COUTURE BY ORCHARDS SUMMER 2016

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by ORCHARDS OF LONDON ~ IS SUE 4 | ORCHARDS OFLONDON.COM ~

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where heritage meets contemporary elegance. dorsett shepherds bush, london

discover more telephone +44 (0) 203 262 1026 info.shepherdsbush@dorsetthotels.com dorsetthotels.com/london/shepherdsbush

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contents Co uture Maga z in e / Is s u e 4

EDITOR’S LETTER F I AT L U X (Let there be light) e have left the winter months behind and we are set for an incredible summer. Most years start slowly but not 2016. We have celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday, appointed a new Managing Director, saw stamp duty changes take place and with the talks of Brexit going on it will undoubtedly be an interesting year. For many first time buyers, this year is the year to get onto the ladder due to favourable market conditions. Page 43 sheds light on stamp duty, how much you can borrow and explores the types of mortgages in the market place. As a company we have exciting news to share and as you thumb through this issue of Couture you will find it to be almost like an advent calendar - filled with interesting news and updates not to mention some of our luxe properties. Our resident photographer also shares top tips on page 45 as to how to dress your property before putting it on the market - incredible photos make the world of difference! We hope you enjoy this issue of Couture and why not tweet us your thoughts @OrchardsLondon.

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CHLOE CHLOE.COM

04 DIRECTOR’S INTRODUCTION

Liam Doherty welcomes readers to the fourth issue

08 EALING SALES & LETTINGS

On Cover: LOAF RUDYARD DESK; loaf.com

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FASHION & BEAUTY

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THE BREXIT

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We look at Victorian style and strong brows for SS16 What does it mean for the UK Property Market

CHISWICK SALES & LETTINGS Chiswick’s top properties on the market

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ARCHITECT ICON

We meet the mind behind the new Design Museum, John Pawson

ACTON SALES & LETTINGS

FOOD & COCKTAILS

Clean food and fresh drinks for summer

MEN'S GIFTS & GROOMING

Father’s Day is almost here and it’s a man’s world with these stylish gifts

ASK THE EXPERT

Joseph Murphy on the future of the buy-to-let market

INTERIORS

Bring the outside in with wood

The pick of Acton’s newest listings

The best properties Ealing has to offer

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RUDOLPH DIESEL Editor / Marketing Director marketing@orchardsoflondon.com

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SHEPHERD'S BUSH SALES & LETTINGS

Look inside the finest homes W12 has to offer

46 COMMUNITY

Discover Orchards of London’s local charity work, competitions, and everything else in between Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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< Director’s introduction >

IN THE FRAME WELCOME TO OUR PROPERTY AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, Couture

by Liam

Doherty

Managing Director of Orchards Of London

W

elcome to our property and lifestyle magazine Couture and the first edition since my appointment as Managing Director of Orchards of London. Having worked as part of the Orchards of London team since the business started, I know that Couture has been extremely well received by clients, customers and the West London community at large. In this edition I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself and share a little of my vision for the future. I have worked at Orchards of London since Paul Connolly and Joseph Murphy set the business up in 2009 and have operated in all parts of the business, rising “through the ranks” to the position I now hold. During 2015, Founding Director Paul Connolly decided he wanted to step away from his role as Managing Director in order to help facilitate the next era in the development of the company and to free some time to concentrate on his other business interests. Paul has taken on the role as Executive Chairman and so is still involved but the day to day operation of the business now rests with the senior management team and myself. Paul will be a hard act to follow having led the company successfully from inception to its current market leading position in West London with offices in Acton, Ealing, Chiswick and Shepherd’s Bush, but I am excited and positive about the challenges and

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I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AND SHARE A LITTLE OF MY VISION opportunities ahead and I have a great team of colleagues committed to moving the business forward. Technological advancements, particularly in communications, are changing the ways in which we all do business and at Orchards of London we have and continue to invest heavily in developing the tools and systems to enable the best lines of communication, speed and service for our customers and clients.

The internet is now the most important element in marketing our services and our client’s properties; we are constantly improving our fully mobile responsive website which is drawing praise from those that have visited and taken advantage of its fast and effective navigation and the wealth of information available. If you haven’t done so, please take a few moments to visit www.orchardsoflondon.com Of course, property is a people business and we continue to recruit, train and retain the best people. People whose integrity and professionalism is totally integrated with the delivery of quality service and performance. Community is also at the centre of the way we operate, as we recognise the importance of supporting and being an integral part of the communities in which we work, rest and play! Every year we support many local projects and good causes. These have ranged from school fetes through to white collar boxing, charity auctions, football and fun run events. This year will see us revamp our approach to Corporate Social Responsibility, an area for which we won the national Sunday Times Cecil Jackson-Cole award in 2012. Through our revised and enhanced approach we aim to engage even more with the communities in which we operate. To conclude, I firmly believe that we can only achieve our goals if we work hard to help our clients achieve theirs. You can be assured of a warm welcome and a positive and professional approach from everyone at Orchards of London on every contact you have with us. I trust you will enjoy reading this copy of Couture.

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O U R STO RY

IN THE BEGINNING Liam started in the company in 2009 as a lettings negotiator and was one of Orchards of London’s first employees and made his first ever deal letting a studio in Ealing.

Timeline

A LOOK AT Liam Doherty’s JOURNEY WITH ORCHARDS OF LONDON SO FAR, FROM LETTINGS NEGOTIATOR TO MANAGING DIRECTOR

L THE NEGOTIATOR After a few months Liam set up the sales department and sold his first flat in December 2010. Boileau Road, Ealing went for for £350,000.

THE MANAGER Liam was soon promoted to Sales Manager and his department holds the unbeaten record for the highest monthly banking in Sales.

iam has been with Orchards of London since 2009 and has operated in sales and lettings and the new homes market. Since joining Orchards of London as a Lettings Consultant, Liam has proven himself to be an important member of the team and rose through the ranks to become Sales Director. The Orchards of London business has grown from a single office in 2009 to four West London offices in 2015 in Ealing, Acton, Chiswick and Shepherds Bush. At the beginning of 2016 Liam was promoted to the position of Managing Director of Orchards of London after a long and stringent recruitment process both internally and externally where he is now responsible for all activities within the business. Having resided in the local area and with his children in local schools Liam is very familiar with the demands of family clients in the West London area. He

has also successfully brokered sales for high level developments through his in depth knowledge of local planning and accurate assessments of resale values and an ability to read a property market which is very fast paced. Father to two daughters Liam dedicates most of his free time to his family. He enjoys spending time nurturing his garden and has recently started growing his own vegetables. Having also recently bought a new home which was built in the 1800’s Liam has also recently developed an interest in preservation and restoration. As part of our continued commitment to grow the strength of our brand in the area Orchards of London plans to open a specialist land and new homes department in 2016. This decision has been made as a result of continued demand from developer clients who demand the highest level of professional service and marketing exposure to represent their own businesses.

THE FUTURE Looking ahead into the future, Liam’s journey will continue to reach new heights with exciting plans for further expansion in 2016.

CONGRATULATIONS, LIAM! The culmination of these years of loyalty, success and leadership, Liam has now taken on his biggest challenge yet: the role of Managing Director. Congratulations and good luck.

THE SALES PROFESSIONAL In terms of success, the numbers speak for themselves; his dedication, hard work and local knowledge have seen profits climb meteorically and new offices open.

THE DIRECTOR

THE LEADER

THE HEART

THE SOUL

After proving such a success in the sales department, Liam was promoted to Sales Director in July 2014.

Liam successfully builds strong teams and provides exceptional training. Just a few of his success stories are Ronan McKenna, Michael Ogden and John Murphy, who are currently building their careers within Orchards of London.

Liam has participated in a wide variety of charity and community events over the years and continues to be a large part of Orchards of London’s charitable endeavours.

Over £20,000 raised collectively for Russ Dawkins’ Get Back on Track Charity, part of which was achieved through Liam’s brave and impressive white collar boxing efforts.

Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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Spotlight on

EALING THE CREAM OF THE CROP sales and lettings

Famed for its leafy streets and large Victorian houses, Ealing perfectly straddles the divide between rural escape and urban jungle. Great transport links mean both the city centre and Heathrow airport are easily accessed and the area has increasingly become home to the best restaurants and watering holes in London. This is coupled with an enduring sense of community which is fostered by the summer festivals, theatres and galleries. The arrival of the Elizabeth Line in 2018 will cause property developments to bloom but Ealing has always managed to remain true to its village roots, leaving its skylines uncluttered and green spaces untouched and will undoubtedly remain to reign as the Queen of suburbs.

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WITHIN DAYS WE HAD MORE THAN 50 VIEWINGS BOOKED

SWIFT SALE

WE TAPPED INTO OUR LOCAL OFFICE NETWORKS TO FIND THE RIGHT BUYER

COLEBROOK AVENUE

O THE SALE WAS PROGRESSED WITHIN 28 DAYS

W13

rchards of London were instructed to sell this large house which was in need of refurbishment. The vendor made it clear what their objectives were and we knew what we had to get done to impress the client. Within seven days of executing our marketing strategy we had secured more than 50 viewings for the launch day. Our team also approached surrounding postcodes and fellow colleagues in other offices worked with us to find interested buyers resulting on four offers on the launch day. The team worked tirelessly and the property was progressed within 28 days. It is paramount to work as a team and have the right strategy in place for each property.

