Inhouse Feb Mar 2011

inhouseFeb/Mar 2011 Edition

The Property Lifestyle Magazine

Property, Style & Fashion, Motoring, Travel, Food & Drink, Sport and much more...

Where Better Homes Are Found

LAWLORSPROPERTY SERVICES

www.lawlors.co.uk

6 PROPERTY/Property section

A selection of some of the finest

properties currently available in your

area from Lawlors.

43 EXCLUSIVE/Tina George

Lettings Manager

An insiders guide for landlords

and tenants.

64 EXCLUSIVE/Jim Lawlor – Launching

Lawlors Consultancy, The Upper Floor.

Offering advice on how to maximise the

value of your home.

65 EXCLUSIVE/Anna Lawlor –

Place your bets… on property?

An insight into why property is still

a wise investment.

68 EXCLUSIVE/Boscolo

The Value Of Style.

70 FASHION/Thinking Outside The Hat Box

Welcome to the fabulous world of Louis

Mariette, one of the UK’s most outlandish

milliners, and designer of the world’s most

expensive hat.

78 TRAVEL/The Warm Heart Of Africa

Darkest Africa...Don’t believe a word of it.

This joyful, full-blooded and complex country

is calling to you with outstretched arms

of welcome.

83 FOOD & DRINK/Mission Nutrition

Chris Peck meets Chris Horridge, the Michelin-

starred chef on a mission to dispel the myth that

healthy food can’t also be delicious.

90 FOOD & DRINK/Made In China

Ken Hom’s Guide to the perfect

Chinese New Year party.

98 HOMES/Green Is The New Black

We take a trip to Grand Designs Live in

Birmingham to find out what’s new in the

world of homebuilding and interior design.

106 MOTORING/A Supercar For

Every Day Of The Week

Kevin Haggarthy drives and rates his personal

choice of some of the World’s finest,

as usable supercars on today’s roads.

Advertising: Tel: 0845 521 5379 E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: [email protected]

© Cream Worldwide Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission

of the publishers. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and does not

form part of any offer or contract. Lawlors cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors.

The views expressed within editorials are those of the writers and not those of Cream Worldwide Ltd.

inhouse

T H E

C L U B

contentsFeb/Mar 2011 Edition

2 www.lawlors.co.uk

Welcome to the first edition of Inhouse for 2011.

We have over 100 pages of exciting property and

informative articles which we hope you will find

stimulating. We strive to provide a unique magazine

relevant to our area offering the most comprehensive

selection of residential property exclusive to Lawlors

Property Services.

This edition features a unique City insight of the

investment market from Anna Lawlor, Editor of

Investment Adviser for Financial Times Business

(page 65). We announce the launch of Lawlors

Consultancy (Page 64) and offer our predictions

for the property market in 2011 (Page 4&5).

welcome

J C Lawlor FNAEA, Partner

www.lawlors.co.uk 3

4 www.lawlors.co.uk

There are few benefits from growing oldbut the ability to have hindsight is oneof them. Fortunately after a 35 year

continuous Estate Agency career in this area, Ihave plenty of hindsight which hopefullyqualifies me to talk with some confidenceabout the market trends specifically in thisarea. It is surprising how circumstances canrepeat themselves and although this recessionhas been particularly difficult, it was just asdifficult when I opened the business in 1989,

during the recession. Its true to say, prices rosespectacularly then just as they did in the run-up to 2007and dropped dramatically yet once again despite hard timesand rising interest rates property still remains a goodinvestment now.

At the lower end of the market our ‘Under 500K’Department has noted a huge increase in fresh property toour books and these properties are selling. The buyers AREthere. Mortgages are difficult to come by now, but even inmy early days you had to qualify for a mortgage then as youdo now and yet we still managed. So even though interestrates are set to rise and we will see the effect of the VATincrease in the coming months, I believe that first-time

buyers will strive to get on the ladder more now than ever.The “Bank of Mum & Dad” maybe the best chance ofobtaining a suitable deposit and there is evidence suggestingthat as these parents downsize, deposit money becomesavailable and the cycle can continue. I have of course greatsympathy for those that are unable to obtain this support,but regrettably there is no short-cut to house purchase, justsheer determination.

We appear to have a finely balanced market at the momentwhere most of our Vendors realise that to sell theirproperty one has to be a realist and keep expectations incheck, this is supported by the number of sales that wehave achieved last year, which is substantially higher than inthe previous years.

As we move into the middle range of properties thatLawlors handles, the picture is different, but still remainspositive. To make the move from a semi-detached house toa substantial detached house, is now an extremely largeleap, because of the stamp duty and associated costs ofbeing a seller and a purchaser. However, a well maintainedproperty in key locations close to the best schools in thearea will always do well. It is obvious that most families willprioritise and move to a better home over other

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

2011…THE WAY FORWARDA CONFIDENT VIEW OF THE YEAR AHEAD


FACT: “We have over 127 Million pounds worth of property onour books ready to sell.”

www.lawlors.co.uk 5

expenditure and although it can be expensive it isundoubtedly about long-term gain and quality of lifeover material acquisitions elsewhere.

Many people who sold in the Recession and moved intorented property feel that prices have now levelled out,or are now at a generally affordable level and withinnegotiable reach. Remember, one buyer with nothing tosell can stimulate three or four connected transactions,so it doesn’t take long for the effect to be felt. Wetherefore predict that there maybe a shortage later inthe year of properties within the £600-£1Million pricebracket as the current stock is snapped-up and itremains to be seen whether the flow of new propertiesonto the market will keep pace with demand.

At the top end of the market our Elite Homes Divisionreported a late rush of exchanges on multi-millionpound properties at the tail end of last year. GerardHoulihan and Heidi Foster of the Elite Homes Teamhave been extremely busy with fresh valuations sincethe start of the New Year, most of which will beexclusive to us and will reflect common sense valueswhen they do come onto the market. We have a stronglist of qualified buyers and although costs may rise thisyear, ‘trophy’ houses will still fair well and be in demand.With a record number of properties sold even in lastyears turbulent times, at over £3 Million pounds, there isa lot of confidence in our area and this can only improveas the Worlds attention is focused on the Olympic Parkon our doorstep. I further predict that this will have a

ripple effect of increasing values and demand in our area which can only be a good thing.

Overall we see a modest rise in prices through all price brackets although there will be tighter criteria formortgage qualification and the continued popularity of the rental sector as more and more people acquireproperty to let and create property portfolios. In the absence of other better non-property relatedinvestment opportunities we anticipate that the loveaffair with residential property will continue.

See our expert report on page 65 for a differentperspective on the global property scene.

Finally, but most importantly remember that achievingthe best value is not necessarily about buying cheap andselling high, by using our team of Negotiators to achievea fine balance between buyer and seller we can ensurethat your move is hassle free and expertly handled.


PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

FACT: “Within these pages we feature 141 properties. The majority of which are exclusive to Lawlors.”

Never has your choice of Estate Agent been so important! Choose Lawlors… We may have all the answers.

BowlandsMeadow,Theydon Road,Theydon Bois£2,500,000

SOLE AGENCY

A delightful detached character home dating from the 20th century with annex, extensive garaging and leisure complex totalling in excess of11,000 Sq.ft and set in stunning grounds of approximately four acres.

Briefly the property comprises of: impressive reception hall, dry cellar, bespoke fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, sitting room, drawingroom, morning room, dining room, study, master bedroom suite, three further bedrooms with en-suite facilities, further bedroom and nurseryroom and shower room. Externally there are various outbuildings including two large garage blocks, workshop and newly converted annex with fitted kitchen, reception room, two bedrooms, two shower rooms and a leisure complex with indoor swimming pool, sauna & a steam room.

E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS

Elite Homes: 020 8418 18906 www.lawlors.co.uk

The Stables,HoublonsHill, Epping P.O.A

SOLE AGENCY

Presenting this stunning Five Bedroom Detached Residence situated within its own private gated grounds with secure video entryphone andoffering panoramic far-reaching views over the local picturesque South-West Essex countryside.

This delightful property offers a contemporary interior boasting quality fixtures and ample light with flexible living accommodation arranged overtwo floors. The exterior grounds boast landscaping with mature shrubberies and ample parking. Property benefits of the ground floor include:impressive reception hall, bespoke spacious kitchen/diner, utility room, drawing room, vaulted conservatory, sitting room, family room, play roomand cloakroom whilst first floor accommodation provides five bedrooms - three with ensuite facilities, family bathroom and study area. This is anideal opportunity for a discerning purchaser to acquire an impressive and unique residence.

E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS

Elite Homes: 020 8418 1890 www.lawlors.co.uk 7

Manor Road,Chigwell P.O.A

SOLE AGENCY

Situated in a commanding position on the prestigious Manor Road, lays this Seven Bedroom character family residence.

The property benefits from many characteristics of the period such as solid oak styling throughout, and many other fine 1930s details. Theproperty has an approximate frontage of 100ft and offers other fine benefits including swimming pool and a spectacular landscaped reargarden with stunning views overlooking the exquisite Chigwell Golf Club. The property is ideally located for the sought after local private schoolsand the fashionable local parade with its numerous boutiques and the Central Line with its transport links to the City and the West End.

E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS


St Marys Close,Loughton P.O.A

JOINT SOLE AGENCY

A magnificent gated development

situated in the heart of Loughton.

The specification within the St Marys Closedevelopment is second to none. Attentionto detail and superb levels ofcraftsmanship can be found in everyroom, from the solid walnut handrail to thebespoke designed coving and architravethroughout. With a little thought during thedesign process the developers have beenable to incorporate a range of specialfeatures unique to these five bedroomproperties. The lighting has receivedspecial attention throughout each homewith perfectly placed LED lighting allowingyou to create the perfect atmosphere tosuit your mood or purpose at the click of abutton. They have combinedconvenience with the latest technologyto make each property the perfect placeto relax, entertain friends and spend timewith the family.

Church Road, Abridge P.O.A

SOLE AGENCY

Impressive newly constructed country

residence situated in a semi rural location.

The property stands in approx 3 acres ofgrounds and benefits from panoramicviews across the Essex countryside. Thehouse has seven bedroom suites and aone bedroom staff apartment. There are four receptions and a state of the artkitchen measuring 10.5m x 7m. A stunningindoor pool complex also includes asteam room, a Jacuzzi and a gymnasiumwith male and female changing andshower rooms. There is also a sunkengarden adjoining the indoor pool. A largecinema room, cloakroom and wine store are adjoining a games/snookerroom/bar room being an impressive 11m x 9m which gives ample scope toaccommodate any needs. A Lutronelectrical system has been run throughoutthe house so all lighting, media and datacabling is of the highest calibre. Externallythe property is approached via animpressive driveway via electric gatesgiving access to the substantialdetached garage.

E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS


E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS

Elite Homes: 020 8418 1890 www.lawlors.co.uk 11

Stradbroke Drive,Chigwell£1,750,000 JOINT SOLE AGENCY

Spacious residence with stunning reception

hall, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room,

cloakroom, family room, open plan reception

leading to further open plan dining area,

conservatory, six bedrooms - four of which are

en-suite and family bathroom. Externally there

is a sweeping carriage driveway with access

to an integral garage. The rear garden

measures 240ft by 60ft and comprises of patio

area with remainder laid to lawn.

Baldwins Hill,Loughton O.I.E.O £999.995SOLE AGENCY

We are pleased to offer this exceptionally well

presented executive family residence situated

within this highly desirable location backing onto

Forest Land. The property offers bright and airy

accommodation arranged over three floors and

we strongly recommend an immediate internal

viewing as it is rare for properties situated in this

location to come to the open market.

Spareleaze Hill,Loughton P.O.A SOLE AGENCY

An impressive property comprising of:

kitchen/breakfast room, utility room,

cloakroom/WC, sitting room, dining room, family

room, six bedrooms - two with en-suite facilities and

two family bathrooms. To the front of the property

there is substantial off-street parking whilst the rear

garden comprises raised terrace with steps leading

to the tastefully landscaped garden. To the

extreme rear of the property there is a summer

house and heated swimming pool

E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS

Elite Homes: 020 8418 1890

Monkhams Lane,Woodford Green £1,450,000 JOINT SOLE AGENCY

A delightful residence which has recently been

the subject of a major renovation programme

incorporating solar heating and indoor pool

complex. The property retains many original

features combined with a contemporary finish

to provide a home perfectly suited to modern

day living and is ideally located for access to

the Central line with its transport link to the City

and ever popular local schools

Vicarage Lane, Chigwell £1,395,000 SOLE AGENCY

Situated within this highly desirable location of

Chigwell village is this well presented family

residence. This fine family home offers a

delightful mature garden and the property offers

the scope for further enlargement subject to

usual planning conditions.

Rye Hill, Epping £1,600,000SOLE AGENCY

A charming property situated in this desirable semi

rural location with panoramic views of the

surrounding countryside. This exceptional Georgian

residence with later additions has been

considerably updated and extended by the

current vendor - yet affords the possibility of further

enlargement subject to usual planning conditions

as there are three substantial barns within the

landscaped grounds approaching three acres

including duck pond.

12 www.lawlors.co.uk

E L I T E H O M E S

LAWLORS

Elite Homes: 020 8418 1890

Stradbroke Grove,Buckhurst Hill £1,150,000SOLE AGENCY

An exceptionally attractive five bedroom

executive residence situated on a double plot

in what is popularly regarded as one of

Buckhurst Hill's premier roads. The property is

ideally located for access to the Central Line

with its transport links to the City and the West

End, the shopping facilities of fashionable

Queens Road with its delightful Boutiques and

Eateries and impressive local schools.

Courtland Drive,Chigwell,£1,395,000

JOINT SOLE AGENCY

Situated within this highly desirable location within

The Courtlands Estate is this well presented family

residence. This fine family home offers a delightful

mature garden and the property offers the

scope for further enlargement as planning

permission has been granted for a side extension.

The property is ideally located for the Central Line

and the shopping facilities of the local parade.

The Fountains,Great Woodcote Park,Loughton £1,100,000SOLE AGENCY

A most impressive executive family residence

situated on a corner plot and facing the

communal pond in this ever popular exclusive

gated development with landscaped grounds

and porterage. This substantial property has been

meticulously maintained and extended to the

exacting standards of the current vendors and also

has planning permission for two further bedrooms

and bathroom in the loft


www.bancrofts.org

Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0RF

Bancroft’s School has a well deserved reputation for excellence, with an outstanding academic record. Pupils don’t just excel in academic fields. Music, drama, sport and art all play important and vibrant roles in

school life. We offer a wealth of co-curricular activities and strong pastoral care.

Please come and visit Bancroft’s to find out more about the exciting opportunities we can offer your child. Contact the Admissions Officeon 020 8506 6761 for further information, including details of Open Days and Scholarships. Further details are available on our website.

“The wide range of opportunities enables all pupils to flourish” ISI Report

• HMC Day School • Ages 7-18 • Fully co-educational • Founded 1737

Bancroft’s SchoolA tradition of excellence

T: +44 (0)1702 480 072 E: [email protected] Steven Thorne Design, 1430 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 2UL

steventhornedesign.com

Interiors designed with passion

The Lanterns, HighRoad, Chigwell£1,399,995 SOLE AGENCY

An Investment Opportunity - We are pleased

to offer this row of four properties which are

available for sale as an entire site. Currently the

site comprises of four two bedroom units each

having kitchen, sitting room, cloakroom/WC,

first floor bathroom and their own garden. The

properties are ideally located for the Central

Line and offered CHAIN FREE.

Brook Rise, Chigwell£749,995 SOLE AGENCY

Just a short walk to Chigwell's Central Line Station

is this stunning Four Double Bedroom Detached

property situated within a quiet location. This

detached residence is beautifully presented and

benefits from a modern spacious lounge/diner, a

fabulous fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility

room, study, cloakroom/WC, family bathroom

and a landscaped Southerly aspect garden.

There is a carriage driveway with off-road parking

for several vehicles.

Grovewood Place,Woodford Green£829,995 SOLE AGENCY

An exceptional Four Bedroom Detached residence

situated within a cul-de-sac location. The property

is well presented throughout and offers superb

family accommodation including a dining room,

lounge, conservatory, open plan kitchen/family

room, downstairs cloakroom/WC, master bedroom

with en suite, bedroom two with study area and en

suite as well as a family bathroom. There is ample

off-street parking and an attached garage.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Chigwell Office: 020 8281 0123 www.lawlors.co.uk 19

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Gainsborough Place, Chigwell £974,995

SOLE AGENCY

A delightful Five Bedroom Detached property situated within a gateddevelopment.

This property benefits from kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, three receptionrooms, a study, cloakroom/WC, en suites to two bedrooms, family bathroom,double detached garage and off-street parking for two cars. With no on-goingchain viewings are highly recommended.

Chigwell Rise, Chigwell £869,995

SOLE AGENCY

Ideally located to Chigwell's Central Line Station and Brook Parade shops is this FiveBedroom Detached family home.

This property benefits from four reception rooms, three bathrooms, cloakroom/WC,swimming pool, carriage driveway and being within easy access to Buckhurst Hill,Woodford and neighbouring towns.

Mount Pleasant Road, Chigwell £685,000

JOINT SOLE AGENCY

Situated within one of Chigwell's most desirable roads is this delightfulThree/Four Bedroom Semi-Detached house.

The ground floor offers three reception rooms, a fitted kitchen, breakfast roomand a cloakroom/WC. On the first floor the master bedroom has a dressingarea and an en suite plus three further rooms, a family bathroom and separateWC. The garden has a summer house at the rear which features a spa roomand sitting area.

The Dairy, Stapleford Abbotts £584,995

SOLE AGENCY

This Four Bedroom End of Terrace home, formally a dairy, has been beautifullytransformed.

The property benefits from many fine features including fitted kitchen/diner,lounge, and ground floor bedroom with en suite shower. On the first floor thereare three further bedrooms with en suite to the master and a family bathroom.This property is set within a farmland location with fabulous views and is withineasy access to all surrounding towns.

Chigwell Office: 020 8281 012320 www.lawlors.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Lyndhurst Rise, Chigwell £699,995

SOLE AGENCY

This family home is located close to Chigwell's Central Line Station and is situatedon the ever-popular Chigwell Park Estate.

This Five Bedroom Semi-Detached property benefits from having two receptionrooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs shower room, familybathroom, garage, an approximate 143' rear garden and off-street parking forseveral vehicles.

Lechmere Avenue, Chigwell £659,995

SOLE AGENCY

Ideally located to both Chigwell and Grange Hill Central Line stations is this FourBedroom Detached house.

The property has excellent living accommodation offering two spacious receptionareas, kitchen with breakfast room and a cloakroom/WC. The first floor has afamily bathroom, four bedrooms with an en suite shower room to the master. Thereis off-street parking for several vehicles as well as an integral garage. This propertyis offered chain free.

Lambourne Road, Chigwell Row £649,995

SOLE AGENCY

This beautifully presented Four Bedroom Detached house is situated within asemi-rural location.

The ground floor has a pleasant open plan feel benefiting from lounge, diningroom, kitchen/breakfast room, study, WC/utility room and conservatory. Thefirst floor has a family bathroom, four bedrooms, one having en suite facilities.There is a detached garage to the rear and a block paved drive to the frontproviding off-street parking.s a spa room and sitting area.

Fontayne Avenue, Chigwell £574,995

JOINT SOLE AGENCY SERIOUS OFFERS INVITED

Potential to extend, subject to planning, is this Four Bedroom Semi-Detached house.

The property offers lounge, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and guestcloakroom. There is also an attached garage with off-street parking, with agarden in excess of 145ft. Viewings are highly recommended to appreciatethe potential this property has to offer.

www.lawlors.co.uk 21Chigwell Office: 020 8281 0123

ll S d i dd / /

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Roding Lane North, Woodford Green £629,995

SOLE AGENCY

Having been totally refurbished throughout to a very high standard is this Five/SixBedroom Semi-Detached property.

The property benefits from a beautifully crafted fitted kitchen/dining room, a spacious lounge and a TV/family room, an en suite to one of the bedrooms, a family bathroom plus a ground floor shower room. This property is offeredchain free.

Barnaby Way, Chigwell £629,995

SOLE AGENCY

A delightful Three Bedroom Detached family home situated in the heart of Chigwelland being just a short stroll to Chigwell Station.

The property benefits from many fine features including a spacious through lounge,a good sized dining room, a country-style kitchen, ground floor cloakroom/WCand a family bathroom. Externally the property offers ample off-street parking, a beautiful rear garden and garage.

Fontayne Avenue, Chigwell OIEO £599,995

A truly spacious and well presented Four Bedroom Detached family home.

The ground floor comprises: three ample reception rooms, a downstairscloakroom/WC, a contemporary kitchen and sizeable utility room. To the firstfloor there is a bright family bathroom, four good sized bedrooms including anen suite to the master. There is also a Southerly aspect rear garden.


JOINT SOLE AGENCY SERIOUS OFFERS INVITED

Recently built to a very high standard is this Four Bedroom Semi-Detached house

The property benefits from two reception rooms, a study, kitchen/diner, utilityroom, cloakroom/WC, master bedroom with en suite shower room as well as afamily bathroom. To the front there is off-road parking for approximately twovehicles and is offered chain free.

Chigwell Office: 020 8281 012322 www.lawlors.co.uk

Daikin Altherma domestic heating and hot water system based on air source heat pump technology.

Contact us for more information on reducing your fuel bills.

Tel. 020 8502 4540 Email. info@allseasonsclimatecontrolWeb. www.allseasonsclimatecontrol.co.uk

Paying too much for heating?Save 50% on existing fuel bills.70% of heat is generated freefrom renewable energy.

A fl exible and cost-eff ective alternative to a fossil fuel boiler.

Daikin Altherma system.

• 3 to 5 times more effi cient

• 30 – 50% reduction in CO2 emissions

• Ideal for off gas grid properties

• Low running and maintenance costs

• Easy to install, no groundwork

• Single phase power supply with low starting current

• Flexible, can be connected to underfl oor heating, radiators or fan coils

• Can be connected with a solar thermal system which can provide 60% of your hot water needs.

Exclusive offer - visit our Loughton showroom and take advantage of our Daikin scrappage scheme - worth up to a value of £400 on you existing boiler. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

ll S d i dd / /

Forest View Road Loughton £899,995

SOLE AGENCY

An opportunity to acquire this Four Bedroom Detached Property located in

a highly desirable area of Loughton.

The property itself currently has five reception rooms including open planlounge, sitting room and dining room. Externally the property has ample off-street parking with access to the integral garage. The rear garden offers abeautiful back drop to the forest where direct access via a gate is available.There is also the added benefit of planning permission applied for acomplete rebuild of six bedrooms and five bathrooms. You can view detailsonline at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk - using ref: EPF2047/10. We stronglyrecommend an internal viewing.

Kings Place Loughton £910,000

JOINT AGENCY

An exceptional Five Bedroom Detached family residence, situated within

this exclusive gated development of Great Woodcote Park with

landscaped grounds, ponds and porterage.

The property benefits from a modern kitchen/breakfast room, utility room,cloakroom/WC, sitting room, dining room, galleried landing, masterbedroom with en-suite shower room, family bathroom, integral doublegarage, off-street parking.

Loughton Office: 020 8502 558824 www.lawlors.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS


Powell Road Buckhurst Hill £775,000 JOINT AGENCY

Price Range £775,000 - £799,995. Situated in the

tree-lined Powell Road, one of Buckhurst Hill's

premier locations is this Four Bedroom

Detached family home with panoramic views

across the Essex countryside. The property has

been well maintained by the current vendor

boasting conservatory, large garage and

plenty of off-street parking.

Upper Park Loughton £750,000 SOLE AGENCY

This four bedroom detached property is located

in the sought after location of Upper Park.

The property itself comprises; luxury en-suite

shower room to master bedroom, family

bathroom, two reception rooms, study,

kitchen/breakfast room and utility. Outside,

the property has double garage with potential

to extend above subject to planning, being

ideally located for all local amenities

The Lindens Loughton£745,000 JOINT AGENCY

A spacious Four Bedroom Extended Family Home

situated within the quiet location of The Lindens.

The property benefits from Four Double bedrooms,

en-suite shower to the master bedroom and family

bathroom to first floor. With three reception rooms,

cloakroom, modern fitted kitchen. There is ample

off-street parking to the front & un-overlooked

landscaped garden to the rear.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

www.lawlors.co.uk 27Loughton Office: 020 8502 5588

Regents PlaceLoughton £525,000 SOLE AGENCY

A beautifully presented Chain Free Four

Bedroom Semi-Detached Residence situated

within this prestigious and sought after gated

development. The property boasts spacious

lounge, three double bedrooms with en-suite

to master. Having been tastefully decorated

by the current vendor and offering off-street

parking for two vehicles.

Meadow Road,Loughton £595,000 SOLE AGENCY

This unique four bedroom detached family home

situated in a prime cul-de-sac, within walking

distance to Loughton Central line station and the

High Road is a must view. The property lends itself

to the modern family with open plan living,

accommodation offers; four double bedrooms

including en-suite to master bedroom, stylish

kitchen and utility room leading to

integral garage.

Forest Heights Loughton £725,000 SOLE AGENCY

A rare opportunity to purchase this chain free Four

Bedroom Detached House situated within the

exclusive gated Forest Heights Development.

Accommodation comprises; three reception

rooms, kitchen/diner, utility room, four bedrooms

with an en-suite to the master bedroom and a

family bathroom. The property also boasts an

integral double garage, off-street parking and full

time concierge.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS


Wellfields Loughton £725,000 SOLE AGENCY

If you are looking for a large family home then

look no further. This Extended Seven Bedroom

Semi-Detached Property offers ample space,

overlooking the green in Wellfields. This property

is a must view with two reception rooms,

good sized kitchen, three bathrooms, pet

friendly alarm system, large garden and

spacious driveway.

Hornbeam RoadTheydon Bois £675,000 JOINT AGENCY

This fantastic Four Bedroom Detached property

has been well maintained by the current vendors

and is simply a property that you can move

straight into. Ideally located in Theydon Bois the

property boasts; en-suite to master bedroom,

three reception rooms, spacious driveway and

detached garage.

Eleven Acre Rise,Loughton O.I.R.O £874,995 JOINT AGENCY

This executive Five Bedroom Family Home situated

in a prime location and sought after road with

panoramic views across Loughton is not one to be

missed. The property boasts; a large entrance hall,

three spacious reception rooms, en-suite bathroom

to master, double garage with off-street parking.

Whilst perfectly located for Loughton High Road.

Steinway & Sons pianos are individually

created, which gives them their own unique

characteristics and incomparable sound.

Suffice to say that those at the top of their

profession, as well as those who simply want

the best, invest in nothing less.

WWW.STEINWAY.CO.UK

STEINWAY HALL, 44 MARYLEBONE LANE, LONDON W1U 2DB TEL: 020 7487 3391

“STEINWAY & SONS IS THE ONLY PIANO ON WHICH THEPIANIST CAN DO EVERYTHING HE WANTS, AND EVERYTHINGHE DREAMS”

VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY

Handcrafted Perfection

Westfield Loughton £950,000

SOLE AGENCY

Offered to the market this well presented Five Bedroom Detached Residence.

The accommodation briefly comprises; Entrance hall, ground floor cloakroomwith marble flooring, open plan lounge/diner and a fitted kitchen. On the firstfloor there is an en-suite with marble flooring, with a walk-in dressing area tothe master bedroom, family bathroom with marble flooring along with threefurther double sized bedrooms and a single.

The Granary Ongar £795,000

A rare opportunity to acquire this unique Three Double Bedroom Barn Conversation.

The property benefits from high ceilings and restored beams. The property boastsmany fine features throughout including a galleried landing, a spaciouscontemporary kitchen, and panoramic views over looking the countryside, and offstreet parking behind secured electric gates. We highly recommend an internalviewing to fully appreciate the accommodation on offer.

The Uplands Loughton £575,000

SOLE AGENCY

We are pleased to offer this charming Three Bedroom character propertyideally located for the shopping facilities of the High Road and within closeproximity to the ever-popular Staples Road Primary School.

Property benefits include: kitchen, games room, sitting room, dining room,lounge, ground and first floor shower rooms. Externally there is off-streetparking for numerous vehicles. The property is being offered Chain Free.

Goldings Rise Loughton £515,000

JOINT AGENCY

Situated in this elevated position with far reaching views is this Three/FourBedroom fully Detached Chalet Bungalow.

The property is very spacious and has en-suite to the master bedroom, alongwith a dual aspect lounge with balcony/patio overlooking the rear garden.With a beautifully maintained rear garden and a garage with own driveway,early viewings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. So pleasecall today to arrange your viewing.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS


PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

www.lawlors.co.uk 31Woodford Office: 020 8506 0828

Monkhams Lane, Woodford Green £875,000 SOLE AGENCY

Situated in a prime location on the ever

popular Monkhams Estate is this five bedroom

detached house with three receptions,

kitchen/diner, cloakroom, two bathrooms,

garage and further off street parking. The

property is well presented with scope to

extend (stpp) and is well located for local

schools, Woodford Green station and the local

shops and restaurants on The Broadway.

The Glade, WoodfordGreen £760,000 SOLE AGENCY

Located on the Knighton Estate lies this

immaculate four bedroom detached family

home boasting two receptions,

kitchen/breakfast room, two bathrooms,

cloakroom/WC, garage and off-street parking

for two cars. The property offers a south-facing

mature rear garden of approx. 90 foot. Ideally

placed for local amenities and the very popular

Bancroft’s School. Chain Free.

Broomhill Road,Woodford Green £1,150,000 SOLE AGENCY

This unique five bedroom, two bathroom Victorian

terraced family home is one not to be missed!

Immaculately presented throughout with a wealth

of both period and modern features expertly

balanced to make a home that is both beautiful

and practical. The cellar has been converted to a

gym and the mature rear garden leads to a brick

built double garage.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Woodford Office: 020 8506 0828

Field Close, Buckhurst Hill O.I.E.O £900,000 SOLE AGENCY

Are you looking for a substantial family home?

This six double bedroom, four bathroom,

three reception room detached home is

neutrally decorated and presents a blank

canvas to make your own. The property

features a large conservatory and

kitchen/diner, a mature rear garden and

parking for up to four cars at the front.

Queens Avenue,Buckhurst Hill £779,999 SOLE AGENCY

Situated in one of Woodford's most desirable

turnings, this Edwardian family home is a unique

opportunity. With four good size bedrooms,

ample reception space perfect for entertaining,

and a country style kitchen/diner, this home

could fit many lifestyles. To the rear, there is a

beautifully landscaped garden and a garage.

Offered to the market Chain Free.

High Road,Woodford Green£765,000 SOLE AGENCY

Situated in a pretty tree lined turning just off

The Glade, this four bedroom detached family

home is a rare find. Offering many fine features

including en-suite to master, two ample reception

rooms perfect for entertaining, a modern

kitchen/diner, off street parking for three cars and

a beautifully maintained mature rear garden.


PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill O.I.E.O £600,000

SOLE AGENCY

A rare opportunity to purchase a five bedroom Victorian family home in the heartof Buckhurst Hill.

This period home offers generous bedrooms, a lovely family bathroom,beautiful through lounge and modern kitchen/diner. The property also benefits from a cellar perfect for storage and a landscaped rear garden. To the front, there is off street parking for one car. Ideally located forcommuters.

High Road, Buckhurst Hill £745,000

We are pleased to offer this four bedroom refurbished family home.

Immaculately presented with neutral decor throughout, complete with familybathroom, two reception rooms and kitchen with door to a west facing garden,cloakroom and garage, further off street parking to the front and potential forextending into the loft (subject to planning permission). The property is ideallylocated for local schools, shops and transport. Chain Free.

Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill £795,000

SOLE AGENCY

A rare opportunity to purchase this immaculate four bedroom, two bathroomVictorian semi-detached family home situated within the heart of Buckhurst Hill.

The property benefits from flexible reception rooms, good size bedrooms, a modern kitchen and utility room. Boasting off-street parking and a prettymature rear garden, planning consent has also been granted for a house tobe built to the side of the property.spa room and sitting area.

Oakland Place, Buckhurst Hill £699,950

JOINT SOLE AGENCY

Situated within the highly sought after Oakland Place Development, this formerfour bedroom home has now been converted into an exquisite three bedroom,two bathroom residence.

This home offers a fully fitted kitchen with granite tops and integrated soundthroughout the ground floor. On the first floor there are three bedrooms withthe master bedroom having an en-suite bathroom featuring rain shower andwalk-in-wardrobe. Secluded rear garden and garage.

www.lawlors.co.uk 33Woodford Office: 020 8506 0828

Charteris Road, Woodford Green O.I.E.O £550,000

SOLE AGENCY

This five bedroom, two bathroom family home is a perfect buy for a commuterwith a large family.

The ample reception rooms and bedrooms are complemented perfectly bythe family garden and off street parking. Further benefits include a recentlyfitted kitchen, large loft room and an integrated garage. The location of this substantial house is ideal for Woodford Tube station and shops on The Broadway.

Trevor Road, Woodford Green £570,000

SOLE AGENCY

If you are looking for a family home within easy reach of Woodford Station andmany of the best local schools, look no further!

This well presented four bedroom, two bathroom, double-fronted semi-detachedfamily home is complete with kitchen/diner, good size reception rooms, study,downstairs w/c and off-street parking for three vehicles. This home has a 100ft westfacing rear garden and a detached outhouse used as a storage/utility room. .

Whitehall Road, Woodford Green £549,999

JOINT SOLE AGENCY

This five bedroom, two bathroom, end terrace house makes an ideal familyhome, with two receptions and ample bedroom space to accommodate eventhe largest family.

The house is positioned well back from the road and offers a large rear gardenand parking to the front. This property would be ideal for those looking for aquiet position a stones throw from Bancroft’s School. Please call for yourinternal viewing.

Elm Terrace, Woodford Green £549,999

SOLE AGENCY

We are pleased to offer this unique three bedroom Victorian end of terraceproperty.

Immaculately presented throughout and with views over the green, this homeis both practical and beautiful with the added benefit of three bathrooms.Complete with garage and off street parking as well as a lovely garden, thishome is truly one of a kind. Please call the office to book your internal viewing.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Woodford Office: 020 8506 082834 www.lawlors.co.uk

Russell & Son Landscaping LtdCreating that perfect garden for you

020 8518 3388 / 07736 [email protected]

www.russellandson.com

Oakland Place, Buckhurst Hill £699,999

SOLE AGENCY

A rare opportunity to purchase a four bedroom, two bathroom detached home inthe popular Oakland Place development.

This double fronted property offers two receptions, kitchen/diner, ground floorcloakroom and master bedroom with en-suite. To the front there is off streetparking for three cars and access to a single garage. To the rear, the secludedgarden backs onto the private woodland that Oakland Place is renowned for.

Meadow Walk, South Woodford £699,999

JOINT AGENCY

Situated in this quiet and elegant cul-de-sac, lies this attractive two double bedroombungalow benefitting from ample off-street parking.

Within close proximity to Central Line stations, local schools and amenities, theproperty offers approved planning permission to develop a 3/4 double bedroomdetached family home making this an exciting opportunity. Please contact us ifyou wish to view architect plans drawn up for the development.

Worcester Crescent, Woodford Green £699,999

SOLE AGENCY

Located in the heart of the Monkhams Estate is this semi-detached familyhome.

Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two separate receptions, a well appointedkitchen/diner, utility room and a double garage. With further off-street parkingto the front and an 80ft approx west facing rear garden, this property makesan ideal family home for those wanting to move into the area for the popularschools, local amenities and station.

Sunset Avenue, Woodford Green O.I.E.O £700,000

SOLE AGENCY

Situated opposite the Golf Course, we are offering a four bedroom detached house.

The property has three double bedrooms and one single bedroom orstudy/nursery room, two receptions, a large kitchen/diner, utility room, sportsroom/play room with a wrap around garden. It also offers off street parking andthe garage can be easily re-instated. Ideally located within the catchmentarea of popular local schools and surrounding amenities. Chain Free.

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Woodford Office: 020 8506 082836 www.lawlors.co.uk

Repton Park SALES020 8281 0123

www.lawlors.co.uk 37

Brandesbury Square,Repton Park £829,995 SOLE AGENCY

A substantial Five Bedroom End of Terrace

Town House with views overlooking The Square.

The property boasts kitchen/breakfast room,

utility room, dining room, conservatory,

cloakroom/WC to the ground floor, the second

floor offers lounge with balcony, two bedrooms

plus a family bathroom. The master bedroom

sits on the second floor with en suite with two

further bedrooms both with en suites.

The property also benefits from a remote

controlled internal music system to

various rooms.

The Manor, Repton Park £724,995 SOLE AGENCY

Situated within a tranquil location is The Manor

which is set behind its own private gates.

This stunning Three Bedroom First Floor Apartment

has been individually interior designed by

Sheree Davenport to the highest of standards.

This apartment benefits from a grand entrance

hallway, lounge/dining room with balcony, fitted

kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with

en suite, an additional bathroom and two

sheltered parking spaces.

Montague House,Repton Park O.I.R.O £799,995 SOLE AGENCY

A unique opportunity to purchase this imposing

Grade II listed residence. This duplex apartment is

discreetly located behind electric gates within

these desirable grounds. The property benefits from

a spacious lounge, kitchen and cloakroom/WC to

the ground floor and has ample storage space. To

the first floor there is a bathroom, two good sized

bedrooms with the master having an en suite and

dressing area.



Brandesbury Square, Repton Park £784,995

SOLE AGENCY

Benefiting from no on-going chain is this spacious Four Bedroom Town Housewhich has been beautifully decorated with quality flooring throughout and hasthe advantage of lots of natural light.

The ground floor offers a huge kitchen/dining room, utility room and acloakroom/WC. The first floor has a spacious lounge, two bedrooms and afamily bathroom and on the second floor sits two further bedrooms both withen suite bathrooms.

Chapel Mews, Repton Park £569,900

JOINT SOLE AGENCY

We are delighted to offer this beautifully kept extended Two Bedroom Mews House inthis exclusive development.

The property not only offers a good sized lounge, an extended kitchen, groundfloor cloakroom/WC and en suite to master bedroom but it also has its ownstunning rear garden with large patio area plus office/study. An early viewing is a must!

Arlington House, Repton Park £539,995

SOLE AGENCY

Located on the first floor is this spacious and luxurious Two Bedroom DuplexApartment.

The ground floor benefits from a large reception room with high ceilings, a modern fitted kitchen with granite work surfaces and a ground floorcloakroom/WC. To the first floor there are two generous double bedrooms anda contemporary bathroom suite including a fitted shower cubicle. Externallythe property offers allocated parking spaces and use of the well maintainedgrounds.

Sutherland House, Repton Park £519,950

SOLE AGENCY

An impressive Second Floor (top) Two Bedroom Apartment benefiting from stunningviews from the spacious lounge.

This apartment boasts en suite bathrooms to both bedrooms, fittedkitchen/breakfast room, study area, utility room, cloakroom/WC together withample storage. There is allocated parking for two cars and is offered chain free.


Cadogan House, Repton Park £314,995 Sutherland House, Repton Park £367,500

Devonshire House, Repton Park £469,995 Sutherland House, Repton Park £395,000

Kensington House, Repton Park £485,000 The Manor, Repton Park £494,995

This stunning Two Bedroom Ground floor Apartment is well presented throughout andhas the added benefit of a garden area. This apartment offers a grand entrancehallway, lounge, dining room/reception, kitchen/breakfast room, en suite to themaster bedroom plus a separate bathroom and is available with two shelteredallocated parking spaces. This chain free apartment is a must to view. SOLE AGENCY

Originally the Show Flat is this stunning Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment whichbenefits from having its own gated entrance. This freehold apartment has a delightfullounge with fabulous views from the balcony, a spacious kitchen/breakfast room, masterbedroom with en suite and dressing area plus a second bathroom, ample storage and anintegrated sound system complete with two underground parking spaces. SOLE AGENCY

Offered chain free is this Two Bedroom Top Floor Apartment. This apartment boasts highceilings, a grand hallway, master bedroom with en suite plus a separate bathroom,storage cupboards and a huge reception room with stunning views overlookingcommunal grounds. The property also has two allocated parking spaces. SOLE AGENCY

A spacious One Bedroom First Floor Apartment with stunning views overlooking thegrounds. This apartment is beautifully presented throughout with an open plan lounge,dining room and a fitted Urban Myth kitchen. There is a large master bedroom with fittedwardrobes, shower room with His and Hers sinks, and also allocated parking for one carplus visitors parking. SOLE AGENCY

A truly unique One Bedroom Mews House split over two floors and boasting beautiful high ceilings, skirting’s and ornate coving. This immaculate bright and airy apartmentcomprises a well presented lounge, fitted kitchen, ample storage, bedroom, dressingroom, a contemporary bathroom and allocated parking for two vehicles which is situateddirectly outside of the property. JOINT SOLE AGENCY

A splendid First Floor Apartment situated on this exclusive private developmentoffering a large entrance hall, two double bedrooms with en suite to master,lounge/diner, cloakroom/WC and superb views over the communal grounds. This apartment comes with two car parking spaces.. SOLE AGENCY


Repton Park LETTINGS020 8502 3388


Gainsborough House, Essex £2,450 pcm Brandesbury Square, Woodford Green £3,500 pcm

Tavistock House, Woodford Green £2,150 pcm Devonshire House, Repton Park £2,200 pcm

LETLET

• Three Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Unfurnished• First Floor • Two Parking Spaces

• Available February• Built In Wardrobes• Inetgrated Appliances• Modern Décor

• Three Double Bedrooms• Ground Floor• Three Bathrooms• Parking

• Available March• Modern Décor • Built In Wardrobes• Garden Area

Due to an exceptional start to 2011, we are currently in need of properties within Repton Park to enable us to fulfil our commitment to our clients. Our database is full of professional applicants looking to rent on this prestigiousdevelopment. We understand that each and every one of our clients are individuals with different needs. We prideourselves in helping both the tenant and landlord through each step of the rental process, whether this is your first

time renting out your property or whether you have a portfolio, we are here to help.

Piercing Hill, Theydon Bois £8,000 pcm

We are pleased to offer the exceptionally well presented Executive family

residence situated within what is widely regarded as this area’s premier road.

The property is ideally located for the shopping facilities of the charminglocal village with its transport links to the City and the West End. The propertyhas been updated and modernised by the current owners to provide ahome of exceptional character combined with all requirements for modernliving. Property benefits of this superb home include: impressive fully fittedkitchen/breakfast room, six bedrooms – two with en-suite facilities in additionto two further family bathrooms, three impressive formal reception rooms,vaulted entertainment room with bar, gym and study. Externally theproperty is accessed via electric gates providing access to the front of theproperty where there is substantial off street parking and allowing access tothe double garage. The rear garden of approx 4.5 acres has been tastefullylandscaped and includes: heated resistance swimming pool with safetycover, ménage and tennis court. The property also has wireless surroundsystem and comprehensive security system

Burntwood Avenue, Hornchurch £8,000 pcm

A luxury six bedroom detached house in Emerson Park, Essex providing in

excess of approximately 7000sq.ft. over three floors.

This substantial home provides a stunning bespoke kitchen incorporatingMiele integrated appliances and Liebherr refrigeration, which opens intoa spacious family room and breakfast area, acting as the hub of thefamily household. A separate games room, drawing room, dining room,study and indoor swimming pool, with steam sauna and spa complexcomplete the ground floor accommodation. Creston managementcontrol air conditioning and glass and walnut staircases are just some ofthe stunning features complementing this new home.

Lettings Office: 020 8502 338842 www.lawlors.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS LETTINGS020 8502 3388

LET


An insiders guide for landlords and tenants from ourexperienced Lettings Manager: Tina George.

we GET it... we LET it!!

Having worked for Lawlors for five years andstarting as an administrator, I have worked my way through all aspects of the lettings

department and was promoted to Lettings Manager in early 2010. I now have a dedicated team of six at my disposal.

As a property owner you may feel vulnerable and slightly worried about renting out youraccommodation, but remember we are here to adviseyou every step of the way. Our expertise covers alltypes of property, from modest studio apartmentsstarting at £500 Per Calendar Month (PCM) to ourElite Rentals at £8,000 PCM

Q: HOW EASY IS IT TO RENT OUT MYPROPERTY?

A: Once we find your tenant and the offer has beenagreed the tenant secures your property, with aholding deposit, we then proceed with obtainingextensive references for qualification. We carry out arange of rigorous checks on all prospective tenantsand we will require at least one full month’s rent as adeposit and one month’s rent paid in advance.

Q: HOW IS MY PROPERTY LOOKED AFTER ONCE IT IS TENANTED?

A: If you take advantage of our excellent managementservice, we will deal with the everyday issues that ariserelating to the property. Sometimes extreme situationscan arise, particularly when the weather turns bad.Point & case below:

Mr Booth landlord of one of our managed propertieshad a potentially disastrous experience prior toChristmas thankfully this was averted “To the Ladies of Lawlors, my sincere thanks for a fantastic job whichturned a disastrous Christmas into a prosperous NewYear - The test of excellent service is when the going

gets tough, the tough get going. Christmas Eve the callcomes that my property is flooding and a new tenantis due to move in the New Year. The Ladies at Lawlorsswing into action and not only sort out the immediateemergency but arrange repairs and remedial workover the Christmas period to save the rental and allow the tenants to move in on time. Professional, dedicatedand efficient, what more can I say but a big thank youto Lindsey, Tina and Donna”

To help give peace of mind to our managed landlordswe also have an out-of-office emergency helpline.Combined with our inhouse maintenance team wecan provide an exceptional service which enables usto deal with emergencies swiftly.

Q: WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BE A GOOD TENANT?

A: You will be required to provide the agreed sum of rent and deposit in cleared funds before takingpossession of the property. The deposit is required for the full tenancy against loss, damage and chargespayable at the termination of the tenancy. Whilst thisis usually the equivalent of one months rent this mayvary, therefore we suggest that the actual amount isverified. The deposit will be held by the appropriatescheme, normally The Deposit Protection scheme(DPS) which will be either lodged by us or your landlord.

Q: AT THE END OF MY TENANCY, WHEN DO I GET MY DEPOSIT BACK?

A: It is returnable in full at the end of the tenancysubject to final inspection/check out being taken of theproperty and it should be noted that deductions willalso be made for cleaning if the property (and/orgarden areas) are not left in a satisfactory condition. It is your responsibility to ensure that the property isin a good, clean condition.

Q: WILL THE LANDLORD ALLOW PETS?

A: This can be negotiable, but unless you ask andnegotiate, you are not allowed any pets. Sometimes an extra deposit is required

Q: I AM AN OVERSEAS LANDLORD, WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

A: We specialise in handling properties for overseaslandlords and we offer an extensive full managementservice. We understand the need to forge strongrelationship with our overseas landlords so they canrest assured that their property is in good hands.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questionsthat we deal with on a daily basis and we welcome all landlords and tenants whether you have a largeportfolio or renting for the first time.

As part of our latest promotions we are currentlyoffering landlords a free EPC and Gas safety certificateworth £145.00 subject to terms and conditions.

Tenants are also not obliged to pay a renewal fee for a new contract if they renew at the end of the original term.

Lettings Office: 020 8502 3388

PROPERTY SERVICES


Hetton House, Loughton £1,100 pcm

Englands Lane, Loughton £1,200 pcm

• Available Now • Two Bedrooms • Unfurnished• Two Bathrooms • Allocated Parking

• Ground Floor • Modern Décor• Close To Station• Patio Area• Fitted Wardrobes

• Available Beginning March • Three Bedrooms • Kitchen/Diner • Large Rear Garden

• Kitchen With Appliances • Separate Shower • Gas Central Heating • Family Home • Semi Detached

Endlebury Road, London £1,050 pcm

Shore Point, Buckhurst Hill £1,250 pcm

• Available Now• Three Bedrooms• Kitchen With Appliances• Part/Unfurnished• Parking

• First Floor• Newly Decorated• Gas Central Heating• Ample Storage• Double Glazed

• Available Beginning February • Two Bedrooms • Unfurnished • Juliette Balcony • Parking

• Open Plan Kitchen • Modern Décor • First Floor • Secure Development • Video Entry


PROPERTY SERVICES


New Farm Drive, Romford £1,300 pcm

The Atrium, Buckhurst Hill £1,500 pcm

• Available Now • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Allocated Parking • Private Balcony

• Gated • Ground Floor • Modern Décor • Integrated Appliances • Semi Rural

• Available March • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Furnished • Close To Station

• First Floor • Modern Décor • Balcony • Integrated Appliances • Built In Wardrobes

Hazel Lane, The Avenue £1,450 pcm

Coopersale Lane, Epping £1,700 pcm

• Three Bedroom • Terraced • Two Reception Rooms • Cloakroom/Wc • Allocated Parking

• Garden • Neutral Décor • Gated Development • Un-Furnished • Kitchen Appliances

• 3 Bedrooms • Part Of The Manor House • Close To M11 • Close To M25 • Furnished Or Unfurnished

• Semi Rural • Split Level Apartment • Newly Decorated • Parking • Gated


Forest View Road, Loughton £1,800 pcm

Brook Rise, Chigwell £2,850 pcm

• Detached • Close To Central Line Tube • Close To Local Shops • Off Street Parking • Garage

• Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Available Now • Newly Decorated • Garage

• Four Bedrooms • Available Early February • Two Reception Rooms • Three Bathrooms • Gated

• Modern Décor • Parking • Detached • Integrated Appliances • Close To Station

Morgan Crescent, Epping £2,500 pcm

Rowans Way, Loughton £3,000 pcm

LET

• Available February • Five Double Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Parking • New Build

• Utility Room • Modern Décor • Modern Kitchen • Study • Semi Detached

• Available February • Four Double Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Unfurnished • Neutral Décor

• Conservatory • Detached • Garage • Utility Room

PROPERTY SERVICES

LAWLORS

Lettings Office: 020 8502 3388 www.lawlors.co.uk 47

LETTINGS020 8502 3388

PROPERTY SERVICES


Romford Road, Chigwell £3,000 pcm

Barton Close, Chigwell £4,000 pcm

• Available Now • Seven Bedrooms • Unfurnished • Swimming Pool • Off Street Parking

• Semi Detached • Garage • Utility Room • Sauna • Three Bathrooms

• Available Now • Four Bedrooms • Furnished • Close To Tube Station • Offstreet Parking

• Short Let • Detached • Four Bathrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Modern Decor

Ivy Chimneys, Epping £3,250 pcm

Brook Way, Chigwell £4,250 pcm

• Available Now • Five Bedrooms • Unfurnished • Four Receptions • Off Street Parking

• Datached • Garage • Two Bathrooms • Semi Rural • Newly Decorated

• Modern Fully Fitted Kitchen • Open Plan Lounge / Dining

Room• Off Street Parking • Furnished • Close To Chigwell Tube Station

• Detached • Garage • Utility Room • Four Bathrooms • Three Reception Rooms


• Former UK Bathroom Retailer of the Year

• Largest Showroom in the South !!

• Famous Brands: Villeroy & Boch, Jacuzzi, Hansgrohe...

• Best After Sales Service in the UK

• Amazing Discounts

• Fantastic Selection

• Best Service

Bodywash, 433 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1TR

Tel: 0208 4781617Website: www.bodywash.co.uk

FACT WWW.LAWLORS.TV

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See how you can benefit, call Inside2Outside on 01480 498297 www.inside2outside.co.uk

Now any roof or open space at home or work can generate electricity from the sun

Possible uses for Tensile PV

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If you are interested in photovoltaics (solar power) - Tensile PV is absolutely the best available

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54

0844 800 2007 [email protected]

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LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY

York Hill Loughton £475,000

A unique opportunity to acquire this delightful Two Bedroom Semi-DetachedCottage which was re-built by the current owner in 1998.

The property boasts; reception room, kitchen and conservatory. With outsidestorage and being offered Chain Free this property is a must view.

Spencer Close, Woodford Green £370,000

Situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac location is this beautifully presented threebedroom, two bathroom converted bungalow.

Benefitting from kitchen/diner, a decked landscaped garden with separategarage to the side and further off-street parking. The property has been fullyrefurbished and is within close proximity to Woodford Green Central Line tubestation. Chain Free.

UNDER £500,000LAWLORS

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WOODFORD 020 8506 0828 SOLE AGENCY

Situated within this highly sought-after development is this Four Bedroom Detached familyhome. The property comprises: master bedroom with en suite, family bathroom, lounge,dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and ground floor cloakroom/WC.The property has also been granted planning permission to extend to the side and rear.

Arrowsmith Road, Chigwell £499,995

This spacious Five Bedroom Semi-Detached family home offers excellentaccommodation throughout. The benefits include a through lounge, a modern fittedkitchen/breakfast room, dining room/TV room and a downstairs shower room. Thebedrooms are all good sizes and the master has an en suite. The rear garden is wellmaintained and the frontage provides off-street parking.

We are very pleased to offer for sale this Mews Style Mid-Terraced Home. The accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall, newly refurbished fitted kitchen,lounge/diner and a ground floor guest cloakroom. On the first floor there are threebedrooms with an en-suite to master bedroom and a family bathroom. Detached garage and allocated parking.

Goldings Rise Loughton £494,950 Woodcote Mews Loughton £424,950

Situated in this elevated position with far reaching views is this Two Bedroom TwoBathroom Fully Detached Bungalow. The property itself is very spacious with a goodsized kitchen, along with a dual aspect lounge over-looking the rear garden. The property also benefits further from a garage with own driveway

Located within the ever-popular Sunset Avenue is this two bedroom first floor apartmentcomplete with reception, kitchen, bathroom and a west facing balcony. This apartmentis decorated to a very high specification and comes with an allocated parking space.The property is offered Chain Free and is ideal for the golf course.

Chigwell Road, South Woodford £149,999 Parkmore Close, Woodford Green £310,000

This well presented Studio Apartment would make an ideal first time or investmentpurchase. Complete with modern fitted kitchen, separate bathroom and garage it isideally located for shops, bars and Central Line tube connections at South Woodford.A great opportunity to get a first foot on the property ladder.


Martham Close, Oakwood Gate £494,995

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY

LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY

WOODFORD 020 8506 0828 SOLE AGENCY WOODFORD 020 8506 0828 SOLE AGENCY


Connaught Place Loughton £250,000

This Two Bedroom Modern Apartment is being offered to themarket chain free. Open plan kitchen/lounge, master bedroomwith the additional benefit of an en-suite.


Brooklyn Court Loughton £180,000

This Chain Free Two Bedroom Apartment offering a new kitchenand bathroom perfectly located for the High Road and Central Line Station.


Goldings Road Loughton £320,000

This Three Bedroom Extended Family home offers contemporaryliving for the modern family. Accommodation offers; threebedrooms, loft room, and off-street parking.

LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588

Hubbard Court Loughton £245,000

This immaculately presented ground floor apartment is beingoffered to the market Chain Free. Accommodation boasts; twodouble bedrooms, with en-suite to master, fitted kitchen.


Homecroft Gardens Loughton £175,000

Well presented One Bedroom First Floor Apartment benefitingfrom its own rear garden. The property is double glazed with a modern fitted kitchen and bathroom.

LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 JOINT AGENCY

St James Gate Buckhurst Hill £112,500

This first floor One Bedroom Retirement Property in the heart ofBuckhurst Hill. Accommodation offers; large reception, lift,gardens, social hall and parking for visitors.

LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588

Stag Lane, Buckhurst Hill £465,000

Chain Free Three Bedroom Victorian family home presented asa 'blank canvas' for your own mark. Offering two receptions &off-street parking.

WOODFORD 020 8506 0828

Sunset Avenue, Woodford Green £449,950

Two Bedroom Apartment with large hallway, well proportionedlounge & modern fitted kitchen overlooking the golf course.Boasting garage-en-bloc, lift & Share of Freehold.


Stag Lane, Buckhurst Hill £349,999

Attention all first time buyers & buy-to-let investors – chain freeTwo Bedroom house offering: integrated speaker system, utilityroom, cloakroom/WC & off-street parking.

WOODFORD 020 8506 0828

St Catherine’s Road, Chingford O.I.R.O £369,999

Three Bedroom 1930's semi-detached home with tworeceptions, kitchen, bathroom, off-street parking & West facinggarden. Recently refurbished & extended. Close to High Street.

WOODFORD 020 8506 0828

High Elms, Woodford Green £215,000

Overlooking the green lies this chain free One BedroomApartment within a tasteful Victorian conversion. Reception,kitchen, bathroom, private courtyard & garden. Share ofFreehold.


Wimborne Close, Buckhurst Hill £235,000

Immaculate chain free Two Bedroom, First Floor Maisonette withample living room, modern kitchen and bathroom. Ideally located for shops and transport links.



A Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow which benefits from alounge, conservatory, a good size kitchen/breakfast room,bathroom and an approximate 70ft rear garden..

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY

The Bowls, Chigwell £415,000

A two double bedroom First Floor Apartment offering tworeception rooms, fitted kitchen, bathroom, separate showerroom, a balcony and detached garage.

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SERIOUS OFFERS INVITED

Woolhampton Way, Chigwell Row £355,000

A Three Bedroom Semi-Detached House which is well presentedthroughout with a lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, cloakroom/WCand a family bathroom.


Ludham Close, Oakwood Gate £349,995

A well presented Three Bedroom End of Terrace House. Theproperty offers lounge, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom/WCand a family bathroom plus two parking spaces.

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 JOINT SOLE AGENCY

Hill Top Cottage, Chigwell Village £349,995

A Two Bedroom Weatherboarded Cottage including lounge,dining room, kitchen, utility room and downstairs shower room,master bedroom with en suite and dressing room.


The Lanterns, High Road, Chigwell £339,995

This delightful Two Bedroom End of Terrace Cottage boasts anattractive reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a familybathroom, being close to Chigwell Station.


Karina Close, Chigwell £289,950

Recently refurbished is this well presented Three Bedroom Semi-Detached House, the benefits include lounge, kitchen/diner, aground floor cloakroom/WC and a family bathroom. .


Ludham Close, Oakwood Gate £254,995

This Two Bedroom Mid-Terrace House offers a good size lounge,kitchen a ground floor cloakroom/WC, a contemporarybathroom and one allocated parking space. Chain free.


Lambourne Road, Chigwell Row OIEO £200,000

A Two Bedroom End of Terrace Ground Floor Maisonette, the accommodation includes a fitted kitchen, bathroom,lounge/diner, front and rear gardens, garage and allocated parking.

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123

Long Green, Chigwell £184,995

Ideal for first time buyers is this Two Bedroom Split LevelApartment with spacious lounge, fitted kitchen and being close to Grange Hill station.


Highfield Road, Woodford Bridge £179,995

This Two Bedroom First Floor Maisonette comprises: lounge,kitchen, shower room, its own Southerly aspect garden and garage.


Love Lane, Woodford Green £159,995

Benefiting from no on-going chain is this One Bedroom First FloorFlat with communal garden. The property offers a kitchen,lounge/dining room and a bathroom.




A stylish Four Bedroom Semi-Detached house. The ground floor comprises fittedkitchen/dining area, cloakroom/WC and lounge with rear doors leading to a South Westfacing rear garden. The first floor provides master bedroom with en suite, two furtherbedrooms and a family bathroom. On the second floor sits the fourth bedroom with ensuite shower room.

Gaynes Hill Road, Woodford Green £474,995

An extended Four Bedroom Semi-Detached house which has been designed to avery high specification. This accommodation includes a lounge, modern fittedkitchen/diner incorporating the sitting room, utility room and cloakroom/WC to theground floor. To the first floor there are three good sized bedrooms and a familybathroom. The master bedroom sits on the second floor complete with en suite.

We are pleased to offer this beautifully presented two bedroom Victorian home. Ideallylocated for the Central Line tube at Woodford, the property benefits from entrancehallway with original features, double glazing, modern kitchen and first floor bathroom,along with dropped kerb for off-street parking.

Forest View, Chingford £275,000 Prospect Road, Woodford Green £299,999

We are pleased to offer this delightful top floor apartment situated within thisprestigious development with panoramic far reaching views across Chingford GolfCourse. The property’s benefits include kitchen with integrated appliances, sittingroom/dining room, two bedrooms, family bathroom, allocated parking and securityentry phone system. Ideally located for local shops and transport links.

An ideal opportunity to purchase this One Bedroom Modern Apartment being offered tothe market Chain Free. The property itself is ideally located close to the Station and HighStreet. The property offers; a large bedroom, lounge, separate kitchen, and allocatedparking. Early viewings are highly recommended.

Aragon Lodge, Buckhurst Hill £385,000 Octave House, Theydon Bois £234,995

We are pleased to offer, on a chain free basis, this Three Bedroom ExecutiveApartment situated within this ever-popular gated development benefiting fromextensive communal grounds, tennis courts and a BBQ area. Accommodationcomprises; Lounge, kitchen, video entry phone system, master bedroom with en-suiteand family bathroom.

Turpins Lane, Woodford Green £469,995

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123

WOODFORD 020 8506 0828 SOLE AGENCY WOODFORD 020 8506 0828 SOLE AGENCY

LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY


A beautifully presented Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Cottage with garage situatedwithin a sought-after location off Hainault Road and being just a short walk fromChigwell's Central Line Station. The ground floor benefits from two reception rooms,kitchen and cloakroom/WC. The first floor has two double bedrooms and a single plus afamily bathroom.

Roding Avenue, Woodford Green £469,995

Arranged over three floors is this delightful Victorian detached house offering fourdouble bedrooms. Further benefits include lounge, kitchen/diner and cloakroom/WCto the ground floor. On the first floor there are two bedrooms and a family bathroom.The second floor comprises two bedrooms and a shower room. The property alsocomes with off-street parking and garage. Offered chain free.

This Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Property situated in Loughton is being offered ChainFree. The property itself is within a short distance to Loughton High Road with its range ofshops and cafes. The property has three double bedrooms, kitchen/diner, good sizelounge and a large rear garden. Call now to avoid disappointment.

The Bowls, Chigwell £429,995 Englands Lane, Loughton £325,000

An impressive Three Bedroom Third Floor Apartment with own balcony offers stunningviews over greenland and the City of London. Set within exclusive gated grounds thisproperty benefits from a spacious lounge, kitchen, bathroom, cloakroom/WC, indoorstorage unit and garage en bloc. An early viewing is highly recommended.

Situated on a quiet residential road in the heart of Woodford Green, this spacious twobedroom ground floor apartment is ideally located for Woodford Underground Stationand the surrounding amenities. Benefitting from ample off-street parking, garage-en-bloc, entry phone system and double glazing, this really is a property not to be missed.Chain Free.

Boleyn Court, Buckhurst Hill £399,950 Valley Court, Woodford Green £189,995

We are very pleased to offer for sale this immaculately presented ground floorapartment. The accommodation comprises; private entrance hall, lounge/diner, fully fitted kitchen, three double bedrooms with en-suite to master bedroom. With twoallocated parking spaces and garage the property is set in communal privategardens behind security gates.

The Chase, Chigwell £464,995

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY

CHIGWELL 020 8281 0123 SOLE AGENCY LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY

LOUGHTON 020 8502 5588 SOLE AGENCY WOODFORD 020 8506 0828 SOLE AGENCY

By understanding the needs and desires of their clients, Steven Thorne createinteriors that are truly unique.

With over 30 years expertise in the diverse field of interior design, sourcing the finest manufacturers and suppliers –makes Steven Thorne a leading distributor for Composit, Milldue, Olivieri, Flexform, Reflex and a selection of other premier manufacturers.

From initial design and spatial planning through to project management, they manage every aspect of every project.

Attention to detail is crucial at every stage, where schemes are meticulously plannedand executed to ensure the best possible quality of service. Spatial and interiordesigns are demonstrated using 2D CAD drawings, 3D renders and videowalkthroughs that give an absolute impression of the finished designs.

The end result is a complete life design - that is as individual as the clients themselves.

Steven Thorne Design1430 London Road

Leigh-on-SeaEssex SS9 2UL

STEVEN THORNE DESIGNTHE ART OF FUSING CLASSICAL AND

CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS

Tel: +44 (0)1702 480 072Showroom: +44 (0)1702 715 794

Fax: +44 (0)1702 480 076Email: [email protected]

Website: www.steventhornedesign.com

Abridge

Open 7 days a week

THE COACH HOUSE Market Place, Abridge, RM4 1UA, 01992 815972 LONDON OFFICE PO Box 64922, E4 0BZ 0333 600 1250

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LAWLORS CONSULTANCY

THE UPPER FLOORDo you have an unusual property that may have planning potential?

Have you got a project that needs expert guidance and advice?

Do you require advice on how to maximise the value of your home?

Are you a developer that needs expert data analysis?

With over 35 years experience in the local market and having established one of the most successful Estate Agency groups in the area. I’m proud to announce

the launch of Lawlors Consultancy. We specialise in handling projects that need expert opinion beyond the skills of normal Estate Agents. You many have a property that could potentially be converted into flats or you may

need advice on how to maximise the potential of your property.

With an extensive range of experts at our disposal we can guide you through

the planning process, discuss ideas that require creative thinking & organise finance options.

Each enquiry will be treated on its merits and in the strictest confidence and is handled personally by James Lawlor F.N.A.E.A

For further information please contact [email protected] THE UPPER FLOOR 020 8418 1895

Place your bets… on property?

Toasting the New Year may have seemed like amixed blessing for most property owners. Rock-bottom interest rates have eased debt burdens -

including mortgages - but have hardly helped with savingrates and the outlook for most investable assets -equities, bonds, even commodities and other esotericinvestments - are so foggy, the discerning investor couldbe forgiven for being paralysed by indecision for want ofmaking the wrong move.

While the property outlook - residential, commercialand property funds - is equally mixed, for those that canaccess credit, those historically low interest rates are thesunshine that helps the discerning investor make hayeven during the troubled times.

Direct property investment (i.e. buying a house or buy-to-let property rather than a property fund or trust) istypically what the finance community call "a leveragedinvestment"; that is, an investment that uses a mixture ofdebt (a mortgage) and capital (the down payment) toinvest with the aim of capital return and/or incomeaccrual from the investment.

Of course, leveraged investments with poor capitalfoundations are a risky proposition and these are thecases that tend to default (i.e. home repossessions) orresult in negative equity (where the home is valued atless than the mortgage owed). In fact, the south-east'saverage property value is one of the highest nationally($227.2bn).

However, some newspaper headlines would have youbelieve that these scenarios are rampant across the UK

when in fact the number of repossessions last year wasreadjusted by the Council of Mortgage Lenders from53,000 to a total of 39,000. That is from a conservativebase of around 15m homeowners in England.

In fact, one would be forgiven for thinking that when wetalk about the 'property market' it is as a one whole; it isnot. The south-east (including London) is responsible formore than one third of all housing values, andhomeowners in those areas have benefited from the risein the market since 2000. The gross value of residentialproperty increased by more than £2,500bn by the endof the boom in 2007.

Peter Williams, housing market specialist and chairman ofAcadametrics, says: "For the present, the outlook for thehousing market remains negative. However, withcontinued demographic pressures (at least one, first timebuyers waiting to enter the market) and much reducedhousing supply, there is real possibility of a strongrecovery in prices."

Seeing the property market as one block is trulymisleading. Location, location, location remains a truismfor property value and the south-east is abundant in thetypes of buyers Mr Williams describes as leading theproperty market rally. Add into the mix a large swatheof investors looking to generate income in these sluggishtimes and buy-to-let properties also appear attractive onboth a value and demand basis.

Anna LawlorFeatures EditorInvestment Adviser | FT Business

Versus cash and other risk assets,propertyremains a seriouscontender.

65

Anna Lawlor is Editor of Investment Adviser, Financial Times Business

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68

three sales brokers for every year that I was there.”

As with all great businessmen Lakhaney was not prepared tosimply rest on his laurels and enjoy his exceptional success,fairly soon he had identified an opportunity and was drawnto the call of a new challenge.

“Being based in Notting Hill, and working in the propertyindustry I was surrounded by an abundance of beautifullydesigned houses, flats and apartments, and became inspiredby their interior design features and the extra dimensionthey added to a home. My colleagues began suggesting thatwith my architectural background I should do similar workon a private commission basis for private clients. It seemedlike a good opportunity and that’s where Boscolo was born.”

With his background in architecture and experience andknowledge of the property market Lakhaney was naturallyideally suited to advising clients on how to achieve the bestfrom their property by implementing exceptional interiordesign. He explains;

“Boscolo’s highly motivated team offer clients a totallybespoke service. We will come in and manage every aspectof a project from start to finish. We literally take a client’svision and along with our creative flair, we turn it into afunctional, working, practical design that fulfils their everyrequirement.”

It seems that home owners are becoming increasingly awareof the value breathtaking interior design can have upon theirproperty, and with a Boscolo commission they are really ableto enjoy a win win situation.

“Property isn’t just a home anymore, it’s an investment.People want to enjoy it and live in it, but it’s a nice feeling toknow its shot up in value due to what they’ve had done to itand spent on it. I think many people try and do thatthemselves, and most people will end up with a house that is“nice”, but not spectacular. Our clients expect the best andthat is what we deliver, Lakhaney explains.

“People have certain ideas, but often can’t bring it alltogether. That’s where we come in. My team and I knowwhat we’re doing and we make sure we get the very, verybest for the client. The end result for them is that they areliving in a property that meets everything they’ve alwaysdreamed of and it’s often increased in value significantly bysimply having our design input.”

Boscolo’s design input is by no means the only advantage forclients either. The benefit of having a project effectivelymanaged from the beginning of conceptual design rightthrough to final completion is enormous to clients and inLakhaney’s eyes should never be underestimated.

“You watch some of the property shows on TV, and twothirds of the way through the program you see the husbandand wife scratching their heads asking why work was meantto be finished in June and it’s now December, the wife ispregnant, it’s snowing outside and the work’s still notcomplete!

“It is inevitable that there are potential delays on anyprojects, but it’s the ability of the teams that are involved andthe people managing to ensure that if problems do arise thatthey are dealt with quickly, efficiently and effectively to avoidthe project slowing down. What we are able to do is takethe stress out of a project for the client and moreimportantly bring projects in on time and within abudget which inevitably saves the client money.”

Boscolo’s ability to offer unrivalled value to clients is a factorthat Lakhaney is equally proud of and his dedication toproviding value to all his clients is positively inspirational.

“I am yet to meet a client who has an open chequebook. It doesn’t matter where you are financially everyone has abudget and wants to see value for money. We’ve got verygood relationships with our suppliers and we currentlybenefit from some of the best discounts you can get in theindustry. This ultimately allows us to pass a significant amountof discount onto the client.

“Even if you’re working on a project in a ten million poundhouse you don’t need to be excessive to get a truly stunningend product. Clients are constantly surprised by what we can achieve for them with a sensible budget and they are over the moon with the outcome. We pride ourselves on being able to produce the five star finish on a sensible budget.”

The quality of Boscolo’s work has attracted praise fromnumerous high profile clients, including Sandra and JamesLawlor, partners of Lawlors property services and thecreators of Lawlors’ InHouse magazine, who explained;

“We asked Boscolo to assist us in the refurbishment of ourhome as we had reached a point where we needed someexpert co- ordination of the various suppliers. We foundRavi Lakhaney’s input invaluable in sourcing some excellenttradesmen and specialist services.

“He was able to take an objective view and keptmomentum on the project when we started to flag. I wouldnot hesitate in using his services again as he not only savedus a lot of time but also allowed us to make substantialsavings on our budget. “

Providing a completely bespoke service to make clientsdream homes a stunning reality is not without the occasionalproblem though. The parameters of practicality cansometimes be overlooked by exuberant clients eager toachieve a specific look, and in such instances it falls to theBoscolo team to guide clients to make an informed andultimately sensible choice.

“Clients have some great ideas but it’s our job to advisethem accordingly. For example one client wanted to suspendtheir vintage sports car from the ceiling of their entrancelobby. The structural implications, not to mention the factthat we would need to get the car in the house meant thatthis simply was not feasible.

“The clients were extremely keen on it so we had toprovide an alternative solution. Instead we suggestedshowcasing the car in the adjacent disused garage replacingthe partition wall with a glass screen so visitors could still

appreciate it. We are always dedicated to producing the bestpossible result for each and every one of our clients. Wenever compromise…we compensate.”

While the bespoke approach to interior design can raisechallenges like suspended sports cars, they are generally fewand far between. But is there a particular style that peopleare regularly drawn to?

“A lot of people view our portfolio and the types ofproducts that we are working with, the finishes we produceand they really like that look. Generally people come with anopen mind, maybe not knowing what they want and it is ourjob to provide them with a vision. The design should be avisual dialogue that responds to the client and their needs; itis unique to every client making no two projects the same.”

To ensure that Boscolo are always at the very cutting edgeof interior design Lakhaney works tirelessly to develop newideas and is constantly on the lookout for design inspirations. “We attend all the major trade shows and travel extensively.Wherever I go whether its restaurants or boutique hotelsabroad I’m always looking for inspiration.

“I find it very difficult to switch off. I sleep with only half mybrain asleep, the other half is always working. Literally everyday I seem to be waking up with new ideas. But ultimately itis the client’s vision that is the driving force behind ourinspiration.”

Staying at the forefront of the industry is understandablyvery important to Boscolo’s continued success, but forLakhaney the real key to staying ahead of competitorsalways comes back to value as he explains;

“Boscolo’s continued success is bringing value to everyproject we are instructed on. We’ve got a fantastic ability toget that five star finish within a sensible budget and on time.It’s all about finding value and then adding value.”And with an attitude as positive as that, it’s no wonder thatthis entrepreneur has become associated with the words;You’re hired.

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Chapeau d’Amour - The worldsmost expensive hat

70

THINKINGOUTSIDE

THE HAT BOX

There is a genuine warmth and enthusiasmin all that Louis Mariette says and does, andan almost childlike energy and excitement.

Sometimes, fashion-types can seem haughty - self-important even - appearing to challenge thosewho try to step into their fabulous, flamboyantworld. Louis Mariette could not be more different.

“My darling, how are you?” he cries onintroduction, as if we have known each other foryears (this is our first encounter). “It’s all veryexciting, but a bit manic at the moment, becausewe’ve got the Paris Fashion Week exhibition whichwe’re prepping for, so we’re drowning amongstboxes of hats!” This friendliness and energy, so I amtold, is typical of the Malawian-born milliner, whoseenthusiasm for our meeting might seem a littleover-the-top, but whom I soon learn is equallydynamic about any subject you care to throw at him.

Perhaps most famous for creating the world’smost expensive hat (the ‘Chapeau D’amour’ wasvalued at a cool one-and-a-half-million pounds),and for his stint as a judge on Britain’s Next TopModel, Mariette is also quickly forging a placeamongst Britain’s fashion elite. Yet perhaps becauseof his unconventional upbringing, or maybebecause of his chance break into fashion, orbecause it’s just not in his nature to embrace

subjects at any less than one hundred per cent,from architecture to natural history, Marietteadmits that while fashion and millinery mightbe his life, they are most certainly not his wholeworld (“life’s a journey, it’s a rollercoaster, it’sexciting”).

“My charity work is really important to me,”Mariette says of his position as Vice-President ofThe Children’s Trust, and of his patronage of St.Thomas’ Lupus Trust. “You know, as a young childliving in Africa, my parents were part of the Rotaryand Round Table and I was always helping themout. I think when things are going well for you inlife, that’s the time you should really help othersand think of others and not be drowned in yourown bubble world of fashion, or your job.”

Admitting he would do “anything I can” for causesclose to his heart, Mariette’s parents, and hisexotic upbringing, have influenced more than justhis charity work. His earliest memories of thecolourful, vibrant and sometimes hostilelandscapes of his childhood have gone on tobecome some of his most enduring inspirations.“My mother used to look at me and say ‘Right, Idon’t want to see you until sunset’ and I used todisappear into the wilderness. I didn’t really relatetoo much to other kids playing football and all that,so I was just lost in my world of nature and flora

and fauna…Baobab trees, lizards, dragonflies…you can just imagine the creatures…Lilac-BreastedRoller Birds; I absolutely loved any plant life. Andit’s very interesting but when I do look at some ofmy designs you can see those elements that havebeen captured within that early stage of my life.”Despite the breathtaking landscapes of hischildhood (Mariette was born in Malawi, and grewup in Botswana and Swaziland), an undercurrent ofdiscontent eventually led him to seek a life awayfrom Africa’s intoxicating charm.

“Africa -as adorable as it is - is actually quitenarrow-minded for the person I am at themoment, and my beliefs. You know, it’s a verydifferent way of thinking, and - as much as thecommunities are lovely - everyone knows eachother,” says Mariette, more considered and seriousthan I’ve seen him.

“The one thing that always attracted me to thebright lights of the city – to London, this wonderfulcity - is you could be anyone, from any culture, andpeople really lived in harmony. Not only that, youcould be anonymous, you could just do whateveryou want, and explore, and you know you couldjust be yourself here.

“And then of course on the creative side it’s justphenomenal; there’s a lot of creative energy here.

Welcome to the fabulous world of Louis Mariette, one of the UK’s most outlandish milliners, and designer of the world’s most expensive hat

Words: Fiona Collins

71

I’ve been able to meet and collaborate with the mostamazing, talented people, from stylists, photographers,designers, you name it. And you know, although I’vebeen here for so long, I’ve never tired of London.”

Mariette did not come to London with the dreamof becoming a world-famous milliner though, butinstead began life as a party planner. Hat-making forhim was just a fun distraction. “As a side hobby [fromthe party planning] I was making these amazing floralheadpieces for the hostesses of these parties I wasorganising. I’d say ‘It’s your party, let’s make you lookfabulous and amazing!’ A friend of mine who was acreative director saw this and said ‘Why don’t youdo a big fashion show for me and do the hats; it’sin Milan?’

“I was so nervous. I put my heart and soul into theproject but they used them all, and then, before youknow it, Harrods was my first client knocking on mydoor. And it just snowballed. It was bizarre. Ithappened so fast. ”

The unconventional beginnings, and a lack of formaltraining, have led Mariette to develop a design stylewhich is entirely unorthodox. Not bound by any ofthe normal constraints of hat-making, each ofMariette’s one-off couture ‘creations’ are daring andflamboyant; works of art almost more suited to adisplay cabinet than a head. Yet the man himselfclaims that he is not intentionally trying to be

different, and that his chief motivation remains, as italways has been, to make the wearers of his intricatehandiwork, look and feel fabulous.

“I don’t consciously want to shock, but I just think –being really honest – my mind is just constantly…it’s like a washing machine, and it’s spinning aroundconstantly with ideas and designs and creations. “I think what really appeals to me is thinking a bitoutside the box and doing something which is just atotal break from normal millinery, because that forme really pushes my creative juices, and whether it’savant garde, theatrical, or something totally surreal orthought-provoking, for me that’s what really excitesme and stimulates me.

“But it’s wonderful really because the ladies are myinspiration who are going to wear them, and youknow when you meet them, and get to know theircharacters and their personalities, you want them towear the hats and not vice versa.”

Taking a step away from the creative free reignafforded by the world of bespoke couture design,Mariette has also just launched his first ready-to-wearcollection.

“It’s quite funny because suddenly I’m thinking ‘Oh!I’m now down-toning’. I’m thinking, right, what wouldsomeone really wear and what’s practical, and that’s awhole different flip-side of thinking. But the good

“My mind is justconstantly...it’s like awashing machine, andit’s spinning aroundconstantly with ideasand designs andcreations”

Accentuating the English Rose

72

anthology

73

anthologythe living way

Lifestyle shop.... Furniture, lighting, mirrors and gifts

279 High Road, Loughton,

Essex IG20 1AH

t: 020 8508 3477

thing is that you know people are going to be out therewearing them to their weddings and special events, andto me that’s a great buzz factor just knowing that theseladies are out there feeling fabulous!”

Mariette has also just launched his latest Bejewelledcollection; an assembly of glittering headpieces andaccessories which are available to buy ‘off the shelf ’through Mariette’s own website and in boutiquesaround the world. Still, it is Mariette’s bespoke servicewhich really fires his passion, allowing him to interactwith his clients, and ensuring that the end productmakes a star of the wearer.

“I can be there as a guider, but then again I’m ruthlesslyhonest. If I think something’s not looking gorgeous, orsomeone’s not making the most of themselves, I’ll let

them know or I’ll give advice or direction,” Mariette says.“Sometimes it’s good to have a refreshing view onyourself, because we get so set in our ways. Ourmothers used to probably tell us as a child ‘Oh neverwear green darling, because it doesn’t suit you.’ But youthrow in some green, and mix it with maybe a flash oflovely vibrant orange, and suddenly you think ‘Ooh thatdoes look actually great.’ You don’t always have to dosomething radical, it can be a quite subtle thing, but Ithink it’s really important to get to know your style andwhat works.”

Mariette was given a chance to share his wisdom, andexercise his eye for style, at London Olympia’s recentSpirit of Christmas. Despite the often elitist nature ofthe fashion world, the designer loved the opportunitythat the event gave him to interact with real women,

Top: Capturing the elemental, Mariette’s Clircle of Life;

Bottom left: Forbidden Fruit - Embrace the

temptation to look fabulous; Bottom right: Subtle or

radical, great impact creates a buzz

74

Bang & Olufsen of Loughton offer an inspirational, world-leading, state of the art, product range, as well as expert and helpful advice on all aspects of home entertainment.

With technology constantly changing, it’s no surprise there’s an increased demand for integrated multi-room systems and creating a system from scratch can sometimes seem a little daunting. Our expert knowledge will ensure that the correct audio-visual products are perfectly suited to their placement and to your individual requirements.

The Bang & Olufsen BeoLink® multi-room system enables you to move and share the experience around the home. With just one easy to use remote control, you can operate your Television, Hi-Fi, Sky, Freeview, Wii, Playstation as well as many other products connected to the system. From the comfort of your Bedroom, you can start the DVD player in your Lounge, and watch the film with perfect clarity on your Bedroom television. In fact Bang & Olufsen remote controls will allow you to do just about anything you can think of, including dimming the lights and lowering the blinds. From the functional design of the BeoSound 5 Media Server to

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The Loughton store features breathtaking displays of the full range, showcased in an engaging showroom set-up, allowing visitors to experience and interact with the very latest technology. Call in at anytime and allow us to demonstrate any television, DVD, music system, digital media or telephone of interest to you.

Whether you’d like straightforward friendly advice, demonstrations or simply a chat and a coffee, the Loughton showroom and it’s staff look forward to welcoming you.

Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pmOut of hours by appointment.

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and encourage a bit more experimentation and braveryduring the festive season.

“I gave tips on elegance, style, how to carry yourself,how to accessorise, what to do and not to do – reallyjust giving the tips and advice that I deal with everyday,and sometimes take for granted. But you know, if you’refrom maybe a corporate world or a background in thecity, you’re not really familiar with all these things, andalthough it’s not to be taken too seriously, it’s great forthe run-up to Christmas when we all like that little bitof ‘dress up’ for the season!”

It’s time for me to let Mariette catch his flight to Paris,but before I do I have just one more question. Havingadorned the heads of many of the world’s fashionroyalty, including Kate Moss, Jodie Kidd, Jerry Hall andLady Gaga, I ask the milliner for the standout momentin his career thus far.

“I just loved designing the piece for Joan Collins,” he sayswithout hesitation. I sense this is not the first time hehas been asked the question. “As a child she was one ofthe ladies that I sought escapism with. We’d just got ourfirst colour TV [in Africa] and of course this programmecalled Dynasty appeared. For me it was just a differentworld – beyond anything I’d seen. She was a greatinspiration for me...a great lady, great character, largerthan life and she does everything in total OTT, but instyle, and I love that in her.”

Great character, larger than life, OTT but in perfectstyle...I sense a parallel. Before I can question Mariettefurther, he begins listing other idols with whom hewould love to work; Kristin Scott Thomas and QueenRainer of Jordan (“a great humanitarian with a stunningbeauty about her”) amongst others. As a parting shotMariette sums up the passion and energy he feels forhis ‘art’. This, clearly, is a man for whom the glass isalways very much half full.

“Although it’s officially a job and my income, I don’t seeit [millinery] as that. It’s still my hobby and my passion.When I jump out of bed in the morning and I’m buzzingwith thoughts and creativity I think it’s a huge reward.And for me, millinery is just one of the most excitingaccessories. You know, when a lady walks into a roomand everybody goes ‘wow’, that’s got great impact, andto me that’s just the biggest buzz factor.”

Left: Lady Gaga sporting one ofMariette’s stunning creations

(Picture: Oliver Rauh)Below: An artist at work - Louis

Mariette by Philip Volkers

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THE WARMHEART OFAFRICA

A VISITOR’S REFLECTION ON MALAWI

Getting here isn’t a walk in the park, but thennothing really worth having ever is. Flightsleave daily from Heathrow to Nairobi, from

which there are connections to Malawi’s capitalLilongwe, and an economy return ticket costs justover six hundred pounds including taxes.

Kenya Airways took care of my journey in a mannerthat was both professional and impressive. The crewwere very nicely turned out and everything followeda strict routine. The meals were really good and therewas a great choice of drinks with which to washthem down. The in-flight entertainment was excellenttoo, with a good choice of current films, and I tunedinto their jazz radio station and was astonished whensome of my favourites became a mellowaccompaniment to my journey. All in all, a pleasantstart to the trip.

Malawi, formerly Nyasaland during colonial times, isknown for being a small country at just 900km longand 150km at its widest. I suppose compared tosome of the other African nations it is a dwarf bycomparison, but coming from such a small countrymyself I didn’t really notice. However, there are plentyof things I did notice. We are more familiar with thelarger African countries such as Tanzania,Mozambique and Zambia which all surround thisrelatively diminutive treasure. But, size isn’t everythingand I think it works in Malawi’s favour. The country’smost obvious geographical feature is Lake Malawi

which lies in a trough formed by The Great Rift Valleywhich passes through the country. Although Malawiis landlocked, Lake Malawi covers twenty per cent ofthe country’s mass, and as the third largest lake inAfrica is one of the deepest in the world and isteeming with a spectacular kaleidoscope ofaquatic life.

In the colonial period, early European missionariesled the way for adventurers and pioneer traders, wholooked on Central Africa as the land of opportunity.Following in Dr. David Livingstone’s footsteps, theseearly arrivals would have disembarked from ocean-going ships at the Portuguese port of Quelimane,then travelled overland to the Zambezi River. Onceon the Zambezi, they could travel by boat upstreamto the Shire River, and from there make their way toBlantyre where the Upper Shire could be followed toLake Malawi. Things are a whole lot easier now.

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge at Liwonde National Parkwas our home for two nights while we took our walkon the wild side. We bounced around in the car aswe travelled along an unmade road to reach thelanding stage on one side of the broad Shire River.Here we boarded a little boat to cross over to theLodge, which is the country’s premiere wildlife haven.This and its sister camp, have the monopoly as theyare the only accommodation in the park. The park is580 kilometres square and, as well as the Shire River,has lagoons, marshes, open savannah, woodland and

Darkest Africa...Don’t believe a word of it. This joyful, full-blooded and

complex country is calling to you with outstretched arms of welcome.

Words: Claire Durkin

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hills. The lodge sits on the banks of the river but itsmain, airy lounge building is set high above the waterto ensure incredible views of the animals and wildlife.Apparently, the record for the number of differentbird species spotted in just two nights is 266,although officially there are more than 400 species.Liwondes setting is the best and as long as you arenot fretting to “tick off the big five”, you will definitelyenjoy it. The park is constantly being re-stocked andwhile I was there, there was a rhino establishingprogramme running in the sanctuary.

My sleeping accommodation included an enormousbed looped in mosquito netting, in a wooden frame,roofed with canvas. It was very rustic and just perfect.The little wooden balcony was practically on top ofthe water and I sat in a chair in the dark, too excitedto sleep, exhausting my wind-up torch while I staredobsessively, transfixed by the rows of golden eyesfloating down the river. These belonged to some ofthe many crocodiles which live on the banks. Whocould rescue me? Too feeble to admit to being afraidof the dark and having a poor sense of direction, Iwas alone, with just a big drum to beat (no phonesor electricity) in case of an emergency. The long nightwas punctuated by sudden bursts of noisy activity inthe water, and the screeching of birds of prey andshuffling of beasts. The one calming and delightfulantithesis to the chaos was the winking of the littlefire flies as they sent out their search lights into theblack night. I was hooked.

In the morning we went in a small boat out onto theriver to take a look at the monkeys, and warthogswhose straight tails pointed upwards when alarmed.Families of hippos lay submerged with just ears andeyes showing above the waterline while cranes andherons (I think) balanced on their broad backsperforming a grooming ritual or just getting a freeride. On our “wildlife viewing tour” in a 4WD open-top vehicle, magnificent elephants were busyingthemselves in their groups, tugging at massive clumpsof grasses and uprooting trees.

The delicate impala were grazing at leisure and fisheagles gave us their best side while they took up theirclassic pose in the highest branches. My heart washammering as we sidled up very close to some seriousadult crocodiles who were watching us slyly with theirmonstrous, grinning jaws half open. I wasn’t on themenu this time, with fish making up the bulk of theirmenu. I definitely wasn’t slipping in for a swim though.

The Lodge is fantastic and offers a close and personal- but safe - experience in a wild environment. I was astranger to the real animal world and thesewonderful spectacles revealed a special energy with anatural rhythm and magical purpose all of its own. It was Dr. Livingstone who was – I presume -enchanted by the twinkling galaxy as it was reflectedin the deep, cold waters of Lake Malawi, and coined it“the lake of stars”. How lovely. We went out oneevening for a safari and stopped for drinks. We

watched as the sun dipped out of sight over thedistant view, and then out came a card table andwhatever is your favourite refreshment. This was awatering hole with a difference.

We were enjoying what I’ve always called a sun-downer, in this case a Malawi gin and tonic, on theshores of the river, and then I got it. There was thenew moon, strangely recumbent, with Venus close by,soon to be cloaked in the black night, bejewelledwith glittering specks mirrored in the water. This was beautiful.

In the days of Livingstone, dhows would have been afamiliar sight creaking through the swirling watersunder the weight of their cargo, slaves and ivory.Things are very different now and fishermen in dug-out canoes are carrying a cargo of ”chambo”, thecountry’s most popular fish. I did eat the “chambo”several times and it became popular choice for me.

Our next stop, also to be found at the end of a long,surface-of-the-moon type road, was the gorgeousPumulani Lodge, right on the shores of Lake Malawi.Perched up high, masterful and elegant, this two yearold has definitely found its feet. As Robin Pope Safaris’dream destination the Lodge exudes calm and well-being with its straight-forward design and luxuriousaccessories. It comprises just ten villas, constructed tomake you unaware of anyone else. Cool interiors withbreathtaking, panoramic views under vegetated

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Left: Malawi at its finest – The lovely, excitable

local children posing for the camera

Below: The watering hole with a difference.

Relaxing lakeside at “THE LODGE”

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roofs, which are watered daily. I had an exceptional villa.It was huge and about forty of my steps from my backwall to the front door. The different rooms were all builtalong one side to allow the lucky occupant the luxuryof always having that divine view, while floating aroundlike a film star. The exteriors are painted in green andblend in perfectly to their natural surroundings. You caneither take your delicious meals in the open airrestaurant and bar, or down on the beach under a tree,gazing out to sea. We had a wonderful lunch down onthe beach one day, and Luke, our host, kept uscompany for hours while telling us about Pumulani,their ideas, and the way it is blossoming.

If you can make the effort, you can take an ultrarefreshing dip in the super infinity pool. It’s easy tolose track of time while trying to make yourselfbelieve that you really are immersed in this lovely coolwater perusing this marvellous, famous lake, dottedwith the fishermen in their canoes. One evening wesat with Betty, our hostess, around the fire pit in thedark putting the world to rights (well, someone has todo it) and got to know each other better. That’s oneof the things about going away, you just never knowwho you will meet or what you will learn.

While we were guests at Pumulani we wereprivileged to be allowed a walk into some of the localvillages. Pumulani, over the past two years, has takenon 52 villagers and trained them up to a high

standard. Remember, these are people who havenever had, or expect to have, a job, and areunaccustomed to anything even vaguely resemblingour ideas of hospitality. They have done brilliantly wellthrough patience and understanding and now haveconfident and loyal staff.

The villages are three in a row. I couldn’t tell whereone ended and another one began, but the childrenknew. They accompanied us while we walked and Iwish I’d had more hands to hold all the little dry onesthat wanted to hold mine. Of course children lovehaving their photos taken and they were laughing andexcited to be with us and full of what was going on,showing us all the mango trees and chickens. Thegrown-ups were patient and friendly to us, kindlyallowing us to take photos of their children. Thesecharming people have very little and I knoweverything has its own level, but I felt humble andsorry knowing that there was nothing I could do in ahurry to make any difference to their circumstances.Thank goodness for Pumulani and the help it offersby employing the locals. Luke and Betty are a fantasticyoung couple; he is South African and she is Austrian.They have been running the lodge for a year and arereally making their mark. Congratulations to both ofthem - what a team. Thank you!

Back in Lilongwe, we finally had a chance to walkaround the town and soak up some of the

atmosphere. It was teatime and absolutely bustling.Hot dust floated in the air with sunlight streamingthrough it. One minute we were standing our groundwith different market traders, with their endlesssupplies of carved animals, necklaces, bracelets andarticles for the home, spread out for inspection, andthe next, we were in a cool gallery with smooth coldfloors, stunning artwork and desirable objects fromwhich it was difficult to tear yourself away. There is anenormous amount of talent here.

I would like now to make a quick but importantmention of the Joshua Orphan Care Trust which isbased near Blantyre. It has been operating since 1996and with the help of local staff and management itnow helps to support 1,300 orphans with food,clothing and education, and some 400 withaccommodation. It is supported by UK charities suchas the Oxted-based One World Group.Organisations such as this are essential for thecontinuation of this much-needed help.

This trip went far too quickly. It was just a sip ofMalawi but I now definitely have a taste for it.I left this sparkling country with so much more than Ihad arrived, arms full of experience and excitingmemories to last a lifetime. I would like to say thankyou to Ian Musyani and Blandina from the MalawiTourist Board for making this all possible.

Soaking up the atmosphere – one of the many local childrenaccompanying me whilst walking around the nearby villages

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In recent years, science has played anincreasingly active role in the world of finedining. Culinary extroverts are forever

dreaming up bizarre concoctions which don’tso much require pots and pans to create, as anintermediate level chemistry set. While manykitchen gurus are busy breaking out the testtubes in the name of culinary experimentation,one chef is applying science to cooking in a verydifferent way - a way which could legitimatelyalter the way we eat.

Unlike the mad scientists of the gastronomicworld, chef Chris Horridge is a relaxed andunassuming character, but one who could quiteeasily wipe the floor (and work surfaces) withhis contemporary pretenders, with his superiorscientific knowledge.

You might think that such genius was inspiredby one of the great chefs, or perhaps aneven greater scientist – but you couldn’t bemore wrong!

“Back in the 1990s I was over in Germany when I was in the Air Force, and the LennyHenry show Chef came on the telly out there,”Horridge explains.

“Most people expect me to say I was influencedby a world renowned chef, but in actual fact,without Lenny Henry, I wouldn’t have knownanything about Michelin stars!”

Today, Lenny Henry is more likely to inspire hisfollowers to spend a night in a budget motel, but the profound effect of his 90s sitcom uponHorridge was nothing short of phenomenal.

“I liked the humour of the show, but what Ireally liked was the seriousness of what thecharacter was trying to bring to his food. I was25 at the time, so I thought, ten years fromnow I’d like to have a Michelin star myself, orat least be in a kitchen that’s seriously lookingto get a Michelin star.

“I left the Air Force two years later and startedworking for Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir (aux Quat' Saisons) and was there for five years.I started at the bottom and finished as seniorsous-chef in charge of about 35 guys.”

For many, a top position in one of theworld’s best restaurants would have beenenough to satisfy their culinary ambitions, but Horridge wanted a star of his own nomatter what it took.

“Working at somewhere like Le Manoir wasreally hard going; 17 hour days, five days a weekminimum, it’s a huge amount. So, after I left, I did some private cheffing for a few years, justto take a bit of a break. Then, from out of theblue came a telephone call asking me whether I would be prepared to put my hat into the ringto take over the Bath Priory.

“It dawned on me that it was gettingdangerously close to my 35th birthday

Chris Peck meets Chris Horridge, the Michelin-starred chef on a

mission to dispel the myth that healthy food can’t also be delicious.

Words: Chris Peck

MISSION:NUTRITION

Left: Three dimensional food -

Flavour, Presenation, Nutrition

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and I’d promised myself ten years ago that I’d get a Michelin star of my own, so this was a greatopportunity.”

Never a man to shy away from a challenge, Horridgehappily accepted the offer, recalling: “I had tocompete against a guy who was actually my juniorsous-chef at Le Manoir, but had since gone on tobecome one of the top ten in the country, so hewas a very, very good chef. However, I got the joband I did four and half months without a day offuntil I finally got the Michelin star!”

With the highest of culinary accolades comfortablysecured within the timeframe he had set himself, the ever-ambitious gastronome could easily haverested on his laurels, but that’s just not Horridge’sstyle.“Having achieved everything I’d set out to, I was then left questioning ‘Okay what next?’” Horridge remembers.

“I had been talking to various chefs and there was acertain element of peer pressure to find your owncuisine. A kind of ‘Don’t copy us, find your own style’attitude.”

Little good has ever come from peer pressure. Inmost cases in contemporary society it usually resultsin smoking, casual drug use or teenage pregnancy!

Fortunately, when the gastronomic elite applyMichelin-starred peer pressure to one another, it can often result in culinary magic.

“While I was over in Germany all those years ago,I’d had an operation and wanted to get myself welland get back to work as soon as possible, so I boughta book on healthy eating, which gave you thenutritional breakdown of everything.

“So I thought, I’ll give myself the full recommendeddaily amount of vitamins and minerals in two mealsand in the third meal I’ll eat what I like. I went backafter two weeks of putting myself on this diet, and itworked. The doctor said: ‘You’ve recovered really welland you’re fit to return to work’ in total disbelief.”

Naturally, this memory returned to Horridge, andpretty soon he started asking more and morequestions and taking a greater interest in the benefitsof nutrition. With the aid of a variety of UniversityProfessors, Nutritionists, Doctors, and a great number of hours poring over research books at BathUniversity library, Horridge developed his pioneeringculinary concept – three-dimensional cuisine.

The concept is based upon the principle that a mealshould have three fundamental dimensions: flavour,presentation and nutrition. But, as Horridge has

Left: Capturing culinary imaginations

Below: The proof of the pudding;

All inclusive – a gastranomic experience

that everyone can enjoy

Right: You can have a fantastic meal with

healthy food and you wouldn’t even know

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discovered, convincing an over-indulgent society thatnutritional food is a good thing is anything but a pieceof cake.

“The mountain I’ve had to climb is to convincepeople that healthy food doesn’t have to mean nastyfood. There is this psychological perception out thereof ‘Oh I want to indulge, I don’t want to eat healthyfood when I go out for a meal.’ But the point is, youcan indulge if the chef has got a little bit of savvyabout him. You can have a fantastic meal with healthyfood and you wouldn’t even know. Psychology playsa massive role in food.”

To put this into perspective, Horridge reflects on his experience filming TV’s Great British Menu.

“When I did the Great British Menu, I asked if I couldhave a fruit bowl. It’s long, tough days and trying toget something to eat there is actually quite difficulteven though you’re surrounded by food. So I had thisfruit bowl so that I knew I’d get some goodnessinside me each day.

“At the beginning of the week we’d be stoodtogether discussing the competition and I’d be therewith a tangerine or something in my hand. I wasn’tdoing it deliberately, I just wanted something to eat.By the end of the week I looked around andeverybody had a piece of fruit in their hand! I hadbeen working with some of the UK’s best chefs andthey’d obviously been influenced somehow.”

Some may argue that this may be coincidence, andthat the other competing chefs just happened todevelop a craving for fruit as the week progressed.But, as with any science, Horridge continued to testthe degree to which psychology plays a part in food.

“I found out that fifty per cent of the globalpopulation are lactose intolerant to one degree oranother. That’s a lot of people who can’t have crèmebrulee. So, I thought, I wonder if we can do a crèmebrulee without any cream or diary whatsoever that is so good you wouldn’t know?

“I started to think ‘I wonder, if we replace that withthis and then add that…’ So I experimented andcame up with something. Then I thought, I wonderif we can reduce the sugar as well. So I tweaked itagain to make sure it was as close to perfect as Icould get it, and got it to about ninety per cent lesssugar than you would normally get in a crème brulee.We put it on the menu as a vanilla crème brulee, but didn’t say it was sugar or diary free, and itremained on the menu for four months without asingle comment back.”

Ultimately, Horridge’s food brings a unique dimensionof social inclusion to fine dining, as opposed to theoften-overlooked exclusion that so many diners

Michelin Star cooking is an exact science

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have to endure. We have all undoubtedly visited a restaurant at some point and seenthe limitations placed upon those with the most common of dietary restrictions.“When people say: ‘I’m dairy free, or gluten free, or whatever, is that going to beokay?’ we just say: ‘That’s fine, choose off the menu like anybody else’. There’s nodairy, no gluten, and virtually no sugar in any of this menu. That’s the point.Everyone gets to enjoy the same menu irrespective of their dietary needs.”

While currently looking for a premises for his next restaurant venture withbusiness partner and fellow gastronome Alan Murcheson, Horridge is taking timeto pass on his expertise to pupils as the director of the Fine Dining Academy.

He explains: “There’s loads of cookery schools out there, but in a lot of them, theguy doing the teaching doesn’t have much more experience than the guests he’steaching. At the Fine Dining Academy we offer something different. The teacherwill always be one of the top chefs in the UK according to the Michelin Guide. It’s going to be a person you’ve read about in the newspapers who’s won awards.”However, with every TV chef worth his whites churning out cookbooks for thefestive season, many recipients of these stocking busting tomes may consider theynow have all the knowledge they could possibly need. As a word of warning,Horridge reveals one of the dirtiest secrets of the celebrity chef world.“A few years ago, a huge number of chefs would put their books out knowing

full well that not all of the recipes in them worked, because they didn’t want otherchefs copying their work. There’s a very famous recipe out there by a renownedchef and there are no egg whites in the soufflé! I mean how do you make asoufflé without egg whites?

“We have very high standards and give guests seriously good recipes that actuallywork, and get them producing really good food. We’ll even give them the detailsof the suppliers the Michelin guys use so they can order produce for themselvesin the future. It’s really unique from start to finish, and of course it’s a very smallclub, so it’s quite exclusive. It’s very difficult to even get to talk to chefs of thiscalibre, let alone spend a day in a classroom with them.”

So, with the Michelin star dream achieved, the invention of what is arguably themost delicious and diner-friendly approach to food ever imagined, and now thesuccessful tutelage of aspiring chefs to add to his collection of fulfilled ambitions,what is next for the knight of nutrition?

“The goal for the next ten years is that I want a company which has aninternational presence in nutrition. I’ll remain a chef, but I’ll also be doing consultancy and have a company that will be consulting not only in the UK butother areas of the world as well.“Ultimately, the real goal is to knock down the barriers that healthy food is nasty food. It’s as simple as that really.”Finally, I ask Horridge what continues to drive his culinary ambition? The chefponders for a moment before providing an answer that encapsulates the samehonesty and integrity that defines his food.

“I’ve just got a very active imagination. If I had to go into work and do a lambshank with potato puree every day for the next 25 years, I’d leave the job now. I’d just get so bored doing that.”

“The mountain I’ve had to climb isto convince people that healthy fooddoesn’t have to mean nasty food.”

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MADE IN CHINAKen Hom’s Guide to the perfect Chinese New Year party – Words: Fiona Collins

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For one bracing afternoon and evening each winter,Central London grinds to a halt as thousands ofrevellers take to the streets to marvel at the

colourful procession of exotic dragons, lions, acrobatsand performers who dance under a halo of red lanternsin celebration of the Chinese New Year. More than300,000 people crowd into Trafalgar Square each yearto soak up the atmosphere, as the hypnotic beat of thedrums, and the staccato flares of the firecrackers, bringan authentic flavour of Asia to the metropolis.

London now hosts one of the world’s largest ChineseNew Year celebrations outside Asia, and each year theparty grows in popularity. But, as Ken Hom – whohimself is one of the world’s most popular Chineseexports – tells me, you don’t have to be a former native of Asia’s biggest superpower to take part in the festivities.

“It comes at a time of the year when the weather’sgloomy and I think people need something to brightenup their winter, so everybody can participate,” says Hom.“The biggest thing that we do at Chinese New Yearis eat, and Chinese food is so popular in this country, so what could be better, right?” Hom laughs.

2011 is the Year of the Rabbit, which is the fourth signof the Chinese Zodiac and symbolises creativity,compassion, and sensitivity. Unlike the Gregoriancalendar, in which New Year’s Day falls each year on the

1st of January, the Chinese calendar is based on cycles ofthe moon. This means that the beginning of the year canfall anywhere between late January and the middle ofFebruary. In 2011, the Chinese will welcome in theirNew Year on the 3rd of February.

The history of this ancient celebration can be tracedback thousands of years, with inscribed Shang Dynastyoracle bones suggesting that a lunar calendar, based ona 365 ¼ day cycle, had been established by the 14thcentury BC. Traditionally, the Chinese New Year was themost important festival in the Chinese calendar; a fifteenday celebration of family and home, and a time whenritual sacrifices of food, and paper icons, were offered toGods and to ancestors. People posted scrolls printedwith lucky messages on household gates, and set offfirecrackers to frighten evil spirits. Elders gave moneyto children in red envelopes to bring good luck to thehousehold and long life to the family. Most important ofall though was the feasting, and on New Year's Eve itself,the extended family would join around the table for acelebratory banquet.

Today, the rituals are largely unchanged, but following the introduction by the Chinese government in 1996 of a weeklong vacation during the fifteen day period(known as Spring Festival), many of China’s rapidlygrowing middle-class of young professionals now use the holiday as a chance to relax from work, rather thanan opportunity to renew family ties.

“Chinese New Year is actuallyone of the biggest humanmigrations in the world,because at least two or threehundred million people willgo back to their homes andvillages and spend time withtheir family and friends.” Ken Hom

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“A traditional drinkwould be what we callShaoxing rice wine. It’sa yellow wine fromeastern China. It tasteslike dry sherry, and, eer,it’s pretty God awful!”Ken Hom

Nonetheless, Ken Hom says that a huge proportionof the population still return to their birthplace tocelebrate the New Year. “It’s actually one of thebiggest human migrations in the world, because atleast two or three hundred million people will goback to their homes and villages and spend time withtheir family and friends,” Hom says.

“On the day of Chinese New Year we mightdecorate our homes in red banners with auspiciouswriting and things like ‘Good prosperity foreveryone!’, ‘May everybody have good health!’ andthat sort of thing,” Hom continues. “And then therewill be firecrackers to ward off all the bad things; evil spirits. And of course children love it too. Theritual with children is that every time they say to you‘Happy New Year’ you have to give them an envelope– a red envelope - with money in it. It’s one of thebest ways to augment your bank account whenyou’re a kid!” Hom laughs mischievously.And so to the all important question of the party

itself, and most importantly of all, the banquet. I amspeaking to one of the world’s greatest authorities onOriental food, and I ask Hom what tips he would givefamilies in the UK, who wish to organise a ChineseNew Year party at home. I expect him to reel off along list of delicious recipes, finger foods, Chinesedelicacies, drinks and sweets, without which any self-respecting New Year’s party would be bound to fail. I am somewhat surprised by Hom’s down-to-earth response.

“What I advise people to do - and in China they dothe same thing - is that they don’t cook everything,”Hom begins. “Maybe they stir-fry one or two dishes,and then a lot of the things they would buy from thedeli shop; things like roast pork and roast pig, or awhole duck which you wouldn’t make in your homebecause people just don’t have the capacity. So what I advise people to do in this country is maybe makeone or two stir-fry dishes, and then I can help them inthe kitchen. They just ➛92

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go to Tesco and buy some of my duck and everythinglike that!” Hom laughs at this shameless plug of hisnew Chinese food range, which he has created incollaboration with the supermarket giant.

Taking the advice to heart, I ask Hom to suggest acouple of simple recipes which people can try athome to augment their bought-in supplies.

“Something like a stir-fry vegetable dish,” says Hom,emphasising that simplicity and great flavour aremore important to success, than elaborate disheswhich will have you slaving in the kitchen for hoursbefore your guests arrive. “People should get theirfavourite vegetables and just stir-fry them with somecrushed garlic and salt and pepper, and they shouldkeep it very simple.

“Or maybe they would make things like fried rice,”Hom continues. “Or they would make their favouritestir-fry meat and vegetable meal. People want tospend time with their friends and they don’t want to spend time in the kitchen, and also many Chinesekitchens are very small so they’re only capable ofreally doing daily cooking when you eat only one ortwo dishes. That way you will have plenty of time toactually enjoy the festivities!”

Drink too is an important element of any good party,and the Chinese New Year is no exception. However,it seems that the West have the upper hand when itcomes to creating the perfect tipple with which towash down all the crispy roast duck and stir-fries.“A traditional drink would be what we call Shaoxingrice wine. It’s a yellow wine from eastern China. And that wine – it tastes like dry sherry, and, eer, it’s pretty God awful!” Hom laughs loudly again.

“Another drink the Chinese would drink is strong-spirited, distilled wine made from barley or millet. It’slike drinking whisky, and boy that gets the party going!“Having said that, China now is more and moredrinking wine, and it’s become one of the biggestnew wine markets in the world, and China is reallydeveloping, and they’re learning about wine. So thathas fuelled an immense new look at what we drinkto accompany our food.”

On the subject of drink, Hom is keen to dispel onekey misconception in Britain of his native culture. “I just want to tell people that Chinese do not drinktea when they eat, because tea is something that theydrink after the meal, not during the meal. The tea isto clean your palate.”

So, whether you are a seasoned Chinese New Yearreveller, or would like to organise your own party for the first time, stick to Hom’s tips and you can’t gowrong: keep the homemade dishes simple and fresh,don’t be afraid to buy in key elements from yourlocal deli or supermarket, add in a good measure ofwestern wine (or Chinese barley wine if you’refeeling brave, and want something a little strongerand more authentic), add plenty of colour, lots ofgood cheer, and a handful of firecrackers, and aboveall, hold off the Chinese tea until all your guestshave finished feasting and are ready to move ontothe partying.

94

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“It’s not just a job; it’s a way of life... I get alittle bit animated and passionate,” says architectand TV presenter George Clarke, whilstconducting a seminar about making the best ofyour home, at Grand Designs Live in Birmingham.It’s easy to see why he feels this way. The topics ofarchitecture, building design and interiordecorating are absorbing, as I’m soon to discover,and the subject on everyone’s lips this year, is ecodesign and energy-conscious construction.

In spite of recent financial difficulties, hundredsof individuals and business-minded people havebeen taking advantage of the economic climate,and low interest rates, and purchasing land onwhich to construct energy-efficient homes. This was a key theme of Birmingham’s recentpremier lifestyle exhibition Grand Designs Live,where hundreds of innovative products to makeour homes better and healthier places in whichto live, were showcased. No matter how big, orhow small your housing project may be, GrandDesigns Live, which is held annually in bothBirmingham and London, is one of theindustry’s greatest exhibitions, brimming with

ideas for construction, design, decor,technologies, and interiors.

Before visiting Grand Designs Live, I hadalways had a somewhat sceptical view ofenvironmentally friendly products, andsustainability, thinking perhaps that thesegoods would not live up to their less-energy-conscious rivals, or that they wouldn’t look asstylish as their opposing products. But I wassoon proved wrong. With cutting-edge designat the forefront of this exhibition, the GrandVillage showcased a host of speciallyconstructed houses, from eco friendly structures, to stylish studios, and green gardenrooms, all of which proved that it is possible tobe both tasteful and environmentally aware.Many of the constructions on show focussedon maximising space, such as building an extraroom within your garden.

For people looking for practicality coupled withstyle, one of the most viewed products wasthe Archipod, which is a unique garden officewith a difference. The idea of this contemporary

structure - whose shape I can only describe asbeing like an igloo - is to allow homeowners arelatively cheap and easy way to create a newliving space in their gardens. The product isprefabricated in sections so that it can be easilyconstructed and taken apart, whilst the interioris insulated with a glass wool, made out ofrecycled glass bottles.

For those who are not looking for such a major home expansion though, and are moreinterested in re-vamping what they already have, Idiscovered plenty of interesting and innovativeideas, and with home being where the heart is,there is now nothing stopping those who wish toturn their property into a ‘green’ oasis. We allknow about energy efficient electrical products,eco friendly building materials, and the benefits ofinsulation, but I was interested to learn that thisenvironmentally-aware approach can now alsoextend to the decor and interior of yourproperty. With many interior designers anddecorators looking for more environmentallyfriendly products, the industry is keeping on trendby bringing the latest products to the market.

GREEN IS THENEW BLACK

We take a trip to Grand Designs Live in Birmingham to find out what’s new in theworld of homebuilding and interior design

Words: Leanne McGrath

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Everything from bathrooms to flooring, recycledfurnishings, and lifestyle products were on display atGrand Designs Live, and I was interested to see thatyou can now even purchase environmentally friendlywallpaper and canvas prints, which Leicestershirecompany Bespoke Wallcoverings were displaying, withtheir unique designs, and lively and colourful images.Planning to also exhibit at the 2011 London GrandDesigns Live event which takes place in April next year,Claire McFadden, director of Bespoke Wallcoveringssays: “Our target market is those people who areenvironmentally aware, and we are looking for one-offprojects, because we do a very bespoke productwhich fits the Grand Designs market place extremelywell.” As an old company with a new idea, BespokeWallcoverings use environmentally friendly inks, andrecyclable materials to manufacture their products.Their cheeky, modern designs are perfect for creatingbold statements and feature walls, whilst the scale oftheir contemporary images can also be altered to suitthe size of your room.

“Because technology has changed so much in recentyears, eco friendly inks are fairly new. With digitalphotography, and graphic design, it lets people reallybe creative, which is very much a Grand Designsthing, as people do very much have one off bespokeprojects, and that’s what we are geared up for,”McFadden says.

The construction and interior designs industry seemto be coping well in the current economic climate,despite so many people opting for D.I.Y alternatives.“One of the interesting things about the interiormarket at the moment is that, if anything, it’s quitebuoyant.” McFadden adds. “People aren’t moving orgoing on holiday, so they are decorating and doinghome improvements instead.”

However, while the energy efficient, eco-friendlydecorating materials are all very well, using these alonewon’t necessarily mean that your carbon footprint willreduce significantly. As I discovered in Birmingham, theindustry as a whole is still keen to hammer home theimportance of reducing carbon emissions from ourexisting homes, and small changes can go a long way.Even the government are continuing to jump on thebandwagon, proposing to offer a tax rebate forintroducing sustainable, eco friendly products into thehome, so that there’s now more incentive than ever tobecome environmentally aware. Kevin McCloud,presenter of TV’s Grand Designs, suggests that bymaking a few alterations such as insulating your loft orroof, replacing an old boiler, turning off householditems which have been left on standby, and by havingdouble glazing installed, you can achieve a greenerhome. Even by starting with very minor changes, suchas using energy efficient light bulbs instead oftraditional ones, you can make a difference which will

“Our target market isthose people who areenvironmentally aware,and we are looking forone-off projects, becausewe do a very bespokeproduct which fits theGrand Designs marketplace extremely well.”

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make opening the gas and electricity bill at the endof a quarter less of a worry.

If however-like me- you are not looking specifically for agreen product, but just want to learn more aboutwhat’s new on the market, then Grand Designs Live stillhas plenty to offer. From building to technology, kitchensand bathrooms to gardens, you’ll find hundreds of ideasfor your home.

So, whether you’re constructing your own home,renovating it to an impeccable standard, sprucing upyour interior, or wishing to ‘go green’, then GrandDesigns Live and its exhibitors provide everythingyou could wish for. Grand Designs Live returns toLondon for its sixth consecutive year with theexhibition being held at the ExCel Exhibition and

Conference centre between the 30th April and 8thMay 2011, which is guaranteed to offer nine days ofinspiration for your home. With over 500exhibitors, and halls dedicated to interiors, kitchens,bathrooms, technology as well as gardening, you willfind the latest cutting edge designs, coupled withthe newest of technologies and products.Additionally, like the previous Birmingham eventwhich I attended, Grand Designs Live will feature‘Kevin’s Green Heroes’ which aims to highlightinnovative products, and sustainable materials whichhave been made by UK-based green manufacturers.

For more information or to book tickets at a specialrate of just £10 (saving up to £8 off the door rate)quote CREAM10 and visit: www.granddesignslive.comor call 0844 209 7349.

Above: The audience intently listening to the most pressing

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Far left:The public gaining one-to-one expert advice from

leading architects to project management

Left: Cutting Edge Designs – Kevin McCloud opening

Grand Designs Live Birmingham

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FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! A Supercar for every day of the week! But can you really enjoy them on today’s roads? Kevin Haggarthy drives and rates his personal choice of some of the World’s finest, as usable supercars on today’s roads.

Words: Kevin Haggarthy

aSUPERCAR

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Here sit seven of the World’s most desirable supercars; one for every day of the week. Fast, salubrious, seductive, intoxicating – every single one of themcan be seen on the wall of a 14 year old’s bedroom. These are the cars petrol heads just lust to own….Yet with top speeds of most not far off the200 mph mark, and staggering acceleration, they are all ‘road cars’, built for use on today’s roads of speed humps, speed cameras, and a ‘no-no’ to

anything that is remotely environmentally unfriendly. Oh dear……

And never has a question been asked more frequently of this particular scribbler than “What’s the point of a car like this, when the law only allows you to do70mph?” or “why pay six figure money for a car that, within the limit of the law, is allowed to go no faster than a Ford Fiesta?”Well, let’s sample and see…. The rules are simple – stick within speed limits, and the driving must cover town, country, and motorway. Practicality is irrelevant,but we’ll comment on it anyway. That’s it.

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FORD GT

First up, the Ford GT. What a motor…5.4 litres of supercharged V8, top speed of 205 mph, 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. It’s big, wide, and the enginetakes up the whole of the rear end. You sit in theleft hand corner of a low, exceptionally widevehicle with near on zero vision to the rear,making any manoeuvre a challenge of skill andmathematics, and parking - a community affairgenerally assisted by every admiring member ofthe public passing by.

Remember to add an extra 15 mins to everyjourney to deal with the plethora of questionsabout the car, and umpteen requests to takepictures alongside it. If you’re anti social or in a badmood – you’d be better off staying at home.You sort of slide and ‘drop’ into the seat of theFord GT. Shut the massive door that cuts into halfthe roof line, floor the clutch, turn the key, pressthe red start button to the centre of the dash, andthere is literally an explosion as it booms into lifewith such an ear piercing raw that the wholestreet knows you’re off to Tescos. Well, maybe notTescos as the front mounted ‘boot’ couldn’t evenhold a single shopping bag – you’d have to loadthe lot into the passenger seat.

The gearlever needs a hefty shove to achievereverse – the guy from Ford who demonstratedthe car had to use two hands to get into reversegear, but I’d just been to the gym so I could usejust one. Easing the big GT out onto the openroad on a damp morning, I entertained theneighbours by having to correct a nice bit of rearend oversteer in a 20 mph zone as the cold tyressearched in vein for grip – I wasn’t ready for that

as the first cup of coffee was still warming thebrain, but it was a useful heads-up about thepower, speed, and capability of the machine I wastaking for the school run.

In traffic you tend to sit and stare at the fuelgauge, guessing just how much longer it will bebefore you have to visit the petrol station…again.So far its three times in three days and £150, andby the time you read this it’ll be four and £200.And after that…bankruptcy.

But that all turns into a medical condition calledamnesia once you hit the motorway – building upto 70 mph in any gear bar first– and it is such anentertaining exercise that you’ll be foreverchanging up and down the box just to savour thatsound, play with that massive torque, and leavecars travelling at any speed as if they werestationery. For some reason, no one wouldovertake me, – they’d hold back and admire thecar – even when I pulled the speed down to apaltry 50 mph. This car is literally fantastic on themotorway – turning a long humdrum journey intoone of excitement and joy.

It’s the same cross country too, although being aleft hooker and so wide it curtails your flair inexploiting the chassis. That makes it a challengepunting the big GT cross Country – you reallyhave to get a hold of the thing and drive it – oldAston Martin style if you like….. but you wouldn’thave it any other way. Would you?

108

FERRARI 599 GTB

Well you might once you’re behind the wheel ofthe Ferrari 599 GTB. In fact the 599 feels evenmore powerful than the GT, and it is. – but its lesschallenging for day to day use by far ; high tech andmodern – the paddle shift with an auto optionmaking day to day use a doddle. The 599GTB is soexceptionally controllable and user friendly atlower speeds that you’d never dream it wascapable of such awesome performance; the markof a truly great car. Even parking is manageable,with care, being more of a challenge with the frontend rather than the rear. Cross Country, the599GTB is proper Jeckyll turns Hyde and try asyou might, you’ll never get further than two thirdsthrottle before braking for a turn, such is thetremendous surge of acceleration. If you do, I’ll seeyou in jail for there will be no bail. The challenge isto resist it, and that’s harder than taking Viagra justafter making a vow to stay celibate – not that Iknow this from experience of course.

Put it this way – where, in a decent GTI you mightget away with overtaking one car on a straighttwo way single carriageway with a blind bendlooming ahead– in the 599 GTB you can takethree to four cars all in one go and still tuck insafely before the looming bend ahead. That’s calledtorque and power. On the motorway it’s akin tothe last time you were on a runway – it’s just thatthe noise is so much better from the Ferrari thanit is from an aeroplane.

FERRARI F430 SCUDERIA

Equally usable is the 599’s younger cousin – theFerrari F430 Scuderia. A proper hard core car this,- not even a bit of carpet to complement your£170,000. And Hi Fi? What’s that? In this case it’sthe Scuderia’s engine – as far as I’m concerned, the best engine note in the World complementsthe finest cross country machinery ever to leavethe Ferrari factory maybe bar the latest 458 thatwe haven’t yet tried. This car is officially faster thana Ferrari Enzo, but nothing in the World candescribe its stupendous cross country pace andattitude – it’s a proper ‘high’ – taking you mentallyto where, quite frankly, I have never been with any other car – an utterly and totally engagingexperience. The term being ‘at one’ with a car isthe Ferrari F430 Scuderia.

It even has a usable boot, and sounds (growly)civilised in town. Like its big brother (the 599) the Scuderia is contained and controllable atlow speed – even the engine noise goesdown several decibels. On themotorway it’s a fighter jet with amelody that will take you outof the deepest depression.If I ever got divorcedI’d marry this car.

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PORSCHE 911 GT3

But only after my second marriage to the Porsche911 GT3. Now here’s a usable but very puristsupercar. It is also extremely well made – the sortof car you feel is worth spending your own moneyon, and one you should hand wash yourself toappreciate the excellent build quality and know-how that’s gone into building it. It’s totallyreliable in that Porsche bullet-proof way, and can be ‘anything you want it to be darling’. It’s a have-your-cake-and-eat-it-supercar, provided youcan take its firm no nonsense suspension, which Ihonestly found a challenge for everyday useforever clambering over speed humps in London.What’s more, it was highly inconvenient when one of my fillings fell out while driving it – I won’tblame the GT3 for that…although I had thoughtabout sending the dental bill to Porsche. Problemis, the chance to really exploit and enjoy its racecircuit handling needed well… a race circuit ratherthan the road.

KOENIGSEGG CCR

Maybe its my ego – trading so many admiringglances from the opposite sex, and not for amoment thinking it had anything to do with thefact that I was sitting behind the wheel of theamazing Koenigsegg CCR. I sternly and suddenlylooked straight ahead after a similar glance camefrom a male, and soon realised I had little to dowith it; maybe it was the car I was driving.

I topped 197 mph in this car, and before youaccuse me of breaking self imposed rules, it was atBruntingthorpe on their disused runway. Which is,quite frankly the only place I felt happy driving thiscar – it was sensational of course, but so singlepurpose with its brute speed, power, and noise(flames spurting out of the exhaust in betweengear changes) that 30 mph was a joke, and 70mph was 20 mph – no fun. And parking? Well, you just don’t.

110

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MASERATI GRAND SPORT

That’s why it seemed extra special stepping intothe highly civilised Maserati Grand Sport – in deepred leather, its cabin is one of the best places to bein the World, and it’s such a drop dead gorgeouscar to look at. And catch this – there’s four properseats and a boot! – It’s not really a supercar in thepurist sense of the word, more of a Sports GT, buttopping 180 mph earned it its place in this littlebunch. Yet sadly it didn’t make the mark – notquick enough in this kind of company; you have totry a little too hard to extract that performance. In fairness the performance is all there – just notso much at the ‘ready’. It’s such a nice car, that Iforever found myself putting on a suit to drive it –even to go down to the local tip.

LAMBORGHINI LP560-4

So you’ve probably already guessed that I spendmost nights fantasising in bed about the FerrariF430 Scuderia, and you’d have been right – that isuntil I drove the Lamborghini LP560 - 4. This carhad carpets, was easy to park, had a boot, Sat Nav,and a driving experience to prove that these daysno (reasonable) compromise whatsoever isnecessary with a modern day supercar. This car issimply phenomenal, the noise, the piercingprecision like acceleration, and handling that ispeerless to anything other than the most talented

driver - who will need a race track to explorelimits not attainable on the road – would dare tofind out. Yet even at 10 mph you’d love driving thisultra modern understated jewel of a motor car.The only detracting factor was lack of brake feel.There’s not enough space to tell you about thefive different gearchanging programmes , butsuffice to say if I had £147,000 today, it would bein the coffers of Lamborghini tomorrow, or put itanother way if I didn’t have a family, I’d have aGallardo LP560-4 and live on the street beggingfor change –the Gallardo LP560-4 is THE ONE.

112

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LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP560-4 Price: £147,000 Engine: V10Power: 552 bhp / 0-60 mph 3.7 secsTop speed: 202 mph

FERRARI F430 SCUDERIAPrice: £172,600 Engine: 4.3 litre V8 Power: 503 bhp / 0-60 mph 3.5 secsTop speed: 198 mph

PORSCHE 911GT3Price: £80,660 Engine: 6 cyl / 3.6 litre Power: 0-60 mph 4.3 secs Top speed: 192 mph

FERRARI 599 GTBPrice: £197,405Engine: 5.9 litre V12 Power: 611 bhp / 0-60 mph 3.5 sec Top speed: 198 mph

MASERATI GRANSPORTPrice ??????? Engine: 4.2 litre v8 / 400 bhpPower: 400 bhp / 0-60 mphTop speed: 180 mph

FORD GT (2005)Price when new £120,000 (will be a whole lot more now)

Engine: 5.4 V8 supercharged Power: 550 bhp / 0-60 mph 3.7 sec Top speed: 205 mph

KEONIGSEGG CCRPrice circa £350,000 Engine 4.7 litre V8 Power 655 bhp / 0-60 mph 3.3 secs Top speed 242 mph

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