Homes for entertaining this New Year

Homes for entertaining this New Year

Uncategorized United Kingdom

Homes for entertaining this New Year

To bring in the New Year with a bang, you want the perfect pad to entertain your friends and family and celebrate the dawning of another year. Barton Wyatt, the award-winning Surrey estate agent, presents a selection of the best homes for entertaining this New Year:

The Ridge, Wentworth Estate

This Georgianesque style house is a grand and spacious home close to the centre of Virginia Water. If your friends are coming from far afield then being close to the M25, M3 and M4 motorway networks plus Farnborough and Heathrow airports is a bonus.

When your guests arrive, they will no doubt be impressed by the gentle slope of the long private approach to the house, bordered with pristine grass and Georgian style lanterns.  This property has a visible ‘no expense spared’ finish. Invite your friends to sleep over in one of the six bedrooms – all with en-suite bathrooms for even the most discerning guest to prepare for the night’s festivities ahead.

You are spoiled for entertaining space in The Ridge. The layout lends itself to contemporary living with an enormous kitchen/breakfast/sitting room and a more formal living and dining room plus a beautifully fitted study. Perhaps you can even watch the chimes of Big Ben on the big screen in the cinema room or if you’re feeling brave, heat up the outside pool and have a midnight swim under the stars whilst the champagne corks pop.  You can be the proud owner of this glorious home for £8,750,000.

Wellington House, Wentworth Estate

This virtually brand new residence was completed in 2011 to an exceptional standard in this superb location. The property offers in excess of 11,000 square foot of luxury!

This is THE house in which to have a pool party – you and your guests will be amused for hours in the sports and leisure area, with its large indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. The pool area is just off the kitchen so popping back to the fridge for a refill will be no problem at all.

After a night of celebrating in the pool, Wellington House has ample reception rooms to dry out and toast the New Year.  As the evening progresses your fellow partygoers can enjoy cocktails in the large drawing room and spread out into the dining and kitchen/breakfast rooms.

Time for bed and the grand staircase leads up to seven en-suite bedrooms, so plenty of room for everyone to stay and let their hair down.

Located on the prestigious Wentworth Estate you will be the envy of your golfing friends with the superb golf and leisure facilities on your doorstep.  Wellington House is also situated close to the village of Virginia Water with its excellent array of boutique shops, varied restaurants and the mainline railway station. On the market at £7,450,000.

 Windsor House, Wentworth

There is no need to squash your helping hands into the house for your New Year party at Windsor House: the property comes complete with over-garage staff accommodation so your poised party professionals can be on site in their own fully fitted apartment.

This is a very spacious home of 10,932 square feet complete with four large reception rooms, a massive kitchen/breakfast room for casual entertaining and an outside pool.  Your guests will not know which room to fill when the clock strikes twelve!

Putting your guests up for the night is not a problem at Windsor House; on the first floor there are five bedroom and bathroom suites, with two further bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second floor.

This stunning brand new Wentworth mansion house is ready for immediate occupation and fully furnished if desired. It is set in a wonderful south facing acre plot in a highly desirable location within the Wentworth Estate, just a short walk from the picturesque village shops and mainline station, and approximately one mile from the world-renowned Wentworth Golf and Country Club.

Situated in one of the most exclusive private roads in Virginia Water with beautiful landscaped gardens, you will be the envy of the New Year revelers for £6,950,000.

If you are looking for a house to move into for Christmas that has already been decorated for you then look no further.

Byways, Ascot                                                                                                                  

Looking for a house to move into for Christmas that has already been decorated for you then look no further.

This gorgeous Georgian style mansion sits in a quiet and tranquil private road in South Ascot.  Six large bedrooms all with luxury bathrooms are already furnished and waiting for you and your house guests to party.  The second floor boasts a cinema room for the latest Christmas block buster.  A wonderfully large  kitchen/breakfast/garden room and four further reception rooms will keep you and your guests fully entertained and give lots of space for eating, games and sleeping.

The house also has a studio apartment for staff/au-pair over the triple garage, delightfully landscaped gardens of approximately 0.4 of an acre costs £3,750,000.

If the above houses have got you in the mood for a party contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk. Their team of property professionals will be able to assist you with further information or help you find your perfect property to fit your every requirement.

