Local Estate Agency Barton Wyatt updates us on the local property market

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Senior Partner of Barton Wyatt, Rupert Wyatt, keeps us up-to-date on how the property market in Virginia Water is performing today and what we can expect leading into 2010:
 
“The market on Wentworth has been stable through the last 6 months and demand for good quality houses in good quality locations has been consistent. Prices have taken a dip from the peak of late 2007 although it is difficult to gauge exactly by how much as the houses we are dealing with are generally unique and individual on the Wentworth Estate and there is still demand for family homes and lets in the Virginia Water area.
 
Looking forward I expect the market to return with some gusto in the Autumn, we’ve already seen a number of foreign purchasers coming to invest in the Surrey market largely because of the devaluation of the pound and the fall in property prices, the combination of which makes UK property look cheap.
 
As always we have a steady flow of young families migrating from London for the better quality of life, choice of schools and golf courses! Wentworth has always been a natural choice in Surrey for business people looking to leave London for the family but continue to work in the city taking advantage our vicinity to central London and Heathrow etc.
 
We are pleased to say that there’s no question we’re over the worst; the bottom of the market would appear to have been at the end of 2008, beginning of 2009. And as the market stabilises we may see a 10% price increase across 2010 and 2011.
 
We have a very healthy lettings market in the Virginia Water area largely because of the schools Tasis and ACS providing us with a lot of blue chip corporate lets, however, with some withdrawals from US companies, demand is slightly down which is reflected in the achievable rents being down by 15 – 20%. Once again quality and location rules the roost in property always letting first and avoiding voids.”
 
If you are looking to buy or sell property in the local area contact Barton Wyatt, estate agents and market specialists, on 0134 484 3000 or visit the website at www.bartonwyatt.co.uk. Alternatively drop in to speak to us at The Estate Office, 2 Station Approach, Virginia Water, Surrey. GU25 4DL.

A guide to New Homes in Surrey

by Viv United Kingdom

 

With ‘New Homes Week’ for 2009 at an end, Barton Wyatt updates us on the new homes available in Surrey and why buyers should seriously consider investing in a brand new property.
James Wyatt, Senior Partner, comments, “As an agency situated in the heart of Virginia Water, we are lucky to find ourselves with a range of new homes on our books, from the developer new builds situated in Virginia Water itself and surrounding towns to the Wentworth Estate where new homes can be found on a somewhat grander scale.
It has often been the trend in Wentworth, for example, for buyers to seek out older homes on excellent plots in order to knock down and re-build to their own specification and design. In some respect these owners as doing just as developers are these days but on a smaller scale. New home developers today, provide properties, often on brown-field sites, with homes that suit our current lifestyles. This includes the apartments for young professionals, starter homes for families and the larger detached properties and town houses for families close to schools and amenities with the benefit of ‘all the work being done for them’. Even so new homes offer the budding DIY-enthusiast a blank canvas on which to stamp their own mark should they wish to. It is a myth that home renovations of older style properties is the only way to achieve this.
Just as a new bespoke Wentworth Estate home will include all the latest in modern home technologies from surround sound systems, integrated security systems, to ultra modern kitchen and bathroom furnishings and accessories, so can your new home from quality developers. It is also possible for buyers to have a say in the property design internally and externally. At Charles Church’s Cascades development in Virginia Water, for example, buyers are able to decide on the layout of non-load bearing internal walls allowing you to tailor your home to suit your particular lifestyle.
A new home today must adhere to strict government compliance rules on build specification resulting in far more environmentally-friendly properties with an excellent standard of finish. Most developers also offer buyers the peace of mind of build warranties such as the NHBC warranty.
Just as we thought we were all safe in our property purchases, gazumping has made a return to the market. There have been reports of recent and sustained house price rises in certain markets resulting in owners dropping buyers to get the best possible price for their homes. Equally, with interest rates at their lowest mark since the Second World War, those who have been sitting out the recession are now finding themselves financially in a position to move. With house values overall having also dropped buyers looking to move up the ladder are finding that they can afford a lot more for their money and so in some cases are out bidding their rival buyers to secure their homes. Of course with new homes complicated property chains are avoided as you are buying homes without a chain direct from the developer. For many this is a huge appeal to reduce the ‘stress’ of moving home.
Barton Wyatt’s reasons to buy ‘new’:
·         More environmentally friendly than older properties
·         Can include the latest in technology and bespoke additions
·         No long chains to be caught up in
·         Developer incentives and buyer rewards
·         Most come with 10 year warranty protection
·         Homes built to suit peoples’ lives today
·         You don’t need to renovate to put your ‘stamp’ on a property, new homes come as a blank canvas
 