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C A S E S T U DY: E A L I N G

THE MANY GREEN SPACES OF EALING INCLUDE PITSHANGER PARK AND EALING COMMON

WITHIN TWO DAYS OF INSTRUCTION THE TEAM WERE INUNDATED BY SALES AND LETTINGS VIEWING REQUESTS

THE CLIENT WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE EFFICIENCY AND LEVEL OF SERVICE WE HAD DELIVERED

LUXURIOUS LETTING

CASTLEBAR PARK

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W5

his newly refurbished five bedroom house in the popular Pitshanger area was a hotly contested property with no less than three agents competing to find the right tenant. Both our Ealing sales and lettings departments went along to value the property and were keen to find the right tenant or buyer for the house. Within two days the team were inundated with viewing requests. The feedback was extremely positive across the board: everybody loved this new property. On the second day of viewings a family from the U.S. viewed the house and put in a two year term offer at the asking price. We then swiftly completed all of our due diligence and moved the family in over the Christmas period. Shortly after the break we heard from the owner of the property; they were delighted Ω the family had settled in and loved their new home. The client was delighted with the efficiency and level of service we had delivered.

EALING OFFICE 7 Station Parade, Ealing Common, W5 3LD 020 8992 4242 orchardsoflondon.com Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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SALES GALLERY | EALING | 020 8992 4242

Elegant

Ealing Joseph Murphy

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

H

aving worked in the Ealing market extensively over the last number of years I have seen vast changes in the quality of properties on offer within Ealing Broadway and surrounding shopping areas: from large family homes to chic apartments kitted out for the many young professionals that are flocking to the area. Obviously the much publicised Crossrail has had a huge impact on the number of people looking to purchase in the area but it has also brought with it investment from larger developers and buy to let investors. The impressive schools in Ealing have been a catalyst in attracting new homeowners and this has had a huge impact on the prices being achieved for larger homes in the area. Orchards of London have been at the forefront of achieving record prices on larger transactions and will continue to do so as the West London agent of choice.

Nazran House, The Avenue Ealing, W13 5 BEDROOMS • 6 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£2,499,950 he newly built Nazran House is situated on The Avenue within the heart of St. Stephen’s conservation area and it embodies luxury living with its five spectacular bedrooms, six bathrooms, two reception rooms and two dining rooms. With its close proximity to Ealing Broadway and superb travel connections, the area is only set to improve when The Elizabeth Line comes to nearby West Ealing, making journeys as far as Canary Wharf possible in under half an hour! The kitchen area is a wonderfully sociable space and the clean, modern lines are complimented by the well thought-out design that brings the family together. With off-street parking and an amazing west-facing garden, this property ticks every box and will make a superb home.

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EALING OFFICE 7 Station Parade, Ealing Common, W5 3LD joseph@orchardsoflondon.com 020 8992 4242

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Heathcroft Road Ealing, W5 6 BEDROOMS • 6 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£2,250,000 odern in design, and finished to the most exacting of standards, this Heathcroft Road property offers the scope with which to make your own mark yet is ready to be moved into with perfect ease. Constantly labelled as a sought after area, Heathcroft Road is in the heart of the Haymills Estate, characterised by its beautiful spacious homes - certainly true in this instance. The house benefits from six bedrooms and five family bathrooms and the focal point of the house is the bespoke Italian kitchen which has been custom fitted especially. The kitchen also has space for dining and offers views out onto the landscaped garden. As well as a designer kitchen there are further striking touches: from spotlights throughout to solid wood flooring. The Piccadilly line’s Park Royal is the nearest station to the property and means you could be shopping in Harrods within half an hour!

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Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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LETTINGS GALLERY | EALING | 020 8992 4242

Elegant

Ealing Joseph Murphy

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

W

hat strikes me about Ealing is not only the diversity of its population, as in most of London, but also the way in which families and young professionals alike have chosen to make the area their home and their loyalty to the area. This is not surprising and needless to say Ealing has become a natural choice for many with a number of top class schools and excellent transport links, which will obviously only be strengthened on the completion of the much talked about Elizabeth Line. Ealing is quickly becoming a destination, which the arrival of boutique hotel Xanadu only serves to demonstrate and besides being a great place to both live and invest in, Ealing also has a fascinating history and culture. It is home to Ealing Studios, one of the world’s first movie making hubs. The variety on offer in Ealing could rival even the most cosmopolitan of London boroughs with a vast array of restaurants to suit all palates, from the increasingly popular American diner, ‘Bill’s’ to ‘Charlotte’s Place’, Ealing’s acclaimed ‘hidden gem’. In my time living in the area, I have found this London suburb to be ever-changing: a town for all seasons which is punctuated by festivals throughout the year, like Opera in the Park, all giving Ealing a unique identity and strong community feel.

EALING OFFICE 7 Station Parade, Ealing Common, W5 3LD joseph@orchardsoflondon.com 020 8992 4242

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The Avenue Ealing, W13 5 BEDROOMS • 4 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£1,152 per week ust moments away from West Acton station, the location of this property cannot be understated, with the Central Line speedily connecting it to many of the capital’s important areas. This impressive home stands majestically on The Avenue and is spread across three floors, each full of character. With two reception rooms, five double bedrooms a utility room and four bathrooms, the spacious nature of the property allows a family to live comfortably but can also offer visiting guests a place to stay. A real highlight of the house is the modern open-plan kitchen which is bright and spacious and is centered around a charming island. The kitchen’s dining area leads out to a beautifully landscaped garden, which further accentuates the space of the house.

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Blakesley Avenue Ealing, W5 7 BEDROOMS • 4 BATHROOMS • 3 RECEPTIONS

£2,538 per week e let it once before and now Orchards of London are proud to present back to the market this superb gated house in one of Ealing’s most desirable locations. The property is moments away from the thriving hub of Ealing Broadway (District, Central and National Rail lines) but it is set in a quiet residential location within the catchment area of many of Ealing’s top schools. With seven bedrooms, three reception rooms and a 180 foot rear garden, to name a few of the key features, space is certainly something that this Blakesley Avenue property does not lack. On the ground floor is a kitchen that invites you to cook – using the aga which will almost certainly bring the family together. Get in touch with us today to view this fabulous property.

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Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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HOBBS Adlington Satchel, £99; hobbs.co.uk

CO Ruffled crepe blouse £585; co-collections.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal cuff, £745; net-a-porter.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Floral resin necklace, £608; matchesfashion.com

CHLOE CHLOE.COM

ERDEM ‘Katy fil coupe silkorganza mini dress, £1,820; erdem.com

VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE SPRING/SUMMER 2016

MARKS AND SPENCER MARKSANDSPENCER.COM

VILSHENKO Anais printed silk gown, £1,395; vilshenko.com

Viva

JAEGER Silk brushstroke scarf, £85; jaeger.co.uk

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TOPSHOP UNIQUE Livonia floral-print silkchiffon maxi dress £295; net-a-porter.com

EMBRACE HIGH COLLARS, PUFF SLEEVES AND LACE EMBELLISHMENTS for summer CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Belinda cutout suede sandals £975; net-a-porter.com

ACCESSORIZE Miley lasercut clutch bag £25; accessorize.com

VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE SPRING/SUMMER 2016

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Crystal-embellished ring, £215; matchesfashion.com

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FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y

MINTVELVET.CO.UK

EYE OPENERS

Put the emphasis on lashes and brows with these fabulous products 1

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ERDEM Denise floral-print silkchiffon gown £2,940; erdem.com

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SELF PORTRAIT Tiered guipure lace mini dress £255; net-a-porter.com

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BACKSTAGE AT CHLOE SS16

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MAJE Cotton georgette blouse £175; net-a-porter.com 7

DOROTHY PERKINS DOROTHYPERKINS.COM

CO Ruffled crepe top,£560; co-collections.com 9

VALENTINO Appliqued silk-organza gown £14,400; net-a-porter.com

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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Mrs Early 100 printed faille, leather and mesh pumps, £575; christianlouboutin.com

1. HIGH DEFINITION Browtec, £16; hdbrows.com 2. YSL Babydoll Mascara, £25; boots.com 3. BOBBI BROWN No Smudge Mascara, £20; bobbibrown.co.uk 4. NARS Audacious Mascara, £21; narscosmetics.co.uk 5. REVLON Mascara Set, £9.99 each; boots.com 6. MAC Brow Set, £14; maccosmetics.co.uk 7. CHANEL Infinite Length and Curl Mascara, £25; chanel.co.uk 8. CCHARLOTTE TILBURY Full Fat Lashes, £22; charlottetilbury.com 9. CLINIQUE Instant Lift for Brows, £16; clinique.co.uk 10. BENEFIT Brow Zings, £24.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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Spotlight on

CHISWICK THE CREAM OF THE CROP sales and lettings

Do not be duped by the feeling of peace and tranquillity, Chiswick has another attractive side to itself which offers a zesty approach to life. The High Street is one of the most highly regarded in west London and transport links could not be better, making this suburb the perfect hub for anyone looking for a lifestyle par excellence. Chiswick is also home to some of the best Schools in west London and the treelined roads are peppered with exquisite architecture and if you are local to Chiswick you will know about the local treasures hidden within the area – like Grove Park Deli, The Old Station House, Chiswick House and Gardens and Annies to mention a few. You are truly spoilt for choice!