Award-winning Portuguese Estate Agency supports former Dragon’s Operation Smile mission

Award-winning Portuguese Estate Agency supports former Dragon’s Operation Smile mission

Portugal United Kingdom
  • Ideal Homes Portugal gifting a generous £3,000 to support Operation Smile
  • November 6th sees Bannatyne Fundraising Ball 2015 in Aid of Operation Smile
  • Former Dragon’s Den star, Duncan Bannatyne OBE, on a mission to raise £95,000

Chris White, founder of Ideal Homes Portugal, will be making a generous donation of £3,000 in support of Operation Smile at the forthcoming Bannatyne Fundraising Ball on November 6thbeing held at Bannatyne Spa Hotel, Hastings.

Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity, working with a team of dedicated medical volunteers who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Former Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne is spearheading this event and has been heavily involved in the charity since a trip to Mexico in 2013. Duncan is a celebrity ambassador for Operation Smile and has been awarded an OBE for his contribution to charity.

He says:

“In my experience, undertaking charity work often leaves you thinking, ‘there must be more I can do.’ Operation Smile is different. You see first-hand a child’s life changed forever by a simple operation that takes less than hour. You see the child’s new smile and the happy tears of joy from their parents. As a parent myself, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Chris White, who resides in Portugal and runs his award-winning agency from the Algarve, is keen to help such a worthy cause.

White says:

“I was introduced to this charity by Duncan Bannatyne (a client of Ideal Homes Portugal) and have been incredibly impressed by the work being done by teams of medical volunteers throughout the world. Operation Smile runs projects in 60 countries, with people selflessly giving their time to better the lives of children.

“In many cultures, having a child with a cleft lip is viewed as a source of shame and can lead to the whole family feeling isolated. Operation Smile can change all of that, bringing happiness to a child and their family for just £150. It is truly a life-changing charity.”

White and Bannatyne struck up a lasting friendship when Duncan bought his very own Dragon’s Den in the Algarve in 2014. Chris explains that Duncan has a goal to fund a full medical mission, which will see approximately 125 children’s lives changed forever. The mission will take place in Ghana later this year (2015) and will be 100% funded by The Bannatyne Charitable Trust.

Anyone who wishes to donate to this fabulous charity can visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/The-Bannatyne-Charitable-Trust/.

For further details of Operation Smile, visit www.operationsmile.org.uk.

For more information on this project please feel free to contact Chris White on info@idealhomesportugal.com or call 0800 133 7644.

Start your campaign at home – National Fitness Day is headed this way!

Start your campaign at home – National Fitness Day is headed this way!

United Kingdom
  • 74% of men and 64% of women in UK to be overweight by 2030 (WHO)
  • MPs challenged to ‘Move For Your Seat’ to support the day (ukactive)
  • 80% of homes sold by Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt have sports facilities

September 9th 2015 is National Fitness Day. This year it promises to be bigger, better and with a bit of luck the “most active day of the year.”

This year ukactive – the leading not-for-profit health body for the physical activity sector – will be working with members, charities, schools, businesses and Members of Parliament alike to help make National Fitness Day the most active day of the year. The day is intended to make people think realistically about their activity levels.

National Fitness Day 2015 hopes to build upon the success of last year, where nearly 2,000 venues across the UK opened their doors to run free ‘Power-Half-Hour’ exercise sessions, reaching a total of 27 million people.

This year, to add to the cause, MPs are being challenged to ‘Move For Your Seat.’  This is the first challenge of its kind, daring MPs to ensure they are meeting the Chief Medical Office’s recommended physical activity levels and leading active, healthy lifestyles.

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report suggests that 74% of men and 64% of women in the UK will be overweight by 2030. These figures are up from 70% and 59% respectively five years ago.

James Wyatt, Partner of leading Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Having just turned 50 myself I am well aware that middle age spread could run amuck unless taken in hand. I have enjoyed a rather extended summer and now back in the UK it’s time to take action. September 9th is in my diary and is the day I kick-start my own activity programme.”

Many homes in Surrey’s Virginia Water have the added bonus of having space for a multi gym. James’ home has exactly that. Kitted out with a treadmill, bike and rowing machine, it should be easy for him to slot in 30 minutes’ exercise three times a week.

Research also shows that if you exercise in company you are more likely to stick at it. A social atmosphere creates a positive environment and importantly helps people to have fun at the same time as getting fit.

