LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
FEBRUARY 2020
FLIGHTS OF FANCY BOOK A ROMANTIC BREAK AWAY GARDEN OF EDEN GET PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR GARDEN
WINDOWS AND DOORS WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN REPLACING THEM
GOING VEGAN WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE HEALTH BENEFITS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THE ‘LAST 16’ GAMES KICK OFF THIS MONTH
CONTENTS COVER STORY
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Flights of fancy Make a good impression on Valentine’s Day; book a romantic break away
FOOD
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PROPERTY
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6 15 16
Fall in love with a new home Top tips on how to search for your perfect property
Vegan delights Here we feature a tempting recipe that’s sure to whet your appetite
LIFESTYLE
Make your own garden of Eden Show your garden some love and get passionate about your patch again Upgrading windows and doors What you need to consider when replacing your windows and doors
About us Get to know us a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
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Should you furnish your lettings property? As a landlord, should you furnish your property or let your tenant do it? Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
Benefits of a vegan diet We take a look at the health benefits of a vegan diet Cleaning hacks you can’t live without Our favourite cleaning hacks to make cleaning your home easy and cost effective
SPORT
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The Champions League The Champions League returns with the ‘Last 16’ games kicking off this month and running through to the 18th March
WELCOME TO THE FEBRUARY ISSUE!
W
e’re not quite sure how January has flown by so quickly already; just where has the time gone?
Eden, and where to start when replacing doors and windows.
If you’ve been thinking about moving but not started the process yet, then now is as good
romantic getaways this year; you will (and your loved one) be spoilt for choice on where to head to.
a time as any. Not sure where to start? Then come and have a chat with us. As your local independent estate agent, we have all the tools you need to get you moving – including a FREE personalised website for your property so that you can share it on social media. And this issue of our magazine will also give you plenty of support and advice on property; from falling in love with a new home, creating your own garden of
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PROPERTY NEWS
Plus, if romance is in the air, then take a look at our top tips for
They say that the way to someone’s heart is through food – and what can be more on trend then a vegan recipe to dish up and impress with? We reveal the health benefits of taking on a vegan diet. Plus, we also feature a delicious recipe to introduce you to the variety that a meat and dairy free diet can provide. Until next time. Linda McKeown Editor
Searching for your perfect property is much like trying to find your perfect partner
You need to go on dates and get to know each other before taking that step to be together. However, for houses, dates become viewings and the true test of getting to know each other comes after the purchase is already complete. Which is why it is good to be picky when it comes to choosing your perfect property. Sometimes your perfect property isn’t ‘the one’ in the long run, because of location, lack of space or even character. Therefore, when it comes to searching for property love, it pays to be specific when it comes to your joint wants and needs; and to compromise (if only love was so easy!) The main things to consider when finding your perfect property are the number of bedrooms, size of the garden, location, off-road parking, ability to extend, the number of reception rooms and closest schools. Sit down with your partner and get these things confirmed before you view.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Maybe you and your partner will fall in love with a property at first sight but take it slow and don’t get too carried away. Just like life,
TOP TIPS TO FIND A PROPERTY YOU’LL LOVE Sit down and make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves Get specific with your requirements Confirm your budget Go on multiple viewings of each property Make compromises with your partner Don’t overstretch your finances
HOW TO FIND
PR PERTY L VE
THAT LASTS
if you build something up too much you just may set yourself up for disappointment. Try to go into any property viewing with an open mind. Your favourite property may disappoint, while the one you didn’t want to view could be perfect.
conveyancing fees and survey fees. To get things moving swiftly, you will need these ready for as soon as your offer is accepted. You don’t want to find your perfect place only to find yourself short and lose it. Be upfront about your finances from the start of the process.
And your perfect home will probably be the most expensive thing you ever buy. That is why it’s important to make sure it’s the right one. Try to go on multiple viewings. Like a first date, on your first viewing, you will only see the good things or bad things about the property. Go on a second viewing and get to know the property better before making a decision.
Look into planning permission early to see whether it’s likely that they’ll allow you carry out any work you wish to undertake, such as an extension, dropping the curb for off-road parking or changing the windows and doors. You don’t want to have big plans for your forever home, only to find out you can’t carry them out.
THE COST OF LOVE Just like at the start of any relationship, it is easy to get into debt, by going on expensive dates, buying new clothes and trying new things. With a property, you may be tempted to spend more than you had planned but be careful not to overstretch yourself. Your perfect property may turn into a nightmare if you don’t have any spare cash to do odd jobs, or even go on a date once a while!
Your perfect home will probably be the most expensive thing you ever buy
Remember the other costs involved too, such as mortgage broker fees,
Look beyond the current state of the property and focus on what you could see the property becoming
A JOINT LOVE AFFAIR Love is a two-way street. Sit down with your partner to agree both of your needs. Your perfect property may not be theirs, but by working together you can agree on the nice-to-haves and the must-haves of a home you can share and enjoy together. Just like some people enjoy reading at home while others feel the need to be outside, there is always a way to compromise for the greater good of your relationship.