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LOCATED ON THE BORDER OF BEDFORD PARK: A PRIME FAMILY HOME

SWIFT SALE

IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS WE NEGOTIATED AN OFFER

SPELDHURST ROAD

B OUR WAITING LIST OF BUYERS WERE DELIGHTED TO SEE THIS PROPERTY UP FOR SALE

W4

edford Park is an area with limitless charm, so we were thrilled at the prospect of selling this Victorian midterraced house. Having been previously marketed with several other agents, it was surprising to us that the house had not sold. As time was passing by, the vendor was getting more and more anxious to sell, especially as they had a project of their own nearing completion. As a prime family house on the border of Bedford Park we knew we would not have a problem finding the right buyer. Our confidence was in no way misplaced. In less than two weeks since instructing us the property was under offer and the vendor was delighted. This is just one example that shows how much pride we take in going the extra mile to achieve the best results and prices for our clients.

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C A S E S T U DY: C H I SW I C K

A PERSONAL FAVOURITE OF THE TEAM’S WAS THIS CHARMING SIX BEDROOM FAMILY HOME

THIS TRULY IS A WONDERFUL FAMILY HOME

THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES OF THE PRIDE WE TAKE IN GOING THAT EXTRA MILE FOR OUR CLIENTS

WITH CHARACTER, SPACE, LIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS, THIS HOME REALLY HAS IT ALL

LUXURIOUS LETTING

VANBRUGH ROAD

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n the Chiswick Lettings department, we have had the fortune to visit some of the most beautiful properties that West London has on offer. A recent, personal favourite of the team’s was this charming six bedroom family home located in the heart of Bedford Park on Vanbrugh Road. With character, space, light and beautiful interiors, this home really has it all but one of the things that really captures the imagination is the painting and artwork in one of the children’s bedrooms. Disney characters adorn the walls and ceilings and one could only imagine growing up as child in this house and the sense of imagination that would be evoked during magical bedtime stories. This truly is a wonderful family home and the clients that were shown this house knew it would be the perfect home for their children to enjoy when they relocated from overseas.

CHISWICK OFFICE 171 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR 020 8995 9797 orchardsoflondon.com Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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The Brexit THE UK HAS DECIDED TO LEAVE THE EU – BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE UK PROPERTY MARKET?

R

ecent weeks had seen growing uncertainty in the market with people understandably “sitting on their hands” awaiting the outcome of the vote. Now that we have made the decision to remove ourselves from the EU and after the initial market ripples, buyers and sellers can move forward in a decisive nature knowing what the future holds. Any specific negative effects on the property market from the vote to leave will, to some degree, be balanced by basic economic factors such as demand outstripping supply and low interest

rates remaining. This is conducive to a positive market for sellers and landlords, The Bank of England’s announcement this morning should also serve to bolster confidence in the knowledge that the financial markets will be safeguarded. Affordability will, of course, remain an issue for both the sales and lettings market and therefore realistic pricing by sellers and landlords is key to scooping up the quality buyers and tenants available. We therefore see the “leave" vote in the referendum as likely to cause some short term disruption, however once the markets have settled homeowners can rely on longer term stability with confidence that we have a decisive course of action. During this time Estate Agents will be required to offer pragmatic rather than optimistic advice to their clients in order that they enable them to conclude their transactions. Sound financial advice and planning will also be key during a potentially turbulent period.

11 Luxury apartments 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom apartments Contemporary bespoke design Off Street parking available

For sales enquiries please call 020 8992 4242 www.thelodgew5.co.uk 16

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EXPERT ADVICE

Ask the Expert Joseph Murphy ON THE FUTURE OF THE BUY-TO-LET MARKET

by Joseph

Murphy

Office Director and Founding Partner

P

erhaps the most common question I am being asked at the moment is “Will there be life in the buy-tolet market following stamp duty increases by 3% on investment purchases from April 1st and mortgage tax relief reduces from 2017?” My answer is an emphatic yes, but that landlords will need to think carefully about the right choices for them and their investment plans. The buy-to-let market has seen huge growth in recent years and there are now over four million properties in that sector and yet demand outstrips supply. Some buy-to-let landlords “stumbled” into the market off the back of the sales downturn in 2007 and some have not thought through their plans but have become successful by “accident”. The Government is using the rather crude levers of stamp duty and tax relief to try and adjust the market and help homebuyers, but the reality is that we need a good mix of tenures in the market. With an increased cost of property acquisition for potential landlords (and, once tax relief changes, for the costs of owning) there may be some short term adjustment on prices but, on the basis that a buyto-let investment should be seen as a long term plan and, given that demand for property will outstrip

~ Sold Successes ~

BROUGHAM ROAD A set of four delightful apartments, each sold on the launch weekend.

THE BUY-TO-LET MARKET HAS SEEN HUGE GROWTH supply for the foreseeable future there are still good opportunities for decent yields and capital growth. Increasing regulation will also, hopefully, start to reduce the amount of sub-standard accommodation being let on the darker fringes of the marketplace. Quality property, well presented and well managed will attract the best tenants and show the best returns. The team and myself will be pleased to advise.

THE WILLCOTT COLLECTION Full of charm and character, this trio of apartments had over fifty viewings within the first day of marketing.

THE AVENUE A period conversion of five, nothing less than exceptional, apartments.

Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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SALES GALLERY | CHISWICK | 020 8995 9797

Chic

Chiswick Mark Carroll

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

I

f you are considering selling your property it is vital to ask the agent to provide comparison sales sold by the agency to back up their valuation. This is standard policy for Orchards of London and allows us to give you an accurate valuation in accordance with the Market conditions. Whilst, of course the highest valuations are tempting, they can often be unrealistic and you may end up being tied into a long contract, having your expectations lowered at a later date - often at the expense of a higher commission rate. The longer these properties spend on the market the more the bargaining position of clients is compromised so I would recommend a high but sensible market valuation from ‘Day One’ which will always gain momentum and normally results in a record setting price The market is moving swiftly at present, but I can foresee unsold stock hindering the market if this practice continues. Make sure that as a vendor your agents have a strong Marketing strategy and avoid gambling on a rising market.

CHISWICK OFFICE 171 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR mark.carroll@orchardsoflondon.com 020 8995 9797

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Chiswick Staithe Chiswick, W4 5 BEDROOMS • 6 BATHROOMS • 1 RECEPTION

OIEO £2,500,000 f your interest is piqued by the sound of alfresco dining and summer soireés then this is the property for you – sheer luxury by the water. This townhouse offers generous living accommodation split over five floors and provides unspoilt vistas of the river. The property has five bright double bedrooms, four with en-suite bathrooms. Furthermore, there is a vast double reception room that offers access to the property’s garden which overlooks the river. The large, modern, fully integrated kitchen effortlessly flows onto the dining area, with tri-folding doors opening onto the landscaped garden at the end of which you will also have your own private jetty with direct access to the river. Grove Park is moments away from the hustle and bustle of Chiswick High Road, yet you are in one of Chiswick’s most secluded spots. Chiswick Rail (Overground) will get you to Waterloo in under 30 minutes.

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Brookfield Road Chiswick, W4 3 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • 1 RECEPTION

£1,150,000 f character and charm is what you are after then you will be be delighted with this exquisite property on Brookfield Road. This three double bedroom family home boasts not only charm but a spacious reception room, with feature bay windows and fireplace, a wonderful bright and open plan kitchen with access to the private garden. The master bedroom is located towards the front of the house whilst the first floor houses a second bedroom and the top floor double bedroom has a large en-suite and the family bathroom. Brookfield Road borders on Bedford Park and is superbly located. The property could not be better placed from a commuting point of view, with Turnham Green on the District and Piccadilly lines, South Acton Overground and Chiswick Park. Drivers can access the M4, the North Circular and the A40/Westway with ease, making this property perfect for a busy family!

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LETTINGS GALLERY | CHISWICK | 020 8995 9797

Chic

Chiswick Mark Carroll

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

A

t Orchards of London we pride ourselves on quality over quantity of properties we bring to the market. With this in mind we feel it is hugely important to get the advertising material correct from the start as the first three weeks are hugely important when a property is first released to the market. First of all we provide our clients with a thorough marketing appraisal which includes a comprehensive report on the valuation price. With the price agreed we compile a four page property brochure complete with floorplan. It’s surprising how many agents do not include a floorplan on lettings properties but for us it is imperative. We have our own in-house professional photographers which we feel gives us greater quality control over their work. Once the brochure is completed and approved by the client we then release to the market along with sending the details to our existing database of applicants and corporate contacts. As I am based in the Chiswick Branch I visit some special properties so we like to show case a property to its full potential which is the least we can do for our clients. If you are considering letting your property please feel free to get in touch to discuss the services we offer.