This is where the local gym definitely come into their own. The Wentworth Club in Virginia Water is rather special and has enough facilities to spend an entire day. Be it swimming, golf, tennis, squash or exercise classes, there is something for everyone.

Wyatt adds,

“I think I might start my get active campaign with a class called ‘good morning stretch’ and work up to ‘insanity’ over a few weeks. I don’t want to be outdone by my local MP who is probably already in the thick of the Move for your Seat campaign.”

Houses with gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools are abundant in North Surrey.  Barton Wyatt suggests that typically 80% of the homes that they sell have some sporting facilities already in the house or grounds.

For more information on buying a home ready to be active in, contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

A selection of homes currently available for keen activity enthusiasts:

Wilton, Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water                   £4,950,000

A magnificent family home built to an exceptional specification and finish, superbly situated on an elevated site at the end of Woodlands Road East, a prestigious and sought after road within the Wentworth Estate. A delightful and tranquil location yet just half a mile from both the picturesque shopping parades of Virginia Water as well as the Wentworth Clubhouse.

A stunning luxury home with seven bedrooms, elegant reception rooms and IDEAL FOR ENTERTAINING ON A GRAND SCALE. The exceptionally spacious accommodation is spread over three floors amounting to just under 9,000 square feet in all to include the triple garage and staff flat over. Superbly situated on high ground at the top of Woodlands Road East, a prestigious and convenient location within the Wentworth Estate.

The Ridge, Wentworth, Surrey                                  £8,750,000

Six bedrooms with en-suite bath/shower rooms, four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, entertainment room, cinema, staff kitchen/utility room, gymnasium/games room with adjoining shower room, double garage, outdoor swimming pool, gardens of approximately 1.1 acres facing south to the rear.  A stunning Georgian style family home, beautifully presented with high ceilings and large windows. The property is situated in the very heart of the Wentworth Estate backing onto the Executive Course and set in delightfully secluded gardens of approximately 1.5 acres with an outdoor swimming pool.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Wellington House, Wentworth                                                                £7,450,000

Entrance hall, Dining area, Drawing room, Study, Kitchen/breakfast/family room, Two cloakrooms, Utility room, Indoor pool complex with shower room and sauna, Six bedroom suites, Triple garage with annexe over, Grounds of approximately one acre, South facing adjoining Cabrera Trust Woodland.

This stunning home is situated in a highly desirable and leafy road on the prestigious Wentworth Estate. The house is tucked away in a discreet position backing onto protected Cabrera Trust Woodland. Virginia Water is a short stroll away with its excellent shops for day to day needs, restaurants and mainline railway station with a fast service of trains to Waterloo in 42 minutes.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Tee Time on Wentworth but will it be a Chai latte rather than Earl Grey?

Tee Time on Wentworth but will it be a Chai latte rather than Earl Grey?

United Kingdom
  • PGA European tour returns to Wentworth, Virginia Water, Surrey 21 – 24 May
  • Wentworth’s new Chinese owners captain the helm for first time in 2015
  • Asian duck and noodle salad hits the menu at Wentworth

May 21st – 24th 2015 will see the 86th PGA tour swing into action at Wentworth, Surrey. Owned by infamous restaurateur Richard Caring until last year, Wentworth now has new masters in the Chinese-based Reignwood Group, who thus far have made little change to this long established country club.

Visitors will flock in their thousands to the beautifully groomed fairways to watch the crème de la crème play golf this May. Wentworth is reputedly one of the most exciting courses in the UK and for keen golfing voyeurs the ticket price of just £36 is great value for a day out – particularly for a family as under 16’s enter for free.

Golfers at Wentworth are treading in the footsteps of some of the game’s greatest players of all time – legends such as Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Steve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Sir Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods. Last year’s champion golfer, Rory McIlroy, will be hoping to retain his title as the golfing greats battle for victory over three days of intense play later this month.

The European Tour’s flagship event once upon a time rotated on several of Britain’s finest courses, Wentworth being among them, but in 1984 it returned to the West Course at Wentworth and never left.

Local resident and businessman, James Wyatt, runs prime estate agency Barton Wyatt, on the picturesque shopping parade in Virginia Water, which abuts Wentworth. James describes the buzz that comes with PGA week:

“I’ve lived in Virginia Water for almost 50 years and never tire of the sporting season. The PGA Tour is a highlight for us locals, it adds drama and glamour to our village and creates a fantastic atmosphere as hordes of golf fans descend upon the area.

