Baffling the Burglar – How to avoid this unwanted guest this winter

by Viv United Kingdom

Winter arrived a couple of weeks ago in the UK and this year it arrived with a bang. The worst storm since 1987 with howling 100 mph winds, torrential rain and frightening conditions for most of southern England and Wales.

The dark evenings, drawing in ever earlier now that the clocks have gone back, provide idyllic conditions for unwanted burglars.  Halifax Home Insurance suggests that the average cost of a claim for winter burglary was £1,746 per incident in 2012 with the insurer paying out almost £13 million in winter burglary claims, 21% rise compared to the summer months.

  • 21% more burglaries during the winter months says Halifax 
  • Bonfire night brings 22% increased likelihood of theft compared to an average day  (Aviva)
  • Women are more security savvy then men according to Aviva home insurance

Interestingly Aviva has completed some research on what happens on one particular day – Bonfire night traditionally on the 5th November. The insurance provider reveals that those holding firework parties at home risk providing a spark of opportunity to thieves by leaving their doors unlocked and windows unchecked on what is the worst day of the year for burglary.

Collating 10 years of research, Aviva data reveals that you are 22% more likely to have a theft on Bonfire Night compared to the average day. In fact their survey of 2,500 UK homeowners revealed that one in five (19%) households holding a party in their garden admit to leaving the back door unlocked to make it easier for friends and neighbours to come and go as they please. And over one in ten (13%) even go as far as leaving the front door unlocked.

James Wyatt, partner of the award-winning Barton Wyatt estate agency in Virginia Water, North Surrey comments:

“The cover of darkness can create the perfect environment for petty thieves looking for an easy target. Some of the homes here in leafy Surrey have large wooded areas adjoining them with plenty of evergreen bushes to hide in and as the houses do not overlook each other you are less protected by your neighbours twitching their curtains and keeping a vigilant eye on your house.”

However despite these potential opportunities to get up to no good, Virginia Water in Surrey saw declining burglary figures between the years ending June 2011 and June 2012 according to official Police Crime Figures with burglary rates across North Surrey well below the national average.

James Wyatt, himself a North Surrey resident, suggests:
“Savvy owners in the area have been installing a plethora of equipment to beat the burglars and it appears to be working. The equipment ranges from CCTV, external lights, keyless gated entry and one house we are selling has a finger recognition keypad so that keys are surplus to requirement completely.”

Also in the area, luxury homes developer Millgate are close to completing two new developments – a luxury apartment complex in Ascot and a collection of detached country homes in Sunninghill.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate talks about the standard security equipment they supply in their new homes,

“The level of security required varies from site to site but as a general rule of thumb we install an approved hardwired security system and external lighting to the front and rear of the property.

“We are building houses that many people will envy and therefore they could be considered a target which is why we supply good quality equipment as standard although some of our home owners go onto install further equipment such as CCTV etc. Our houses are pre-wired for this installation so it is readily upgraded for those that want the extra security measure.”

Research from Aviva home insurance shows that women are more security savvy than men, with 82% making sure all doors are locked before leaving the house (compared to 72% of men). Women are also more likely to ensure that valuables are stored safely out of sight and not visible from the outside (60% compared to 47% of men).

Top 10 tips to beat the burglars this Bonfire Night

  1. Give the impression that someone is home by leaving the radio on a talk-back station and a few lights on.
  2. Use a timer switch to ensure your lights will come on as it goes dark and use eco-bulbs to save money on bills.
  3. Avoid telling strangers who know your address, such as delivery men or salespeople, that your house is likely to be empty at any particular time.
  4. Don´t leave any valuables in your car. If belongings are too big to carry, make sure to conceal them well or leave them at home, safely out of sight.
  5. If you´re holding a party at home, don’t leave a sign on your front door telling guests to meet you in the garden or ´come around the back´.
  6. Make sure all front doors and windows are locked.
  7. Try not to have the music too loud if you´re having a party – burglars might think that makes your house an easy target.
  8. Put the car or bikes in the garage and don´t leave your keys in an obvious place.
  9. Use all the locks and bolts on your doors – they´re there for a reason!
  10. Don´t put spare keys in obvious places like under the doormat or a flower pot

Examples of houses that are on the market and have security already installed:

Strawberry Field, Wentworth, Surrey £2,695,000
A double award nominated home, Strawberry Fields is an elegant Cotswold manor home which has been built by the current owner with much flair and design for their own occupation.