CHISWICK OFFICE 171 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR mark.carroll@orchardsoflondon.com 020 8995 9797

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South Parade Chiswick, W4 6 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£1,650 per week edford Park houses some of West London’s most incredible properties and you are most likely to find Norman Shaw inspired homes throughout this popular area. This property is truly remarkable with six bedrooms situated on South Parade. You will be greeted with a generous entrance hallway, guest cloakroom, utility room, a bright and airy reception with bay window and feature fireplace, a play room with sash windows and a large kitchen/dining room with feature fireplace and french doors leading to a delightful rear garden. The property is a stone’s throw from the bustling High Road. Chiswick Park Station (District Line) and Turnham Green Station (District and Piccadilly Line) are both nearby whilst the M4 is merely a five minute drive.

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Hatfield Road Chiswick, W4 3 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS • 1 RECEPTION

£875 per week leek and modern in design, this house is an exciting look into the future of house building and sets a precedent for more to come. Truly unique the ‘passive house’ is self-heating and will be driving down the cost of your bills with a excellent Energy Performance Rating which is obviously ideal for future tenants. Despite being well insulated it still admits a great deal of light which shows off the beautiful materials that the architect of this house has so carefully considered. Walking into the entrance doors to you are greeted by an impressive kitchen/reception room which leads into the two patios of the ground floor which give the impression of light and space. On the lower ground floor of the house you will find two double bedrooms, both with a luxurious en-suite and ample storage opportunities whilst on the top floor a further bedroom and bathroom can be found.

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< Architect Icon >

JOHN PAWSON CLEAN LINES, WHITE WALLS AND A CLUTTER-FREE SPACE, WE MEET THE ARCHITECT BEHIND the new Design Museum

F

or someone famously on a mission to eliminate things that most people see as harmless necessities, such as skirting boards, taps and door handles, John Pawson is surprisingly unfussy and reassuringly relaxed. You might think that the architect known for his minimalist expanses of white stone (comfort doesn’t have to be a squishy sofa) would be similarly spartan in his conversation, but in person Pawson is chatty, often veering off at tangents. We are in his Kings Cross office, which is all clean white lines and concrete but just as full of papers, books and clutter as if it wasn’t the office of a minimalist architect. Not that he’s hugely keen on the word minimalist. ‘People always need to find a label,’ he sighs, but his trademark style is about pure, uninterrupted spaces. His London house, for instance (not a typical architect’s choice, he says, with its lack of lateral space and tall, thin proportions) is virtually empty inside, no furniture to speak of, everything hidden away in cupboards so as not to pollute its plain stone serenity. ‘We recently got a sofa because my wife wanted one,’ smiles Pawson, who is well aware of

1

01 Baron House, Skåne, Sweden (2003– 2005); Photogrpahy by Åki E:son Lindman and Project Architect Douglas Tuck 02 North Sea Apartment, Knokke, Belgium (2005–2009); Photography by Pieter-Jan De Pue and Project Architects Ben Collins, Mark Treharne 03 Rendering of the new Design Museum in Kensington; image courtesy of designmuseum.org 04 Moritzkirche, Augsburg, Germany (2008–2013); Photography by Gilbert McCarragher

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

2

4

3

MOST RECENTLY HIS FIRM HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH DESIGNING THE INTERIOR OF THE NEW DESIGN MUSEUM most people's desire for a sofa in a sitting room, but doesn’t share it in the slightest. ‘People seem to want to flop and lie down these days, which isn’t how it used to be.’ Probably he prefers to perch on a stone pew that’s part of the building's fundament. Comfort is one of Pawson's main priorities, but more a spiritual kind of comfort than the cushiony kind. John Pawson’s past work includes prominent commissions including the Sackler Crossing at Kew Gardens, the new Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of Novy Dvur in the Czech Republic and Calvin Klein’s flagship store in New York. Most recently his firm has been charged with designing the

interior of the new Design Museum, which will close its doors on its current Thameside location in June and reopen in Kensington later in 2016. So what started it all off? Pawson grew up in Halifax, Yorkshire, and worked in his father's textile business for a while. Secretly he always wanted to be an architect, though it took him a long time to admit it. ‘I always knew that some spaces felt good, comfortable and others didn’t. I went to Japan and thought I’d become a Buddhist monk, but on the advice of [Japanese architect] Shiro Kuramata I came back to study architecture. And then it just grew. For years I resisted having an office or files but now look,’ he says, gesturing around the big office, which employs around 25 people and is full of files. Firmly in his sixties, he still doesn't quite see himself as the established figure he is. ‘This has all really happened in the last five or ten years,’ he says. ‘And you think you'll go on forever when you’re doing something you love, but your body changes as you get older.’ He doesn’t look his age, but claims to have become more diplomatic and a better listener since his youth. Thus, probably, the final caving on the sofa front. The new Design Museum will be located in the former Commonwealth Institute, a 1960s era Grade II* listed building that had stood vacant for over a decade, and will open later in 2016. johnpawson.com designmuseum.org

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Spotlight on

ACTON THE CREAM OF THE CROP sales and lettings

Often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbours, Ealing and Chiswick, Acton has found itself emerging into the limelight. With several regeneration projects nearing completion, Acton is set to become a real destination, a fact that the upcoming Elizabeth Line can only enhance. Already equipped with ample shopping opportunities, restaurants and pubs and a slew of excellent schools in addition to leafy streets filled with gorgeous Victorian terrace houses and green spaces including Acton Park and Southfields, Acton is the perfect place to settle down.

ACHIEVING ÂŁ918.84 PER SQUARE FOOT

SWIFT SALE

WE WORKED AS A TEAM AND TAPPED INTO OUR EXTENSIVE NETWORK

W3

W

IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME WE DID WHAT OTHER AGENTS STRUGGLE TO GET DONE IN TEN MONTHS

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ACTON HILL GUESTHOUSE ith half a dozen agents all vying to sell this property since June 2015, the property started to lose credibility in the market place. Agents had the wrong strategy in place hence not being able to sell the property. Orchards of London were instructed as a last attempt by the client and we consequently sold the property in October 2015 achieving possibly the highest price in Acton to date. Our strategy was simple, we worked as a team within Orchards of London and tapped into our extensive network, coupled with vigorous marketing we were able to do what other agents struggle to get done in ten months. This is an example of the extra mile that Orchards of London take to find the right buyer for the right property.

orchardsoflondon.com

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C A S E S T U DY: AC TO N

ACTON PARK

THE HOUSE WAS SPACIOUS AND SLEEK WITH MODERN INTERIORS, A PERFECT FIT FOR ANY FAMILY

LUXURIOUS LETTING

WE GO THE EXTRA MILE TO FIND THE RIGHT BUYER FOR THE RIGHT PROPERTY

THIS PROPERTY IS NOW UNDER THE CONTROL OF OUR DEDICATED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

HILLCREST ROAD

T

W3

his detached family home had been on the market for 18 months before Orchards of London were instructed and surprisingly so. This house was designed for the modern day family with ample space and sleek design oozing throughout the property. Shortly after being instructed we sold the property that was on the market for over a million punds. The new vendors were impressed with our services, so much so they asked us to let the property which we did almost immediately. As the agent of choice by corporates we were able to secure Mitsubishi in this property for 24 months. Furthermore, our property management team are looking after the property for the vendor. The team not only look after the maintenance of the property but the wellbeing of the tenants to achieve The Orchards of London Difference every day.

ACTON OFFICE 82 High Street, W3 6QX 020 8997 0076 orchardsoflondon.com Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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NEW HOMES New builds are an important part of London’s ever changing image

FRESH FEEL A HOME IS A lifetime investment

by Ronan

McKenna

Associate Sales Director

O

ffering quality designs and neutral blank canvases, new homes are a necessity for many buyers. Built to last, such developments offer not only the latest in design but will often save you money in the long run through better insulation, lower insurance premiums and needing less maintenance than an older house. Increasingly the west London area is being marked as a ‘safe’ investment, with buyers looking to purchase assets close to future Crossrail zones. The nationalities of these buyers are changing regularly but foreign investors are making up a large portion

26

DEVELOPMENTS OFFER NOT ONLY THE LATEST IN DESIGN BUT WILL OFTEN SAVE YOU MONEY

of the new build market. Buyers expect nothing less than the best and Orchards of London have worked with a number of high end developers, including Luxgrove, Bohola and Centurion London. The latter recently transformed a terrace on Willcott Road into three beautifully designed apartments, receiving offers on the day of the launch. By mid-2016, Orchards of London are expecting to see over 70 units come to the market in the W3 and W5 postcodes and, with a proven track record for selling off plan developments and setting record prices for the areas we operate in, we are becoming the agents of choice for New Homes and developments. Our average time to get a development under offer is seven days from marketing. However, two recent developments, Brougham Road and The Avenue have each completely sold on their launch days, testament to both the design and build of these developments and also our dynamic, proactive team calling out to a database of over 5,000 applicants. New builds are an important part of London’s development and we strive to create innovative identities and brands for each development that comes onto the market.

