LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
MARCH 2020
GROW YOUR OWN!
HARVEST YOUR OWN CROPS - IN YOUR GARDEN IMPROVE YOUR INTERIOR ADD STYLE AND COLOUR TO YOUR HOME
MOVING FOR A NEW JOB? FOLLOW OUR ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE
TIME TO SPA! TREAT YOUR BODY AND MIND
BE FASHION READY FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY
CONTENTS COVER STORY
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Grow your own Time to dig up the lawn and grow your own vegetables
PROPERTY
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Improve your home’s interior Add new life to your home by adding style and colour
6
Moving for a new job? Top tips when moving for a job
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Your role as a landlord Understand just what your tenant expects from you as its landlord Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market About us Get to know us a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
FOOD
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Spring is in the air Featuring a luscious lamb dish for the family to enjoy
LIFESTYLE
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Bond is back! Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007 arrives in April Be fashion ready Don’t be caught out and about without your fashion essentials!
TRAVEL
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Time to spa There’s nothing like a day of pampering to put you in the right frame of mind to face the world. But where to go?
SPORT
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The US Masters A preview of the 84th US Masters which tees off this April
WELCOME TO THE MARCH ISSUE!
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he days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter; a good sign that we are moving towards thoughts of warmer weather and longer, balmy nights. OK, we may be getting a little carried away but the warmer weather will be very much welcomed by all. When it comes to property, years ago it was highly unusual for homeowners not to have a vegetable patch. Post-war austerity and a limited amount of produce in the shops meant it was the only way to get fresh veg and vitamins into the daily diet. The arrival of the supermarket changed that but now the wheel
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PROPERTY NEWS
has turned full circle and ‘homegrown’ is fast becoming the norm again. But how do you grow your own? Find out inside. But if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life or just want to treat someone special, then take a peek at our spa feature. The health benefits of visiting a spa cannot be overstated, particularly for mental well-being, so we look at what you can expect on a spa visit. As ever, there is plenty of support and advice on property inside this issue which is sure to keep you reading. So, enjoy and we’ll see you next time. Linda McKeown Editor
The words DIY – or doing it yourself – can often instill fear into any homeowner, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A lick of paint and new finishing touches can make a property go from oh to wow.
EMPHASISE THE FOCAL POINT IN THE ROOM Find the room’s focal point and look to emphasise this feature. This could be a fireplace, feature wall or a bay window. Don’t have a feature? Then create one! Doing this is much easier than you may think; paint a wall a different colour and accessorise with artwork or shelving.
ADD A LICK OF COLOUR
Perhaps the easiest – and most affordable – way to bring a room to life is to add a coat of paint. However, don’t rush it! Focus instead on working on small and manageable sections to avoid the feeling of biting off more than you can chew. It’s important to feel that you are making progress, rather than being left with the feeling that your decorating is never ending. To kick-start the painting in any room, remember to focus on all edges first, including windows, door frames, light switches and other nooks and crannies, before applying the main section of paint. Also, don’t forget to put down old sheets or blankets to help protect surfaces from paint splashes; it’ll save you time and potential heartache as you won’t have to spend time cleaning the carpet if you have any mishaps.
Before you start any work, it’s vital that you set a budget and prepare a list of things you need to complete the job
ADD NEW LIFE TO YOUR HOME
Update your interior by adding style and colour; it’s one of the easiest ways to freshen up the look and feel of your home
ensure that you measure all the spaces you have, so that you can be confident that there won’t be any sizing issues once you get your new goods through the door!
SHOULD YOU DIY OR GET A PROFESSIONAL IN?
Whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of a professional depends on several different factors; your budget, experience and available time!
Top tip: Buy testers in the paint that you like and paint small samples on the walls to see which fits best with the plans that you have for the room
HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS Using the best – and the right – tools, such as brushes, paint and rollers are key to getting the finish just right. Now that doesn’t mean expensive is always best; we recommend for going midrange – so not the cheapest and not the most expensive.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES Once you have finished all your painting and decorating of walls, ceiling and woodwork, then it’s time to focus on the final touches. Adding vases, scatter cushions and throws to a living room will encourage more warmth. However, remember not to go the other way and add so much that the area looks cluttered. Keep your eyes peeled for inspiration from things you see day to day – whether that be in magazines, on TV or in homes you’ve been viewing online!
Perhaps the easiest – and most affordable – way to bring a room to life is to add a coat of paint
YOUR BUDGET
Before you start any work, it’s vital that you set a budget and prepare a list of things you need to complete the job. It’s easy to become over excited and spend money on things that you don’t need. Shop around for the best deals and
The positive factors of hiring a professional interior designer and/or decorator is that it can save you time (and stress), as they will be qualified in knowing the latest trends and what designs will work well for certain spaces. Search for decorators in your area and keep an eye out for those with positive reviews; word of mouth can be a godsend so ask for recommendations via your social media channels.