“Wentworth is quite unique and must be seen to be believed.  The tree-lined fairways twist and turn around vast rhododendron displays and behind these you get the occasional glimpse of staggeringly large homes. The houses that have access directly onto the course are highly sought after and command eye watering price tags.”

There are several palatial mansions being built on the course at the moment and visitors will be sure to gasp at the enormity of some of the homes that are currently under construction.

Wyatt continues,

“We’re expecting to have a couple of homes sold at the £25-30 million mark this year but whether they actually ever reach the open market remains to be seen. These types of houses will almost definitely be sold in a highly discreet, off-market fashion.”

When asked about the likelihood of Chinese property buyers James explains,

“I would be surprised for a pad that size. These monster mansions tend to attract Russian and Middle Eastern buyers looking for an impressive way to display their wealth. The Chinese buyers that we have worked with over the years tend to opt for more subtle homes – smaller English style homes.

“We’ve been waiting for an influx of Chinese buyers after the purchase of Wentworth by Reignwood, and indeed we saw quite a few enquiries soon after the transaction, but not many have actually bought.” He laughs: “But I did notice that Asian duck and noodle salad has hit the menu in the club house – which is marvellous as I love Chinese food!”

For more information on the PGA event or homes in the area contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Luxury Wentworth home, nominated for top industry award, certainly has the “X factor”

Luxury Wentworth home, nominated for top industry award, certainly has the “X factor”

Uncategorized

Barton Wyatt is no stranger to selling homes that have been winners of prestigious industry awards.  The latest home on Wentworth to stand out for its excellence has been masterminded by local developer Bridgewater New Homes, who have recently brought Silverwood to the market.

 

Rupert Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the prime Surrey estate agent that is marketing the property, commented,

 

“For the majority of Wentworth residents, luxury is a key priority and Silverwood certainly embodies the word.  The 6,250 sq ft, five bedroom home is tastefully bursting with added extras that sets this property apart including a walk-in wardrobe in the master suite, media room, gymnasium, leisure room and two separate courtyards on the lower ground floor.

 

“Out of the many new homes built in the Runnymede area in the last year, which include a number of mansions within the exclusive Wentworth Estate, Silverwood is the only new house that has been nominated by Runnymede Borough Council for a prestigious LABC Building Excellence Award 2015. We certainly believe it has the ‘X factor’!”

 

Chairman of Bridgewater New Homes and Wentworth resident, Guy Charrison, commented:

 

We are very proud to have been singled out for a LABC Building Excellence Award 2015. The eye for detail that Paul Seymour our Construction Director has is second to none and to be nominated for this award is a testament to both his and the team’s expertise.

 

“Silverwood truly is a wonderful family home, fully furnished and key-ready for its new owner.  The house is set in delightful grounds of just over an acre with easy access to The Wentworth Club and all its amenities as well as central London via the direct rail link at Virginia Water or the M25 and M3 motorways.

 

“Other notable items that set this house apart include the most fabulous cinema room with state of the art surround sound and the house boasts a LeGrand home automation system fitted.   The property has concrete floors throughout with Nu-Heat Underfloor Heating.  The kitchen is by multi award winning ‘Extreme Design” and has a wonderful double aspect which leads into a family room. The master bedroom is sumptuous and includes a very beautifully created walk-in wardrobe.  Also worthy of mention is the triple detached garage and a separate annex with its own access and sheltered patio – perfect for staff or a granny annexe.”

 

The LABC Building Excellence Awards celebrate all that is good in the construction industry. The awards are not really about aesthetics, instead they look for other vital elements in the creation of excellent buildings: technical innovation, sustainability and high performance. They seek to highlight the ‘X’ factor and special working relationships that produce new or creative solutions.

 

For more details on this splendid house visit Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

 

Number 13: Unlucky for some but not for Virginia Water’s millionaire home owners

Number 13: Unlucky for some but not for Virginia Water’s millionaire home owners

United Kingdom
  • Virginia Water, GU25, ranked 13th highest value UK postcode (Zoopla, 2015)
  • Average property price in Virginia Water at £1,211,271 (Zoopla, 2015)
  • Kensington and Fulham lag behind GU25 in 14th and 16th place

Property owners in GU25 (Virginia Water, Surrey) have hit the jackpot once again being ranked one of the highest value areas for property outside London.