orchardsoflondon.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS

NOÉ DUCHAUFOUR LAWRANCE ‘Borghese’ coffee table, £1,545; monologuelondon.com KATRIINA NUUTINEN ‘Lyyli’ box series, from €239; katriinanuutinen.fi

SCHNEID ‘Eikon’ lamp, price; schneid.org

PORADA

‘Biblo’ book shelves, £5,150; www.gomodern.co.uk SPACE COPENHAGEN ‘Fly’ sofa with side tables, £2,899; monologuelondon.com

VICTORIA + ALBERT BATHS ‘Tombola’ bath rack, £300; vandabaths.com LA CHANCE ‘Climb’ shelving system, from £406; nest.co.uk TAI PING ‘Coast Occult Dress’, POA, by Chen Chen and Kai Williams; taipingcarpets.com

LZF ‘Spiro Suspension Light Wood’, from £2,200; do-shop.com

Into the Woods REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR summer WITH THESE RECENT DESIGN FINDS

RUARK ‘R1’ radio in rich walnut, £200; ruarkaudio.com

MAGIS ‘Cyborg Ply’, £504 (excl. VAT), by Marcel Wanders; discoveranddeliver.com CASSINA ‘081 Réaction Poétique Low Table’, from £890, by Jaime Hayón; discoveranddeliver.com

SFERA ‘Windsor’ dog bed, £356 (small), £593 (large); clerkenwell-london.com Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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SA L E S G A L L E RY | AC TO N | 02 0 89 97 0 076

Alluring

Acton

Michael Ogden

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

W

hen we opened our third office in Acton in August 2013 we embraced our High Street presence where others did not dane to have a presence. Although our move was bold, we did so knowing that Acton is a true gem in West London and hoped that other businesses will follow suite. Acton is transforming every day and new developments are on the rise – with properties selling before they are even advertised on the likes of RightMove and Zoopla. We have positioned ourselves in the centre of what is quickly becoming one of the most desirable postcodes in west London. The South Acton regeneration efforts are taking effect and have played their part in the transformation. Residents will be able to enjoy films at the Curzon Cinema set to open on Acton High Street in due course. Crossrail, now known as the Elizabeth Line, will also be running through Acton which makes it a superb drawing card for anyone buying a property as it would mean that it should take nine minutes to commute from Acton to Bond Street and 17 minutes to Heathrow. It is exciting to see the increasing choice that Acton offers, with two micro-breweries – ‘The Aeronaut’ and ‘The George and Dragon’ and fantastic eateries like ‘The Coffee House’ and ‘Laveli Bakery’

ACTON OFFICE 82 High Street, W3 6QX michael.ogden@orchardsoflondon.com 020 8997 0076

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Heathfield Road Acton, W3 7 BEDROOMS • 4 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£2,150 000 truly rare opportunity you to buy a detached house within a prime London postcode. If you are looking for a home to make your own, this house offers infinite possibility to potential buyers, with its large bay windows emphasising the space and character of the property. With seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, front and rear garden and a private garage, there is certainly nothing that this Heathfield Road property lacks and its outstanding location cannot be overlooked either as you are just a moment’s stroll from the well-connected Acton Town station which runs on both the District and Piccadilly lines - whether you work out in Heathrow or in the City of London commuting is made easy. In addition, the property is located in the Mill Hill conservation area which further enhances its appeal.

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Montague Gardens Acton, W3 6 BEDROOMS • 4 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£1,850,000 ituated in Acton’s sought after Montague Gardens, this exceptionally presented house offers over 3,000 sq ft of wonderful living and entertaining space that would provide the perfect future home to any prospective buyer. Walking along the tree lined streets, and into the property’s beautifully landscaped driveway, one can’t help but feel a sense of community and belonging. The property is set over three floors and boasts six double bedrooms and four bathrooms. On the ground floor one enters via the vast hallway which leads to one of two spacious reception rooms that welcome in an abundance of light through large bay windows. The modern open-plan kitchen is equally luminous and looks out onto the house’s private garden, which makes cooking a true delight. This home is conveniently located close to West Acton Underground, North Ealing Underground and Ealing Common.

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L E T T I N G S G A L L E RY | AC TO N | 02 0 89 97 0 076

Alluring

Acton

Michael Ogden

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

A

cton is seeing numerous developments with the imminent arrival of Crossrail still the talk of the town, offering trains to Paddington in under five minutes and London’s largest council estate is being regenerated as Acton Gardens, a new vibrant development moments away from our neighbours in Chiswick. My experience is whilst the flat market has been buoyant, renting high value homes takes a much more strategic approach, prospective tenants registering in our Shepherd’s Bush and Chiswick offices are sold on Acton and instantly attracted by roads such as Twyford Avenue where they will find large Edwardian houses more commonly found in Ealing. The poet’s roads - Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton and Goldsmith are personal favourites due to the village-like feel and proximity to Acton Park. Acton has a strong community feel and Orchards of London strongly believe in supporting days like St Vincent’s School Fete and donating in charity events such as Race for Life and the Children in Need at the Park Club. My advice to any first time landlords is to be very clear on your goals, are you looking to achieve long term capital appreciation or a strong yield and monthly rental income? Either way we would love to hear from you.

Lowfield Road Acton, W3 4 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS • 1 RECEPTION

£923 per week ith a fresh modern interior, this Lowfield Road property has been recently refurbished ready for future tenants to make this house their own. The house benefits from four double bedrooms and three bathrooms and space is certainly not an issue with storage opportunities throughout, off-street parking and a patio area which the sliding doors of the open-plan kitchen lead out to. In such a peaceful, residential area in West Acton it is hard to believe that access to central London is so easy but why would you ever want to leave when you are so close to the splendour of Gunnersbury Park, the shopping delight that is Ealing Broadway and the area’s other top attractions?

W

ACTON OFFICE 82 High Street, W3 6QX michael.ogden@orchardsoflondon.com 020 8997 0076

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Shakespeare Road Acton, W3 4 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS • 1 RECEPTION

£807 per week ocated in Acton’s ever popular Poet’s Corner, with Churchfield Road’s fantastic bars, shops and restaurants just around the corner, this spacious newly built house would make the perfect home for any family looking to live in one of Acton’s prime addresses. Locationwise Acton’s transport links are second to none, with Acton Central, North Acton and Acton Mainline Stations all being with a mile of the property. The property itself welcomes in plenty of bright natural light which enhance the property’s living areas and show off the modern seamless design: with plush newly fitted carpets in the four double bedrooms and solid wood flooring in the kitchen area. With guests in mind, this Shakespeare Road home comes with a private garden and modern fully integrated kitchen, ready for a dinner party with friends or a Sunday lunch en famille.

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KXIX DXS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

POP OUT & PLAY Dinosaurs, £9.95; mollyandthewolf.com;

LA COQUETA Herringbone dungarees, £42; lacoquetakids.com

GEORG JENSEN Aquamarine Toy Figures, £85; skandium.com

ROCK EWE Rocking Sheep, £348; rowenandwren.co.uk

MILLER GOODMAN Mini Shape Maker, £20; mollymeg.com

MINI RODINI Big Dot Onesie in red, £48; busyandtheboy.co.uk

ROSENDAHL Puffin, £99; skandium.com

ALDIS CIRCENIS Riga Roo Rocking Horse, £150; theconranshop.co.uk

TOBIAS AND THE BEAR Just Call Me Fox leggings, £16; tobiasandthebear.com

WOODEN Wooden elephant, £15 naturespurest.co.uk

KIDS’ ROOM KIDS OUR PICK OF THE BEST wooden toys AND THE LATEST miniature style

MY FIRST YEARS Red Soldier Skittles; £20, myfirstyears.com

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PAZ RODRIGUEZ Ivory Pram Suit with booties, £110; childrensalon.com

LES LUTINS Pink Capuchin Cape, £116; tippytoes.co.uk

STELLA MCCARTNEY Leopard Print Romper, £42; alexandalexa.com

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FOOD & DRINK

TABLE TALK

FABULOUS GUILT-FREE RECIPES FROM CLEAN CAKES BY HENRIETTA INMAN AND THE PERFECT summer cocktail

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE TARTS with spiced sesame crust ~ makes 6 tarts ~

hese sublime savoury tarts pack a super flavour punch. A spicy base made with sesame seeds and toasted pecans is covered in a light and creamy cashew béchamel, all topped off with an abundant mix of sweet and earthy carrots and beetroot. They are grain-free, vegan and perfect for a comforting but light lunch or supper.

