Ashtead – The perfect commuter village proposition

Ashtead – The perfect commuter village proposition

by Viv Uncategorized

What makes the perfect commuter village?

  • An easy commute
  • Great outdoor space
  • Good selection of shops and restaurants
  •  And most importantly – a real community spirit

No one is ever looking for a dull, lackluster out-of-town experience offering little to keep the family amused. Instead, crafty commuters are looking for locations with good transport connections, a wide variety of eateries, great outdoor spaces and first class recreation and leisure facilities.

People looking for a place to settle in a new area, perhaps coming from London or overseas, are likely to consider the Home Counties as their base. However with eight Home Counties to choose from they may find it a daunting prospect to select the perfect place for them and their family.

Luckily buyers who have decided to head south of the capital need look no further than the Surrey village of Ashtead, close to the market towns of Epsom and Leatherhead.

Ashtead exhibits the epitome of perfect village life, boasting a plethora of clubs, societies and activities of which many other villages would be extremely jealous. The village is home to a vibrant cricket club where keen mothers have been known to put their child’s name down way before they are old enough to hold a bat – as competition is so high for places, an equally happening football and squash club and a selection of terrific pubs and eateries. Many Ashtead residents vie for a membership to the much loved RAC club, situated between Ashtead and Epsom.  Facilities here for members include the use of two 18 hole golf courses, a modern, well-equipped gymanasium, weekly classes, squash and tennis, swimming pool and treatment rooms.  The RAC is also renowned in the local area for fine dining in both the traditional restaurant and the more informal 19th whole or Fountain restaurant.

Ashtead also boasts a much-needed array of superb schools in the area and a strong community spirit.

For property buyers in search of a commuter town, Ashtead offers direct connections to London Waterloo and Victoria in just over 40 minutes in addition to daily trains direct to London Bridge making life easier for those travelling to the Square Mile. An annual season ticket will currently set commuters back just over £2,000, which is considered reasonable by Surrey standards.

Ashtead is brilliantly situated about halfway between London and the south coast, making it wonderful for family days out in Brighton or on the beaches at the Witterings. Equally accessible is a visit to the Natural History Museum or a night at the theatre. The M25 is on the doorstep for easy access to other areas of the country and Gatwick and Heathrow airports are almost equidistant. Close to home is also the Epsom Derby and the beautiful hills of the North Downs for relaxing strolls.

Families are spoilt for choice where schooling is concerned in Ashtead. State and private primary schools are in abundance and countless private senior schools are on offer with many boasting top UK results. The local girls only state school is coveted and there are a number of Grammar schools in the area also.

Excitingly for those drawn to the countless charms of Ashtead, groundbreaking has just started on five fabulous new homes being built by luxury developer Millgate. This cluster of beautiful houses is being built on The Warren, considered to be one of Ashtead’s very finest addresses.

The wonderful large detached homes will afford five bedrooms spread over two and three floors ranging from 6,226 to 7,704 sq ft with one of the homes featuring an outdoor swimming pool. Guide prices for these new stunning luxury homes range from £3,800,000 to £4,000,000.

For more details on this exciting project contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

Barton Wyatt’s top 10 reasons to move to Virginia Water.

Barton Wyatt’s top 10 reasons to move to Virginia Water.

by Viv Uncategorized United Kingdom

A year ago Virginia Water, which includes millionaire’s paradise Wentworth, hit the headlines with the staggering news that: “Virginia Water is the first and only town in the country with an average house price of more than £1m.”

A year on, the figure has continued to rise. The average Virginia Water home now weighs in at a hefty £1,161,882, a 8.41% increase from a year ago, according the Zoopla’s latest figures.

So what makes this village so incredibly attractive to buyers and why do people continue to pay seven figures plus to live at this coveted address? Specialist local estate agent, Barton Wyatt, has compiled a top ten list of insights into this very special village.

  1. Wealth attracts wealth

It is true that wealth attracts wealth and this can certainly be said of Wentworth. The prestige of living in the same street as a top golfer, a king or a TV star is certainly something special. And there are no shortages of celebrities and captains of industry dotted around the Wentworth estate. This is not a middle class housing estate where the Joneses try to outdo the Smiths: in Wentworth all the residents are either wealthy or they are staff.

