamp stands (yes, there is electricity). As well as an indoor pool, there’s a delightful outdoor pool surrounded by stylish blue loungers and mini palm trees. Every Thursday afternoon kids can join a Park Rangers expedition (£12 per child) with marine biologist and former lifeguard Karl Fice-Thompson, a lovely bear of a man who teaches the kids about the flags on the beach before taking them down onto Mawgan Porth Beach at low tide where he dives into rockpools to catch crabs (which he eats raw), blennies, Cornish sea-slugs and breadcrumb sponge. His passion for the environment is infectious and it all ends with a fire-building adventure in a beach cave with mussels cooked fresh off the rocks and marshmallows on sticks. BEST FO R KIDS AGED: babies to teens. HOW MUCH? A large family yurt (sleeps four) costs from £550 per week in summer (short breaks available from £330 for a three-night stay). mawganporth.co.uk 61

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at our old warehouse 6 Relay Road, W12 Fabrics Wallcoverings Furniture Accessories Remnants From ÂŁ5 Everything must go 3 days only: Friday 18th July, 12.00pm to 6.00pm Saturday 19th July, 10.00am to 6.00pm Sunday 20th July, 12.00pm to 4.00pm (Last entry 30 minutes before closing) Free Parking Cash, Credit & debit cards accepted. Cheques not accepted. Immediate collection of goods. No storage or despatch service available.

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FOOD & TRAVEL SAFARI CHIC WITH WELLIES There are dozens of Feather Down Farms scattered throughout the UK, and Boswarthen Farm near Penzance in Cornwall is typical of the company’s spoton family-friendly formula of combining luxury camping with working farms. Its six Feather Down tents have everything from a wood stove, oil lanterns, dining table and chairs to three bedrooms (including a secret den for kids), a flush toilet and kitchen sink. Outside, there’s a clay oven and an honesty shop stocked with local produce, a range of food hampers and barbecue packs. Boswarthen Farm also has hot tubs, a farm trail and maize maze. You can even rent your own private chicken coop – kids scampering outside in pyjamas and wellies collecting eggs is an earlymorning ritual at most Feather Down Farms. With your car parked out of sight (and mind) in the farmyard, and with no electricity to bring radio, television or computer games crashing into your consciousness, time at Boswarthen Farm ebbs and flows to a relaxing, rural rhythm. Later in the day, you might plan a picnic or cycle ride, play hide and seek or set off on a pilgrimage to St Michael’s Mount or the Tate Gallery in St Ives (tate.org.uk/stives). BEST FO R KIDS AGED: toddlers to 12. HOW MUCH: From £469 to £1,029 per week, £325 to £685 per weekend featherdown.co.uk

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS… This is not glamping. It’s ‘real camping made easy’. At least that’s how the owners of Wild Boar Wood Campsite, a leafy retreat in West Sussex, prefer to describe their nine fully equipped bell tents. The luxury here is not about hot tubs or feather duvets, but a chance to really get away from it all. Apart from the occasional shrill whistle from the Bluebell Line (bluebell-railway. co.uk) as it trundles past the edge of the five-acre wood, this is back-to-nature camping, complete with a full cast of wildlife. In fact, the campsite is so secluded that you won’t even be told its exact location until your booking is confirmed. Each of the pre-erected tents is equipped with beds and cooking equipment. Nearby family-friendly attractions include Bodiam Castle (nationaltrust. org.uk) and the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum (wealddown.co.uk). BEST FO R KIDS AGED: 6 and over. HOW MUCH? Ready erected tents from £570 for six nights for a family of two adults and two children. ecocampuk.co.uk

TRADITIONAL CAMPING ON THE SHORES OF LAKE WINDERMERE

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: FRIENDLY COWS; THE PARK AT MAWGAN PORTH; FEATHER DOWN FARMS; COLLECTING EGGS FOR BREAKFAST, PENINNIS FARM, ISLES OF SCILLY

A HEBRIDEAN WALK ON THE WILD SIDE With wonderful views over the Sound of Mull and across Loch Linnhe towards Ben Nevis, Shieling Holidays’ grassy campsite on the Isle of Mull is a short stroll from the ferry pier at Craignure. You can watch the CalMac ferry coming and going from Oban and listen out for the whistle of the narrow-gauge steam train that trundles back and forth between Craignure and Torosay Castle (torosay.com). There’s even the possibility of glimpsing seals, porpoises and otters from your tent, although you’ll get a better chance of seeing wildlife, including eagles, on a safari with Island Encounters (mullwildlife. co.uk). Named after the summer cottages of Highland shepherds, white canvas tents known as shielings bring a touch of original glamping to the site with their carpets, wood-burning stoves, real beds (up to six per tent) and self-contained bathrooms and kitchens. BEST FO R KIDS AGED: 4–12 years. HOW MUCH? Tent pitches £23.50 per night for a family of four; shielings from £68.50. shielingholidays.co.uk

There’s plenty of choice for family campers at the beautiful Low Wray Campsite on the quiet western shore of Lake Windermere. Purists can pitch their tents within a toe dabble of the lake, while those who prefer not to grapple with guy ropes and tent poles can opt for various glamping options, from wooden camping pods and gypsy caravans to tepees and yurts. Facilities at Low Wray are superb. As well as refurbished toilet and shower blocks, the campsite offers children’s activity packs, an orienteering course, a bird hide and picnic area, as well as a lakeshore footpath to Wray Castle (nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle). BEST FO R KIDS AGED: 8–15 years. HOW MUCH? Tent pitches from £25.25 per night; family pod from £40 per night; tepees from £460 per week; bell tents from £355 per week; yurts from £385 per week; gypsy caravans from £335 per week. nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/camping

A DEN-BUILDING PARADISE Woodland Tipis and Yurts is located on a farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Little Dewchurch, Herefordshire. It has six Mongolian yurts and three traditional Sioux Native American tepees tucked into woods less than a mile from the River Wye. Each tepee or yurt sleeps up to six people, has an outdoor fire pit, picnic table and hammock. Inside, there’s a cosy jumble of rugs, sheepskins and mattresses, plus a king-size bed and wood-burning stove. In addition to the two well-equipped kitchen shelters, there are separate bake houses with traditional earth ovens. Perfect for making pizza. BEST FO R KIDS AGED: toddlers to teens. HOW MUCH? Three-night weekend from £295 per tepee or £310 per yurt; four-night mid-week break from £390 per tepee or £420 per yurt. woodlandtipis.co.uk

This feature first appeared in Family Traveller Magazine’s May/June edition. For more inspiring holiday ideas from Family Traveller go to familytraveller.com 63

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NORDIC STYLE

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IN THE NAVY

Nautical inspiration abound this month, but seasideinspired interiors needn’t be tacky. We’ve fallen headover- heels for this beautiful yet understated bathroom, which has utilised the new Verity range of painted wooden furntiure by bathrooms.com to show-stopping effect. For prices and information see bathrooms.com

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KNOCK ON WOOD Fired Earth is fast becoming a one-stop shop for all your interior needs with the launch of their beautiful new wood collection. The range features solid and engineered oak flooring available in a variety of shades and finishes. After all, carpets are so 2013… Fired Earth, 174 Chiswick High Road, W4; firedearth.com

Interior

INSPIRATIONS LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Finding the perfect family home is one of life’s biggest challenges. One woman who knows all about this is Ealing resident Harriet Rowlands, founder of independent property search company, No Place Like Home. Rowlands has pooled her passion, knowledge and 15 years of experience into her business, working alongside estate agents to help find families find their dream home in the west London area. nplhome.co.uk

BRASSED OFF Shepherd’s Bush-based Bethan Gray ELEGANT ODDITIES has collaborated with YOO Home, You don’t have to don a leather waistcoat and top a new interiors collective from the visionary YOO brand. Stocked exclusively at Harrods, Bethan’s creation is this rather magnificent Stud Table, made from Spinneybeck leather and finished with sleek brass. Stud table, £3,240; homebyyoo.com

hat to take part in the weird and wonderful world of Steampunk. Just take a leaf out of the new Steampunk Collection by Galerie Wallcoverings. There’s over 15 designs to choose from, but we love this whimsical hot air balloon print, which is a gentle way to ease yourself into the Steampunk trend. £37.95 for flat ink wallpapers; galeriewallcoverings.com

TAKE A PEW an’t decide between the classic Duke Armchair or the kooky Glove design? Well, we say why not have both! We think that they sit pretty well together, don’t you? Duke Armchair, £1,235 and Glove Armchair, £2,114; contentbyconran.com

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French Fancy In an extract from Design Bloggers at Home, French boutique owner and blogger, Karine Candice Köng, shares her interior style secrets

he London home of French boutique owner and blogger, Karine Candice Köng, is overflowing with creative styling ideas. By mixing old with new, she has retained the character of her charming period townhouse, while creating a modern family home that’s as effortlessly chic as it is warming and welcoming. Karin set up her online concept store, Bodie and Fou, with her sister Elodie in 2005 to bring their personal blend of French style to a worldwide audience. The Acton-based shop is named after the sisters’ nicknames for each other – Elodie is ‘Bodie’ and Karine is ‘Fou.’ Good design runs in her blood. She grew up in a creative environment with a father who loved DIY and a mother who spent her weekends sewing. They took her to flea markets and her lifelong love affair with interiors began at an early age. Karine’s blog – or ‘Le Blog’ as she affectionately calls it – started life a year later, as a channel to promote the sisters’ shop. But it soon became a virtual scrapbook in which to share her inspirations, her passion for fashion and her interior design ideas. It is now considered a ‘little black book of interiors’ by the likes of Vogue magazine, features everything from motivational and poetic quotations to stunning photographs of her home, and has become a one-stop-shop for design enthusiasts. ‘My blog very quickly became about much more than just my business,’ muses Karine. ‘It’s almost like a diary to me and very personal. It’s a way for me to share my passion for interior decoration online with other enthusiasts, but it’s also an important creative virtual space, where I can explore ideas and designs.’

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TOP BLOGGING TIPS: • Relax and just be yourself. That’s when you really tap into your own creativity and do your best work – when you just do your own thing, rather than trying to emulate a blog that you like. I did my blog originally because it’s good for the business, but I’ve always written from the heart. • Keep things real and personal. As well as sharing photos of my home and my design finds, I post about simplifying my home life, my yoga challenges, my family and health. The personal posts are always the most popular. • Keep at it – you’ll get there. It can take a while to find your voice, but don’t give up.

Karine feels that writing a blog has broadened her horizons. ‘I used to read a lot of same-y French interiors magazines, but now I read titles such as VT Wonen from Holland and Inside Out from Australia – I’m exposed to a much wider range of styles and trends.’ When Karine first viewed the four-bedroom, Victorian home she shares with her husband, Steve, and daughter, Mila, she immediately sensed it was ‘the one’. ‘It was the sense of space that first attracted me to this house,’ she says. ‘We were just about to give up on house hunting. We’d seen so many and none of them were quite right. This one was the last we saw and it was perfect.’ Karine has decorated the house throughout with white, but warm natural materials such as leather, marble and wood prevent the rooms from feeling stark or cold. ‘I love mixing different textures together and incorporating organic materials that have integrity,’ explains Karine. ‘I always find beauty in natural objects. For example, I pick up bits of wood at the beach and bring them home to display them. I like shells, too. My look is pared back and edited, so

table, a little jug and a small bunch of flowers, that’s it. You’re sorted.’ Despite her penchant for monochrome interiors, Karine isn’t afraid to throw splashes of colour into the mix here and there. Her linen bed sheets are a bright turquoise blue. ‘I’ve always wanted to create a home that has a laid-back, holiday-like feel,’ explains Karine. ‘Turquoise reminds me of the sky and sea, while natural linen conjures up memories of summer days at the beach. It gives the room a really relaxed feel.’ each object I own has a story behind it.’ Her rooms are effortlessly chic – a beguiling cocktail of vintage treasures, contemporary, designer buys and carefully-chosen, high street finds. ‘I love IKEA,’ she admits, ‘but I’m selective. It’s like fashion; if you mix expensive designer pieces with high street bargains, it works.’ Karine’s inspiring less-is-more approach extends to every area of her home. ‘You just don’t need much stuff,’ she insists. ‘In your kitchen, if you have a simple, rustic wooden

Taken from Design Bloggers at Home by Ellie Tennant, photography by Rachel Whiting (Ryland Peters & Small) Design Bloggers at Home is available to readers for the special price of £13.99 incl p&p (rrp£19.99). Phone Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quote reference GLR 9NF

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Ahoy There!