LOVE THAT LASTS Be realistic. This may or may not be your forever home. Aesthetics are always a major factor when it comes to both romance and property. However, look beyond the current state of the property and focus on what you could see the property becoming. A perfect relationship needs work, and the same is true for the perfect property.
For every compromise on one’s behalf, the other partner could get something in return. For example, if one of you has green fingers you know they’ll want a nice garden and if the other works from home or enjoys their peace, try to get somewhere with a snug or study. Just like a working relationship, compromise is always the way forward.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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SHOW YOUR
GARDEN SOME LOVE
I As relationships go, it’s been on the backburner for a few months. But now is the time to get passionate about your patch again
t’s hard to imagine anything lovable about your garden this month. It’s cold, damp and that bare, bedraggled, weather-battered mess you see from your window bears no resemblance to the vibrant, verdant, perfumed patch of horticultural perfection you lovingly nurtured last summer.
Those ornamental trees you bought for their eerie sculptural forms during the winter have been shredded by Storm Gerda and Storm Brendan; early-flowering bulbs are timidly poking their petals above the surface fearing winter’s final onslaught, and even the fiercely territorial robins are thinking of moving out because the grass looks greener over the fence. But even if the weather is filthy and you can’t get out and do the jobs you know you need to do – such as pruning shrubs, climbers, and evergreen hedges, and giving your borders a boost with some organic feeds – there is one important thing you can do from the comfort of your armchair: plan. Because if you fancy turning your mudheap into a Garden of Eden this summer, start preparing the ground now. Even the smallest of backyards can be turned into a sensory sensation by the simplest of touches, the most obvious being fragrance and colour. But the easiest are lights.
Soft lighting, comfy seating, trickling water… add some wind chimes and suddenly you’ve created your own outdoor spa! The majority of gardens have shady corners which could benefit from a little subtle lighting, either by candlelight (in a nice tall glass jar obviously, we don’t want the slightest breeze to snuff out any flames of desire), full-size bulbs strung for a rustic overhang between posts or - yes it’s cheesy but remarkably effective twinkling fairy lights. Think about it. If fairy lights can transform even the dingiest of artificial Christmas trees, what could that soft glow achieve on a warm summer evening wrapped around the balustrades on a veranda or swinging lazily from a pergola. Better still, hang them round the low-hanging branches of your favourite tree to create the ultimate chill-out zone… with the aid of a soft-seating zone and an endless stream of G&Ts, naturally.
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PROPERTY NEWS
Talking of streams, nothing says serenity and calm like the sound of trickling water and no, we don’t mean taking the lid off the water butt so the clogged gutter can dribble into it. Proper water features can add texture and height to a garden; and it doesn’t have to be an elaborate fountain. Tilting rain sticks, a small pond with a waterfall, or even a birdbath with a solarpowered pump can add the necessary effect. A cosy seating area is a must, whether it be formal chairs, loungers, benches around a picnic table… or you could create a romantic low-level spot from a sunken area. Think it’s impossible? Have a look at Tony Smith’s Quilted Velvet Garden at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show and all will become clear. You just need cushions. Lots of cushions.
So, soft lighting, comfy seating, trickling water… add some wind chimes and suddenly you’ve created your own outdoor spa! However, nothing says romance like the gentle waft of a random scent caught on a breeze. Roses and honeysuckle are the obvious candidates for inclusion, but while the former are beautiful they need to be nurtured for the best results. The latter can be prone to aphids – and there’s nothing romantic about watching a colony of insects writhing over your favourite aromatic shrub, prior to stripping it bare of flower and leaf. Instead, try the delightful mock orange. Heralding the beginning of summer, it’s a hardy plant that tolerates some shade, has small white flowers and, as the name suggests, releases a sweet orangey fragrance when you brush against it. Likewise, that perennial favourite lavender, where that heady aroma immediately transports you to the sunny fields of Provence in the south of France. Great for borders and even when the flowers are over, they can be cut and taken indoors to enjoy further.
Even the smallest of backyards can be turned into a sensory sensation by the simplest of touches
If you’ve gone for an “English Country Garden” theme, you’ll be familiar with that staple, the sweet pea. Easy to grow, multi-coloured and with a sweet perfume, they are a must for a scented garden. Similarly, gardenia’s mass of attractive foliage and white flowers make it a firm favourite – they can be grown in pots and containers too – and their scent will fill the garden through the summer months. With a range of scents from lemon to pineapple, mint is often written off as just a cooking ingredient, but it can double its worth in the garden where the slightest brush against it releases a fresh, clean aroma. However, if left, it can spread. Visually, if creating a new area, consider a hard, sculptured backdrop of yucca or bamboo to add architectural effect. Not only can they support a string of light, but they give height and structure to contrast with bright traditional colourful bedding plants such as red geraniums, alyssum, lobelia and silver cineraria. And what could be more romantic than planting purple and white ornamental kale in a heart shape? So, what are you waiting for? Start planning now and rekindle your love affair with the garden.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WHAT TO CONSIDER
WHEN REPLACING YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS New windows and doors can not only keep your house warmer over winter but also save you thousands of pounds in the long run
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f you are looking into new windows and doors this year, the range on offer can confuse; as can the regulations implemented back in 2002. It is no longer as simple as replacing them; you will need to make applications to your local council, choose the type and style and check they meet all regulations.