Even changing simple things like door handles on your interior doors can really change the feel of a property. It can be quite pricey to refurnish a home, so to help keep costs down look to update any of your old furniture with a re-varnish or a coat of paint too.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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REAP WHAT YOU SOW 4
PROPERTY NEWS
With plant-based diets on the increase, now might be the time to dig up the lawn and grow your own vegetables
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ears ago, it was highly unusual for homeowners not to have a vegetable patch. Whether it was just a strip running alongside the lawn or turning the whole garden into a backyard allotment, post-war austerity and a limited amount of produce in the shops meant it was the only way to get fresh veg and vitamins into the daily diet. However, the arrival of the supermarket changed that, and now we can buy what was once termed ‘seasonal’ produce year-round, thanks to advanced farming methods, high-speed global transportation and rapid refrigeration. But now the wheel has turned full circle and ‘home-grown’ is fast becoming the norm again, either out of necessity or because, in this health-conscious world, there is a hunger to know the food on our plates is free from any artificial interference.
CAN YOU DIG IT?
Well, if you’re staring at a blank canvas, congratulations, you’ve avoided the back-straining bit. If, however, you want to convert part, or all, of your garden then the best time to start the groundwork is autumn, allowing nature to take its course over the colder months. But if you want to start off with light produce, spring is as good a time as any to start. And start small. Don’t dig it all up and discover you’ve taken on more than you can chew. If you are lifting lawn, cut it into squares, stack it and it will decompose, producing loamy soil and this can be added to the top. Alternatively, you can bury the turf a spade’s depth down and it will feed the soil.
If you are looking to plant in a vacant patch of ground, consider covering the area with a black weed-suppressing membrane and, even after weeds have died, do not turn the soil over for at least a couple of weeks and then let the winter weather break down the clods. By spring, the soil will hopefully be fine and powdery – unless it is clay-based, meaning it will be colder and wetter. Therefore, planting needs greater patience although, on the flip side, clay soil can hold on to nutrients better.
Lighting is crucial. Don’t plant in full shade – some veg can cope with dappled shade, but most like the sun. Also pick a spot sheltered from the wind if you can.
WHEN AND WHAT TO PLANT
The key to vegetable growing is timing. Wait for spring, making sure the grass is growing and birds are nesting before you start to get busy. It may be best to start with plants that go in and out of the ground within weeks – carrots or salads are best. Many experts feel it’s best to start with potatoes, which condition the soil as they break it down. And the early months of the new year are the best time to buy the first and second early varieties so they can be placed somewhere cool and light to ‘chit’ (produce small shoots). Then they can be planted mid-April for lifting before potato blight becomes an issue in late July and August. A good variety to start with is Foremost, an old favourite introduced more than 50 years ago. The round, white-fleshed tubers are firm and waxy when young and retain their fine taste. Carrots can also be sown in April, and if you put the seeds in four-inch drills, this will negate the need to thin the seedlings. Amsterdam Forcing are recommended as they are smooth, colourful and bulk up early.
START PLANNING Converting an area populated with mature shrubs is best done over late summer to let the soil start the recovery process in the autumn, and its round about October that weeds should be tackled – but not with quick-fix weed killer!
Home-grown is fast becoming the norm again
It’s best to divide your vegetable patch into areas, reason being they become easier to manage and you won’t trample through the patch when you harvest. Raised beds are popular – particularly with chalk or heavy clay soils – but try to keep the sides low so you don’t put off any slug-munching beetles and amphibians. Building raised beds also preserves soil structure and, if you have room for more than one bed, it will make crop rotation easier and deter diseases and soil-borne pests.
Start small. Don’t dig it all up and discover you’ve taken on more than you can chew
AND REMEMBER…
You’ll only get out what you put in. So, give your veg the best start by making sure the soil is right. A pH test kit will help you get the right balance – neutral soil is best so add lime to acid soil or sulphur to alkaline.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN
MOVING FOR A NEW JOB
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PROPERTY NEWS
Whether it be a career change or a promotion, one day you may be required to up-sticks and leave your comfortable surroundings…
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ith high-speed internet the world has gotten smaller; however, it may still lead to big changes when it comes to your career. One of these may be a move to a new city or town. This could mean uprooting your family or, if you are single, making new friends. It will also mean you need to find somewhere permanent to call home, with little knowledge of the local area. This is what makes high street estate agents such as us so great compared to online only agents. You can speak to real people, with real knowledge of the local area, including the best schools, shops and transport links. With this in mind, here are some tips when moving for a job…
WHEN TO MOVE?