  1. The green green grass of home

Anyone that has had the pleasure of visiting the Wentworth Club to watch the European PGA tour and wandered the hallowed fairways will have been amazed by the leafiness and luxuriance of the estate. It is completely understandable why in 1923 WG Tarrant embarked on creating this unique estate. Despite the fact that many mansions have access directly onto the four golf courses on Wentworth, it is virtually impossible to see most of the houses from the greens. The abundance of vegetation and foliage between the spectators and the mansions ensures that their privacy remains entirely intact.

  1. The Wentworth Club

Members of this distinguished club are likely to feel rather privileged to be a part of something that is so spectacularly British and yet completely international at the same time. There are several historical codes of conduct which one must abide by: all basically around the use of mobile phones and appropriate clothing – jeans are not allowed, strict clothing codes for particular sports and some hats are permissive but absolutely never a baseball cap worn the wrong way round. Traditions like this are tolerated by the members as it creates an air of undeniably English peculiarity.

In addition to world class golf, the Wentworth Club offers tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, plentiful activities for mums and kids and of course an extremely delicious fine-dining experience comparable to Caprice and The Ivy, as they are all part of the same company.

  1. Shopper’s paradise

Shopping in Virginia Water offers everything a small parade of shops should do, taking care of all those routine daily needs. Meanwhile, a 10 minute drive takes you to up-market Ascot or the wonderful High Street of Windsor, which is packed with interesting boutiques, delicious delis and a plethora of great places to eat.

  1. Easy commute to London

Every commuter’s dream is to achieve a door-to-door journey in under an hour and many residents are able to do just this. Six trains depart daily between 6.45 and 7.45 am for the early birds, whisking commuters directly to London Waterloo with no changes and in as little as 42 minutes.

  1. Schools

A major driver for many people moving house is access to good schools and the abundance of schools in and around Virginia Water extends to a rather long list. The best option is talk to the local estate agents for advice; the Barton Wyatt sales team has years of experience in advising on schools in the area both for their own children and their clients’.

 

Regardless of whether families are looking for a small private school, a grammar or a distinguished public school, there are choices close by. It is worth mentioning that both TASIS and ACS are very close and popular with international parents who reside on the Wentworth Estate. These two schools take international pupils from all around the world and educate them predominantly to the American education system, which ensures easy entry for higher education globally.

  1. A haven of peace and tranquillity

Buyers moving to the area will love the peace and tranquillity that pervades the sleepy lanes of Virginia Water. The density of woodland and greenery brings with it an abundance of wildlife, birds and insects. They too will love living in the area where the air is clean and they can thrive in this rural retreat. The lake at Virginia Water, part of ‘the Royal Landscape’ was first damned in 1753 .  Until the creation of the great reservoirs, it was the largest man-made body of water in the British Isles.  This beautiful setting has lured many species of both fauna and flora to the area.

  1. Keeping busy

Moving to a new area is often daunting as people are leaving friends and family behind and forging new relationships. However moving to an area with lots of things to do makes this process much easier.

It is not just golf and the Wentworth Club that keep Virginia Water going, there are clubs for all sports. Angling, cricket, football, rowing, swimming, polo – the list is endless! For children there are Cubs, Guides and Scouts, not to mention the junior sports teams that run year-in year-out. Alternatively for bigger days out visit Windsor Castle, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Savill Gardens and many, many more attractions that are right on the doorstep.

  1. Space to breathe

Existing covenants on the Wentworth Estate have stopped developers buying up the wonderfully large plots and building lots of houses or ‘in-filling’. This has meant that privacy is still optimised on the Estate and each plot retains substantial grounds. It has also guaranteed that the Estate is still exclusive and kept prices high: the fewer the houses, the more desirable they are. Many have likened Wentworth to Beverley Hills –large spacious plots with majestic houses, long drives and discrete ironwork gates all part of the mystery.

      10.   Great community spirit

With its very own community association, the good folk of Virginia Water are able to be involved in their local area as much as they wish. Helping with the annual Christmas party and lighting of not one but two Christmas trees which is a firm favourite for villagers.  Events like these turn a village into a community and if you want to get involved you will be welcomed with open arms!