Nautical but nice interior ideas for your home

09 05

1. Nautical Plates (Set of Four), £29.99; oakroomshop.co.uk; 2. Galapagos wallpaper, £52/roll; sanderson-uk.com; 3. Sub Mariner Antique Brass Lamp, £1,065; sweetpeaandwillow.com; 4. Bronte Massif Check Throw, £79; johnlewis.com; 5. Lighthouse Cushion, £30; digetexhome.co.uk; 6. Corinthia Smoked Glass Candle Lantern, Medium, £142; artisanti.com; 7. Know Your Ropes Salad Servers, £37; in-spaces.com; 8. Al Fresco Tray ‘Tropique’, £7.50; indiajane.com; 9. Hello Sailor rug by Rob Pybus, £1,500; floorstory.co.uk; 10. Silver Mussel Eaters, Set of 2, £29.50; whiskhampers.co.uk

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L Perfect

pitch

Most people would never consider pitching a tent in their back garden. Why not? Asks Pendle Harte, who is a convert to the stylish outdoor shelter

ast year, we went to Bestival and didn’t take a tent. For us there was no lugging equipment from car to pitch; no time wasted setting up camp and no sweating over ropes, poles and pegs. Instead, we rocked up to Hotel Bell Tent, confirmed our reservation and fell in love with our beautiful five-metre canvas palace. For comfort and style, there’s no competition. Festival or campsite, tent life doesn’t have to be about sweaty synthetics and garish colours – the spacious canvas option wins hands-down for aesthetics as well as practicality. It’s easy to pitch, waterproof and it looks pretty too. So now we’ve stayed at the hotel the obvious next step is to acquire our very own bell tent. But is it worth it if we’re only going to Port Eliot? And will it create a storage problem for the rest of the year? Not according to Tobyn

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ACCESSORIES

AS A SPARE ROOM More guests than you have beds for? Put them in the garden. Or just put them in the garden anyway.

BUNTING

You need this. There’s a vast selection at dotcomgiftshop.com. We like the spotty stuff; £12.99

AS A PARTY ROOM Maybe you’re having a riotous party in the house but guests need somewhere to chill out. Fill the tent with cushions and fairy lights and everyone will move inside it, guaranteed. AS A SMOKING DEN Smokers love nothing more than huddling together sharing fumes. Put them in the garden.

THROWS

The more the better. Try the Donna Wilson Field Day throw, £225; scp.co.uk

Cleeves of Bell Tent UK, one of the country’s most charismatic bell tent enthusiasts, responsible for kicking off the trend in 2006. He reports more and more enquiries from people wanting bell tents not to take away, but to put up at home. In their London gardens. And the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Because what lovelier view from a window than a bell tent decked out in bunting and tea lights, filled with cushions, rugs and throws and kept toasty by a wood burner? And what better way to make use of your garden, rain or shine? As long as you have a patch of grass big enough to take a four or five metre tent (remembering the extra couple of metres all round for ropes) and the vision to transform your garden into a magical and useful space, you could pitch one for a weekend or the entire summer. Can’t think why? Here are some suggestions:

AS A PLAYROOM What child can resist a play tent? Fill it with toys and sweets and they’ll be gone for hours. AS A GARDEN STUDIO Instead of a bed and cushions, install a desk and chairs. Make sure your wifi signal is strong enough, and say hello to your own characterful home office.

POUFFES

For a Moroccan-inspired look. All colours, including gold, £74.99; moroccanbazaar.co.uk

AS A RAIN OR SUN SHELTER Rain again? Zip up the door and you’ll be safe. Heatwave? Roll up the sides and the tent becomes a floating sun shade.

Bell tents and related equipment is available at belltent.co.uk

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11/12/2012 19:43

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HOME & INTERIORS

TREE OF LIGHT Is there anything more delightful than those balmy summer nights? The only thing, surely, that could make them more divine are these beguiling creations from Enchanted Trees. Incorporating the latest in LED technology, these light-up trees look fairy-tale fantastic and will brighten up your garden all summer long. enchantedtrees.co.uk

Garden

INSPIRATIONS TAKE A WALK ON THE MILD SIDE Enjoy a summer stroll with Ramblers the walking charity. Simply log on to the website for a list of London routes to download and try out. Locally, there are two recommended Richmond trails to take; either a five mile Town & Country walk through Richmond Park or the shorter, more accessible Town & Riverside stroll. ramblers.org.uk

INNER BEAUTY Think you’re looking at a bog standard lily? Think again. Robert Llewellyn’s new book is full of intricate photographs illuminating the amazing beauty of everyday flowers. Stunning in its simplicity, this is some seriously covetable coffee table material. Seeing Flowers by Robert Llewellyn, £20; Timber Press

IN BLOOM Take in vibrant blooms and enjoy the beauty of Kew Gardens with guided tours along the Broad Walk and in front of the Palm House; part of a summer of plant-based festivities throughout August. kew.org

PLANT OF THE MONTH: CLEMATIS lematis ‘Alba Luxurians’ is a rampant late season flowering Clematis with beautiful white flowers tinged with apple green. This twining climber will happily put on 8” – 10” of verdant growth from spring to summer so be prepared to be brutal in January and cut all of last season’s growth away to a pair of buds about 6” above the ground. This will ensure that when it flowers in August the blooms are at eye level where they can best be appreciated. kategouldgardens.com

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DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a place of learning and

Open Days September 11th /30th (9.30am /7pm) October 22nd (9.30am) November 7th/12th (9.30am/9.30am)

discovery, laughter and friendship.

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

The new independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London KHS.indd 1

@kewhouseschool

27/06/2014 14:57

ABSOLUTELY

KIDS & EDUCATION

Guiding light When the founder of The Week magazine wanted to help his daughter with her AS Level Shakespeare, he couldn’t find a decent study guide. So he asked a leading academic to write one. Amanda Constance talks to Jolyon Connell about the birth of the Connell Guides

hen Jolyon Connell’s daughter Flora didn’t achieve a perfect A in her AS Level on Shakespeare, it got him thinking. Flora – in the sixth form at St Mary’s Calne – got straight As in every subject apart from the great bard. It was The Tempest that had been the problem, a tricky one at the best of times, so Connell immediately offered to help. He dug out his old notes, yet found little to help him there and then scratched his head, as he had no idea which critic to turn to. ‘What do you do if, at the age of 17, you need some direction?’ Connell explains. ‘It’s York Notes or nothing and they don’t give you any idea of which critic to start with.’ And surely if Flora – the privately educated daughter of the ex-deputy editor of The Sunday Telegraph – needed help, many others did, too? And that got Connell thinking. Connell’s lightbulb moments are not to be ignored. The last time he had one, the result was The Week, the news digest that became the publishing success story of the last two decades and is now Britain’s highest-selling weekly subscription magazine. So when Connell woke up in the middle of the night wondering whether he could give The Week treatment to student study guides, he knew he was on to something. He rang his old tutor at St Andrews, Graham Bradshaw – acclaimed by Harold Bloom as one of the best Shakespeare scholars of the last 50 years – and asked him to write a guide to The Tempest; five years later, the first Connell Guide was born. With each dedicated to a single, classic text, there are now 20 in print. Other Shakespeare plays covered include Othello, King Lear, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, while the range on offer for novels includes Jane Eyre and Great Expectations, along with modern classics, such as The Great Gatsby, Heart of Darkness and The Waste Land. Every guide is written by a leading academic in the field, is no more than 20,000 words long, and is accessible and beautifully designed. Like The Week, the guides illuminate without sacrificing complexity and seamlessly convey the viewpoints from

“Every guide is written by a leading academic, is accessible and beautifully designed” both sides of the critical spectrum. They also come brimming with heavyweight endorsements, both the book jackets and website hum with praise, from members of the glitterati, such as Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter, to literary big hitters like Claire Tomalin. Last September, Connell Guides also launched a subscription service for schools. Two hundred and seventy-five have signed up so far ‘including all the major public schools’, says Connell, who adds that he is keen to get state schools on board. For £195 a year, schools receive all 20 guides, the four new ones published in the following year, plus access to Connell Shorts – briefer, digital guides to modern texts, such as Atonement, The Road, and The Bloody Chamber. Subscribers also receive the Connell fortnightly review (a

digested literary round-up), Critics Corner (stimulating bi-monthly essays by critics and writers especially commissioned for the Guides), as well as a special forum for teachers (Staff Room), and a monthly quiz. Schools, it seems, can’t get enough of them. ‘I put a pile of 10 different Connell Guides on the table before our beginning of term meeting,’ says John Venning, head of English at St Paul’s. ‘Without having to introduce them, members of my department seized upon them and, after a brief look, asked if they could keep them. I had one left at the end of the meeting. Hot cakes!’ Colin Hall, head of Holland Park School, says: ‘In these days of Facebook, text language, downloads... the ‘plugged in’ generation find it harder to digest academic texts. What Connell Guides bring is immediacy and clarity; brevity with depth. They unlock the complex and offer students an entry route.’ This September, Connell Guides is launching a virtual Book Club. Designed to appeal to a wider audience, subscribers will receive a monthly Connell Guide or Connell Short (either in print or digitally), a fortnightly literary review, plus a literary briefing, quizzes and more. Book Club subscribers will also receive a poem of the month, which will often be accompanied by a video of a celebrity discussing why a poem is special to them or it may be an academic discussing one of the Guides. Connell has also started filming a series of video talks with university dons. When he spoke to Absolutely he had just returned from Oxford, where he discussed Romeo and Juliet with Simon Palfry, a Fellow at Brasenose and distinguished Shakespeare critic. Next in the pipeline is a film with Valentine Cunningham, a Senior Fellow at Corpus Christi College in Oxford, about King Lear and Mrs Dalloway. And his work has not gone unnoticed. At the Sunday Times Festival of Education a few months ago, the Education Secretary Michael Gove said what many teachers are now thinking: ‘John Connell should be garlanded with roses.’

For more information on the Connell Guides visit www.connellguides.com or email subscriptions@connellguides.com 79

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01/07/2014 12:35

KEW GREEN preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 “My children run to school as if it were their first day. I owe it to you and your colleagues. Kew Green Preparatory exudes a comfortable, confident, nurturing and safe aura, where I feel my children delight in being the bright, chirpy and playful individuals that they are.” Parent of Children in Years 3 & 6

Open Mornings 9:15am Wednesday, 10th September 2014 9:15am Wednesday, 8th October 2014 9:15am Wednesday, 5th November 2014 To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk

Kew Green Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

www.kgps.co.uk

RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Our pupils now enjoy a new theatre, library, specialist facilities for art, music and science and a new suite of teaching areas. “The school fulfils its mission to o er children the opportunity to succeed, to be recognised and to be valued. It achieves its aim to develop the intellectual, emotional and ethical re uirements to tackle the challenges that life will present... they nurture, guide, motivate and inspire, and it is a school of smiles and laughter where there is much fun to be had.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2010

Open Mornings 9 30am Wednesday, 9 30am Thursday,

th eptember 20 4 th

ctober 20 4

9 30am Tuesday, 8th November 20 4 To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 0208 84 9 53 or mail ecretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL

www.rpps.co.uk

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02/07/2014 10:54

ABSOLUTELY

KIDS & EDUCATION

KIDS’ CORNER

Dinosaurs are on the loose at the West London Golf Centre

1. Field of Dreams Hammersmith mother-of-two, Kendra Marsh, is the brains behind Fieldlife, a stylish and practical children’s clothing brand. The summer collection is inspired by days out along the Thames. fieldlife.co.uk 2. Boxing Clever Box Upon a Time handpick childrenswear from luxury brands like Il Gugo and Marie Chantal, box it up and post it to your door. The best part? Everything is up to 60% off the retail price. If only they did one for grown-ups... From £29; boxuponatime.co.uk 3. Wind it up Take a trip down memory lane at the beautiful Strawberry Hill House, who are hosting a unique exhibition on automatic and mechanical toys throughout the summer. strawberryhillhouse.org.uk 4. Here comes the sun Not only does Sunuva look fab but the clothing is UPF 50+, meaning that you can rest easy whilst your kids have fun in the sun. Available at B London, SW13; sunuva.com 5. Jurassic Park The Dinosaur Escape Adventure Golf is a new 9-hole course plagued by prehistoric beasties. Grab a club and enjoy a day of dino fun. westlondongolfcentre.com 81

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Field

DAYS

WHERE? Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk WHEN? 17 - 20 July THE VIBE: Young and vibrant WHY GO? Home of multicoloured sheep and more floral headbands than you can shake a glowstick at, England’s ultimate alternative arts festival is the perfect place for those looking for an all-purpose festival with a laid back vibe. Although jam-packed with brilliant bands and musicians (this year’s acts include Editors, Kelis, Damon Albarn and The Black Keys) this is not just a music festival. Comedy, film, art and theatre are all represented with big names like Dara Ó Briain and Simon Amstell heading up the comedy stage. The Royal Shakespeare Company and Forced Entertainment are two cutting-edge theatre companies set to appear on stage, whilst the Sadler’s Wells dancers will entertain the crowds with captivating routines on the waterfront. Those looking to explore a more literary vein will find what they’re looking for at one of the many poetry performances, and if you want to walk on the wild side, there’s always the cabaret stage. latitudefestival.com