Extraordinary that this sleepy enclave, just 45 minutes outside of central London has beaten West Kensington, Paddington, Fulham and Chiswick – all areas of London that attract big money buyers.

Virginia Water resident and property expert, James Wyatt of Barton Wyatt has a view on these eye-watering figures released this week by Zoopla,

“As with all data it is a snapshot in time and it just so happens that there has been some big money changing hands on the property front around here recently. The number of units selling is comparatively small compared to London as a whole but the value of each property transaction has been very, very large.”

The next postcode down the list that was not within London itself was KT11 which includes the footballers’ havens of Cobham and Esher. This salubrious postcode saw the average property value changing hands at £1,021,435 according to Zoopla, in the last year.

It is Virginia Water however that wins the Surrey Pricing Award at a hefty £1,211,271 average property price and also boasting a 11.8% increase in a year.

This is great news for property owners in the area.  James Wyatt, who resides in one of the premier roads in the village and says,

“We are waiting in keen interest for the outcome of the General Election.  It is all well and good to be living in a wealthy area such as Virginia Water but if Labour get their way then the dreaded Mansion Tax is going to be felt very hard around here.

“Houses are selling like hot cakes in the price bracket up to £1.5 million but after that it is a lottery.  Certainly a few more lottery winners around here would be helpful to get the million pound plus market moving again.”

For example local developer Bridgewater New Homes Limited have just completed a delightful detached home within a one-acre plot on the Wentworth Estate.  Wyatt says:  “A year ago this house would have been snapped up very quickly – new homes were being fought over by international buyers. At £4.5 million it is extremely well priced on an estate where houses go for up to £30 million.”

With 5 weeks to go until the election, estate agents in the South East of England that are focused on the prime sector are holding their breath with anticipation.  A conservative win and life will continue as normal.  But if Labour wins then this will write a completely different story for the millionaire property owners and the real winners here will be the people that are cruising comfortably under the £2 million mansion tax threshold.

Wyatt says:

“There has never been an election that will decide our fate more than this one.  We found the changes in the stamp duty quite onerous but the mansion tax will be a whole different level of pain for many.  I have many elderly clients that have been quietly living out their days in Wentworth, they might live in large houses but they will shudder to pay these taxes and I worry what will be their outcome.”

Silverwood, Wentworth Surrey                                                £4,600,000

Silverwood is a uniquely designed brand new residence which has been constructed to an excellent standard to provide bright & airy, adaptable living and entertainment accommodation.

The property is situated in a tranquil location on the main island of Wentworth.

Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, entrance hall, cloakroom, five reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, annexe, cinema room, games room, triple garage, gardens of approximately one acre.

A brand new Georgian style home built by award winning Developer Bridgwater New Homes Ltd arranged over three floors and situated on Wentworth Estate in grounds of one acre.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Foreign Secretary attends Annual Enterprise Forum at Wentworth

Foreign Secretary attends Annual Enterprise Forum at Wentworth

United Kingdom

Philip Hammond, local MP and Foreign Secretary was an esteemed guest of Surrey’s leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt last Friday.

 

March 20th saw the Runnymede & Weybridge Enterprise Forum annual lunch take place in the graceful dining room at The Wentworth Club.   As a keen supporter of the enterprise, James Wyatt Partner of Barton Wyatt hosted tables and invited the two local international schools as his guests.

 

Wyatt comments:

 

“I am a staunch supporter of this group and indeed was Chairman a few years ago.  I believe this forum is an excellent way of getting local businesses together to encourage economic discussion and the effect of politics on our lives.  As Mr Hammond is the Foreign Secretary I thought that it would be tremendous to include our two local international schools – ACS Egham and TASIS – both of which have quite an impact on our patch of North Surrey.”

 

The two schools combined take in the region of 1500pupils who are mainly being educated on the International Baccalaureate and their being in the local area attracts a wealth of international families to the Virginia Water area.

 

James Wyatt continues:

 

“I believe without these two schools in our locality, Wentworth would be a very different patchwork to the rich diversity of cultures that it is today.  I love the mix of nationalities and cultures that we have on our doorstep.  It creates a terrific international environment and one that I am very glad my children are growing up in.

 

“It was with this in mind that I decided to include some sixth formers from TASIS and ACS Egham to join my tables. These youngsters will be our future and I hope that they will go back to their respective schools and talk freely to their peers about this experience.”

