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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyatt adds,

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

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

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

A selection of homes currently available for keen activity enthusiasts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellington House, Wentworth                                                                £7,450,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyatt continues,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyatt says:

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

Silverwood, Wentworth Surrey                                                £4,600,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyatt comments:

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

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

James Wyatt continues:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyatt laughs:

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

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

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

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

On the Market:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broomfield House, Windlesham                              £4,350,000

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

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

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

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

Grounds extend to approximately 1.7 acres including a tennis court.

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

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

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

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

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