©JENNA FOXTON

Catherine Hales rounds up five of the summer’s best family-friendly festivals

LATITUDE

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KIDS & EDUCATION

WHERE? St Germans, Cornwall WHEN? 24 - 27 July THE VIBE: Laid-back cultural entertainment WHY GO? Set amidst the grounds of the historic estate of the same name, once described by Napoleon as the most beautiful place in England, Port Eliot is the thinking person’s festival. Its glorious setting aside, Port Eliot has attracted a plethora of talented performers in several different fields (no pun intended) such as art, literature and music and, over nearly a decade, has cultivated a reputation for being an inspirational and imaginative celebration. There is also a strong food and fashion presence at the annual event, with top chefs whipping up tasty dishes and a fully-fledged Wardrobe Department featuring pieces from established designers. This year’s performers include comedians Robin Ince, Jessica Hynes and Sean Hughes; music from Gruff Rhys and Don Letts, as well as talks from historians, political activists and academics including Shami Chakrabarti, Deborah Levy, Rachel Cooke and William Dalrymple. Not to mention a cabaret bursting at the seams with acts and food provided by Fortnum and Mason and Mark Hix’s Midnight Feasts. porteliotfestival.com

©MICHAEL BOWLES

PORT ELIOT

LOLLIBOP WHERE? Hatfield House, Hertfordshire WHEN? 15 - 17 August THE VIBE: Made for kids WHY GO? If you feel that strapping your infant into a papoose whilst dragging your toddlers by the hands through the melee of (often drunken) revellers at Glastonbury is not your scene, but still want to enjoy a festival experience with your little ones, then LolliBop may be just the ticket. The festival is tailor-made for tots and will feature performances from CBeebies favourite Justin Fletcher, cheeky chappies Sam and Mark, Mister Maker’s Arty Party and the green-fi ngered Mr Bloom. Children will have the opportunity to learn survival skills with the one and only Bear Grylls, boogie on down at Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic’s Silent Disco, get caught up in the excitement of Scooby-Doo! The Mystery of the Pyramid live on stage and sign up to Harry’s Wizard School where they’ll learn the basics of broomsticks and be sorted into houses. Now going into its fi fth year, the non-camping festival situated just outside of London has enjoyed great success as the UK’s biggest festival for kids and provides interactive entertainment that will keep them fully occupied for at least three days during the summer holidays. lollibopfestival.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

CAMP BESTIVAL

JUST SO FESTIVAL WHERE? Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire When? 15 - 17 August THE VIBE: Family-friendly magic WHY GO? A family camping trip is all very well but why not take it that extra step further? Just So is a festival created specifically to engage families in games and dancing and allow them to watch breathtaking theatre, dance and music as a group. The setting plays a large part in the festival, providing the perfect backdrop for numerous workshops and installations as well as theatrical, musical and dance performances located within various glades and clearings in the woodland of the estate. Join the Tea Club for an uncanny cuppa or climb aboard Arthur’s

Dreamboat; take in a tale from the Story Giant and watch a Shadowplay by the light of the moon; search for the Gruffalo and prepare for battle at the epic Pillow Fight held in the woods. These and several other eccentric and – frankly – magical activities await for the family willing to pitch-up and dive in. For those who like the sound of the festival but to whom camping is anathema, there is a boutique camping option that provides fully furnished

WHERE? Lulworth Castle, Dorset WHEN? 31 July - 3 August THE VIBE: Pure fun for all ages WHY GO? Having won the UK Festival Awards’ Best Family Festival Award three times since 2009, it’s safe to say that the BBC curated Camp Bestival really has something to offer everyone. Having decided on a theme of ‘Circus’ for this year’s festivities, fancy dress is very much recommended for revellers of all ages in order to be in with a chance of winning the Camp Bestival fancy dress competition. The kids will be delighted with the children’s section of the festival grounds, which includes the Upper Kid’s Garden for tiny tots where the little ones can learns circus skills, have a jump on the bouncy castle and have a spin on the bikes and go-carts. For slightly older children, the Lower Kid’s Garden is a place where they can inspect the Insect Circus, strut their stuff on the Kids Catwalk and take a whirl on the fairground rides. Music is another Camp Bestival mainstay and this year’s lineup features brilliant artists from Basement Jaxx to Laura Mvula and De La Soul to Chas and Dave. King of whimsy, Milton Jones, will have audiences cracking up at the comedy stage and David Rodigan MBE will have festival-goers dancing their hearts out with his DJ set. campbestival.net

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

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26/06/2014 05/08/2013 14:42 14:20

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www.fishermeredith.co.uk 06/01/2014 11:01

AUGUST 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

Upper Mall, W6 A most unusual 4 to 5 bedroom end-of-terrace townhouse with curved frontage on Upper Mall offering direct river views from the majority of the rooms. Located next to the London Corinthian Sailing Club, the house enjoys a private roof terrace with its river views, an off-street parking space and an internal garage!

ÂŁ1,595,000 Freehold Winkworth, Hammersmith / 020 7371 4466; Winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

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

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

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

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

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P H OTO G R A P H S BY T I M CO L E W W W.TI M - CO LE .CO M

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FIND US ON

Bolingbroke Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Wingate Road

BR ACKENBURY VILL AGE W6

A late Victorian terraced house (168 sq m/1,801 sq ft approx.) currently converted into four flats requiring modernisation. The accommodation is currently configured across a natural lower, raised ground, first and second floor. The house offers nice proportions with good ceiling height and large windows. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, 2 open plan reception room/kitchens, garden. EPC Rating E.

A well presented and stylish house (124 sq m/1,335 sq ft approx.) located in one of Brackenbury Village’s most sought after streets. This beautiful house offers substantial living accommodation including a double reception room leading to a fully equipped open plan kitchen and dining area. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), kitchen/dining room, reception room, patio garden. EPC Rating E.

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

FREEHOLD £1,425,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Minford Gardens

Ceylon Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A pretty mid Victorian end of terrace house (117 sq m/1,259 sq ft approx.) conveniently located and benefiting from off street parking. The property enjoys a corner position with dual aspect and large windows, creating a bright interior. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, cloak room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, courtyard, off street parking. EPC Rating E.

A generous, interior designed maisonette (110 sq m/1,184 sq ft approx.) extended over the raised ground, first and second floors of this Victorian terraced house. A large reception/dining room and kitchen/ breakfast room with access to a large south facing terrace occupies the raised ground floor. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, terrace, flat roof. EPC Rating D.

FREEHOLD £1,375,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

FREEHOLD £1,275,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 FIND US ON

BROOK GREEN 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Porten Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Palace Mansions

WEST KENSINGTON W14

A stylish and sophisticated upper maisonette (71 sq m/764 sq ft approx.) converted from a stucco fronted Victorian terraced house. The flat has undergone complete renovation and refurbishment and boasts tasteful interiors and high quality finishes. 2 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, shower room, open plan reception room/kitchen, roof terrace. EPC Rating C.

A spacious and nicely proportioned ground floor flat (59 sq m/635 sq ft approx.) situated in this well maintained Victorian mansion block. With large windows overlooking the building’s internal courtyards, the flat is extremely bright and quiet. 2 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, open plan reception room/kitchen, porter. EPC Rating C.

LE A S E H O LD £ 8 9 9,0 0 0 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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

Fielding Road

Woodstock Grove

BROOK GREEN W14

SHEPHERDS BUSH W12

A charming and nicely presented garden flat (62 sq m/667 sq ft approx.) converted from a Victorian terraced house in the heart of Brook Green. A generous south facing reception/dining room with a bay window and feature fireplace occupies the front of the flat. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception/dining room, kitchen, garden. EPC Rating C.

A generous garden flat (47 sq m/506 sq ft approx.) converted from this Victorian terraced house. The flat has a spacious and bright reception room to the front and the kitchen towards the rear of the building. A large double bedroom can be found in the centre of the flat with a large window overlooking the rear garden. Double bedroom, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, garden. EPC Rating C.

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

LEASEHOLD £480,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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FIND US ON

Caithness Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Addison Gardens

BROOK GREEN W14

A unique opportunity to let this charming family home. This beautiful property offers a double reception room with high ceilings, plenty of natural light and a large master suite. Caithness Road is a lovely tree lined street and desired for its close proximity to Brook Green. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception room, study, kitchen/dining room, garden. EPC Rating D.

A beautiful home full of character that has been carefully refurbished providing very spacious living accommodation, large bedrooms and excellent storage. This house has a large kitchen/dining room with doors opening onto a patio plus a large decked roof terrace on the first floor. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception room, kitchen/ dining room, roof terrace, garden, large cellar storage. EPC Rating F.

FURNISHED £1 ,70 0 PER WEEK (SHORT LET) B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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

Palace Mansions

Coningham Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

SHEPHERD’S BUSH W12

A spacious, lateral apartment refurbished to a high standard in this smart mansion building, benefitting from ample amounts of storage, an abundance of natural light and wooden flooring throughout. This beautiful flat is just a short walk from West Kensington and Barons Court. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 en suite), open plan reception room/kitchen. EPC Rating D.

A very stylish, sophisticated house arranged over 2,150 sq ft has been completely renovated and modernised. The house benefits from two separate entrances and a stunning bespoke kitchen with generous dining and living space. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, reception room/bedroom 5, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, utility room, garden. EPC Rating C.

FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED £1 ,175 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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

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CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 FIND US ON

BROOK GREEN 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Irving Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Sinclair Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A beautiful house with fantastic reception space, an abundance of natural light with a private garden and a decked roof terrace. This lovely property has been carefully refurbished to provide a spacious family home. Irving Road is ideally located right in the heart of Brook Green, very close to the many local shops, cafes, gastro pubs and restaurants. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, garden, roof terrace. EPC Rating E.

An exceptional flat with a very high specification and immaculate finish has become available to rent in the heart of Brook Green. The whole building has been totally remodelled and refurbished to provide very exquisite accommodation. 2 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, en suite shower room, dressing room, cloakroom, open plan reception/kitchen, patio garden. EPC Rating C.

UNFURNISHED £875 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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

Sinclair Road

Milson Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A stunning apartment in this extremely high spec refurbished period building. The apartment has ample natural light, immaculate finish, sonos sound system, Miele appliances and remote control fireplace. Further benefits include wooden floors throughout and great entertaining space with dining area for at least 6 people. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, open plan reception/kitchen. EPC Rating C.

A characterful property that benefits from its own front door and a wonderful cottage feel. The flat has been completely refurbished recently and provides ample natural light. This maisonette benefits particularly from solid wood floors in the reception and a modern kitchen with all integrated appliances. Bedroom, bathroom, open plan reception room/kitchen. EPC Rating F.

FURNISHED £500 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

UNFURNISHED £360 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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Completely at home in West London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With over 35 years’ experience and 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you. Our dedicated West London branches include • Brook Green • Ealing • Chiswick • Hammersmith

KFH.indd 1 brand adverts_July-August.indd 1 KFH MASTER

30/06/2014 15:17 10:59 05/06/2014

Kenilworth Road, Ealing, W5 OIEO £1,500,000 Freehold Ealing 020 8799 3890 Email sel@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 08.14 KFH 2 Chiswick and West.indd 2

Six bedroom semi detached family home with the benefit of a 100ft garden, garage and off street parking. The property is located within reach of Ealing Broadway and Ealing Common.

• • • • • • •

Retaining period features 2,857 sq ft of accommodation Large garden Private garage Potential to extend (subject to planning) Close to Ealing Broadway EPC rating D

30/06/2014 09:07 10:59 27/06/2014

Cambridge Road North, Chiswick, W4 £1,295,000 Freehold Chiswick 020 8987 0090 Email sck@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 08.14 KFH 3 Chiswick and West.indd 3

This four bedroom semi detached Victorian Villa offers 1,469 sq ft of accommodation arranged over three floors which has been finished to a contemporary style with many bespoke fittings throughout. The property is situated in the west part of Chiswick, off the High Road and near Gunnersbury station.

• • • • • • •

Four bedrooms Double reception room Fully fitted kitchen Two luxury bathrooms Sun terrace 97ft landscaped garden EPC rating D

30/06/2014 09:08 11:01 27/06/2014

Blythe Road, Brook Green, W14 £1,150,000 Freehold

An exceptional duplex apartment arranged over the top two floors of this Victorian conversion, offering a perfect blend of character and contemporary living with a super roof terrace.

Brook Green 020 3542 2020 Email sbg@kfh.co.uk

This property is conveniently located on Blythe Road, in the heart of Brook Green with its fantastic range of village shops, cafés and excellent transport links.

KFH.indd 08.14 KFH 4 Chiswick and West.indd 4

• • • • • • • • •

Two double bedrooms En suite master bedroom High specification finish Open plan kitchen/diner Two designer bathrooms Roof terrace Stunning views No onward chain EPC rating D

30/06/2014 09:08 11:01 27/06/2014

Westcroft Square, Hammersmith, W6 £2,100,000 Freehold Hammersmith 020 8563 9633 Email shm@kfh.co.uk

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An outstanding townhouse built in 1878 overlooking a garden square, currently arranged as two maisonettes with the scope to create a six bedroom family home with generous reception rooms. Westcroft Square is located close to Stamford Brook underground station, Ravenscourt Park, the River Thames, Turnham Green and the independent shops, cafés and pubs in Stamford Brook.

• • • • • • • •

Victorian freehold house Walled rear garden Currently two maisonettes Potential for family home Twelve rooms Garden square Close to Stamford Brook underground station EPC rating D and F

30/06/2014 09:08 11:01 27/06/2014

The Common, Ealing, W5 £1,800 pcm Furnished or unfurnished

Well presented two double bedroom flat with modern kitchen, large living area, private patio, communal garden and garage. Situated in a sought after area near Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway stations.