 

Philip Hammond, Member of Parliament for Runnymede & Weybridge and Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs attends all the meetings for the Enterprise Forum. He says:

 

“Personally, I greatly value the opportunity which the Forum gives me to discuss current issues and political developments with the local business community. All members of the Cabinet value the opportunity to hear the views and concerns of the business community – thus helping to ensure that we achieve our stated ambition – to be a business-friendly administration. I want to remain a champion of private sector-led growth within Government and I value my links with the local business community highly.”

 

For more information on the Enterprise Forum, the local schools or property please speak to James Wyatt at Barton Wyatt, 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Work out wonder homes

Work out wonder homes

United Kingdom

 

  • Wearable tech for health and fitness is set to explode in 2015
  • Research specialist say 6.7 million adults currently measure fitness using technology and that could double in 2015 (Kantar)
  • 78% of property buyers in Virginia Water are after space for a home gymnasium (Barton Wyatt)

Zumba, Fitbit and TRX are all words that have become part of the daily dialect for many.  The UK’s ever changing vocabulary is including more words that have originated from the sports world as people become fixated with bettering their physique and improving their diet.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) became the number one fitness trend in 2014 according to the annual survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).  It was perfect for busy people who wanted a fast and challenging workout that delivered results. The survey predicts it will rank second in 2015.

Taking the coveted number 1 spot this year will be body weight training according to the ACSM. A perfect work out which can be done in small spaces and uses your own body weight as a cantilever rendering expensive monthly gym memberships redundant.

Wearable technology has also become one of the latest fads on the fitness market.  Wristbands that measure calories, steps, heart beat and can also let you know if you had a good night sleep complete existing smartphone technology syncing your daily exercise and overall health. A recent study by market research group Kantar are projecting that the ‘wearable tech’ market in the UK could jump to 13.1 million users in 2015 (over double the current number at 6.7 million).

The launch of the Apple Watch will undoubtedly help to achieve this figure.  Apple Watch gives the wearer a complete picture of their all-day activity. The activity app show the daily progress and help motivate you to sit less, move more and get some exercise. It’s also an advanced sports watch, giving you real-time stats for a variety of the most popular workouts. Over time, Apple Watch learns the owner’s activity and fitness levels thus enabling it to suggest personalised goals. It even provides custom reminders to encourage you to achieve them.

Property guru and estate agent James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt in Surrey, is at the forefront of selling homes to buyers with health and fitness foremost in their minds, he comments,

“Having watched my friends and associates being lured into the wearable technology world, I find myself following! I have to admit I was tempted by this Apple watch but I have gone for the more affordable Fitbit to see how I do with that before weighing out for a pricey watch!”

“It appears that the average property purchaser in patch of Surrey is very keen on keeping healthy too.  Most of our buyers are after substantial family homes and they want the house to have or have the potential room for a multi-gym.  These gyms are not all flamboyant – some are small rooms with a handful of weights – others have lots of expensive equipment. One thing they virtually all have though is a large flat screen television linked to the internet!”

With the help of the internet and platforms such as YouTube it’s never been an easier time to get fit and remain motivated. The number of online workout videos and tech-platforms that can track your progress, offer advice and allow you to connect with your fitness pals is growing at an alarming rate.  Slipping into some Lycra and popping on a Jane Fonda VHS is a thing of the past – today you can download an Insanity Fast & Furious 20-Minute Workout and off you go!

James goes on to comment about how buyers’ needs have changed in recent years,

“30 years ago no one ever asked for a gym in their home, we had the odd request for a massage room or a swimming pool but it wasn’t common.  Today fibre optic broadband, wall to ceiling mirrors and in the most luxurious gyms – a sprung floor – have almost become as essential as a walk-in wardrobe.  The wonderful thing is that most ‘fitness’ rooms can be retro-introduced into a house.  It’s only a sports complex in the basement that needs heavy duty planning.”

Indeed Personal Trainers and private Pilates instructors are a highly sought after accessory in the depths of North Surrey.  Paying as much as £75 per hour for the luxury of a home trainer who will help to keep your motivation going to achieve the ultimate bendy body.

Wyatt laughs:

“It used to be essential to have a Range Rover and a pony – now the locals compete over the best Personal Trainers how many times a week you can fit in a Pilates class. I have to be honest I have tried it myself and I definitely feel more flexible after an hour!