For more information on the stock of wonderful houses that are available to rent or purchase from Barton Wyatt, contact the helpful team on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Follow them on Facebook here:                https://www.facebook.com/bartonwyatt

Or on Twitter here:                                         https://twitter.com/BartonWyatt

Surrey prime property prices climb as London ripple effect “finally kicks in”

Surrey prime property prices climb as London ripple effect “finally kicks in”

by Viv United Kingdom
  • “The London ripple effect has finally kicked in” says award-winning estate agent Barton Wyatt
  • Knight Frank report prime house price rises of 2.5% in Virginia Water (Q2 2014)
  • Barton Wyatt predicts up to 7% price rise in Surrey by summer 2015

With prime property price growth in London reportedly slowing it appears that the ripple affect has finally kicked in with Knight Frank, in their Q2 2014 Prime Country House Index, reporting “the strongest rate of annual growth in the prime country market in four years.”

According to the report, prime country house prices across England rose by 1.1% in Q2 2014, with house prices in the popular Surrey village, just 23 miles west of London of Virginia Water rising by 2.5%.

Property values in Surrey are already close to twice the national average which currently sits at £168,356 for England and Wales.  The average property price in Surrey rose 0.4% in June taking the figure to £320,102 for the County.   Over the past year this figure has risen 5.3% which spells good news for property owners.

 

This rise in property prices within the Virginia Water area has also been witnessed first-hand by internationally respected estate agent, Barton Wyatt, whose Partner, James Wyatt comments,

“We have been waiting patiently for the prime property price rises seen in London to ripple out to the Home Counties and at last they appear to be here! Sales activity has trebled in the past 4 months with buyers and vendors keen to trade.”

Wyatt continues,

“Mid-market properties in our area have been selling well for the past 18 months but movement at the top end has remained frighteningly quiet. All of a sudden the London prime sector appears to have reached a pinnacle and the focus has moved sideways to certain areas in the Home Counties and beyond – Oxfordshire and Hampshire are also seeing price rises for prime stock so I hear.”

Wyatt is also the Chair of the Surrey NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents), a role offering him exposure to the whole county not just the exclusive enclaves of Virginia Water. Wyatt explains,

“Chairing the Surrey division of the NAEA means I get to speak to estate agents small and large.  Whether I am talking to Savills, Knight Frank or small independents the news has been the same.  Prime stock that was sticking has suddenly had a turnaround in interest as domestic and international buyers alike have got fed up with fighting for meagre pickings in the city and want more choice which thankfully leads them to us.”

Based on current trends and James’ 30 years of Surrey estate agency experience, Barton Wyatt is predicting price increases of 5-7% by summer 2015.

He reports that investment buyers are looking for capital growth from their purchases and it is apparent that this is more likely to be achieved in the Home Counties rather than the inner city.  Areas within an hour’s commute to London continue to be a top destination and the added lure of world class golf, first class schooling, privacy and green open spaces all paints a very attractive picture for buyers looking to relocate from the capital.

For more information on properties available in the Virginia Water area contact the experts Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

 

Ascot Action – things are moving fast and it’s not just horses

Ascot Action – things are moving fast and it’s not just horses

by Viv United Kingdom
  • Millgate almost sells out in Ascot (93% sold)
  • Berkshire listed 4th in recent Telegraph list of top 20 classiest counties
  • Ascot resident compares the Village to Monaco

As the dust settles after another action packed week at Royal Ascot, life begins to return to normal.  There is no escaping the buzz and anticipation that this infamous racing week brings to the residents of this normally sleepy little village.  Some residents choose to holiday that week in a more peaceful spot to avoid the crowds and the organised chaos.

For most residents of Ascot, however, this is the highlight of the year.  Many house owners take the week off work and enjoy the extraordinary excitement that no other racing week in the UK can match for pomp and ceremony.

Local businesses take advantage, where they can of the cheerful crowds that weave their way back to the train station after a day of playful racing and socialising.  Other businesses that struggle to function as they would normally grin and bear it – organising shift work and car shares to keep the wheels turning for the week.

Local schools are lenient with tardy students and try to adapt their working day to alleviate painful collection and drop offs for school.

Despite all this disruption, there are few that would consider moving away.

Resident Mr Philips explains:

“I just love Royal Ascot week.  I used to live in Monaco and I felt the same when the Formula 1 was being raced there – the noise, the excitement, it is wonderful.  This week I have had my television on screening the racing and the patio doors to my wonderful new garden apartment in Westbrook House have been thrown wide open.  This way I can watch the horse racing on the TV but hear the crowd cheering and as the horses go past our property I can hear the thunder of their hooves.“

Mr Philips has been a resident in Ascot for several years and has just recently moved into a brand new apartment block which has views towards the grandstand at Ascot.  This luxury apartment block was completed by Millgate earlier this year and all but one of the beautiful homely apartments have been snapped up by buyers who were looking for an alternative to a detached home that makes up the majority of stock in the Ascot area.