For more information on buying your new home, large or small, contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk. Information on New Homes Week can be found at nhw2009.co.uk.
 
—- ENDS —-
On the market today:
The Cascades, Virginia Water, From £509,950 (reduced from £569,950)
 
The Cascades is a prestigious new development by Charles Church, boasting a range of well-planned accommodation built to the highest of specifications in Virginia Water, Surrey.
 
Within The Cascades, a stunning four bedroom, three storey townhouse can be purchased with flexible accommodation that allows buyers to design their own layout by deciding upon where any internal walls that do not bear a load are built. The result is a bespoke property that perfectly fits personal requirements and the needs of day-to-day life.
 
The spacious property comprises of a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and ground floor cloakroom. It also includes a single integral garage and its own private garden.
 
Shamwari, Wentworth Estate, Guide Price £3,750,000 Freehold
An exceptional family home built to exacting standards and completed in 2009 with spacious accommodation set over 3 floors with interesting design features such as the use of balconies and a stunning split level kitchen/breakfast/family room. The property is superbly situated on the Wentworth Estate, a delightful and tranquil environment yet just half a mile from the picturesque shopping parades of Virginia Water.
Shamwari was built for the Managing Director of Bridgewater Estates for his own occupation and completed in early 2009. The house has been built to exacting standards using the finest materials throughout. The property follows a contemporary theme with modern bathroom suites and kitchen and is well suited to a contemporary family lifestyle and entertaining on a grand scale with a magnificent kitchen/breakfast/family room with a split level and unique semi circular family room area.

Over the triple garage is a staff/Au-Pair annexe accessed via an independent staircase. All the principal rooms face due south across the rear of the property with doors opening onto the patio and onto three balconies across the rear on the first floor making the very bet of the sunny southerly rear aspect.

Shamwari enjoys an enviable location in up Gorse Hill Road, a safe and tranquil no through road. The house sits well in it’s plot which amounts to approximately half an acre in all. Gorse Hill Road is located just opposite the picturesque shopping Tudor parade in Virginia Water with its excellent shops, restaurants and mainline railway station. The property is approached through electronically operated gates on brick piers over a shingle driveway providing ample parking for many cars, a path leads to the side of the property onto an expansive split level terrace across the rear with steps onto the lawn bordered by well stocked shrubbery beds. The garden is totally private from adjoining properties and enjoys sun throughout the day.

For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

What the butler saw… 5% added to the value of your home?

by Viv United Kingdom

 

In 1969 when ‘What the Butler Saw’ was first staged at the Queen’s Theatre, London, the comings and goings of owners in a managed home was at the height of comedy, but household staff are far from a joke, today, hosting your helpers can add value to your home.
 
Barton Wyatt, estate agents for the prestigious Wentworth Estate and the surrounding Virginia Water area in Surrey are well acquainted with the extra staffing needs of home buyers. James Wyatt, Senior Partner, insists, “10% of all our customers have specific household staff requirements, the most popular being nannies or au pairs to assist with the children. Housekeepers’ accommodation is also regularly requested especially for foreign owners who aren’t in residence for much of the year, their housekeepers would then in turn managed cleaners and gardeners etc to keep the house immaculate all year round.”
 