“Many of the homes we sell have fully kitted gymnasiums, these are perfect for your PT session or just to de-stress after work – which is what I generally use it for.  Half an hour of breaking into a sweat and watching the news helps to take your mind off work.

“Some of our clients have gone the extra mile fitting instant iced water dispensers, wrap around mirrors, ballet bars and surround sound systems to their gyms. In the more extravagant homes around here you will find large underground swimming pools with Jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas and even changing rooms!”

For those looking to complement their home fitness outdoors then Virginia water in North Surrey is the perfect place. The notable Wentworth Club, a timeless golfing haven, has welcomed numerous great sporting members over the years with the tennis courts, state of the art gymnasium and swimming hugely popular with local residents.

On the Market:

Below is a selection of properties on the market in North Surrey perfect for buyers looking for a sporting haven:

Wilton, Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water                         £4,950,000

A magnificent family home built to an exceptional specification and finish, superbly situated on an elevated site at the end of Woodlands Road East, a prestigious and sought after road within the

Wilton has been designed for a contemporary family lifestyle with a stunning kitchen/breakfast/family room area with doors opening onto the delightful gardens. The more formal ground floor reception rooms are of elegant proportions and enjoy tall ceilings and windows, light being a theme throughout the house.

There is also a large gymnasium on the ground floor which is air conditioned as is the master  bedroom and kitchen/family room. A link between the gymnasium and the main house has a secondary staircase giving access to the rear landing of the house as well as the staff flat over the large three car garage. The flat also has the ability to be completely independent with its own staircase and front door.

Upstairs over two floors is the enormous master bedroom suite, four further en-suite bedrooms and another two bedrooms which share a bathroom

The house enjoys a secluded garden facing east at the rear and amounts to approximately 0.75 of an acre in all.

Broomfield House, Windlesham                              £4,350,000

This magnificent family house features an incredible array of modern day living.  A CAT 5 integrated request audio system with speakers through out many rooms, in intercom facility throughout the house, security cameras and a state –of- the art Rako mood lighting system.

The accommodation comprises a fabulous kitchen which was featured in Beautiful Kitchens in May 2009 and utility room.  An impressive entrance hall with marbled flooring and chandelier leads to a further six reception rooms include a study and conservatory.  The master bedroom includes en-suite and dressing room, four further bedrooms (2 en-suite), a further family bathroom.

The recreation area includes a multi gym, a pool and jacuzzi.  There is a steam room and shower plus separate changing rooms.  A custom built bar area which has access onto a terrace via 10m fully retractable glass doors.

The property also includes a detached triple garage block with staff flat above.  The flat includes a private entrance, kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom.

Grounds extend to approximately 1.7 acres including a tennis court.

Crossland House, Virginia Water                                             £1,100,000, £1,495,000 AND £2,000,000

Currently Barton Wyatt have three homes available on Virginia Park.  Crossland House is a stunning Grade I listed centrepiece of Virginia Park which is a prestigious gated development with extensive communal leisure facilities.

For sales is a detached house built when the site was redeveloped and two large properties which are set within the main house.

The communal facilities in Virginia Park are extensive and include 24 hour manned security at the gate, a superb indoor swimming pool complex with hammer beam ceiling, a gym, converted sports hall chapel, tennis court and communal grounds.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

New open skies agreement focuses an Eastern Eye on Albania

New open skies agreement focuses an Eastern Eye on Albania

Albania

 

  • Open skies agreement between Singapore and Albania signed in Jan 2015
  • Chinese Premier Li Keqiang highlights Albania’s investment potential
  • High end beach resort investment from €35,000 at Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa

Within the last few weeks, an historic open skies agreement between Singapore and Albania has sent ripples of interest through the East, as Asia turns its attention to the investment potential of Europe’s newest gem

European investors in the know have for some time considered Albania an important presence in their portfolios. Albania has a lot going for it. Its business environment is welcoming, it has a flourishing tourism industry and infrastructure improvements have laid the foundations for stable future growth.

This has also been acknowledged recently by the Bank of Albania, which projected in its Monetary Policy Report for Q4 2014 that Albania will register positive growth this year, following an advance of 2.1% in 2014.

Now, an open skies agreement signed by the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Albania in January 2015 has added to the Balkan country’s charms, ensuring that there are no restrictions between the two countries so far as capacity, flight frequency or aircraft type are concerned.