Berkshire was recently listed in fourth place in Britain’s 20 classiest counties by the Telegraph and was the only Home Country that made it onto the list.  Desirability in the area continues to be high, although the supersized houses have stuck since the mansion tax was introduced.

New build luxury apartments are extremely scarce which is undoubtedly why 13 of the 14 apartments in Westbrook House sold at such speed.  Mr Philips moved here for ease of living.  His apartment spans 2000 square feet which is almost identical to the size of his previous detached house,

“My new apartment has as much space as I had before but I have the luxury of a brand new home with the most wonderful display of fixtures and fittings.  And, much as I enjoy the outdoors, I no longer have a garden to worry about.”

Millgate are thrilled to announce that they have secured a further land acquisition in Ascot close to the High Street so buyers looking for a new home that is an easy walk into the town will find this the perfect location.  Construction is already underway and the finished property will include seventeen super high-end apartments which are being created in 12 acres of stunning landscaped grounds.

Englemere is a former Royal Residence and the beautifully landscaped gardens include a delightful formal garden, fountain and a woodland walk.  A feature of the garden is the range of mature trees, including a magnificent oak that dates from the time of Henry VIII. Residents will also enjoy tennis courts and a swimming pool.

The original house was occupied by the late Field Marshal Lord Roberts (1832 – 1914), whose occupancy ran between 1903 – 1914. The existing building is being replaced with something that compliments and is sympathetic to the original architectural style of the property yet will also include the latest in design technology and luxury fittings.

The launch date for Englemere is estimated to be Summer 2016. Apartment sizes range from 2000 – 3500 sq ft in size. Price on application.

For more details contact Millgate on 018 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

How cool is your pool?

How cool is your pool?

by Viv United Kingdom
  • Swimming is England’s favourite sport (Sport England)
  • Year-on-year triathlon day licences increased over 19% (2012 – 2013)
  • A Surrey swimming pool that looks like you are in Spain (Knight Frank Surrey)

More than 2.9 million people go swimming at least once a week in the UK, according to Sport England’s 2013/2014 data. The figure positions swimming as the top sport in the UK by a significant margin, though in recent years the number of people getting involved in sport has also risen substantially.

 

Playing in team sports might be fun but in today’s busy world it is a simpler proposition to do your own thing. Many individuals look to combine the two, exercising and training on their own but turning to organised events such as triathlons in order to share their participation with others. In fact, the triathlon, which includes swimming, cycling and running, has seen huge rise in the number of contestants taking part, with the day licences to race increasing 19.12% from 2012 to 2013.

 

Both cycling and running are instant sports: very little thought needs to go into planning for a hill sprint or a 5k jog. Find yourself with a spare 45 minutes and off you go. Swimming however is a different matter. Packing your kit, driving to the leisure centre and paddling around in the water with a whole host of strangers loses much appeal after a hard day in the office. This is one of the reasons that open swimming is such a growth sport in the UK, along with the fact that it hit the headlines after the International Olympic Committee listed a 10km race as one of the events for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

 

While more and more people are heading to the great outdoors to unearth the swimming adrenalin buzz, those who can afford it far prefer to own their own swimming pool. The ease of slipping into your costume and just strolling into your garden for the ultimate de-stress is hard to beat.

 

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate, who have been building a select range of homes with stunning swimming pools so far in 2014, commented:

 

“When we are designing plots for luxury homes, if there is ample space, then we will often try to incorporate a swimming pool. Nobody wants a pool that takes up the entire garden and we are aware that buyers are often thinking ‘safety first’ when buying a house, particularly if they have young children. Thus we endeavour to keep pools in an area that can be cordoned off if need be.

 

“Our latest houses to include pools were outside Oxted in Surrey on Trevereux Hill. The stepped gardens we created from being on the side of a hill made perfect locations to include wonderful pools with views that stretches between 20 and 30 miles on a clear day.”

 

Two of the homes with swimming pools have already been sold, snapped up by families who fell in love with the incredible view and wanted a way for the kids to keep fit in the garden!

 

Ashley Mason, Head of Sales for Knight Frank, Surrey who are selling the development said:

 

“There are pools and there are pools. Buyers are put off by dirty, run down swimming pools that look like they will cost a fortune to repair. The pools at Trevereux are a million miles from this! They are utterly gorgeous. Prospective buyers have been astonished when they see them – you could easily imagine you are in Spain rather than deepest Surrey!”

