• 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

Estate agent Barton Wyatt and Hush Developments create a dream team for your new home.

The salubrious Surrey village of Virginia Water hit the headlines every year:

• 2013 – First UK town to hit average property price of £1 million (Zoopla)
• 2014 – Most expensive road outside of London (Lloyds Bank)
• 2015 – Zoopla property rich list puts Virginia Water as most expensive postcode outside London

James and Rupert Wyatt, brothers and partners of award winning Virginia Water estate agent, Barton Wyatt, are unsurprised to see their delightful village so often in the news. James comments,

“The recipe we have here is unlike many other places in the UK. Quiet leafy lanes with big private, houses, one for one covenants on the land to stop it being broken into multiple plots and the exclusive Wentworth Club. These three features keep our village at the forefront of the minds of the wealthy when looking for a home in the country.”

The covenants that James speaks of have been influential in keeping the area in such shipshape condition. They mean that every time a house is demolished (which it often is) then a single, even greater house appears in its place.  No in filling is allowed on Wentworth’s main island, the most sought after address.

House prices are pushed to their limits on this 1750 acre site, the brainchild of WG Tarrant in (1923) who also designed and built St George’s Hill in Weybridge.

“Houses are fought over for the plots they occupy not for what is currently built on there,” explains James. “It is quite rare that a buyer is looking at the bricks and mortar – they are looking at the plot size and aspect, to the future and what can be created.”

Barton Wyatt, founded 50 years ago, is expert at advising on opportunities and offering advice to buyers on what to look for from a plot on the estate. The brothers have bought, demolished and rebuilt in the village several times and this experience is invaluable to their clients, who are looking to create something unique that has their own stamp on it, rather than build an identikit house available on most high streets.

“Think luxury homes – think a super home,” James says.

When it comes to super homes, Hush Developments is one of the dynamic tailor-made developers available to Barton Wyatt’s clients.  Securing the best development spots, Hush then works with individual clients to design some of the most stylish and sophisticated homes available in the UK today.

Ian Hughes, Managing Director of Hush, comments:

“We know that perfection takes time. A Savile Row tailor can require a couple of months to custom-make a suit, while commissioning a super yacht will mean a wait of three to five years. If you want a super home, you are looking at 18-24 months. You will get a house that is designed to your taste with every detail made to measure for the client.

“Imagine a house where you can stipulate basement parking with an access lift, swimming pools and gymnasiums that will make your eyes water with their size and specification, additional kitchens for staff and entertaining… we have been asked to include everything from art rooms to bowling alleys and extravagant bars.”

Barton Wyatt is used to the demands of this type of clientele.  Super famous, royal or just plain rich, they are all treated with the same highly professional level of service that ensures that the seller gets the best they can for their home and the buyer is getting the most for their money.

When it comes to Virginia Water almost every client’s expectations are seriously high. For a home that is the dream child of Hush Developments look no further than this envy-inducing mansion:

The Mansion by Hush Developments                                                              £30,000,000.00

Design for a contemporary mansion at circa 27000ft.

Ground floor has been designed to include 4 reception rooms, formal and informal dinning, orangery and a palm room.  In addition there will be a grand hall and staircase, a security suite and two lifts.

The first floor is designed to accommodate six bedroom suites, one being a grand master and one a master.

The second floor will include a lounge to the Grand Master bedroom suite, an entertaining suite and a business suite.  A small swimming pool is planned with a terrace and fire pit.

The lower ground floor comprises a 6 car show garage with access via a lift.  Also included is a gymnasium, cinema, wine wall, bowling alley, billiards room and hydra spa. The lower ground floor alone is 6770ft.

Outside the plan includes a large external garage with staff accommodation over,  a security lodge and  gated entrance.

For entertainment:  tennis court, swimming pool, pond and pavilion.  The gardens will include a formal garden, sculpture garden and a secret garden.

Barton Wyatt and Hush Developments are also working in partnership on St Georges Hill in Weybridge where March House can be purchased for £8,950,000

March House is a brand new ‘Super Home’ located on a prime 1.1 acre plot in the world famous St George’s Hill gated estate in Weybridge, Surrey. This truly spectacular property offers 817.28 sqm of stunning accommodation and is of a contemporary Mediterranean style that conveys a sense of peace, calm and tranquillity.

A home designed not just for entertaining but also for the family, March House blends both of these qualities into an intoxicating mix of elegance and style. Wonderful living and bedroom accommodation is provided by three spacious reception rooms, a magnificent kitchen/breakfast/dining area, cinema room and five sumptuous bedroom suites. Key features include a bespoke wine wall to be designed and built by award winning furniture designer Ed Johnson and a spectacular two storey entertaining space of 6 metres high.