Staff quarters or household accommodation ranges from in-house set ups with bedrooms usually at the top of the house, over garage annexes, basement conversions, stand alone cottages in the grounds or off-site accommodation where owners rent a nearby property or indeed own a second home nearby.
 
Wyatt continues, “the over-garage annex is most popular with owners, it tends to be more private for the family whilst being conveniently on-site and there are many cultures that insist on separate quarters. Arabs for example choose annexes or stand alone properties as culturally it isn’t acceptable to have staff above you in a home. In the home, an in-house set up will add the least value to the property too because it isn’t as popular a choice with buyers, without doubt a separate stand alone annex will add the most value, at least 5% to the value of the property. In properties say worth £2 million this equates to an additional £100,000 to the asking price.”
 
“Of course affording extra staff in your home is a costly arrangement with an au pair couple adding £15,000 a year to your household bills including salary, car usage, utilities, heating and water etc. Nanny’s will demand a salary at least £30,000 a year and housekeepers’ salaries can reach £40-50,000.”
 
Employing household help often occurs when families are expatriated overseas, the same applies when people come to live in the UK. Today people tend to spend more hours in the office and so to maximize their time spent at home with the family, staff are taken on to maintain the smooth running of the home and cover the more menial but essential aspects of home ownership.
 
The British are amongst those who choose household assistance, along with Kazakhstanis, Arabs and Russians and their homes tend to demand an asking price of at least £2 million such as Caspian House in Sunningdale. This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom family home has a triple garage with accommodation over and is set in landscaped gardens of 0.6 acres. It is ideally located close to the Sunningdale golf course as well as village shops and amenities. Caspian House is on the market for £2,595,000.
 
For more information and to discuss your home requirements large or small contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Counting down in 10…9…8…

by Viv United Kingdom

 

… in only 10 weeks across May and June all but 2* of the Runneymede Homes, Saville Place apartments were sold via local estate agent, Barton Wyatt. First time buyers, downsizers and even investors have been the hungry property audience for this development capitalising on the zero stamp duty threshold and prime location in Englefield Green Village, Egham.
With prices from £174,500 the high specification one and two bedroom apartments are not all subject to stamp duty one of the key appeals for the buyers, however Judith Hogg-Fox, one of the buyers comments, “The stamp duty threshold is always in the mind when one is looking at this price band although I would not strictly have bought only based on the threshold but more on the actual property itself”. All of the 10 apartments include an open plan, fully fitted kitchen/living room and stylish bathroom. The master bedroom in the two bedroom also incorporated an en-suite shower room.
James Wyatt, Senior Partner at Barton Wyatt, comments,
“For the first-time buyer Saville Place offers affordability and value for money, a phrase rarely used throughout much of the 2007 property peak. First-time buyers have for a long time been priced out of the market and now that property prices have stabilised and finance has become more available, many are jumping at the opportunity to get on to the ladder. Equally those struggling in the current economy or with changes in circumstance are looking for spacious and well finished homes to downsize to, without losing those home comforts they have become accustomed to.”
According to Nationwide the average UK home went up 0.9 per cent in June, which is the third time in four months that the building society has announced a rise in values. Experts are reporting that now is a good time to buy bricks & mortar, with tentative predictions of a relatively positive outlook for the rest of 2009. James Wyatt further states,
“2008 was an ailing year for estate agents but in 2009 so far we have seen a strong revival in the market especially at the lower end with increased confidence from both buyers and sellers. Across the first 4 months of this year, we at Barton Wyatt have gained a 75% market share highlighting the continuing boost in the market.”
Even so, it may seem surprising to hear that investors in the Surrey area are still looking for buy-to-let investments, selecting only the best quality and prime location apartments to dip into their pockets for. Saville Place in Englefield Green Village is close to the Royal Holloway University of London meaning an annual demand for student lets in the area, a reliable choice for any investor; this is one of the main reasons Judith Fox-Hogg invested, she continues, “I already have successful rental properties in this area and it’s an area I know very well”. One of the first time buyers is also a student at the University.
For the last 2 apartments and other similar properties on the market contact the local experts, Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