LOCAL COUNCIL AND SURVEYORS
• L1 Conservation of fuel and Power – Simply put, the glass you use must be at the required U-value. U-value is the rate of transfer of heat. In essence, this regulation ensures when alterations are made that heat gain and loss is limited through the use of thermal control elements.
Since April 2002 you must have approval from the Building Control department of your local council, confirming the replacements have been fitted in accordance with local building regulations. You • N1 Glazing protection against Impact – Essentially, will need to apply for a certificate from your local this means where windows and other glazed council. And this doesn’t just apply surfaces are present, they for windows – if your doors are over must be safe for passing 50% glazing they will need to be Depending on your pedestrians and inhabitants confirmed as well. budget there is a wide when open and resistant to It is against the law to fit windows and doors which do not comply with the building regulations. This can also cause issues when it comes to selling your property. Your buyer’s surveyor will require to see the evidence of any windows or doors replaced after 2002; failure to do so could cause problems when it comes to completing your sale.
range of materials and styles on offer when it comes to your replacement windows and doors
THE REGULATIONS Getting a local tradesman in to complete the work is always a good idea and they should comply with all the building regulations. However, if you are doing the work yourself, here is a breakdown of the main regulations:
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PROPERTY NEWS
impact if a collision occurs. Should a breakage occur it should be ensured the glass breaks in a way that no injuries are caused.
• Structural regulations – Approved Document A covers the structure of the building including the confirmation that the foundations can support the weight of the windows and doors. Also, that in the event of an accident, the building, including the windows and doors, can withstand reasonable force. • Ventilation – Approved Document F deals with the uncontrolled ventilation of the property. This covers the energy efficiency of the property including insulating and sealing against draughts to ensure
it does not have an adverse effect on energy performance. It states there must be adequate ventilation to prevent excessive condensation build-up that could cause rot and decay.
STYLE AND MATERIALS
grade.’ Fixed windows are also cheaper than windows with openings, and for any windows that need to open, go for ‘casement’ windows. Try to avoid madeto-measure windows and doors if you are on a budget as these will increase the cost, as will designs such as curves, circles, bays and bow windows.
Depending on your budget there is a wide range of materials and styles on ADDITIONAL EXTRAS offer when it comes to your replacement windows and doors. If you are looking As well as there being a wide range of to save money, then uPVC is the windows and doors to choose from, there wisest choice as it will save you money is an even longer list of added extras compared to timber you can get which and aluminium can bump up the construction. Avoid price! Options such You must have approval single-glazed windows, as between-shade from the Building as they aren’t efficient glass, laminated enough for the UK, so go for double-glazing instead. Although not as efficient as tripleglazing, they will insulate your house well.
Control department of your local council, confirming the replacements have been fitted in accordance with local building regulations
When purchasing your windows and doors go for ‘buildergrade,’ or ‘contractor-grade,’ materials which will be cheaper than ‘architectural
exteriors, trim supplied and installed and integrated grilles, so double-check if the benefits will outweigh the cost in the long-run.
Old or inefficient windows and doors can have a significant impact on the heating of your home as well as your energy bills.
Signs of rot or warping on your windows are big indicators that they need to be changed. When you are getting them replaced, following the regulations of course, there are further additional upgrades for security and aesthetics. A range of window locks are available with popular choices being keyed lock, hinged wedge locks and sash locks. Aesthetically, aluminium and timber frames offer the most eye-pleasing look, however, they come at a higher cost compared to uPVC. You could also go for added safety with Plexiglass which is an impact resistant type of glass ten times stronger than regular glass.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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IS A VEGAN DIET
THE WAY FORWARD? Since 2014, more than half a million people in 178 countries have been inspired by the Veganuary movement; ditching dairy and meat in favour of plant-based foods. But how healthy is it to be a vegan?
A
UK non-profit organisation, Veganuary encourages people to go vegan for the month of January as a way of promoting and educating a vegan lifestyle.
Whopper, and McDonald’s has released its Veggie Dippers; with many more sure to follow suit.
And, with the provision of vegan food in shops and restaurants steadily increasing, it’s never been easier to opt for a vegan diet.