With leisure facilities including a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and gymnasium, as well as a mature landscaped garden with large terrace to the rear finished in Portland stone, March House is a stunning property that truly deserves the title ‘Super Home’.

For more details on either of these super home contact Rupert Wyatt at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Hush Developments can be contacted on info@hushdevs.co.uk.

• The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex is due to play out in July 2015
• Tournament will be played over the historic Old Course for the first time since 2009, with many legends of the game set to compete
• Barton Wyatt launching 10 luxury new apartments in Sunningdale with developer Halebourne Group.

Sunningdale is a large, quintessentially English village located in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire. Dotted with leafy lanes and large detached houses hiding behind foliage and gates it is just 24 miles west of London with a train station and direct link into London Waterloo, Due to its prime location, Sunningdale is a top spot for London commuters and is also favoured by international businessmen and women who need fast access to the UK’s airports.

Sunningdale has been home to many familiar names over the years – Dame Agatha Christie lived in Scotswood, a house on Devenish Avenue, which has now been transformed into luxury apartments. Other famous residents have included Gary Lineker, British pop group Five Star, Chesney Hawkes, Brian Blessed, Diana Dors and Billy Ocean.

The village is well known for its palatial properties including the Grade-II listed art deco mansion, Charters. Built in 1938 for industrialist Frank Parkinson, the house welcomed guests including Winston Churchill and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor before changing use, becoming a corporate headquarters and now a luxury apartment and spa complex.

Other notable properties include Coworth House, the late 18th century home of Edward Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby, which was later occupied by the Secretary of State for War in the early 20^th century as well as the British Ambassador to France. It is now the popular Coworth Park Hotel.

In addition to its property heritage, Sunningdale is best known for its golf courses.

Sunningdale Golf Club was founded by two brothers in 1900 and is home to two 18-hole courses.  The Old Course was designed by Willie Park Jr and the New Course by Harry Colt. Sunningdale has hosted many prestigious tournaments including the British Masters, the Walker Cup, the Women’s British Open and the Senior Open Championship.

Sunningdale is also home to a second highly acclaimed club: Sunningdale Ladies. With a course also designed by Harry Colt, the club offers players a smaller but perfectly proportioned course. The patron is HRH The Duke of York and this land was once part of Windsor Forest.

July 23^rd – 26^th sees the return of the Senior Open Championship to Sunningdale Golf Club and with it a host of golfing greats who are all raving about being back in Berkshire for this competition.

Wales’ greatest ever golfer Ian Woosnam, former Masters Champion and world number one, says:

“It’s a course that I always love to play and I think it’s great for the Senior Open to go there. The crowds are going to be magnificent. Noone can complain because it’s such a lovely old golf course. It’s the sort of golf course, with the heather and everything, that you’ve got to keep it on the fairway, but it’s not a long golf course. You have to use the right clubs off the tee and they are very small greens so you have to be accurate as well.”

Golfer Sam Torrance also knows Sunningdale’s Old Course inside out, as a long-time member of the club.

“I love the golf course,” said Torrance. “I’ve been there for the last 44 years – I was assistant pro there in 1971 so there’s not a blade of grass that I’m not familiar with. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Torrance’s compatriot Colin Montgomerie is also thinking ahead to late July and what lies in store on the Old Course at the iconic Surrey venue:

“My first competitive round at Sunningdale was in 1987, which was the Walker Cup. Ever since I first played it I’ve loved the place and I’ve always said it’s a gorgeous place to be, not just to play golf but to walk round.”

With accolades such as this it is hardly surprising that Sunningdale, and in particular those houses that back onto the courses, are in such high demand.

James Wyatt, Partner of local estate agency Barton Wyatt, says:

“Finding homes in Sunningdale can be difficult. They just don’t come onto the market very often. Particularly the houses that adjoin the courses – these are highly valuable and prized by their owners.”

A local developer, Halebourne Group, is shortly to complete a stunning mansion that will launch as 10 new luxury apartments. Coming to the market at approximately £2-3 million for the two and three bedroom homes and two magnificent penthouses. James Wyatt continues:

“This majestic house is situated opposite the world famous Sunningdale golf course and will be the most fabulous opportunity for keen golfers to own their own tee-side seat at Sunningdale. We anticipate that these homes will be highly sought after by locals who are looking to downsize but remain in the area that they know and love.”