 

For more details on buying homes with luxury swimming pools, contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

 

The key to accessing Surrey’s luxury housing market – befriend your Agent!

The key to accessing Surrey’s luxury housing market – befriend your Agent!

by Viv United Kingdom

Buying and selling the very best prime country homes is not for the faint-hearted.  Luxury homes cannot be treated in the same way that your average UK house is bought and sold and that is the exact reason that specialist prime agencies and professional property buyers exist in the UK.

 

They have become experts in their field and are used to handling the complications that come with often awkward and tricky transactions as millions of pounds exchanges hands with a rather small amount being awarded to the agent who has quite probably had to jump through many hoops to keep all parties happy.

 

One agency who are experts at brokering deals for multi-millionaires and billionaires is Barton Wyatt in Virginia Water, Surrey.  The team here are highly trained to deliver a consistently flawless service without gasping if a King or Earl drops in to chat. Forty nine years in the same office has definitely had its advantages.

 

Sports personalities, leading actors and actresses, Royals from around the globe, TV stars and pop stars are all known to frequent the discrete offices in Virginia Water in their quest to find the perfect home to rent or buy.

 

Diplomacy is a key attribute for the sales and rental teams at Barton Wyatt and it is not uncommon that many of their clients wish to remain totally anonymous.  Recently there has been a high number of foreign buyers who are also keen to retain their privacy.  Not hiding from the paparazzi but just desiring a very quiet life in the leafy lanes that make up Virginia Water and Wentworth.

 

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the award winning Surrey estate agent, explains:

 

“With so much discretion required these days by both vendors and purchasers we often find that houses get sold without the regular paraphernalia of marketing and display advertising that used to be required to make a sale.  A very discreet vendor and a discreet purchaser put together – often through a buying agent means that the house might only be seen by one or two buyers before a deal is done and settled.  That makes it sound very easy – but it rarely is.  These deals can take months of work but our local knowledge and contacts are paramount to our clients at this level.”

 

The exchange of properties ‘off-market’ has becoming increasingly familiar.  It is being driven by a deficiency in fresh stock and desire for anonymity that comes from extreme wealth.

 

For an estate agent, knowing your patch and your client base is key to being involved in any quiet housing market and those agents from outside the area struggle to know what is going on. Agents that live and breathe the local area are going to hear about something on the grapevine way before anyone else.

 

Wyatt continues:

 

“We do not actively encourage this “quiet housing market” – but it certainly has a place in today’s luxury property world, particularly when you are dealing at the very top end.  With this in mind it is important to our buyers and vendors that we are ahead of the game and can ensure that the playing field is relatively even.

 

“Much of our business commences out of the office – meaning on the golf course, at local business networking events and lately, standing on the side-lines of the pitch at my children’s schools.  This informal setting seems to get people chatting and before I know it I’m working whilst watching an 800 metre race, a tennis match or a goal!  Property salesman that do not live and breathe the local area really don’t stand much of a chance.”

 

Occasionally a decision to keep a property off-market is taken by a vendor on the advice of their agent. For instance if someone is hoping to sell their house and talks to an agent in early December, the agent might suggest that they go down the off-market route first providing they have obtained the necessary documentation and agreed terms with the agent. If no buyer emerges by the end of January then it could be a better time to put the house on the market for all to see.

 

Off-market sales had previously been considered to be limited to the finest parts of London but this is a rapidly growing trend in prime Surrey stock.  Barton Wyatt completed a significant proportion of their sales off-market in 2013 and expect this trend to continue.

 

James Wyatt reveals his thoughts for the rest of 2014:

 

“We anticipate house price increases and a greater number of sales for 2014 – in fact all the indicators point to positive news.  My money is on an increase in the region of 10% for Surrey over the next 12 months – the general public are swerving away from over-heated London and confidence is rising rapidly in the Home Counties once again.  The Bank of England’s ability to control the base rate and keep it, and therefore mortgage rates, low – is helping this positive momentum.”

 

For advice or a private conversation about on or off-market Surrey sales, talk to James or Rupert Wyatt at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit their website on www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

60 Seconds with… James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt

60 Seconds with… James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt

by Viv United Kingdom

60 Seconds with…  James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt an award-winning estate agency selling to the rich and famous on the Wentworth Estate in Surrey.