• • • • •

Two bedrooms Modern kitchen Private patio Communal gardens Garage

Ealing 020 8799 3899 Email lel@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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Sutherland Road, Chiswck, W4 £2,167 pcm This two double bedroom house offers a double reception room, stylish bathroom, country style kitchen and a sunny decked rear garden. Situated in a superb location near Turnham Green underground and Chiswick train stations. Part furnished. EPC rating E. Chiswick 020 8987 0099 Email lck@kfh.co.uk

Sterne Street, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 £2,600 pcm A spacious and bright three double bedroom flat benefiting from a neutral décor, separate kitchen and two bathrooms. Located in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush near the train station. Unfurnished. EPC rating C. Hammersmith 020 8563 9889 Email lhm@kfh.co.uk

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

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New homes and developments. Using our network of over 50 branches across the Capital, our specialist teams can find the right new build property for you. To see all our new homes and developments for sale visit kfh.co.uk/newhomesproperties

St Peter’s Square, Hammersmith, W6 Price £3,000,000 A collection of beautiful new build Neo Georgian townhouses set around a desirable residential square. These stunning houses offer five bedrooms, two receptions, courtyard gardens and underground gated parking for two vehicles. Freehold. Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk

Computer generated image

Chancellors Street, Hammersmith, W6 Prices from £1,025,000 A unique development of just four beautiful apartments expertly created within an existing building, within a few minutes walk from Hammersmith town centre. Each apartment benefits from well equipped kitchens including integrated appliances and contemporary white bathrooms. Leasehold. Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk

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AWA R D

WINNING

Boston Gardens, Brentford, TW8

ÂŁ2,750,000

This fantastic property was built in 1932 by A L T Taylor, the builder responsible for the development of Boston Gardens. A tremendous five bedroom detached family home, boasting spectacular mature gardens occupying over one third of an acre, and generous living space with plenty of character and rustic charm. The property has a large reception room and separate dining room with original fireplaces, separate study, guest cloakroom, a spacious eat-in kitchen with pantry and Aga as well as access to the beautiful gardens. www.orchardsoflondon.com Tel: 020 8995 9797 171 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 2DR

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

Goldsmith Avenue, Acton, W3

£950.00 per week

This stunning six bedroom family home is beautifully presented with stylish interiors and wonderful period features, located in the sought after Poet’s Corner in Acton. The property consists of a double reception room with superb period ﬁreplaces and bay window, guest cloakroom, a modern kitchen diner with folding doors leading out to a delightful rear garden. Goldsmith Avenue is in the heart of Poet’s Corner and located just a short walk from Churchﬁeld Road which offers an excellent selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.

King Edwards Gardens, Acton, W3

£3,700,000

An incredible seven bedroom detached family home, exceeding 6500 sq ft, offering generous living and entertaining space, and located in a popular road on the Ealing/Acton borders. The property comprises an extensive ground ﬂoor offering ﬁve reception rooms, a good size kitchen with kitchenette, downstairs bedroom and bathroom, amazing storage, a bright and spacious workshop and private garage, as well as a beautiful landscaped garden. Tenancy charges may vary. All Fees stated are exclusive of VAT. Preparation of Tenancy Agreement &/or Change of Occupancy: £200 (per tenant), deposit, check-in Fee £195 (optional). End of the tenancy agreement: Check out fee of £195 if the property has an inventory conducted on tenancy commencement. Renewal Fee of £195 which falls due after initial fixed term. Contract change £200. Rent advertised does not include any additional services such as council tax, water or utility charges unless stipulated otherwise.

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

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AWA R D

WINNING

The Common, W5

£1,450 per week

A substantial six bedroom period family home laid out over five floors offered to the market in excellent condition, ideally situated in this prime location, benefitting from fantastic views overlooking Ealing Common and three reception rooms. The property comprises on the lower ground floor a large kitchen with French doors to a fabulous garden. This property is conveniently located close to the shops, bars and restaurants of Ealing Broadway. Nearest transport links include Ealing Common (Piccadilly & District line) and Ealing Broadway (Central & District line).

Montgomery Road, Chiswick, W4

£1,300,000

Orchards of London are pleased to offer this fantastic four bedroom semi-detached family home, in need of some further renovation, located in a peaceful residential area in Chiswick. The property comprises a bright and spacious reception room with a bay window and feature fireplace, separate dining room, a fabulous kitchen/diner with French doors leading out to a 40ft south facing garden. Montgomery Road is a peaceful, residential area in Chiswick, located just a 7 minute walk from Chiswick High Road. Tenancy charges may vary. All Fees stated are exclusive of VAT. Preparation of Tenancy Agreement &/or Change of Occupancy: £200 (per tenant), deposit, check-in Fee £195 (optional). End of the tenancy agreement: Check out fee of £195 if the property has an inventory

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

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

Crefﬁeld Road, W5

£2,495,000

A truly stunning six double bedroom detached family home boasting luxurious living and stylish décor throughout, presented in immaculate condition, located on a premier road in Ealing. This amazing home comprises a spacious hallway with grand ﬁreplace and beautiful stained glass windows, this leads onto three stylish reception rooms, a very large, contemporary kitchen diner with a wealth of natural light and full height sliding doors opening onto an extensive rear garden. Crefﬁeld Road is a sought after address in Ealing within easy reach of excellent transport links.

Park Road, Chiswick, W4

£1,550 per week

A truly exquisite four bedroom family home boasting elegant and spacious accommodation located on a sought after road in the Grove Park area of Chiswick. The property beneﬁts from off street parking for up to three cars and comprises a fabulous open plan entrance hall, stunning double reception and living room, a large modern kitchen with ample dining space and French doors leading out to a beautiful private garden with secure storage. Park Road is a prestigious address in the Grove Park area of Chiswick. conducted on tenancy commencement. Renewal Fee of £195 which falls due after initial fixed term. Contract change £200. Rent advertised does not include any additional services such as council tax, water or utility charges unless stipulated otherwise.

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS CHARLES LANG

Sales Director of Chestertons, Chiswick

Photography: Rebecca Noonan

aving lived the majority of my life in the little village known as Chiswick, I like to think I have a reasonable idea of what makes the area tick. I was born in the old site of Queen Charlotte’s Hospital on Goldhawk Road and was raised in Bedford Park, attending the local Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School before going on to Colet Court and St Paul’s in Barnes. Following a generic gap year in Australia, I moved to Bristol to study for a property degree and fell into Estate Agency as an evening and weekend viewing assistant for a small firm down there. I quickly discovered that I was fairly useful selling property and a full time position was created for me. While I proved successful and thoroughly enjoyed Bristol, I always felt that it wasn’t my home and longed to return to Chiswick, the area I knew and loved. The opportunity arose in 2010 where I joined Chestertons as a Junior Lettings Negotiator, and after establishing myself in the sales team. Other than talking about property which can quickly bore my closest friends almost to tears, I have a passion for cooking (and eating) food and am taking advantage of Leith’s local cookery school with an upcoming visit to learn some butchery skills! As a local myself, I appreciate how important it is to really understand the area and the local people. I have a fantastic team working with me in the office and I have even roped in my older

brother, Alexander who was also born and raised in the area to work alongside me. Originally working in banking, I managed to get him to follow a far more reputable career! The rest of my tight-knit team are indicative of the residents in the area and enjoy it just as much as I do. With people such as Dominic, who has worked in the Chiswick property market for over 12 years, Lisa who knows the area inside out, due to having grown up here and working in the office for 14 years and Alexander, with his corporate financial background and local roots, we are a winning combination. Chestertons has recently rebranded into a company which, I believe, fits extremely well into the style of Chiswick. Now we can display our young and vibrant edge and combine it with the traditional, historical elements of the area. This can be seen most obviously in our dynamic, colourful branch and how my colleagues and I endeavour to serve our clients. The old world and the new collide here, meaning that the area with its wealth of restaurants and coffee shops still retains a charming village feel. It is a popular location for both young families and professionals who are seeking a good quality of life. Supporting this, the social side of Chiswick revolves around laidback pubs and wine bars. There’s also a cinema and a small theatre which stages everything from Shakespeare to experimental performances. � 020 3432 4115; chestertons.com

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UXBRIDGE ROAD, W12 Two Bedrooms | Kitchen | Reception Room | Bathroom | Garden

ÂŁ625,000

Nobody does it better... than Northfields NORTHFIELDS.indd Absolutely 27-6.indd 11

www.northfields.co.uk

020 8740 8833 30/06/2014 27/06/2014 11:10

Modern living, period charm. Off Road Parking

Five Bedrooms

020 8998 3111 www.northfields.co.uk

Three Bathrooms Three Reception Rooms

NORTH AVENUE

Approximate Gross Internal Area 3084 sq ft / 286.8 sq m N

STORAGE

North Avenue Ealing, W13

STORAGE

BEDROOM 21'1 x 19'5 (6.4m x 5.9m) GARDEN EXTENDS TO 58'4 (17.7m)

Enquiries 020 8998 3111 investments@northfields.co.uk www.northfields.co.uk

FAMILY ROOM 16'10 x 15'2 (5.1m x 4.6m)

14'10 x 12'6 (4.5m x 3.8m)

RECEPTION 17'2 x 12'6 (5.2m x 3.8m)

GROUND FLOOR GROSS INTERNAL FLOOR AREA 1332 SQ FT

UTILITY 12'2 x 8'11 (3.7m x 2.7m)

Price £2,500,000

8'11 x 5'11 (2.7m x 1.8m)

KITCHEN 16'10 x 9'11 (5.1m x 3.0m)

SECOND FLOOR GROSS INTERNAL FLOOR AREA 708 SQ FT

BATHROOM 13'10 x 10'7 (4.2m x 3.2m)

RECEPTION 2 18'5 x 12'10 (5.6m x 3.9m)

BEDROOM 12'8 x 12'6 (3.9m x 3.8m)

BEDROOM 14'10 x 12'2 (4.5m x 3.7m)

BEDROOM 12'6 x 11'10 (3.8m x 3.6m)

BEDROOM 17'2 x 12'6 (5.2m x 3.8m)

FIRST FLOOR GROSS INTERNAL FLOOR AREA 1044 SQ FT

Although every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, all measurements are approximate. The floor plan’s for illustrative purposes only and not to scale. Measured in accordance to RICS standards. DE-PHOTOGRAPHY.NET

NORTHFIELDS.indd Absolutely P2.indd 1 2

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020 8749 7719

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

INDEPENDENT

INVOLVED

CMYK

NIVEDA CLOSE W12 DOUBLE BEDROOM OPEN PLAN RECEPTION/KITCHEN/DINING AREA  STUDY  BATHROOM  STORAGE PRIVATE ENTRANCE  ROOF TERRACE  SHARED OFF STREET PARKING  EPC RATING B 81 

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

GUIDE £500,000

NIVEDA CLOSE W12 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS OPEN PLAN RECEPTION/KITCHEN/DINING AREA  EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM BATHROOM  PRIVATE ENTRANCE  PAVED GARDEN  SHARED OFF STREET PARKING  EPC RATING B 81 

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

GUIDE £575,000

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

Finlay Brewer.2.indd 2

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020 7371 4171

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

INDEPENDENT

INVOLVED CMYK

VESPAN ROAD W12 4 BEDROOMS DOUBLE RECEPTION  FULL WIDTH KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM  2 BATHROOMS 26’5 X 15’1 PAVED GARDEN  EPC RATING D59 

FREEHOLD

GUIDE £1.275M

HADYN PARK ROAD W12 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS DOUBLE RECEPTION  KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM  FAMILY BATHROOM 2 SHOWER ROOMS (1 ENSUITE)  WC  GARDEN  CELLAR  EPC RATING E48 

FREEHOLD

GUIDE £1.295M

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

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OLD BROMPTON ROAD, SW5

£7,583.33 PCM

A fantastic four bedroom lateral apartment situated in a much sought after location. The apartment is set on the first floor of a beautifully maintained Victorian conversion and has been renovated to a very high standard throughout. The living room & master bedroom benefit from floor to ceiling doors, providing direct access to a private decked terrace, the kitchen is modern and fitted with integrated appliances including a dishwasher.

COBBOLD ROAD, W12

£1,100.000

London Estates are pleased to bring to the market this fantastic 3 double bedroom house located on one of Askew Village’s most desirable roads, and just a stones throw from Wendell Park. The property is suitable for end users and developers alike who wish to create something special in this desirable house and location. Please call us to arrange a viewing.