Who knows the local area better than the people who already live there? Why not check out social media for any groups to make friends with like-minded people, or sports clubs etc, for the children. These can always be great ways to get to know more information about the local area as well as making some new friends.
FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY
After you have spent some time in the local area and you know it is a good match, then it’s time to get out looking at properties. Hopefully, loaded with useful information from your local estate agent and your new friends, you will have an idea of If you are moving to whereabouts you our area and would want to buy! like any advice or just
a friendly chat, please simply ask one of our helpful and friendly sales team
Once you have found the perfect property in your new city or town, you will need to decide when to move. There may be a few factors involved in your decision such as start date for your new job, the commute from where you currently live, and the time it takes for the sale/purchase to go through.
BELONGINGS You will need to decide what to do with your belongings. Will you bring a full house load with you straight away, or will you put them into storage? You will also need to check the costs involved in a hire van compared to the costs of putting belongings into storage. Would it be more effective to sell your furniture and start afresh in your new home?
CHECK OUT THE COMMUTE
Before looking for the perfect property, spend some time getting to know the local area
LOCAL GROUPS
Before looking for the perfect property, spend some time getting to know the local area. Find the best routes to work and schools by using Google Maps or tapping into the local knowledge of your new colleagues. The last thing you need is to move somewhere where the commute doesn’t end up being much shorter than if you hadn’t moved – which is more than possible in some big cities.
PRICE OF PROPERTY
Remember prices fluctuate massively throughout the UK, so before getting your heart set on a property, it will be worthwhile investigating the market to see what you can afford in your new area. You can find sold house prices easily enough on Rightmove and this will give you a good idea of what you can afford.
ENJOY THE PROCESS It will always be daunting moving to a new town or city. However, if you are organised and know what you are looking for, there are ways to make it relatively stress-free. Getting to know your surroundings is only the first step; finding a new local pub full of likeminded people or a favourite restaurant early in the process will give you a nice base to move forward.
If you are moving to our area and would like any advice or just a friendly chat, please simply ask one of our helpful and friendly sales team who are more than happy to help.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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NO TIME TO DIE: DANIEL CRAIG’S FINAL MISSION AS 007 Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007 arrives in April, fourteen years after rebooting the series In 2006 there was outrage when a blonde-haired, blueeyed Daniel Craig stepped onto our screens as the iconic 00 agent James Bond. With No Time to Die confirmed as his fifth and final film, it’s time to look back at the best – and worse bits – of Craig’s time as 007.
BEST: CASINO ROYALE With his debut, Casino Royale, Craig made the role his own expelling the memory of the cheese-laden disaster, Die Another Day, starring Pierce Brosnan. A grittier, darker version of Bond with a stellar supporting cast including Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green and Judi Dench, Casino Royale was everything a new audience was hoping for and left us wanting more.
WORST: QUANTUM OF SOLACE What could have been a fantastic sequel to Casino Royale fell flat with a forgettable villain, (no, really, try and remember the villain without having to Google it) and a generally uninspiring storyline. Luckily Craig made Bond his own, because other than that, this movie with the confusing title fell flat.
BEST: SKYFALL Luckily Quantum of Solace proved to be a one-off with Bond back to his best in 2012’s
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PROPERTY NEWS
Skyfall. Sam Mendes took over directing duties and an all-star supporting cast including Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney backed up the wonderful chemistry between Craig’s Bond and Dench’s M. Audiences loved it and it was the first Bond film to hit $1 billion dollars worldwide.
WORST BOND GIRLS If anyone thought it couldn’t get much worse than Denise Richards as the ridiculously named Dr. Christmas Jones in Brosnan’s final Bond film, then they were wrong. It wasn’t that Olga Kurylenko wasn’t pretty in Quantum of Solace, it was that – much like the villain – she was utterly forgettable, and Lea Seydoux in Spectre has so little personality and chemistry with Craig, that she simple looks bored on screen.
BEST VILLAINS Mads Mikkelsen, Javier Bardem and Christopher Waltz; three A-list actors with some serious bad guy chops. Mikkelsen was terrifying as Hannibal Lecter on the small screen, Bardem was scary in No Country for Old Men and Waltz’s horrid Colonel Landa in Inglourious Basterds is one of the greatest bad guys ever put onto the silver screen. They were perfect villains for the more grown up Bond movies.
WHO WILL BE THE NEW BOND? Craig’s Bond may have had his ups and downs, but generally he should be pleased with how he has helped to reboot an ailing franchise. Now with a new reboot looming, let’s check out the favourites to take his place… • • • • •
Michael Fassbender Richard Madden Tom Hardy Idris Elba Tom Hiddleston
No Time to Die is released on 3rd April 2020.