With so much publicity on Veganuary, there has been plenty of debate as to whether a vegan It’s also recommended to include diet is healthier, simply because it beans, pulses and other proteins, is plant based. and to drink While vegan plenty of fluids. Since 2014, more than food omits the And if you do half a million people use of meat and include foods and in 178 countries have dairy products, drinks that are the substitutes high in fat, salt or been inspired by the used in the sugar, try to have Veganuary movement preparation these less often. and cooking can mean that the calorie and fat WHERE CAN I FIND content is higher. For example, OUT MORE? Subway’s meatless marina contains There is a wide range of information 120 calories, and 7g more sugar,
VEGAN VARIETY Last year, food-to-go retailer Greggs had phenomenal success with their Vegan Sausage Roll; in fact, they have recently rewarded all their employees with a £300 bonus in light of its success. This year, they have launched their Vegan Steak Bake. It’s been designed to mirror some of the original Steak Bake’s classic features, including 96 layers of puff pastry and have teamed up with Quorn to wrap it around savoury mycoprotein pieces and diced onions in a rich gravy. The verdict so far? Only time will tell although there has been a thumbs up from many already – including non-vegans. And they aren’t the only ones to launch new vegan products this year. So far, KFC has launched its first-ever Vegan Burger, Burger King has launched its Rebel
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PROPERTY NEWS
IS A VEGAN DIET HEALTHIER?
and base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates to ensure a healthy body. There is a plethora of dairy alternatives available, such as soya drinks and yoghurts – but remember to choose lower fat and lower sugar options.
compared to the meat version.
available on the Internet; from advice, tips and menu plans/
However, Burger King’s Rebel Whopper bucks this trend, having less calories than its meat alternative. Therefore, this shows why it’s still important to ensure you make healthy choices when opting for vegan items.
recipes, so if you are considering going vegan, do your research so you can ensure you give your body – and mind – what it needs to function to its full potential.
VARIETY IS KEY The NHS advises you to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
Not quite ready to fully embrace all that a vegan diet entails? A great solution is to be a flexitarian; this means that you follow mainly a plant-based diet, with the occasional addition of meat and fish.
If you missed out on trying Veganuary, have no fear; here we feature a tempting recipe that’s sure to whet your appetite (and the rest of the family too)
VEGAN DELIGHTS
VEGAN MAC ‘N’ CHEESE Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking) Serves: 6 Nutrition: 686kcal per serving
IMAGE USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
160g raw cashews
1. The night before, soak the cashew nuts in water and leave overnight.
200g carrots, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes 700g potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes 90ml olive oil 40g nutritional yeast 1 lemon, juice only 4 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp cayenne pepper
2.
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Steam the carrots and potatoes together for 5 mins, until completely softened. Transfer to a food processor. Drain the cashews and add these with 60ml of the oil, then blitz. Tip in rest of the other ingredients, except the macaroni, breadcrumbs and the remaining oil, then blitz again until it’s smooth. Season well. Add a splash of water and a drizzle of olive oil if it looks too stiff, then set aside.
3.
Cook the macaroni in a large pan of salted water for 1 min less than packet instructions, drain then stir through the sauce. Transfer the mix to an ovenproof dish, stir the breadcrumbs with the remaining oil and some seasoning. Scatter over the top of the macaroni and bake for 20-25 mins until piping hot and crisp.
400g macaroni 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
4. Serve with a fresh side salad.
This recipe, and more, can be found at https://www. bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-mac-n-cheese
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
9
CLEANING HACKS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT H
ere we’ve compiled a few of our favourite cleaning hacks to make the cleaning process easy and cost effective; some of the tips may surprise you!
Thanks to the likes of Mrs Hinch, giving your house a spring clean in preparation for selling or for house viewings has never been easier
Shaving foam – that’s right, you read correctly! Shaving foam is a great way to remove stains from your carpets. Having lighter coloured carpets means they are much more likely to show dirt and are much harder to clean, but simply rub in the shaving foam and let it sit for around 30 minutes. Once the area is dry, hoover it. A simple and cost-effective cleaning hack to prevent buying costly new carpets! Vinegar – forget just using vinegar on your chips; this cheap household staple has a few surprising uses to help clean your home. It can be used cheaply, safely and effectively to clean surfaces, windows, microwaves and can even be used to clean your toilet bowl, and dishwasher (replacing the need for expensive dishwasher rinse aid). Something else you may not know, is that distilled white wine vinegar when used with your laundry will reduce odour, soften clothes and act as a brightener Giving your house a for white spring clean in clothes preparation for without selling or for house having to use viewings has never harsh been easier chemical products – which has the added benefit of being better for the environment. We could go on but once you realise the value of vinegar, you may never need to buy cleaning products again! Lemons – another common household item, but what can you do with them other than slice and add to a well-earned gin and tonic at the end of a busy day? Why not try placing a bowl of water and lemon rinds in the microwave, turn it on for three minutes, leave for a further five
