Spring comes early to Surrey with 50% increase in sales enquiries

by Viv United Kingdom

It appears that the traditional spring rush on homes for sale has arrived before the daffodils this year.

Barton Wyatt, the leading estate agency in Virginia Water, Surrey has seen a 50% increase in enquiries during January and February this year compared to the last two months of 2012.
Reminiscent of pre-recession days, Barton Wyatt have seen three buyers fighting over one property available for sale in Virginia Park and new homes which stood empty for far longer than the developer had predicted, have suddenly come unstuck and sold.
This feeling of buoyancy in the market is a great relief to agents who have almost been holding their breaths for the last year. James Wyatt of the award-winning Barton Wyatt comments:
“Last year was all going extremely well until the market was suddenly squashed by the increase in stamp duty in April. After that it went quiet for pretty much the rest of 2012 but pent-up demand has caused a rise in buyers who are tired of waiting and ready to commit.
“Here in Surrey prices appear to have stabilised which encourages confidence in the market and this, combined with the re-emergence of cheap money (mortgages are available at sub 3% if you have a reasonable amount of equity), means that we are confident of a busy year in 2013.”
Indeed the Knight Frank HSPI February survey also predicts a strong 2013 with Londoners remaining the most upbeat about prices closely followed by those in South East.
Considering the nature of these 2013 buyers, James Wyatt believes, along with the experts at Ernst & Young, that UK tax reform is driving inward investment, resulting in scores of multinational companies relocating their headquarters to the Square Mile and their employees to surrounding counties such as Surrey.
Already a booming market, accounting for half of all tenants in 2012, US expat professionals and their families are one hot market to watch as well as the on-going influx of Russian, Eastern European and indeed Asian buyers looking for a bolthole in leafy Surrey.
So if you are thinking of buying in Surrey in 2013, then get a spring in your step as these are two wonderful homes expected to sell quickly:
Tamora, Virginia Water   £1,450,000
Tamora occupies a most convenient location, just minutes from Virginia Water shopping parades and approximately 500 yds from Virginia Water Lake.
This fantastic house offers stunning accommodation over two floors with four bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. There is an attractive landscaped southerly garden with lighting, seating and barbeque area to the rear whilst to the front there is a low maintenance garden with ample parking.
Internally, the property boasts under floor heating on both levels, a superb kitchen/breakfast room with a large fanlight providing much light.
Woodbury House, Wentworth Estate – £3,950,000
A unique stunning new house recently completed to an extremely high level of specification and finish, an opulent home with a fabulous design and attention to detail.
Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, second floor games room, drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast/family room, utility, double garage, beautifully landscaped gardens facing south at the rear of half an acre.
For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Brangelina’s presence testament to US dominance of North Surrey’s Prime Rental Market in 2012

by Viv United Kingdom

Brangelina’s presence testament to US dominance of North Surrey’s Prime Rental Market in 2012

For the second year running, North Surrey’s prime rental market was dominated by US nationals such as Hollywood A-listers Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who rented a 6 bedroom mansion on the exclusive Wentworth Estate last year, reports local estate agent, Barton Wyatt.
Accounting for 46% of all Barton Wyatt’s tenants in 2012, US nationals were by far the largest group of prime property renters with Brits trailing in second place with 35% of tenants (although this is a rise of 11% on 2011 figures).
Commenting on the findings, Partner James Wyatt, says,
“As the US economy has started to get back on its feet over the last 12 months we have seen increasing numbers of American professionals and their families relocating to the UK and looking for prime properties to rent in our part of Surrey in particular.
“It seems that our ‘special relationship’ remains well and truly intact and with large, detached homes, open green spaces, discretion and privacy, not to mention US style schooling and easy access to Heathrow international airport, it’s no surprise that family homes in Virginia Water and the Wentworth Estate typically rented for £6,150 or more last year.”
Indeed the most popular prime rental properties were very much tailored to the family market with 62% affording 4 or 5 bedrooms and over half of children attending The American School (ACS) in nearby Egham or TASIS in Thorpe.
In contrast however to pre-recession days, the economic downturn remained evident in 2012 with a “DIY approach” to property finding very much in play. Only a third of clients used a Relocation Agent to find their rental property and 75% of tenancies were taken on privately as opposed to corporate lets indicating that companies remain cost conscious when it comes to housing.
Wentworth resident James Wyatt goes on to comment,
“The Estate and surrounding area has been an attractive spot for US expats to settle in the UK since the establishment of its two American schools nearly 40 years ago. Popular with those working in the finance, IT, pharmaceuticals, energy and beverage industries, this area of North Surrey is ideal for relocating families due to its inclusive community spirit, large homes and access to some of England’s finest countryside.”
But any old house won’t do for prime US tenants, its takes a certain type of property to get the Stars and Stripes of approval. One such home, available to rent today is Aspen Court, a superb house located on the much sought after gated community of St Ann’s Park in Virginia Water with 24 hour security and fabulous residents leisure facilities including swimming-pool, gym, and tennis courts.
Conveniently situated for both the TASIS and ACS International schools, Aspen Court comprises 5/6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, drawing room, dining room, massive playroom, a family room, top-of-the-range kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, laundry room, double garage, central hi-fi system and well landscaped gardens.
For more information on the rental market in Surrey and Aspen Court, available to rent for £6,750 pcm, contact the experts at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Millgate makes a happy return to Gerrards Cross with latest collection of luxury country homes opening on Saturday 16th March!

