WEST JULY 2014

ABSOLUTELY West

JULY 2014 £3.95

BACKSTAGE PASS

BILL BAILEY COMEDY'S MR NICE GUY

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BUSH THEATRE

FINAL FANTASY

CRESSIDA COWELL ON HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

BRIGHT YOUNG THING

THE SUMMER HEALTH & FITNESS SPECIAL

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 JULY 15.indd 2

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02/06/2014 11:36

ABSOLUTELY

CONTENTS July ‘14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 07 EDITOR’S LETTER

CULTURE

09 WHAT’S ON

Th is month’s diary

15 CULTURE NOTES

The latest in local art and culture

23 BILL BAILEY

The nicest guy in comedy

FASHION

27 COLOUR POP

Stylish Sixties inspiration

HEALTH & BEAUTY

36 FIX UP, LOOK SHARP

Chic workout wear for boys and girls

45 BEND AND FLEX

Yoga or Pilates: what’s your exercise of choice?

HOMES & GARDENS

51 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

The latest news, trends and local gems

55 THINK HOME

A rough guide to introducing texture to your home

FOOD & TRAVEL

65 BITE SIZED

Essential foodie news

69 HEALTHY HABITS

Sam Harrison on the merits of the 5:2 diet

73 SPA LIFE

The UK’s best luxury spa breaks

KIDS & EDUCATION

83 KIDS NOTES

Keeping them entertained

JULY 2014 £3.95

ACTING UP

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

ABSOLUTELY WEST

ABSOLUTELY CHISWICK

ABSOLUTELY Chiswick

TREADING THE BOARDS AT THE BUSH THEATRE

ABSOLUTELY West

JULY 2014 £3.95

BACKSTAGE PASS

BILL BAILEY COMEDY'S MR NICE GUY

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BUSH THEATRE

CRESSIDA COWELL'S VIKING ODYSSEY

JULY 2014

JULY 2014

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

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

BILL BAILEY ON HEADLINING SHOWS AND COMEDY HEROES

SOPHISTICATED SUMMER GLAMOUR

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 JULY 14.indd 3

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CHISWICK: LICKERISH WEST: LICKERISH

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COAST to COAST

FINAL FANTASY

CRESSIDA COWELL ON HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Schools are introducing meditation techniques to relieve stress. Amanda Constance investigates

PROPERTY

112 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

BRIGHT YOUNG THING

THE SUMMER HEALTH & FITNESS SPECIAL

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 JULY 14.indd 2

89 AN EDUCATION

29/05/2014 18:31

Caroline Watkins, Manager of Northfields, Shepherd’s Bush

142 LIVING THE DREAM

Th is month’s prime properties

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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR GEMMA BILLINGTON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CATHERINE HALES CONTRIBUTOR KATE GOULD TRAVEL EDITOR GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY ADVERTISING MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE SENIOR DESIGNERS PAWEL KUBA , PHIL COUZENS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN FREELANCE DESIGNER PIO BLANCO PRODUCTION CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER CENTRAL & WEST PROPERTY MANAGER LEAH DAY PROPERTY EDITOR HUGO HUNTER FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID FINANCE MANAGER MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTOR GREG HUGHES MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

July 2014

n the surface, a magazine devoted to small pockets of west London could seem a restrictive brief.

To which I say, how is it possible to feel creatively constrained when one minute I’m discussing the merits of didgeridoo drinking games with Bill Bailey (don’t ask), and the next, I’m chatting to writer and illustrator Cressida Cowell about How to Train Your Dragon? As far as jobs go, it’s anything but dull.

If you want to get a brief glimpse into the surreal world of comedy’s nicest man (officially, in my opinion) before his headlining gig at Kew the Music festival, then turn to page 23. For dragon devotees, Cressida Cowell talks about her new book on page 87 and tells us why she thinks the new film is better than the first.

As it’s summer (and we’re all still banking on the apparent impending heat wave – fingers crossed) it felt the right time to compile a health and fitness special. Rather than focus on pure aesthetics or squeezing into an itsy bitsy bikini, our round-up covers all bases for head-to-toe rejuvenation. Restaurant owner Sam Harrison dispels a few diet myths and shares a couple of tasty low calorie recipes (yes, there is such a thing) from his successful 5:2 menu on page 69. And if you’re embarking on a health kick but don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, we’ve rounded up the UK’s best spas on page 75.

Finally, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Beata Wierzbicka, who has won a stack of beauty goodies from the lovely people at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, who organised a massively successful makeover event where participants had their photographs mocked up on Absolutely covers. See all the images at facebook.com/ealingbroadwayshopping I do hope you enjoy the issue.

See you next month.

Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com. You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging).

Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Zest Media London 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ, T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

www.zest-media.com

Ed's Letter Chiswick.indd 7

Gemma Billington, Editor

02/06/2014 19:32

FULLERS.indd 1

30/05/2014 17:09

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ARTS & CULTURE

What’s On

July ONLINE PAINTINGS AUCTION

Blondie

30 June O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE Irrepressible punk rocker Debbie Harry will be stopping off at Shepherd’s Bush Empire this summer for a one-off show as part of Blondie’s 40th anniversary tour. Dig out those questionable 1980s leggings, don your best safety pin earrings and stock up on peroxide blonde hair dye to rock out to hits like One Way or Another, Hanging on the Telephone and, of course, Heart of Glass.

Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12; o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

8 July 25 BLYTHE ROAD

Looking for some new artwork to adorn your drawing room walls? Make sure you’re in tune and online to the Online Paintings Auction, featuring works collaborated for auction by Harry Moore-Gwyn and George Duckett. Under the title ‘British and Contineal Pictures’, MooreGwyn and Duckett provide the opportunity to invest in the (as yet) untapped market of British and Continental oil and watercolours, through works such as the trio of Welsh farming scene watercolours by Sir Kyffi n Williams OBE RA (1918-2006) and a number of works by Sir Stanley Spencer (1891 – 1959).

25 Blythe Road, W14; 25blytheoad.com

JACK JOHNSON

20 July EVENTIM APOLLO

When one thinks of summer, one should also think: Jack Johnson. More specifically, lying on a riverbank somewhere, with the smell of barbeque fi lling your nostrils, whilst the calming voice of Jack serenades you and your glass of very chilled (out) Pimm’s. If you can’t make it to a riverbank, make sure you make it to the Eventim Apollo instead. For there, you shall hear Jack play a gig in support of his sixth studio album, From Here To Now To You (which debuted at Number One) for one night only.

45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 eventimapollo.com

SIMON CALLOW IN JUVENALIA

18-22 July RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

You hear ‘Simon Callow’ and you’re on the phone booking tickets. Reprising a hugely successful role from his early career, Callow plays Juvenal, the writer born circa 55AD, who wrote 16 satires criticising the vulgar decadence of Rome.

Adapted by Richard Quick, this Edinburgh preview of the play gives indepth insight into the moral decline of that time, though perhaps we might fi nd similarities to how we are now, in this time.

1 Crisp Road, W6; riversidestudios.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE CHISWICK SUMMER FAIR 5 July TURNHAM GREEN

Having raised over £100,000 for charity since it started, much is expected from this July’s summer fair, now in its 11th year. With piloxing classes, a live auction (with some truly fantastic lots), performances by band Stormy Weather and the lovely Alice Parker-Clare, it is certain not to disappoint.

There’s face painting for the kids, fashion and accessory stalls, plus a number of delicious food offerings too, making this a Saturday wellworth waiting the year for.

Turnham Green, W4; chiswicksummerfair.org.uk

PERSEVERANCE DRIVE 4 July - 16 August BUSH THEATRE

HEART AND LUNG REPAIR SHOP 7 - 20 July KINGS MALL Want to be part of Hammersmith’s fi rst science pop up? The Heart and Lung Repair Shop sees an empty retail unit transform into a creative, interesting and interactive space, to encourage and promote education about these two most precious organs. Our hearts are racing just thinking about it.

King Street, W6 hammersmithlondon.co.uk

Set in the sweltering heat of the Caribbean, the Gillard family prepare for the funeral of their mother, Grace. The 8-year-long excommunicated Josh returns to spice things up, whilst the widowed Eli’s plans to sell the family home in Perseverance Drive are thwarted once Grace’s will has been read. When the family gather again, 5 years later in Leytonstone, time is running out for them to reconcile their differences and the drama unfolds amidst Tiger Malt and Madeira cake.

7 Uxbridge Road, W12 ; bushtheatre.co.uk

OPEN AIR THEATRE

2 & 3 July CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS ‘Figaro, figaro-figarofigaro-fi iiiiigaro!’ Who doesn’t love Figaro’s Aria?

Or an open air theatre, too, for that matter. Th is summer, Chiswick House will be hosting two nights of open air opera in their fabulous grounds; Rossini’s masterpiece, the Barber of Seville, and Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte. Th is is absolutely how a summer night should be spent.

Chiswick House, W4; chgt.org.uk

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25/02/2014 14:49

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

THE QUICK

BY LAUREN OWEN

Lauren Owen’s eerie debut novel, The Quick, is set in a fantastical Victorian London and tells the story of Charlotte Norbury’s search for her brother, an aspiring young poet who disappears shortly after leaving the siblings’ dilapidated country home to try to make a name for himself in the capital.

Charlotte’s search will take her on a twisted hunt through a labyrinth of mysterious characters right to the doors of The Aegolius Club, whose members include the most ambitious and dangerous men in England. £12.99; Jonathan Cape

Well Read

Absolutely’s selection of sensational reads. Enjoy!

THE DRESS THIEF

BY NATALIE MEG EVANS

Set in the sumptuous era of 1930s Paris, Natalie Meg Evans’ chunky debut novel has been nominated for the prestigious Daphne du Maurier award. It follows the story of Alix Gower, a young fashion designer who dreams of joining the ranks of Coco Chanel in the glamorous but competitive world of haute couture. But Alix has a secret: in order to support her family, she steals designs from established fashion houses to create bootlegs for the foreign market.

Eventually Alix gets her big break, but she soon realises that it also comes with a price... £7.99; Quercus

MUST READ

COP TOWN

BY KARIN SLAUGHTER

New York Times bestselling crime writer, Karin Slaughter (and yes, that is her real name), has moved on from her Will Trent series to write her first stand-alone novel.

Cop Town tells the story of Kate Murphy, a rookie cop thrown into the deep end on her first day in a macho Atlanta police department in 1974.

As if the misogynistic environment wasn’t enough to contend with, a much-loved male colleague is gunned down, leaving his brothers in blue out for blood and Kate on the hunt for a cop killer poised to strike again...

Random House

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02/06/2014 16:09

ABSOLUTELY

ARTS & CULTURE

CHARITY STARTS AT HOME

GUERRILLA GIRLS, ©GEORGE LANGE

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is among the famous faces who have pledged their ongoing support to the work of Coram’s Children’s Charity by posting messages of support on the new online ‘pledge wall’. Founded by philanthropist Thomas Coram, who set up the London Foundling Hospital, the charity celebrates its 275th anniversary this year. coram.org.uk

Culture Notes HANDWRITTEN HISTORY

I PREDICT A RIOT

Chiswick’s own subversive ceramicist Carrie Reichardt will be playing a major role in the V&A’s new exhibition, Disobedient Objects, the first show of its kind dedicated to the Craftivism art movement. Coined by writer Betsy Greer, Craftivism refers to attitudes of protest and political injustice explored through traditional ‘craft’ mediums. Disobedient Objects will focus on a period of time from 1980 to the present day, and the role that objects have played in movements for social change; from Suffragette’s teapots to protest robots. 26 July - 15 February 2015; vam.ac.uk

If you love local history then you’ll love Fading Ads of London, a new book by New Empress magazine editor Helen Cox. In over 150 colour photographs, Helen documents the ghostly fading advertisements that can still be found across London. Not only is it a reminder of what can be found on our doorstep but it’s also a snapshot of a bygone time of hand-painted craft and commercials. Fading Ads of London by Helen Cox, £12.99; The History Press

INVINCIBLE

Orange Tree theatre’s founder and Artistic Director, Sam Walters, will be stepping down this summer after 40 years but he leaves on a high note as it will be the same month that Invincible transfers to the West End after a sell-out run. The play, written by Torben Betts, explores a couple in financial turmoil who are forced to leave London and move to the north of England. orangetreetheatre.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Soho House are set to open a new branch at the BBC Television Studio site in west London. The £500 million development will include a 47-room hotel, rooftop pool and terrace and is part of developer Stanhope’s major redevelopment of the area. Keep those eyes peeled. sohohouse.com 15

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ARTS & CULTURE

Bob Hoskins in England-England, 1977

Beat around the Bush From a room over a pub to plush new dwellings in the old Shepherd’s Bush Library, the Bush Theatre has a rich history.

Neil McKelvie looks at the famous faces who have graced its stage and finds out what’s in the store for the future

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Joseph Fiennes in Anthony Weigh’s 2,000 Feet Away, 2008 The Fosdyke Saga, 1977, Jim Broadbent (bearded)

Old Bush (pub)

Alan Rickman and George Irving in Commitments, 1980

Sheridan Smith in Tinderbox by Lucy Kirkwood, 2008

T

hree years after moving, the Bush Theatre is now happily ensconced in the handsome old Shepherd’s Bush Library on Uxbridge Road. Blessed with a proper auditorium, rehearsal rooms, foyer, comfy café and bar, even a garden, it’s a world away from the theatre’s frankly rather scuzzy former home over the Bush pub in what was once Lionel Blair’s dance studio.

In Close-Up Magic, Neil Burkey’s wonderfully evocative anthology of memories of the ‘pub years’ (1972-2011), Julie Walters vividly recalls the primitive conditions in which she and countless other now famous figures (Victoria Wood, Simon Callow, Jim Broadbent and the late Bob Hoskins) cut their theatrical teeth.

‘Never before or since has there been a backstage like the Bush. It was simply a landing, I guess about six-foot square. Once the audience were in, this space became the dressing room. There were no facilities, so we took to rushing down the fire escape to use the pub toilets. For an interval wee, this had to be done sharpish if you didn’t want to be caught queuing with the punters. After that, it was perfecting our aim into pint glasses and frequent cries of “Don’t drink that!” as thirsty actors reached for what they thought was lager in the backstage gloom.’

If the environment – for actors and audience – has changed beyond recognition, the Bush’s reputation as a cradle of new writing remains proudly intact. ‘Absolutely, we embrace our past,’ confirms Madani Younis, Artistic Director since 2012. ‘No tenure by an Artistic Director has ever been the same, but the core characteristics have been constant: namely, to be ambitious, to nurture talent, to ask big questions and to reflect the temperature of the moment. All our work is new, so the risks are as great as the rewards, and we continue in that spirit.’

While fully respecting the Bush’s rich history, Younis and Producer Rachel Tyson have a clear vision for the present and future. ‘We want to be a theatre for London now,’ explains Madani. ‘We’re fortunate to be in the heart of a vibrant residential neighbourhood. You only have to walk down Uxbridge Road to encounter so many diverse voices. We’re trying to create a space that celebrates that plurality and this always informs our artistic decisions.’

Of course, taking up residence at the old Library presented new challenges. ‘It’s been a revelation,’ smiles Rachel. ‘During our first season we learned so many lessons. Most importantly, having so much physical space allows us to be more ambitious in terms of the programme.’

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‘For 40 years we were located above a pub and only open from 7 to 11pm,’ adds Madani.

‘We had a loyal audience, but really the Bush was a well-kept secret. Now, we’re open from 9am to 11.30pm and we can welcome and engage with a broad range of people. We want to become part of the fabric of the area; after all, it’s because of tax-payers’ money that we’re here in the first place.’

To promote its community involvement, the Bush has appointed a Producer to lead the theatre’s relationship with local schools and youth groups and encourage individuals across the socio-economic spectrum to experience theatre first-hand. In addition, residents in west London postcodes can join the Bush Local scheme that offers preview tickets, discounts on food and drink and invitations to exclusive events.

Clearly, both the artistic blueprint and community focus is paying dividends. Over the last 12 months the Bush has enjoyed a run of sell-out shows and been nominated for London Theatre of the Year. Equally, figures have shown that 60% of the audience had not historically come to the theatre, and a third of those were from the local area.

Not that Madani is remotely resting on his laurels. ‘We hope our choices help to make the Bush relevant to the lives of every individual in London,’ he tells me.

‘Our ambition is to continue to grow and pose difficult questions. We’re approaching exciting new names and established artists to work with us. We are a theatre that is really punching above its weight. Really, if you live in west London, you should love the Bush as much as you love QPR!’

Bush Theatre interior ©Philip Vine

COMING UP AT THE BUSH THEATRE PERSEVERANCE DRIVE 4th July – 16th August Written by Bush veteran Robin Soanes, this thought-provoking new work set in Barbados and London follows a conservative religious family’s struggle to reconcile its faith in God with their faith in one another.

ALBION 12th September – 25th October Chris Thompson is a past winner of the Channel 4’s prestigious Playwrights’ Scheme and his explosive play charts the rise of the far right in politics in working-class London.

RADAR 1st-30th November Now in its third year, the Bush’s annual festival of new work offers an exciting array of young companies the platform to showcase their productions in London.

Box office: 020 8743 5050 or book online at bushtheatre.co.uk Close-Up Magic: 40 years at the Bush

by Neil Burkey is published by Third Millennium Publishing

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Golden Wonder When Leah Day decided to turn her beloved grandmother’s emerald brooch into a ring, she called on the services of Chiswick jewellers Marmalade. Absolutely followed her journey…

J

ewellery often tells a story.

When you compliment a friend or even a stranger on a particular piece they’re wearing, you will usually be told the story of its origin. Whether it’s a simple shop bought item or one that has been in the family for generations, there is always more to it than meets the eye.

In 1982, Leah Day inherited a pretty emerald brooch from her grandmother. Though the brooch was beautifully crafted and an interesting floral design – with a large pale emerald as the focal point – it was a piece that was ‘of it’s time’ and Leah conceded that, though it held high sentimental value, the truth remained that, in its current state, she simply would not wear it.

Rather than have the brooch sit dormant in the back of a wardrobe for years to come, Leah decided it deserved a new lease of life.

This is where popular Chiswick jewellers Marmalade came in. Run by husband-andwife team Simon Johnson and Nadine Meegan, Marmalade recently celebrated ten years on Turnham Green Terrace. The quirky shop, with its trademark brown and orange colour scheme, faux grass flooring and unique window displays has racked up countless accolades and awards over the last decade.

As well as the regular stock of high-end necklaces, bracelets, earrings and wedding

rings, Marmalade offers clients a full bespoke service. With a project like this, Simon admits he is in his element.

‘Leah came to us with the idea of remodelling [the brooch] into a ring that she would wear on special occasions that would remind her of her grandmother. She approached us with a view to achieving this.’

Simon explained, ‘some clients come in with a very specific goal in mind whilst other, like Leah, are open to exploring ideas and various possible outcomes.’

‘During the course of our first meeting with Leah,’ Simon continues, ‘it was established that we were to make a yellow gold ring using her grandmother’s round emerald from the brooch, with the objective of retaining some of the floral elements, the flow, the shape and the two-tone finish.’

As this was to be a ring worn on special occasions, the designers had permission to let their imaginations run wild – the only brief being that the ring should incorporate the floral design somehow, and should use the original emerald and cluster of small diamonds.

Emeralds are traditionally ‘soft’ precious stones that are inherently quite fragile.

Though the emerald in her grandmother’s brooch was not of the purest colour, it was still important to Leah to use it in the ring.

After talking through some rough ideas, three designs were produced. Leah’s chosen

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sketch was an intricate but dainty design of small, colourful leaves made up of amethyst, diamond, sapphire and mandarin garnet with a larger gold leaf that resembled the original brooch set behind the central emerald. A line of the original small diamonds ran across the band on the opposite side, reminiscent of the way they were set in the brooch. Simon acknowledges that, despite advances in technology, the majority of clients are happy to work with sketches, which go from a rudimentary stage to a full-scale drawing.

However, in this case, the team produced a Computer Assisted Design (CAD) render of the ring and even a 3D wax model.

With such a concrete representation of how the ring would look and with all the finishes selected, you would think that the final unveil (which took around 4 weeks to complete after the design brief had been agreed) would

“Leah wanted to turn the brooch into a ring that would remind her of her grandmother”

not hold any surprises. But, unveiling the ring, there were gasps of both surprise and delight. ‘I’ve really enjoyed it,’ Simon grinned, ‘this has been a really interesting project.

And, most importantly, Leah couldn’t be happier with the results. In her own words she told us her story: ‘When I was born, my grandmother gave me a very thoughtful and heartfelt gift as my grandfather had sadly passed away a week before I entered the world. She decided to combined the emerald from her engagement ring, the diamonds from my grandfather’s wedding band and the gold from both.

The elements were created into a brooch with a floral design and whilst it was lovely, it was unfortunately something that I would not have used. It remained in my jewellery box for 30 years only to be brought out on occasion to have a look at.

I always felt regretful that such a thoughtful piece was confined to spend its days locked away but I just didn’t know what to do with it. I had always toyed with the idea of having my brooch created into something that I could wear and have always wanted it to be a ring but I assumed it would be far too costly to achieve. That was until I met Simon.