DID YOU KNOW? American popstar Billie Eilish has recorded the title song for No Time To Die – making her, at just 18 years old, the youngest artist in history to write and record a Bond theme!
LUSCIOUS ROASTED LAMB
If time is in short supply, make the most of seasonal lamb with this ever-so-easy, lazy roast
GREEK ROAST LAMB Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes Serves: 8 Nutrition: 685kcal per serving
INGREDIENTS 1 large leg of lamb, 3kg/6lb 8oz 6 garlic cloves 1 bunch oregano zest and juice 1 lemon 6 tbsp olive oil 1½ kg new potatoes 400g can chopped tomato large handful pitted baby kalamata olives
METHOD 1. Heat your oven to 240C/fan 220C/gas 9. Pound the garlic, half the oregano, lemon zest and a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, then add the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Stab the lamb all over with a sharp knife, then push as much of the herb paste as you can into the holes. 2. Tip the potatoes into a large roasting tin, then toss in the remaining olive oil and any remaining herb paste. Nestle the lamb amongst the potatoes, roast for 20 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Roast for 1 hr 15 mins for medium-rare, adding another 15 mins if you prefer your lamb medium. Ensure to baste the lamb once or twice with the juices during cooking and toss the potatoes. 3. When the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove from the tin and leave to rest. Throw the rest of the oregano in with the potatoes, scoop from the tin and keep warm. 4. Place the roasting tin over a medium flame, add the canned tomatoes and olives to the pan juices, then simmer for a few mins. Serve the lamb with the potatoes and sauce plus a simple salad.
This recipe, and more, can be found at www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/greek-roast-lamb Image for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Don’t be caught out and about without your fashion essentials!
TAKE COVER…
IT’S WHERE THE MONEY’S AT!
WINDOWPANE CLASSIC UMBRELLA
SOPHIE ALLPORT BEES OILCLOTH PURSE
Made from 100% recycled PET fabric, this large-check patterned umbrella features a bright yellow interior which gives the classic umbrella a modern touch. It’s pricier than others but with combined maple wood shaft and handle, we think it’s worth it. £75 https://londonundercover.co.uk t
BE FASHION READY COLOUR CHANGING UMBRELLA Make walking in the rain fun with this colourchanging umbrella. Features an automatic push button; perfect for little hands! £12 www.kidly.co.uk
Love all things bee with this zipped wallet made from pale green bees matt oilcloth. Featuring a zipped coin section, it’s both waterproof and wipe clean. £25 www.thesquarepegonline.co.uk t
BATMAN EMBOSSED MEN’S WALLET Perfect for any Batman or Marvel fan, this officially licensed bi-fold wallet features a comic strip on its lining and is finished with a decorative metal logo for added authenticity. £18 www.freemans.com t
TOTES SUPERMINI UMBRELLA
CHILDREN’S INITIAL PURSE
The simple design of the Totes Supermini means that you can pop it in your bag with ease, so that you’re armed and ready to shield yourself against the rain, wherever you go. £10 www.johnlewis.com
The velvet and glitter combo of this purse is sure to make your little one feel all grown up – and the addition of their initial will make it even more personal. £12 www.johnlewis.com
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IT’S IN THE BAG… ACCESSORIZE RETRO RAINBOW CROSS BODY BAG
Kit out the man in your life with this smart and stylish flapover bag from Next. 100% Polyurethane. £28 www.next.co.uk
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This bright, cross-body bag is the ideal size to stash the essentials in! Added pizazz comes in the form of faux leather stripes in vibrant colours – and with a touch of glitter! £12 https://uk.accessorize.com
RIVER ISLAND BROWN FLAPOVER BAG
Editor note: you can enjoy 10% off your first purchase when you join their mailing list
KATE SPADE SYLVIA STRIPE SLIM CONTINENTAL WALLET
This stylish classic wallet from Kate Spade has plenty of pockets and compartments to hold your cards and cash. £59 www.katespade.co.uk
WATERMELON MULTICOLOURED BOX CLUTCH HANDBAG Add a splash of colour and fun to your day with this cute novelty watermelon clutch. In a bright red and green finish, it features a detachable gold chain strap, magnetic fastening as well as being fully lined. £19.99 www.bluebanana.com t
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BETTER
BY SPA Luxury or a modern-day necessity? Spa breaks are becoming the norm to treat mind, body… and your mum!