by Viv United Kingdom

In a rural setting, yet just half an hour from London by rail, Gerrards Cross, affectionately known as ´the Hollywood of Bucks´ remains in high demand for the same reasons as a century ago.

Wealthy Londoners were offered a healthy lifestyle, close proximity to the Capital, stylish architecture and leafy roads. And today, Gerrards Cross or ´GX´, named by Knight Frank as one of the Top 20 towns and cities to buy homes in, ticks even more boxes, becoming one of the top three wealthiest spots in the country and home of leading premium house builder, Millgate´s latest collection of luxury country homes, Alderbourne Place.

Almost fifteen years ago Millgate completed its first luxury home in Gerrards Cross, overseen by Construction Director Paul Beaney who is now responsible for the latest development in the area, after over a decade of dedication to Millgate.
Jonathan Cranley, Marketing and Sales Director of Millgate comments,
“We are delighted to present our fantastic new development at Gerrards Cross. Discretion is the key word in our new collection; since we first came to the village over a decade ago it remains a quiet, relaxed place that hasn´t suffered from over-development and we intend to keep it that way.
“The Common is still at the heart of the community, with idyllic cottages and elegant homes dotted around it offering woodlands, ponds and plenty of recreational space with stylish shops, restaurants and even a cinema tucked away discreetly – perfect for living a full and active family life.”
Indeed, many residents are particularly attracted by the excellent schools, primary and secondary, state and private located nearby such as Dr Challoner´s Grammar School (Boys), Beaconsfield High School (Girls), Chesham Grammar School (Co-ed) or the local Upper School, Chalfonts Community College.
Of particular benefit to Gerrards Cross residents is the excellent access to London by road and rail. The town is connected by the A40, 20 miles North West of central London, is close to the M25/M40 motorway intersection and affords a fast rail connection to London Marylebone provided by Chiltern Railways. Heathrow Airport is also only 12 miles away with a half hourly bus service operating during the working day.
Indeed there are many other places of interest close by, including Beaconsfield Model Village, Burnham Beeches ancient woodlands, Eton, Windsor and other charming riverside locations upstream such as Maidenhead, Cookham and Marlow on the way to Henley and Oxford beyond.
Opening its doors to the public on Saturday 16th March, Alderbourne Place on Fulmer Road, willconsist 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 unrivaled pedigree, impeccably dressed by Alexander James Interiors, offering a seamless delivery of bespoke interior design to match their desirable location with generous accommodation finished to an outstanding specification priced from £900,000.
To ensure you don´t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to purchase your own Hollywood home nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside, contact the sales team for further information or to arrange a viewing on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

Following huge success in 2012, award winning house builder Millgate launch luxury new homes in Surrey

by Viv United Kingdom

With an enviable reputation for vision, design and craftsmanship for over 25 years, premium new homes builder Millgate, is proud to present Regency Place, opening 16th February, the latest bespoke luxury development in one of the most sought after locations in the south east – Walton-on-the-Hill.

This quintessential English village, with its own green and village pond, as well as independent shops is certainly a desirable location in which to own a home. Thanks to its position just within the London Orbital, providing convenient and quick access to the Capital via Tadworth railway station and the M25, it is ideal for city professionals as well as families due to its own primary school and several leading educational establishments in close proximity.

Regency Place is located on Hurst Drive, a well–regarded road on the southern edge of this pretty semi-rural village and adjoining part of Walton Heath, close to Walton Heath Golf Club.