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

WWW.LONDON-ESTATES.NET 020 8741 8485

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Property News Market Round Up NS Suthakaran Managing Partner of RAM Estates

� 020 8550 8788; ramestateagent.com

I of winning after an intensive award entry process, being interviewed by the judging panel and relentlessly mystery shopped. We also conducted our own inhouse mystery shopping. Months of hard grafting goes into the awards but when you win it makes every minute worth it. Having said that, the awards also keep us on our toes collectively – irrespective of winning, it allows us to measure how good our system and processes are but above all it keeps everyone alert at all times and allows us in turn to know that we only deliver the best customer service” says Paul Connolly, Managing Director of Orchards of London.

t seems like the UK current housing market is changing with the weather. Since the MMR came into place, the sales market which was booming has started to take a set back and is going into what we can predict might be a slump. Buyers have been struggling to get their mortgage applications approved which has taken a toll on the sales market but on the contrary, lettings market seems to be booming. A huge number of landlords and investors who cannot get their hands into sales are changing direction towards lettings market. Landlords seem to be interested in letting their properties more than selling them. To benefit from today’s current market, we at RAM Estate can proudly mention that we have recently opened branches all across London which includes, Chiswick, Canary Wharf, St.James, Potters Bar & Ilford. Our friendly, qualified consultants are ready to offer you advice and guide you towards the right track.

Derek Fletcher

Stuart Balfré

Robert Barr

Associate Director for John D Wood & Co., Chiswick

Sales Manager at Bushells, Acton

Sales Manager at Kerr & Co Residential

� 020 3151 5772; johndwood.co.uk

� 020 8993 6767; bushells.com

� 020 8762 0522; kerrandco.com

BUMPER CROP FOR ORCHARDS OF LONDON � orchardsoflondon.com

rchards of London took three awards at the National Lettings Estate Agency of the Year Awards backed by The Sunday Times and The Times on 20 June 2014 in Central London for Lettings Agency of the Year, Marketing and Customer Service. “As a collective we are extremely proud to have won three awards this year says for the third year running. All of us at Orchards of London are extremely proud

MARKET COMMENTS

fter a sparkling fi rst half performance it appears that 2014 may turn out to be a year of two halves for London’s residential property market. The media focus on the Capital’s ‘hot’ property market and the dramatic price rises, coupled with the change in mortgage lending brought about by the MMR has led to a gentle slowdown in activity. However, with the continuing shortage of property for sale in west London, particularly family houses, and with bricks and mortar still the preferred ‘safe haven’ investment, it is unlikely that we will experience a dramatic change in market conditions, possibly just a small release of ‘hot air’ for properties overvalued in the fi rst place.

he summer has shown us just how resilient the buyers in west London truly are; despite the new mortgage legislation we are still seeing record numbers of viewings for this time of year. The resilience has seen Acton’s vendors fi nally break £800/sq ft! A milestone we are very proud of in our office. Acton is now an area which is consistently drawing more and more families from Central and West London to our good schools, perfect parks, and the ever enhancing Churchfield Road and its collection of cafes. With Crossrail due in the area as well we believe that Acton has a fantastic future ahead of itself.

here is a degree of price sensitivity creeping in to the sales market as the rapid price gains over the past 18 months slow. Constant press speculation into the “housing bubble”, the mortgage market review and warning from Mr Carney, Governor of B of E, over interest rate increases later this year have all combined to create a more cautious approach to buying. Th is is certainly most welcome and dare I say it needed to avert what otherwise would have been a total downturn. So a little word of advice to those thinking of selling now – take impartial independent advise from local trusted agents such as Kerr and Co whose staff have a detailed understanding of all market conditions and know how to unlock the maximum the potential for your home.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

5 Adrian Johnson Associate Director at Hamptons International, Chiswick

� 020 8987 8444; hamptons.co.uk

(Mortgage Market Review) this April and the tightening of lending has started to slow the market down. Mortgage valuations are taking longer to book and affordability of buyers is being squeezed. All this leads to greater uncertainty for both buyers and sellers alike. I think that 2014 will be a year of two halves and it will be the experienced agents that will ride out this storm.

 suggests:

e have just launched our new ‘travel time’ feature which allows you to search for property based on journey time to a selected destination and your preferred method of transport. You can use our great, new travel time feature to fi nd properties for sale or to rent that meet both your property requirements and your travel criteria. So, if you’re looking to be within a certain journey time from family, friends or work, make sure you use our new feature to fi nd property.

Why this area? Whether it’s going to eat and drink in one of the many fantastic restaurants, bars or café’s or if it’s simply going for a walk by the river, the lifestyle Chiswick offers is hard to match elsewhere in London. What is your company ethos? How do you translate that into giving the best customer service possible? We believe in providing professional and efficient service, working hard and delivering on our promises to clients. What properties are you most excited about having on your books? We have just taken on a tremendous house in Boston Manor. The garden is nearly half an acre which is something I’m not very used to seeing!

WHITMAN & CO SPONSOR THE BELMONT SCHOOL FAIR

� 020 8799 3371; northfields.co.uk

Sales Manager at Orchards of London, Chiswick

What do you predict for the property market in the summer of 2014? I predict the market will stay buoyant. There have been mixed reports coming out but we are continuing to see record prices being achieved; demand is still high.

NEW OUTSTANDING OFSTED RESULT & NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN W4 MAKING WAVES IN THE MARKET

rove Park Primary School achieved a new “outstanding” Ofsted result in 2014 and the school is opening up places for more children. Caroline Watkins, Branch Manager at Northfields comments “Prices in school catchment areas that have received an outstanding Ofsted result can rise by up to 16% on average, so Grove Park is defi nitely one to watch in W4”. Another hot-spot is new development Claremont Grove. Joseph Smith-Koomson, Lettings Manager at Northfields says, “We’ve successfully let 16 out of 18 homes in Claremont Grove achieving 100% of the asking price which goes to show how much demand there is for homes within walking distance of the river.”

Lewis Pugh

� 020 8995 9797; orchardsoflondon.com

he Chiswick sales market has experienced a resurgence over the last year with an annual growth of around 15%, much higher than the 8.9% seen in prime central London over the same period. Th is is being fuelled by 3 main factors: 1. The increased wealth migration from the domestic market moving out of central London. 2. Domestic wealth is being recycled and buyers are not moving out of London in the same numbers as pre crunch. 3. An increase in international buyers. Applicant numbers are almost double that for the same period last year, but new instructions have not kept pace with this increased demand. Thus confi rming why 95% of all properties we have sold this year have either sold for asking price or have gone to sealed bids. But how long can this last for? The introduction of MMR

MINUTES WITH

CLEVELAND AVENUE, W4

n exceptional five bedroom period family home, arranged over three floors and situated in a prestigious and quiet residential street just off Chiswick High Road. Moments walk from Turnham Green and Stamford Brook Underground stations.

£1,500,000

Felicity J Lord, Chiswick � 020 8747 8601; fjlord.co.uk

� 020 8747 8800; whitmanandco.com

hitman & Co were delighted to again be the Principal Sponsor this year for The Belmont School Fair. The event took place in the school playground on Saturday 28th June between 11am to 3pm. Everyone enjoyed the celebrations with fair rides, bouncy castles, an assault course, face painting, Belmont’s Got Talent, a fabulous BBQ, cream teas, pimms/ beer, hot and cold refreshments and a top raffle prize worth £1000.00. All the money raised will go directly to the BHSA Charity which provided additional equipment, school trip funding, etc. enabling students to maximise their opportunities during education.

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T H E B E LV E DE R E P E N T HO U S E

S T Y L I S H R I V E R S I DE L I V I NG A stunning new, triple aspect, south facing three bedroom penthouse with a spacious terrace overlooking the River Thames. Kew Bridge benefits from a private residents’ only fitness suite and private underground parking. Now available at Kew Bridge. Price: £2,999,950 *

www.kew-bridge.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Sales & Marketing Suite Open weekdays 10am – 8pm and weekends 10am – 6pm Kew Bridge Piazza, Kew Bridge Road, TW8 0EB Call: 0800 046 9754

*Price correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image depicts the Belvedere Penthouse at Kew Bridge and is indicative only.

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Dukes Avenue, W4 OIEO £3,000,000 Freehold

Blandford Road, W4

A wonderful opportunity to acquire this 3046 sqft family house occupying arguably one of the best positions in Dukes Avenue. Six bedrooms and two bathrooms, off street parking for two cars set behind electric gates and beautiful 60’ west facing garden with private patio, lawned area and mature well stocked ﬂower boarders. EPC = E

A simply charming and beautifully presented four bedroom two bathroom Victorian house in this quiet and sought after location only a short walk to Turnham Green and the shops and restaurants of the Chiswick High Road. The house has been meticulously maintained by the present owners and retains many original features and character. The property further beneﬁts side access leading to mature and private rear garden. No upward chain. EPC = E.

Acton Lane, W4

Hadley Gardens, W4

£965,000 Freehold

A charming and spacious four bedroom Victorian terraced house offering well balanced accommodation overs three ﬂoors and conveniently located close to a range of local shopping facilities and transport routes. This 1522 sqft property beneﬁts excellent storage, walled patio garden. EPC = E.

£1,695,000 Freehold

£875,000 Leasehold

A well presented two bedroom garden flat in the sought after residential location only moments from the Chiswick High Road. Garden flats in this central location rarely come on the open market and therefore this represents an ideal opportunity to acquire a wonderful flat with good size garden. The secluded 41’ garden has separate side access as well as doors from the kitchen and sitting room. Long leasehold. EPC = E.

Sales: 020 8995 1500 sales@andrewnunnassociates.co.uk | Lettings:w 020 8995 1600 lettings@andrewnunnassociates.co.uk Andrew Nunn.indd 2

30/06/2014 16:08

Queen Annes Gardens, W4 £4,500,000 Freehold

Osier Mews, W4

First time to the market in 60 years this stunning example of a Norman Shaw designed detached home in arguably the premier road in Bedford Park. Grade II listed built in 1878 and lived in by Jonathan Carr this imposing residence beneﬁts from east/west aspects. Six bedrooms and three bathrooms, large 25’9 x 16’2 garage and mature 60’ west facing garden. Freehold. No upward chain. EPC = F.

This stunning three bedroom two bathroom townhouse enjoys one of the best river views in Chiswick with uninterrupted aspects both up and down the Thames. Located within this prestigious gated development the property offers excellent contemporary space over four levels with garage/storage plus off street parking. 25’ landscaped garden with direct access to the towpath. EPC = C

Antrobus Road, W4

Fielding Road, W4 £1,550,000 Freehold

£995,000 Freehold

A charming end of terrace Victorian house in this sought after location, this two storey house offers an abundance of character and potential to extend (subject to necessary consents). Currently arranged as a two/three bedroom property (bedroom 2 and study are interconnecting) To the rear is a wonderful 93’ south facing garden with large shed which again has obvious potential to convert into more useable space. Freehold. No upward chain. EPC rating = E

£1,950,000 Freehold

A picturesque and well balanced semi-detached house ideally located on the edge of Bedford Park and only a short walk to Turnham Green station. The house is wider than average and also enjoys a preferred position looking down Queen Anne’s Gardens. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Many original features and scope to extend subject to obtaining necessary consents. 35’ rear garden. Freehold. EPC rating = F

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

30/06/2014 16:08

LE T St Marys Grove Chiswick

£1,750 per week

£1,450 per week

A beautifully refurbished 2100 sq ft ﬁve bedroom three bathroom semi detached house in this sought after location only a short distance from Turnham Green tube station (District Line Zone 2). Spacious hallway, cloaks, utility room, formal sitting room and magniﬁcent kitchen/dining/ family room leading out to rear garden. All bedrooms have bespoke joinery, three bathrooms (two en suite).Available for long let mid August. Unfurnished.

LE TB Y

An exquisite family home with 135ft south-west facing garden and close to a number of excellent state and private schools. Hall, sitting room, ﬁtted kitchen leading to dining area and family area, cloaks, and cellar. Five double bedrooms, three bathrooms (one ensuite). Close to Gunnersbury tube station (District Line), Chiswick mainline station (Waterloo) and offering easy access to M4 motorway. Available beginning of August. Unfurnished. Council tax band G. EPC = F

St Albans Avenue Chiswick

Burnaby Crescent Chiswick

£1,350 per week

A stunning four bedroom three bathroom Edwardian house with excellent ground floor reception space, large garden and garden office. Four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, utility room and ground floor cloakroom. Close to Gunnersbury tube station (District Line), Chiswick mainline station (Waterloo) the river Thames and offering easy access to M4 motorway. Excellent local primary schools with walking distance. Available unfurnished from July. EPC rating = D

St Marys Grove Chiswick

£1,150 per week

A stunning Victorian family house located in this popular and convenient road offering easy access to the motorway network, Gunnersbury tube station (District Line) and Chiswick train station (Waterloo). Entrance hall, double reception room, large kitchen/family room, guest cloakroom, utility space, cellar and four double bedrooms with two bathrooms. 36’ west facing rear garden. Available unfurnished early July. EPC rating = E

Note: Tenant fees may apply. Details available on request from agent.