I am absolutely thrilled with my beautiful ring. It has an amazing balance between delicate and show-stopper and I honestly cannot stop looking at it. It is such a wonderful feeling to be part of the process in creating a stunning piece of jewellery and there is an overwhelming sense of pride in owning such an individual piece that I will be able to pass down the line to my daughter or granddaughter in the future.’

23 Turnham Green Terrace, W4; marmaladejewellery.co.uk 21

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SUNBURY MAY.indd 2

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ABSOLUTELY

Photograph by Sukey Parnell

ARTS & CULTURE

FIT THE

BILL

Multi-talented comedian, musician, actor and animal advocate, Bill Bailey, talks to Gemma Billington ahead of his headlining show at this month’s Kew the Music festival

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C

omedians are often divisive types. They’re marmite people; no strangers to causing offense or outrage with one swift put-down or controversial routine.

But is there anyone who doesn’t like Bill Bailey? Aside from the fact that his unique comedy style is the complete opposite of the acid-tongued, blue-streaked tirade favoured by some of his contemporaries (I’d actually feel safe sitting in the front row of one of his shows), he just seems like a really nice bloke. And after nearly an hour spent in his company I’ve got something to tell you: he is.

When I arrive at the doors of Bill Bailey HQ I have to double and triple check that I’ve got the right place. The building is like some defiant little cottage nestled amongst Hammersmith’s ever-increasing high rises and towering, modern offices.

‘We’re like the house in Up.’ Bailey agrees, when I compliment his place of work. Inside the office is artfully cluttered with old touring props and programmes, musical instruments, a stuffed owl on the wall and a couple of scrawny (non-stuffed) cats.

Consistently voted one of the country’s top comedians, Bailey has been on the circuit since the mid 80s and has ten successful shows under his belt. As well as stand-up, he’s appeared in feature films and television – famous for playing long-suffering Manny Bianco in Black Books and a familiar face on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I got News for You and QI. More recently, Bailey has been able to indulge his love of wildlife with documentaries including Bill Bailey’s Jungle Hero and Nature’s Misfits. Always steering on the right side of eccentricity and surrealism, Bailey’s appeal is broad. His fan base is made up of everyone from puppy-faced teenagers to (his kindred spirits) die-hard rockers. Even your nan would probably raise a smile at one his shows.

In person, Bailey is polite and friendly but ever so slightly reserved. Though talkative, it takes a while for his answers and anecdotes to be peppered with those trademark quirky expressions and gestures, and for those large, almost cartoonish eyes to make contact with mine. This is the paradox of a comedian: that your job is to stand in front of a bunch of strangers and make them laugh for two hours, yet they’re a notoriously vulnerable, sensitive breed beneath the surface. ‘It takes a bit of front, a bit of attitude, you have to try and psyche yourself into it and say “I can do this”.’ Bailey says when I ask if he ever feels nervous, ‘when you start out

you spend a lot of time going, “what are you doing?!”’

Bailey grew up in Keynsham, Somerset (though I barely detect any

“I think people are quite giddy when they’re outdoors – particularly the English!”

West Country inflection in his voice) and he has lived in west London since the ‘old days’ (AKA the 1980s), including a time on a houseboat by Hammersmith Bridge. An exceptionally bright student, Bailey ‘always thought’ he’d end up doing something in music. However, after finding music college ‘too dry’ (‘it took itself too seriously’, he comments)

he began experimenting with comedy.

‘We persuaded the guy [who ran a local music club] to let us put on a comedy night and I just got bitten by the bug really.’ He explains, ‘you say something that you think is funny and if people laugh it’s like there’s an electric kind of... dance... that goes off in your head.

You’re hooked by it.’

Bailey’s comedy style is a mixed bag of articulate, witty musings and brilliant musical numbers accompanied by visuals and animation.

A classically trained musician, Bailey can pay homage to his love of unusual instruments one minute and then point out the similarities in traditional cockney songs and classical overtures the next. He cleverly blends, breaks down and splices different genres of music together and has written original songs about everything from shopping at Tesco to owls. One of the highlights of Qualmpeddler, his latest tour, is an ingenious dub-reggae mash-up of the Downton Abbey theme tune.

But I’m interested to know if this unique, almost quaint approach to comedy was set from the start. Did it

Kew the Music

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ARTS & CULTURE

Bill Bailey on stage at Sonisphere

take a while to carve his niche? ‘It’s all evolved over time’ he replies, ‘at first you’re just praying that people laugh!’

‘When you start out it’s quite bitty, it doesn’t really connect.’ He continues, ‘it’s tricky getting one section to flow into another and making it look seamless and making it look comfortable so people can just forget that they’re watching a comic doing a routine, it’s more like a conversation.’

Amongst his comedy heroes, Bailey cites Will Durst, Rich Hall and Dylan Moran. What ties these performers together is a shared love of language

and ‘shaggy dog stories’. He explains: ‘In terms of stand-up I like people who are good at telling stories and characterising stories. That’s why Bill Hicks was such a great comedian.

Everyone talks about him as a political comic but what tends to get forgotten is that he was a great story teller, he acted out his stories and was very imaginative. That is the mark, I think, of really interesting comics: that they can bring different elements to the stage.’

Inspiration for comedians strikes at random,and Bailey admits that part of his job is to always be switched ‘on’, but this modern philosopher is a culture seeker at heart. ‘I go out a lot to watch things,’ he says, ‘comedy, theatre, films, dance, art… anything. It’s almost like you’re getting into someone else’s artistic ideas.’ Recently he saw a production of Warhorse and he raves about The Lego Movie, which he saw with his son, Dax (‘clever, funny and totally subversive’). In Qualmpeddler, Bailey ponders the myriad worries of modern life: from politics and science to television and celebrities. The show toured extensively last year and, after a short break, Bailey is back on the road and will be headlining Kew the Music this July. He admits that touring is ‘tiring’ and tells a hilarious anecdote of his entire entourage falling fast asleep within five minutes of watching a film after a recent gig. ‘We’re not 23 anymore’, he laugh, ‘we’re not up all night to get lucky.’

Bailey will be making his debut at Kew but festivals are second nature to him. ‘I love the outdoors’ he enthuses, ‘I think people are quite giddy when they’re outdoors - particularly the English. People just take a holiday from their lives.’ Though we concede that the Kew audience may be tamer than, say, the Sonisphere crowd (where he played in front of over 50,000 rock fans), Bailey promises to put on one hell of a show. Having started his career as a festival stand up, the stage is his domain. ‘I love doing gigs, I’ve done it all my life and I still get a buzz out of it.’ He smiles, ‘I just love putting on a show.’ Whilst he may not be able to stay awake during an entire movie these days, Bill Bailey is still comedy’s undisputed rock star.

Bill Bailey headlines Kew the Music on 20 July. 16 - 20 July, for info see kew.org 25

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FASHION & STYLE

Colour

POP!

A bright palette of candy stripes and block colours give L.K.Bennett’s SS14 Collection a hint of 60s charm.

Wear in the sunshine with oversized sunnies and an ice cream in hand for maximum impact

L.K.Bennett, Westfield, W12; lkbennett.com

27

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C O A S T

T O

COAST Balance pops of leopard print with sophisticated neutrals for grown-up summer glamour Photography: HELENE SANDBERG Styling: CHARLIE MOORE

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Leopard print faux fur coat, £200,

by Pepe Jeans; pepejeans.com Bikini top, £127 and high waisted bottoms, £86, both by Prism at my-wardrobe.com

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Swimsuit, £82,

by Princesse Tam Tam; princessetamtam.co.uk Wool cardigan, £109, by Stills; stills-atelier.com Leopard print belt, £60,

by Twiggy at Fenwick; fenwick.co.uk Leather sandals, £260,

by Pedro Garcia; pedrogarcia.com Suede sandals, £99,

by Boden; boden.co.uk Socks stylist's own

FASHION SHOOT 7 PAGER.indd 30

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Bow bikini top, £49, by Princesse Tam Tam; princessetamtam.co.uk Crochet pencil skirt, £399, by Sea Ny at my-wardrobe.com Cream coat, £175,

by Pepe Jeans; pepejeans.com

FASHION SHOOT 7 PAGER.indd 31

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Cable knit sweater, £180,

by MIH; mih-jeans.com Printed towel, £35,

by Seafolly; seafolly.com

FASHION SHOOT 7 PAGER.indd 32

02/06/2014 11:44

Cream shift dress, £302, by Cacharel; colibrifashion.com Leopard print pony hair clutch, £380, by 3.1 Phillip Lim at my-wardrobe.com Suede sandals, £99,

by Boden; boden.co.uk Socks stylist's own

Photography: Helene Sandberg Styling: Charlie Moore Hair and Make up: Desmond Grundy using Sisley and M.A.C Cosmetics Model: Natalia at Elite

FASHION SHOOT 7 PAGER.indd 33

02/06/2014 11:44

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HEALTH ARTS & CULTURE & BEAUTY

FIX UP, LOOK SHARP

ADIDAS SS14 Women’s Training Range; adidas.com

This month it’s a fitness focus, with everything you need to know to have you looking and feeling your best for summer

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Let’s get physical

Top togs to see you through even the toughest workouts…

THEORY 38 Cotton Sweatshirt Dress £185; stylebop.com

SWEATY BETTY Setai Stripe S/ Sleave Top £45; sweatybetty.com

PRINCESSE TAM TAM Crop Top £27; princessetamtam.co.uk

WELLICIOUS Playsuit in Poppy Red £79.95; wellicious.com

PRINCESSE TAM TAM Chrono Running Legging, £44; princessetamtam.co.uk

EMMA COOK Twill Track Pants £250; net-a-porter. com

mango.com

Must have ORLEBAR BROWN BEACH TOWEL & BAG SET £145; gift-library.com

SWEATY BETTY Purity Reversible Bikini Top: £45; bottom: £40; sweatybetty.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

AESOP Athlete Grooming Kit £80; mrporter.com

TSOVET SVT-DW44 Watch £325; opumo.com

Editor’s pick LOVE BRAND & CO. BEST BUNCH SWIMMING SHORT

DAINES & HATHAWAY Golf Ball Holder in Earth Red £75; gift-library.com

£119; lovebrand.com

ASICS Speed T-Shirt £45; asics.co.uk

NIKE Premier Tennis Jacket £70; nike.com BURBERRY Textured Leather Holdall £1195; mrporter.com

New Balance Go 2 Tight Bottoms £16.99; newbalance.co.uk

Trainers: FIVE OF THE BEST 1

3

2

5

4

1. Nike Free 5.0, £90; nike.com 2. New Balance Fantom Fit Minimus Hi-Rez, £84.99, newbalance.co.uk 3. Asics Gel-Super, £100; asics.co.uk 4. Nike X Liberty Blue Liberty Print Internationalist, £75; liberty.co.uk 5. Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit, £110; nike.com

37

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Fitness in focus Beach body confidence is about more than donning the right bikini. Absolutely rounds up some local fitness inspiration, ideas and innovative classes for your best summer body yet

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

1

GET BIKINI BUFF AT B LONDON BOUTIQUE…

The bikini can strike fear into the hearts of even the most body-confident of women.

But don’t dread skimpy swimwear, just make sure you’re wearing the right style. B London Boutique in Barnes stocks the chicest range of bikinis, swimsuits, kaftans and beach accessories from brands like Karla Colletto and Melissa Odabash. If that’s not enough, their in-house spa has a full range of top-totoe treatments for men and women that will have you polished and primed to hit the beach in no time. blondonboutique.com

2

TRY A WORKOUT WITH A TWIST AT BARREWORKS…

We’d all love to be toned like a ballerina but most of us gave up ballet classes before the end of primary school. Inspired by one of New York’s favourite workouts, Barreworks incorporates barre and ballet based techniques in a fun but intense class.

Your muscles won’t know what’s hit them the next day but this is by far one of the best ways to tone-up like a pro. If you don’t fancy being stuck in a studio, then take part in one of Barreworks’ outdoor RunOut classes that will have you pounding the scenic streets of Richmond under expert tuition. barreworks.co.uk

3

SPEND YOUR SUMMER AT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD’S FRIENDLIEST HEALTH CLUB...

Favoured by locals as well as celebs, the Hogarth and sister health centre The Park Club are in a league of their own. Why? Well not only do they have the flashiest treadmills we’ve ever seen following a whopping £1 million investment in Technogym equipment, but you and your family could practically spend the whole summer there being entertained by everything from beauty treatments to kids clubs and, of course, the 25m heated outdoor swimming pool. thehogarth.co.uk

4

END UNHEALTHY SNACKING WITH GRAZE…

Is there anything more depressing than being cooped up in the office when the sun is shining and it feels like the whole world is away on holiday? Work is the last place you want to be in the summer months, and it’s also a hotbed of unhealthy food-related habits. Crisps, chocolate, another birthday cake?? Richmondbased ‘snack-swappers’ Graze can help you eat healthily between meals with their selection of over 100 tasty, guilt-free goodies that are posted out to your home or office. graze.com

5

TOTAL TRANSFORMATION AT G14…

Most of us just want to lose a few pounds in time for the holidays but for some this summer marks the time to undergo a complete body transformation. G14 in Chiswick is home to a specialist team of personal trainers and nutritionists who promise to totally transform how you look - and feel - in just 14 weeks. Log on to their website for some impressive testimonials and, if you decide to take the plunge, we wish you the best of luck. g14.co.uk

6

GET MUDDY FOR A GOOD CAUSE…

Anyone who’s run or watched a loved one partake in a Race For Life event will know that they’re fun, sociable and emotionally charged days out. If you’re a seasoned charity runner and a standard 10k isn’t quite enough of a challenge these days (even if you’re running in a pink furry gorilla suit in the middle of summer), then the Pretty Muddy® event may be for you.

Charge across a 5k obstacle course and be prepared to get muddier than a reveller at Glastonbury. After all, cancer plays dirty, but so can we. raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

7

BEST FOOT FORWARD AT FOOT SOLUTIONS…

Feet. They’re not the most exciting body part, nor the sexiest (well, for the majority of us, anyway). But for anyone who’s had problems with their feet they’ll know just how important they are. After all, if one teeny tiny toe is off-kilter, it can massively affect the rest of the body. Before you even step inside a gym this summer, pay a visit to Foot Solutions in Richmond. Their specialists will fit you with the right shoe or accessory to sort out any kind of foot ailment and to prevent injury before sport. footsolutions.co.uk

8

CHILL OUT AT K SPA…

Most spas have a pretty standard list of treatments, but at K Spa, located in the oh-so-fancy K West Hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, you’ll find something a little different.

The spa won a prestigious World Luxury Spa Award for Best Luxury Hotel Spa UK back in 2011 and is home to London’s only ‘Snow Paradise’, a Scandinavian inspired room set at a chilly -15°C. Why? Well, it’s designed specifically to compliment the spa’s hot-cold treatments and boost circulation. Just in case you’re getting fed up of all that warm weather… k-west.co.uk

STILL NEED A BOOST? HERE’S SOME TOP TIPS FROM RICHMOND-BASED PERSONAL TRAINER PAUL KENNY TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED Drink more clear stuff, eat less white stuff. Straight away drink more water and cut out the white carbs in your diet. That means no pasta, rice, bread or potatoes.

Total Body = faster change.

Find total body exercises to help your body burn the most calories.

Get your ‘HIT’: Find a class or training session that involves High Intensity Exercises. They kick your body into a fat burning response that lasts for up to 48hrs after the session is over.

If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it! OK, so a new regime is never easy but if you want to stick at it, find a type of exercise that flicks your switch. You’ll stick with it longer and that will make a difference to help make you look amazing on the beach.

And finally…start tomorrow. Really, literally, if you’re reading this on a Monday, start on Tuesday etc. The more you put it off, the worse it’ll get. So go on, make it happen! paulkennyfitness.com 39

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PROMOTION

LUXURY STYLE GUIDE Get your fashion fix at new online boutique luxe-layers.com

L

uxe-layers.com is the creation of Flavia Young, a passionate business woman who grew up immersed in the fashion world since the days her mother owned a chic boutique in Rio de Janeiro in the 70s.

Flavia has worked in fashion for over 20 years and this is her latest venture, after having sold her extremely successful boutique in Johannesburg and moved with her family to London.

Unlike independent retailers, larger high street stores and online giants lack the ability to be selective and flexible in their stock buying and, up to now, most high end online shops have focused on editorial wear, rather than pieces which fit in with an uncomplicated morning ritual of getting dressed.

Luxe-layers.com is an independent online boutique based in Barnes, southwest London, where global customers can find an exclusively curated edit of luxurious everyday wear, never sold en masse.

All garments are expertly and personally selected from well established designers as well as new and emerging talent.

Flavia and her team offer complimentary style advice via personalised images, directly to each client or via our regular updates on our style file and various social media channels.

With this, Flavia hopes that shopping at luxe-layers.com will be an online experience which does not compromise on personal service, and becomes part of the busy woman’s lifestyle.

luxe-layers.com 40

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PROMOTION

WELLNESS ON THE GO

Park Club Wellness Manager Terry Rodham gives Absolutely his expert advice on getting fit for life

A

s our lives get faster and faster with ever-increasing amounts of activities, expectations, deadlines and responsibilities thrust upon us, finding time to exercise and look after ourselves can be a workout in itself. Getting to the gym can be a struggle.

Going to bed at a sensible hour when more work beckons, or keeping to a balanced diet when travelling can be a challenge. So what’s the solution? Activity is key and in the gymnasium, the treadmills, bikes and cross-trainers of today give us feedback on how far we’ve run and how fast, how many calories we’ve burnt and more if we want it.

More sophisticated gyms allow us to share this “feedback” via social media direct from the treadmill – some even allow you

‘USE FEEDBACK AS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR ACTIVITY, FOR A BALANCED DIET AND FOR A POSTIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE’ to make Skype calls whilst running. This can be really motivating – especially when you share it with friends and colleagues and there’s a little competition between you.

But when the sun is shining, there’s inevitably a draw to be outdoors. For many, it’s the thought of wearing less and how we’ll look – especially on the beach – which sends us indoors to the gym. But it’s also

great to do a little activity outside the gym too and there are more and more clever apps to track what we do and motivate us.

At The Park Club in Acton we look to support our members both in the Club and out. Wellness is available in the gym, across 27 acres of private grounds, in our pools, restaurants and even our dermatologist.

What’s more, it’s also available when you go for a run along the river, a bike ride around your local park, when you compete in a triathlon, need advise on nutrition or do a Davina workout in front of the TV at home. Our staffing model and use of a single

‘THE MISSION IS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND MOTIVATION WHEREVER YOU ARE’ ‘mywellness’ Technogym Wellness System allows our Personal Trainers to keep our members connected (if they wish) and share what they do outside the club via their own iPhone, android phone, laptop, tablet or PC and our Technogym “Wellness on the Go” system.

In this sense, we think of our clubs as hubs for our members’ exercise and wellness, providing support wherever they are – and that’s anywhere in the world – however busy they are!

So - this is about you, wellness on your terms, wellness whenever and wherever.

Stay motivated and healthy this summer.

For further info, please call The Park Club on 020 740 4599 theparkclub.co.uk 41

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Going the extra mile

Iffley Road may take its name from an Oxfordshire athletics track but founders Claire Kent and Bill Byrne are proud to be Richmond residents. For our fitness special, Claire offers tips for first time runners and reveals the best local routes

T

hey say that running is an addiction. Some of us are willing addicts, while others would rather not take the risk (at least that’s what we tell outselves!)

Whatever the case, running is an excellent (and free) form of exercise that burns calories and relieves stress. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or you’re just getting started, slipping into an old pair of leggings and grubby t-shirt simply won’t do. Iffley Road specialise in chic running gear for men and women that looks great and guarantees first rate technical performance. Founder Claire Kent offers her top tips and suggestions for running like a pro:

GET YOUR KIT ON

‘You’ll feel much more motivated for your running if you’re wearing new kit that you really feel good in.

Your running top should be made of a lightweight wicking fabric, preferably with a zip for temperature regulation

FAVOURITE RUNNING ROUTES • Richmond Park: Don’t restrict yourself to the Tamsin Trail, explore the inner area around Pen Ponds, the Isabella Plantation or Sidmouth Wood.

• Along the Thames Towpath.

The section between Kew and Teddington is wonderful.

• For barefoot running – laps of the Old Deer Park are perfect.

and a pocket for your keys and money.

Your shorts or leggings should be lightweight and comfortable. It’s also worth investing in a good sports bra and supportive trainers.

If you’re looking for a change from the pink lycra look, Iffley Road provides a stylish, understated alternative.

We recommend Iffley Road Classic Half Zip Tee and Iffley Road Shorts or Leggings.’

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS 1

2

3

4

5

Invest in some supportive trainers and breathable running kit.

Allow 8 weeks to prepare for your first race.

Join a local running club - it’s much more fun if you run with others.

Each week do (i) one slow run over the distance you plan to race (ii) one run approximately race distance at a pace which makes conversation uncomfortable.

Tell family and friends about the race - it’s a lovely way to finish if someone’s waiting for you at the line!