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f your vision of a spa session acceptable – and we can carry that involves a face pack and a slice of feeling of being taken cared for with cucumber over each eye, then we’re us for a period of time. And very often raising a carefully-trimmed eyebrow that can help us cope better in despair. with stress.” Similarly, if it involves waddling Obviously, breaks can No 1 on most spa around in a fluffy come with a bit of a price visitor’s wish-list is a white towelling tag when set against day massage and most robe clutching a sessions, but they are experts agree glass of prosecco, totally different beasts. massages reduce then you’ve been A one-day experience will stress and alleviates watching too normally offer only a muscle tension many reality single treatment whereas docu-soaps on TV. breaks provide the chance to step off life’s Although these are the images that treadmill with a number of carefullyhelp scientists pour scorn on exoticselected elements, giving breathing sounding treatments they offer, there space to totally unwind, relieve aches is one inescapable fact: there’s and pain, improve general physical nothing like a day of pampering to condition through diet and exercise… put you in the right frame of mind to and probably help you get a decent face the world. night’s sleep. The health benefits of visiting a spa cannot be overstated, particularly for mental well-being. Shackled by responsibilities and day-to-day pressures, the first thing that’s sacrificed is ‘me time’, partly because you think it’s self-indulgent but largely because of the cost. But is good physical and mental health really a luxury? Can you put a price on feeling good? As Virginia Sadock, a professor of psychiatry at New York University says: “Going to a spa is a way of being taken care of that is psychologically and culturally
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PROPERTY NEWS
BEDFORD LODGE HOTEL & SPA, NEWMARKET Bedford Lodge offers a Mum & Me Spa Day as well as a Mum & Me weekend break where you can let your cares wash away in the sumptuous hydrotherapy facilities with five different water experiences. Includes manicure or pedicure and afternoon tea. bedfordlodgehotelspa.co. uk/special-offers
The health benefits of visiting a spa cannot be overstated, particularly for mental well-being
All of this means that No 1 on most spa visitor’s wish-list is a massage and most experts agree massages reduce stress and alleviates muscle tension, and the benefits are more than skin deep. As Prof Sadock says: “Physical contact is necessary to our well-being, and even if the touching is from a professional there to pamper you, that touch will have a beneficial effect.” Although it is widely believed sitting in a sauna is a great way to cleanse the impurities in the body, what actually pours from the pores is just sweat, not toxins such as alcohol or mercury which are filtered by your liver and kidneys. But they are good for you, increasing circulation as a result of the elevated heart rate and widened blood vessels
that accompany exposure to intense heat. Which brings us to the other staple of the health spa: the face mask. Many charge a premium to slather exotic ingredients on your face. However, dermatologists say the most important thing to remember about a mask is that as long as it actually contains ingredients that would nourish the skin if they were in a moisturiser or balm, they’ll probably have some benefit. So if all that gives you an idea how to treat mum and ensure the person who has given you a lifetime of TLC is pampered herself – or if you feel the need for two or three days of R and R – here are a few suggestions.
BLUE HARBOUR HEALTH CLUB AND SPA, LONDON Their special Ladies’ Day package includes a choice of one 30 minute treatment from a full range of massages or a facial, a Travel Through Time afternoon tea, and full use of the spa facilities. spabreaks.com/venues/blueharbour-health-club-and-spa-at-the-chelseaharbour-hotel
RINGWOOD HALL HOTEL & SPA, CHESTERFIELD Soothe body and mind at The Garden Secret Spa, Derbyshire’s first 5 bubble rated spa. Set in a former 19th Century manor house, you’ll have full access of the facilities in packages ranging from the Vintage Hideway to the Ultimate Odyssey. ringwoodhallhotel.com/gardensecret-spa/
THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA, BATH One of the most popular spas in the country and the only UK hotel with access to naturally heated thermal waters. Just yards from the worldfamous Roman baths, the Gainsborough has a range of spa days with 20 per cent discount for online bookings thegainsboroughbathspa.co. uk/pages/spa-day
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TEE-TIME
THE US MASTERS 2020 PREVIEW
The 84th US Masters tees off this April with golf superstar Tiger Woods aiming for a record-equalling sixth win
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he US Masters is the first of the four major golf tournaments in pro-golf. First played 86 years ago in 1934, unlike other tournaments The Masters is always played at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia. The tournament is by invitation only and the winner is automatically invited to the other three majors.
Traditions unique to the US masters include the opening tee shot and the Champions Dinner
The Augusta Golf Course was previously a plant nursery and each hole is named after a certain tree or shrub including Tea Olive, Pink Dogwood, Yellow Jasmine, Redbud, Azalea and Chinese Fir amongst others. The idea for the course came from Bobby Jones, a well-known amateur golfer, and was originally designed by Alister Mackenzie, who designed over 50 courses across four continents.