If you are looking for a slice of golfing action and would like more details on these apartments or other properties in the area contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

The Ridge, Sunningdale                                                Anticipated launch price from £2,000,000

This stunning development will offer mansion block apartments in an exclusive setting.  Each luxury apartment has secure basement parking, outside terraces and a superb interior specification. They will be available from spring 2016.

Editor’s notes:

An extract from “Golf Courses of the British Isles” by Bernard Darwin, describing a round at Sunningdale and published in 1910:

It was a long course, really a fearfully long course for an ordinary mortal.

And later:

If we have not been too frequently up to our necks in untrodden heather, nay, even if we have, we ought to have enjoyed ourselves immensely.

• Swimming burns anywhere from 500-650 calories per hour (medicinenet.com)
• Regular swimming can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke as well as boosting mood and keeping weight under control (NHS)
• 1 in 4 homes for sale through Barton Wyatt boast swimming pools (Barton Wyatt)

“Open water swimming is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK which is why now is the perfect time to consider buying a house with a swimming pool.”

Says James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the leading prime estate agent in Virginia Water, Surrey.

“It seems to me that ever since David Walliams swam the length of the River Thames people have taken to swimming like ducks to water and it’s become a trendy way to keep fit” James continues. “Testament to our love of swimming here in Surrey, you can’t move at the weekends without bumping into a triathlon – particularly in the summer months!”

Although the name Virginia Water might suggest utopia for the avid swimmer, the man-made lake cannot itself be used for swimming leaving those more at home in the water looking for an alternative. For many this means purchasing a home complete with onsite swimming pool.

According to Barton Wyatt the number of houses coming onto the market in Virginia Water in 2015 with swimming pools has nearly doubled– with currently 1 in 4 homes for sale having either indoor or outdoor pools.

Swimming is unquestionably one of the finest ways to keep fit.  Few, if any other, sports works as many muscle groups at the same time giving swimmers a total body workout every time they get in the pool.  Swimming reduces the risk of illness, it keeps your body trim and is very low impact making it ideal for those of all ages.

James Wyatt, an avid swimmer himself, goes onto say:

“Swimming pools are one of those enigmas when it comes to selling houses.  Buyers know that they can be hard work to look after but the lure of a pool in your back garden is often a clincher. The family turns up to view a property and once the children have seen the pool it’s almost impossible for them not to want it.”

So for those ready to take the plunge, here’s a selection of the finest homes available through Barton Wyatt with swimming pools:

Winbar, South Ascot                                                                                      £2,600,000

Entrance hall, Cloakroom, Dining room, Drawing room, Study, Utility, Conservatory, Five bedrooms (three en-suite) Family bathroom, Garage with separate guest/staff flat with living room/bedroom six and bathroom, Large outdoor area with swimming pool, BBQ, Jacuzzi, Kitchen, Large tiled terraced entertainment area and pool house, Gardens of 0.62 of an acre, Approximately 4,000 sq ft.

Roundbarrow House, Sunningdale                                                          £3,950,000

Seven bedrooms, Five bath/shower rooms, Second floor sitting room, Drawing room, Dining room, Sitting room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Games room, Basement plant room, Large two bay garage with one bedroom staff flat over, Swimming pool beautiful gardens amounting to approximately one acre in all.

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.

Broomfield House, Windlesham                                                              £4,350,000

Five bedrooms (three bedrooms with en-suite facilities, master with en-suite dressing room and bathroom) family bathroom, reception hall, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, family room, study, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, two cloakrooms, indoor swimming pool complex, triple garage with one bedroom staff flat above, tennis court, secluded landscaped gardens and grounds of approximately 1.68 acres.

For more details on these lavish homes with swimming pools contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

• 2015 sees Virginia Water’s leading estate agency turn 50
• Average GU25 house price leaps from £10,000, in 1965 to £1,083,175in 2015
• Property prices increased nearly 11,000% between 1965 and 2015.

Fifty years ago, in 1965, specialist estate agency Barton Wyatt first opened their doors to the public in Virginia Water. It was the start of a business venture that was to span five decades, helping thousands to find the home of their dreams in leafy, peaceful Surrey.

James Wyatt, Partner of this highly respected and multi award-winning Virginia Water business coincidentally also celebrates his 50^th birthday this year, having been just a babe in arms when the business started trading from the High Street in Virginia Water in the peak of the swinging sixties.

The private estate in Virginia Water – well known as Wentworth was already starting to attract celebrities who liked the idea of having an out-of-town address for the weekends.  At that time, Diana Dors was often spotted cruising around Wentworth in her open-top azure blue Rolls with pimped-out white leather interior.