TIPS FOR LONGER DISTANCE 1

2

3

4

5

Your long run is your key session.

For marathon distance, build up to a training run of 20 miles. Run 1-1.5 minute per mile slower than race pace.

Find someone to train with and schedule a long run every 14 days.

Refuel and hydrate during your long training run. Liquid ISO gels are particularly good, as they don’t require water.

Take one whole day of rest every week. Resting doesn’t mean gardening or shopping!

Consider raising money for your favourite charity. Putting one foot in front of the other on race day will be much easier if you remember it’s for a great cause. iffleyroad.com 43

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(I don’t know what I’m looking for, but I’ll know it when I see it)

Shop the latest looks with our great selection of fashion shops including Next, H&M, Primark, River Island and M&S. Tempted? www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk Free WiFi

Your Way

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STICKS&STONES

Bathroom and flooring specialists We offer a Bathroom design, planning and installation service

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At Sticks & Stones, we are dedicated to bringing you the absolute highest quality natural stone and wood products available from throughout the world.

• Bathrooms Italian bathrooms • Wood floors French oak flooring

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31/01/2014 17:32

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

STOTT PILATES

at Boomerang Pilates

I

can tell I’ll get on with Amanda Kitchen, head of Boomerang Pilates and the UK’s only fully certified Stott Pilates Instructor, as soon as we meet. She’s infectiously vibrant and down to earth; what’s more, at 44, she’s slim, trim and has the enviable ease of someone totally in tune with their body.

Amanda opened her Stott studio in Kew a year ago, and specializes in oneto-one training with a rehabilitory twist.

‘The aim is to give people the best posture possible so they can do whatever they want to, because fitness means different things to different people,’ she says.

It’s a charmingly bespoke approach based on Amanda’s life-long career in fitness. So practiced is she in realigning the out-of-whack that she can spot what her clients have put their bodies through just by looking at their limbs.

I can feel her weighing up what my flash-points might be as we’re sat atop a V2 Reformer, a machine that’s central to her sessions. She lays a narrow roller on the V2 and instructs me to lie on it, sandbags in hand, to assess my balance.

An arm circle and foot ‘peel’ exercise reveal my right side is heavier than my left; my neck overcompensating for the imbalanced load.

We work our way through a series of stretching and breathing exercises designed to boost control and fluidity.

I’m concentrating hard on not falling off the roller – but within just two reps, I feel in near-total control of my body. Lying back fully, Amanda has me use my legs to push away from the end panel - and can spot straight away that they’re out of synch. ‘Have you ever had an accident involving your right foot?’ She asks.

‘Yes,’ I reply, astonished. Amanda’s taken 3 seconds to spot why I’ve sometimes hobbled through the last six years.

I leave the session with a refreshing sense of physical alignment. Stott seems the perfect choice for anyone seeking a restorative, yet pulse-racing workout – or a few hours in the company of Kew’s nicest personal trainer. boomerangpilates.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY REVIEW

Stretch of the

imagination

Pilates or yoga; what’s your workout of choice? We sent fitness novice Cara Cummings for a taster of both

HOT YOGA

at Lumi Power Yoga

H

ot yoga adds a cardiovascular element to traditional yoga practice by cranking up the temperature participants workout in. It claims a long list of benefits, from helping the body de-toxify, to stress reduction and improved sleep.

Hammersmith’s Lumi Power Yoga offers hot yoga as part of its daily schedule. Classes take place in 3235 degree heat within a speciallyventilated studio, ‘Roots’, with sessions aimed at beginners and pros alike.

I’ll own up to some jitters beforehand – haven’t people died in 35 degrees?! – but the centre itself, an oasis of white walls and pine fixtures with a quietly luxurious, Scandi-inspired feel, is instantly calming.

Arriving for my 7.30am session, I’m greeted by co-founder Ari Iso-Rautio.

Ari has the reassuring serenity of a man who spends his life getting Zen. He runs Lumi with wife Elina. The pair has over 17 years experience between them as yoga practitioners and credit yoga with changing their lives.

‘I discovered yoga 10 years ago,’ explains Ari. ‘I was living in Boston, working hard as a management consultant and I was burning out personally and professionally.’ Looking to de-stress lead Ari to a local yoga class:

‘I was hooked,’ he says simply – and the rest is history.

Ari directs me from the centre’s spacious changing area to the Roots studio when the full extent of my inexperience comes out. ‘Wait - so you’ve never done yoga?’ he asks, glancing at my definitely disco-tired leggings. I giggle nervously and instantly regret not investing in a sports bra.

In the studio I follow the example of two fellow early-risers already present and lie down on the mat that Ari has provided. It’s pretty blissful already, silent and not too warm at all… This, I think, is my kind of exercise.

But lying down does not a workout make, and before long Ari’s leading us through a series of poses. The moves are challenging, yet reassuringly do-able, and I find myself thrilled at keeping up with my classmates. The heat, whilst mounting throughout, remains bearable; sweating really does feel cleansing.

An hour literally flies by and, lying on the mat once more, it hits me - hot yoga’s the Holy Grail of exercise: a proper work out you hardly realize you’re doing.

I trip out of Lumi feeling refreshed, energized and with enough of a twinge in my limbs to feel I’ve earned a bacon sandwich. Full marks! lumipoweryoga.com

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PROMOTION

NEW INSOLES SAVED ME FROM SURGERY

MARGUERITE SPERRING TOOK THE FIRST STEP TO RELIEVING HER LONG-TERM FOOT PAIN WITH A VISIT TO FOOT SOLUTIONS

F

or many years Marguerite Sperring suffered with increasingly severe pain in her feet.

The problem was caused by a combination of fallen arches and bunions – often forcing Marguerite to walk in bare feet.

‘I was always in pain with my feet,’ explained Marguerite. ‘I needed a wide fit because of the bunions, but this meant that the shoes were loose on my feet, leading to more problems.’

Marguerite was advised by her GP that an operation was probably the best solution.

‘However, I was told that until the pain became unbearable, it would not warrant surgery,’ she added ‘I couldn’t afford to go privately so I just had to put up with the pain.’

By chance, Marguerite walked into Foot Solutions – and now acknowledges that it

was the most important step in her life.

The experienced team at Foot Solutions carried out a series of tests and identified the need for custom arch supports.

‘I’m amazed at the difference the arch supports have made,’ enthused Marguerite. ‘I didn’t realise how severe the pain had become - until it had gone! In addition, my posture has improved, so I can now walk tall and enjoy my life without pain and discomfort.’

Foot Solutions, 4 Red Lion Street, Richmond TW9 1RW Telephone 020 8940 1814, www.footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

KILLER HEELS?

High heels look great, but prolonged wearing can lead to serious conditions like bunions and even arthritis. Foot Solutions custom arch supports minimise and even remove the pain resulting from such conditions and allow much greater mobility. We even have a stylish range of shoes (including heels), you can wear with the arch supports.

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

OPEN MON - WEDS: 10AM - 6PM OPEN THURS: 10AM - 7PM OPEN FRI - SAT: 10AM - 6PM OPEN SUN: 11AM - 5PM

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02/06/2014 13:18

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NORDIC STYLE

INTERIORS

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ABSOLUTELY

HOME & GARDEN

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?

If there’s one thing the Italians know, it’s style.

Natuzzi’s new collection of plush leather armchairs look the business and provide first-class comfort too.

Note Armchair from £1,970; natuzzi.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

HOT TILES

Topps Tiles have done it again with their most recent range.

We love these Henley floor tiles - perfect for adding a pop of colour to your kitchen without breaking the bank. £12.49 per tile, available at 113 - 117 Gunnersbury Ave, W5; toppstiles.co.uk

VIVA RIO!

You may have heard of a little football event that’s happening this summer. A little something called the World Cup… Whilst we at Absolutely HQ couldn’t give two hoots about watching the games, we are currently feeling inspired by all things Rio de Janeiro. In New Brazilian House, a beautifully illustrated new interiors book, writer Dominic Bradbury has rounded up the most spectacular examples of modern Brazilian architecture dotted throughout the country’s dramatic landscape - from its heavenly beaches to its vibrant cities and plush countryside. New Brazilian House, By Dominic Bradbury and Richard Powers, (Thames & Hudson); £24.95

Interior Inspirations

Absolutely the best trends, local gems and designers

SHAPE SHIFTER

It may not be the world’s most practical range of furniture but the ultra stylish new Layers table and Pom Pom Lights by Calligaris will bag you loads of cool points. Both come in different colour combinations and finishes.

Pom Pom Lights from £486, Layers table, £1,059, 104 - 108 Chiswick High Road, W4; calligarisinteriors.com

TROLLEY DOLLY

Nothing says class like a gold 1970s style drinks trolley.

Your friends will ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ in delight when you wheel in this retro beauty. Stock up with Malibu, Babycham and plenty of gin.

Dinner parties will never be the same again… Retro Drinks Trolley, £195, Oliver Bonas, 25 Turnham Green Terrace, W4; oliverbonas.com

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

Nobody can take the stress out of moving home, but savvy businesswoman (and Twickenham resident) Becky Downing is on a mission to make things that little bit simpler with Buzzmove, a clever price comparison website that calculates all your removal needs and offers you the very best deals. buzzmove.com 51

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Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Showrooms 020 7760 7558

WHARFESIDE.indd 11 absolutely-ad5.indd

wharfside.co.uk 30/05/2014 14:01 15:10 29/05/2014

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PROMOTION

02

01

All products available from Beautiful House Ltd., Centre Court Shopping Centre, Queens Road, SW19; beautifulhouseltd.com

Urn Lamp Base, £255, with White Small Check 16” Lampshade, £89

Farmhouse Bench, £1,495

03 Rosen Chair in Antique White, Set of 4, £1,550

10

04

Gustavian Chest 2 over 4 Drawers, £2,075

Circle Top Mirror, £295

09 Classic Swedish Candlesticks in Pewter, from £179.95

NORDIC BUT NICE

05 Gustavian Planter, Small £29.95, Large £39.95

ADD A LITTLE SCANDI STYLE TO YOUR INTERIORS WITH THESE TOP PICKS FROM BEAUTIFUL HOUSE LTD

08

07

06

Tray tables, from £49

Gustavian Double Sideboard, £2,595

Bonde Chair in Rustic Lamp Room Grey, £195

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RUG specialise a wide selection RUGSTORE STORE SPECIALISE IN A WIDE in SELECTION OF NEW, OLD AND ANTIQUE PERSIAN, TURKISH, of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, CAUCASIAN AND TURKMAN CARPETS. VARIOUS Caucasian and Turkman Carpets. Various ANTIQUE, OLD AND NEW KILIMS ARE AVAILABLE. antique, old and new kilims are available.

They also professional THEY ALSO offer OFFER A a PROFESSIONAL HAND- hand-cleaning ANDRESTORATION BUYold and andCLEANING restoration service.SERVICE. TheyTHEY buy OLD AND ANTIQUE CARPETS- EVEN DAMAGED RUGS. antique carpets- even damaged rugs. PartPART-EXCHANGE AND EVALUATIONS. exchange and evaluations. 

312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, LONDON SW14 7JN 312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, LOND ON SW14 7JN TEL/FAX: 020 8876 0070 TEL / FA X: 020 8876 0070 info@rugstoreonline.co.uk www.rugstoreonline.co.uk INFO@RUGSTOREONLINE.C O.UK WWW.RUGSTOREONLINE.C O.UK

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Taken from her new book, Think Home, Barnes-based interiors journalist Judith Wilson reveals a creative but cohesive approach to clever interior design. In this extract, Judith demonstrates how to introduce textured surfaces and accents into your home

Just because tiles are square doesn’t mean you need to use them in regular blocks. It is more imaginative to experiment and vary the horizontal line of a splashback, or take the tiles across a worksurface and along the front of a unit

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“Painted floorboards reflect light, making a space feel bigger.

Natural plaster and polished concrete have a soft patina.

The finish adds depth and atmosphere to any home, ancient or modern.� Nicola Harding, Interior Designer

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HOMES & INTERIORS

For a large tiled expanse, look beyond plain colours and investigate hand-glazed clay tiles with peralised, iridescent or metallic finishes, or those with subtle colour gradations

Planning and installing a matching floor, splashback and worksurface gives a particularly smart, considered finish. In this family kitchen, the polished loam used for all three has a soft black tone and will gently ‘distress’ over time. For a seamless look, choose a range cooker and sink in muted colours to match

If your budget doesn’t permit luxurious and exotic stone surfaces, instead look for a coffee table or a console sporting an eyecatching stone tabletop

Judith Wilson, Interiors Writer

T

here is more to texture than meets the eye - quite literally.

Textured surfaces are the new stars of design; increasingly,

floor and polished concrete.

Ask yourself: is this textured surface fit for purpose? Will it work hard for my lifestyle?

Next, mull over visual appeal. If you source an unusual textured surface, be brave enough to make it the central focus. This is where the fun starts, because there is now a glorious choice of extravagantly patterned materials and innovative new combinations of classic finishes. Consider veined marble, onyx or rose quartz, veneers such as walnut or bird’s eye maple, or highfashion mixes from limestone with copper inlay to marble inset with motherof-pearl. Abstract visual effects include 3-D concrete wall tiles or toughened glass wall panels with metallic paint. Think about colour.

Are there defined motifs within your chosen texture that can be echoed within a patterned fabric or the shape of a piece of furniture?

Consider the tactile factor. At home we touch surfaces, handles and walls constantly, and, even if it’s just subliminal, texture can either soothe or annoy us.

You need to satisfy your eye, your fingertips - and the soles of your feet.

For organic, nubbly finishes, pick natural wallcoverings like cork, jute or woven paper, or coconut or timber panelling.

Satisfying flooring choices might include rugged tavertine blocks, reclaimed French terracotta tiles or embossed leather. A detailed choice like

‘At home we touch surfaces, handles and walls constantly. Even if it’s just subliminal, texture can either soothe or annoy us.’

interior designers are making visually arresting surfaces the centre point of a decorative scheme.

So think of texture as a fully integrated element in the decorating process.

First, think practical.

Hard surfaces must be durable. Make that a given, then decide between textures that will age well, or robust surfaces guaranteed to retain their crisp good looks.

Surfaces that always look pristine include porcelain and ceramic tiles, poured resin

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HOMES & INTERIORS iridescent abalone shell or mother-of-pearl tiles looks best used in small spaces. For large expanses, choose something abstract like satin aluminium tiles.

Consider how your carefully edited textures will work together. If you want to make a strong decorative statement with a particular surface, be confident and employ large quantities. A wonderfully patterned wood veneer can be used to clad walls, cupboard doors and even internal doors.

In a bathroom, take brightly coloured glass mosaics up the walls and across the floor. For an equally powerful look, choose contrasting textures such as glossy ceramic tiles, a polished plaster wall finish and a resin floor, but all in the same colour. Using textured finishes in such a manner is a great way to deflect attention away from a room lacking in architectural features.

Another option is to play around with conventional textures. Confound expectations by using inexpensive basics and fixing them on the vertical, rather than horizontally. Take materials out of context.

Tiles, for example, are usually restricted to wet rooms, so instead of putting patterned cement tiles in a shower, see how dynamic they look on one wall in a study. Textured materials require careful planning, and may need a specialist to install them. So using texture is not a cheap option, but weaving in just a small quantity of a tactile material will deliver an imaginative vibe. Think of your home as a jigsaw, then choose woven, matt or glossy textures to spice up the final picture.

It is fun to play with expectations. This simple bleached timber cladding is given a surprise decorative finish with the use of curved and feminine door fronts

Think Twice… before replacing nondescript doors. Glosspaint them in a strong muted shade and add tactile, shapely handles.

Used across a large expanse, this rosewood pannelling ceases to be just a tecture and becomes part of the colour scheme. To balance rich tones, look to warm, natural shades, such as tomato, indigo and ochre

Taken from Think Home by Judith Wilson, photography by Polly Wreford.

Images ©Ryland Peters & Small.

Think Home is available to Absolutely readers for £13.99 incl p&p (rrp£19.99). Call Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quote reference GLR 9ND

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Final Advert_Layout 1 01/05/2014 11:49 Page 1

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.

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DANIEL BEDS.MAR.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY

HOME & GARDEN A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

New to the Twickenham Farmer’s Market is serendipitously named gardener Rosebie Norton, who will be bringing her homegrown produce to the market every Sunday.

Famed for her heavenly scented garden roses (what else), Rosebie gives regular talks at the Hampton Court Rose Festival and hosts popular workshops and classes at her Hampshire home. rosebiemorton.com

GARDENING NOTES

Absolutely the best news and tips from the great outdoors DIG DEEP

Technically there are many uses for this Indian made wire trug

by The White Company (it could store wood, magazines, fruit anything!) but we like it best as a simple, rustic gardening tool. £28, available at Westfield, W12; thewhitecompany.com

CRAFTY CUBISM

Whatever dimensions you’re dealing with, these self build shelf units are adaptable and can be more easily adjusted to become a feature in the room. They’re available in both dark and natural teak fi nishes, crafted from 100% reclaimed teak and, what’s more, certified by the FSC. £142; raftfurniture.co.uk

Plant of the month

MOTHER’S PRIDE

You can catch graceful mute swans all year round at the London Wetland Centre but photographer Catherine Beazley caught another side to these beautiful birds in her stunning photograph of a mother and two-week old cygnet lazing peacefully in the sun. How sweet! wwt.org.uk

JULY: KNAUTIA MACEDONICA

A plant for a dry sunny space that flowers and flowers and flowers! It is much loved by bees and pollinating insects and although it is a prolific bloomer it does not self-seed in clay soil, in much freer draining soils it will do quite happily. Planted with Campanula, Echinacea, Geranium and grasses, it looks good all through the summer. kategouldgardens.com 61

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02/06/2014 13:47

New chef Enrique Moledo brings the best brings the best of Spanish cooking to the heart of Chiswick. Serving two of the country’s prized culinary traditions, tapas and cava, La Mancha embodies the sociability of Spanish dining.

Opened in the summer of 2013, the family-run restaurant has gathered a loyal following, providing excellent service and authentic dishes to a wide range of clientele. A welcoming restaurant, La Mancha caters to everyone from families with children to corporate groups. Downstairs is a private dining room available for hire, with its own bar, making it perfect for parties.

WIN A MEAL FOR 6 La Mancha would like to offer you the opportunity to win a meal for you and five friends up to the value of ÂŁ250.

Drop in for some tapas and leave your details to be entered into a prize draw.

www.lamancha.co.uk La Mancha, 142 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London W4 1PU | 0208 994 6816 | tapas@lamancha.co.uk

LA MANCHA.indd 1

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HOME FOOD & GARDEN TRAVEL

Breaking

BREAD From satisfying sourdough to more-ish muffins, GAIL’s first cookbook features over one hundred of the recipes which have made the artisan bakery a local favourite. Grab your copy pronto; they’re sure to sell like hot cakes

Gail’s Artisan Bakery Cookbook by Roy Levy and Gail Mejia, £20 (Ebury Press) Gail’s, 49 Church Street, SW13

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FOOD & TRAVEL

RECIPE Glamorous chef and owner of west London’s Brilliant Restaurant, Dipna Anand is a master of ‘proper, authentic Indian cooking’ according to fellow chef Gordon Ramsay.

From her first book, Beyond Brilliant, Dipna shares a recipe for succulent Tandoori lamb chops

A L L D! R A BOA season of al k of

e th in e r is th nd a n yo u Su m m ing , a n d c a y d in ne r a m es? e njo Th a o d in fresc re be tte r to e n ic R ive r sive sc te n he a ny w n a lo ng the fte r a n e x rm ing 14th a s ha t! A p int th co u rse n o is wic k’s c y B a rge ha h f it O us , eC nt, C ish m e li c h o use Thn u of d e li c io rb fu r b re d a ba ry p u h a me ce ntu pe ne d , wit tish fa re a n d c id e rs . re - o so na l B ri a l a les a n c lo s ea f o e d fu ll To p s tu ff. .co m s toc k ick

Bite Sized cityba

Absolutely essential food news A BUTCHER’S HOOK

SPICES • 1 tsp cumin powder • 3/4 tsp turmeric powder • 3/4 tsp red chilli powder • 1/2 tsp white pepper powder • 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder • 1/4 tsp ngreen cardamom powder 1. Lightly slit the lamb chops on either side (three gashes on each side, not too deep) 2. Mix all the ingredients together into a bowl thoroughly using a whisk 3. Once the ingredients are completely combined together, add the lamb chops to the marinade and coat, using your hands to mix.

4. When the lamb chops are coated, leave in the fridge to marinade for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.

5. To cook, lightly grease an oven tray and cook for 25 minutes at 180ºC. Turn the chops over half way through to cook evenly on the other side.