Sales: 020 8995 1500 sales@andrewnunnassociates.co.uk | Lettings:w 020 8995 1600 lettings@andrewnunnassociates.co.uk Andrew Nunn.indd 2

01/07/2014 11:28

LE TB Y Duke Road Chiswick

£800 per week

Berrymede Road Chiswick

£750 per week

A contemporary four bedroom house situated on this highly sought after residential road in the popular Glebe Estate area of Chiswick and within walking distance of Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green Tube. Double reception room, a large open-plan kitchen which leads out to a decked patio garden, four bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite). Available mid August. Unfurnished. EPC = E

Newly refurbished family house beneﬁtting secure side access direct to rear garden ideal for bikes and motorbikes. Hall, sitting room, cloakroom, open plan kitchen/living room with built in appliances and bi fold doors leading onto terrace and a good garden. Three double bedrooms (one en-suite), single bedroom and a bathroom. Available immediately. Unfurnished. EPC = D

Beaumont Road Chiswick

Southfield Road Chiswick

£725 per week

Fabulously presented family house set within this new built development on the popular residential road close to Chiswick Park tube station (zone 3, District Line). Comprising a superbly ﬁtted kitchen with integrated appliances, open plan dining/reception room with doors opening onto a garden, three double bedrooms with built in storage, three bathrooms (one is en-suite) and cloaks. High speciﬁcation throughout. Secure parking. Available mid June. Unfurnished. EPC = B

£375 per week

One and two bedroom apartments in this new build development well located close to Turnham Green (District Line Zone 2) and South Acton station (Overground Line). Constructed to an exacting standard and with a contemporary ﬁnish these apartments are designed to be very energy efﬁcient and low maintenance. Fitted kitchens with built in appliances, fully tiled bathrooms, outside space. Available mid July. Unfurnished. EPC rating = B

Note: Tenant fees may apply. Details available on request from agent.

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

01/07/2014 11:27

Absolute Chiswick:

Trim size 210 x 297mm - RHP

LONDON NEVER STOPS CHANGING. NEITHER DO WE. So we’ve shaped up our image to make us increasingly a magnet for London’s tenants. A smart new look, combined with the fact that we are available from 8am–10pm, everyday and are investing millions in marketing, helps us ensure we find the perfect tenants for our clients’ properties. Call us on 020 3441 9000 for a free valuation and start finding your perfect tenant.

E STAT E A G E N T S

FJL.indd 1

01/07/2014 10:02

Chelsea&Fulham

Trim size 210 x 297mm - RHP

WE KNOW THAT CHOOSING TO LIVE IN LONDON IS A LIFESTYLE CHOICE AS MUCH AS A CONVENIENCE. THEATRES, MULTI NATIONAL CUISINE, FARMERS MARKETS AND VINTAGE FAIRS. EACH VILLAGE BOASTS INDIVIDUAL APPEAL. LONDON WILL ALWAYS MIMIC THE CHANGES OF ITS RESIDENTS... ...SO WILL WE. fjlord.co.uk SALES

PAXTON ROAD, W4

SALES

£1,100,000

MELLISS AVENUE, KEW

£1,250,000

With a stunning open plan feel downstairs, this extended and much improved three bedroom home sits close to Chiswick Park and just a moments walk from the river. There’s an option for a fourth, downstairs bedroom with en suite, perfect for guests.

This three bedroom, top floor penthouse apartment is part of an exclusive community, close to Kew Riverside, Village and railway station. The roof terrace and sun room really makes this property stand out. Access to a communal swimming pool and gymnasium.

CHISWICK 020 8747 8601

GRANGE ROAD, W4

Ref: FJL035900299 | EPC –D

£ 750,000

CLEVELAND AVENUE, W4

Ref: FJL035900276 | EPC –D

£1,500,000

You could move straight into this split level, 975 sqft apartment and enjoy a summer’s evening on the private roof terrace. The open plan living is large and bright, with a ultra stylish shower room and two double bedrooms. Offered with a share of the freehold. Opposite Gunnersbury tube station.

An exceptional five bedroom period family home, arranged over three floors and situated in a prestigious and quiet residential street just off Chiswick High Road. Moments walk from Turnham Green and Stamford Brook Underground stations.

CHISWICK 020 8747 8601

SALES.CHISWICK@FJLORD.CO.UK

FJL.indd 2

Ref: FJL035900290 | EPC –E

Ref: FJL035900249 | EPC –D

FJLORD.CO.UK

01/07/2014 10:02

ABSOLUTELY Property

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

Retreat Road, TW9

aden House is an exquisite and truly remarkable bespoke family home situated in prime location on a quiet no through road in between the historic Richmond Green and a beautiful stretch of the River Thames.

£4,250,000

Featherstone Leigh, Richmond Sales � 020 8940 1575; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

FREEHOLD

Dukes Avenue, W4

six bed, three bath, semidetached house with off street parking and a 60 ft west facing garden.

OIEO £3,000,000 Andrew Nunn & Associates

� 020 8995 1500; andrewnunnassociates.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Holinser Terrace, W5

select development of luxury townhouses, located in Ealing Broadway. The properties boast handmade bespoke fitted kitchens with Miele appliances, designer fitted bathrooms and a feature garden room with clear glass panels.

£1,295,000 - £1,350,000

Cobbold Road, W12

fantastic three double bedroom house located on one of Askew Village's most desirable roads, and just a stone's throw from Wendell Park. The property is suitable for end users and developers alike who wish to create something special.

£1,100,000

Winkworth, Ealing

London Estates

� 020 8896 0123; winkworth.co.uk

� 020 8741 8485; london-estates.net

Ingersoll Road, W12

truly wonderful five bedroom family home, stylishly refurbished from top to bottom. The accommodation, arranged over three levels with a cellar as well, has been beautifully designed with a range of high quality integrated appliances.

Price on Application Sworn & Co

� 020 8995 3076; swornandco.com

Kinnaird Avenue, W4

stunning family home, stylishly refurbished throughout with fittings of the highest standard which is situated on a prime residential road located close to Chiswick station and the River Thames. This much extended four bedroom semi detached house benefits from 2,473sq ft of carefully arranged accommodation, the finish is to an extremely high standard and the living area is truly exceptional, you also have off street parking and Chiswick House Grounds are close by.

£1,800,000 KFH, Chiswick

� 020 8987 0090; kfh.co.uk

 Spotlight on W4: Average asking price - £1,153,941Average asking rents - £2,391 pcmAverage property value - £989,971

Data provided by 125

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SALES SALES

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

FAIRLAWNROAD, AVENUE, W4 ABINGER BEDFORD PARK, W4

£465,000 £2,350,000

LETTINGS SALES

An detached five bedroom family home ideally in thisbenefit prestigious the heart of theThree Bedford Park Conservation area. Animpressive amazinglysemi light, well presented triple aspect flat withlocated the added of aresidential balcony road and in private garden. bedrooms, luxury bathroom, 14' reception room, fully integrated kitchen, gas fired central heating, share in the freehold, balcony and private garden with side access. Ideally Five bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Large entrancePark hall |tube Threestation reception | Fully fitted kitchen | Breakfast room | Utility room 45’West situated within close proximity of Chiswick androoms the extensive shopping and restaurant facilities on| Private Chiswick Highfacing Road.garden | Situated within close proximity of Turnham Green Tube Station and the extensive facilities along Chiswick High Road.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 W4 LAMB W4 GROVE PARK TERRACE,

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £2 MILLION

A newly decorated lowerfour ground garden with private west facing bedroom withonwardrobes, reception room with Rarely available this elegant storeyfloor period family flat house offers an excellent balancegarden. of livingLarge space double and entertaining space this prestigious residential road. wood floors, bathroom with shower over, fitted kitchen, garden. The flat is on one of Chiswick's best located roads, moments from the shops, restaurants on the& High Road 5 minutes Turnham Green station. The| Large property is available September, Six bedroomscafés | Bathroom shower roomand | Two receptionfrom rooms | 33’ Kitchen/Breakfast room entrance hall | 50’early West facing gardenfurnished. | Host of original features | Ideally situated within close proximity of local shops, restaurants and numerous transport facilities.

WHITMAN.indd 2

01/07/2014 10:29

SALES LETTINGS POINT WHARF HOUSE, LANE, TW8 BURLINGTON CHISWICK HIGH ROAD, W4

£350 PER WEEK £3.5 MILLION

SALES

ABeautifully unique opportunity to purchase this exceptional period freehold property situated in central Chiswick. Currently offeringBoasting over 3500square feet of presented two double bedroom second floor flat in thisideally highly sought after riverside development. a stunning open plan accommodation androom, off street parking four cars.and Thisalandmark buildingbedroom. must be viewed be fully appreciated. kitchen reception a river sideforbalcony master ensuite Large to open plan reception room, fully fitted kitchen with granite work tops, fitted wardrobes and riverside views. Underground parking space included.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, LAMB W4 W4 WILMINGTON AVENUE, W4

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £1.35 MILLION

A large, light and beautifully presented twohouse double bedroom ondesirable this highly in all the heart of Bedford Park, just minutes from An immaculately presented four bedroom period ideally located flat in this cul dedesirable sac street road close to amenities. Turnham underground station. Top floor position ensuresroom beautiful views from the reception and bedrooms. Four doubleGreen bedrooms | Two luxury bathrooms | 27’ Through reception | 27’ Bespoke Kitchen/Breakfast room leading onto a 75’ South west facing garden | Cloakroom | Polished wooden floors | Under floor heating | Cellar/Utility | Situated in this prestigious tree lined residential road offering close proximity to Chiswick Main Line Station, Local bus routes, Chiswick House Grounds, and the River Thames.

WHITMAN.indd 3

01/07/2014 10:29

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

194 Chiswick High RoadChiswickLondon W4 1PD

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

SWORN&CO.indd 2

01/07/2014 10:33

Shepherds Bush W12, POA

This traditional period property has been recently redesigned to create an outstanding five bedroom family home. Arranged over four levels including the cellar, the property has been extended on the ground floor to create a fabulous kitchen breakfast room opening on to a landscaped garden via bi-fold doors. The kitchen boats a range of high quality integrated appliances and links directly to the double reception rooms creating a feeling of light and space from front to back.

www.swornandco.com

SWORN&CO.indd 3

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FSL2836 Featherstone Leigh CHISWICK ABSO DPS qxd:Layout 1 30/06/2014 10:21 Page 1

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Elliott Road, Chiswick

ÂŁ1,875,000 Located on one of Chiswickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more desirable roads, this five/six bedroom Victorian end - terraced house is arranged over three floors with many original features retained throughout. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

Chiswick

Fulham

Clapham

Richmond

Twickenham

Hammersmith

Chelsea

Putney

Kew

Teddington

West Kensington

Battersea

Barnes

Sheen

Kingston

FSL.indd 1

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Linden Gardens, Chiswick

£1,675,000 Located within one of Chiswick's most desirable locations, this period family house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a west facing garden. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

Whellock Road, Chiswick

£1,350,000 A beautiful five bedroom house, in immaculate condition throughout, located just north of Bedford Park and well positioned for Turnham Green Terrace and Chiswick High Road. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

It’s our area... FSL.indd 2

30/06/2014 11:22

ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase

FREEHOLD

Vendor advice How long does it take to get my property on the market?

s quickly as you need it to be is the broad answer; Hamptons can provide an almost immediate listing for time critical sales where clients need to generate interest in their property without delay. Our key buyers will be called and internet profiles created and published online to Hamptons.co.uk<http://Hamptons. co.uk>, Primelocation, Rightmove & Zoopla etc. within a couple of hours. Hamptons offer professional photography and brochures as standard so for less urgent requests we usually say 48 hours for full marketing collateral to be produced. We pride ourselves on being adaptable and meeting the needs of our clients busy schedules and once everything is agreed you can leave everything to us.

Matthew Gilbert Manager at Hamptons, Ealing

� 020 8840 4545; hamptons.co.uk

What are the potential hold ups in the exchange process?

oday more than ever we have seen that the finance side of the transaction has become a complete lottery. With the right support however, we have seen some buyers navigate a minefield of new criteria laid down by the Mortgage Market Review seemingly unscathed and with minimal delay. We have entirely put this down to the support of the mortgage broker who has not only helped select the right lender for the buyer, but has already understood the new expectations of lenders and is also able to process the relevant paperwork far quicker. Often lenders come up against a growing backlog when going direct. In extreme examples, when this portion of the transaction gets delayed we are seeing it take more than 12 weeks for a mortgage valuation to be carried out as lenders continually request further information and are potentially struggling to deal with the level of processing which is now required of them. Needless to say, having the right team behind both yourself and your buyer has now become more important than ever before.

Stuart Balfré Sales Manager at Bushells, Acton

� 020 8993 6767; bushells.com

� This lovely property

has undergone total refurbishment and extensions, resulting in a stunning modern family home.

he accommodation comprises a spacious entrance hall, reception room, dining room, cloakroom, large open plan family room and kitchen with very high end appliances and bi- folding doors leading onto the garden, music room/study. Currently, the utility room and bedroom is used as an au pair’s suite. On the first floor there is a large master suite, dressing room

and four piece en-suite, and five further bedrooms and four bathrooms (three en-suite). Externally, the property is accessed via an extensive driveway and to the rear there is a beautiful and secluded south facing garden with a large decked patio area and lawn with mature trees and shrubs.

Details

Mayfield Road, KT13

£2,300,000 Contact

Surrey UK Sotheby’s International Realty 01932 860 537; sothebysrealty.co.uk

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Chiswick Branch Building 3, Chiswick Park 566 Chiswick High Road Chiswick London W4 5YA

Tel: 020 3725 4242

Email: chiswick@ramestateagent.com

Across London.