Walton Heath is known for its outstanding natural beauty and championship golf courses – hosting high profile tournaments each year, notably the US Open qualifying as well as providing the challenge for the South of England Open Amateur Championship.

Nearby Headley Heath also offers excellent heathland turf for the keen horse man or woman, with several livery stables nearby and the famous derby racecourse at Epsom Downs a mere 2 miles away.

Stacey Mitchell, Sales Manager at Millgate, comments:
“We’re delighted to be bringing our award-winning homes to Walton-on-the-Hill. Regency Place marks a welcome return to the area for us, where we have previously built family homes which have always sold quickly.

“Having won the Evening Standard award for the Best Family Home for the last five years running, we are confident in the knowledge that our homes and landscaping will serve to enhance the area and provide an address to be proud of.”

Regency Place features six five-bedroom detached properties, with generous accommodation finished to an outstanding specification.

These timeless houses have an unrivalled pedigree to match their desirable location and offer a matchless luxurious quality build, including an extensive kitchen and spacious family room with an opulent orangery, 5 bedrooms, 3 with en-suites plus a family bathroom and double garage.

Boasting beautifully manicured lawns and a secure gated entrance, purchasers can expect a luxurious living environment from Regency Place with the utmost privacy.

Regency Place is open from 16th February 2013. Guide price of £1,800,000. For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Purchase your dream new Millgate home and have it dressed for free!

by Viv United Kingdom

There is something very rewarding about visiting a show home on a luxury development. Starting with the curb-side appeal, the front of the house will be sparklingly fresh with shiny windows and immaculately landscaped flower beds in the front garden that are positively blooming with life.

Once through the front door you are welcomed by the smell of freshly ground coffee and a waft of newly cut lilies coupled with gorgeous furniture that has been hand selected by industry experts to blend effortlessly with the house.
This welcome is exactly what award-winning Berkshire based developers, Millgate, proudly present in each of their stunning show homes and now it can be yours with their exclusive time-limited, offer.
Until the end of February 2013, Millgate are offering a complimentary interior soft furnishing and landscaping package worth £15,000* with the sale of every home on their superb new development in Victoria Road, Wargrave. 
Working with carefully selected partners including landscape architect Fiona Bruce who has won numerous awards at the Chelsea Flower Show and Alexander James Interiors, the award winning interior designers, this exclusive package will ensure your new home is perfect on the inside and out.
So whether you are downsizing, upsizing or just looking for a fresh start this could be a perfect solution for you and your family. The show home is open 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and for more details visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk or call the Millgate team on 01189 343344.
*Offer applies to reservations made by February 28th 2013, terms and conditions apply.

Buyers get into pole position as F1 legend Sir Jack Brabham’s former luxury apartment goes on sale

by Viv United Kingdom

Buyers have been battling to get into pole position, waiting for the lights to turn from red to green, as F1 legend Sir Jack Brabham’s former penthouse apartment at Lyne Manor House in Surrey enters the market.

Indeed the Wentworth Estate is already known for its great wealth and it’s a common sight to see a Bugatti, Lamborghini, Maserati or Ferrari cruising around the private roads of this exclusive North Surrey estate.
So for the petrol heads out there, what could be more exciting than owning a luxury property where a three times Formula One champion racing car driver lived? Now is your chance.
The penthouse apartment is located in Lyne Place Manor, an imposing Regency house with eight acres of delightful gardens, located just two miles south of Virginia Water at Wentworth Park. Lyne Place Manor had been the home of the Russian philosopher P. D. Ouspensky between 1930 and 1947 and after his death, was subsequently split into luxury apartments.
The house is approached via a long private drive with the unique penthouse enjoying a secluded, south-facing roof terrace which offers commanding views over the surrounding countryside and woods.
Boasting its own private lift, three reception rooms, two double bedrooms (the master with en-suite and dressing room) and a further room which could be used as a further bedroom or study, the accommodation is spacious and flexible.
James Wyatt of award-winning appointed selling agent, Barton Wyatt comments.
“Being a great F1 fan myself I am always excited when an apartment with this type of connection comes onto the market. Sir Jack was a three times winner of the Formula One championship and the founder of the Brabham team, racing in an era when the stakes were high and accidents frequent.
“This penthouse apartment is a really lovely opportunity to own something steeped in history but with all the mod cons expected today. We expect interest to be high with a number of clients already keen to get to the chequered flag on this property.”
The penthouse apartment in Lyne Place Manor is available for £895,000. For more information call Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Onwards and upwards! Luxury house builder Millgate predicts strong performance in 2013

by Viv United Kingdom

With house prices stabilizing and even rising a little (1.3% in December 2012, Halifax) and a limited amount of stock in the market the next obvious step, one encouraged by Government, will be for home builders to begin construction again in 2013. New homes are an essential part of the domestic property cycle.