*Only recently become available

Surrey a safe haven for international buyers

by Viv United Kingdom

 

The combination of a weak pound and the prediction of the UK property market bottoming out have been drawing international buyers from all corners of the world, however it isn’t just London city lights appealing to overseas buyers. A niche location in Surrey has been carved out as a safe haven for foreign nationals, seeking the best of all worlds.
The Wentworth Estate, in the heart of Surrey has long been synonymous with wealth and exclusivity and today it is this distinctive living which has drawn international buyers mainly from Russia, Kazakhstan and South Africa. Bricks and mortar in the UK is deemed to be a safe investment compared to fluctuating oil shares for example, in Russia, on which their economy is dependent. According to James Wyatt, Senior Partner of Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt, “Wentworth is a secure and safe environment for high profile, wealthy overseas investors which is one of its greatest appeals. For the last 3 years or so, we can count on international buyers making up at least 10% of all sales and predominantly they buy on the Wentworth Estate.
“For the wealthy families, there are exceptional schooling opportunities nearby with many renowned private schools such as Eton College, St George’s Ascot and St John’s Beaumont only a short distance from Wentworth. In addition, there are two international schools, ACS in Egham and TASIS in Thorpe.”
International buyers certainly haven’t been put off by the lack of credit from our troubled banks, nearly all the buyers pay with cash for their luxurious UK pads; properties with asking prices ranging from £3m to £10m or more. The likes of Highgate House currently on the market on the Wentworth Estate with its imposing formal pillars framing the Georgian exterior, 6 bedrooms with walk in dressing rooms and en-suites set in Wentworth’s roomy 1,750 acres will appeal to international buyers and with a price tag of £4,750,000 is an affordable cash purchase.
James continues, “Property features we regularly have requests for, include home security, staff quarters, high ceilings and general high tech gadgets. If their chosen home doesn’t have the immaculate finish they are looking for then there will be no qualms in completely refitting to their standards, despite many of the houses being newly built, complete with £100,000 kitchens”.
Due to supply and demand for this level of house, it seems that despite many of the majority buyers today seeking property bargains and negotiating hard on the asking prices, on the big ticket houses negotiations are frugal with 10% reductions on the prices being achieved at very best.
The Wentworth Estate has it all for international buyers, first of all an international community, the security, close proximity to London, private and international airports, and importantly it offers the size and specification of property that only a £10m cash buyer would expect!
For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Propertylive.co.uk is alive in Surrey but is the property market?

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Finally, a property website has been launched which is fully regulated and under the protective wing of an established and reputable property association! Propertylive.co.uk is the new consumer property search site founded by the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) and its associated organisations and it has been welcomed by all in the industry, potential buyers and sellers alike.
 
Each and every one of the 13,000 agents with properties and services listed on the site are accredited by one of the NFOPP bodies including the NAEA – National Association of Estate Agents; ARLA – Association of Residential Letting Agents; NAVA – National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and the ICBA – Institution of Commercial & Business Agents.
 
Despite politicians and traffic wardens achieving poll position for professions we love to loathe, it seems all estate agents have been tarred by the brush of the minority of unscrupulous agents operating in the industry. This is a reputation that the NFOPP is working hard to improve with each association enforcing strict rules of conduct and codes of practice for all member agents. As a minimum entry requirement, members must achieve relevant qualifications and commit to ongoing professional training. It goes without saying that professional indemnity insurances and client protection schemes must also be in place.
 
One such member agent who adheres to these regulations in order to maintain their NAEA membership is Barton Wyatt, based in the heart of Surrey. James Wyatt, a Senior Partner of the agency and also an appointed member of the national advisory forum, comments on the new site and the state of the market in Surrey today,
 
“Propertylive.co.uk is a break through for consumers looking to buy or sell property in the UK and abroad. Not only does it offer a comprehensive up-to-date database of properties on the market in Surrey and nationally, it provides a platform for consumers to contact accredited local agents and facilitates free professional advice from qualified agents.
 