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PROPERTY NEWS
minutes before opening the door – unexpected uses. If your bathroom or then wipe! You’ll have a clean and kitchen have signs of mildew or mould, fresh smelling microwave at minimal make a paste from bicarbonate of soda cost. If your wooden furniture needs a by mixing with lukewarm water and polish, combine 2 parts then apply to taps, olive oil with 1 part plugs or grouting. Use lemon juice and you a brush to scrub it in It really is amazing will have your own then rinse; it will look that so many of the natural and fresh as good as new. This products we have smelling furniture mixture, when in our homes can polish. And if the combined with white be used as a cheap grouting in your wine vinegar, can also and effective bathroom or around be used as a very method of cleaning your kitchen tiles are in effective sink and need of attention, drain un-blocker. Just spray undiluted lemon pour hot water into juice on the offending area and leave the offending sink, add a cup of for about ten minutes, then wipe off. bicarbonate of soda and warm white It’s guaranteed to leave your tiles and wine vinegar, let grouting sparkling and smelling fresh it fizz then rinse and clean. with hot water. Bicarbonate of Newspaper – we all aspire to having soda can also be streak free windows: a handy hint used as a when cleaning interior or exterior deoderiser to windows with either vinegar, lemon or remove commercial cleaning products is to unwanted rub off the cleaning agent with smells on newspaper. It’s an excellent and very furniture and economical trick for creating streak mattresses, free windows. simply sprinkle on the offending Coke – it’s another item many people item leave for a regularly have in their homes, but did couple of hours you realise that if you pour a can of then hoover up. coke, or the remains of the bottle which has gone too flat to drink, into Rubber gloves your toilet bowl, leave for about an – if you have hour then flush away, it will leave the pets who toilet looking clean and fresh. regularly shed hair, a good way of removing this from your upholstery is Bicarbonate of Soda – yet another to simply rub the offending area with a household staple which has several rubber glove. Doing this will pick
up the hairs which can then be easily disposed of! Toothpaste – did you know that toothpaste can be used to clean your stainless-steel sink? Simply squeeze some regular toothpaste onto a micro fibre cloth, then buff the sink and rinse which should leave it deodorised and shining. It really is amazing that so many of the products we have in our homes can be used as a cheap and effective method of cleaning – making them just as effective as expensive big name branded items. Using household products also have the added benefit
of being better for the environment, helping to reduce waste and contain fewer harmful chemicals as they only rely on natural ingredients.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
11
FLIGHTS OF FANCY
F
orget the hearts and flowers. Chuck the chocolates in the bin. The road to your loved one’s heart is not in the clichéd, but more likely in an airport terminal. Because nothing says modern romance quite like: “Get your case. We’re off.”
Obviously, Paris must be on the shortlist. Stunning, stylish, charming (just avert your eyes as you travel through Montmartre to the beautiful Basilica of the Sacre Coeur; parts of it are less than romantic), Paris is everything you hope it will be, largely because you know it so well from the movies.
Still ranked as THE place to propose, get married or honeymoon, the best time to visit the French capital is in the spring when even the oldest buildings in this architecturally perfect city look freshly washed. Intimate strolls with your significant other through Don’t ignore the Bois de Boulogne, and along Amsterdam, where the the Seine to the Pont Neuf district maze of slow-flowing are recommended, as is a sunset canals, lined by trees cruise along the city’s majestic waterway – if the budget can and the towering stretch to it – for a different centuries-old buildings, perspective of the city. create an enchanting
It may be Valentine’s Day this month, but early February isn’t generally the ideal time to risk an impromptu break – with a notable exception.
But unless your budget extends to a week on some tropical idyll in the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, you’re probably looking at a European city break and nobody enjoys tramping around under a brolly, so far better to play the medium to long game and atmosphere drop a couple of e-tickets or copy of a booking confirmation email in your Valentine’s card for a couple of days away when the sun might put in an appearance. With romance your guide, where better to head for than Italy, particularly Verona, home to the ultimate star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet? Less than an hour from Venice on the train and 30 minutes from Lake Garda, Verona is genuinely beautiful. The Piazza delle Erbe is a delight, the astonishing Arena di Verona predates Rome’s Colosseum by 50 years and leads you nicely to the queue for Juliet’s House, that balcony and the statue of our tragic heroine, which, if you rub her right breast, will make you lucky in love (be aware this statue is a copy so it may not work – the original Juliet is in the Museum Castelvecchio after restoration). If that’s not enough, Florence – home of the iconic Duoma, stunning Renaissance art including Michelangelo’s David and Ponte Vecchio – is just a three-hour rail trip away.