GOLF LINGO Albatross: A score of three less than par Birdie: A score of one less than par Eagle: A score of two under par Bogey: A score of one over par
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PROPERTY NEWS
Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters’ wins with six, followed by Tiger Woods with five and Arnold Palmer with four. The estimated prize fund is $11.5 million with nearly $2 million going to the winner, as well as the distinctive and iconic Green Jacket – which by tradition is presented to the current winner by the previous winner. The Masters consists of four rounds of 18 holes each, with the competitors playing in groups of three for the first two rounds. After 36 holes of play, a cut-off score is calculated to reduce the size of the field. To ‘make the cut’, a player must be in either the top 50 places or within 10 strokes of the leader’s score. Over the final two days, a further 36 holes are played; and should there be no winner after the fourth round, all tied players enter a sudden-death playoff beginning on the 18th hole, followed by the 10th and repeating until one player remains. The most recent sudden-death playoff was in 2017 between Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.
Traditions unique to the US masters include the opening tee shot and the Champions Dinner. A custom since 1963, the tournament is officially started when one or more legendary players tees off from the first hole, and the Champions Dinner is held each year before the tournament starts. The dinner is hosted by the current champion who picks his own menu for the company only of previous champions. Three players are joint favourites moving towards the start of the tournament; World No. 1 Rory Mcllroy, World No. 2 Brooks Koepka and the back-in-form Tiger Woods. If Woods wins, he will match Jack Nicklaus’s record of six US Masters.
YOUR ROLE
AS A LANDLORD If you’re looking at letting out a property, it’s important to understand just what your tenant expects from you as its landlord
THE UTILITIES
The gas, electricity and water companies should be advised whenever the property is empty so that meters can be read and accounts prepared. During ‘void’ periods, the utility services must be transferred back into your name, by you. Of course, the tenant is responsible for the gas, electricity and water/sewerage bills generated by their usage during the tenancy, and for changing the gas and electric accounts into their name when they move in. They’re also responsible for the standing charges. However, their liabilities in this respect clearly finish on the date they vacate the property.
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all electrics and electrical appliances supplied in the property are safe for use
TELEPHONE & COUNCIL TAX
Generally speaking, telephone companies will only deal with the account holder named on the account. You must tell the telephone company that you are leaving the property and advise them what you want to do with your existing number. The tenants are then responsible for arranging any line reconnections and meeting any costs associated with this. When it comes to council tax, this is not your responsibility while the entire property is let. However, if you still reside at the property while acting as a landlord, then you will remain responsible for the Council Tax charge.
PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all electrics and electrical appliances supplied in the property are safe for use. If any portable appliances are going to be left in the property, a portable appliance test should be carried out by a qualified electrician on an annual basis.
GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE
It’s your duty as landlord to ensure that all gas supplied appliances are maintained in a safe condition and are inspected at least every 12 months by a GAS SAFE engineer. A Gas Safety certificate should only be issued by a GAS SAFE engineer.
SMOKE ALARMS
The law requires landlords to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. This includes smoke alarms being fitted in all hallway, stairway, and circulation areas that form escape routes from the property. They should be located every 7.5 metres of hallway, and within at least three metres of all bedroom doors. Properties where HMO licenses apply, a higher specification of smoke alarm installation may be required which is generally mains powered. Landlords are directly responsible for determining whether their properties are eligible for HMO status, and failure to adhere to the regulations may result in a civil penalty and render your insurance invalid.
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Arkwright Road, South Croydon Guide Price £825,000
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This superb four bedroom detached home has been extended and refurbished by the current owner to an exceptional standard. In a highly desirable residential road with access to Sanderstead mainline train station and Ridgeway Primary School, Croham Hurst woods/ golf course. Internally offering over 2,600 sq ft this well proportioned home boasts a pleasing reception room, separate study, impressive kitchen breakfast room which is the heart of the house and a lovely level south east facing garden.
Carlton Avenue, South Croydon £695,000 ‘CHAIN FREE’ rarely available three bedroom detached property is in a desirable residential location within approx. 10 minutes walk of both Sanderstead & South Croydon station. Two reception rooms, kitchen breakfast room, cloakroom, level garden, scope to extend STPP, garage and off street parking.
Honister Heights, Purley £650,000 ‘CHAIN FREE’ four bedroom detached house, situated in a quiet residential ‘cul de sac’ and located close to Riddlesdown Collegiate and a range of local amenities, The property requires a degree of modernisation and is a perfect opportunity for the right buyer to create their perfect property.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Boxford Way, Warlingham £450,000
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A two bedroom semi detached chalet bungalow situated in a lovely residential road, a stone throw for Warlingham village and all its amenities. Internally offers refitted shower room to the first floor, a second bedroom to the ground floor, a pleasing reception room leading to a conservatory enjoying the east facing landscaped garden and a refitted kitchen breakfast room.