Indeed developers who have had the cash resources or access to bank finance and have therefore still been able to build new homes over the last few years have reaped the rewards. One such house builder is Millgate, operating predominantly but not exclusively at the higher end of the market.
Millgate has seen demand for its award-winning homes remain constant and even grow in some sought-after locations such as the quintessentially British village of Wargrave in Berkshire. Millgate’s latest development of townhouses was in such high demand that upon launch in November 2012 the first property was signed and sealed within 24 hours!
Of course, from its 25 years of experience, Millgate does not expect this speed of response for all of its developments but remains confident that this is a good indicator of the market if you are able to build the right homes in the right location.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate explains,
“We purchased a terrific site in Wargrave and our expertise and track record ensured that we could work with the planning departments to get the best from the plots. The price point of our town houses is fair at £675,000 for a beautiful three bedroom home with luxury kitchen and bathroom, parking and a sizeable garden and with such little stock on the market in desirable Wargrave we have been inundated with enquiries for these family homes.”
Looking at a national level, the lack of stock is clear with a recent report from Jones Lang LaSalle indicating that new development will continue to be constrained with only circa half of the UK’s requirement being met in 2013 with less than 150,000 homes being built in England each year, even by 2017, well below the number required. 
But it’s not all bad news, such low levels of construction activity present a lucrative opportunity for builders such as Millgate who are able to find the funding to continue with developments. Cranley continues,
“We learnt some very important lessons during the recession and have purposefully remained committed to the top end of the market mostly building country mansions for high net worth individuals.  Our average sale price in 2012 was circa £2.5 million and we do not anticipate a fall in house prices in our sector in 2013. In terms of volume, we delivered 45 units in 2012 and anticipate matching this figure in 2013. Indeed there were some concerns over the mansion tax effect on the sale of our homes but the influx of overseas buyers has continued and buoyed the market.” 
Echoing Jones Lang LaSalle who also suggest that the UK housing market is expected to make steady progress throughout 2013 with accelerated growth from 2014 onwards Millgate see their future clientele being not only UK nationals but a mixture of buyers from all over the world.
For more information on Millgate homes available in 2013, contact the team today on 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Berkshire house prices set for 20% rise thanks to Crossrail

by Viv United Kingdom

A recent study commissioned by Crossrail has suggested that homes in Berkshire situated along the new £16 billion rail route could rise in price by up to 20% over the next 10 years.

The much anticipated Crossrail is set to deliver a high frequency, high capacity service to 37 stations linking Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via 21 km of new twin-bore tunnels under central London. 

The new rail link will bring an additional 1.5 million people to within 45 minutes commuting distance of London´s key business districts.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate, the Berkshire based award-winning luxury homes developer, comments:

“M4 corridor which lies at the heart of the new Crossrail route has established itself as a booming business hub as well as being a terrific place to live with easy access to Heathrow international airport, central London and the Midlands. I’m lucky enough to live in the area and although Crossrail will come with some initial disturbance, the end result will be hugely beneficial to the local communities.

“In line with this report, I fully expect to see the price of properties on or near Crossrail to rise in the coming years which is obviously good news for those thinking of buying today. One of our latest luxury country house developments located in the village of Bourne End is proving particularly popular due to its direct rail link to the Crossrail hub of Maidenhead, enabling residents to be in central London in under an hour.

“Available today from £2,800,000, these 6 bedroom detached family homes could be worth up to almost £3,500,000 within 10 years if the Crossrail report is correct in their assumptions.”

For more information about the homes in Bourne End visit Millgate on www.millgatehomes.co.uk or call 0118 934 3344 today.

Strong demand for high quality family homes sees Millgate launch new Show Home on renowned Hinksey Hill, Oxfordshire this weekend

by Viv United Kingdom

Premium new homes builder Millgate who has been creating bespoke developments in the sought after location of Oxfordshire, recently voted third most expensive city in the UK for property per square metre  according to a new study by Halifax, is pleased to announce the opening of its Rothermere Place Show Home.

Opening on the 20th October 2012, Rothermere Place sits proudly within Hinksey Hill, one of the most renowned addresses in Oxfordshire where rivers meander between pretty villages and the city of Oxford lies just three miles away.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments,

“We build the finest new homes in areas with the best reputation. Oxfordshire is a highly desirable county where demand for country family homes particularly around the city is high.”