What does it say on your business card?

It says James Wyatt – Partner.  But to be honest I rarely use business cards these days – they are a bit old hat.  More likely to connect on LinkedIn or have a tweet chat!

Barton Wyatt is a family business – when did you first get involved?

Well when I was born we lived in a flat above the office where it is now, so it would be fair to say I have lived and breathed Barton Wyatt since infancy.  By the time I was 10 I was used to helping with envelope stuffing or good old fashioned leaflet delivery.  On leaving school I was ready to embark on a full time position – which I did in another agency in Weybridge and then in London.  My father felt it only correct that I earned my stripes elsewhere before returning to the family business.  So officially I started at 21 – 27 years ago!

What makes Barton Wyatt different from other local Agencies?

I am glad to say there are no poor agencies in the local area and we all generally enjoy a great working relationship.  We have to as we often work together as joint agents for house sales.  However I do believe we are different – we are not a large corporate and demands are not being made of us by share-holders in the City.  This means we can be adaptable to create the best possible environment for our clients and our staff.

We are all very passionate about what we do here and will often go the extra mile to be the best.  I guess that is one of the reasons we have won so many awards.  Our customers certainly do return time and time again.  I have sold some people in the area half a dozen houses as they have upsized, side stepped and now downsized over the years.

How do Wentworth and Virginia Water differ from other local villages?

There are lots of lovely villages in the local area but Wentworth really is a bit special.  As soon as you turn into any of the private Estate roads you do feel that you are entering a slightly more exotic land.  The lanes are extremely leafy and the houses are set far back from the road.  You can really only glimpse the odd balustrade or column as you pass past often very lavish gates.  People here are terribly private – they don’t want passers-by gazing into their lives and many go to extreme lengths to remain hidden.

On the flip side when you are at Wentworth Golf Club it is wonderfully sociable.  There are kid’s events, golf tournaments, tennis tournaments, annual balls, charity events galore and all sorts to get involved in so there is no need to be lonely if you live on Wentworth.

What has attracted so much wealth to Wentworth?

There is no denying it, Wentworth is classy and this air of glamour and sophistication is the thing that lures the rich and famous to buy a ring side seat on these illustrious courses.  The central part of the Wentworth Estate is known to the locals as ‘The Island’. This just adds to the feeling of exclusivity that seems to pervade the whole area. And with a long list of rich and famous on your doorstep it would be hard not to be impressed.

What is the best bit of your job?

No day is the same. I could be discussing an investment with a local, then letting a house to an American, followed by a meeting with a foreign Royal, then with a famous Film Director to deal with. It can be great fun.

Describe a typical Wentworth resident?

I would say typically savvy and confident.  Most residents are at the top of their trade, captains of industry and, very often, business owners.  A large percentage of the estate is multi-national – the list is endless as tides shift on international business.  Currently there are many Middle Eastern families, Malay, Russian, US and Kazaks.  Many of these families are renting, so every three years the make-up of parts of Wentworth changes as the corporate mood alters.

What does 2014 hold for Barton Wyatt?

Judging by current activity it is going to be ferociously busy.  We have had a very sedentary period in sales – really ever since stamp duty was massively increased.  Lettings continued to thrive but sales were horribly quiet.  The London ripple affect at last appears to be nudging at our doors and, within a matter of a few weeks, things have become incredibly hectic.  I would suggest that if this level of interest and activity continues then Wentworth should be set to see a 10% growth in property prices for 2014.

 

For more information about Barton Wyatt visit the website at http://www.bartonwyatt.co.uk/ or call 01344 84300. You can also follow James Twitter or Like them on Facebook.

 

Record demand for award-winning Millgate homes drives new Binfield development

Record demand for award-winning Millgate homes drives new Binfield development

by Viv United Kingdom
  • Millgate embarks on new housing development in Binfield, Berkshire
  • Property prices in Binfield have risen 16.82% in 5 years (Zoopla)
  • Bracknell set to receive multi-million pound makeover driving up property prices

Binfield, the charming English village bordering the edge of Bracknell Forest in the county of Berkshire, is a peaceful spot brilliantly located within commuting distance of Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell and London.

Incredibly for such a small village with a population of just 7,500, Binfield boasts a great number of listed buildings – 74 at the last count including Binfield Place, Park and Manor as well as a historical church. The elegant Binfield Manor was built in 1754 by Sir William Pitt (a distant cousin of Pitt the Elder, Earl of Chatham) and is now owned by the Sultan of Brunei.