Hollycroft, South Croydon £299,950
Ravenshead Close, South Croydon £665,000
A well presented first floor modern two bedroom apartment, situated in a tree lined road and offers easy access to South Croydon mainline station. Neutral decor throughout, good size lounge, modern kitchen and bathroom suite and an allocated parking space.
A four double bedroom detached family home situated in a cul-de-sac location benefiting from two separate reception rooms, refitted kitchen/breakfast room, useful utility room, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite to master bedroom, landscaped rear garden with hot tub, log cabin and off street parking.
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
Rylandes Road, South Croydon £599,950
Chestnut Grove, South Croydon £525,000
A CHAIN FREE four/five bedroom semidetached family home is offered to the market with three separate reception rooms, large kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs cloakroom and small utility, en-suite to master bedroom, four piece family bathroom, level garden and off street parking.
A extended CHAIN FREE three bedroom semi-detached family home which benefits from a refitted kitchen, useful utility room, living room leading onto second reception room, tandem garage, gas central heating, large rear garden and off street parking.
Sundale Avenue, South Croydon
£350,000 A beautifully maintained two double bedroom home with a modern refitted kitchen/diner leading to a generously sized, level rear garden, a separate living room, a modern refitted shower room, two double bedrooms and a garage en bloc.
Abbey Road, South Croydon £325,000 A CHAIN FREE rarely available two bedroom top floor maisonette which benefits from a refitted kitchen, living room measuring 16’4 x 10’9, two double bedrooms, large private garden, double glazed windows throughout and gas central heating via radiators.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
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CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Sanderstead Road, South Croydon £1,250 pcm
Four bed detached family home, close to Greenvale & Forestdale Primary Schools. Internally offers a useful downstairs cloakroom, refitted kitchen, shower room, two separate reception rooms, private rear garden, detached garage.
Offered to the rental market is this 2 bedroom first floor flat with flexible furnishings for a long term let. The flat is accessed via a coded gate and offers re decorated modern lounge, kitchen/ diner with appliances, bedroom 1 with fitted shelves and chest of drawers, 2nd bedroom with built in wardrobe, white bathroom suite with electric shower over bath. DGW, GCH.
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Peacock Gardens, Selsdon Vale £1,700pcm
Ridge Langley, South Croydon £1,400 PCM This 3 bedroom terraced house has become available to the rental market for a long term let. The property comprises of a large lounge/diner with doors out to the garden, kitchen including appliances & downstairs WC. White bathroom suite.
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
Lynne Close, South Croydon £1,500 pcm 3 bedroom unfurnished bungalow offered for a long term let. Accommodation comprises, entrance porch, lounge with doors leading to garden. Double doors off of the lounge to 2nd small reception room. 2 double bedrooms to the ground floor, white bathroom suite with electric shower over bath. Fitted kitchen with appliances and door leading to utility area. Stairs to loft room. Garage with additional storage area to the rear and access into the garden.
III CELEBRATING
50
Paul Meakin
IS CELEBRATING HIS
50TH YEAR
YEARS SERVICE
III
IN ESTATE AGENCY This year marks Paul Meakin’s 50th successful year in estate agency “circa 5th March 1969 to present day” covering all districts of Croydon and is now perhaps the longest serving estate agent. Paul has experienced many ups and downs in the Croydon property market, and prides himself on honesty, trust and going the extra mile to provide customer service. In 1955, Paul, aged 4, moved to Croham Valley Road, Ballards Farm and attended two local schools, Gilbert Scott and Shirley High (leaving as Head boy). As a teenager Paul made his first life changing decision and chose estate agency over a career as a semi professional footballer with Crystal Palace. His first estate agent position was in Selsdon, where he quickly learnt the art of negotiating and sales skills. With a taste for success within the property industry his passion quickly became an obsession buying his first investment property aged 19. In 1973, with £5,000 financial backing and a very modest business plan, Paul opened Paul Meakin and Partners in Coulsdon, with hard work, determination and commitment, he overcame all challenges
Emma Meakin, daughter and Director
the first being the 3 day week, he witnessed first hand the difficulties caused from the high interest rates and even sold a house without a commission charge so his clients could complete their move. That one good will gesture was repaid over and over with recommendation and built the reputation of a local business with a heart.
Congratulations Paul for standing the test of time within the property market, you have served Croydon personally, you are widely respected by your competitors, past and present colleagues, customers and your family who are very proud to witness this achievement.
Outside of estate agency, Paul has raised a family including his daughter, Emma, who is a Director of the company and has always admired him for both his professional and personal qualities. As well as being a great family man, Paul has contributed a lot to charity, he has run the London, New York, Chicago and Paris Marathons for Get Kids Going and young children with Epilepsy, raising thousands over the years for charities close to his heart. His involvement in charity is testament to his compassion and his desire to help others.