The house has CCTV installed already. There are large ornate mirrors in the sitting, dining and master bedroom which double as plasma screens; with a quick toggle you can turn your TV into a monitor which displays the CTV. Perfect to see who is knocking on your door before you run downstairs to open it.

The house offers the latest in technology, appliances and bathroom suites and is well-suited to entertaining on a grand scale with the magnificent kitchen/breakfast/family room with doors leading out to the landscaped garden.

The first floor has four bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a useful kitchenette/utility room with appliances. On the top floor there is a superb games room which has steps leading to the fully fitted out cinema room (items available separately). There are two further bedrooms on this floor and a bathroom with steam shower.

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

Holland Place, Sunninghill Launching November 2013
Three stunning 6 bedroom residences located in the heart of the Home Counties just 2 miles from Ascot racecourse

Each home at Holland Place sits within substantial landscaped grounds, reflecting meticulous attention to detail in design, specification and architectural integrity – again setting the benchmark for building excellence.

The houses have all been completed with an approved hardwired security system. External lighting is provided to the front and rear of the property for security.

Guide prices from £3.5 to £4.2 million. Contact the sales team for further information or to arrange a viewing on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Coming soon to Ascot: Westbrook House created by Millgate

by Viv United Kingdom

Earlier this year (May 2013) WealthInsight, the London based global wealth consultancy, analysed the most affluent small towns and villages in the UK.

Dominating the top 10 were small towns and villages (with less than 30,000 people) located in the South East with the charming Berkshire town of Ascot, home to up to 300 millionaires, completing the hot list.

  • Ascot named top 10 most affluent small town in UK (WealthInsight 2013)
  •  New luxury apartment development by Millgate coming soon to Ascot
  • Apartments already selling off-plan reflecting high buyer interest

Ascot is a delightfully English spot synonymous with race goers, the Queen, top hats and tails.  But behind this bravado of champagne and high society lies a very civilised and genteel town. The shopping centre consists of rows of small exclusive retailers and a host of eateries. A farmers’ market is held on the third Sunday of the month where locally produced products can be purchased.

Situated only 7 miles from Heathrow international airport and affording fabulous motorway links to the rest of the country and direct rail access to Central London in 30 minutes, makes it easy for Captains of Industry to be located in Ascot. Sporting options are top dollar with championship golf courses at Wentworth, horse racing at Ascot and polo at Smiths Lawn in the Great Park or the Royal Berkshire Polo Club.  If the water is an attraction then there is boating and sailing on the Thames with plenty of places to park up your gin palace.

For those looking for a pied a terre close to the heart of Ascot then look no further.  Millgate, the award-winning luxury homes developer is soon to open the perfect solution – 14 luxury apartments with their own underground parking and lifts will be available later this year.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate comments:

“We launched a similar development in Ascot, Brockenhurst, in 2011this was the first development of its type in the area and the reaction from prospective buyers was remarkable. We anticipate that Westbrook House will do the same.  In fact two apartments have already been secured off plan to local residents who love living in the area and are downsizing.

“Brockenhurst attracted buyers who wanted the ease of an apartment rather than a house, some were retreating from London to the country whilst others wanted lock up and leave apartments that are very secure enabling them to come and go as they please.”

The new apartments at Westbrook House are situated on the site where Rita Heyworth once owned a house. With views towards the race course, these apartments are fabulous for horse lovers and the penthouse apartments boast views of the race track making tremendous spots for entertaining before or after the races.

Edwards and Elliott estate agency in Ascot sold the first development, Brockenhurst for Millgate and are looking forward to the launch of Westbrook House.  Richard Cracknell, Director for Edwards and Elliott said:

“The whole concept for Brockenhurst was based around a particular buyer group; empty nester’s, who are generally moving from large houses and are looking for a very high quality home that is secure, simple to maintain, easy to ‘lock up and leave’ with spacious rooms, outside space, garaging for their cars and plenty of storage.

Brockenhurst House really ‘hit the spot’ and took the concept a stage further by providing an astonishing entrance which created an immediate first impression of space, luxury and opulence, similar to a top hotel.“

Cracknell goes on to say:

“Millgate’s latest development, Westbrook House, takes the concept to new heights with an imposing Queen Ann style building situated directly opposite the world famous Ascot Race Course which incorporates the principal features of their earlier development; and then some!  The early response to Westbrook House has been quite exceptional with scores of enquiries and already two reservations ‘off plan’.