Taken from Beyond Brilliant, Inspired Indian Cooking by Dipna Anand ; brilliantrestaurant.com

isw

It’s no secret that west Londoners love a good independent, and queues are set to reach around the block for the brand new Hammond’s Butchers and Delicatessen on Kew Bridge Road. At the recent launch event, attended by local MP Mary Macleod, founder Ken Hammond said, ‘I’m really excited about the new shop and so are many of my very loyal, long-time customers. We also have plans to expand the range of our fantastic Hammond sausages which already have something of a following in the area!’ 8 Kew Bridge Road, TW8; hammonds.uk.net

THE STEAKS ARE HIGH

For his latest venture, hot-headed chef Marco Pierre White has brought his Steakhouse Bar & Grill to Syon Park Hotel. As well as top quality steak, there’s also a selection of delectable wines and champagnes as well as plenty of fish and vegetarian dishes for the non-carnivorous. londonsyonpark.com

PHOTO: TOM LEE

MAKES 12 PIECES • 10 lean lamb chops • 3 green finger chillies, made into a paste • 1 tsp ginger/garlic paste • 75g raw papaya, made into a paste • 1 1/2 tbsp white vinegar • 3 tbsp chopped coriander

rg ech

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FOOD & TRAVEL

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Cocktail Hour Gemma Billington is a lady who lunches at Richmond’s popular cocktail bar and restaurant, Rock & Rose

I

t’s a Bank Holiday and the weather is awful. Now, there’s a surprise. As a lunchtime treat my boyfriend and I have a reservation at Rock & Rose, Richmond’s popular, flamboyant restaurant and cocktail bar. Ducking out of the rain we make our way through a small outdoor terrace to enter the Rock & Rose world. For those of you who have yet to visit, Rock & Rose is a visual assault.

It takes a moment to absorb everything inside; leopard print furniture, black crystal chandeliers, floral wallpaper, pineapple shaped candle holders and colourful sequined decorations hanging from the ceiling. It’s unashamedly girly, with all the subtlety of Elton John’s stage wardrobe. The proprietor, Lorraine Angliss, who also owns Chiswick’s long-standing neighbourhood eatery, Annie’s, clearly doesn’t do things by half. And I haven’t even got started on the food yet.

There’s a reason why this awardwinning restaurant has proved to be a hit over the past seven years and why, after originally assuming that the grisly weather had deterred diners, it fills up practically to full capacity over two hours. Rock & Rose doesn’t take itself too seriously, but when it comes to food and customer satisfaction, Lorraine knows exactly what she’s doing. To get you through the working week, there’s an all-important cocktail hour and menu of Asian-inspired light bites. The popular ‘Rock Roast’ on a Sunday comes with all the trimmings and even a complimentary Bloody Mary (there are six to choose from).

On the à la carte menu you can play it safe with seasonal starters and salads, or go the whole hog with burgers, sharing platters and lobster. The Rock & Rose mantra is ‘food, passion, glamour’, and they should add to that, ‘having a good time.’

From the very reasonable prix fixe menu I order a starter of Teriyaki glazed fish cakes (more-ish little mouthfuls) and a Veggie burger with fries. The burger is simply bursting with ingredients and requires precision carving to ensure it

doesn’t end up all over the table (on this I only half succeed). On first bite a shower of vegetables, seeds, coriander, salad and even a cashew nut falls onto the plate. I scoop it up with the delicious chunky relish and polish off the lot, loosening my belt by two whole notches in the process. My boyfriend is particularly impressed with his warming ham hock & pea soup with brie crostini & Parma ham crisp, which he washes down with a Tom Collins (gin, lemon and soda water) served in a goldfish bowl-sized glass. I manage to order a cheeky signature cocktail, the Lovely Pear, with only the faintest of smirks.

After our meal and an Amaretto coffee to snap us out of a post-dining slump, we’re given a quick tour by the head waiter. He shows us the recently redecorated private dining room and the charming indoor terrace area, complete with wicker chairs and romantic lighting. Rock & Rose, he says, caters to ‘every kind of customer’ and earlier he had an enquiry into an 80th birthday party. When it comes to food, fun and flair, Rock & Rose delivers on all fronts.

You may have to waddle home afterwards, but you’ll definitely be back for more. rockandroserestaurant.com

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FOOD & TRAVEL

You are what you

EAT

IMAGES ©LEITHS

When Sam’s Brasserie launched a calorie controlled menu in line with the 5:2 movement earlier this year, it was a huge success. But does it really work? Sam Harrison explains the 5:2 phenomenon and other diet dilemmas

So, what is the 5:2 diet and why did you decide to implement it in the menus at Sam’s Brasserie?

I did the 5:2 last year because, for the majority of us who work in this industry, food and alcohol is a big part of our lives. With most diets you have to give something up, and that’s virtually impossible for me because I’m tasting the whole time. What I like about the 5:2 diet is that, 5 days a week you eat normally or sensibly, and then 2 days a week you fast, but it’s not fasting in the way you might imagine.

For a man you’re allowed up to 600 calories, and for a woman it’s up to 500.

When you break that down there’s actually quite a lot you can eat. By doing that 2 days a week, for someone like me, it’s a nice discipline. Also, it definitely works. You lose weight, you have more energy and there are long-term benefits too. It worked for me, so earlier this year Mark Baines (the Head Chef) and I decided to add a special 5:2 menu. I wouldn’t put any dish on this menu that I wouldn’t serve normally, they just happen to be low calorie dishes. We had a lot of fun with the dishes, which we ran in January and February and we’re now introducing a new 5:2 menu in July and August.

When it comes to nutrition, there always seems to be reports of the latest ‘superfood’. Are superfoods just a buzzword or do they exist?

There’s no doubt that there are some things that are better for your body than others. I do believe in superfoods - I don’t believe in whether they’re ‘super’ – but obviously the right ones are good for you and, generally speaking, modern diet is not what a human being is meant to eat. We weren’t meant to eat meat every day.

That’s just a biological fact. Our body has digestion problems breaking it down. The thing about superfoods is that they do have nutritional value and they can have cleansing qualities for your body and also they have great flavours.

What are your favourites?

I love avocados, they’re so rich in protein and they’re so easy to use; I chop them up with some olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. For someone who loves their bread and who loves texture in a salad, seeds and nuts are a great addition and a great source of protein. We use kale quite a lot here too. It’s great in salads, great in stirfries and you can make kale crisps.

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WATERMELON & FETA SALAD (99 CALORIES) SERVES 2

Sugar has been getting a lot of bad press recently. We all know that too much sugar is bad for us, but it’s difficult to know just how much sugar is in canned and processed food. Do you think it should be better labelled?

Yes, but I think people also have to take responsibility. If you want to be healthy you have to slightly educate yourself, but there’s no doubt that big food companies want to make things taste better so that you eat more of them, that’s what they do with sauces and condiments etc. They try and make them almost addictive because it’s big business. I think information should be there but I do think that people have to take slight responsibility for themselves too.

Detoxes are very popular at this time of year. It’s quite a broad term but do you think that they’re just a shortterm fix?

I never really bought into them because I believe in the whole moderation thing, but last year I went to a juice retreat. I didn’t go to lose weight, I went because a friend went and said she felt like she’d been ‘rebooted’. That, to me, was very appealing because we all have phases where we lose our energy. I went to this place where you just have juice for a week, which for someone who loves their food was pretty tough, but I came back and I felt like I had a new battery.

To work long term you have to take something away from the detox and the big thing I took away from that is how much I used to overeat and now I definitely eat less.

What do you think are the biggest pitfalls of modern diet?

I think people sometimes think they’re being healthy but actually they’re not.

They think a sandwich is a light lunch and the components in it might be good but two big pieces of sourdough

are unfortunately not! I think we’ve become a country that eats out a lot and has an interest in food but a lot of people don’t actually realise what’s in food and it all starts from the quality of produce you buy. Sadly, a lot of people are taken in by what supermarkets sell and ingredients should have as little done to them as possible. My business partner Rick Stein is famous for very simple food. Rick always says he doesn’t diet, he just eats in moderation, and that’s kind of the basis of the 5:2 diet. It’s basically saying if you’re good 2 days a week then the other 5 days you can eat and enjoy yourself. samsbrasserie.co.uk

• 250g watermelon, peeled, deseeded and cut into bite sized cubes • 100g feta cheese, cut into bite sized cubes • 1 tsp black sesame seeds • 2 generous handfuls of rocket • Handful of mint leaves • 4 tsps olive oil • Juice of ½ a lemon • Salt and pepper 1. Dry fry the sesame seeds in a small, non-stick frying pan for 2 minutes until aromatic, stirring continuously, then set aside.

2. Arrange the watermelon and feta on a plate with the rocket and mint.

3. Place the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a jar and shake to combine well.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, scatter with the sesame seeds and then serve.

GARLIC MASALA PRAWNS WITH A HERB SALAD (151 CALORIES) SERVES 2 FOR THE MASALA PASTE

• • • • • • • •

2 tsps cumin seeds ½ cinnamon stick, broken 3 cloves 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed Salt and pepper 2 tsps chilli powder 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tbsp vegetable oil

TO COOK THE PRAWNS

• • • •

HEALTHY LIVING AT LEITHS Sam and co will be heading down to Leiths this summer for the 5:2 for Foodies workshop, part of the cooking school’s summer programme of nutritional classes. Others include Healthy & Delicious Entertaining (3 July), Gluten Free Entertaining (12 July) and Summer Vegetarian with Hilary Cacchio (8 Aug). leiths.com

2 tsps butter 150g raw tiger prawns, shelled Juice of a lemon Handful of coriander leaves

1. For the masala paste, dry fry the cumin seeds, cinnamon and cloves for one minute. Remove from the heat and crush in a pestle and mortar.

2. Place the spice mix in a blender with the garlic, salt, pepper, chilli powder, turmeric and vegetable oil and whizz to a paste. Add a splash of water if too thick.

3. Next melt the butter in a heavy pan, add the paste and fry for two minutes.

Add the prawns and stir gently until pink, sticky and cooked through.

4. To finish, top with a sprinkling of lemon juice and coriander and serve with lemon dressed herb and salad leaves.

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SPA GUIDE 2014

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BEST FOR: RURAL RETREATS

Bodysgallen Hall Hotel and Spa Wales

by Catherine Hales

S

et in the midst of 200 acres of gardens between two of north Wales’ most stately resorts, Llandudno and Eidinow, Bodysgallen Hall is a sympathetically restored 17th century Historic House Hotel with glorious gardens, a top notch spa and views that stretch all the way to Conwy Castle, Snowdonia National Park and beyond. Wooden staircases, antique furniture and crackling wood fires in addition to delicious food and incredibly comfortable bedrooms give the hotel part of

Bodysgallen a warm, traditional feel but complete with all the most up-to-date mod cons.

The spa, located in an airy, spacious building (formerly the stables) has a more modern aesthetic, with neutral decor perfectly suited to its Welsh surroundings - no garish, faux orientalism here. The spa is also the first in the UK to offer Environ treatments, utilising a machine that produces mild electric current to help active ingredients including Vitamin A, Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants penetrate more deeply into the skin. The Environ Active Vitamin treatment is designed specifically to stimulates collagen, hydrate and reduce redness, fine lines and ravages of pollution. The therapist first gently exfoliates and then applies a clay- based mineral cleanser. The first application of moisturiser product is then

Bodysgallen Hall Hotel and Spa

BEST FOR: COUNTRY CHARM

House Spa at Dormy House Cotswolds

By Leo Bear

E

merging from a £10m facelift, this charming 17th century farmhouse hotel now packs an impressive spa punch.

Two years in the planning, the groundwork has paid off: everything from the deeply comfy massage beds to the post-treatment sorbets shout ‘indulgence’. At the heart of the spa lies a generous relaxing-area-cumcafé dominated by a towering funnelshaped fireplace. Chess sets and cashmere throws add to the informal atmosphere

while a selection of ‘muffin tops’ and ‘posh nibbles’ from the pastry chef ensure spa-goers don’t go hungry.

Sticking to a British theme, treatments are

by Temple Spa (a family-owned English brand), and for a touch of glamour, there’s an ultra-girly Veuve Clicquot nail bar.

Therapists are trained by Pure Massage – so expect the best – and for something a bit different, there’s Rasul Mud therapy or an enriching ‘Mediterranean marinade’ facial available. One of the signature treatments is a ‘Silent Night Lavender Sleep’, which sounds divine and consists of two and a half hours of massage, scrubbing and foot rubbing, certain to settle even the most jittery of souls. Sadly, I didn’t get to try this, but I did roadtest the lavender sauna, which was rather

disappointing. Barely a note of lavender in the air. The salt-infused steam room and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, on the other hand, were fantastic.

If you’re staying the night, expect to be spoilt rotten. Rooms are homely yet hi-tech – a tablet allows you to order fresh milk at the touch of a button – and the Todhunter Earl interiors are inspiration to take home with you. In the communal areas, original flagstone floors, wood paneling and exposed stone hearths come together for a most welcoming of rural retreats. My favourite spot has to be the chic blue lounge just off the lobby. It has the perfect blend of Soho House meets mummy’s living room.

Vital Energy massage (60 minutes/£85) Dormyhouse.co.uk

A historic country house that was once the home of Victorian Poet Laureate Lord Alfred Tennyson, Grayshott has been showered with awards over the fifty years it has been in business. Admittedly the rooms feel a little dated, but we can pretty much guarantee you’ll spend little enough time inside. Once you look out of the window, you’ll yearn to be outside anyway. Set amongst 47 acres of beautiful gardens and adjoining over 700 acres of National Trust woodland, it’s a real haven for walking and cycling – bikes are available to hire from reception.

The spa itself has a real health focus and

their celebrated 7 day regime centres on the digestive system, getting back in shape so that your body can restore, renew and cleanse.

But all the usual high-end treatments are also on offer, as well as a few off-beat options too.

One of which is the Equilibrium Therapy, a slow, rhythmic massage of the body, face and scalp designed to release negative emotions and give relaxation and peace. Highly recommended for those escaping the city, it’s so relaxing that it you’ll struggle to stay awake.

Spa treatments aside, it’s the food here which really caught our attention. Despite the obvious focus on digestive health, dishes

BEST FOR: QUICK ESCAPES

Grayshott Spa Surrey

By Georgie Lane-Godfrey

P

ax intrantibus. Salus exeuntibus. reads the motto engraved above the entrance to Grayshott; ‘Peace on arrival. Health on departure’.

It’s a statement which really does ring true.

Secluded and peaceful, Grayshott lies in the heart of the Surrey countryside, a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of London, yet it’s just an hour’s drive down the A3.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

BEST FOR: NUTRITIONAL THERAPY applied to the face the with the aid of electric current and soundwaves. Throughout the process, high squeaks can be heard and a sensation of mild pinpricks is felt, which, although not painful or unpleasant, is not necessarily relaxing – more of what one would call ‘an active treatment’. This is followed by the application of colostrum and very cold heavy gel mask all over the face, including eyes and lips; only the nostrils remain uncovered. This then sets, sealing in the product. The current is used again, then hand held roller is used on the face for twenty minutes to aid deep absorption.

The result? Very good for single treatment, the redness very much reduced in the cheeks and skin left plumped and rehydrated.

Price: Active Vitamin Treatment (3 areas) 1 hour, £60; bodysgallen.com

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa WILTSHIRE

by EMMA J PAGE

I

nspired by its natural surroundings, the spa at Lucknam Park effortlessly combines a holistic approach with modern innovation. Far-reaching views of the kitchen gardens, an outdoor saltwater plunge pool and an elegant terrace harness the power of nature, while four thermal cabins, nine treatment rooms, a vast indoor pool and a new Well-being House promise to nourish mind, body and soul. A comprehensive approach means that guests can choose tailor-made treatments that deliver specific results, from anti-ageing facials courtesy of high

performance brands Anne Sémonin and Carita, to the cocooning effects of an organic massage using all-natural Ila products. Look out for a series of inspiring two-day courses in conjunction with visiting consultants, including expert nutritionist Katie Sheen, who’ll shine a friendly light on your diet and advise how to optimize it during an invaluable one-to-one session. On day two, you can bring her dietary advice to life in a hands-on cooking class under the inventive eye of chef Hrishikesh Desai.

Covering topics from Happiness and Vitality to Purity and Mindful Eating, there’s no doubt that revitalised visitors will leave with a spring in their step.

Two-day Well-Being retreat, £695 per person, including overnight accommodation, breakfast lunch and supper. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, 01225 742777, lucknampark.co.uk.

Dormy House

Lucknam park Hotel & Spa

still feel indulgent. Buffet style breakfasts and lunches let you pick and choose from the range of dairy and grain free food, whilst à la carte dinners serve healthy spins on firm favourites – we even had apple strudel for dessert! A great option for gourmands looking to loosen their waistbands.

Equilibrium therapy, £85; grayshottspa.com

Grayshott Spa

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BEST FOR: YOGA BREAKS

Yoga Retreat at Ockenden Manor Sussex

by Leo Bear

O

eckenden Manor’s yoga retreats are enough to make Gwyneth pack up her north London home and move to the South Downs.

With a roster of smoothies, Ila treatments, flotation therapy, reflexology and sun salutations, they might be at the gentler end of the ‘retreat’ spectrum, but throw in a dash of Nordic walking and your gluts will know about it.

The spa itself is modern and magnificent: a rusted-aluminium glass box surrounded by cow-speckled pastures – not what you’d expect in the sleepy Tudor village of Cuckfield.

On the treatment side, Ila and Ren treatments predominate, and a vast indoor/outdoor pool (a favourite with Ralph Fiennes) lies at its core.

Chief yogi Sal Jefferies is in charge of the retreat itineraries designed for small groups of no more than 10. A soft-spoken twinkly-eyed soul with world-class flexibility, he’s been practising Vinyasa-Flow yoga for more than ten years, and has quite a following. He encourages

Ockenden Manor

people to take it slow, and beginners are more than welcome. Save time for a chat after yoga sessions, Sal’s an expert on everything from sleep patterns to mind-mapping.

Beyond the spa, Ockenden Manor comprises an Elizabethan manor house boasting 28 rooms and a Michelin-starred dining room (although retreat guests are assigned suites within the spa building itself). Miranda Carminger, who has a large hand in running Ockenden Manor with her husband Pontus, has a discernable passion for interior design.

Rumour has it she even has a room in her house dedicated to mood boarding – and we can believe it; the wallpaper in the drawing room had us stroking the walls and purring.

Carminger is also the brains behind the spa, so it comes as no surprise that the spa suites are airy and contemporary with plenty of attention to detail.

Overall, Ockenden Manor’s yoga retreats are well conceived and hugely enjoyable.

You’re certain to come away feeling pampered and clearer headed. Our only quibble is the scheduled 9pm dinner times which made rising for early morning yoga a bit of a challenge.

Places on three-day yoga retreats are available to book at Ockenden Manor this July, September and November; hshotels.co.uk

Titanic Spa

BEST FOR: THE ECO-CONSCIOUS

Titanic Spa Yorkshire

By Alexandra Jones

T

itanic Spa is set on the edge of the Pennines, in the achingly pretty West Yorkshire village of Linthwaite. Housed in an old wool mill, it is worth noting from the start the spa’s sublime setting because long after your patience for being wrapped, plucked and primped has worn thin, the beauty of the village and surrounding countryside will keep you entertained. I’d go as far as to say that you should allow yourself an extra day just to explore the area, or at the very least sit on the riverside terrace and soak up some sun. It is truly idyllic.

To the spa, then, which sells itself as the ‘UK’s first eco-spa.’ Accordingly, measures have been taken to reduce Titanic’s carbon footprint, including making the building ‘green’ (electricity, for example, is derived from solar photovoltaic roof panels) and putting in place systems of cleaning which have the lowest possible impact on the environment. As its name might suggest, the spa is one of epic proportions, offering a dizzying array of treatments. It is also wildly popular. The three things combined can, at times, make the experience less than relaxing. It attracts groups and caters well to them, but you might feel a little outnumbered if you go, as I did, for a quiet weekend with just one other person.

The treatments themselves do largely make up for that: the therapists are bright, friendly and are adept at creating a serene environment in which to enjoy your hour. The ‘beauty’ treatments were on the whole more accomplished than the massages. We sampled the Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and two of the facials and felt suitably squeaky-clean afterwards. The massages didn’t have quite the same impact; one was billed as ‘deep tissue’ but felt, in actuality, a little limp.

Titanic is perfect for a stylish, robe swaddled, hen weekend or a birthday celebration with your six best friends. You’ll score extra points from any recycling-mad mates for your ecoawareness.

Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, £50; titanicspa.co.uk

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Sarah Gilbert discovers serenity and seclusion in the Indian paradise of Maharshtra

I

f you escape the chaotic megacity of Mumbai, with its terrifying, tumultuous traffic, and drive for a few hours past Lonavala, a hill station on the road to Pune, you’ll find yourself in the midst of the northern reaches of a spiny mountain range that stretches from Gujarat in the north along the coast until it reaches Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of India.

These are the Sahyadri Mountains, or Western Ghats, and they form the breath-taking backdrop to the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa. Nestled

in the 3500-acre private Shillim Estate in the bucolic district of Maharashtra, the retreat feels blissfully serene and secluded – a verdant haven after the hubbub of the city.

Created with an emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation, the retreat’s watchwords are conserve, sustain and heal. 99 contemporary villas were built from local stone, designed to blend into the natural landscape. Inside, all have the same aesthetic: there’s no ostentation, just clean lines, neutral tones, space and privacy.