T

spatula) to make the crust, pressing it into the edges and making sure it is even. Put the tins on a baking tray and bake in the same oven as the vegetables for about 15–20 minutes or until dark golden brown. Leave to cool. 4 To make the béchamel, melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan. Add the gram flour and whisk in vigorously. Add the mustard and then gradually start to add the cashew milk, stirring constantly with a whisk. The sauce should start to thicken and look smooth. Add the yeast flakes and salt and pepper to taste. Stir again and taste and season more if necessary. You can make this in advance for use later, but note that when it cools it will thicken slightly, so before filling your tarts with it, return to the heat and add some extra milk. 5 Finish off the vegetables by adding the freshly chopped herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if necessary. Mix the béchamel with a whisk until really smooth, use it to fill the tarts and then top with all of the vegetables, pushing them into the béchamel slightly. Serve with salad or steamed green vegetables.

INGREDIENTS

Roasted root vegetables: 4 large carrots • 4 beetroot, about 550g • 2 onions • 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed • 3 tbsp EVCP rapeseed oil or coconut oil, melted, plus extra for greasing • Coarse sea salt • Black pepper, optional • Generous bunch of fresh herbs such as coriander (cilantro) and parsley, finely chopped Spiced sesame and pecan crust: 170g ground pecan nuts • 105g ground almonds • ½ tsp each ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger and cardamom • 1½ tsp coarse sea salt • 65ml EVCP rapeseed oil • 2 tbsp filtered water • 85g black and white sesame seeds Cashew béchamel: 25 g coconut oil • 40g gram flour • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 450 ml cashew milk • 3 tsp nutritional yeast flakes • Coarse sea salt and black pepper to taste

Sakerinha METHOD

Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease six round 10 x 2 cm deep tartlet tins. 2 Peel and cut the tops off the carrots. Cut them lengthways into about 3 cm long pieces, then quarter into small crudité-sized strips. Scrub the beetroot, quarter them and slice the same thickness as the carrots. Peel, quarter and slice the onions. On a large baking tray, mix up the vegetables with the garlic, oil and a generous amount of salt and black pepper, if using. Roast for about 1 hour, checking halfway through. They are ready 1

when a skewer inserts easily into the centre of the vegetables. Remove from the oven, adjust the seasoning while still warm, and set aside. 3 Meanwhile, to make the base, combine the ground pecans, almonds, spices, salt, oil and water in a food processor. Add the sesame seeds and blitz until the mix looks like breadcrumbs and sticks together when you pick up a piece of it in your hand. Divide the pastry mix between the greased tins, you will get about 70g per tart, and press it down with your fingertips and a step palette knife (frosting

created by DORSETT SHEPHERDS BUSH

INGREDIENTS

half of grapefruit • 50ml of white sake • 15ml sugar syrup crushed ice METHOD

To start you need to slice grapefruit in 5-6 little cubes, then muddle it together with sugar syrup in the glass, then add crushed ice, then 50ml of white sake and mix everything together, garnish with slice of grapefruit

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Spotlight on

SHEPHERD’S BUSH THE CREAM OF THE CROP sales and lettings

The appeal of Shepherd’s Bush is hard to miss. It boasts fantastic shopping opportunities in the form of Westfield Shopping Centre, culture and nightlife provided by O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, the Bush Theatre, Bush Hall and the Vue cinema and great food and drink; those seeking one of the best cocktails in west London need look no further than the Dorsett Hotel. Those looking for peace and quiet can find it in the tranquillity of areas such as Brackenbury Village and the green of spaces of Ravenscourt Park and Brook Green all of which are ideal for families and young professionals alike.

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OUR CLIENT APPLAUDED OUR TENACITY. WE SOLD THE PROPERTY THAT OTHER AGENTS COULD NOT SELL

SWIFT SALE

WE ACHIEVED 95% OF THE LISTED GUIDE PRICE

BRUNSWICK HOUSE

S OUR TEAM CONTACTED EVERYONE ON OUR FULHAM REACH WAITING LIST

W6

ince the beginning of the development at Fulham Reach, there were a number of speculators who bought off plan with the hope of an instant uplift on re-sale; this flooded the market with luxurious new build apartments in the Fulham Reach development. Our client had decided to sell his two-bedroom appartment and, before instructing Orchards of London, it had been on the market for sale with two other established local agents who received no offers over a period of months. Our client was clear on their instruction, they wanted us to sell the property and do what other agents have not been able to do. In less than four weeks of our instruction we agreed an excellent price for our client and went on to exchange within four weeks and complete two weeks later.

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C A S E S T U DY: S H E P H E R D ' S B U S H

SHEPHERD’S BUSH GREEN

WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE BEING ON THE MARKET THE PROPERTY WAS LET TO A PROFESSIONAL FAMILY

DUE TO THE EXCELLENT SERVICE THIS LANDLORD RECEIVED, ORCHARDS OF LONDON NOW DEAL WITH THE LANDLORD’S ENTIRE LETTINGS PORTFOLIO LUXURIOUS LETTING

BECKLOW ROAD

T

W12

his sensational house had been on the market for two months before Orchards of London were instructed in 2015 to let the property Within 24 hours of the house being on the market it was let to a family looking to move into the esteemed W12 postcode. The property has just been let to another family within hours of going live on portals such as RightMove and Zoopla. A testament to both Orchards of London’s letting service as well as the property itself. The landlord is so enamoured with the level of service they received that they have asked us to exclusively deal with their entire lettings portfolio.

THE LANDLORD IS SO ENAMOURED WITH THE LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT WE NOW LOOK AFTER THEIR ENTIRE LETTINGS PORTFOLIO

SHEPHERD’S BUSH OFFICE 3-5 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ 020 7042 1900 orchardsoflondon.com Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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BARBOUR B.Intl Wax Windcheater Jacket, £219; barbour.com

LONDON SOCK CO. londonsockcompany.com

CREED Bois De Portugal Eau De Parfum, £160; houseoffraser.co.uk

TOM FORD Skin Revitalizing Concentrate, £110; harrods.co.uk SMYTHSON Mara Travel Backgammon set, £395; smythson.com

ACQUA DI PARMA Italian Resort Revitalising Face Serum, £77; johnlewis.co.uk LEFF AMSTERDAM Brick Steel Clock, £230; matchesfashion.com

COWSHED Bois De Portugal Eau De Parfum, £150; harrods.com

MEN ONLY

CLARKS Desert Boot, £95; clarks.co.uk

EVERYTHING FROM LUXURY GROOMING AND FASHION TO DRINKS AND GAMES

MEN ROCK The Blade Shunner, £29.95; notonthehighstreet.com EYEVAN 7285 Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate And Metal Sunglasses, £325; mrporter.com

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MASTER AND DYNAMIC Mh40 over-ear headphones, £319.99; selfridges.com

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ACQUA DI PARMA Colonia Ambra, 100ml for £150; acquadiparma.com

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TALISKER 10 year-old, £46.95; harrods.com

TIPPLESWORTH Old Fashioned Cocktail Case, £185; tipplesworth.co.uk

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SALES GALLERY | SHEPHERD’S BUSH | 020 7042 1900

Stylish

Shepherd’s Bush Annette Dunn

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

O

rchards of London are taking Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith by storm. No longer the new kids on the block, we are repeatedly achieving groundbreaking prices for our clients. The recipe for success is the Orchards of London ethos, which offers our customers a high level of service twinned with a genuine regard for honesty and integrity. Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith have so much to offer with excellent transport links to both central London and Heathrow, highlyrated schools which are constantly drawing young families, and gastro pubs and local restaurants offfering cuisine as varied as your imagination can extend! Local music venues are numerous, from the Hammersmith Apollo to The Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Bush Hall, you are spoilt for choice. Theatre enthusiasts on the other hand will enjoy The Lyric Hammersmith which offers local residents free tickets on the first night of each new main house production. Riverside walks along the Thames can allow your mind to stray a million miles from care and the area is only set to improve upon completion of the Fly Under at Hammersmith and the Westfield extension. As for me, I have worked as a West London Estate Agent for over twenty years and I live here, I am your neighbour, your local property professional and the door is open. My team and I look forward to meeting you.

SHEPHERD’S BUSH OFFICE 3-5 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ annette.dunn@orchardsoflondon.com 020 7042 1900

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Warbeck Road Shepherd’s Bush, W12 5 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS

£1,795,000 his fabulous five bedroomed house is set within this sought after neighbourhood, with four storeys and high ceilings throughout. The bright modern open-plan kitchen/dining area seamlessly flows into the property's private garden lending itself to summer entertainment. This lovely property benefits from bay windows, feature fireplaces, wooden flooring and ample storage. Commuting from Warbeck Road is ideal as Shepherd's Bush Market which services the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines is less than a five minutes walk and Shepherd’s Bush Overground and Central Line station is also within easy reach. Being close to Uxbridge Road motorists can get into central London with ease but the same can be said for getting onto the motorways, Westway and Great West Road are some of the close options to you.

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Hammersmith Grove Hammersmith, W6 4/5 BEDROOMS • 5 BATHROOMS • 3 RECEPTIONS

£2,175,000 e present to you a classic stucco fronted four storey family house on Hammersmith Grove W6. This beautiful home has recently been built to a high standard and comprises an elegant reception room with high ceilings and plenty of light, a second reception and cloakroom. On the lower ground floor there is a spacious kitchen and family room which opens onto a beautiful secluded and landscaped garden via bi-folding doors. The first floor boasts two double bedrooms each with stunning en-suites and the second floor has two further double bedrooms, study and a luxury family bathroom. The nearest tube station is Hammersmith which services the Piccadilly, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City lines. Motorists benefit equally by being close to the A4/Great West Road which leads into the city but also out to the country via the M4.