Investors across Singapore, China and beyond are looking at Albania with interest, considering everything from infrastructure development to touristic resorts.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director of Albania’s first high end resort, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spacomments,

“A number of factors have combined to generate particular interest in Albania from Singapore and China of late. The recent open skies agreement follows discussions between Albania and China regarding a highway from Albania to Macedonia. These countries are going to be a key part of the foreign direct investment market moving forwards.”

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang concurs, remarking recently on the good prospects that his country has with Albania so far as economic cooperation relating to energy, agriculture and infrastructure is concerned. As well as highways, the Albanian port of Shengjin is benefitting from Chinese investment, with redevelopment work creating a port “that could serve not only Albania, but also Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and the whole region,” according to Minister of Economic  Development, Trade and Entrepreneurship Arben Ahmetaj.

Standard & Poor’s promotion of Albania’s rating from stable to positive during late 2014 is another factor that has come into play. Lalzit Bay’s Peter Walshe continues,

“Investors are just beginning to realise the true potential of Albania and it is great to see investment being attracted from across the world. In everything from commercial premises to resorts like Lalzit Bay, investors are demanding solid deals that generate decent returns – something that is getting harder and harder to find these days!”

Lalzit Bay is a sophisticated beachfront resort, with one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom villas set in lush grounds. Investment ranges from €35,000 to €360,000. The apartments are well designed and generously proportioned, while the villas are the height of luxury, each benefitting from a private pool.

The resort also boasts a beach club, tennis courts and a range of shops and eating and drinking facilities.

For more information about Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa call +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Europe’s first major monorail tipped to trigger property investment boom in Istanbul

Europe’s first major monorail tipped to trigger property investment boom in Istanbul

Uncategorized
  • 47 km Havaray route will be first major monorail in Europe
  • Istanbul Ataturk airport saw 11% surge in passengers in 2014
  • Property investors put Istanbul firmly on their radar, with studios from $50k (Universal21)

Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where East meets West. It is home to a blending of cultures that can be seen in its architecture, its food and the products on offer in its many stores. It is also a city that is much in demand by Turkey’s residents, putting pressure on available housing and driving up traffic flows resulting in congestion reaching levels that are seriously problematic.

The city has tried several measures to alleviate traffic congestion and is already home to more than ten different kinds of public transport, but the latest – a 47km monorail known as the Havaray – is set to carry some 200,000 passengers per day high above the bustling streets.

The Havaray will be Europe’s first major monorail system and should help Istanbul to transport its citizens more easily, avoiding the queues completely by travelling above them. The monorail is also tipped to have bring other benefits to the city, as Director of Universal21Adil Yaman, explains,

“Istanbul’s new monorail is set to bring a host of benefits to this cosmopolitan city. As well as reducing congestion, we anticipate a property investment boom as investors look to be part of this thriving and dynamic metropolis. Istanbul is already an exciting investment prospect and the Havaray will make it even more so.”

Universal21 has two stunning developments within the city, with one of them close to the new Sefaköy and Atatürk Airport route of the monorail at Beylikdüzü.

The Anfa Life Residence consists of spacious, luxury apartments that are perfect for the city’s professionals and their families. The 208 apartments are divided evenly between one bedroom apartments (investment from $102,000) and two bedroom apartments (from $163,000), complemented by a ground floor with a commercial offering of 12 stores.

Meanwhile the Tulip Residence offers elegant city living just a few minutes’ walk from Istanbul’s centre, with three blocks of apartments, underground parking, a health club, children’s play area, outdoor pool and tennis/basketball court. The development is due for completion by September 2015 and investment ranges from $50,000 for a studio to $112,000 for a two bedroom apartment.

In addition to the new monorail easing congestion within the city, Istanbul is also becoming more accessible from elsewhere in the world. Its Ataturk airport has already overtaken Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid to become the world’s fourth busiest airport, with passenger numbers surging 11% to 57 million in 2014.

The city’s third airport is also anticipating being among the world’s busiest by 2020, with a $5.2 billion loan package being signed by its builders in May for the first phase of the hub. It is planned that the first phase of the airport will handle 90 million passengers from late 2017.

With more planes in the skies as well as more citizens zooming above the streets thanks to the monorail, it is easy to see why Istanbul is on property investors’ radar, with the infrastructure improvements on track to drive up prices and enhance the city’s appeal to those looking to rent.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.