Further commenting on the market and the Rothermere Place development, Philip Turner, Director of Thomas Merrifield selling agents for Millgate remarks:

“We are excited to be launching this new Millgate development in one of Oxford´s prime locations. Off a private road, the homes occupy suburb southerly aspect plots each of c.0.5 acres with a stunning natural backdrop of mature woodland and have been constructed to the highest of standards with exceptional attention to detail and a specification synonymous with the marque.

“From our previous experience of acting for Millgate their pursuit of excellence does not go unnoticed by the discerning buyer and we expect this to be no exception. There is a strong demand for high quality homes both from an active local market and buyers moving out of London looking to take advantage of living in a City that provides strong transport links a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene and of course excellent educational facilities.”

Rothermere Place compromises just four detached country homes starting at £1.95million. Latimer House, a Georgian inspired detached family home set in private landscaped gardens bordered by mature woodland exceeding half an acre and Hertford House an exceptional five bedroom detached home set over three floors providing the ultimate in comfort and style. The third property, Kingsley House is a superb Tudor inspired three storey, five bedroom detached house with a Victorian cream lime rendered façade while the final property, Rushton House is an outstanding three storey, five bedroom Arts & Crafts style detached house specifically designed for the modern family lifestyle.

To find out more, register your interest in advance by contacting Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.  

 

Inspired by Team GB? Purchase your own Olympic sized property in 2012

by Viv United Kingdom ,

As Lord Coe proclaimed, to rapturous applause, at the London 2012 closing ceremony, “When our time came Britain, we did it right.” And did it right we did, with Team GB’s performance the most successful in over a century amassing a record breaking haul of 29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze medals.

But whilst London 2012 might be over, the UK is still reverberating in the aftermath of the excitement and considering the legacy of the Games.  People in their thousands have been inspired by athletes such Lawrence Okoye who only began training full-time in the discus in September 2010 after a promising career as a junior Rugby Union player or 100m sprinter Adam Gemili, who moved away from football to athletics only a year ago, and are now asking themselves what sports they might try their hands at?
Box Hill in Surrey for example is now awash with amateur cyclists looking to recreate the road race loop, people are donning their swimsuits and jumping into lakes to try some open water swimming, the only beach volleyball club in the UK has had to take on 7 more staff – the stories are endless!

So if you have been inspired by Mo Farah or Jessica Ennis and fancy getting fit then perhaps a brand new home with all the sporting facilities you could dream of such as Highview Manor in Oxfordshire would help in your quest for that medal winning body?

Built by award-winning developer Millgate, Highview Manor is simply incredible, practically having its own indoor leisure centre on site with professional gym equipment, a large indoor swimming pool, state of the art health zone, tennis court and huge garden.

For wannabe Brownlees this property lends itself perfectly to recreating your own home triathlon – a good few lengths in the 12 meter heated pool to start with, you could then empty the four car garage and install a static bike to create a mini velodrome, before finishing with laps of the 4.25 acre fully landscaped garden.  If you still have some energy to spare after that then a session in the gym would soon have you lifting weights like superstar Zoe Smith.

Situated in a premium location in Boar’s Hill, Oxfordshire, Highview Manor boasts commanding views to the North over the Preservation Trust land towards the Oxford Spires whilst backing onto ancient woodland and to the Downs beyond.

Combining the splendour of a traditional country house with a modern, contemporary elegance, Highview Manor is set over four floors. The accommodation is large and spacious and exudes the feeling of extreme comfort and relaxation. The £6 million property comprises drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen, family room, orangery/breakfast room, games room, five bedrooms with en-suites, an indoor swimming pool, leisure zone, gymnasium, all weather tennis court and pavilion, four car garage and courtyard.

The property also benefits from a detached cottage with kitchen/breakfast room, living room and two bedrooms.

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

“This house would be fabulous for a sporting family, there is so much to do – you could never be bored at Highview Manor.  We have created a home that will feel utterly relaxing but is also packed with the latest amenities, technology and luxury goods that you will feel like you are living in a 5* hotel.  And yes this is an Olympic size house – with a total of 9752 sq ft and a further 1280 sq ft in the 2 bedroom cottage plus the grounds this is a very special home that will undoubtedly be bought by a very special family!”

For more information on Highview Manor contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

For more details on the property contact Knight Frank on 01865 790077 or visit www.knightfrank.com