No trees were cut during their construction; in fact thousands of endemic trees and shrubs were planted, creating a lush paradise

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‘Women in vivid red and pink saris stood out against the emerald-green landscape’

for over 120 species of bird. It feels wonderfully remote, like your own jungle hideaway. But with a butler service just a phone call away.

The place is huge – look in any direction and as far as the eye can see is part of the estate. It’s flanked by mountains cloaked in evergreen forest, framed by rice fields and bamboo plantations, and topped by the ruins of hilltop forts of that date from the 7th century and the time of the great Maratha Emperor Shivaji. Exploring the region, we drove along winding, unpaved roads through sleepy villages, witnessing a kaleidoscope of rural life. A crocodile of immaculately dressed schoolchildren giggled as we passed. Women in vivid

red, orange and pink saris stood out against the emerald-green, post-monsoon landscape, walking along the road carrying anything and everything on their heads, from firewood to gourds of water and bushels of wheat. In the fields, wooden ploughs were still pulled by oxen.

Back on the retreat, there are electronic buggies to ferry you back and forth across its 320 acres, but it’s a paradise for walkers. Early one morning, we trekked up through steamy rainforest to Shillim Peak, at 920 metres it’s the estate’s highest point. Arriving on top of its grassy plateau, we found a breakfast feast laid out for us, which we devoured as we looked out on the showstopping views over the valley and Lake Pavna.

And although the surroundings are beautiful, it’s the spa here that is the real draw. I began each day with a yoga class on an open-sided pavilion, surrounded by verdurous foliage and bird song. I sweated it out in the steam room, infra-red

sauna and hot tub before cooling off in the outsized swimming pool, and ended the day staring into the flickering flame of a candle in their contemporary take on a meditation cave. With over 150 treatments on offer, it’s one of the most extensive spas in the world, but many can also be taken in the privacy of your own villa.

You can also learn to conjure up your own favourite Indian dish in a cookery class with the Executive Chef, who showed us the artistry and spices – bright red chilli powder orange cayenne, golden turmeric – behind some traditional recipes. Incredibly diverse, Indian cuisine is based on Ayuvedic principles and differs by climate and geographic region.

That evening, after a Cucumber Ginger Martini at the Valley Bar, we opted to sample more of his delicious dishes at the Chef’s Table.

You can dine anywhere on the estate and on a balmy evening, sitting by the lake under the stars, it’s really something special. Mark Twain once said, ‘India (is) the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds.’ And the moon and stars too.

RIDE WORLD WIDE Cox & Kings offer three nights at the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa (hilton.com/shillim) from £1,295 per person, including flights from London to Mumbai, return private transfers and breakfast.

020 7873 5000; coxandkings.co.uk 79

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Kefalonia, an idyll in the Ionian Sea, boasts countless bays and inlets, marine turtles and easy exploration; discover Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Roman mosaics. Villa Cypress - near to delightful Fiscardo and its buzzing restaurants - accommodates from 2 to 6 guests; its pool with a view may captivate you and keep you from exploring…

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Paxos, the smallest jewel in the Ionian, just three miles wide, enjoys over 30 sheltered beaches on its eastern coast and dramatic cliffs to the west. Villas Gardenia, Jasmine and Bougainvillea, all accommodating just two guests, are located near to the island’s small central village, Magazia, amongst olive groves close to the west coast, with its traditional bakery, well-stocked grocery store, café bar and taverna – perfect!

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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, 25th June 2014

9:15am Wednesday, 8th October 2014

9:15am Wednesday, 10th September 2014

9:15am Wednesday, 5th November 2014

Please phone to register your attendance at one of our Open Mornings on 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 9.3 am Wednesday, 11th June 2014

9.3 am Thursday, 16th October 2014

9.3 am Wednesday, th eptember

9.3 am Tuesday, th November

Please phone to register your attendance at one of our Open Mornings on 9 3 or mail ecretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School Ravenscourt Avenue, London W

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www.rpps.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY

KIDS & EDUCATION MONSTER TRUCK

Take playtime on the road with The Monster Factory’s cute miniature tent versions of the iconic 1965 split screen VW Camper Van. Offering UV protection and completely waterproof, it’s fun-in-thesun guaranteed. £54.99; themonsterfactory.com

KIDS NOTES Keeping them entertained

DRAGONFORCE

THE BEAR NECESSITIES

In How to Train Your Dragon 2, the cinematic sequel to Chiswick resident Cressida Cowell’s phenomenally successful Viking saga, we join our heroes Hiccup and Toothless five years after the events of the fi rst fi lm. The two friends are embarking on far-flung adventures, discovering new lands and even new dragons. Read our interview with Cressida on page 85. Released 4 July.

When used in fabric, the benefits of bamboo are numerous; it’s as soft as cashmere, naturally hypoallergenic and even UV resistant. Chiswick resident Judith Langham and business partner Amanda Burrows recently launched Panda and Sparrow, a website dedicated to bamboo used in a range of sweet and simple clothing for babies and young children. pandaandthesparrow.co.uk

BETTER THAN SLICED BREAD

OK, we have to admit that this one’s for us as well as the kids. Sourced in Japan (of course), this sandwich mould goes under the grill for a light toasting. A gooey, chocolatey filling is our recommendation. £12; petraboase.com

A NOVEL APPROACH

This summer, Puffin will introduce a range of classic stories for a new generation with A Puffin Book, a beautiful collection of timeless works of literature. Iconic cover imagery will sit alongside newly commissioned artwork, and each book will include new material unearthed from the Puffin archive as well as fun facts, activities and quizzes. Publishing in paperback on 3 July, £6.99 each; puffin.co.uk 83

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Grand Visions London T 0208 941 8891 E: london@rra-arch.com Cheltenham T 01242 269374 E: cheltenham@rra-arch.com Hereford T 01432 278707 E: hereford@rra-arch.com

www.rra-arch.com/london GCA ARCHITECTS.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY

KIDS & EDUCATION

Spirited AWAY

Creator of the hugely popular How To Train Your Dragon series, Cressida Cowell is famed for her sense of humour as well as her beautifully realised Viking world.

Gemma Billington caught up with the writer and illustrator just before the release of her new book and the highly anticipated movie sequel

How to Train Your Dragon 2 premiered at Cannes Film Festival recently. What has the reception to the new film been like?

It was amazing, the director (Dean DeBlois) got a five-minute standing ovation. When a film comes out it’s an incredibly exciting but also quite nervewracking time. We’ve had overwhelmingly good reviews, so that’s lovely.

I think there’s been quite a lot of hype about this one because the first one did so well Exactly. That in itself is a pressure because if you have a very well-loved original, everyone wants the second one to be just as good. The animation is just amazing, it is better than the first one.

I understand that the characters have aged by five years...

Yes, the theme of the books is growing up and Dreamworks – and I can’t think of any other animated film where this has happened – decided to age-up all of the characters. This is what’s rather amazing about this film, they create the animated characters as if they are real human beings. The difference between animation and live action is just eroded in this film.

When Dreamworks first approached you about turning your books into a film were you worried that they would change it completely?

Well books are a very different thing to films.

Whatever film is made it doesn’t change the books. There’s always a risk as to how it’s going to turn out because there are so many people involved with making a film. The most important thing is to have a director with a strong creative vision. Of course I was anxious about it but I felt it was a risk worth taking.

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KIDS & EDUCATION I can imagine that some people would struggle with giving up that control…

You can seek control but you can’t control every actor’s performance, every animator’s animation - whereas in a book you can.

However, if you want to get the best out of people you have to be open to their creativity.

What was it like to see the characters and the world you’d created on the big screen?

It was quite extraordinary. I was very much involved in the process. The first completed scene I saw was when Hiccup discovers Toothless for the first time which is a stunning scene with beautiful lighting. You always hope it’s going to be wonderful but that was the time I thought: “Yes! This is going to be fantastic!”

So where did the idea for How To Train Your Dragon come from?

I grew up in central London and my dad was a businessman but he was mad about wilderness. We’d camp on this deserted island off the west coast of Scotland and by the time I was 9 my dad had a house built on the island and we’d spend the whole summer there. It was the first place the Vikings came to when they invaded Scotland and the last place they left. There was of, course, no television, no telephone... I would make things up, I would write stories. This was all the inspirations for How To Train Your Dragon.

The map in the new book, The Incomplete Book of Dragons, remind me of Lord of the Rings. Were you inspired by fantasy fiction?

Oh yes, I loved all those Tolkien kind of fantasies; ones where you can get lost in the world. That’s very much what I wanted to create – a world that feels real and has so many details in it that it makes you feel that the world extends beyond the books. I think to a child an archipelago is magical because islands are child sized. It’s small enough for a child to feel it’s their little kingdom. I’ve been asked for years by fans to do a book of dragon species and I wanted to get this sense of this whole world – this evolution of dragons – all of them specially adapted to their environment. These dragons feel real, as if they would have existed.

Do your books have a social message?

Yes very much so. What’s happening in the books is that the dragons are being destroyed by the humans and so I’m inviting children to consider how we are looking after the world now. If we didn’t look after the dragons, are we looking after other species?

Did you find that you had a natural writing style that appeals to children from the beginning?

Well, I’ve always read masses of children’s books and I came from an art school background. I read English Literature but I also went to art school. I’m always interested in the visual telling of the story as well as the

words, so that was a natural fit. I’m interested in exciting children about reading and in a way I suppose I’m interested in that because it’s such a challenge nowadays, it’s almost a fight. I’m ambassador for the National Literature Trust and the Reading Agency. I like being involved in that battle.

What kind of books do you read to your kids (apart from your own!)

I think it’s important to try all sorts of different things and also to read to them beyond the age that you think they need reading to. I like reading all sorts of books: funny books, adventure books… it’s great fun reading aloud to a child, that’s why I write my books to be read aloud.

Did you always have the ‘world’ in the books in such a large scale or did it grow with the series?

Basically I’d started out with this idea; I’m telling this story about growing up and every book starts with a hero looking back at his childhood. You know from the beginning that he’s a great hero and I had this idea that through each book you would be discovering the attributes of a hero. I didn’t have everything worked out from the beginning

because that would be boring. The map that you see in the new book, I drew that very early on. I am making up the world as I go along but I have a sense of destiny, as it were.

You’re currently writing the final book in the series. That must be quite emotional for you.

It really is. For me the books are almost like another child, they’re a huge part of my life.

Finally, I understand you’re a Chiswick resident. How long have you been living in the area?

I moved here 25 years ago, so a long time.

I absolutely love it, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. My children particularly love Fouberts on Turnham Green Terrace. We have pasta and pesto followed by ice cream.

The Incomplete Book of Dragons, Hodder Children’s Books; £12.99 published 5th June. How To Train Your Dragon 2 is released on 4th July

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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

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

KHS_JULY.indd 1

@kewhouseschool

28/05/2014 15:30

ABSOLUTELY

KIDS & EDUCATION

Mind how you go An ancient Buddhist meditation technique is being promoted in our classrooms to help stressed-out pupils, reports Amanda Constance

M

indfulness’ is having its moment. From stressedout City execs to A-listers, from US Marines to MPs, it now seems that everyone is practising this ancient art that has its roots in Buddhist meditation. So much so, that an allparty parliamentary group on mindfulness was launched earlier this year.

Increasing numbers of schools, particularly those in the private sector, are already looking at mindfulness classes, which focus on teaching students meditation and breathing techniques. The reason for its popularity is clear; mindfulness has been scientifically proven as a treatment for anxiety and depression. Schools are turning to it as a useful tool, at a time when there is an alarming rise in pupils suffering from significant mental health disorders.

Anthony Seldon, the pioneering head of Wellington College, is a passionate advocate of mindfulness. Seldon has introduced two-minute ‘stillness periods’ for pupils at Wellington, while teenagers in Years 9 and 10 have a timetabled weekly mindfulness session.

From September, both Wellington College and

Wellington Academy will be committing to mindfulness, with teachers being offered an eight-week course developed by Professor Mark Williams of Oxford University.

‘With the decline in religious assemblies, the chance to be quiet and reflect during the school day is being lost, at a time when it is needed more than ever as young people experience increasingly frantic pressure in their lives,’ says Seldon.

‘This is severely damaging to the mental health of young people. In mindfulness, we have a powerful, scientifically-proven approach that can make a real difference, and which can be learnt by young people whilst still at school.’

So just what is it? Essentially, mindfulness is a meditation technique – a way of calming and connecting yourself by responding to your immediate surroundings and shutting out negative thoughts. At its most basic, it involves being still, closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. When your mind

wanders, you bring it back. It is about learning to pay attention to the now, not worrying about what has happened, or might happen.

Of course, mindfulness has been around for millennia but it has only been rigorously researched in the past few decades. It was the work of an American doctor, Jon KabatZinn, in the 1970s that pioneered the use of mediation to help patients with chronic pain.

This prompted others to research the wider effects of mindfulness on depression; it has since been proven to be more effective than anti-depressants in treating bouts of recurring depression and, since 2004, mindfulness has been recommended as a treatment on the NHS. The idea of taking mindfulness into schools is even more recent and has been led in the UK by the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), which was founded by two teachers, in 2007.

Richard Burnett is a teacher and housemaster at Tonbridge School, the first UK school to include mindfulness in its curriculum for all 13-14-year-olds, while his co-founder, Chris Cullen, was head of pastoral care at Hampton School in London. He now teaches mindfulness at Kid’s Company and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Burnett and Cullen had experienced the benefits of mindfulness themselves and wanted to bring it into the classroom. The result is a nine-lesson course called .b pronounced ‘dot-be’ – shorthand for ‘Stop, Breathe and Be!’ which is already being taken up by many of our schools. Independent schools in London which run the .b programme include Francis Holland School, South Hampstead High School, Hampton School, Queen’s Gate and Thomas’s London Day School, in Battersea.

Earlier this year, the schools minister, David Laws, indicated that the government were looking at rolling out mindfulness courses for schools in the state sector to help improve pupil wellbeing. Laws told MPs: ‘We are very interested in promoting this and we certainly think that it is an area that merits consideration based on the evidence we’ve seen to date.’

The MiSP claims the benefits of .b include ‘being able to concentrate and listen better, get on better with others, feel happier and calmer and cope better with stress and anxiety.’ Indeed, co-founder Chris Cullen claims that ‘after a mindfulness course, the structure and function of our brains are different’.

Seldon puts it even more simply: ‘Every school in Britain could begin this journey back to sanity and self-control by introducing two minutes of stillness every day.’

“Mindfulness has been scientifically proven as a treatment for anxiety and depression”

For more information visit www. mindfulnessinschools.org

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JULY 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

Galloway Road, W12 A beautifully presented and cleverly reimagined home. The accommodation comprises three double bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/reception, two bathrooms (one en suite), an attractive west facing garden and a balcony from the master bedroom.

Galloway Road is an extremely popular residential road comprising of Edwardian cottages.

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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.

BRIANNA JOSS L E T T I N GS M AN AG ER

Brianna is an enthusiast in every department of life and none more so than in her love of Brook Green. Having worked locally for many years, Brianna can be found supporting many community events and activities, playing tennis on the green and still manages to let local properties at breakneck speed.

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FIND US ON

Lisgar Terrace

WEST KENSINGTON W14

Palace Mansions

WEST KENSINGTON W14

A grand and imposing Victorian terraced house (201 sq m/2,160 sq ft approx.) located on a quiet residential street in West Kensington. This family home is beautifully presented having been extremely well maintained by the same family for over twenty years. 5 bedrooms, dressing room, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, front & rear balconies, garden. EPC Rating D.

A spacious and bright lateral flat (144 sq m/1,550 sq ft approx.) situated on the third floor of this smart Victorian mansion building. The large reception room is an ideal entertaining space with double doors to an outdoor terrace. The kitchen and bedrooms are of generous proportions with high ceilings, large windows and extensive storage. 3 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, family bathroom, reception/ dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, terrace, lift, porter. EPC Rating D.

FREEHOLD £2,250,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

SHARE O F FREEHO LD £1 , 575,0 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

Minford Gardens

Wingate Road

BROOK GREEN W14

BR ACKENBURY VILL AGE W6

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 well presented and stylish three bedroom 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, which opens via bi-folding doors to a private patio garden. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), kitchen/dining room, reception room, patio garden. EPC Rating E.

FREEH O LD £1 , 475,0 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

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

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Second Avenue

ACTON W3

Blythe Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A bright and spacious semi detached family home (171 sq m/1,841 sq ft approx.) built circa 1928, situated on this quiet tree lined street surrounded by a wealth of local amenities. The house boasts generous proportions with east and west facing aspects.

5 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, cloakroom, reception room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, garage. EPC Rating D.

A thoughtfully configured, extremely bright and spacious upper maisonette (96 sq m/1,033 sq ft approx.) which has undergone extensive refurbishment. The interiors are fresh and contemporary with neutral colour schemes and solid oak flooring across the second floor. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, dining room, loft storage. EPC Rating D.

FREEHOLD £1 ,125,0 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

LEASEHO LD £795,0 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

Blythe Road

Comeragh Road

BROOK GREEN W14

BARONS COURT W14

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

A well presented garden flat (65 sq m/700 sq ft approx.) formed from the lower floor of a Victorian terraced house. The generous reception/ dining area is positioned to the front of the building offering a bright space, with wood flooring. The kitchen is located just off the reception room and the property offers good storage. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom, reception room, kitchen, garden. EPC Rating C.

LEASEHOLD £655,000 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 £630,000 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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Addison Gardens

BROOK GREEN W14

Netherwood Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A beautiful home full of character that has been carefully refurbished providing very spacious living accommodation and large bedrooms. The house benefits from a wonderful 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.

An exceptionally well presented, spacious maisonette set over three floors has become available to rent on this popular residential street in Brook Green benefiting from ample living space, wood flooring, a rear garden and decked balcony. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, kitchen, decked balcony, garden. EPC Rating D.

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

UNFURNISHED £1,300 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

Addison Park Mansions

WEST KENSINGTON W14

BROOK GREEN W14

An exceptionally spacious, lateral apartment situated in a smart mansion building. The property has been refurbished to a high standard and has wooden flooring throughout, it benefits from large amounts of storage and an abundance of natural light. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 en suite), reception room, open plan kitchen/ reception. EPC Rating F.

A characterful spacious and light apartment with triple aspect views overlooking popular leafy residential area. The property comprises of three double bedrooms with good built in storage, a reception room with natural light, a feature fireplace and balcony. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room. EPC Rating D.

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 £625 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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28/05/2014 28/05/2014 13:01 11:27

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

Gratton Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Edith Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

A fantastic split level modern property in great condition that has been recently refurbished throughout. The accommodation is arranged at over nearly 1100 sq ft and offers great natural light. Ideal for professional sharers or a couple this large property is conveniently located on a quiet road within a short walk from all the many amenities Brook Green has to offer. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen/reception room. EPC Rating D.

A well presented apartment on the first floor of this impressive period conversion. Oozing with natural light and benefiting from high ceilings and wooden floors throughout. Ideally located on a quiet residential road, a short walk away from Barons Court and West Kensington underground stations. 2 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, shower room, reception, study, eat in kitchen. EPC Rating E.

PA R T F U R N I S H E D £ 5 8 5 P E R W E E K B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED £525 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

Addison Gardens

Milson Road

BROOK GREEN W14

BROOK GREEN W14

A stunning apartment refurbished to a high standard on Addison Gardens making it ideal for commuting. The apartment is bright and well finished and offers good entertaining space. The property benefits from wooden flooring throughout and large windows allowing plenty of natural light. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception/dining room, kitchen. EPC Rating D.

A characterful property that benefits from it’s 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 very modern kitchen with all integrated appliances. Bedroom, bathroom, semi open plan reception room/kitchen. EPC Rating F.

FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED £46 0 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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28/05/2014 28/05/2014 13:01 11:27

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

blm.indd 1 KFH MASTER brand adverts_May-June.indd 3

29/05/2014 11:28 14:31 25/03/2014

Woodstock Road, Chiswick, W4 Guide price £1,850,000 Freehold

A five bedroom semi detached Bedford Park home fully extended and beautifully presented throughout to offer 2,070 sq ft of internal living space arranged over three floors with extended kitchen/breakfast room, cellar, original features and a west facing garden.

Chiswick 020 8987 0090 Email sck@kfh.co.uk

Located just north of Turnham Green Terrace and the underground station.

blm.indd 07.14 KFH2Chiswick and West.indd 2

• • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Double reception room Kitchen/breakfast room Two bathrooms West facing garden No onward chain EPC rating E

14:31 29/05/2014 09:21

Edith Road, West Kensington, W14 £1,100,000 Shared freehold Brook Green 020 3542 2020 Email sbg@kfh.co.uk

blm.indd 07.14 KFH3Chiswick and West.indd 3

A stunning duplex apartment with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private roof terrace arranged over the top two floors of an attractive period house.

This property is conveniently located on Edith Road, moments from North End Road, where there is a wide range of shops and cafés, and West Kensington and Barons Court tube stations are nearby.

• • • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Beautifully presented Designer kitchen Two bathrooms South facing terrace Excellent transport links Quiet residential road EPC rating C

14:31 29/05/2014 09:22

Delamere Road, Ealing, W5 OIEO £1,350,000 Freehold Ealing 020 8799 3890 Email sel@kfh.co.uk

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Five bedroom semi detached family home in a sought after location close to both Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway stations. The property boasts a large kitchen/breakfast room, spacious double reception room, detached garage, off street parking and 60ft garden.

• • • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Three bathrooms Double reception room In excess of 2,000 sq ft Detached garage Off street parking Sought after location EPC rating D

14:31 29/05/2014 09:22

Iffley Road, Brackenbury Village, W6 Guide price £2,000,000 Freehold Hammersmith 020 8563 9633 Email shm@kfh.co.uk

blm.indd 07.14 KFH5Chiswick and West.indd 5

A substantial Victorian terraced house with two generously proportioned reception rooms, dining kitchen, five double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a garden.

This property is located on a quiet tree lined road near Brackenbury Village. Underground, road and bus links are close by, as well as the open space of Ravenscourt Park and the scenic walks of the River Thames.

• • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Three bathrooms Two reception rooms Private rear garden Scope to improve Close to transport EPC rating E

14:31 29/05/2014 09:22

Perrers Road, Hammersmith, W6 £3,684 pcm Furnished Hammersmith 020 8563 9889 Email lhm@kfh.co.uk

A beautifully presented two double bedroom house arranged over two floors with a modern kitchen and pretty rear garden. Located close to Ravenscourt Park underground station.

• Two double bedrooms • Modern bathroom • • • • • •

with separate shower Bright and spacious reception Wooden flooring Roof terrace Pretty rear garden Short let until September 2014 EPC rating E

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

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14:31 29/05/2014 09:22

St. Mary’s Road, Ealing, W5 £3,250 pcm Unfurnished Ealing 020 8799 3899 Email lel@kfh.co.uk

A stunning four bedroom townhouse comprising an open plan kitchen/ diner, a further reception, family bathroom, two en suite shower rooms, private garden and a garage.

Located in a gated development close to South Ealing or Ealing Broadway underground stations.

• • • • • •

Four bedrooms Modern bathrooms Open plan kitchen/diner Second reception Integrated garage Close to South Ealing or Ealing Broadway tubes

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

blm.indd 07.14 KFH7Chiswick and West.indd 7

14:31 29/05/2014 09:23

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

Gayford Road, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 Prices from £1,680,000 A superb development of new build houses with excellent family accommodation laid out over three floors. The houses have a high level of specification with designer kitchens, stone work tops and a comprehensive range of appliances. Easy access to tube stations and shops. Show home now open. 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 development of four beautiful apartments expertly created within an existing building.

Each apartment benefits from well equipped kitchens including integrated appliances set within handleless light wood units. Lords Court is located close to the River Thames and a few minutes walk from Hammersmith town centre and Hammersmith Broadway station.

Leasehold.

Land and New Homes 020 8222 7200 Email newhomes@kfh.co.uk Computer generated image

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14:31 29/05/2014 09:23

AWA R D

WINNING

Goldsmith Avenue, Acton, W3

£1,038 per week

A truly stunning six bedroom family home, beautifully presented with stylish interiors and wonderful period features.

The property consists of a fabulous double reception room with superb period fireplaces, guest cloakroom and 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, as well as Acton Central Station (Overground Line).

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

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

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02/06/2014 12:04

THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

King Edwards Gardens, Acton, W3

£3,700,000

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

Jeddo Road, Shepherds Bush, W12

£554 per week

Orchards of London are delighted to offer to the market for let this incredible three bedroom split level flat in excellent condition throughout and boasting a private patio garden. The property comprises a superb kitchen/diner with solid oak flooring and modern kitchen fittings, the kitchen leads us out to a fantastic private patio garden, a stunning family bathroom, two spacious double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and a further single bedroom or study. 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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02/06/2014 12:04

AWA R D

WINNING

Freeland Road, Ealing, W5

£2,250,000

A truly exquisite eight double bedroom detached house boasting nine bathrooms and a large private driveway, ideally situated in a desirable area of Ealing. This unique property comprises two generous reception rooms with bay windows and feature fireplace, a third reception room with French doors leading out to a pleasant private garden. This property is located on a quiet residential street in Ealing close to the shops, bars and restaurants along the Uxbridge Road.

Creffield Road, Ealing, W5

£1,846 per week

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.

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

ORCHARDS_JULY.indd 4

02/06/2014 12:06

THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

Fairlawn Avenue, Chiswick, W4

£1,400,000

A truly exquisite five bedroom family home, boasting generous living and entertaining space and spacious accommodation, with a delightful south facing garden, ideally located on the Bedford Park borders in Chiswick. The property benefits from an abundance of period features and high ceilings, and comprises a large double reception room, bright and airy kitchen and breakfast room with access to a pleasant south facing patio garden.

Chiswick Mall, Chiswick, W4

£1,150 per week

An immaculately presented four/five double bedroom riverside townhouse boasting stunning views of the River Thames, a lovely private garden and off-street parking. The property offers a large open plan reception area with generous family dining and sitting area, a modern fully fitted eat-in kitchen, a good size storage room and utility room, a fabulous bright and spacious master bedroom with built in wardrobes and a stunning en-suite. Chiswick Mall is ideally located within easy reach of the fabulous selection of shops, bars and restaurants along Chiswick High Road. 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

ORCHARDS_JULY.indd 5

02/06/2014 12:04

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS CAROLINE WATKINS

Manager at Northfields Shepherds Bush

I

Photography: Rebecca Noonan

’ve travelled from Kathmandu to the United States, but as much as I love meeting new people in new places, it’s my family and home in West London that have always pulled me back. I grew up in Chiswick, where my two sisters and parents still live and where I’ve recently bought a new house for my own family. Most of the time now, I stick pretty close to home, walking my two dogs Darcie and Gracie in Ravenscourt Park or in the grounds of Chiswick House every morning, except of course the two mornings a week when I do Boot Camp workouts at Chiswick School.

I am looking forward to travelling again for my honeymoon in December, when my partner and I will be soaking up the sun and snorkelling in the Maldives. I just had to get there before such a beautiful place gets swallowed by the sea!

I’m so grateful that I’ve had the chance to see so much of the world, but even more thankful to have a home, family and job that make the return home worth the while. I certainly never imagined a life working in estate agency for 24 years, but since falling into the business at only 16 years old, I can’t seem to stay away from helping people find their next home.

Originally, I had intended to go to catering college, but a temp job came up in estate agency that meant I could pay for a holiday with friends.

When I returned from my holiday, I was offered a permanent position. The job was just such a

good fit for me, in fact, by my second week I was booking viewings over the phone even though someone else had to do the viewings as I was still too young to drive!

I think in this job it is not about property, it’s about people and keeping focused on helping them find their next step in life. If you are always honest and do what you say you are going to do, I feel you can’t go far wrong.

Even after getting itchy feet and travelling the world at 21, the pull of estate agency lured me back and I worked for the next 15 years as an estate agent in Shepherd’s Bush. I eventually moved on to surrounding areas like Turnham Green and Chiswick, but after taking a year and half off to spend time with my 11 year old daughter and partner while renovating my new home, I’m so excited to be back in familiar territory in Shepherd’s Bush, particularly with Northfields, who’ve been situated on the Askew Road for 20 years.

Working with the award-winning team at Northfields has been a new high for me. As I’m sitting composing this, one of my team has been shouting across the room “Don’t forget to tell them about your sense of humour!” So consider it duly noted. I find a sense of humour not only helps you get through life, it makes the journey that much more fun!

020 8740 8833; northfields.co.uk

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PERRYN ROAD, ACTON, W3 Five Bedrooms | Kitchen | Two Reception Rooms | Dining Room | Two Bathrooms | Garden

ÂŁ1,200,000

Nobody does it better... than Northfields Absolutely 29-5.indd 1 northfields.indd 1

www.northfields.co.uk

020 8740 8833 29/05/2014 10:08 17:11 30/05/2014

Abso

BROMYARD HOUSE, W3 This two bedroom apartment has an exclusive feel that is apparent from the moment you pass through the secure gated entry and walk through the box hedges and gurgling fountains in the communal gardens.

ÂŁ499,950

LARDEN ROAD, W3 Properties like this two bedroom maisonette which balance period grace with modern flare paired with a location tucked into a lovely spot near Wendell Park, rarely become available.

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ÂŁ525,000

CON TAC

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Us today

We look forward to helping you move.

Call us today 020 8740 8833 17:11

Absolutely 29-5.indd 2 northfields.indd 2

TO FIND OUT

MORE

29/05/2014 10:08 17:11 30/05/2014

020 8749 7719

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

.

INDEPENDENT

.

INVOLVED

CMYK

STANLAKE VILLAS W12 SENSATIONAL OPPORTUNITY  7 BEDROOMS  2 FABULOUS RECEPTION ROOMS  2 KITCHENS  2 BATHROOMS  3 SHOWER ROOMS 2 STUDIES  UTILITY ROOM  2 CLOAKROOMS  2 BALCONIES  FRONT GARDEN  SOUTHERLY FACING REAR GARDEN EPC RATING D58 & E41

FREEHOLD

GUIDE PRICE £2.95M

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

Finlay Brewer.indd 2

30/05/2014 16:25

020 7371 4171

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

.

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

INDEPENDENT

.

INVOLVED CMYK

NETHERWOOD ROAD W14

£1,300 PW / £5,633 PCM

WONDERFULLY SPACIOUS MAISONETTE  GORGEOUS DOUBLE RECEPTION  4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS  3 BATHROOMS PRIVATE GARDEN  EPC RATING D 58

DEWHURST ROAD W14

£1,400 PW / £6,066 PCM

GENEROUS FAMILY HOME  SPACIOUS DOUBLE RECEPTION  4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS  EAT IN KITCHEN LEADS ONTO PRETTY GARDEN  2 BATHROOMS  EPC RATING D 69

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk *Administration fee 150 inc VAT per person, other costs apply. For more information go to:www.finlaybrewer.co.uk/tenant-costs/ Finlay Brewer.indd 3

30/05/2014 16:25

020 8749 7719

BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB ASKEW ROAD

LOCAL

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

.

INDEPENDENT

.

INVOLVED

CMYK

BROMYARD AVENUE W3 MODERN, ARCHITECT DESIGNED, NEW BUILD TOWN HOUSE  4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS  3 RECEPTION ROOMS KITCHEN / DINING / FAMILY ROOM  3 BATHROOMS  GARAGE & EXTERNAL PARKING SPACE ROOF TERRACE & GARDEN  EPC RATING B84

FREEHOLD

GUIDE PRICE £1.695M

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

Finlay Brewer.indd 4

30/05/2014 16:25

Property News HOUSE HUNTING

GROVE PARK TERRACE STREET PARTY Andrew Nunn Director of Andrew Nunn & Associates

� 020 8995 1500; andrewnunnassociates.co.uk

CHATSWORTH GARDENS, W3 £1,499,950

Ronan McKenna Sales Manager at Orchards of London, Acton

� 020 8997 0076; orchardsoflondon.com

Best place to invest?

I feel that Acton has all the right ingredients to continue its regeneration and become one of the premier postcodes in West London. Two notable projects in the area are the crossrail construction and the reconstruction of the South Acton Estate. We are seeing a number of large developments being submitted for planning and I feel that this is the start of a major metamorphosis for Acton.

ABSOLUTELY Property

The most interesting property I have been involved in is…

The most interesting property I have been involved in is The Birches which consists of two new build properties constructed to a period style; its main feature is the basement with its stunning architectural design coupled with its modern features. Orchards of London were involved with the developers throughout the construction process and it was fascinating to see the level of work that goes into the construction of such an extensive basement.

A

ndrew Nunn Associates are delighted to sponsor for the third year the Grove Park Terrace Street Party on Saturday 21st June starting at 2pm. Th is year’s theme is “Wild Wild West” and all proceeds will go to The Shelter Project helping the homeless in our area.

“Th is is a wonderful community event bringing local residents and businesses together for a fun afternoon and evening with lots to do for the kids” suggests Andrew Nunn. Th is year there will be a bucking bronco, a kids rodeo disco, a bouncy castle, face painting and much more!

Finest property showcase...

Chatsworth Gardens, Acton, W3 - £1,499,950.

Boasting original period features and stylish, spacious interiors, located on one of Acton’s premier roads, the property comprises of a bright entrance hallway with original tiled floor, an incredible front reception room with wonderful natural light, a large open plan kitchen and dining room with access to a fantastic rear garden.

T H E A N N UA L I N V I TA T I O N T O

PA RT Y S U M M E R S T R E E T 14 NE 20 S AT U R D AY 2 1 J U E 2 P M U N T I L L AT

WHITMAN & CO SPONSOR TURNHAM GREEN POLYTECHNIC CRICKET CLUB

W

hitman & Co are delighted to sponsor Turnham Green Polytechnic Cricket Club. We felt it particularly poignant to sponsor the team as Gerry Chalmers headed up the Turnham Green Colts in the 1990’s. Father of Chris in our sales team who also played for the team, he sadly passed away earlier this year. They once pulled off a combined father and son caught and bowled! We are also delighted to be sponsoring the Shooting Star CHASE charity, Belmont School Fete, Opera in the Gardens and West London Sinfonia. �020 8747 8800; whitmanandco.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

5

MINUTES WITH...

Brianna Joss

Lettings Manager at Bective Leslie Marsh, Brook Green � 020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

What makes you the go-to-agent in the area?

Experience, honesty, straightforward appraisals and advice, exciting off market opportunities and knowing our neighbours!

How long have you been in the area?

For over 4 years now.

What is your company ethos?

We know property. As one of only a handful of truly independent agencies in West London, we have been able to remain the ideal size: large enough to be a serious presence in the area, and small enough for our five offices and 65 staff to communicate with each other quickly and efficiently.

What can we expect for the market in the Spring/Summer?

Things are looking great! Prices are recovering, supply and demand balancing out, tenants are bidding against each other, and more new applicants are registering.

HANWELL TOWN STEP UP

C

ongratulations to Hanwell Town, Ealing’s premier football club, for finishing top of the Spartan Midland League with an amazing record, amassing 111 points from their 42 matches (losing only once) and having a plus goal difference of 127 (eat your heart out Manchester City). They finished an impressive 12 points clear of their nearest challenger. First established in 1920 by a group of Geordies working in the area, hence their black and white stripes, they now move up to the Southern League which is only a

couple of steps down the professional football league and their manager Ray Duffy believes they are good enough to consolidate in this league and move forward. He should know the strength of his team well as 4 of his sons are players. They also enjoyed a good run in this year’s FA Vase, reaching the quarter final stage, just 2 steps from a Wembley appearance. The club is sponsored by local agents Sinton Andrews. � 020 8566 1990; sintonhomes.com

RICHMOND DEVELOPER SCOOPS TOP AWARD AT EVENING STANDARD NEW HOMES AWARDS

T

he Roehampton based developers, founded by husband and wife team, David and Laura Rich-Jones over 18 years ago, entered Pembroke, their latest development of 4 luxury houses and 2 apartments in East Sheen, into the critically acclaimed awards, which set the gold standard in the property world and celebrate the skills of the new homes, and picked up 2 awards. Richstone Properties were presented with the highly coveted Grand Prix Award

Brook Green Comment Justin Holder

Sales Manager of Marsh & Parsons, Brook Green � 020 7605 7760; marshandparsons.co.uk

T

he Brook Green market, popular with local and national buyers, remains a hot spot. Demand is most notably high for properties under £1m, where sellers are receiving multiple offers at the asking price or above - and prices continue to rise as a result. The latest changes within the mortgage market has started to slow down the conveyancing process, which sellers who are currently ‘under offer’ should be aware of - and buyers should be prepared in advance of making offers.



suggests:

I

t’s that time of year again when the Chelsea Flower Show inspires the green-fingered god and goddess in all of us and thoughts turn wistfully to barbeques over long bank holiday weekends as temperatures start to soar.

If you’re a garden lover and looking for a property with outside space, now is one of the optimum times to view. But before you buy, make sure you check the orientation of the garden, pay attention to any potential problematic trees and check your boundary rights and responsibilities.

at the ceremony, announced at a glittering ceremony at London’s Dorchester hotel, hosted by comedian Dara O’Briain. The Grand Prix trophy is awarded to the individual home or development that is considered to be the most outstanding entry in this year’s awards, with the winner decided by the London Evening Standard readers and an expert judging panel. � 020 8876 4567; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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Opening Soon our 20th office in London The opening of Knight Frank Chiswick in Summer 2014, will be our 20th office in London, which will add to our growing network of 335 offices in 52 countries around the world.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting a property in the Chiswick area, call us on +44 20 3589 0901 KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

BATTERSEA HAMPSTEAD





BELGRAVIA

HYDE PARK





CANARY WHARF

FULHAM

KENSINGTON





RICHMOND

SOUTH KENSINGTON

NOTTING HILL

ST JOHN'S WOOD



WANDSWORTH

knight frank.inddOpening_210x297mm_ƒ.indd 1 3557 Chiswick 1









CHELSEA

ISLINGTON

MAYFAIR

MARYLEBONE





WAPPING

 

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

WIMBLEDON

30/05/2014 30/05/2014 12:48 11:59

Osier Mews, W4

£1,950,000 Freehold

This stunning three bedroom two bathroom townhouse enjoys arguably the best river views in Chiswick. Located within this prestigious gated development the property offers excellent contemporary space over four levels to include garage/ storage plus off street parking. 25’ landscaped garden with direct access to the towpath. Freehold. EPC rating = C • Gated riverside development • Arguably best views in Chiswick • Three large double bedrooms

• Two bathrooms • Two reception rooms • Top floor master suite

• Private walled garden • Off street parking • Freehold

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

02/06/2014 10:30

Queen Annes Gardens, Bedford Park, W4

£4,500,000 Freehold

First time to the market in 60 years this stunning example of a Norman Shaw designed detached home in the premier road in Bedford Park. Grade II listed built in 1878, this imposing residence benefits from east/west aspects, 60’ x 43’ west facing garden. Outside is the large 25’9 x 16’2 garage. Freehold.

• First time to the market in 60 years • Grade II listed detached residence • Prime Bedford Park location

• Original layout • Three reception rooms • Six bedrooms

• Three bathrooms • Large garage • West facing garden

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

02/06/2014 10:39

Dukes Avenue, W4

Offers in excess of £3,000,000

UN OF DER FE R

A wonderful opportunity to acquire this 3046 sqft family house occupying one of the best positions in Dukes Avenue.

Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road this handsome semi detached house offers well balanced accommodation over three floors to comprise: Hall, 31’ x 20’ double reception room, cloaks/utility, sitting room leading out to west facing garden and stunning 22’ kitchen enjoying vaulted ceiling and aspects to both east and west. Six bedrooms (master with walk in dressing room) and two bathrooms. Off street parking for two cars, beautiful 60’ west facing garden with private patio, lawned area and mature well stocked flower boarders. Freehold.

Prebend Gardens, W6

£1,595,000

Ideally located just off the Chiswick High Road and close to Stamford Brook tube station (District Line Zone 2) this semidetached property offers great potential to create a stunning family home. Large roof terrace. 45’ rear garden with side access.

Potential to extend into the second floor and ground floor subject to necessary consents. Freehold no upward chain.

EPC rating = E.

w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k  0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 0 Andrew Nunn & Associates_JULY.indd 4

02/06/2014 10:31

Esmond Gardens, W4

£799,950 Leasehold plus share of freehold

Superbly presented and wonderfully light two bedroom, two bathroom second floor apartment offering over 1000 sq ft and set within this sought after mansion block located close to Turnham Green terrace and the Chiswick High Road. Long lease with share of Freehold. EPC rating = D.

Ravenscroft Road, W4

£575,000 Leasehold

A well presented and extremely popular first floor two bedroom purpose built maisonette in this convenient location only moments from Chiswick High Road, Chiswick Park tube station (District Line), 94 bus route (Oxford Circus) and the open space of Acton Green. No upward chain. Long leasehold. EPC rating = E.

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

02/06/2014 10:40

Absolutely Jun 2014_Kerr Westside Ad templates 29/05/2014 17:10 Page 1

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

sales@kerrandco.com

www.kerrandco.com Cathnor Road, W12 £825,000 Share of FH A truly remarkable, interior designed two double bedroom garden flat set in this grand double fronted Victorian building.

This private gated development has been landscaped and has coded security gates which take you into this secluded oasis. The flat has private off street parking and plenty of bike storage.

Finished to a very high standard throughout it gives the feel of modern living with a large fire glass sliding door and window to the hallway which brings exceptional levels of natural light to the flat. This is a property you really need to view to fully appreciate.

Perrers Road, W6 £1,350,000 FH A fantastic opportunity to acquire this charming and quintessentially Victorian terraced cottage set on a picturesque residential street in the heart of Brackenbury village.

The property has been exceptionally well designed and provides wonderful family accommodation within easy reach of the phenomenal array of local facilities including shops and transport links as well as being in the catchment area for outstanding schools. Overall the house delivers stylish, well balanced accomodation in a haven of tranquillity.