Packed with history, excellent sports facilities and a popular primary school, Binfield is a desirable location in which to live, making it of little surprise that award-winning developer Millgate have commenced building a new collection of private homes here.

Well known for their luxurious country homes, Millgate, in response to Binfield buyer demand and an increase in activity in the mid range housing market, have embraced a new direction with an innovative development of eighteen 3 & 4 bedroom homes.   Launching in September 2014 the properties will be targeted at a broad range of cliental.

Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate, Jonathan Cranley, comments on the new collection,

“We have had countless calls from those in the popular Binfield area asking us to build a Millgate home at £500,000 – £800,000.  Needless to say plots able to accommodate this scale and type of development do not come to the market all that often; on this occasion however I am delighted that we have been able to work with the town planners to build a number of homes in this price bracket which I believe will get snapped up quickly by families looking to upsize in the area.

“A key factor driving buyers to Binfield is its locality to Bracknell, formerly a town where most circuit the ring road and are loath to enter. This business hub however is in the process vast overhaul with a £750 million regeneration project which will be a great asset to people living in the area.”

Indeed, Bracknell in Berkshire has previously been the poor relation to its neighbour, affluent Ascot. This was largely due to an unpleasant Sixties town centre, however, the northern side of the town will see Marks & Spencer open a brand new 80,000sq ft store and other new arrivals include a 12-screen Cineworld cinema and restaurants including Carluccio’s, giving the town a wonderful facelift and attracting potential new buyers to the area.

Local estate agency Romans are appointed to sell the new Millgate project; New Homes Sales Manager Tim Foreman comments,

“The village of Binfield is made up of many developments but all were built about 15 years ago and the town is crying out for some new fresh stock.  These houses will get snapped up by people who already live in the area but want the next house size up and these very affordable homes will be perfect for this move.

“Binfield is also popular with people who would like to live in the highly desirable Wokingham, just 4 miles away.  Wokingham was reported as England’s healthiest place to live last year but for those that can’t quite afford the prices the village of Binfield is a superb solution. We have sold Millgate houses before and to be honest I do not think there is another developer in their league locally.  We can’t wait for the Show Home to open!”

For more details on this exciting new development in Binfield contact Millgate on 01189 34 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Farnham – the perfect market town

Farnham – the perfect market town

by Viv United Kingdom
  • London leavers look for the good life in market towns
  • Farnham boasts two crowd pulling markets every month
  • Market towns are the happiest place to live (ONS)

According to the Office for National Statistics market towns are the happiest places to live.  A recent population survey identified “large rural or market towns” as the places where people are most satisfied with life.

There is certainly something about the expression “market town” that makes a place sound so very appealing.  The description conjures up cobbled streets, quaint shops, a pretty church, perhaps an old castle set on a hill side and beautiful rolling hills in all directions.

Farnham in Surrey is the very epitome of a market town and this is the reason that London leavers seek property here.  No Londoner wants to jump off the mother ship into a tired and gloomy suburban nightmare – they want some country glamour, interesting shops selling interesting products, good country pubs and the chance to still eat great food when they are dining out, which Farnham boasts in abundance!

This picturesque English Georgian town holds two markets a month.  For those after collectibles there is one of the oldest and largest quality markets in Surrey and Hampshire.  It is held on the first Saturday of every month, for over 40 years the market has drawn stall holders from all over the world.  There are around 200 stalls to browse from crafts to collectables, from vintage finds to local food – an excellent way to spend a Saturday!

And if it is locally produced food that you are after then the fourth Sunday of every month is the much loved farmers market.  Here you can buy goods direct from the producers from surrounding farms which are usually always organic and very tasty.  A charming way of bumping into your neighbours and getting involved in the local lifestyle.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons that market towns tend to weather house-price storms much better than the rest of the country. Even during the recession, property values climbed in many such towns, while all around suffered.

Last year Millgate, the award winning luxury homes developer, built three country homes in the area of Farnham known as Lower Bourne.  These beautiful homes were nestled into the edge of a beech wood, with large gardens and a great deal of privacy.  The homes were snapped up by three families who had all had their eye on purchasing a substantial detached home in the favoured southern part of Farnham for sometime.