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PROPERTY NEWS
Speaking of waterways, don’t ignore Amsterdam, where the maze of slow-flowing canals, lined by trees and the towering centuries-old buildings, create an enchanting atmosphere. And if crossing one of the many illuminated bridges at twilight, just as the water takes on an orange glow, does not leave you a little weak at the knees then, quite frankly, you’ve become a lost cause. And there lie the not-so-secret ingredients for a romantic getaway: charm and character. The old European cities – Vienna, Prague, Bruges for example – have it in bucketloads, while the ‘recently-accessible’ centres, such as Ljublana in Slovenia are catching up. Frequently overlooked in favour of nearby Bled, which is stunning in its own right, picturesque Ljublana has a wonderful vibe and is rapidly becoming one of the continent’s top foodie destinations. Similarly coming up on the outside in the Romance Stakes is Santorini. The picture-perfect Greek island is now the wedding destination of choice and not just because of the climate. A
If you’re looking to make a good impression on Valentine’s Day, broaden your horizons to give your relationship wings dramatic, rugged coastline, cliff-hugging villages and probably the most famous sunset in Europe at the irresistibly photogenic Oia makes the ideal conclusion to anyone’s big day. Or does it? Because for the ultimate romantic break you need to head north. To the Arctic Circle. For a scene straight out of Mills & Boon, picture yourself on a crisp cold night, thousands of stars twinkling like diamonds on a black velvet cloth, a snowy wilderness, a hot tub outside your own log cabin, two glasses of fizz and that most beguiling of natural phenomena, the Aurora Borealis, shimmering across the skyline. But if a trip to Iceland (not that one) or Scandinavia for the Northern Lights ticks the boxes, avoid late April through to September because the hours of darkness diminish considerably.
With romance your guide, where better to head for than Italy, particularly Verona, home to the ultimate star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet?
However, as anyone who has been married for a long time will tell you: the secret to a long, happy and stable relationship is give and take. With that in mind we give you the compromise capital of Europe… Barcelona. Spain’s most popular tourist destination attracts thousands for its blend of culture, out-of-this world food and Antoni Gaudi’s mind-boggling architecture. So, by day it’s Las Ramblas, the world-famous food market La Boqueira, and a trip to Gaudi’s as-yet unfinished masterpiece, the stunning La Sagrada Familia. And by night, Barcelona’s other ’cathedral’, the majestic Camp Nou, home to one of European football’s elite, FC Barcelona. And even if Barca aren’t playing, there’s always the behind-the-scenes tour and museum. Who said romance was dead?
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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IT’S A KNOCKOUT! Four British teams are left in this years’ Champions League when the round of the ‘Last 16’ kicks-off
T
he Champions League LIVERPOOL returns with the ‘Last 16’ Champions League holders games kicking off this Liverpool have run away with month and running through to the the Premier League this season. 18th March. Chelsea, Tottenham, Jurgen Klopp’s men have gone Liverpool and Manchester City from strength to strength and as are all hoping to make it through opposed to previous to the last eight; years, they seem however, Europe’s to have the belief elite squads stand The Champions that they won’t let in their way. League Last 16 it fall through their kicks off on the fingers. However, CHELSEA does the Premier 18th February League title mean and runs through Frank Lampard’s that much to them to the 18th March Chelsea are at they may take their a crossroads. eyes off the prize Still in a fight for when it comes to fourth place in the the Champions Premier League, it would never be League? Their opponents, Atletico easy for Lampard’s young squad Madrid, are keeping pace with Real this season. However, with the Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, so goals of Tammy Abraham and a the games on the 18th Feb and 11th solid core of Kovacic, Kante and March should be some spectacle. Jorginho in midfield, on their day they can beat anyone. They face MANCHESTER CITY Bayern Munich on the 25th Feb and the 18th March. Bayern aren’t Pep Guardiola’s Citizens have having it all their own way in the released their grip on the Premier Bundesliga this season, despite the League this year, with some frankly ridiculous form of Robert unexpected results. However, key Lewandowski who already has over players Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo 30 goals to his name.
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PROPERTY NEWS
Silva and Fernandinho have hit form coming into the second half of the season. Does this mean Guardiola has now prioritised Champions League success for this season? It’s the last trophy missing from his time with City, but with his old foes Real Madrid waiting on the 26th Feb and the 17th March, it will not be easy. Sergio Aguero is back leading the line and will hope, like Guardiola, to add the one trophy missing from his cabinet.
TOTTENHAM Pochettino’s celebration at the end of last years’ incredible semi-final is a distant memory, replaced with the sombre, sulking figure of Jose Mourinho. The new manager bounce has come and gone and it’s fair to say, compared to last year, their season has been disappointing. Struggling for a top-four finish, Mourinho will know the best chance to keep Champions League football next season will be to go one better than his predecessor and win this years’ competition. Captain Harry Kane is injured and will not return for the rest of the season including their matches against RB Leipzig on the 19th Feb and the 10th March.
TO FURNISH, OR NOT TO FURNISH;
THAT IS THE QUESTION
W
hen you are looking to rent your property, you have two options; you can provide the furniture and furnish it yourself or you can rent it empty ready for the tenant to furnish, which is known as renting unfurnished. Both options have their benefits and their downfalls.