✆ 020 8743 1166 kerr&co.indd 1

30/05/2014 09:56

www.kerrandco.com

A truly impressive five bedroom family house

Hammersmith Grove, London, W6 ÂŁ3,300,000

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 features such as plasterwork, sash windows and fireplaces.

FH

The accommodation provides substantial reception space with the raised ground floor providing a dual aspect reception room with French windows leading onto a balcony overlooking the rear garden, whilst on the lower ground floor there is a large kitchen/dining room with French windows on to the rear garden.

✆ 020 8743 1166 kerr&co.indd 2

30/05/2014 09:56

SALES SALES

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

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, RECKITT ROAD, W4 W4

GUIDE PRICE £1.5£465,000 MILLION

LETTINGS SALES

An presented property offering excellent balance of living and of entertaining Three/four bedrooms, Luxury bathroom, Ensuite shower Animmaculately amazingly light, well period presented triple aspectanflat with the added benefit a balconyspace. and private garden.

Three bedrooms, luxury bathroom, room, Two reception integrated kitchen with granite workheating, surfaces, share Cloakroom, Underbalcony floor heating, Private south facing landscaped garden.

14' reception room,rooms, fully Fully integrated kitchen, gas fired central in thePartial freehold, and private garden with side access.

Ideally Ideally situated the heart of the Glebe Estate offering close proximity Turnham Green tube station extensivefacilities shopping restaurant facilities situated withininclose proximity of Chiswick Park tube station andtothe extensive shopping andand restaurant onand Chiswick High Road.on Chiswick High Road.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 W4 LAMB W4 WAVENDON AVENUE,

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 GUIDE PRICE £2 MILLION

A newly decorated lowerfive ground floor garden flathouse with ideally private west in facing garden. Large double wardrobes, receptionwith room with An immaculately presented bedroom period family located his prestigious residential roadbedroom close to allwith amenities.

Master bedroom ensuite, wood floors, bathroom withTwo shower fitted kitchen, garden.

The is on one of Chiswick's locatedPrivate roads,32’ moments from the with shops, Four further double bedrooms, furtherover, bathrooms, 28’ Reception room, 22’ flat Feature kitchen/breakfast room,best Cloakroom, landscaped garden restaurants caféssituated on the in High and 5residential minutes road fromsouth Turnham GreenHigh station. property available September, furnished. rear access. Ideally this Road prestigious of Chiswick RoadThe offering close is proximity to early all amenities.

No chain.

WHITMAN_JULY.indd 2

30/05/2014 17:12

SALES LETTINGS POINT WHARF FOSTER ROAD,LANE, W4 TW8

£350MILLION PER WEEK GUIDE PRICE £2.5

SALES

ABeautifully fantastic period semi-detached house bedroom retaining many original on onesought of Chiswick’s desirable roads. Six bedrooms, bathrooms, Double presented two double second floorfeatures flat inlocated this highly after most riverside development.

BoastingFour a stunning open plan reception room, Further reception room, ensuite Cloakroom, 37’ Garden, Tiled entrance Eaves storage. is moments Chiswick kitchen reception room, a riverroom, side Kitchen/breakfast balcony and a master bedroom.

Large open planhall, reception room, The fullyproperty fitted kitchen withfrom granite work High cafes and restaurants. links include Turnham and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London. tops,Roads fittedshops, wardrobes and riverside Transport views. Underground parking Green spaceStation included.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, W4 LAMB W4 W4 CHATSWORTH ROAD,

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 GUIDE PRICE £3.5 MILLION

large, detached light andfamily beautifully presented two double bedroom on this highly desirable road of Bedford just minutes from AAunique house offering an unrivalled balance of living flat and entertaining space, combined withina the 100’heart West facing gardenPark, and carriage driveway.

Turnham Green station.

Topentrance floor position ensures beautiful views from thebespoke reception and Games bedrooms.

Six bedrooms, Five underground bathrooms, Large galleried hall, Four reception rooms, Fully integrated kitchen, room, Cinema, Office, Gym/Studio, Cloakroom, Utility room, Wine cellar, Air conditioning, Private 100’ West facing landscaped garden, Secure gated off street parking, Tradesman entrance. Ideally situated in this prestigious residential road close to all amenities.

WHITMAN_JULY.indd 3

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SALES SALES

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

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, GROVE PARK ROAD,W4 W4

GUIDE PRICE £1.75£465,000 MILLION

LETTINGS SALES

A spacious five bedroom semi detached triple family aspect house occupying secluded with 92’ and rear garden, and off street parking for two cars.

Five An amazingly light, well presented flat with this the generous added benefit ofplot a balcony privategarage garden.

Three bedrooms, luxury bathroom, bedrooms, Two room, bathrooms, entrance hall, 35’gas Through room, 16’share Kitchen/Breakfast room, balcony Cloakroom, Integral garage, Off with streetside parking, Private 92’ 14' reception fully Large integrated kitchen, firedreception central heating, in the freehold, and private garden access.

Ideally landscaped garden.

Ideally situatedofopposite thePark Vicarage unique outlook and close torestaurant all amenities, a short walk from Chiswick situated within close proximity Chiswick tubeoffering stationaand theprivate extensive shopping and facilities on Chiswick High Main Road.Line Station and Strand-on-the-Green. No chain.

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

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £724,950

A newly decorated lowertwo ground floormaisonette garden flat westfour facing garden. double bedroom withMaster wardrobes, reception roomroom with An immaculately presented bedroom setwith withinprivate this elegant storey periodLarge building close to all amenities. bedroom with dressing wood floors, bathroom shower over, fittedbathroom, kitchen, Feature garden.reception The flatroom, is onFully oneintegrated of Chiswick's best located roads, from the shops, and luxury ensuite, Second with double bedroom, Second bespoke kitchen, Share in themoments freehold. Situated within restaurants cafés on the High Road and minutes from Turnham Green station. The property is available early September, furnished. close proximity of local shops, restaurants and5 numerous transports facilities.

WHITMAN_JULY.indd 4

30/05/2014 17:13

LETTINGS SALES LETTINGS POINT WHARFROAD, LANE, TW8 SPELDHURST W4

£350 PER WEEK £675 PER WEEK

LETTINGS

ABeautifully spacious three bedroomtwo end double of terracebedroom house on second a quiet residential in Bedford Master bedroom withdevelopment. fitted cupboards and en-suite toilet, large double presented floor flatroad in this highlyPark. sought after riverside Boasting a stunning open plan loft bedroom, single bedroom, family bathroom with shower overensuite bath, through reception room, with room, doors to a patio garden.

The with closest tube work kitchen reception room, a river side balcony and a master bedroom.

Large openfitted plankitchen reception fully fitted kitchen granite station is Turnham Green Station, a 10 minute walk.

Available Now, Unfurnished. tops, fitted wardrobes and riverside views.

Underground parking space included.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, LAMB W4 W4 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD, W4

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £500 PER WEEK

large,two light and beautifully two flat on onChiswick this highly road in the with heart of in Bedford Park, minutes from AAluxury bedroom fourth floorpresented apartment in thisdouble modernbedroom development Highdesirable Road. Master bedroom built wardrobes andjust a quality en-suite Turnham Green underground station.

Top floor position from theplan reception and bedrooms. shower room, second double bedroom, bathroom with shower ensures over bath,beautiful extremelyviews spacious open reception room, fully fitted kitchen area with granite work tops and Seimens appliances, spacious terrace area. The apartment is within a few minutes walk from Gunnersbury and Chiswick Park Tube Stations (District Line).

Available 11th June. Furnished.

WHITMAN_JULY.indd 5

30/05/2014 17:26

FSL2725 Featherstone Leigh RICHMOND ABSO DPSx2 qxd v3:Layout 1 28/05/2014 13:45 Page 3

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

St Stephens Gardens, St Margarets

£2,500,000 Guide Price A truly stunning and well designed semi-detached Victorian house situated on one of St Margaret’s finest roads and all within a short walk of both St Margaret’s station. EPC = D.

t: 020 8940 1575

Richmond

Twickenham

Chiswick

Fulham

Clapham

Kew

Teddington

Hammersmith

Chelsea

Putney

Sheen

Kingston

West Kensington

Battersea

Barnes

FL.indd 1

02/06/2014 11:19

FSL2725 Featherstone Leigh RICHMOND ABSO DPSx2 qxd v3:Layout 1 28/05/2014 13:48 Page 4

Ailsa Road, St Margarets Offers in excess of

£4,100,000 A wonderful six double bedroom, detached family house situated within a short walk of St Margaret’s village and Richmond Town centre.

EPC = D.

t: 020 8940 1575

Sheen Lane, East Sheen

£1,800,000 A beautifully presented detached family house with the benefits of a double garage, off street parking and well maintained gardens situated in this enviable location.

EPC = E.

t: 020 8876 4567

It’s our area...

FL.indd 2

02/06/2014 11:19

FSL2724 Featherstone Leigh CHISWICK ABSO DPS qxd:Layout 1 28/05/2014 19:04 Page 1

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Popes Avenue, Strawberry Hill

POA A magnificent double fronted early Victorian detached house located on this impressive plot in the heart of the incredibly popular and desirable Strawberry Hill.

EPC=E.

t: 0208 744 0595

Chiswick

Fulham

Clapham

Richmond

Twickenham

Hammersmith

Chelsea

Putney

Kew

Teddington

West Kensington

Battersea

Barnes

Sheen

Kingston

FL.indd 3

02/06/2014 11:25

FSL2724 Featherstone Leigh CHISWICK ABSO DPS qxd:Layout 1 28/05/2014 19:04 Page 2

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

Dale Street, Chiswick

£1,200,000 An immaculate, recently refurbished two bedroom cottage comprising; two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and a well landscaped garden. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

It’s our area...

FL.indd 4

02/06/2014 11:20

ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase Vendor Advice Professionalism and Price

S

ummer is here and we are entering what is traditionally the busiest selling period of the year. This year the housing market has been widely reported in the press as very buoyant, and house prices are moving at a phenomenal pace.

Orchards of London thoroughly monitor market trends and we have recorded large price increases in every West London postcode that we cover, and as such it can become easy for estate agents and vendors to become complacent about the price they are receiving for their home and the ease at which it is likely to sell.

Now more than ever, the requirement for professionalism, in depth market knowledge and the application of all the training our staff receive is required to prevent our client’s homes from being undersold in a rising market. Our advice to home-owning clients who are thinking of selling: 1. Conduct thorough research on your homes actual worth.

2. Explore the real value of what is being offered by the companies you are considering engaging to act for you.

3. Remember that true professionals will not offer their services for a significant discount.

Liam Doherty Sales Manager at Orchards of London, Ealing

� 020 8992 4242; orchardsoflondon.com

Are basement conversions a good idea?

G

enerally, yes. With prices for land and space in London at a premium, more and more Londoners are digging down and investing in basements. They can be an extremely cost effective way of adding significant value to a property. Over the past few years, as property prices increase I have certainly seen a rise in the numbers of basement conversions taking place in and around West Kensington. As more people realise the value they can add, I have also seen the popularity of ground floor flats grow, meaning they are rarely on the market for long.

If you are thinking of adding a basement conversion to your property, I would advise to keep it in proportion to the size of the property, get as much natural light in there as possible and keep ceiling heights high. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be sure to maximise the return you can get on your investment.

Stuart Rowe

Manager at Featherstone Leigh, West Kensington

A desirably positioned Victorian semi detached house of 2365 sq ft, offering period quality.

�

E

xtended over the side return and into the garden, the house has generous ground floor space with light family kitchen and conservatory leading onto an extensive south facing garden. It retains its side access so there is development potential here and upstairs offers a well planned first floor master suite, with four further bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house has particularly pleasant aspects on three sides and is situated within the Ravenscourt and Starch Green Conservation Area.

Details

Rylett Crescent, W12 £2,500,000

Contact

Philip Wooller, philipwooller.com

� 020 7381 0319; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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The pressure is on...

To find you the right buyer at the BEST price!

DAYS

O R

WE W

OU RF EE

We will a u o y d n i f buyer in

ILL

*Terms & conditions apply If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

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

Tel: 020 3725 4242 chiswick@ramestateagent.com

Branches in Canary Wharf, St. James, Ilford & Potters Bar RAM CHISWICK_JUNE.indd 2

30/04/2014 17:25

Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham At the gated end of a private gravel drive, Upper Manor Barn enjoys blissful seclusion and a country retreat atmosphere. The Cathedral size front door opens to an exceptionally striking entrance hallway.

Master suite with his & her walk-in wardrobes Four further bedrooms (three en-suite) • Vaulted entrance hall • Substantial Kitchen/breakfast room with glazed atrium • Guest self-contained annexe • Heated four bay garage • South facing garden • Heated outdoor swimming pool Approximately 7,287 sq ft • Energy Rating: D

Guide Price: £3,150,000 Freehold 01932 860537

howard.lowe@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Givons Grove, Leatherhead The Pantiles is a magnificent home located on the Givons Grove private estate in Surrey. The estate covers over 130 acres and is surrounded by the beautiful Surrey Hills, whilst still offering easy access to excellent amenities and central London.

Six/seven bedrooms • Three bathrooms Drawing room with two fireplaces • Dining room with open fire • Kitchen/breakfast room Family room • Media/TV room • Grounds of 2 acres • Ice house • Energy Rating: D

Guide Price: £3,150,000 Freehold 01932 860537

howard.lowe@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Over 700 Offices in 52 Countries

6816 Absolutely1West JULY14.indd 6 sothebys.indd

sothebysrealty.co.uk

15:57 29/05/2014 17:10

Crown Estate, Oxshott A magnificent and luxurious brand new Georgian style mansion featuring state of the art systems and the best in traditional building techniques within the prestigious Crown Estate.

Eight bedrooms • Seven bathrooms • Master bedroom suite with sitting room and sumptuous dressing room • Kitchen/breakfast/ family room with bifold doors onto the terrace and loggia • Indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and steam room • Cinema room 0.5 acres • Double garage • Energy Rating: C

Guide Price: £5,950,000 Freehold

01932 860537

nathaniel.bracegirdle@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Pulborough, Thakeham An impressive country house set in grounds of approximately 16 acres.

The property was designed by the current owners, using high quality natural materials combined with modern technology to provide a generous family home of handsome architectural design.

Six bedrooms • Kitchen/breakfast room Snug/cinema room • Playroom • Entertainment room • Drawing room • Staff accommodation Outdoor pool • Helipad • Putting green Lake • Tennis court • Energy Rating: C Approximately 11,683 sq ft

Guide Price: £5,995,000 Freehold 01932 860537

nathaniel.bracegirdle@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Over 700 Offices in 52 Countries

6816 Absolutely2West JULY14.indd 5 sothebys.indd

sothebysrealty.co.uk

29/05/2014 17:10 15:55 29/05/2014

GREYHOUND ROAD, HAMMERSMITH, W6

£385,000

This is a fantastic high spec 1 bed property in an amazing location. It is close to all the great local amenities that W6 has to offer. Idea property for a first time buyer or an investor. The property is offered with a 115 year lease and has the possibility to purchase the freehold if required by separate negotiation.

COBBOLD ROAD, W12

£1,295,000

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.

LONDON ESTATES_JULY.indd 2

02/06/2014 11:30

GRANGE PARK W5

PRICE ON APPLICATION

This stunning family home is undergoing a complete transformation and will be completely remodeled throughout. Offering lateral living, this property will provides an abundance of space and light. The ground floor comprises of a delightful kitchen diner, double sized reception room, and living room with bifolding doors that lead onto a landscaped garden complete with summerhouse.

Images suplied by Oakland projects.

• 5 double bedroom • 5 bathrooms

• Summerhouse • 81’11” garden

• Kitchen/diner

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

LONDON ESTATES_JULY.indd 3

WWW.LONDON-ESTATES.NET 020 8741 8485

02/06/2014 11:30

ABSOLUTELY Property

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

Grove Park Terrace, W4

A

n amazing opportunity to acquire this four bedroom house which has an abundance of period features and charm. The house offers an excellent balance of reception space and bedrooms split over four floors.The property has off street parking, a mature front and 72 foot rear garden with side access. It also comprises four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and one shower room. There are two wonderfully light and bright reception rooms on the raised ground floor which have access to a large roof terrace that overlooks the rear garden. There is a good sized family kitchen and separate dining room on the lower ground floor, as well as a utility and shower room.

£1,995,000

Hamptons International, Chiswick � 020 8454 7237; hamptons.co.uk

LEASEHOLD

FREEHOLD

Berrymead Gardens, W3

Fairmile Lane, KT11

T

T

his stunning two bedroom garden flat is situated on a popular residential road. The period conversion property has been recently refurbished and further comprises the family bathroom, separate WC, modern kitchen, and a bright open plan reception with folding doors onto a wonderful landscaped garden.

his spacious and elegant five bedroom family home is on a private south/west backing plot of just under 0.6 acres. The accommodation comprises of a spacious entrance hall, triple aspect drawing room, family room with doors directly onto the terrace, dining room, and a wonderful and light kitchen/breakfast/sitting room.

£550,000

£2,000,000

� 020 8896 7607; bushells.com

� 01932 860 537; sothebysrealty.co.uk

Bushells, Chiswick

UK Sotheby’s International Realty

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02/06/2014 12:45

ABSOLUTELY Property

The Crescent, W4 Prices from £1,800,000

T

ucked away just south of Chiswick High Road – the geographic and cultural spine of this upmarket region of West London – The Crescent Development, Chiswick, W4 is an exceptional gated enclave of eight 3 & 4 bedroom spacious and elegant townhouses and a stunning maisonette, designed by Assael Architects. Each residence has been designed to uncompromising standards. There are underground garages, parking, and a sophisticated alarm system with automatic gate access. The exquisite, contemporary four bedroom homes all have their own landscaped gardens and terraces, providing ample outside space for relaxation and entertaining.

Please register now for your exclusive invitation to the Show House Launch July 2014.

Ashlar Court, Ravenscourt Gardens, W6

CGI IMAGE

P

resenting this newly converted duplex apartment with spacious living accommodation set in a gated Grade ll listed building. Ashlar Court has been lovingly restored and was converted into a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and two unique detached one and two bedroom houses. Currently, the scheme has available a range of two and three bedroom apartments.

Starting from

£755,000 KFH Land & News Homes

� 020 8995 2345; thecrescentchiswick.com

� 020 8222 7200; kfh.co.uk

Perrers Road, W6

A

fantastic opportunity to acquire this beautifully presented and cleverly designed three bedroom terraced house on one of Brackenbury Village’s premier residential roads. The property has been exceptionally well formed and provides wonderful family accommodation within easy access to the phenomenal array of local facilities including shops and transport links as well as being in the catchment area for outstanding schools.

£1,350,000 Kerr & Co

� 020 8743 1166; kerrandco.com

Spotlight on W4: Average asking price - £1,255,808Average asking rents - £2,334 pcmAverage property value - £971,631

Data provided by

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sinton.indd 1

26/03/2014 17:09

At the heart of Ealing’s property scene Ealing’s leading independent agent specialising in residential sales, lettings and property management.

8 Springbridge Road, Ealing Broadway, London, W5 2AA Sales: 020 8566 1990 | Lettings: 020 8579 9153

www.sintonhomes.com

sinton.indd 2

26/03/2014 17:09

www.sintonhomes.com

ST STEPHENS AREA COME HOME TO A REAL HOUSE £1,195,000 Freehold

EALING BROADWAY AREA GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY £1,550,000 Freehold

Sinton Andrews_JUNE.indd 2

ESTATE AGENTS & SURVEYORS

A deceptively spacious Edwardian villa in one of the area’s most popular and quiet tree lined streets. This fine family home has ample reception space, a large family kitchen 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a Roof top terrace

By taking time to see this fully detached and beautifully restored Edwardian family house offering splendid family accommodation. 4 Receps, Super Kitchen, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms and off street parking

02/06/2014 12:23

HEART OF PITSHANGER VILLAGE WHEN ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH

£1,200,000 Freehold

A beautifully presented and skilfully extended semi featuring a glorious 110’ landscaped west facing garden. Lovingly restored with style and panache to provide a marvellous family home in a quiet and favoured tree lined avenue. . Hall, Cloaks, 3 Receps, Well Appointed Kitchen, Laundry Room, 4 Double Bedrooms, 2 Smart Bath/Shower Rooms, plus that amazing garden.

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

30/05/2014 10:21

ABSOLUTELY Property

Luxurious Lettings

Lowdown

for Landlords How has the local rental market evolved in recent years?

E

ven though the fluctuations in the market are becoming harder to predict, there is one thing that we can always count on – the demand for high quality, well presented stock in good locations. We are lucky enough to work in some fantastic areas (Chiswick, Richmond and St Margarets) and there is always consistent demand from both the corporate and local market. Applicants are becoming increasingly focused on getting the best property in the right location so we are advising clients to renovate or refurbish properties when coming to the market in order to achieve the best rental price.

A beautiful two bedroom apartment, split over two levels, which has recently been fully refurbished to a high standard.