2014 sees the construction of a further three country homes by Millgate who are delighted to be back in town.  The development which was won on appeal is conveniently close to the mainline station again on the southern side of Farnham which is so popular with families.  The exclusive small development is found on Tilford Road which runs from the heart the town, south towards the delightful village of Tilford.

 

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments:

“We had such great success with our development in Lower Bourne that is seemed sensible to keep our eyes open for further spots in the area.  These three houses are likely to be bought by people seeking a move to the country from London.  Farnham is a buzzing market town; it is blessed with great schools and a commute back to London Waterloo in just under an hour.  For those looking for the good life these houses will be perfect!”

White Croft is a development of three luxury homes with excellent sized gardens.  The houses will have large open plan kitchen/breakfast areas and 5 en-suite bedrooms.  Guide price £2,250,000 for more details on this development coming to historic Farnham contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

 

For information on Farnham:

  • House prices have risen 11.71% in the last year according to Zoopla
  • Annual season ticket from Farnham to London is £4,472.00
  • Schools :

There are good options for both state and private.  South Farnham primary school is a top choice for many.  Two good secondary schools in the area – Weydon School and All Hallows.  Also popular is Farnham Sixth Form College.

Private schools include Barfield School, Edgeborough and Frensham Heights.  The private schools in Guildford are extremely popular with parents or high achieving public schools such as Cranleigh, Charterhouse and Wellington.

Coming soon… Homes fit for Royalty in Kingswood

Coming soon… Homes fit for Royalty in Kingswood

by Viv United Kingdom
  • Millgate return to Kingswood to build luxury apartments due to growing demand
  • 6 houses in exclusive Kingswood Warren bought by mystery buyers with Royal connections
  • Direct rail link to London Bridge in 41 minutes makes Kingswood ideal commuter territory

Nestled in a vale, just 3.5 miles from the Royal-favoured racecourse of Epsom lies Kingswood.   Starting life as a small Saxon Hamlet the area went on to become a sizeable hunting ground and later designated a Royal game reserve.

450 years ago Queen Elizabeth I gave her trusted ally and servant, Lord Howard of Effingham the Hamlet of Kingswoode.  With such an auspicious start in life it is unsurprising that this delightful Home County village attracts a host of wealthy and on some occasions, famous residents.

Back in 1658 Kingswood consisted of 12 farmers who had an annual income of £23. Today the village boasts nearly 7,000 residents including Fulham footballer Danny Murphy, who reputedly earned £1.5 million in 2012 or Chelsea’s Arjen Robben with his £5.5 million 2012 pay packet.

Also recently spotted house hunting in the area was singer Jessie J, reportedly viewing a number of new gated developments in addition to news of the purchase of six houses in the exclusive Kingswood Warren by what is thought to be Middle Eastern buyers with Royal connections.

For those looking to move to the area there are many reasons to consider Kingswood. The village is renowned for its peace and quiet and spacious plots with lots of leafy lanes and beautiful private homes.  You should also not overlook the blindingly quick commute into central London (41 minutes to London Bridge) and the ridiculous number of golf courses on the door step (7 within 3 miles)!  A parent’s dream for school choices too with outstanding private, grammar and state schools all within an easy drive.

Returning to Kingswood for the third time in 5 years is the multi award-winning luxury home developer Millgate. Ground-breaking has just started on site with Millgate creating seven luxury apartments and one country house located an easy walk to the village and train station.

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

“Previously we have focused on the construction of large family homes in the area and they have been terrifically successful.  The plot we are working on now leans itself to accommodate a large detached house and collection of luxury apartments.  I believe the apartments will suit busy businesspeople that need easy access into the City but love the great outdoors at the weekend.  Kingswood is also a hub for cycling, a hugely growing sport out in the Surrey Hills.”

The agent appointed to sell this development is Richard Saunders based in the village. Business owner and Director Richard Saunders said:

“We cannot wait for these homes to be completed and ready for viewings.   We believe these homes will attract London leavers and local downsizers who want to remain in the area they love.  There is so little choice in that market and I do not doubt that these apartments will be snapped up very quickly.

“It has been a long time since country apartments of this calibre have come to the market and there is tremendous interest from local residents. Millgate always build a superb home and these will have a great location just a short walk from the village and station.  Kingsworthy is going to be the new king of Kingswood for quite some time.”

Two bed apartments are designed with 1300 – 2600 sq ft with guide prices starting from £675,000.  The detached house boasts 3700 sq ft.  For more information on the development contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.