FURNISHED Furnished properties are popular with first time renters who haven’t got a house load of furniture already, as it will make things simpler in the short term. Another benefit is that your tenants may give your property more respect if they can see that you have invested in good quality furniture for them. A furnished property can demand a higher rent; however, it may limit the market with renting to families, especially those with children who may have their own furniture. There is also the potential fear for the parent, that a child may damage the furniture which could affect the deposit in the long run. Furnished properties are also perfect for professional couples and singles, especially those commuting. These tend to be short-term rentals and
can work well for professionals looking for somewhere convenient and close to work while relocating and looking for somewhere more permanent.
One of the biggest questions facing landlords, is whether to furnish your property or to let your tenant do it them and may encourage them to stay longer than if it was a furnished property.
You will also have less stress regarding wear and tear on your However, there is a significant cost furniture as well as your property. involved when it comes to furnishing There will be no need to replace a property, as furniture and white your tenants goods at the end of will want a a tenancy as it will A furnished property can certain quality be the responsibility demand a higher rent; of furnishings of the tenant. There however, it may limit the – especially will also be no market with renting to when you expensive bills if any families, especially those consider appliances break with children who may white goods during a tenancy. have their own furniture for the kitchen In conclusion, the alongside choice to offer your beds, sofas, tables and chairs. property furnished or unfurnished is
UNFURNISHED Unfurnished properties tend to appeal to longer term tenants, especially families who already have belongings. You will open your property to a larger market if it is unfurnished as people love being able to put their own stamp on
yours. However, depending on the type of tenant you are looking for, one may be more beneficial to you than the other.
a place.
For example, if you have a flat close to a commute it may be a good idea to offer it furnished, whereas if you have a three-bedroom property in a residential area it will be more beneficial to keep it unfurnished.
With your tenants able to design their own living spaces, it will make the property feel more like home for
For more advice when it comes to renting your property, please talk to our lettings team today.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
15
Property of the Month
CAMBERWELL GROVE, SE5 £1,675,000 Sitting along the much loved and leafy Camberwell Grove, this fantastic four bedroom Georgian home a wealth of lovingly restored Georgian features. Built in the late 1700’s the property retains it’s original charm and spans four pleasant, well presented floo s. It’s topped and tailed with well stocked, generous gardens and you’re within a pebble’s throw of the ever growing list of bars, eateries and restaurants in Camberwell. Oval Tube (Northern Line Zone 2) is a brisk 20 minute walk and Denmark Hill Station is a mere 7 minute ramble for fast services to Victoria, Elephant and Castle, Blackfriars and beyond. The London Overground Line supplies unbeatable connections to Clapham, Shoreditch and the Jubilee Line at Canada Water.
sales@woosterstock.co.uk
Leading Mortgage Rates from Anderson Harris 13th September 2019
5 year fix - 1.59% Up to a max 75% LTV with a £999 Bank fee
Do not hesitate to get in touch if you wish to discuss any rates or options available in the current market. mortgages@andersonharris.co.uk 0207 495 6633
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SHENLEY ROAD, SE5 ÂŁ600,000
SALE AGREED
Beautifully spacious, perfectly placed, oodles of storage and two separate private gardens - this splendid two bedder really has it all! It sits on the coveted corner of Shenley Road and Lyndhurst Grove, within a few minutes stroll of Bellenden Village. The accommodation sprawls to include two double bedrooms, bathroom and a huge living space/kitchen. You further benefit from a la ge storage cellar, private entrance and side access point.
GROVE PARK, SE5 ÂŁ500,000
SALE AGREED
Full height arched windows plus high ceilings set a grand tone in this fine apartment on one of the best roads in the area.Veering just off prestigious Camberwell Grove, Grove Park circles fi st, then turns down towards the Bellenden Road area. Stacked with wonderful houses, you have the best of both worlds. A leafy and well-heeled position plus wonderful neighbouring territory.
sales@woosterstock.co.uk
020 7952 0595 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
SALE AGREED
QUEENS ROAD, SE15 ÂŁ420,000
Boasting a contemporary finish and a bright South facing aspect, this marvellous one bedder packs a serious punch. It sits on the third floor of a handsome, modern block within an effortless stroll of both the amenities Queens Road and Peckham. The accommodation consists of a large living space with swanky integrated kitchen and access to a lovely south facing balcony, double bedroom and bathroom.
EAST DULWICH ROAD, SE22 ÂŁ575,000
SALE AGREED
With leafy views to front and rear including a lofty aspect over gorgeous Goose Green, this splendid split level two bedder will win you at hello. Spanning the second and third floo s of an elegant period building, the property comprises a lovely open plan kitchen living area, two nicely proportioned double bedrooms, bathroom and oodles of fitted sto age. A private rear garden is the cherry on the cake.
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TALFOURD ROAD, SE15 OIEO £600,000
You’re going to love this super two bedroom conversion! It sprawls generously over the top two floo s of a handsome and well placed period building within easy reach of Bellenden Village, Peckham Rye Station and the numerous delights of Camberwell. The accommodation is beautifully presented and comprises two light and airy bedrooms, a large reception, decent sized, contemporary kitchen, shower room and fancy bathroom.