�

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ocated on the first and second floors, the apartment has a sizeable open plan kitchen/reception room, two bedrooms and a brand new bathroom. Both bedrooms benefit from built-in storage and a modern contemporary finish.

Located on Chiswick High Road, local transport links are provided by Turnham Green, which is just a short distance away. Chiswick High Road itself offers an array of local shops and amenities.

Aimee Bruce

Associate Director at Fitzgibbon, Chiswick & West London Office � 020 8995 3335; fitzgibbon.co.uk

Details

Chiswick High Road, W4 £495 Per Week

Contact

John D Wood & Co., Chiswick 020 8995 9394; johndwood.co.uk

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Smart is always the first to know.

Get instant property alerts

ZOOPLA_JULY.indd 1 Zest Adverts_Jan2014.indd 1

30/05/2014 08/01/2014 09:26 09:34

Paxton Road

Chiswick W4

A charming 3 double bedroom Victorian house located on this quiet tree lined road backing onto Chiswick House & grounds. The house is tastefully presented throughout & decorated in appealing neutral tones. The ground floor accommodation offers a light & airy open plan space with a newly fitted kitchen leading onto the south west facing rear garden, elegant reception room & dining area. On the 1st floor there is a fabulous master bedroom, 2nd double bedroom & wonderful family bathroom. The property has also been extended into the loft space to provide a double guest bedroom with large en suite shower room.

ÂŁ1,200,000 freehold

Chiswick

020 8995 3443 sales.chiswick@chestertons.com

EPC rating E

chestertons.indd 1

30/05/2014 15:25

Grantham Road

Chiswick W4

A beautifully presented family house located close to both the river & Chiswick House & grounds.

The house has recently been redecorated throughout & offers exceptionally spacious accommodation comprising 3 double bedrooms, large family bathroom, elegant double reception room with feature fireplace, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility area & downstairs cloakroom. The property also boasts off street parking for 2 cars, attractive stained glass front door, stripped wood floors to both double reception room & hallway, & charming rear garden.

EPC rating E

ÂŁ1,300,000 freehold

Chiswick

020 8995 3443 sales.chiswick@chestertons.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Safe As

Houses JAMES LESLIE

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

WEN DE LL ROAD, W

1994 Price: £169,5002

J

12

r bed corner A larger than average, fou garage, house wit h garden and rk. close to Wendell Pa 014 Price: £1, 300,000

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.

A beautifu DU K E ROAD, W ll house, a sh y presented three bed4 ort walk fro Glebe Estat mC e shops & tu hisw ick High Road be.

1994 Price : £175,000 2014 Price : £1, 200,0 00

HAM M ER SM ITH

A ver y spacious 3/4 bed GROVE, W3 room maisonette wit h a large garden.

1994 Price: £150,000 2 20 014 14 Price: £1, 300,000

D, W4 RK RO, 3Abedroom A P M A U PH n room resented

lly p eptio A beautifuit h studio st yle recf. o w ro e t tt a e fl to a maison & access 00,000 Price: £8 14 0 2  0 0 e: £120,0 1994 Pric

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Sutton Lane South, W4 £438 pw

Linden Gardens, W4 £375 pw

A fabulous two bed, two bath garden flat in leafy Grove Park with just under 1000 Sq ft of recently refurbished accommodation. EPC: D

Two bedroom apartment in great location just off Chiswick High Road. Two double bedrooms, good size kitchen open to the reception room. EPC: D

Greenside Road, W12 £425 pw

British Grove South, W4 £282 pw

A lovely bright and airy two double bedroom flat with bathroom and en suite. Large westerly facing reception, good size kitchen, snug /office. EPC: D

A pretty, recently decorated first floor apartment with good size westerly facing reception, modern kitchen and bathroom, double bedroom, allocated parking space and a communal garden with barbeque.EPC: C

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

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

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

02/06/2014 15:54

BARROWGATE ROAD, W4 A substantial and immaculately presented detached Victorian family house located in this popular tree-lined residential road just south of Chiswick High Road. Approx. 5,384 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 7 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, 5 shower rooms (3 en suite), 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, study, utility room, gym, fabulous landscaped garden.

Freehold Guide Price £4,950,000 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

jdw.indd 1

SOLD

Guide £1,800,000 Bedford Road, W4

Guide £4,950,000

johndwood.co.uk

30/05/2014 15:44

QUEEN ANNES GARDENS, W4 A wonderful Grade II Listed detached house located in the heart of the Bedford Park Conservation Area. Designed by architect Norman Shaw and built in 1878, the property is available to the market for the first time in approximately 60 years. Approx. 3,695 sq ft.

6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility room, garden, garage.

Freehold Guide Price £4,500,000 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

jdw.indd 2 6816 Absolutely West JULY14.indd 1

SOLD

Guide £1,950,000 Clarence Road, W4

Guide £750,000

johndwood.co.uk

30/05/2014 29/05/2014 15:44 15:54

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

WHITE SWAN MEWS, W4 This well presented modern mews house in a secure gated community benefits from a private garage and off-street parking and is located just south of the exclusive Glebe Estate. Energy Rating: C. 3 Bedrooms, Reception Room, 2 Bathrooms, Garden, Private Parking. £875,000 Freehold 020 8419 1263 chiswick@faronsutaria.co.uk

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

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

BERRYMEDE ROAD, W4 This wonderful Victorian family home with wood floors throughout is situated on a residential road, close to the shops and restaurants of the Chiswick High Road. Energy Rating: D. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, Garden. £1,000,000 Freehold 020 8419 1263 chiswick@faronsutaria.co.uk

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

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

ADDISON GARDENS, W14 A wonderful red brick, period mansion block apartment located on the corner of Addison Gardens and Blythe Road, in the heart of Brook Green, Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double reception room, cloakroom. £900,000 Share of Freehold 020 8419 1273 shepbush@faronsutaria.co.uk

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

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

ABDALE ROAD, W12 Situated on a tree-lined street, a fantastic family home presented in great decorative condition throughout, boasting period features, a spacious living arrangement and well proportioned cellar providing extra storage space. Energy Rating: D. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, 2 double reception rooms, dining room, cellar, laundry/utility, terrace. £1,200,000 Freehold 020 8419 1273 shepbush@faronsutaria.co.uk

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property Round up THROUGH THE KEYHOLE...

Finlay Brewer loves dancing & partying Emma Harvey

Head of Lettings at Finlay Brewer

� 020 8749 7719; finlaybrewer.co.uk

Charles Lang Associate at Chestertons, Chiswick � 020 3432 5316; chestertonhumberts.com

Paxton Road, Chiswick W4 £1,200,000

F

Finlay Brewer is delighted to be supporting two great events this month.

Up first are the Harding Dance School who will be celebrating their 60th year as a dance school with a show on 12th July from 2.30pm at the Polish Theatre in King Street. Next, head down to Ravenscourt Park on the 24th July from 6.00pm for the Askew Business Network’s ‘Party in the Park’ to which all residents are invited.

There will be no business, only pleasure helped along by wine tasting with the experts from Askew Wine and delicious food from Brackenburys.

Tickets £10.

Shepherds Bush on the rise Dylan James

Manager of Faron Sutaria, Shepherds Bush DOUBLE RECEPTION ROOM Light and airy, elegant double reception room with fireplace and attractive parquet floor, leading through to dining area.

KITCHEN/FAMILY AREA Family area opening onto a newly fitted kitchen in white with integrated appliances doors opening onto rear garden.

EXTERIOR Paxton Road is a quiet tree lined road of charming terraced houses, located off Burlington Lane and Sutherland Road.

� 020 8740 7766; faronsutaria.co.uk

H

ere at Faron Sutaria Shepherds Bush, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the amount of buyers registering with budgets of £1.2 – £1.8 million who are looking for family homes. Currently, houses of 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft. typically achieve around £800 per sq ft., more for a property with a larger than normal garden or for a house with potential for further development. We host an open day for each house we bring to the market of this size, as it’s a fair way to give all interested buyers the chance to view the property, especially when they’re in such high demand. Many buyers are straightaway offering the guide price, or in excess of the asking price so if you are thinking of selling in W12, now is defi nitely a good time.

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The ultimate in riverside living Located on one of the most dramatic stretches of the River Thames, Fulham Reach is set in beautifully landscaped gardens next to a sweeping riverside promenade, with views that stretch across to Harrods Furniture Depository and Hammersmith Bridge. Residents also benefit from an exclusive private members’ club featuring a beautiful spa, gymnasium, swimming pool, wine cellar, virtual golf and a cinema screening room.

Apartments and Penthouses available at Fulham Reach from £1,174,950 to £8,950,000* Fulham Reach Riverside Show Apartments and Marketing Suite, Distillery Road, London W6 9RU +44 (0)207 870 9500 | enquiries@fulhamreach.co.uk Computer generated images for illustrative purposes only and are subject to design development. * Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

www.fulhamreach.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of Companies

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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_JULY.indd 1

• • • • •

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

02/06/2014 12:27

FO R SALE

RYLETT ROAD W12 GUIDE PRICE £ 2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

A handsome wide Victorian semi detached house 5 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms Shower room en suite Double reception room

PHILLIP WOOLLER_JULY.indd 2

• • • • •

Kitchen / dining room Conservatory Generous south facing garden Cellar 2365 sq ft / 220 sq m approx.

02/06/2014 12:27

Offices throughout London

Cowper Road, W3

£1,100,000 Freehold

This charming semi-detached house is set in the heart of Poets Corner. This period property offers two reception rooms, a large kitchen dining room, patio gardens, downstairs cloakroom and shower room, great storage from a cellar. Onto the first landing there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. This brilliant house has great scope to extend subject to planning permissions. Cowper Road is a popular residential road close by to Acton Central, Acton Main Line and Acton Town Tube Station and all the amenities of Churchfield Road. EPC=E Acton Office 0208 993 6767 acton@bushells.com

Avenue Gardens, W3

£900,000 Freehold

This stunning three bedroom family house in the heart of Acton is very close to local transport and amenities. This wonderful family home boasts a two reception rooms, large kitchen dining room with access onto nearly 100 ft south facing garden, and downstairs WC. Onto the first landing there are three large double bedrooms and a family bathroom. This charming home has been finished to a good standard and is close by to all local amenities. Further benefits of a garage and off street parking and great scope to extend. EPC=D Acton Office 0208 993 6767 acton@bushells.com

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

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bushells.com

Raynham Road, W6

£1,650,000 Freehold

Beautiful three/four bedroom Victorian home in the heart of Brackenbury Village. Presented in fantastic condition; this charming family home is arranged over four floors set on this much-sought-after road. With three double bedrooms (another could easily be added by re-purposing one room upstairs), a double reception room, as well as a large open plan kitchen/ dining/ family room; the accommodation is both generous and flexible. The property further benefits from a patio garden to the rear, and a private front garden. EPC=D Hammersmith Office 0208 563 0123 hammersmith@bushells.com PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Cobham Life � UK Sotheby’s International Realty give us the lowdown on life in this leafy village.

Why Cobham?

C

obham has been renowned as the first truly green suburb of London for many years and has long been the destination for families moving out of London as well as international clientele relocating to the United Kingdom but needing to work in the capital. Set just 17 miles southwest of London, the beautiful Surrey village is extremely well served by excellent private schools such as Reeds, Danes Hill, Notre Dame, ACS International School and Parkside and also boasts the National Trust’s beautiful Painshill Park. While rural in feel, Cobham has a fantastic supply of very high standard London finish homes, many set in gloriously quiet private gated estates such as Eaton Park, the Fairmile Estate and the Oxshott Way Estate. Proximity to the A3, M25, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports and, of course, a railway line providing regular fast transport into London, also adds to the area’s appeal.

The beautiful surroundings, rural appearance yet cosmopolitan ambience and excellent transport links, all combine to make Cobham a highly desirable place to live.

Contact

Stuart Cole, Head of Region for UK Sotheby’s International Realty 01932 860 537; sothebysrealty.co.uk

Wineberry, The Drive, KT11

W

ineberry immediately wows upon entering with its double height entrance hall and views directly through the house onto the terrace and gardens. Over the 12,000 sq ft of accommodation there are six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a studio/staff flat, indoor swimming pool, media/games room, gym with jacuzzi, three reception rooms, two studies, and 0.98 acres of grounds. The overall plot faces due south at the rear and has been fully landscaped and thoughtfully designed to make the most of the space for entertaining.

£4,950,000 UK Sotheby’s International Realty � 01932 860 537; sothebysrealty.co.uk

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Don’t sell your property short.

Get an investor’s view.

When we value property, we don’t just rely on educated guesses. We use data and insights from leading London residential property investors at D&G Asset Management. douglasandgordon.com Residential Sales & Lettings

Property Management

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29/05/2014 20/05/2014 14:47 15:43

Ellingham Road W12 £1,675,000 Freehold Hammersmith Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

Benbow Road W6 £950,000 Leasehold Hammersmith Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk North

dng.indd 1

Chelsea

Fulham

A family house comprised of 1,888 sq.ft. set in one of the most sought-after, tree lined, triangles in Shepherds Bush. With a host of period features, the property offers a wonderful balance of living and entertaining space.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), 2 reception rooms, Kitchen/dining room, Study, Cloakroom, Front and back gardens, EPC: E.

An immaculately presented period property located just moments from Brackenbury Village. This lower ground floor flat offers ample living space with plenty of natural light throughout and a large south-west facing garden.

2 double bedrooms, En-suite shower room, En-suite bathroom, Reception room, Open-plan kitchen, 36 ft. patio garden, EPC: C.

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

29/05/2014 14:50

douglasandgordon.com

Benbow Road W6 ÂŁ975 per week Fees apply Furnished/Unfurnished Hammersmith Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

Sinclair Road W14 ÂŁ525 per week Fees apply Part Furnished Hammersmith Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk South

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Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

Close to the heart of Brackenbury Village and the green spaces of Ravenscourt Park is this family house full of charm and character. At the back of the property is a mature garden which is perfect for summer entertaining.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Large eat-in kitchen, Utility room, Conservatory, Fantastic storage, Garden, EPC: D.

Located close to Kensington Olympia this flat comprises of two double bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a spacious openplan kitchen/reception room. Finished to a high standard, the property is light and bright throughout.

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

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

29/05/2014 14:51

OARE, WILTSHIRE £2,750,000 FREEHOLD WARBECK ROAD, W12 £1,600,000 FREEHOLD extraordinary individual house most in a stunning location.

Built originally in 1962balance for the between artist John Merton,grandeur Pound House AAnbeautiful familyand home situatedmodern on onecountry of the area’s popular roads.

Offering a pitch perfect Victorian is broadly Palladian in styleisand is a wide,wonderful single storey building windows overcomprises looking the gardens. was extended in 1978 tosingle and modernity this house a genuinely family home.with Thelarge accommodation four doubleItbedrooms, an additional include a gardentwo room and a large studio complex including darkfireplace room . The property veryplan highkitchen/family ceilings and bedroom/study, bathrooms, a traditional reception with aa workshop beautiful and marble room and ancurrently extendedhas open brick parapets surrounding the roof which good storage space. room leading onto a delightful private rearhas garden.

Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | Five Bedrooms | Reception Room | Private West Facing Garden | Kitchen Breakfast Room | Two Bathroom | No Onward Chain | EPC: C 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 2

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

£1,750,000

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 chiswich@winkworth.co.uk

WINKWORTH_SALES.indd 3

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OARE, WILTSHIRE ÂŁ2,750,000 FREEHOLDFREEHOLD BRACKENBURY ROAD, W6 ÂŁ1,395,000 extraordinary and individual modern town country house in patio a stunning location.

Built originally in 1962 the artist John Merton, Pound House AAnstunning three bedroom mid-terraced house with garden and roof terrace located in thefor heart of Brackenbury Village.

Arranged is broadly style and is a wide, storey building with throughout large windows the gardens.

It was extended in 1978 to over three Palladian floors thein property is offered insingle exceptionally good order andover haslooking been tastefully refurbished throughout. include a garden room and a large studio complex including a workshop and dark room . The property currently has very high ceilings and brick parapets surrounding the roof which has good storage space.

Four bedrooms | four bathrooms | garden room | hall | drawing room | studio complex | dining room | wine cellar | integrated garaging | small lake arboretum | 3 Bedrooms | Reception Room/Open Plan Kitchen | Reception Room 2 | Dressing Room | Shower Room | Bathroom | Roof Terrace | Patio Garden | EPC: E 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 4

30/05/2014 16:22

OARE, WILTSHIRE FREEHOLD THE COMMON, W5ÂŁ2,750,000 ÂŁ1,995,000 An extraordinary and individual modernhouse country housemuch in a stunning location.

Builtwith originally 1962 fortothe artist fiJohn Merton, Pound House Overlooking The Common.

An elegant offering charm and character periodinfeatures include replaces, ornate cornicing is style and is a wide, single storey building large windows over looking the gardens. extended 1978 toonto a tobroadly name aPalladian few. The in double reception on the raised ground floorwith is beautifully presented and provides accessIttowas a decked areainlooking include a garden room and large studio complex including a workshop and dark room . The property currently has very high ceilings and west facing landscaped rearagarden.

Offering versatile accommodation.

No onward chain. 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 | Great Location | Stunning Interior | Victorian Town House | Landscape Garden | EPC: F over six acres of land

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/ealing

See things differently.

020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

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30/05/2014 16:22

LYNTON AVENUE, W13

£693 PER WEEK

BRAMLEY ROAD, W5

£750 PER WEEK

Stunning four bedroom Edwardian semi detached family home that

Delightful family home renovated to a high standard located just off

has recently been renovated with great style and imagination.

Northfields Avenue giving good access for Northfields tube station.

Four bedrooms | Two bathroom | Master bedroom with dressing area and

Four bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Set over three floors | Fabulous eat in kitchen

en-suite | Off street parking | Fees Apply | EPC: E

| Utility room | Desirable location | Fees Apply | EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

i

c o office | 020 8896 0123

i

c o office | 020 8896 0123

GALLOWAY ROAD, W12 £550 PER WEEK

SEDGEFORD ROAD, W12 £825 PER WEEK

This three double bedroom house property combines period

A beautifully presented light and spacious five bedroom Edwardian

proportions with an extremely stylish modern décor

home with a substantial west facing garden.

Three Bedrooms | Two Receptions | Two Bathrooms | Garden | Resident Parking

Five Bedrooms | Two Receptions | Two Bathrooms | Garden | Resident Parking

| EPC: D

| EPC: D

For more information on this property call: he her s

sh office | 020 8735 3255

For more information on this property call: 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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30/05/2014 16:26

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

NETHERWOOD ROAD, W14 £1,300 PER WEEK

CAITHNESS ROAD, W14

£1,295 PER WEEK

A stunning four bedroom upper maisonette with balcony and lawned Fabulous five bedroom end-of-terrace Victorian house situated in this 5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Double Reception | Kitchen | Garden | Cellar |

Dressing Room | Balcony | Garden | Unfurnished | Fees apply | EPC: C

Unfurnished | Fees apply | EPC: E

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

Hammersmith | 0207096 7371 4466 Chiswick office |office 020 8994

Hammersmith | 0207096 7371 4466 Chiswick office |office 020 8994

LE

LE

T

sought-after road in the heart of Brook Green.

4 Bedrooms | Reception Room/Dining Room | Kitchen | 3 Bathrooms |

T

garden.

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

See things differently.

SUTTON LANE NORTH, W4 £350 PER WEEK

THE GATEHOUSE, W4 £475 PER WEEK

One bedroom, third floor apartment in a prime central location

Rarely available two bedroom/two bathroom apartment situated in

within Chiswick. Fully refurbished to the highest of standards.

gated development with allocated parking and communal gardens.

Newly refurbished | One bedroom | Prime location | Unfurnished | Fees apply |

Allocated parking for two cars | Wooden flooring throughout | Contemporary

EPC: E

and neutral finish | Fees Apply | EPC: C

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

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

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30/05/2014 16:26

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!)

Addison Gardens W14 £1,795,000 Rare to the market, this beautiful three-bedroom apartment has its own private entrance and is arranged over two floors providing generous and flexible accommodation. On entering the property you are immediately struck by the height of the ceilings and natural light streaming through the large bay window in the reception ROOM. The property has a tasteful balance of modern design whilst retaining its original period features and charm. Leashold. EPC=C. Joint Sole Agent.

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

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Follow us on Twitter: @marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

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

SALES

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

Ravenscourt Gardens W6 £2,200,000 This spectacular three-bedroom house offers plenty of natural light and benefits from generous proportions throughout. The property includes fantastic living accommodation comprising a double reception room, a formal living room, a media/cinema room and a spacious light filled kitchen/dining area opening out to a patio garden. reehold. PC . Sole Agents.

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

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30/05/2014 15:24

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

Best London Estate Agency

The Negotiator Awards 2013 - Silver

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

SALES

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

Community Champion of the Year

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.

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

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30/05/2014 15:24

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28/05/2014 16:23

Absolutely Notting Hill mar 14 final_Layout 1 29/04/2014 16:43 Page 1

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

Call 020 8740 4599 www.theparkclub.co.uk FULL PAGE.indd 2

30/04/2014 09:45