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LETTINGS GALLERY | SHEPHERD’S BUSH | 020 7042 1900

Stylish

Shepherd’s Bush Annette Dunn

Office Director, Sales & Lettings

B

eing a Shepherd’s Bush resident it is hard to believe the amount of investment and change that the area is experiencing; exciting times are certainly ahead for business owners and residents alike! I remember clearly, many years ago, a client talking to me about the pending Fulham Reach development at the end of their road. At the time, to consider such prices were achievable was difficult to imagine, but this has since become a reality and the high end luxury apartment trend looks set to continue with developments springing up on almost every corner in the W6 and W12 postcodes, completed to a standard that one would expect in the most exclusive of West London locations. The quirkiness and buzz of Shepherds Bush, as well as an abundance of transport links, means that landlords can attract all manner of tenants, including young professionals starting out on their careers. It is certainly a good time to be a landlord in the area, but equally tenants can benefit from enjoying the Central London location. Shepherd’s Bush and its surrounding areas have so much to offer that it is unsurprising that in 2016 it will continue to attract interest.

Lords Court, Chancellors Street Hammersmith, W6 3 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • 1 RECEPTION

£795 per week his beautifully presented three bedroom apartment is just moments from the iconic Hammersmith Bridge and the area’s famed riverside, replete with picturesque vistas and the area’s many wonderful pubs or, if you’re feeling sporty, why not jog along to Kew? Spacious and bright it is superbly designed to make use of the space with luxurious finishing touches like branded appliances, underfloor heating and a terrace area on which to enjoy those long summer evenings. The Hammersmith area was Immortalised in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and we suggest that you approach viewing this property with the same gusto!

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SHEPHERD’S BUSH OFFICE 3-5 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ annette.dunn@orchardsoflondon.com 020 7042 1900

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Sharp House, Goldhawk Road Shepherd’s Bush, W12 1 BEDROOM • 1 BATHROOM • 1 RECEPTION

£425 per week f chic and sophisticated is what you are looking for then look no further. This highly desirable apartment is set within one of the area’s most exciting new developments ‘Sharp House’, a place for those cosmopolitan professionals who appreciate life’s finer things. The apartment consists of a spacious kitchen fitted with modern integrated appliances and living area which leads out to a large patio overlooking communal gardens. The generous double bedroom has a fabulous view and the family bathroom is the perfect size. Plus, as well as being well-connected by road you have your choice from Shepherd's Bush Market Station which services the Circle, Hammersmith & City lines and Shepherd's Bush which services the Central line but also Overground lines.

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EXPERT ADVICE

First time buyers THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BY Paul Alexander Mortgage Consultants

Shoaib Arshad

are due to go down, in order to fully benefit. A popular type of variable rate is a tracker mortgage, where it tracks the bank of England base rate. Go for what fits your affordability. Typically, people tend to go for a mortgage of 25 years. Having a longer term mortgage will lower your monthly payments. You could go up to 35 years, sometimes even 40 years but this will mean paying more interest.

Managing Director of Paul Alexander Mortgage Consultants

T

here has never been better time to buy a property. Even so, this will be one of the biggest milestones in your life and no doubt you’ll have a multitude of questions about the process. We are here to help guide your first steps on the property ladder.

LET’S TALK DEPOSITS As deposits go, the more money you put in, the better the interest rate, which is where your savings will come into action. These days 5% is the minimum for a deposit yet the rate will be higher. Do remember, however, to factor additional costs into your budget as these will add up, so things like Stamp Duty – the tax to buy the property, as well as legal fees, survey fees and lender fees. WHAT ABOUT STAMP DUTY? Stamp Duty Tax is charged in the purchase of a property. The rate depends on the portion of the purchase price that falls into each rate band and the rates are as follows: • £0 - £125,000 - 0% • £125,001 - £250,000 - 2% • £250,001 - £925,000 - 5% • £925,001 - £1.5 million - 10% • Over £1.5 million - 12% THE FORMULA If you bought a £300,000 house, you would pay: • 0% on the first £125,000 • 2% on the next £125,000 • 5% on the final £50,000 • So in total £5,000 Stamp Duty

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A PROPERTY

HOW MUCH CAN I BORROW? This varies according to your income and your affordability and is based on your expenditure as well. This will need to be considered equally with the amount of deposit you put in to work out how much you can buy at. How much you borrow will also be based on your credit score and there are many ways to improve it. To name just a few, you should keep your name on the electoral register, always pay your bills on time, and if possible have a landline. MORTGAGE TYPES Fixed rate: common fixed rate mortgages are two years, three year or five years. The benefit to having a fixed rate is that you are guaranteed that your payments will stay the same over the given period and not change, allowing you to effectively plan. Variable Rates: as the name suggests these mortgages can change and so should only really be taken when rates

AGREEING A MORTGAGE A mortgage will usually be agreed between five days and two weeks, depending on the requirements of the lender. Just take the following steps: 1 Obtain an agreement in principle confirming how much you can borrow based on your credit history and income 2 Find a property, put an offer in and get your offer accepted 3 Submit your mortgage application including the survey on the property 4 Your lender will issue a mortgage offer if happy with the property and all your paperwork 5 Now it is just a matter of waiting for the legal process to be concluded TAKE THE LEAP With so many mortgage products out there, we can help guide you through this process, advising and recommending mortgage products suitable for your needs and running through the various First Time Buyer schemes. We look at the best fit for your circumstances and take into account the type of property you are buying. Being a first time buyer need not be so daunting. We are here to help.

020 8997 3915

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Luxgrove London is proud to unveil their latest luxurious residential development just moments from Ealing Common. Set to be the most prestigious new address in the area, “The Twyford Collection” will bring quality and style to this highly desirable, leafy part of West London. This is a magnificent opportunity to buy beautifully built, supreme real estate in London, constructed by trusted and design conscious developers, Luxgrove London.

EACH PROPERTY INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED BY LILY LONDON INTERIORS

Twyford

COLLECTION

Images are true representations of previous developments undertaken by Luxgrove P.44.indd 1

For sales enquiries please call 020 8997 0076 www.twyfordcollection.com 13/07/2016 15:27


S TA G I N G T I P S

All the world’s a stage PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD WHEN preparing your house FOR VIEWINGS

by Linnea

Hurtig

Brighten up a dark sofa with a light blanket to ensure there aren’t too many patterns mixed together.

In-House Property Photographer

F

irst impressions count and with summer being the peak selling season there is no better time to get your property looking in prime condition. If you are thinking about selling or renting your property, a good tidy up and some tastefully made finishing touches could add hundreds of pounds in value to your home and result in more viewings and betters offers. First things first, we’re not suggesting you invite over an interiors guru, swap your furniture for miniature versions to make your property look more spacious or remove all your personal possessions. A simple declutter could actually increase the value of your home by 11%, while ensuring your home smells good could add around £850 to your sale price, according to survey results released by Big Yellow Self Storage. As West London estate agents, we have seen thousands of properties for sale in Chiswick, Shepherd’s Bush, Ealing and Acton and we’ve taken the best bits from the most appealing houses to compile our ten-point plan for presenting your property for viewings. 1 DECLUTTER - 38% of estate agents say that decluttering increases the price of a property. Remove unnecessary items of furniture and store in a garage or off-site facility. Streamline hallways by removing piles of shoes, unopened post and coats. 2 DEPERSONALISE - an overload of ornaments, trinkets and photo frames can be overwhelming and distract potential buyers. Box up roughly 70%.

7 STAGE LIKE THE PROFESSIONALS - well-placed

mirrors will reflect light and make a room feel bigger, while a vase of flowers in the dining room and fresh fruits and herbs in the kitchen will look inviting. 8 DRESS EVERY ROOM - we’re talking about those little touches that make a room feel finished. Think crease-free bed linen with co-ordinating scatter cushions, neatly folded fresh towels in bathrooms and a smart collection of coffee table-style books in the living room.

APPEAL TO THE OLFACTORY SENSE - air stuffy rooms by 9

3

A GOOD TIDY, SPRUCE UP AND EYE FOR DETAIL CAN ADD REAL VALUE

TIDY - use cupboards, boxes

and sheds to store anything that is making a mess - piles of paperwork, un-ironed clothes and recycling. If possible try to avoid excess cables throughout the property.

opening windows and light a scented candle but go easy on artificial air fresheners and bleach.

KEEP SURFACES CLEAR - ‘less is more’ should also be

is the first thing buyers see. Ensure your door number is clearly visible, switch on any outside lights, wash or repaint your front door, clear gardens and balconies of weeds and litter, and trim any overhanging shrubs. A pot or basket of flowers in bloom will always ‘lift’ an exterior too.

4

applied to kitchen countertops and surfaces in the bathroom. Leave out only the bare minimum. 5 LIGHTEN UP - clean windows inside and out, open all curtains and blinds, and switch on overhead lights and lamps before any viewings start.