“Regulation and accreditation is important to our clients both on the residential sales side and lettings. Only recently we have seen reports of rogue lettings agencies in the media, which again highlights the need for propertylive.co.uk. It also offers a fair and reputable place for agents to present their properties without the threat of negative behaviour amongst their fellow agents.
 
“After a disappointing end to 2008, 2009 has seen a strong revival in the market with plenty of properties in the lower price ranges being sold and several houses over £5m also being sold through Barton Wyatt in the Surrey area. In fact, Barton Wyatt is so dominant locally, we boasted a 75% market share in the first four months of 2009. Supply of properties has been an issue in recent months but now there seems to be a relatively stable market which encourages confidence in both buyers and sellers, and this is leading to increasing numbers of properties coming on to the market.
 
“There is certainly a feeling of confidence in the market in Surrey, buyers and renters should have confidence in their agents too. At Barton Wyatt we feel it is important to set the standards for the next generation of the property market, post recession, maintaining the highest standards for our clients.”
 
Visit propertylive.co.uk to view a range of properties on the market in Surrey or contact Barton Wyatt directly on 0134 484 3000 or visit their website www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 
—– ENDS —-
 
On the market:
 
Apartments in new Charles Church development, Virginia Water – £299,950
Two stunning two bedroom ground and first floor apartments on Charles Church’s prestigious new development in Virginia Water built to the highest specification and finish nearing completion. The apartment has spacious and well planned accommodation with the added benefit of a balcony off the living room. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, bedroom two, second bathroom, lounge/dining room semi open plan to the kitchen, balcony, carport.
 
 
Waverley House, Wentworth Estate, £1,950,000 (reduced from £2,150,000)
An impressive contemporary architect-designed newly re-built house, Waverley House is situated on the famous Wentworth Estate within short walking distance of Wentworth Golf Club, Course and Windsor Great Park. Close to local shops and restaurants, as well as Virginia Water station, the property is spacious and is designed for luxurious living.
 
Attention to detail has gone into every aspect of this property, giving it a very bright aspect throughout the large individually designed rooms. Waverley House’s superb sitting room with vaulted ceiling opens into the kitchen which boasts a three oven gas-fired Aga, sub zero fridge freezer and separate drinks fridge. There are four upstairs bedrooms, the master of which has an en-suite his and hers dressing rooms and bathroom, balcony and a magnificent vaulted ceiling, two further bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a family bathroom. The fifth bedroom is downstairs with a kitchenette and shower room and double doors leading to a private terrace.
 
The property also has a cloakroom, boot room, double garage and drive with ample parking. Waverley House also has a well-appointed garden room of 8.5 x 5.2m to take advantage of the beautiful south-facing mature gardens of approximately half an acre that back onto woodland.
 
The property is on the market at £1,950,000 and for further information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

You’re game, we´re set and have the match!

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Ace properties with on-site tennis courts from award winning estate agency, Barton Wyatt
 
With just over a month to go until the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world returns to south west London, the Wimbledon Championships (22nd June – 5th July 2009), interest in properties on the market with on-site tennis courts is hotting up.
 
Whether you are an Andy Murray wannabe or believe that your child could be a tennis champion at the 2012 Olympic Games owning a property with a tennis court on-site is the ultimate luxury amenity but you don’t have to be a Centre Court winner to take advantage.
 
James Wyatt, managing partner of award winning estate agency, Barton Wyatt located in Surrey, says,
 
"Buyers today are looking for those all important extras when selecting properties to purchase. They are looking for added value and on-site leisure facilities such as tennis courts swimming pools or gymnasiums are in particularly high demand as summer approaches."
 