Commenting on the Ascot property market Mr Cracknell said:

“The market in this area has been a roller coaster this year and different sectors have performed in different ways. The year started with increased activity from buyers and sellers but there were still problems with obtaining competitive finance and a general lack of commitment. The long promised ‘recovery’ just did not seem to be happening.  At the same time, the lettings market was incredibly busy with stock levels reducing rapidly.

“Then, in September, things began to change. The letting market became quieter and rental values stopped escalating. Sales on the other hand have become incredibly active and, with reduced stock levels prices are poised to start growing.”

The entrance to Westbrook House has been designed to be very grand. There is a lift to all floors, secure basement car parking and storage. Each apartment will be finished to an exceptionally high standard in a variety of sizes and styles. With a choice of two and three bedroomsfrom 1,380 sq ft to over 3,000 sq ft, the apartments at Westbrook House are designed with large terraces / balconies, bespoke luxury kitchens and bathrooms, perfect pads for indulgent living.

For further information please contact Millgate on 0118 934 8075 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk or to contact the sole agents, Edwards & Elliott westbrook@edwardsandelliott.co.uk or call on 01344 876363.

Property Inspector: How to tell if your house is haunted

by Georgina United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector, taking a closer look at global real estate each month.

As Halloween arrives once again, scary movies and spooky reality TV shows are everywhere. You hear that bump in the night or feel that cold shiver in your living room and it’s even easier to think that maybe your house has a ghost.

A haunting can make a big difference to a house: if you’re selling a home, you’ll probably have to lower the price to find a buyer. If you’re a buyer, you may be excited about the investment potential of a bed and breakfast with added tourist appeal. Or maybe you’re living in the home and you just want to be able to sleep at night.

But what are the signs that there really is a presence on your property? How can you tell your imagination isn’t simply spooked?

TheMoveChannel.com’s October podcast tracks down Loyd Auerbach, Director of The Office of Paranormal Investigations, to find out how to tell if your house is haunted.
Click here to listen to the full investigation.

He offers these eight easy steps:

8 steps to take if you think your house is haunted

1.Be rational
A lot of the time, there is a rational explanation for what you might think is a ghost.

“The first step is to assume your house isn’t haunted and look for normal explanations for things that might seem strange,” Loyd Auerbach, Director of The Office of Paranormal Investigations, tells TheMoveChannel.com.

“People make very, very bizarre conclusions about even the simplest explanations. It’s understandable. People are emotionally on edge, especially if they’ve been watching these shows that tell them that this stuff is evil – and it’s not. It’s not bad at all.”

“It used to be probably 20% of cases we could figure out even over the phone,” he adds. Of the others, 25% to 50% “have really good, understandable explanations”.

2.Don’t believe what you see in the movies
Room going cold? Footsteps on the stairs? The symptoms that the movies tell you to look for are often completely incorrect. Especially if your heating is on the blink.

“If it’s the room getting unusually cold, that is a complete stereotype and incorrect. I have been looking for a normal explanation for that more than anything else! It could be your insulation.”

3.Check for animals
Bumps in the night? Try animals in the attic…

“I’ve had cases where people hear footsteps from their attic or upstairs but it turned out to be acoustical. In other words, the set up of the floor or the room seemed to magnify simple noises. I had one, years ago, where it was a squirrel pushing nuts across the floor!”

4.Don’t call a ghost buster
Think you’ve got a ghost? Who you gonna call? Not a ghost-hunting group, says Loyd, if you want an explanation for your haunting.

“People don’t seek out parapsychologists any more; they seek out ghost hunters… If you contact a ghost hunting group, given that most of them follow the methods you see on TV, it’s probably more likely that you’ll be told you have a ghost then you’ll be told there’s an explanation… It’s what we do in investigations. We look for normal explanations… They’re not going to help you with understanding or dealing with the phenomena. There are exceptions, but that’s rare.”

5.Don’t panic if there was a death in your home
Homes where there has been a death are often stigmatised or presumed to be haunted. But that isn’t always the case.

“Ghosts don’t necessarily go to where they died. They go to where they lived. Sure, if someone died in the house, that may be where they hang around, but if they died in a car accident, they still might come back to the house – or they may go to the local bar where they used to hang out!”

6.Beware of living people as much as dead people
Got a bad feeling about your home? Check the previous owners – residual energy left in a property doesn’t always come from beyond the grave…

“We have a demarcation between an actual ghost and what we call residual hauntings or imprints. A lot of the second category is about who lived in the house before, even if they’re still alive. It really is more about the living leaving these impressions behind. It could be that the couple previously were continuously fighting with each other… You walk in the house and you feel it’s bad, like people were fighting there. That’s a haunting. That’s still the same kind of thing.”

7.Have a party
If all else fails, invite some friends round to scare the bad feelings away.

“It’s a little bit harder when people get that emotional reaction, that visceral reaction, like it doesn’t feel good and they don’t want to live there. That can be dealt with, if you really like the house… just by having people come in and having a really nice party – put some really good emotions into the house!”

8.Try talking to them
“Having direct communication with someone is the best way to deal with the phenomenon.”

“It really is about what the ghost needs. There’s the idea of ‘sending them into the light’ that you see on TV, but if they’re not ready, you can offer them another suggestion. We’ve done that. We had a case where a former owner [of a house] was asked if there was a place he had wanted to go but had never had the chance to… The reply was he always wanted to go on safari in Africa when he was alive. And we said ‘Why don’t you go on safari? The lions can’t hurt you anymore!’ The family never had an experience with him again…

Click here to hear more case studies of hauntings.
Notes to Editors
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.
The website address is www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information
For more information on Loyd Auerbach, visit www.mindreader.com

Tenant survey reveals the good (and bad) landlords

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

As the government prepares to regulate the private rented sector more closely with a code of practice and a draft Tenant’s Charter, the UK’s largest online letting agent, Upad.co.uk publishes research into what tenants believe makes a good or bad landlord.

 

Upad asked 720 tenants what they thought made an ideal landlord and the answers highlight the qualities that tenant cherish most. Highly rated landlords are those who deal with problems quickly, give plenty of notice before entering a property, consult on when repairs will take place and keep in contact throughout the tenancy.

 

Some 95% of all tenants say landlords being easy to contact is ‘essential’ or ‘very important’ but not all are worried about other ‘minimum standards’ as one might assume. Only 88% believe it essential or very important that the property was property maintained and just 37% expect a landlord to give the correct notice before entering a property, which should be a minimum of 24 hours written notice. And 89% think it essential or very important that a landlord consult with them on the timing of repairs to a property.

 

Tenants were also asked what one piece of advice they would offer landlords and the answers reveal the less cordial aspects of the landlord/tenant relationship. This includes to ‘fix things when we say they are wrong – not if you think they are a danger’; ‘follow through on your words’; ‘respond to issues seriously – it´s someone´s home, albeit temporarily’ and ‘do jobs properly and not cut corners to save money’.

 

Other landlord behaviour that clearly annoys tenants includes those who moan about the cost of repairs, accidental landlords who are too precious about their former homes, landlords who charge excessive admin fees and those who rely too much on ‘cheap furniture from IKEA’. The most common comment on a more philosophical note is that tenants dislike being treated like an ‘income stream’ and not a ‘real person’.

 

James Davis, Founder of Upad.co.uk and a landlord of 15 years’ experience commented: “The results of the survey show that to be successful as a landlord the same rules apply as for any business: invest time listening to your customers’ needs and you’ll earn their loyalty and respect.”

 

 

Notes for Editors

 

Upad has taken the traditional high street lettings agent model and deconstructed it. Like the dating and travel categories before it, Upad empowers the customer with all the tools and support they need to self-manage their properties. 

 

Upad.co.uk offers immediate cost savings over using a traditional agent and offers landlords the largest online property distribution platform, ensuring extensive exposure for their properties – thereby maximising tenant leads. Tenants find a great choice of properties from professional landlords, and are treated openly and fairly throughout.

 

In September 2013, Upad reached its 6,000th transacted landlord and continues to grow exponentially every quarter as it drives true change in the lettings market.

For your mind, body and wallet – a spa investment could be just what the doctor ordered

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
The global spa and wellness industry is, simply put, massive. According to the recent report from the inaugural Global Wellness Tourism Congress, wellness tourism is already worth a staggering $439 billion, which represents 14% of total global tourism revenues. The same study showed that spa and wellness tourism is expected to outstrip other forms of tourism in terms of its growth rate over the next few years, increasing to a market size of $678.5 billion by just 2017.
  • Global spa & wellness tourism worth €439 billion (Global Wellness Tourism Congress)
  • German wellness industry grew 2% in 2012 and is now worth €4.5 billion
  • Investment in German award-winning AlpenClub hotel & spa from only £47,198 
A healthy industry

 Within Germany, the wellness industry is developing in line with these global figures. The country’s health and wellness sales increased by 2% in 2012, bringing the value of its wellness market up to €4.5 billion. Both domestic and international visitors enjoyed some of Germany’s leading spas during the year, escaping the pressures of modern life and healing their bodies, minds and spirits while on holiday.

Ray Withers, CEO of leading property investment agency, Property Frontiers, comments,
“As the internet and smartphones make the hectic pace of life almost inescapable, spa holidays are becoming increasingly popular and Germany is certainly stepping up to the plate in terms of developing world-class facilities with which to tempt those in need of a little pampering.”
A healthy return
Understandably, the booming wellness industry is attracting investors as well as tourists. Nestled away in the Bavarian mountains, the AlpenClub is the perfect example of a leading investment opportunity within this sector.
Home to the exquisite, Asian-inspired Karma Spa, AlpenClub is in the privileged position of having been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the last two years running. Visitors to the spa are unsurprised by this news, given the sublime facilities. With an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath and year-round garden access, the Karma Spa offers organic, curative treatments from massages and Bavarian rituals to signature Himalayan crystal journeys.
For those looking to enhance the condition of their wallets as well as their bodies, a limited number of 4* hotel rooms are available for investment at AlpenClub, from £47,198. With a 10 year fixed return leaseback and 10.33% average NET yield assured, this opportunity is not expected to be open for long.
For more information get in touch with Property Frontiers today on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Do the maths: The global student accommodation sector is worth USD 200 billion, you can’t afford to ignore it!

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
This is the advice of Philip Hillman, Global Student Housing Co-ordinator at Jones Lang LaSalle and confirmed speaker at the much anticipated OPPLive´s Global Student Accommodation Forum.
Joining a myriad of other A-grade seminar speakers including Marcus Roberts, Director of Student Investment at Savills, James Pullan, head of student property at Knight Frank, Gareth Fatchett, partner at Regulatory Legal Solicitors, Julie Harvey, International Sales and Marketing Director at Pinnacle MC Global Network and just confirmed, Jo Winchester Senior Director Advisory Services at CBRE, Hillman will lead a series of feature seminars, sessions and discussions on the thriving student accommodation asset class.
Held at the prestigious Central Hall in Westminster, London on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November 2013, the OPPLive Global Student Accommodation Forum will offer delegates, be they developers, consultants or agents, a packed programme including:
Wednesday 27th November from 09:00
•Student Accommodation Business Breakfast – looking at the fundamentals of this global asset class and a superb opportunity to network
•Focus session on Student Hotspots: today & tomorrow
•Advice on how to attract international investment into student accommodation

•Speak face to face with industry leaders at the Student Accommodation Champagne Reception

 

Thursday 28th November from 10:15
•Official unveiling of the first eve OPP Global Student Accommodation report – unmissable!
•Seminar on the hot topic of regulation and how does student accommodation fit in with other ‘alternative’ investments?
•Expert views on the State of the UK Student Accommodation Sector from developers operating in this market as well as advisories and consultants
Xavier Wiggins, Founder and Organiser of OPPLive, comments,
“Supplying purpose built student accommodation around the world has been and remains big business. Many international property developers and indeed agents have identified the high demand in this sector and offered a wide variety of products in numerous locations worldwide to investors. With the sector worth USD 200 billion, it would be criminal not to hold a dedicated Global Student Accommodation Forum at OPPLive 2013.”
Delegates can now purchase passes for OPPLive online through the new registration system available here http://www.opp-live.com/buy-delegatepasses/ with a special offer of the first ticket being FREE with the second half price using code STU9458.

Home is where the hearth is: Feature fireplaces are essential this winter

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

As British Summer Time officially comes to an end this Saturday night, our thoughts naturally turn to winter. 

It is that time of the year when the leaves turn from golden to brown, soon forming great piles on the ground perfect for kids to play in. Conkers are in abundance, quickly becoming a feature in every school playground and sweet chestnuts, apples, rose hips and fungi are there for the taking by any adventurous foragers.

 

The shops are full of ghostly Halloween outfits, Christmas baubles have crept onto the shelves and mincemeat and marzipan are on the shopping list once again. At home, the menu has changed. The BBQ has been cleaned and put away for winter; salads have been replaced with stews and mulled wine becomes the top tipple. The 2014 calendar has arrived and thoughts have turned to Christmas – whose turn is it to host? Should we have a goose or turkey? What to buy Uncle Harry this year?!

 

Indeed Father Christmas and his elves might be becoming rather frantic but there is one other industry that sees a huge upturn in demand at this time of the year. For if you are one of the lucky households in the UK that has a real fire you will need to sweep it now.

 

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps reports that business has increased 40% over the past couple of years with much of this increase being as a direct result of the rise in popularity of wood burning stoves.

 

And what a delicious end to a hard day – to tuck yourself up on the sofa and watch the flames flicker up the chimney. A quintessentially British pastime of lighting fires and toasting bread or cooking your foraged chestnuts sets the perfect winter scene.

 

Are you looking for a house that has a fireplace of your dreams? Consider one of these stunning homes on the market today through leading online estate agent, My Online Estate Agent, which all feature a real fireplace:

Henley Road, Haslemere, Surrey                                     £685,000             

The picturesque rural hamlet of Henley is set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the Surrey/West Sussex border. Henley is surrounded by woodland and many miles of quiet footpaths and bridleways.

A lovely 4 bedroom 2 bathroom detached period cottage has been renovated and extended by its present owners to create a unique reverse level home, the property has under floor heating and double glazing throughout. The original part of the house is thought to be around 300 years old and retains a great deal of its original charm. The house sits in a wonderful elevated position with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Bwlch-Cae-Haidd, Bwlch-y-ffridd, Powys, Wales                     £325,000

An immaculately presented and modernised 16th century character farmhouse with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Set in approximately 2.5 acres of beautiful grounds including a paddock, large workshop and studio with veranda overlooking the pond. The property also benefits from a large workshop, greenhouse and shed.

Geers Farm,Heathfield, Sussex                          £640,000        

 

An excellent well-positioned detached 5 bedroom period house oozing with character.  Parts of the house date back to 1450 when it owned all the land in the vicinity surrounded by woodland and wheat fields. A magnificent drawing room with stable door to garden and sun terrace, heavily timbered and with fine large inglenook fireplace, bressumer beam and raised brick hearth and with French doors opening directly onto the large patio.

Muirton House, Belhelvie, Scotland                                               £675,000

Muirton House is just a short commute from the Aberdeen centre yet offers country living with stunning rural views.  The house has been extensively refurbished in recent years to a high standard to meet modern day needs, yet retains many original features. With 6 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate cloak room, 3 reception rooms and 2 kitchens the property offers versatile, spacious accommodation over four floors.

Rural views may be enjoyed from the property which stands in extensive grounds of 3.6 acres including a walled garden, woodland, paddock and outbuildings.

For more information please contact My Online Estate Agent on 0845 257 1101 or visit My Online Estate Agent.

Opening imminently: Three luxury Millgate homes located in the golfers paradise of Sunninghill

by Viv United Kingdom

Behind the striking blue hoarding at Holland Place in Sunninghill, Berkshire lies award-winning house builder, Millgate’s newest creation. 

Three brand new luxury detached country mansions, guaranteed to take your breath away, can be found less than a mile from desirable Sunninghill in the heart of the Home County commuter belt just 28miles west of London.

Opening the impeccable Show Home doors for the first time on Sunday November 17th 2013,buyers will be captivated by the superb build quality synonymous with a Millgate home which blends seamlessly with inspirational interior design by the renowned Alexander James Interiors.

Julian de la Poer Beresford, Regional Director for appointed selling agents, Hamptons International in Sunninghill comments:

“Combining the depth of knowledge from two companies that are the very top of their game makes for an exceptional work of art.  At Hamptons International we have had the good fortune of selling Millgate houses previously and it is always a pleasure and never a chore.”

The Show Home, elegantly named Evesley House, is one in a collection of three magnificent, privately gated English country homes. This classically styled six bedroom home set within exquisite mature grounds is a testament to the highest quality of vision, design and unparalleled craftsmanship.

As well as being a popular choice for families, the Sunninghill area is also a haven for keen golfers. Within 4 miles of Holland Place there are six golf courses alone! 

·         The highly respected Sunningdale Golf Club has hosted a number of major competitions over the years such as the Mens European Open, the Women’s British Open and several qualifying rounds.

·         Swinley Forest Golf Club is exclusive and totally eccentric. This charming club has no captain and despite being in existence for nearly 100 years it has no history except in it member’s heads as score cards have only recently been printed for the course! 

·         Founded in 1928, The Berkshire Golf Club is home to two Herbert Fowler designed courses, both of which are widely regarded as amongst the best in the British Isles. The Berkshire is a traditional Members’ Club which welcomes visiting golfers all year round to enjoy the beauty of its pine and heather lined courses, and to face the subtle challenges of Fowler’s superb course design.

·         Windlesham Golf Club is a par 72, championship parkland golf course with two exciting loops of 9-holes that will test every club in your bag. Featuring gentle slopes and streams, every aspect of this magnificent course is designed to excite the eye and the mind.

·         Pennyhill Park has a beautiful 9-hole golf course that has welcomed some of the very best Major-winning players in the world including the late, great Seve Ballesteros and the brilliant Vijay Singh.

·         And lastly but certainly not least the infamous Wentworth Golf Club.  One of the world’s finest golf and country clubs with the famed castellated Clubhouse, three championship courses, a Tennis & Health Club, active social calendar and dining inspired by The Ivy and Le Caprice.

Commenting on the area Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate said:

“Golf clubs are a huge draw for people to move to an area and not always for the golf –often the associated sports such as tennis and swimming that are available. Many clubs these days offer social memberships – for just that – somewhere to find new friends in a beautiful environment.

“Saying that I suspect that many of the clients who visit Holland Place in Sunninghill will be asking about golf in the area; it is a popular query with most buyers!”

Guide price for the houses on Holland Place are from £3,900,000 for more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.   

Suburban Super-prime Properties – Fit for a King

by Viv United Kingdom
  •  House prices in London have grown by 8.1 per cent year on year
  • Opulence is in and shabby chic out
  •  Wentworth plot sizes protected by covenants

With property prices in London continuing to grow, more and more people are considering their options to retreat to the country.  London house prices soared by 8.1 per cent in a year to record highs, official figures revealed in August and many are finding London property prices unacceptable.  Another report on the London property market delivered by CBRE, providers of global commercial real estate services, announced that annual growth in prime central London has reached 9.6 per cent.  Undoubtedly it depends where you draw the line for central London but either way these are hugely significant increases.

Areas of upmarket Surrey have been seeing a rise in the number of buyers considering the move to the country as a knock on effect.   Barton Wyatt, the leading estate agency in Virginia Water, which sits on the North Surrey/South Berkshire border, has seen a 20 per cent rise in applicants with London postcodes over the past 12 months.

Estate agents such as Barton Wyatt are noticing an influx of families who are loath to purchase an overpriced house in central London when they can opt for country style living with an acre of land.  Savvy developers in up-market Surrey have jumped on this band wagon and have been buying up tired, older-style houses in their droves, with the aim of knocking them down and replacing them with luxury modern mansions.  And these homes are teeming with all the luxury mod cons that you might expect from 21st century living.

“Opulence is definitely in and shabby chic out,” according to James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt. “Our mid 40’s client base are international jetsetters and they recognise the quality of 5* living in Manhattan, Hong Kong and Dubai.  Quite rightly they want the same level of quality in their homes.  Developers build houses fit for kings in Wentworth, as it is not unknown for royalty to be living side by side with the rest of us.”

With house prices in Surrey more reasonable than in central London, it makes complete sense for these buyers to consider their options in the Home Counties.

Newly built mansions on Wentworth come in varying shapes and sizes.  But one thing is guaranteed in this luxury slice of Surrey.  The size of the plots are cast in stone – in-fills are not allowed in Wentworth due to a covenant on the land, which means there is no overcrowding and your neighbours will never be able to peer over the fence.  Space and seclusion do come at a cost and the price tags on some of these new build homes can be eye-watering.

Hill House has just come to the market at £11,000,000.  This house, according to Barton Wyatt, is likely to be snapped up by a Russian or Khazak, who are very partial to this area, as Wentworth offers privacy in bundles.  This 5 bedroom house (all with en-suites) also has excellent staff accommodation.  The house has been created with the most incredible basement, which includes an indoor pool complex with steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, changing and shower rooms, gymnasium and fabulous entertainment room.  The house sits in a plot of 1.25 acres and has spacious garaging for three cars.

Hill House would be a dream home for a keen golfer.  The house butts up to the East Course on Wentworth and has been designed with a golf buggy gate which leads straight out onto this highly acclaimed course, which was designed by Harry Colt.

For buyers on a tighter budget James Wyatt suggests Somerset House, at just £6,495,000.  Again opulence is in abundance in this newly built home.  Set over 4 floors the accommodation is vast (9500 sq ft) and this house would suit someone who loves to entertain.

Surrey has, in the main, very strict planning regulations so developers are often loath to look at greenfield sites, which invariably take longer to gain planning permission for, often at a greater cost.  Knocking a property down and regenerating it has become the norm in a handful of Surrey areas.   In Kingswood and St Georges Hill this rebirth of homes has become a blight on the leafy roads: reputedly St Georges Hill had 20 building sites and Kingswood had over 30 just last year.  Construction lorries, vans and workers’ vehicles clog up the small roads, which were not designed to take this load of traffic.

James Wyatt comments:

“It is a modern day affliction sadly.  Thankfully in Wentworth we have not seen the high numbers of rebuilds that St Georges Hill or Kingswood have been subjected too.  And of course in Wentworth the plots are really substantial, so there is little need for work vehicles to be parked outside these sites.  But this is modern day living and it will continue to occur.  The trick is to be nice to your neighbours.  It takes little time every week to check that the neighbours are happy and to pay for their windows to be cleaned occasionally!”

For more information on Hill House, Somerset House or construction in Wentworth call Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Erase & Replace grips North Surrey netting savvy developers millions

by Viv United Kingdom

Savills, in their Prime Central London report Autumn 2013, state that this sector of the UK residential market has few real competitors with Lucian Cook, Director Residential Research commenting that “the closest comparison in terms of value and the ability to attract international wealth are the private estates in the Home Counties – St. George’s Hill and Wentworth Estate being the best examples.”

  •  Wentworth & St George’s Hill only places keeping up with London property boost
  • Savvy developers buy plots for up to £10 million and sell rebuilt homes for £30 million
  • Super wealthy looking outside London as prime mansions hard to find in London

The identification of these exclusive areas of North Surrey is off little surprise to James Wyatt, Partner of leading estate agency Barton Wyatt, who has been working on the Wentworth Estate for over 25 years. James says,

“Wentworth and St George’s Hill attract a different crowd to most of Surrey and indeed the Home Counties.  I am not saying that there are not pockets of wealth outside these two enclaves but these are on a different scale with thousands of highly successful businesspeople, politicians, diplomats, celebrities and even royalty choosing to live upon these golden acres.”

Both the Wentworth Estate and St George’s Hill private estates were created in the early 1900’s. Brain child of local builder, W.G. Tarrant who started building the 964 acre on St George’s Hill in 1912 and the 1750 acres of Wentworth Estate began building in 1922.

Both estates are protected to this day by covenants and their own Acts of Parliament, with Wentworth’s covenants preventing developers creating infills with each plot remaining as a single plot thus increasing their allure to many celebrities and high wealth individuals seeking space and privacy. The leafy, tree-lined private roads shield dozens of gated homes from public view.

Over the last decade it has become increasingly fashionable to “erase & replace”, purchasing a plot, knocking down the old Tarrant home and rebuilding in the form of a modern mansion.

Indeed James and his team at Barton Wyatt have seen a flurry of savvy developers buying plots on both Wentworth and St George’s at around the £10 million mark with the intention of creating super mansions that would not look out of place in Beverley Hills, with price tags hitting the £30 million mark.

James Wyatt comments:

“With the covenants still in place allowing only one property per plot, developers have to think of another way to maximise their returns. They cannot simply purchase a prime plot, sub-divide it and build 4 or 5 family homes on the same site.

“Whilst of ample size when they were first built in the early 1900’s, demand, especially from wealthy overseas buyers, for super-sized, mega mansions of 20,000 sq ft with all the mod cons, has meant that the existing Tarrant designed homes are no longer fit for purpose. These seemingly ‘average’ homes can be purchased at a relatively affordable level with the developers making their millions from the sale of the brand new homes which replace them.”

In fact London estate agents are finding a growing shortage of available super homes in prime central London resulting in millionaires looking further afield for a suitable home. Barton Wyatt has seen a 20% increase in buyers coming from Central London over the last year alone.

For more information about Erase & Replace in North Surrey or details on purchasing a super mansion contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.