6 REVERSE BOLD STYLE STATEMENTS - a neutral decor

is most appealing. Choose magnolia, white or cream and apply over bold patterns and colours for a lighter, brighter look.

10 NEVER OVERLOOK YOUR EXTERIOR - the front of your property

If you are getting ready to sell or let your West London property or are already on the market, contact Orchards of London for home staging advice and a free presentation appraisal. We can advise on changes that will increase appeal and add value, so contact us today. orchardsoflondon.com Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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Joseph Murphy Children in Need Quadrathlon

Orchards of London supporting a Chiswick Summer Fete

Mark Carroll, dishing out sweet treats at The Green Days in Chiswick

Liam Doherty fighting for Russell Dawkins at The Park Club White Collar Boxing event

Michael Ogden at the Ice cream stand at Little Ealing Primary School

Alyssa Noble and Hollie Morris: Race for Life

Showing support at St Vincent’s Primary School Summer Fete

Alys Peacock at Southfield Primary School Summer Fete

Alys Peacock contributing to a Children in Need total of £37million

AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY FROM CHARITY WORK TO RACE FOR LIFE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

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COMMUNITY

WHAT DOES TRUST STAND FOR? T

TRANSFORM

R

RESPONSIBILITY

U

UNITY

S

SUPPORT

T

TEAMWORK

THE RESULTS OF Orchards of London’s NEW PHILANTHROPY INITIATIVE TO HELP LOCAL CAUSES

by Rudolph

Diesel

Liam handing over the cheque to charity, The Upper Room

Marketing Director

Transform - Orchards of London pledges to help transform our local communities, making our contributions count towards a better future for everyone. Responsibility - We have a collective responsibility to look after our communities and we do not take this responsibility lightly. We pledge to always act in our communities best interest. Unity - We do not see ourselves as service providers only, we see ourselves as active members of the community wherever we operate and believe that everyone in West London should be involved with our CSR efforts. Support - Our pledge to West London is to support causes that need funding and that are not as well recognised as larger charities. Teamwork - Helping those in need requires team effort and Orchards of London works as one collective within our communities and together we can help make changes! As of January 2016, Orchards of London launched its TRUST initiative, our refreshing approach to CSR which successfully engaged members of the West London community to take an interest in local charities and allow them to vote to donate. Donations were made as a proportion of the votes received and commanding a strong lead was W12 based charity ‘The Upper Room’ who work with

WE PLEDGE TO HELP TRANSFORM OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

socially and economically disadvantaged Londoners. Liam Doherty, Orchards of London Managing Director commented that “With over 200 votes we are thrilled with the response to the TRUST and have donated £662 to ‘The Upper Room’. We will also be offering donations to the two other charities who participated in this initiative, namely ‘Starlight’ (£238) and ‘The Mayhew Animal Home’ (£100). To us this is The Orchards of London Difference, our communities matter to us!” We are thrilled to offer support to such worthy causes and we look forward to the coming months where we will be participating in many exciting events like St Stephen’s movie night and St Vincent’s summer fete.

Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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IBN-SINNA PROPERTIES

A chance for you to purchase a townhouse with character, charm and style. Mill Hill Court is one of Acton’s prime new addresses, surrounded by green open spaces and plentiful local amenities. Beautifully designed and catering to all needs of the modern homeowner, these townhouses offer the perfect refuge.

FOUR CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOUSES EACH WITH A UNIQUE IDENTITY

Mill Hill Court

Images are for illustration purposes only P.48.indd 1

For sales enquiries please call 020 8997 0076 www.twyfordcollection.com 13/07/2016 15:37


P R I VA T E R E N T A L S E C T O R

SAFE AS HOUSES THE INCREASING REGULATION OF THE private rental SECTOR

by Mark

T

Carroll

Office Director

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

he private rental sector (PRS) has often been criticised as being under-regulated. It has even been likened to cowboys and the Wild West. Things are improving but we still hear stories of rogue landlords and terrible tenants. As professional letting and management agents we applaud all sensible efforts to improve the operation of the lettings market. Along with the myriad of increased legislation governing the sector, our team work tirelessly to ensure that the landlords and tenants we work with enjoy safe, secure and compliant tenancies.

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by landlords to tenants – stricter rules as to the circumstances and timing of when these can be served.

The following legislation now applies: – this is hot off the press and involves all landlords (or their agents) ensuring that their tenants have the appropriate clearance to reside in the UK. Fines of up to £3,000 can apply to those not complying. l  The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide   Alarm (England) Regulations – these rules make it mandatory for smoke alarms to be fitted on all floors of a rented building and for carbon monoxide detectors to be fitted where appropriate. l  Mandatory membership of lettings   agents to a redress scheme – all letting agents must be a member of a redress (Ombudsman scheme). This provides consumers with the peace of mind in an independent dispute adjudication process. l    Changes to Section 21 notice of eviction

ith the rental market ever increasing and prices inflating, the standard of property available has improved. High profile occupants are plentiful and competition for pristine homes is soaring so landlords must fix problems quickly and keep their properties up-to-date with health and safety laws. With rental standards, laws and regulations increasing there is a higher demand for property management. Tenants are also actively seeking properties that are managed by agents because they desire a harmonious year ahead. Property management has evolved to a bespoke blend of customer service and finance management. The person looking after your investment needs to be the attentive, understanding voice at the end of your tenant’s phone. When dealing with a problem they must assess the issue and make a sensible plan of action. An experienced property manager will have a number of reliable contractors on speed dial. People who will tend to a job fast and for a good price. They will get multiple quotes, challenge them and find ways to cut costs for you while keeping your tenant well-informed. A major aspect of maximising returns from a rental investment is to sustain a long term tenancy. With a can-do, proactive approach this is more likely. We build up trust with face to face meetings. We are not just a voice at the end of the phone. We know that when our tenants feel looked after by us they return the favour by treating your investment properties well. They work with us to keep your property in good shape.

l  Immigration Right to Rent checks

MORE AND MORE LANDLORDS ARE TURNING TO US TO LET AND MANAGE THEIR PROPERTIES

In addition to all this, there is longer standing regulatory requirements under Consumer Protection Regulations, Money Laundering Regulations or Tenant Deposit Schemes. It is little wonder that more and more landlords are turning to us to let and manage their properties, safe in the knowledge that their property and tenancy will be as is required and that any isues that arise will be dealt with swiftly and fairly. In doing so, they are not only ensuring the best return on their investments but are also fully compliant with the law. If you have any questions concerning any aspect of letting, renting or managing property, please speak to your local office. They will be pleased to help you. 020 3141 7900

Couture Magazine / Issue 4

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SOCIAL COMMITTEE

SOCIAL COMMITTEE WHAT ORCHARDS OF LONDON GETS UP TO after hours

by Luc

T

Hill

Go-karting in Acton

Marketing Executive

his year Orchards of London introduced the Social Committee, or SOCO, in an aim to bring together the four offices and give staff a chance to partake in something outside of their typical London experience. Past events have ranged from ice skating and wine tasting to bowling and go-karting. Working in such a fast-paced environment, socialising outside of your immediate team is not always possible – so these events allow the forces of Chiswick, Ealing, Shepherd’s Bush and Acton to unite. Isaac James, Client Services delegate for the committee says that the events are “a great opportunity to integrate new members of staff into the team,” and with a team of over 50 staff, the dynamic Orchards of London team is still growing. These events serve not only as an icebreaker but also encourage the offices to work more effectively and efficiently together.

SOCO skating at Somerset House

Laurie Thomasson

THESE EVENTS ALLOW THE FORCES OF CHISWICK, SHEPHERD’S BUSH AND ACTON TO UNITE

Robina Sorohan at the Orchards bowling trip

Isaac James, SOCO rep

If you are considering a career as a property professional and wish to join a dynamic and growing team then please e-mail your CV – recruitment@orchardsoflondon.com

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Max Von Mensenkampff, Luke Spencer, Joseph Murphy, Pebble McGuire and Luke Hammond at end of month drinks

orchardsoflondon.com

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The The undefeated undefeated mortgage mortgage consultants consultants of London of London “The service was “The service wasthe effortless to say effortlessteam to saywas the least,the least,the team was responsive, fast, thorough responsive, fast,done.” thorough and got the job and got the job done.” C. McPhillips

C. McPhillips

We offer a range of financial services: WeBridging offer a range Loansof financial services: Remortgages Bridging Loans Commercial RemortgagesFinance First Commercial Finance Time Buyers Mortgages First Time Buyers Mortgages Buy to let Mortgages Insurance Buy to let Mortgages Insurance

Contact us on 020 8997 3915 Contact us on 020 8997 3915 or visit www.paulalexander.org.uk or email visit www.paulalexander.org.uk enquiries@paulalexander.org.uk Paul Alexander enquiries@paulalexander.org.uk Mortgage Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or email

Paul Alexander Mortgage Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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93 BOLLO LANE, CHISWICK, W4 5LU LONDON TEL: 020 8995 6995

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