10 miles west of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, on the Wentworth Estate home to Wimbledon regular and Vice President of the Tennis Foundation Sir Cliff Richard, there are a number of premier properties for sale today with full sized tennis courts set within the grounds. Hanover House for example is a newly constructed property affording every conceivable luxury including a principal bedroom suite with en-suite dressing room, bathroom and private balcony, four further bedroom suites and impressive second floor penthouse bedroom suite with its own dining room, sitting room, kitchen, study and cinema room. The detached property also boasts a magnificent reception hall, drawing room, dining room, morning room, large open plan kitchen and breakfast room, family room, full air conditioning throughout, under floor heating to ground and first floors and staff flat, an indoor swimming pool complex with spa bath, pool terrace, steam shower and sauna, a hard surface tennis court and beautiful gardens. Hanover House is available at a guide price of £17,500,000
 
If you are seeking a more secluded environment in which to don your best Wimbledon whites then Rutherwyck House in the idyllic village of Lyne near Chertsey could be for you. A substantial detached residence set within a private plot amounting to approximately 2.5 acres, Rutherwyck House comprises of a double aspect lounge overlooking the main gardens, a dining room with open fireplace, a further large reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, open gallery landing, master bedroom with fully fitted dressing room and en suite bathroom with whirl pool bath, four further bedrooms and family bathroom. In its substantial grounds, the property features a hard surface tennis court and detached stable block incorporating a double garage. Rutherwyck House is available for £1,395,000.
 
For those with budgets more in line with table tennis than Grand Slam championships then purchasing a property with shared tennis facilities might be the order of play. Also located in the desirable village of Lyne, Lyne Place Manor offers a spacious two storey apartment set in a fine country house within 8 acres featuring landscaped gardens and a tennis court. Just two miles from Virginia Water and close to the Wentworth Club, Sunningdale, Virginia Water Lake and Savill Garden, the property boasts three bedrooms, family bathroom, attractive sitting room with open fireplace, cloakroom, kitchen, roof garden and parking. The property is now available for £335,000.
 
Alternatively The Grange located in the Virginia Park development, Virginia Water could be the ace for those seeking additional leisure facilities. The development benefits from superb communal amenities including a fabulous vaulted ceiling indoor swimming pool, hot tub, gym and sauna, grand entertaining hall, tennis court and has the advantage of a 24-hour manned security entrance. Bright and airy two bedroom apartments within this development with allocated parking spaces are available from £335,000.
 
James Wyatt concludes,
 
"For many people owning a home with a tennis court on-site is perceived as likely to happen as winning Wimbledon itself however as properties on the market today illustrate even buyers with modest budgets can afford such a luxury. It is important to consider however the costs of maintaining an on-site amenity such as a tennis court."
 

For more information about any of the properties detailed please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Move over magnolia and leave the interior design to the experts… for free!

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Receive £10,000 of interior design vouchers when you reserve an apartment at The Cascades, Virginia Water, Surrey.
 
A good interior designer can blend functionality and innovation with beautiful and stylish design creating an appealing home and interior space to live and entertain in. Interior design goes beyond picking a pretty colour to paint the walls, it’s time to move over magnolia… all the features of the property need to compliment each other to achieve a successful look. This includes combining finishes, colour schemes, furniture, flooring, lighting, textiles, doors, artwork, surfaces, rugs and accessories all without cluttering a property therefore maximising space, and even in the most spacious of apartments this is essential.
 
The Cascades development in Virginia Water, Surrey has been designed and built to perfecting standards. The two bedroom apartments available are spacious and well planned with the added benefit of a balcony off the living room. The master bedroom boasts an en-suite shower room, there is a further bedroom, a second bathroom; the lounge/dining room is semi open plan to the kitchen and each property comes with a carport. Although finished by Charles Church with high specification fittings and fixtures, the properties are essentially a blank canvas on which individuals can put their personal, homely touch. And with the interior design voucher your ideal Surrey home can be achieved without lifting a finger!
 
This offer not only allows you to purchase your high quality and thoughtfully designed apartment by Charles Church, on reserving a property you receive £10,000 of interior design vouchers to be spent on your home. With this benefit of interior design expertise applied to your property you will help to maintain if not improve its value in today’s property market. So included in the price you are automatically adding value to your home before you’ve even stepped through the door. For more information, please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 

Home is "Where the Heart is"

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Eclipsed only by the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games in terms of viewing figures, FIA Formula 1 is big business and despite the current global downturn the 2009 season is no exception. But it´s not only skilful driving or the very latest automotive technology which is on display at each Grand Prix; the circuits themselves and their host nations enjoy their turn in the global spotlight and on the 26th April 2009 the Middle Eastern Kingdom of Bahrain will too enjoy this opportunity.
 
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir and will be the fourth race of the season. Promoted as being "Where the Heart is" organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix are striving to ensure that this year´s race meets high expectations. BIC Chief Operating Officer Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, recently commented,
 
"Over the years fans of Formula One have come to expect so much more from Bahrain International Circuit and this year we promise to make it the most entertaining, biggest and best yet.”
 
Over 100,000 spectators attended the 2008 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix but authorities are anticipating even higher numbers of visitors this year enjoying the action both on and off the track. In addition to the adrenaline fuelled racing a wide variety of activities and entertainment will be presented including acrobats, musicians, stilt walkers, balloonists and face painters as well as the exhibition of over twenty Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars from the F1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone which will no doubt prove popular.
 
And the Kingdom of Bahrain is set to reap handsome rewards in terms of tourism generated revenue from staging the event. It has been reported (by an independent study commissioned by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company) that Bahrain has benefited by nearly $2 billion from five years of Formula 1 with $600 million entering the economy during last year´s event alone. With an estimated $4.6 billion generated annually for Bahrain by tourism (WTTC) it´s clear that events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix are of real economic as well as cultural importance.
 
The expected success of the Bahrain Grand Prix will provide a further boost for the nation´s economy which, whilst admitting it has been touched by the global economic crisis, has not suffered in the same way as many of its GCC neighbours. Bahrain views itself as in pole position as a regional business hub with many international companies including Microsoft, Kraft, Ernst & Young and Standard Chartered Bank already calling it home. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Kingdom’s Economic Development Board (EDB), recently commented,
 
"Our position as the most established financial centre in the Gulf makes us better placed than many others to weather the current economic climate.  We have adopted a very sound fiscal and monetary approach which will help to maintain our platform for growth.
 
"The Bahrain F1 Grand Prix will once again showcase the Kingdom’s attractive business environment for companies looking to access the MENA region.  Its strategic location as the gateway to the Gulf, low cost of doing business, strong and highly regarded regulation and minimal red-tape allowing 100 per cent ownership of business assets and real estate – with no corporate or personal income taxes – will continue to attract investment.”
 
A solid economy and positive tourism indicators are key elements for a successful domestic real estate market and the Kingdom of Bahrain is bucking the global trend somewhat with a Bahrain Stock Exchange report recently revealing that local real estate trade in 2008 increased by 18% compared to 2007. Prospects for 2009 also look encouraging with government-backed projects such as the $370 million expansion of the Bahrain International Airport approved in order to further boost tourism and leisure-based developments.
 
One such leisure-based development available for investment is the first residential golf resort in Bahrain, Riffa Views. Set around a Colin Montgomerie designed 18-hole championship golf course Riffa Views comprises 870 two to five bedroom luxury villas with customs finishes and upgrades available. Resort facilities available include a country club, a Boris Becker tennis academy, international school, health centre, community centres, comprehensive sports and outdoor leisure activities for families and children including hiking and bike trails, water sports, as well as a shopping mall and fun land for children.  
 