I feel very privileged to have worked alongside my father since 1996. Over his 50 years we have estimated he has helped over 25,000 people move which is an outstanding achievement and he has witnessed so many changes. Paul is a remarkable man who, still in his 69th Year, wakes up wanting to come to work and long may this continue as he is an inspirational leader to the business and staff both past and present.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
ME E T TH E TEA M at Paul Meakin
Emma Meakin MNAEA
Paul Meakin FNAEA
Director
Company Founder/Director
My parents opened Paul Meakin in 1973 and throughout my childhood I witnessed their passion for estate agency and their dedication to the Croydon area. My first working day within the Company was in 1996 and after working in every corner of the business I became a Director in 2005. I pride myself on delivering a professional and honest service, available 24/7 for my buyers, sellers and landlords as well as building relationships they can trust and a service they will return to. Out of the office I spend as much time as I can with my husband and two very cheeky children.
Croydon has been my home since 1955 (aged 4) and I was educated at two local schools, Gilbert Scott and Shirley High. I have been an Estate Agent within the area for 50 years; a milestone I’m still coming to terms with. I have worked with many young and enthusiastic Estate Agents, just as I was aged 18. Starting work in Selsdon I’m often asked what makes a good Estate Agent? For me it’s simple, be prepared to go the extra mile and be willing to show your clients you care. I hope we are able to help you with your property needs and I remain available at our Sanderstead office to receive your feedback. In my spare time I have become a keen gardener and TV sports enthusiast – my triathlete wife would call that a couch potato.
Allison Banks
Sam Weller
Lettings Manager
Branch Manager
I have been working for Paul Meakin for 21 years and I started as a Sunday lady and progressed to Lettings Manager, acquiring experience and knowledge with all aspects of sales and lettings.The testament for my long service is working for a family run business and their understanding and care of their staff and clientele. I still get a buzz out of helping landlords find good quality tenants.To relax I enjoy keeping fit at the gym and socialising with family and friends.
Starting as a Trainee Negotiator, I have worked for Paul Meakin for 12 years, and I’m now managing the Selsdon office. I love working for the Company as you are so much more than just a member of staff, you are a valid part of the family run business. I’ve lived locally my whole life and there is nothing more satisfying than helping someone find their dream home. In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and family.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Sandra Mitchel
Amy Reynolds
Gill Arkwright
Property Valuer
Assistant Branch Manager
Sales Progressor
In 2003 I joined Paul Meakin wanting to get away from ‘corporate agency’ and to be able to offer my clients a personal touch and help them achieve their goals. I thrive on recommendations and still get excited being called back into a property I have previously sold. I spend the majority of my free time either going to the gym or looking after my grandchild, both of which keep me fit!
I chose to join the team in 2016, after having already acquired 5 years’ experience in the industry. I chose to join the firm because they are a successful family run business and I saw the opportunity to progress in my career. This has proved to be the best step I could have made. I enjoy meeting new clients, assisting them with their moving plans from the moment they instruct me right through to their moving day. In my spare time I train my dogs in agility and spend a lot of time with friends and family.
I’ve worked for Paul Meakin as part of the team for 9 years. My career began as a part time member of staff when my children were small, gaining knowledge in all aspects of estate agency along the way. Although I enjoy the variety of day to day tasks, my passion is for sales progression where satisfaction comes with effective problem solving for clients. My spare time is taken up with yoga, Pilates and country walks as well as spending time with family and friends.
Charlotte King
Natalie Chapman
Charlotte Sutton
Assistant Lettings Manager
Senior Sales Negotiator
In 2011 I joined Paul Meakin as a Lettings Negotiator and worked my way up to Assistant Lettings Manager. I can honestly say the joy of bringing qualified tenants and landlords together has not faded. I have always lived in the local area and feel proud to assist landlords in sourcing their tenants within the areas we cover. I enjoy spending my free time with my partner and meeting up with friends.
I have a strong background in estate agency having worked in the corporate sector for 18 years. After having my son, I joined Paul Meakin in 2011 because they are a well-known family run business who have a reputation for providing top quality customer care to their clients. I enjoy providing support in all aspects of the business. My spare time is taken up with my family, in particular watching my son play football and cricket.
Assistant Branch Manager (Sanderstead) Fresh out of college in 2006, I somewhat fell into estate agency but it is safe to say I have never looked back! I started as a trainee negotiator and have had worked my way up. I love the thrill of finding a client their perfect home and being a key cog in their journey to get there! I am a mother to two wonderful children who take up of most of my time out of work. Should I get a spare minute I have a passion for watching all levels of sport and love the chance to socialise with friends
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
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Sanderstead 020 8657 5000 | Selsdon 020 8651 1234 E. sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk W. selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk