Growing demand for family homes in Surrey sees Millgate open second show home this Saturday

by Viv United Kingdom

Classic design and relaxed living go hand-in-hand at Regency Place in Walton-on-the-Hill, where this weekend the second Millgate show home is opening its doors at 10am. 

This exclusive collection of six country homes has proven incredibly popular already with the New England style interior impressing three downsizing couples who had been searching for the perfect home now that the children have flown the nest.

Leaving behind their larger properties, these buyers were looking for homes still within Surrey but which were easier to maintain and had the feeling of space that their previous homes had offered.  Perfectly situated on a quiet residential road, walking distance to one of the finest golf courses in the area and just under a mile to the picturesque village of Walton-on-the-Hill, Regency Place ticks all the boxes.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate, comments:

“One of my favourite villages in Surrey, Walton-on-the-Hill has everything you would want from a quiet out-of-London life but still be just 40 minutes away from the heart of the Capital.  The village has the most delightful pond, a very historical church and a selection of quality shops and eateries.

“We have been delighted with the interest that this development has received over the past few weeks since launch and our partners, Alexander James Interiors, always seem to blend the character of the local area with every house that they dress.  The warm and relaxed, natural look combines perfectly with clean lines and luxurious pieces of furniture are guaranteed to woo.”

Richard Saunders, Director of appointed selling agents, comments on the feedback his team has received on Regency Place:

“We have not had a soul through the doors of Regency Place who has not been blown away by the beautiful composition of a luxury house with the most incredible interior design.  You really have to see a Millgate house to understand.  It is like stepping into a 7* luxury hotel suite – yet it is the entire house that is set to that quality.”

To experience for yourselves this inspirational living, visit Regency Place, Hurst Drive, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, KT20 7QT this weekend.

Laidback luxury nestled in a highly desirable location with generous accommodation priced from £1.45 million, contact Millgate now for further information on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk to www.luxuriouswatches.co.uk arrange a private viewing appointment.

Welcome to Gerrards Cross: Britain’s third wealthiest postcode

by Viv United Kingdom

Last month, John Hills, professor of social policy at the London School of Economics, published “Wealth in the UK: Distribution, Accumulation and Policy”, which revealed that 1 in 10 households now has a net wealth of more than £967,200.

  • 1 in 10 UK households now have a net wealth of almost £1,000,000
  • SL9 8 – Gerrards Cross – achieves 3rd position in top 20 wealthiest postcodes
  • New Millgate development in GX receives over 900 visitors in 15 weeks

Thanks to the long housing boom, many people have become millionaires (on paper at least) without having to earn a penny. However, in order to benefit you had to be a homeowner prior to 2005 and young people who have bought expensive houses since then are likely to have enormous mortgages.

According to Experian the wealthiest postcodes in Britain included Gerrards Cross (SL9 8) in at third position, only tipped to the post by Oxshott, Surrey in second (KT22 8) and Totteridge, Hertfordshire in first place (N20 0).

Expensive leafy neighbourhoods with large detached, gated homes and fancy cars on the driveway might be the first obvious sign of wealth but in the Home Counties this is a familiar sight, so what else apart from bricks and mortar makes an area ‘wealthy’?

Indeed Experian revealed that wealth does not always go hand-in-hand with the size of your house. London’s most expensive penthouse at One Hyde Park, SW7 1 sold recently for £136 million and whilst this area boasts the priciest postcode in the UK in which to purchase property, the wealthiest area was in fact Totteridge in N20 8 where net wealth is not negatively affected by vast mortgages as most own their homes outright.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate, the award-winning Home Counties builder, comments on Gerrards Cross’s high ranking and wealth,

”Gerrards Cross is undoubtedly a desirable places to live and is often referred to as ‘mini Hollywood’ due to its celebrity residents who have included Cilla Black, Paul Daniels, Val Doonican, Fern Brittan and more recently a whole host of well-known footballers.  People move here for a more relaxed pace of life than London and often because house prices are more affordable than Central London.

“With direct trains to London Marylebone taking as little as 18 minutes, this up-market town is a dream for many commuters. Gerrards Cross is considered very well-heeled with an aesthetically pleasing High Street boasting an array of independent retailers that sell top-notch goods, quality ladies clothing, luxury gifts and local food. If you add into the mix a choice of incredibly well regarded state and public schools, you can see why so many move from London to this picturesque small town.”

But it’s not just commuters moving to the area. Just recently a Japanese drugs company choose the business park between Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter to base its new UK operation meaning that the villages will be “at the forefront of drug development in the UK” said a spokesperson from Daiichi Sankyo.

Millgates’ own new development, Alderbourne Place in Gerrards Cross has proven extremely popular also, visited by 933 people in 15 weeks.  Cranley explains:

“Alderbourne Place really has been the talk of the town since we opened the Show Home with many visitors keen to see what a quality new build house is really all about.  The interest and positivity from the local community has been terrific and with that has come many genuine purchasers looking to buy including upsizers, downsizers, side steppers and London leavers!”

Alderbourne Place enjoys a perfect blend of seclusion and comfort which offers the best of town and country living, nestled in rolling green-belt countryside.  This fabulous new development consists of 8 impressive country homes and 4 town houses reflecting meticulous attention to detail with architectural integrity, yet again setting the benchmark for building excellence.

These new homes will have an unrivalled pedigree to match their desirable location with generous accommodation finished to an outstanding specification priced from £930,000 for a town house and from £2,100,000 for a detached country house.

To ensure you don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to purchase a home in the third wealthiest postcode, contact the Millgate team for further information or to arrange a viewing on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Game, set and match! Get the advantage and choose a home with a tennis court

by Viv United Kingdom

As the oldest and most prestigious grand slam event in tennis approaches, it’s not just residents of Wimbledon who are eagerly anticipating the tournament. Tennis aficionados across the UK are being inspired to improve their racquet skills and interest in homes with tennis courts is reaching fever pitch, as James Wyatt, Partner of leading estate agency Barton Wyatt, explains,

“Luxury homes with tennis courts are always popular, but particularly so as the Wimbledon Championships approach. Homes near tennis clubs are also in demand at this time of year, both with parents who enjoy the game and families who want their children to have access to top class facilities.”

One such home is Strawberry Fields, located on the exclusive Wentworth Estate in Surrey and just minutes from the Clubhouse which features golf and spa facilities as well as 13 tennis courts with a range of surfaces and year-round coaching for all ages. Strawberry Fields, on the market at £2,995,000, combines contemporary living with traditional character. It offers the latest in technology, appliances and interior design, while the landscaped garden is perfect for entertaining. A double award nominated property, Strawberry Fields is a six bedroom home complete with games room, cinema room, numerous ultra-modern bathrooms and a magnificent kitchen/breakfast/family room that opens onto the garden.

For those who require their own on-site tennis court, Barton Wyatt recommends Surrey’s Eastry House, for sale at £4,750,000. As well as a tennis court, the property boasts a swimming pool within its 4.4 acres of parkland style grounds. The five bedroom house comes with four en-suite dressing and bathrooms, five reception rooms, a well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room and a conservatory, providing plenty of space for family living and entertaining.

British house builder Millgate has also noticed the rising interest in homes with tennis courts in the run up to Wimbledon. Jonathan Cranley, Millgate’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented,

“Major sporting events tend to spur buyers’ interest in related properties, as the events reignite their passion for their particular sport. For tennis fans, now is the perfect time of year to buy a home with a court, ready to enjoy it throughout the warm summer months.”

Millgate’s current recommendation for those looking to pursue their love of tennis with their own court is Highview Manor, in the south Oxfordshire village of Boars Hill. With commanding southward views over ancient woodland, the Georgian style mansion enjoys a truly splendid location. Set in nearly two acres of grounds, the house combines traditional country living with modern elegance, all for £5,950,000.

As well as five ensuite bedrooms, the house comprises a drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen, family room, orangery/breakfast room and games room. Sports-wise it includes an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, leisure zone and all weather tennis court and pavilion. A two bedroom, detached cottage in the grounds provides further living space as part of this delightful property.

However it’s not just homes in the UK with tennis courts that are attracting interest – Spain is also a prize location for such properties, which is fitting given that it was an English/Spanish duo who were credited with the birth of lawn tennis in the mid-1800s.

Taylor Wimpey España, which offers properties for sale across Spain and the Balearic Islands, has noted particular interest in its Los Altos development at Port Andratx, Mallorca. The two bedroom Mediterranean townhouses come complete with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, gardens and three communal swimming pools. They benefit from spectacular sea views and are located near to Port Andratx, as well as being a stone’s throw from Andratx’s impressive golf course. Mallorca’s rich tennis history includes the island being the birth and training place of Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time and currently ranked number 4 in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (as at May 2013).

In Italy, fractional ownership company Appassionata has found that the all-weather tennis court at its five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi is a key attraction for families looking to own their dream holiday home in Le Marche. The property also features a basketball court, swimming pool and easy beach access, with three blue flag beaches within 10km. Fractions are currently available for the special price of £185,000, which includes five weeks’ exclusive use of the property, as well as a share in the organic produce from the estate’s vineyards, olive groves, lavender plantation and truffle orchard. Appassionata’s Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs comments,

“The outdoor lifestyle is an essential part of Italian living. Our owners can spend healthy, active time with their families on the tennis court and in the pool during the day, then cool off on one of Casa Leopardi’s terraces in the evenings while enjoying fresh, locally sourced meals and wine from the estate.”

Over in France The Villages Group also cites tennis as one of the essential elements of its offering. Le Village-Canal du Midi, in the delightful Languedoc-Roussillon area of southern France, provides an active living community for those aged 50+. In addition to tennis, activities include archery, aerobics, equestrian events, sailing, boating and swimming in the village’s outdoor and indoor pools. With house prices starting at around £200,000 and weekly maintenance of £30 covering all activities, the dream of retiring to an active community and spending days playing tennis in the sun has never been more achievable.

So as Wimbledon approaches this year, it seems that companies across Europe are bracing themselves for a flood of eager purchasers looking to live their own tennis championship dream – all on the site of their very own property.

For more information on Barton Wyatt, call 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Millgate can be contacted on 0118 934 3344 or by visiting www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

For more information on Taylor Wimpey España, call 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  Those residing outside of the UK can call +34 971 70 69 72.

Appassionata can be contacted on 0039 073 465 8775 or by visiting www.appassionata.com. A video tour of Casa Leopardi is also available.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

Have a flutter at Ascot – you could pick up more than you bargained for!

by Viv United Kingdom

Ascot Racecourse is steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, the first race, “Her Majesty´s Plate”, had a purse of 100 guineas and was held on 11th August 1711. Seven horses competed in this race comprising three separate 4 mile heats, each carrying a weight of just 76kg.

  • Sunday Times ranks Ascot one of the top 12 places to live in SE England
  • Royal Ascot commences Tuesday 18th June 2013
  • Millgate launches new luxury development adjacent to Ascot Racecourse

Today the famous Gold Cup is run at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs and is Britain´s most prestigious event for “stayers” – horses which specialise in racing over long distances. It is traditionally held on day three of the Royal Ascot meet, known colloquially as Ladies´ Day.

The 2013 ‘ladies’ racing season kicked off last Friday with the Epsom Derby. The gentlefolk of Surrey would like to think that their event is every bit as equal to the neighbouring meet in Berkshire but sadly the Derby does not quite cut the same mustard.

Ascot has, perhaps, little to attract a day tripper apart from racing excitement and an endless stream of Moet but this town has plenty to offer people who chose to settle here. Fine dining is in abundance, an array of charming shops, some of the finest schooling in the country and of course it is situated in ‘Royal’ Berkshire which does sound terribly grand. It is for just these good reasons that Ascot has been ranked as the 12th best place to live in the South East by the Sunday Times.

And it is local award-winning house builder Millgate which has landed the enviable permission to redevelop a prime plot adjacent to the racecourse, transforming a dilapidated house into luxury apartments with less than 200 yards between them and the hallowed turf.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate comments on this wonderful opportunity:

“Like most chaps I enjoy a flutter on the horses and have had some marvellous days at Ascot however it is fabulous to be back here again in a work capacity. We built a luxury apartment block two years ago close to Ascot and are confident we will have the same success here at Westbrook House.

“On race day residents will be so close to the racecourse they might be able to hear the pounding hooves of the horses as they hurtle round the track. I anticipate that these apartments are likely to be bought by downsizers from the local area who no longer have the need for a large family house but love the town too much to leave.”

Indeed Ascot has been home to some famous celebrities such as John Lennon, Elton John, Russ Abbott, Elizabeth Hurley and Bruce Forsyth. World-class golfers include Ernie Els and Thomas Bjørn. With a commute to central London in under an hour, a short ride to London Heathrow and direct access to the M25 and M3, Ascot is a dream village to get about from.

For more information on the rare opportunity to buy a luxury apartment yards from Ascot racecourse contact Millgate on www.millgatehomes.co.uk or contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344.

Boys Toys: Treat your Dad to the perfect property present this Father’s Day

by Viv United Kingdom

With Father’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 16th June, sons and daughters all over the country will be scouring the shops for the perfect gift. A new pair of socks? Hilarious comedy tie or maybe a mug with “World’s Best Dad” emblazoned on the side? The choices are seemingly endless!

  • Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 16th June 2013
  • 65% of fathers would rather not get anything than yet another tie as a gift (Fox News)
  • Father of three, James Wyatt, suggests the perfect property presents
But research from Fox News reveals that 65% of fathers would rather receive nothing.  Another tie or a silly mug holds no thrills on this big day.  Only 18% would like a personal care product and 14% desire an automotive accessory; maybe their offspring should be thinking more creatively?
So what could we be buying?
Well for most fathers their home is their castle so a property related gift might be the answer. James Wyatt, affectionate father of three and Partner of leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt in Surrey offers his suggestions for the perfect Father’s Day property present:
“Father’s day for me is about spending time with my lovely children, any present is very secondary.  For some fun, here is the Barton Wyatt fantasy father’s day gift list.”
For the petrol-headed Dads out there then Carnanton is the perfect choice. This enormous 6 bedroom £6,950,000 home located on the exclusive Wentworth Estate was built by a serious car enthusiast in 2009 who incorporated a gargantuan garage easily capable of accommodating five cars. Sitting safely under the house with electric doors, this garage provides the perfect combination of space and security.
For the busy working father then the Jacuzzi elegantly set into the decking of Bourne House, the 5 bedroom £3,150,000 property in Virginia Water would be a great way to wind down after a long day in the city. Affording many benefits with the hydrotherapy soothing tense muscles, increasing flexibility as well as your range of motion, not to mention the sheer pleasure of relaxation, having your own hot tub in the privacy of your landscaped garden is a real treat.
York House could be just the ticket for any Dads out there who always wanted their own public house! This grade II listed property located just outside Chertsey subsisted as a brewery from 1600 before being commissioned as the Cock Inn public house whilst retaining its beer making capabilities! This quintessentially looking English ‘pub’, available from £1,300,000 overlooks the village cricket green and still very much looks the part as an English coaching house.
Those Dads out there passionate about keeping fit will love Wilton. This £5,350,000 house, also located on the Wentworth Estate, is a sporting dad’s dream with its own air-conditioned gymnasium.  Perfect for any chap keen to impress his friends by flexing muscles and putting them through their paces in his own personal sports centre.
If your Father prefers a more sedate way of winding down from a stressful week by putting their feet up and turning on the box then a home with a terrific entertainment system will be a certain winner. A home cinema such as that located in Strawberry Fields or perhaps Park Place even has its own cinema complete with a box office.
No Father’s Day would be perfect without some home gadgetry gifts.  Dads who are into the latest gizmos will need a home such as Waterford House.  Jam-packed with gadgets – baths which can be run from an iPhone and outside speakers for blasting out some Dire Straits at a party or perhaps some Men at Work whilst doing the garden.  One button can transform the family room and master bedroom into a home cinema complete with substantial projector screens and electric blackout blinds; and if that’s not enough this house is keyless – all operated with door codes  – perfect for a Trekkie Dad.
Back at Bourne House, the 8 x 10 ft wine cellar will get many a Dad waxing lyrical about his Merlots and Vigoniers.  That Black & Decker hand crafted rack no longer cuts the mustard as wines need to be stored on their sides between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dark environment. Invest in the real McCoy and make your Dad the envy of all his wine connoisseur friends.
And finally, keeping the best for last, Somerset House in Wentworth is the ultimate for the (often embarrassing) party Dad complete with dedicated entertainment room and bar! The lower ground floor of this incredible 7 bedroom, £6,950,000 house is fitted with a superb cinema which adjoins a garden room festooned with a fully equipped cocktail bar which opens onto the garden logia. As well as this, the lower ground floor also includes a gymnasium and spa bath with steam room – all of which can be opened up for parties.
For more information on any of these perfect Father’s Day property presents then call the ‘Dad in the Know’, James Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Pick your own Strawberry Fields for ever…

by Viv United Kingdom

Mention the word strawberry to the average Brit and they will think warm English summers and cool fragrant Pimms.  Almost instantaneously people will be imagining pots crammed full of bright red juicy fruit with the most provocative smell that can only be attributed to the humble strawberry. 

With the “pick your own” season almost upon us, the more serious fruit lovers amongst us will be readying jam jars for home preserving, selecting the finest recipes worthy of the Great British Bake Off and comparing pavlovas, terrines and roulades to pay homage to the great British strawberry.

And fresh on the market this week arrives a house that is ripe for picking – not only is Strawberry Fields packed with juicy treats such as a kitchen pantry, gorgeous stable door, an open fireplace and Juliette balcony in the master bedroom, it is also owned by the property personality Guy Charrison. 

Mr Charrison, Chairman of NAVA (National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers) is best known for his skills in the auction room, where he uses his powers of persuasion to gain the best price for vendors before bringing down his gavel to secure the bid. 

Deciding not to use this method to sell his own home he has placed the sale with trusted Surrey agency Barton Wyatt.  Rupert Wyatt comments:

“Strawberry Fields was built by Guy Charrison with abundant flair and design. The property has been beautifully thought-out, combining character looks and Cotswold style with a skilful blend of modern contemporary living.  The house has been designed with  some ‘secret passages’ which have been strategic in adding convenience for either parental access to the children’s rooms or for discretionary staff.  

“Charrison has been in property all his life and has a gift for creating simple luxury.  Known locally not just for his auctioneering skills but also for his prowess on the tennis court, he was at one time the gents captain at Wentworth.”

So for a slice of decadent Wentworth in the form of Strawberry Fields and for opportunity to live in a house designed by a property great then please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Edwards & Elliott appointed selling agents of new luxury apartments on the site of late Rita Hayworth’s Berkshire mansion

by Viv United Kingdom

Ascot has been named by the Sunday Times as one of the top 12 places to live in the UK and with good reason.

Best known for horses and hats, for one week in June this Berkshire town is taken over by thousands in top hats, tails, high heels and exotic headdresses all attending the Royal Ascot meet. Beautifully portrayed in My Fair Lady, the lyrics say it all – “Every Duke and Earl and peer is here, everyone who should be here is here; for the smashing, absolutely dashing spectacle, the Ascot opening day.”
  • Ascot named as one of the top 12 places to live by Sunday Times
  • Silver screen icon Rita Hayworth’s Ascot mansion purchased by developers Millgate
  • Local agents Edwards & Elliott appointed to sell new luxury apartments with racecourse views
But once the Pimms has all been poured and the last strawberries and cream served, Ascot returns to normal life. Shoppers hit the traditional high street bustling with friendly cafes and independent retailers, children attend some of the finest state and private schools in the country and workers head to the Ascot Business Park or into London, a mere 25 miles away.

 

Life in Ascot is charmed and the town has a rich history of attracting the great and the good including the late Rita Hayworth who owned a mansion here in the 1950s. A keen race goer, silver screen icon Rita used the mansion when attending Ascot with her husband Prince Aly Khan. The property, Westbrook House, fell into disrepair after her death in 1987 and has now been purchased by local award-winning developers, Millgate.

 

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments,

 

“Westbrook House was a stunning mansion property in its day but sadly it is in such poor condition that restoration works are no longer viable. Keen to put some glamour and glitz back into the site which is directly opposite the legendary Ascot racecourse, we are replacing the property with fourteen high specification luxury apartments due for completion by early 2014.

 

“The 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are large (from 1,380 sq ft to over 3,000 sq ft) and designed specifically for those looking for a prestigious home, with light, outside space, security and the ability to ‘lock up & leave’. Westbrook House is very special and due to its location most apartments will have direct views towardsthe racecourse and new grandstand.”

 

Millgate have appointed Ascot-based selling agents Edwards and Elliott to market the properties with Richard Cracknell, Director for the branch commenting,

 

“Following the great success of Millgate’s magnificent development, Brockenhurst House in South Ascot, we are delighted to be involved with their latest apartment project, Westbrook House.

 

“We anticipate the main buyers of these fabulous homes to be local residents, those downsizing from larger houses in the area. 80% of the buyers at Brockenhurst House were active retired people, many of whom had second homes overseas and were looking for a more manageable property in Ascot. However these apartments will also appeal to professionals looking for an easy lifestyle and also to investors.

 

“Although, not due to be launched until the end of 2013, we are already receiving daily enquiries about Westbrook House. The location, design, the specification and finish and, most of all, Millgate’s reputation for excellence, is combining to create an amazing demand.”

 

All fitted with bespoke luxury kitchens and bathrooms these apartments shout indulgent living. The development has secure underground parking with spaces for two cars per apartment.   For further information on these must have apartments please contact Millgate on 01189 348 085 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

It’s out with the hydrangeas and in with the hot tubs in today’s English country garden

by Viv United Kingdom

With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show just around the corner (May 21st – 25th) and the long awaited spring sunshine peeking through, the nation is getting all green fingered.

According to the latest research from Lloyds TSB Insurance the average UK garden is now worth £1,928 but long gone are the days of a perfectly manicured lawn complete with Wimbledon worthy stripes surrounded by immaculate flowerbeds bursting to the brim with tulips, roses and hydrangeas. Today more and more homeowners are investing in outdoor furniture and decorations in a bid to add a touch of luxury to their gardens.

  • RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens in late May
  • The average UK garden is now worth £1,928 (Lloyd’s TSB Insurance)
  • Hot tubs now account for 1 in 10 garden purchases
British homeowners have spent on average £894 on items such as this in the last 12 months alone with barbecues accounting for 29% of purchases, trampolines 22%, swings / slides / see-saws 19%, hot tubs 10%, summer houses 8% and patio heaters 7%.

 

As James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt located in the heart of leafy Surrey, comments,

 

“In the current economic climate where many cannot afford to move house, it’s no surprise that homeowners are staying put and spending any money available on making their outside spaces more enjoyable.

 

“85% of households in the UK have some form of outdoor space around their property which should be considered as an extension of the home. Even a small area of lawn, some potted plants, a veggie patch or outdoor dining set can really add a new dimension to a property, providing a leisure space as well as adding extra value.”

 

On the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, only a short distance from one of Britain’s finest ornamental gardens, The Savill Garden, homeowners pride themselves on creating the perfect outdoor space for both friends and family to enjoy.

 

At Pine Acre for example, a 9,000 sq ft 5 bedroom luxury family home available for £4,650,000, there is a sizeable decked terrace with covered barbecue area and inbuilt heaters perfect for outdoor entertaining not to mention stocked flowerbeds, immaculate lawn and slate water feature.

 

Also available on the prestigious Wentworth Estate is Bourne House, a superb 5 bedroom property affording a long south facing garden with full width sun terrace which backs onto woods as well as a hot tub and even a horse sculpture in the grounds!

 

Down the road in neighbouring Sunningdale, Berkshire lies Queenswood, a 6 bedroom home also available at £4,650,000. The gardens to the rear afford a stone paved terrace as well as standalone heated swimming pool area and pump house perfect for family fun in the sun.

 

For more information on the stunning 21st century English country gardens mentioned above contact Barton Wyatt today on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Strutt & miParker appointed selling agents of new Millgate homes located in top rural area for quality of life

by Viv United Kingdom

Achieving that perfect work-life balance is the ultimate goal for many and where you live plays a big part in this quest. One area which stands out as offering the best quality of life of any rural area in Great Britain is the borough of Waverley in Surrey which topped the 2013 Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life survey.

Taking its name from Waverley Abbey which was reputedly the first Cistercian abbey in England, this heavily wooded borough in south east England contains an area of outstanding natural beauty, Blackheath Common and is bordered by the North Downs.

Waverley residents are fit and healthy in the main, with an average male life expectancy of 80.6 years and 96.7% of the population reporting general good health. Many are comparatively wealthy, enjoying high weekly average earnings of £888 and an employment rate of 79.9% – both substantially above the UK average of £609 per week and 70.2% respectively.

Looking to house prices, often an indication of the affluence of an area, homes in Waverley are worth 5.6 times local annual gross earnings, some way below the average house price to earnings ratio for all rural areas of 6.0.

Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said:

“While Waverley is not the top area in any one indicator, its strength is that it performs strongly across the board. The average resident has a high weekly income, enjoys above average health and life expectancy and low crime rates. But while they also benefit from a big home with central heating, living there does not come with a hefty price tag, with house prices relative to earnings below the average for rural areas.”

Within this ‘super borough’ the market town of Farnham stands out not only as the largest settlement but also due to its rich history, strong transport links, first class amenities and desirable homes. Birthplace of British cricket legend Graham Thorpe and home club of a junior Jonny Wilkinson, Farnham enjoys a sporting heritage with facilities for rugby, football, cricket, hockey, swimming and golf all on hand.   

Located just 42 miles south west of London with direct rail links to the capital and Farnborough airport merely 15 minutes’ drive, Farnham is home to some 38,000 residents and is a popular commuter town. It is also the location of award-winning developer, Millgate’s new collection of stunning detached country homes which will be marketed by local agent, Strutt & Parker.

Roger Wade, Partner of the Farnham branch comments on the much anticipated homes,

“This new development occupies a private sylvan setting within the village of Lower Bourne just south of Farnham, only a few minutes’ walk from local shops, a highly sought after school, doctors surgery, green and tennis courts. There is a very strong demand for quality new build houses in this area but tight planning guidelines have kept new development to a minimum.

“In 2010 we sold a similar scheme of 3 houses for Millgate also in The Bourne and they all sold exceptionally well. Buyers really appreciated the design, quality and workmanship that went into each individual house. Their attention to detail is second to none.”

All three stunning homes are set over three floors with five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The living space has been created to give a wonderfully versatile layout to suit family needs with the kitchen and bathrooms fitted with top-end luxury appliances that will be admired by all. State-of-the-art 21st century technology blended with traditional handcrafted refinement sets these homes apart from other homes in the area.

With a guide price from £1,800,000 for more information please contact Roger Mead at Strutt & Parker on 01252 821102.

Award-winning developer Millgate gives back with generous donation to Cancer Research UK

by Viv United Kingdom

In keeping with its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, multi award-winning developer Millgate has generously donated £1,000 via their appointed selling agents Hamptons International to Cancer Research UK.

At a wonderful event attended by local Hampton’s staff as well as London Head Office which took place last week at Millgate’s new boutique development in Kingswood, Surrey, Jonathan Cranley, Sales & Marketing Director at Millgate, presented the Senior Director of London Head of New Homes, Nick Vaughan with the funds who commented,

“It is very satisfying partnering with such enterprising businesses as Millgate. Their professionalism and desire to deliver the very finest product mirrors our work ethic and their generous donation to our chosen charity for 2013, Cancer Research UK demonstrates that their commitment to local communities goes beyond simply bricks and mortar.”

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer studies and as part of this exciting partnership, Hamptons International is committed to raising awareness and funds to help the prestigious charity continues its life-saving work.

Jonathan Cranley who welcomed the Hamptons teams to St Audries in Kingswood, comments:

“It is terrific to hold an event which not only supports charitable causes but where selling agents can come and see for themselves what we do here at Millgate. Indeed a large proportion of the interest for our new Kingswood development has come from London with buyers looking to take advantage of the huge price hikes their city properties have seen in recent years and get far better value for money in the Home Counties so it’s wonderful to welcome the Hamptons London Head Office team also.”

St Audries, the opulent setting for this event is set within private landscaped grounds, this palatial six bedroom detached house offers privacy and luxury befitting a truly exceptional home. Excellence is in the detail – it is the final touches, sometimes tiny and even imperceptible that separate the truly exceptional from the merely functional. Devotion to detail is what turns houses into homes, an essential part of the Millgate Homes philosophy exemplified at St Audries.

The kitchen is awash with a range of hand painted bespoke cabinets and natural steel appliances; including a sub-zero American fridge freezer, a wolf range cooker and sub-zero wine chiller.   The house has a further four generous reception rooms.

Six bedrooms and five bathrooms – all incorporating every contemporary luxury sought after in a modern home today – completes the property.   The spacious plot covers half an acre and the house totals 6062 sq ft of luxury.

For more information contact Millgate on 01737 830377 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.