Canary Wharf Branch 37th Floor 1 Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5AA

Tel: 020 3725 4244

Email: canarywharf@ramestateagent.com

St James Branch 50 Broadway Westminster London SW1H 0RG

Tel: 020 3725 4243

Email: stjames@ramestateagent.com

Potters Bar Branch Maple House High Street Potters Bar EN6 5BS

Tel: 020 3725 4245

Email: pottersbar@ramestateagent.com

Ilford Branch 713 Cranbrook Road Gants Hill Essex IG2 6RJ

Tel: 020 8550 8788

Email: ilford@ramestateagent.com www.ramestateagent.com

RAM.indd 1

01/07/2014 11:24

Absolutely DPS Jul 2014_Kerr Westside Ad templates 25/06/2014 16:45 Page 1

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

sales@kerrandco.com

www.kerrandco.com Melina Road, W12 £895,000 FH A charming double fronted terraced cottage in this cul-desac overlooking Cathnor Park. The two bedroom house retains many original features and is well placed near the local facilities. The accommodation provides a reception room with French doors on to the patio garden, a dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, a bathroom and two double bedrooms.

Coningham Road, W12 £459,950 Share of FH A fantastic opportunity to acquire this larger than average one double bedroom top floor flat. Naturally light throughout and offering in excess of 640 square feet of accommodation, the property is ideally located within easy access of shopping facilities and transport links at Hammersmith Broadway and Shepherd’s Bush Green.

✆ 020 8743 1166 KERR&CO.indd 2

26/06/2014 09:29

www.kerrandco.com Warbeck Road, W12 £1,775,000 FH A magnificent blend of Victorian charm and modern comforts make this house stand out from the crowd. Restored and extended, the house creates excellent family accommodation over three floors. The level of detail is remarkable, from the restoration of the original cornice to the installation of a truly fantastic bespoke kitchen the house oozes character.

Hammersmith Grove, W6 £3,000,000 FH A magnificent, terraced, family house offering in excess of 3,700 sq ft over five floors. This classical Victorian house offers greater than average width and provides beautifully proportioned rooms, excellent natural light and an overall sense of space. The house retains many original Victorian features such as plasterwork, sash windows and fireplaces.

✆ 020 8743 1166 KERR&CO.indd 3

26/06/2014 09:29

FO R SALE

PERCY ROAD W12 GUIDE PRICE £ 2 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

A substantial family house with striking modern interior 4 double bedrooms En suite bathroom 2 shower rooms (1 en suite) Wide double reception room

PHILLIP WOOLLER.indd 1

• • • • •

Study / bedroom 5 Kitchen / dining / family room Utility room 45’ x 22’ garden and balcony 2483 sq ft / 231 sq m approx. EPC - D

30/06/2014 15:57

FO R SALE

DORVILLE CRESCENT W6 GUIDE PRICE £ 2 , 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

An imposing 4 storey family house with beautiful interior 5 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms and en suite shower room Cloakroom Double reception room

PHILLIP WOOLLER.indd 2

• • • • •

Conservatory kitchen Secluded west facing garden Cellar and eaves storage Close to Ravenscourt Park and schools 2717 sq ft / 252 sq m approx.

30/06/2014 15:57

ABSOLUTELY Property

Luxurious Lettings Lowdown for Landlords How is the rental fee calculated?

he rental fee is a percentage of the annual rent, ARLA standard is 10% for tenant fi nding. The rental fee is calculated by the amount of rent per week (say £500 pw), times by the number of weeks of the tenancy (52 weeks), this calculates the total rental income achieved (£26,000). From this you then calculate 10% of the annual rental income (£2,600), this figure is how much your rental fee will be. VAT is applicable on fees. Bective unlike other agents take their fees as and when the rent is collected, generally monthly. Th is service gives us a competitive advantage, as most corporate estate agencies charge in advance of the term.

� A beautifully refurbished and presented three double bedroom family home set on a quiet cul-de-sac in Hammersmith.

Fiona Mongey Lettings Director at Bective Leslie Marsh � 020 7221 5388 ; bective.co.uk

his is a stunning three bedroom family home on a peaceful cul-desac in the heart of Hammersmith. The house is laid over three levels with a spacious reception leading through to a kitchen/diner and out to a lovely patio garden. The top two floors comprise three bedrooms (two large doubles and one generous single) and two extremely well refurbished bathrooms. St James Street is a beautifully quiet cul-de-sac in Hammersmith a short walk from Hammersmith Broadway and Tube Station.

Details

St. James Street, W6

Short Let £1,095 Per Week Contact

Marsh & Parsons, Bishops Park Lettings, 020 7993 9888; marshandparsons.co.uk

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Smart explores the local area. Nearest school 0.3 miles

ZOOPLA.indd 1 Zest Adverts_Jan2014.indd 1

26/06/2014 04/04/2014 14:39 15:18

www.sintonhomes.com

ESTATE AGENTS & SURVEYORS

ST STEPHENS AREA WIMBLEDON MAY HAVE HAD THE STRAWBERRIES BUT WE HAVE THE CREAM.

A tastefully restored and skilfully extended 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom Edwardian semi with a superb kitchen extension and south facing garden.

AMONGST THE CHILTERN HILLS ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE

A lovely detached house in a sylvan setting, down an old farm lane, yet only 20 minutes’ drive from Ealing Broadway. Lovely condition and standing in ¾ acre of grounds including a paddock. Currently 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms plus planning consent for a 2 storey side extension.

£750,000 Freehold

Sinton Andrews.indd 2

£1,275,000 Freehold

03/07/2014 14:58

NEAR NOTTING HILL AND ST BENEDICTS SCHOOLS £2,695,000 Freehold A RARE CHANCE TO BUY ONE OF EALING’S RESIDENTIAL LANDMARKS Formerly the vicarage to historic St Stephens Church, this elegant Gothic Victorian residence (1865) is the answer to anyone’s prayer. The much loved family home of our clients for many years, nicely restored but with fantastic scope to indulge your design techniques. With over 4000 sq ft of lofty space it offers Hall, Cloaks, 4 Receps (including original vestry) Huge Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Laundry, Principal Bedroom Suite, 4/5 Further Bedrooms, 2 Further Bathrooms, Extensive Cellarage, Ample Parking and Garage, Lawned Grounds to 3 sides, Numerous original features.

www.sintonhomes.com / 020 8566 1990 / 8 Springbridge Road, Ealing Broadway, London W5 2AA Sinton Andrews.indd 3

25/06/2014 16:50

Crofton Avenue

Chiswick W4

ÂŁ1,295,000 freehold An immaculately presented 4 bedroom semi detached house located in this modern development of luxury houses & apartments, close to Chiswick House & grounds. The accommodation is arranged over 3 floors & comprises master bedroom with en-suite bathroom & wardrobe area, top floor guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, large reception/dining room with attractive parquet wood floor leading to conservatory, large integrated fitted kitchen, garage & off street parking. To the rear is a beautifully maintained garden. EPC rating C

Cleveland Road

Chiswick W4

ÂŁ1,100,000 freehold A charming mid terrace cottage located on this attractive residential road. The property is well presented throughout & boasts a double reception room, modern fitted kitchen, 2 double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes, large bathroom & a delightful west facing patio garden with established shrub/flower borders. EPC rating E

Chiswick 020 8995 3443 sales.chiswick@chestertons.com CHESTERTONS.indd 1

01/07/2014 10:58

Chiswick High Road

London W4

ÂŁ530,000 leasehold A delightful 2 bedroom top floor apartment benefitting from a good size private roof terrace with attractive views across neighbouring gardens & beyond. The property has recently been redecorated in neutral colours. The accommodation comprises large open plan reception room/kitchen with integrated appliances & dining area, 2 double bedrooms & a contemporary bathroom. EPC rating C

Huntingdon Gardens

Chiswick W4

ÂŁ425,000 leasehold Quietly located in this modern private development of luxury townhouses & apartments, close to both Chiswick Mainline station & Chiswick House & grounds. This attractive 1 bedroom apartment is located on the 2nd floor & has been recently redecorated with newly fitted carpets & offers attractive views across the development. It also benefits from a modern contemporary style bathroom, integrated kitchen with built in appliances, parking & attractive communal gardens. EPC rating C

Chiswick 020 8995 3443 sales.chiswick@chestertons.com CHESTERTONS.indd 2

chestertons.com 01/07/2014 10:59

ABSOLUTELY Property

Safe As

Houses JAMES LESLIE

Branch Manager of Faron Sutaria, Chiswick 020 8994 4111; faronsutaria.co.uk jleslie@faronsutaria.co.uk

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

FAI RL A

WN A lar spacio ge first floor G ROVE , W maiso us room 4 offerin s in t his plenette w it h g excell asant s t reet ent valu 1994 P rice: £1 e s. 07,000  2014 Price: £675,0 00

ST PETER’S ROAD, W6

S, S IOND, W4 den N A M A ga r E N D IGH RuOth facing ansion B E PR IC K H w ith So ished m . W rb nt old C H I S rtme ly refu reeh

ly A beautifully presented, three storey famition house with generously proportioned recep rooms and glorious, mature agarden. 1994 Price: £195,000 2014 Price: £1,30

0,000

0 apa ent t he F 0,00 ciousin t his recShare in a p s 1,00 £ A a : d e h e t c t i i r situa block w 014 P 0 2 0 ,0 : £175 Price 1994 Branch Man ager of Faro Shepherd n Sutaria s Bush & B , rook Gree 020 8740 776 n 6

DYLAN J A

MES

faronsutari ; a.co.uk

BRAC KLEY TE

A beautifully presented RRAC E, W4 ho a quiet cul-de-sac wit h use located wit hin additional lof t room an bright rooms and d West facing pat io. 1994 Price: £185,000 2 014 Price: £1,100,000

here has b ee cha nge of n much ta lk about pace in th the e L ondon ma rket. In pro S indeed less hepherds Bush th in per ty gs a re fra ntic bu both buye of v iew, the ma rket t from ou r point rs a nd sell is st il l idea ers, l fo need ing to sell a nd eq as there a re ma ny r look ing to sellers ua lly nu m p er reg u lation u rchase a new hom ous buyers e. W it h th s now in fu e ne w M M those buy ll sw ing , w R in e thoug ht in g w it h a mortgage a a re fi nd ing that re now pu to thei r pu tt ing more sa les more rchases, m a so was a g reat lid tha n before, w k ing ou r ag reed here prev er sense o iously ther fp u nstable sa e les a nd po a n ic buy ing wh ich cr ssible fa ll -t h roug hs. eated

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Oliver Close, W4 £461 per week

Glebe St, W4 £330 per week

A three bedroom house with pretty garden, garage, conservatory and off St Parking in the Strand on the Green area of Chiswick. Fees apply. EPC D

A two bedroom first floor conversion in the heart of the Glebe Estate. Southerly facing reception, kitchen breakfast room, double and single bedroom, furnished. Fees apply. EPC D

Bloemfontein Rd, W12 £300 per week

Elliott Rd, W4 £450 per week

A well presented top floor apartment with stunning views from a lovely private roof terrace. Double bedroom, good size reception, kitchen and bathroom. Fees apply. EPC D

Beautifully presented two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment. Brand new kitchen, good size living space, very central location in the heart of Chiswick. Fees apply. EPC D

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

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

Gordon Lindsay Associates, Gable House, 18-24 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP GORDON LINDSAY.indd 2

01/07/2014 15:20

Offices throughout London

Aspenlea Road, W3

£1,000,000 Freehold

Immaculate three bedroom end of terrace house, offered for sale with no onward chain. This charming property briefly comprises, large reception / dining room, kitchen opening up to the private garden, bathroom, three bedrooms and further bathroom. EPC = C

Hammersmith Office 0208 563 0123 hammersmith@bushells.com

King Street, W6

£590,000 Leasehold

Charming three bedroom apartment, ideally located within easy reach of Stamford Brook and Ravenscourt Park. At over 1000 sq ft this generous, split-level apartment benefits from proximity to Chiswick High Street and the Thames. EPC= D.

Hammersmith Office 0208 563 0123 hammersmith@bushells.com

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

Bushells_Chiswick.indd 2

01/07/2014 10:41

bushells.com

Layer Gardens, W3

£1,700,000 Freehold

A beautiful original five bedroom period house is arranged over three floors and located in a sought after quiet residential road. The property offers a wonderful entrance hall, dining room, reception room with high ceilings, fireplaces and the original floor boards throughout, large kitchen dining room, utility room and downstairs cloakroom and access to a mature 130ft garden. There are five double bedrooms and two family bathrooms with a large studio room and work room with excellent scope to convert subject to planning. EPC=F Acton Office 0208 993 6767 acton@bushells.com PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

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

Bushells_Chiswick.indd 3

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QUEEN ANNES GROVE, W4 A recently constructed, Bedford Park detached family house arranged over four floors, convenient for Turnham Green Underground station and Chiswick High Road with its excellent array of shops, bars and restaurants. Approx. 3,099 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 4 bedrooms, 4 shower rooms, bathroom, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, garden, balcony. Freehold Guide Price £3,500,000 SOLD

Chiswick Green Studios, W4

SOLD

Guide £799,950 Fielding Road, W4

SOLD

Guide £1,299,950 Vaughan Avenue, W6

CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk

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SOLD

Guide £1,800,000 Bedford Road, W4

Guide £4,950,000

johndwood.co.uk

01/07/2014 26/06/2014 10:44 15:28

BURLINGTON GARDENS, W4 A beautiful corner Victorian semi-detached family house with basement conversion. Convenient for Gunnersbury and Chiswick Park Underground stations and Chiswick Overground station. Approx. 3,710 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 5/6 bedrooms, bathroom, 3 shower rooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, media/play room, gym, cloakroom, laundry room, self-contained studio, landscaped rear garden. Freehold Guide Price £3,800,000 SOLD

Eyot Gardens, W6

SOLD

Guide £425,000 Dukes Avenue, W4

SOLD

Guide £4,250,000 Thornton Avenue, W4

CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk

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SOLD

Guide £1,950,000 Clarence Road, W4

Guide £750,000

johndwood.co.uk

01/07/2014 26/06/2014 10:44 15:28

ABSOLUTELY Property

Spotlight on Askew Road 7

Through the KEYHOLE...

Bedroom

Being able to extend into the roof space has enabled the current owners to create an additional bright double bedroom with an en suite.

Hadyn Park Road, W12 £1,295,000

Justin Knight Director, Finlay Brewer



� 020 8749 7719; finlaybrewer.co.uk

beautifully presented Victorian family home (157 sq/1,690 sq ft approx) in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush. The house is decorated neutrally throughout, is bright and spacious and has a contemporary feel whilst retaining period features including high plaster moulded ceilings in the reception room.

Kitchen

The large bright eat-in kitchen leads out onto a pretty garden and offers buyers the chance to do the side return creating even more space.

Reception

The double reception rooms in these charming Victorian houses have beautiful period features and offer flexible living space.

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE

Philip Wooller Director of Philip Wooller � 020 8811 2929;

philipwooller.com

BEST SCHOOL

RAINY DAY

SPORTS & REC

FUN FOR FREE

We really are very fortunate with our choice for state Primary schools and Nurseries in our area, each with its own unique character.

The unanimous decision in our office is to pop down to the Ginger Pig, get a nice joint to roast and not to come out until the rain and the wine’s over!

With Wimbledon now over, Hartswood Tennis Club will get your backhand up to scratch and have you competing in local leagues.

We are spoilt for green space with Ravenscourt Park with its paddling pool and Wendell Park’s play area - all a bike ride from the river for some more fresh air.

150

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You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Our dedicated lettings design team can help your property rent faster. So far, we’ve successfully let every property they’ve refurbished within two weeks of completion. douglasandgordon.com Residential Sales & Lettings

Property Management

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Corporate & Relocation Services

Professional Valuations

Asset Management

26/06/2014 26/06/2014 17:11 15:27

Ravenscourt Road W6 £3,700,000 Freehold Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

Stamford Brook Avenue W6 £2,500,000 Freehold Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk North

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Chelsea

Fulham

This five bedroom family home, with a west-facing garden, has been immaculately maintained and is beautifully presented throughout. Arranged over four floors the house provides fantastic family living.

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Study, Utility room, Cloakroom, Balcony, West-facing garden, EPC: D.

A Grade II listed Georgian house in the heart of Stamford Brook. The property, a large detached building, over-looks the ever popular Stamford Brook common and has been recently modernized to an extremely high standard throughout.

Master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room, 3 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Dining room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Garden, Garage, EPC: E.

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

30/06/2014 14:37

douglasandgordon.com

Theresa Road W6 ÂŁ775 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

Bloemfontein Avenue W12 ÂŁ450 per week Fees apply Part Furnished/Unfurnished

A stunning two bedroom cottage that has been newly refurbished throughout. The property benefits from a large open-plan kitchen/reception room that opens onto a large south-facing patio.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Open-plan kitchen/reception room, Patio garden, Loft storage, EPC: C.

A spacious garden flat which is full of charm and character. The lovely light and bright kitchen/reception room opens on to a very pretty, walled patio garden.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Open-plan kitchen/reception room, Garden, Cellar, EPC: D.

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

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Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

30/06/2014 14:37

OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 MARKET PLACE, THE BUTTS,FREEHOLD BRENTFORD TW8

£1,495,000

An absolutely extraordinary and individual country in a in stunning location. originally area. in 1962 foristhe artist JohnGrade Merton, Pound House An stunning Georgianmodern home with riverhouse frontage this sought afterBuilt conservation This a substantial II listed is broadlyhouse Palladian in style is a wide, single building with largethroughout, windows over looking gardens. It wasThe extended 1978onto to Georgian in The Buttsand Conservation area.storey It is very well presented with manythe original features. gardeninbacks include garden room and a fl large studio complex including a workshop dark room . Theforproperty hasalike, verywith highgreat ceilings and the river.a The living areas are exible in their use, but offers superb familyand accommodation familiescurrently or couples sized brick parapets the roof has good space. bedrooms and surrounding reception rooms. It iswhich also within easystorage walking distance of Brentford station which is just 32 minutes to Waterloo. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Grade II listed | River frontage | Conservation area | In excess of 2700 square feet | Four/five bedrooms | Viewing essential | EPC : D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/chiswick

See things differently.

020 8994 7096 chiswick@winkworth.co.uk

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01/07/2014 11:05

OARE, WILTSHIRE ÂŁ2,750,000 FREEHOLD UPPER MALL, HAMMERSMITH, W6 ÂŁ3,950,000 FREEHOLD extraordinary andriverfront individual modernwith country house in a stunning location. originally in 1962 for the artist John Merton, House AAnstunning freehold property panoramic views of the river. The Built property is superbly presented throughout, havingPound undergone broadly Palladian in style is ayears, wide, offering single storey building with large windows overfeatures lookingand the gardens. It wasdesign. extended 1978 isto aisfabulous refurbishment inand recent a combination of traditional period contemporary Theinhouse include a garden room andbetween a large studio complex a workshop darksuperb room .panoramas The property currently veryriver. high ceilings and positioned on Upper Mall, Rivercourt Roadincluding and Weltje Road andand offers both up andhas down brick parapets surrounding the roof which has good storage space. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | 5 bedrooms | 3 reception rooms | Kitchen | Dining room | 4 ensuite shower rooms | 2 cloakrooms | Dressing room | 2 balconies | Garden | EPC: D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

See things differently.

020 7371 4466 hammersmith@winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_SALES.indd 3

01/07/2014 11:05

LD SO OARE, WILTSHIRE FREEHOLD ELM AVENUE, W5 £2,750,000 OFFERS OVER £2,000,000 An extraordinary andviewings individual country in a stunning location. considerably Built originallyover in 1962 for theprice. artistInterest John Merton, House With more than 20 andmodern 8 offers, we arehouse delighted to have achieved the asking on thisPound property was is broadly Palladian in style andand is amany wide, across single storey withoflarge windows over looking the gardens. It was extended 1978 to shown from both local buyers Londonbuilding as a result extensive advertising to achieve the best price. A uniqueinand individual include a garden room and offering a large studio complex including a workshop and darksouth roomfacing . The property currently has very high ceilings anda five bedroom family home a complete ‘blank canvass’ with a fabulous garden extending to about 200’. Enjoying brick the roof which has good storage space. mostparapets enviable surrounding position fronting Ealing Common. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Prestigious location | Wealth of character | 200ft south-facing garden | Huge potential | EPC: D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/ealing

See things differently.

020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_SALES.indd 4

01/07/2014 11:06

OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD COBBOLD ROAD, W12 £1,200,000 FREEHOLD Anisextraordinary individual modern country house in aand stunning 1962home for the JohnSoMerton, Poundthat House It said that youand cannot buy class but this tasteful, calm rather location. beautifulBuilt four originally bedroom in family is artist for sale... that proves you is broadly Palladian in style and is a home, wide, single storeypresented, building with windows lookingThe theaccommodation gardens. It was extended 1978 to can. A striking four bedroom family beautifully in alarge popular familyover location. comprisesinfour double include a garden room and aa double large studio complex including a workshopkitchen/family and dark room . Thefrom property has very high ceilings and bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room, a well-appointed room whichcurrently an attractive patio garden can be brick parapets surrounding roof which has good storage space. accessed through by-foldingthe doors. Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Four bedrooms | Excellent reception space | Calm cohesive décor | Attractive private garden | EPC : D over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/shepherds-bush

See things differently.

020 8735 3266 shepherdsbush@winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_SALES.indd 5

01/07/2014 11:06

WEBSTER GARDENS, W5

£807 PER WEEK

EATON RISE, W5

£1500 PER WEEK

A lovely family home located close to both Ealing Broadway and

Refurbished to an extremely high standard this attractive family

South Ealing Underground Stations, shops and parks.

home offers ample off-street parking to the front.

Four double bedrooms | Master bedroom with en-suite | Utility area |

Six double bedrooms | Stunning kitchen/breakfast room | Cellar | Two reception

Downstairs cloakroom | Great location | Fees apply | EPC: F

rooms | Office | Three bathrooms | Fees Apply | EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

c o office | 020 8896 0123

PENNARD ROAD, W12

£600 PER WEEK

c o office | 020 8896 0123

TADMOR STREET, W12

£695 PER WEEK

A substantial, light and spacious three double bedroom property

A spectacular three bedroom, two bathroom Victorian townhouse in

arranged over the top two floors of a Victorian house on this sought

the most central Shepherds Bush location.

after centrally located street.

Three Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms (one en suite) | Double Reception Room |

Kitchen | Study | Garden | Fees apply | EPC: E

For more information on this property call:

he her s

sh office | 020 8735 3255

he her s

sh office | 020 8735 3255

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_LETTINGS.indd 2

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01/07/2014 11:02

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

BROOK GREEN, W14

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

£765 PER WEEK

AVONMORE GARDENS, W14

£400 PER WEEK

A wonderful three double bedroom first floor apartment located in a

A beautifully presented two bedroom flat on the third floor of a red-

sought-after, gated and portered development on Brook Green.

brick Edwardian purpose built block.

Fees apply | EPC: C

EPC: C

For more information on this property call:

Hammersmith | 0207096 7371 4466 Chiswick office |office 020 8994

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

HUNTINGDON GARDENS, W4

See things differently.

£900 PER WEEK

WELLESLEY ROAD, W4

£325 PER WEEK

Four bedroom Georgian style terraced house.

Modern top floor Victorian conversion flat situated close to

4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms (2 ensuite) | First floor sitting room | Large open

Gunnersbury station.

plan kitchen dining room | Garage | Cloakroom | Studio in garden | Lovely 60 ft

1 bedroom | Bathroom | Open plan kitchen/sitting room | Furnished | Available

garden | Fees apply | EPC: TBC

end of July | Fees apply | EPC: D

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

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_LETTINGS.indd 3

See things differently.

01/07/2014 11:03

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

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

Community Champion of the Year

Best London Estate Agency

The Negotiator Awards 2013 - Silver

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

Aldensley Road W6 £1,400,000 This superb four-bedroom family house has been cleverly configured to offer practical family living. The accommodation is arranged over three floors comprising a double reception room with bay window and a spacious kitchen/dining room leading out to the south facing rear garden. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is en suite. The property also has the benefit of a home office in the garden. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

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

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Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

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

SALES

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

Bolingbroke Road W14 £895,000 This attractive property has its own private entrance, a private garden with summerhouse and offers great entertaining space. The property features an open plan kitchen/reception room that leads out to the more recently added conservatory, currently being used as the dining room. Both bedrooms are a good size and the bathroom is modern and stylish. Share of Freehold. EPC=C. Sole Agents. BROOK GREEN: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk

Rylett Road W12 £525,000 This enchanting one-bedroom first floor period conversion is spacious and flooded with natural light due to its high ceilings. The generous reception/dining area, with its vaulted ceilings, is arranged over two levels and benefits from a Juliet balcony. The apartment also boasts a separate kitchen, a double bedroom and a well appointed bathroom. Share of Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents. ASKEW ROAD: 020 8102 0123 sales.ask@marshandparsons.co.uk

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30/06/2014 17:24

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

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

Community Champion of the Year

Best London Estate Agency

The Negotiator Awards 2013 - Silver

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

St Peters Grove W6 ÂŁ850 per week This unique three-bedroom house is situated within walking distance of both Hammersmith and Chiswick. Presented in excellent condition, the property boasts vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a host of period features mixed with a contemporary style. The layout comprises a fully ďŹ tted kitchen, a large reception/dinning room with a mezzanine level above offering an additional living area, three double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en suite) and a front and rear garden. EPC=D

ASKEW ROAD: 020 8102 0123 lets.ask@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Absolutely Notting Hill Jul 2014 TATLER_Layout 1 27/06/2014 10:54 Page 1

for health, sports & relaxation set in 27 acres of private grounds

GYM AWARDS 2014 WINNER OF

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Call 020 8740 4599 www.theparkclub.co.uk

The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB PARK CLUB WEST_OBC.indd 1

27/06/2014 16:18