James Wyatt remembers,

“Wentworth has always been rather well-known for its lavish parties.  In the 60’s the growing celeb crowd wanted to make their mark and where better than hosting a ‘do’ in your Surrey pad a short drive from Carnaby Street!  Babycham and Vermouth were being liberally mixed with fashionable substances such as mescaline and LSD as the swinging 60’s melded into the 70’s and our village became recognised as a magnet for A-listers.”

In the 70’s the gaggle of notorious Wentworth celebs expanded.  Diana Dors was joined by chart topping musicians – a couple of Bee Gees, Elton John  and singer Chris Squire from Yes.

The other big-name celeb who James Wyatt remembers arriving in the 70s was England’s much loved Sir Bruce Forsythe, who still enjoys his property on the estate today.

During the 80’s the celebs moved on and city gents and international businessmen and women moved in. Today we like to think of the estate as demure and private, with a sedate pace of life. What happens behind huge imposing gates, stays behind the gates, where families enjoy privacy and tranquility in this beautiful part of Surrey.

Back in 1965, Barton Wyatt quickly established itself as the local, loyal and trustworthy estate agency and those qualities are as much present today as they were 50 years ago.  The great work that Wyatt Senior put into building this immense agency has been taken even further forward by his charming sons, James and Rupert.

Rupert Wyatt comments,

“I was born with estate agency coursing through my veins.  From the early years James and I were involved in the business.  Starting with good old fashioned leaflet dropping, which was so popular in the 80’s – not much fun on an estate where each house has a ridiculously long drive – thank goodness for my Raleigh chopper!”

The changes in running an estate agency over 50 years are remarkable, although the foundations that make a good estate agency haven’t altered as James explains,

“People buy from people; my father was a stickler for manners and keeping promises.  This is in our genes and I hope my children will be true to these Wyatt values.  The other thing that hasn’t changed is the increase in property prices.  Apart from the odd little blip, prices have continued to soar here for 50 years.”

While sticking with traditional values, Barton Wyatt is also embracing the contemporary touches that have enabled the company to thrive as the information age progresses. This year sees the implementation of a giant touch screen window display.  Gone are the days of static printed property details – the next generation screen really makes the office ‘open all hours.’  Viewing property details, making an enquiry and asking for advice are at the tips of customers’ fingers, 24/7.

Estate agency brochures are also blending the old with the new. Customers love them but they have evolved from simple paper prints to glossy, high quality publications. On occasion for particularly luxurious properties, Barton Wyatt even includes a watchable video within the brochure.

Of course, the style of houses has changed considerably over the years, with older style Tarrant properties slowly being replaced by Russianesque mansions and neo-Georgian piles, many with deep underground living areas to maximise house size.

The facilities at the prestigious Wentworth Club have also scaled up over the years – in 1965 there were two 18 hole courses, a handful of tennis courts and an outside swimming pool.  Today there are three 18 hole courses, 13 beautiful tennis courts and a wonderful indoor pool and spa with multi gym.  Even the coffee has (thankfully) improved with age – goodbye jar of instant, hello luxury ground coffee.

For more details on Barton Wyatt’s 50^th year please contact them on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

• Magna Carta 800th year celebrations to be held on 15^th June
• Runnymede, Surrey marks the spot where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215
• Barton Wyatt reflects on this historical significance of Surrey

It is hard to picture England in 1215.  Knights in armour, poverty, castles and mud dwellings all spring to mind but one spot that has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries is ‘the meadow which is called Runnymede, between Windsor and Staines.’  These words are lifted straight from the infamous charter – the Magna Carta.

Runnymede came close to having major development undertaken in 1929 but thankfully the application was denied and the meadows remain intact for all to enjoy today.  Now the property of The National Trust, it is in safe hands and will remain as such ad infinitum.

Monday 15th June marks the 800th year since the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede with an official ceremony and some 4,500 guests attending. Tickets for the event sold out a long time ago as local resident James Wyatt, owner of prime Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt, comments,

“It was extraordinary, these tickets sold like hotcakes. Before we had a chance to consider purchasing a number the Americans had got in there and bought the lot!  Half the tickets have gone to our friends over the Pond!”

The official celebrations will also be shown on big screens a short distance away, so those keen to be a part of this extraordinary historical event can still participate.

The afternoon of 15 June will be an informal family picnic affair, which many members of the local community attending.  Boat rides will be running after 2pm across the river to Ankerwycke, just as the emissaries from the Royal Camp attacked back and forth to the Barons Camp 800 years ago.  Here visitors will be able to visit contemporary British artist Hew Locke’s new Magna Carta Memorial.