This development is proving a popular permanent residence with expatriate workers based in Bahrain but also other GCC and Western holiday makers and those who partake in golf tourism. James Wyatt, Managing Partner of international golf property specialists, Barton Wyatt International, comments,
 
"I have visited Bahrain a number of times and the appeals are clear to me. A stable economy, global society, superb climate and forward thinking nation, Bahrain really is a leader within the Middle East. Resorts such as Riffa Views are setting a new standard in residential golf developments and the lifestyle on offer is second to none.
 
"Indicators show that expatriates in Bahrain and the UAE for that matter are still interested in purchasing property with excess income and therefore the local market is looking robust. Purchasing in Bahrain as a pure investment or indeed as a vacation or buy to let property (ideal in meeting the demand for accommodation around the Bahrain Grand Prix) still has merit and in my opinion Riffa Views is one of the best choices available."
 

Luxury villas at Riffa Views start from £514,589 and rise to £3,612,732; for more information about purchasing in Bahrain please contact Barton Wyatt on 00 44 (0) 1344 843000 or visit www.bw-international.com.

Surrey Spring Garden Collection

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Whether you are green fingered, simply enjoy relaxing outdoors or have a particular passion for water, woods or more, there are homes with gardens to suit you. Award winning Surrey estate agent, Barton Wyatt, presents their Spring 2009 garden collection.
For elegance, charm and that touch of history the formal walled garden is a stunning garden feature.
The walled garden has a large expanse of lawn, a gravel walkway and well stocked beds. In all the grounds of this property, Rutherwyck House in Lyne, are extensive amounting to 2.5 acres; contrasting with the walled garden there are large lawns surrounded by mature trees and hedges plus a stable block, tennis court and hayloft in the grounds. The house itself is a substantial 5 bedroom detached residence displaying original design features. The high-ceilinged, double aspect lounge takes in views of the main gardens for the owners to admire and enjoy. Rutherwyck House is for sale at £1,395,000.
For more modest accommodation without compromising on outside space this apartment in Sunningdale allows for the convenience of apartment living coupled with managed and maintained grounds.
On the market for £400,000 the Knowle Wood apartment building is nestled in quiet, private grounds only a short drive from Sunningdale village. The 2 bedroom south facing apartment has an ample balcony to enjoy the landscaped gardens with mature trees, shrubs and borders and an immaculately mowed lawn. Owners are able to enjoy the perfectly pruned garden without having to lift a green finger themselves!
If sitting out and enjoying your garden is a must then this new home in Virginia Water has an extensive and well proportioned decking area for entertaining, al fresco dining and simply sitting out to enjoy the garden.   
For this south-facing property in Callow Hill, Virginia Water, the expertly laid decking provides a practical and attractive space for enjoying the best of the British summer. With an acre of landscaped gardens to enjoy the decking is an extension to the new property itself and a perfect area for a lounger and BBQ. The 9,000 square foot new build detached property itself boasts 7 bedrooms with the master bedroom also having access to a balcony to further enjoy the green space. But don’t have any concerns about maintaining the garden, the property also offers a one-bedroom staff flat so you could indulge in a live-in gardener! The property lives up to its £3,800,000 price tag with the latest in modern comforts including programmable mood lighting, under-floor heating in all rooms and gated entry.
The final garden on display is a water lover’s dream; this converted Mill House dating back to 1483 is complete with the original mill pond.
This unique former Mill is said to be the oldest property in Virginia Water once belonging to Edward Moseley. Its character cottage-style architecture perfectly compliments its surroundings with the grounds extending beyond the pond into informal gardens and woodland. A further 11 acres of woodland is available (by separate negotiation). The interior of the property continues the ‘chocolate box’ style, it has been thoughtfully updated and includes a free standing Victorian bath in the master bedroom´s en-suite bathroom and the quintessential Aga in the cottage kitchen. There are a total of 4 bedrooms and one of the guest bedrooms opens on to a private roof terrace with view over the gardens. For £2,000,000 this historic mill house could be yours.
For further information on any of the selected properties or to view more properties on the market in Surrey contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk. Whatever your property requirements, this family run estate agency can help you find your ideal home.