LINNELL ROAD, SE5 OIEO £900,000
SALE AGREED
Laid over three original floo s, this Victorian terraced house has lots of good living space, three double bedrooms, a good sized kitchen/diner and a second wc on the top floo . A well presented, secluded garden is accessible from the kitchen and there’s a cellar for storage.Your bathroom is a proper dish! Location-wise you just couldn’t ask for more. The lovely and leafy Lucas Gardens is right behind you - you can peek over it from two of your bedrooms.
sales@woosterstock.co.uk
020 7952 0595 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
SALE AGREED
LYNDHURST GROVE, SE15 £950,000
This elegantly presented three bedder boasts a picture perfect finish throughout. Spreading generously over two bright and spacious floo s, the property includes some wonderful decorative touches, original features and decidedly substantial living and dining areas. Accommodation comprises a lovely double reception, huge kitchen/ diner, three stylish bedrooms, bathroom and additional WC. A pretty rear garden and decked patio area will keep you happy in the summer.
PECKHAM ROAD, SE5 £700,000
SALE AGREED
You’re going to love this splendid two bedder. Boasting an expert refurbishment, it’s awash with stylish decor, quality fittings and a wealth of bright and airy accommodation. Spread over the top two floo s of a handsome period building, it further benefits from two Juliette balconies, master en suite, versatile study space and plenty of storage. As if this weren’t enough to entice you, you’re within a stroll of the ever growing list of Camberwell attractions - bars, eateries and social spots.
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Luke Bishop Managing Director Luke has been working as an Estate Agent for many years and joined Wooster & Stock as a young negotiator before furthering his education, obtaining a BSc Hons in Building Surveying. Luke first joined Wooster & Stock in 2006 and has enjoyed a successful career selling property across south London. Passionate about customer service with high level of care you will find Luke in between Valuations and in branch most days. Should you wish for an honest and frank valuation of your property, you need to look no further. Luke’s diligence is second to none and it is rare that you ever see him take time off! Having recently had a baby daughter, Luke is becoming an expert at juggling baby and work with the same enthusiasm.
Aimee Fancourt Sales Manager Aimee has been with Wooster & Stock since 2010, starting off as Sales Negotiator and swiftly rising to Sales Manager. She overlooks the general day to day running of the office and keeping an eye on the sales progression in-house. She was educated in the local Alleyn’s school and is familar with the area with a particular interest in the local schools, cultural activities and weekend family pursuits, having a young family of her own.
Zoe Matheson HR Manager Zoe joined Wooster & Stock in 2006 as Office Manager before moving to Branch Manager in our Sydenham office and following that, HR Manager. Prior to joining Wooster & Stock, Zoe’s career had predominantly focused around 5* hotels, catering and hospitality, working with renowned, international chefs. She and her young family have recently relocated back to her roots in Norfolk, but continues to work full time at Wooster & Stock, travelling to London weekly.
Gemma Whelan Production Gemma is one of the longest standing members of the team, having joined in 2004, working initially whilst studying, before soon becoming a member of the team within our production department. Gemma has gained huge knowledge of the industry, becoming an indispensable member of the team. She creates the descriptive property details and keeps the world informed of our fantastic properties, not only through our website, but also on social media and paper marketing.
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Meet Our Team Thanh Phan Senior Sales Negotiator Thanh has worked for Wooster & Stock for over 13 years within both lettings and sales. He has huge local knowledge and has been able to look after the same clients (and property) more than once during his time. His calm and thoughtful demeanour has won the trust of all he meets and his knowledge on local property is unrivalled. Thanh has a love of travel and property but more importantly his dog - Remy can always be found resting under Thanh's desk, always ready for the next person to play ball.
Ali Devlin Sales Negotiator Ali has been working in the south London property market since 2010. With customer care and an empathic nature, Ali succeeds where many others fail in her understanding of the business. She is willing to go above and beyond and is a valued member of the team. Ali is a new mum to a beautiful baby girl and has returned to work, picking up where she left off.
Gareth Blackmore-Heke Sales Negotiator Gareth has an unrivalled 30 years in estate agency, originally starting in south east London before moving over to south-west and north London. His wit, charm and extremely valuable knowledge has made him an asset to our team. He is our in-house ‘House Doctor’ and is always happy to advise on the best way to present your home, to go from everyday living to “Show House” to appeal to the widest audience. He can usually be found exploring art galleries in his spare time or dabbling in antiques.
Alex De Soissons Sales Negotiator Alex is the newest member of our team and his calm and practical nature has already won him lots of new clients. Originally from Norfolk, he studied in Oxford before moving to Australia for a year and becoming a keen traveller. Once back in London, he started his estate agency career in Lettings but has found his feet within the Sales department. He lives in Peckham Rye and has a great all round insight of the area, regularly keeping his colleagues up to date with any new food outlets popping up (if they are running out of lunch ideas!). Prior to joining Wooster & Stock, he dabbled in acting, even appearing in a film with John Hurt.
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