On the weekend leading up to this important event a grand Pageant is being organised on the River Thames.  This fabulous flotilla of boats is to be led by Gloriana, the Queen’s Row Barge.  The boats will assemble on the River Thames and make its way from near the Thameside village of Hurley to Runnymede. This stretch of the River Thames provides plenty of viewing opportunities for the pageant, including Boveney Lock, Eton Dorney, Windsor Bridge and Windsor Great Park.

Many will also be keen to get a glimpse of a new statue of HRH Queen Elizabeth II which is being erected to mark the significance of this event. The 4m bronze sculpture will be situated beside the River Thames at Runnymede and shows the Queen dressed in full ceremonial attire of the Order of the Garter. The unveiling of the statue will coincide with a wonderful Thames River Pageant.

Wyatt says:

“I feel sure this is why so many international guests are coming to the ceremony.  We Brits seriously know how to put on a show and I imagine that this will be one that King John would have been very impressed with!”

The Magna Carta and its significance has been cited by world leaders such as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. It is one of the safeguards of freedom and is as important today as it was in 1215. It formed the modern-day legal system and has extremely powerful chapters on preventing imprisonment without trial and guaranteeing justice.

For residents of Surrey it is a time to reflect on the importance of the area in which they live. James Wyatt considers:

“It is very easy in our busy lives to forget our history and live just for today.  I feel incredibly privileged to live and work in an area that is immersed in so much history, whether I’m driving to the ancient village of Thorpe which features in the Domesday Book, or walking with my children through Windsor Great Park, which was once part of a vast Norman hunting forest, or indeed meeting a client for lunch in Great Fosters, one of Henry VIII’s lodges, we are surrounded by history.

“Many of our clients are from overseas and are attracted to North Surrey because of its superb transport links, choice of international schools and the fact there is already an enclave of other overseas residents living in harmony. They don’t come here for history and the Magna Carta but boy are they blown away when they realise where they have actually moved to!”

For more details on property in the historic Runnymede area contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 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.

• Royal Horticultural Society celebrates National Gardening Week, 13^th – 19^th April
• Gardening makes 82% of people happier (RHS)
• Outdoor space a key factor when searching for the right property (Barton Wyatt)

Today marks the start of this year’s Royal Horticultural Society National Gardening Week, bringing with it an array of events and activities taking place across the country, with thousands of people, charities, retailers and culture and heritage organisations getting involved. In light of this, and with the UK sunshine starting to make an appearance and the evenings growing longer, people will be looking outside for their own patch of springtime.

This year’s event will introduce the first ever National Open Gardens Day, on the 17^th April which will see gardens that usually charge an entrance fee, or those that are ordinarily closed to the public, opening their gates for free, allowing as many people as possible the chance to experience the enjoyment and tranquillity that a beautiful garden can provide. The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Garden Wisley, set in the scenic Surrey landscape will be one of many offering free entry for the day.

There is a wealth of stunning garden space in Surrey. The World renowned Royal Landscape of Windsor Great Park, bordering Virginia Water is location to the celebrated Savill Garden and Valley Gardens.

James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt located in Virginia Water, comments on the inspiration that can be found in the local scenery,

“As spring approaches we are once again reminded of Surrey’s striking landscape and all that its nature has to offer. This is my favourite time of year with fabulous displays of camellias, magnolias and the incredible rhododendrons in the Royal Park starting to bloom. Outdoor space can be a key factor when searching for the right property as the garden and outside facilities are an important extension of a house. From a secluded area of tranquillity to an additional space to entertain, a garden is an asset to any property and the two are often inextricably linked.”

Britain is now a nation of budding gardeners, with a 2014 RHS survey showing that 77% of people garden and 82% admit that it does make them feel happier. With gardens becoming an integral part of home life, their significance when purchasing a new property also increases.

With unlimited potential, Barton Wyatt’s detached bungalow, Amraoti, featured on the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water would be the perfect project for any budding gardener. The property sits in a level plot of approximately 0.42 of an acre and is available for £1,500,000. Surrounded by Surrey’s natural splendour, this is the perfect landscape to inspire and create a completely personalised stunning outdoor haven.

Another property within this beautiful estate is Tangle Copse, a charming original Tarrant Wentworth family home set within stunning gardens of approximately 1.6 acres facing due south to the rear. The outdoor facilities also include a tennis court, a pool and a summer house. The property is available for £5,500,000.

In the equally picturesque neighbouring town of Ascot is Winbar, a beautifully refurbished and modernised family house, available for £2,600,000. The rear garden includes a large heated swimming pool, BBQ with kitchen, a Jacuzzi and a wide tiled terrace area that is ideal for entertaining.

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