Barton Wyatt’s Jo gets ready to take 192 deserving children on their charity ‘Dreamflight’

by Viv United Kingdom

Jo Parris, the Lettings Manager at award-winning Surrey estate agency, Barton Wyatt is revving up for her trip to America with the charity Dreamflight.

Once a year, 192 deserving sick and disabled children from all over the UK, accompanied by a team of carers, jet off to Florida on a ten day life-changing holiday filled with fun and excitement at the theme parts of Orlando.

 ·         40 Days to lift off – Dreamflight departs on October 20th

The team of carers include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and non-medical escorts such as Jo who are there to help care for the children’s needs 24 hours a day whilst they are away.

Jo attended a meeting on Saturday 7th September 2013 where she received a full briefing for the trip together with the other volunteer escorts.  Paperwork was checked, uniform issued and detailed procedures were explained together with lots of useful advice.

Jo commented:

“This trip will be amazing fun for the children who are lucky enough to be going, but there is a serious side to a Dreamflight holiday.  Many of the children have never been away from home or their parents before and they gain a degree of independence not previously thought possible.  Self esteem grows as they are encouraged to join in the many events and activities.’

Once the formal briefing was over the ‘Pooh Bear’ group, for which Jo is a team member, met the most important people of all – the ‘little Pooh Bears’ and their families. Jo continues,

“The Mums and Dads of these children are rightly more concerned than anyone – it was wonderful to meet them and hopefully allay any of their concerns.”

The Dreamflight escorts are all colour co-ordinated, for example the doctors wear green polo shirts and the Pooh Bear group wear purple. Matching T-shirts for the children have been donated and Jo Parris is thrilled that Barton Wyatt has supported this worthy cause with T-shirts for the Pooh Bear group.

Formed in 1987 the charity is funded by donations and fundraising, There’s more information on the official website at www.dreamflight.org or contact Jo Parris on 01344 843000.

Surrey sees property prices stabilise as domestic buyers return in droves

by Viv United Kingdom

Barton Wyatt, the award-winning estate agency in Surrey, has seen a 33% increase in the number of domestic buyers over the past year. Back in Q2 2012 the percentage of domestic buyers was wallowing at a mere 40% however this figure has dramatically risen a year later to 60% in Q2 2013 reflecting a marked improvement in domestic buying confidence in the UK market.

  •  Leading Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt sees number of domestic buyers rise 33%
  • Increased access to mortgage finance attributed to movement in small – mid market
  • Average sale price for properties on Wentworth Estate at £6.01 million reports agent

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt and Chairman of NAEA Surrey, comments:
“These figures all point to the change in attitude of the money lenders in the last quarter. Yet again financial institutions are driving the market and the recent decisions which enables UK buyers to borrow money more easily again has positively turned the market. This has aided sales in the small to medium sized end of the market as most of these properties are purchased with mortgages and in turn we have seen a 33% increase in domestic buyers over the past year in north Surrey.

“On the other side of the coin, prime and super prime (£2 – £5 million plus) house purchases are rarely, if ever, made involving funding; we have hardly seen any difference due to the increased availability to finance at this top end of the market. In fact property prices on the exclusive Wentworth Estate continue to soar seemingly unabated with one particular property selling this April for 26% more than it did a year ago without a single thing being done to it!”

James and the team at Barton Wyatt are predicting a very strong Q3 2013 with the number of domestic and overseas continuing to rise steadily and the average sale price for properties on Wentworth currently standing at a whopping £6.01 million.

Indeed this growth in the prime market is echoed by figures from the latest Knight Frank Prime Country House Index, which reported that prices rose 0.4% in Q2 2013, the second consecutive quarter of growth. However Knight Frank did also note that prime property values remain down by 1.2% on an annual basis and are 21% below the market peak in Q3 2007.

Despite the recent positive news regards Surrey house prices, the prevalent feeling in the market is still one of uncertainty and transactions remain slow as buyers consider their options.

James offers this advice for vendors,
“Our advice in today’s market is to maximise the benefits of your house. Drooping perennials on the approach, an unkempt patio and unpleasant smells within have never been an asset to a vendor but now more than ever sellers need to take a good look at their home with a fresh set of buyer’s eyes.

“And once you have done everything you can to maximise buyer appeal, you would be well advised to check the speed of your lawyer; we see all too often house sales fall through due to tardy legal personnel. Ask lots of questions before you employ a lawyer and ring them persistently to ensure they are as keen as you are to push the deal through as quickly.”

For more information on the Surrey property market contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Summer movie screenings in your very own Somerset House

by Viv United Kingdom

“Watching a movie under the stars in Somerset House’s beautiful courtyard on a balmy summer evening is a near-perfect London experience.” TimeOut

 Barton Wyatt, leading Surrey Estate Agent is selling Somerset House – not however the WC2 version but a stunning home affording the same iconic name nestled in the leafy enclaves of Wentworth, North Surrey.

 Impress your friends by inviting them to exclusive film viewings in your very own cinema on the lower ground floor of this incredible four storey house. The superbly equipped cinema adjoins a garden room – with cocktail bar – which opens onto the garden logia.   The cinema in Somerset House comfortably seats 8-10 people on two tiers and has been professionally designed.  With a 3D high definition  5 meter projection screen and a high quality surround sound system you will feel like you are at the flicks.

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House opens on 8th August with the World Premiere: About Time.  In the open courtyard film fans come armed with picnics, blankets and a passion for film.  London’s best-loved open-air cinema is presented in the magnificent 18th century courtyard on a giant screen with full surround sound, and this year features comedy, romance, musicals, thrillers and much loved classics.

So if you are keen on owning a home that offers a fabulous chance to host blockbuster nights, this house could be your dream home.

The ground floor comprises a vast kitchen / breakfast room and four further receptions plus a utility and access to the triple garage.

The first and second floors are awash with luxury bedrooms and bathrooms – totalling six.  A further annexe sits above the garage for staff or an au-pair.

Somerset House supports the latest multimedia requirements with Sonos sound system, Wi-Fi, hi-definition video distribution together with mood lighting systems and air-conditioning. Security is provided by 2m fences, keypad gate-entry, full alarm system, security lighting and CCTV.

This lovely house is a light and airy, sitting on high ground as the gardens fall away to the rear, with the southerly aspects it is a tremendously bright and inviting home, ideal for the contemporary family lifestyle of today.

Priced at £6,495,000 – For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

18th century Virginia Water landscape returns home to roost

by Viv United Kingdom

A fabulous landscape of Virginia Water by well-known painter George Arnald, ARA, (1763-1841) recently discovered in America has now been returned to its Surrey home.

 

Proudly being displayed by local resident and business owner, James Wyatt in the offices of estate agency Barton Wyatt, the painting has completed its Trans-Atlantic journey from Chester, New York to the heart of Virginia Water.

 

The 18th century landscape was discovered by Gregory Page-Turner, a fine art dealer specialising in early British portraits and topographical landscapes.  Mr Page-Turner unearthed the painting in a catalogue which referred to it as “An English river landscape“.

 

Page-Turner was taken by the landscape and in particular the lake with the elegant party in the foreground. On receiving more detailed photographs he was able to discover the identity of the painter and the subject of the landscape from a plaque attached to the frame.  Mr Page-Turner was keen to secure the painting at auction with a view to returning it to its home town.

 

On arrival in the UK the authenticity of the painting, which features buildings not factual in Virginia Water, came under scrutiny but local historian and Guards Polo Club archivist, Graham Dennis said:

 

“I believe the painting is a Capriccio* landscape of Virginia Water with the additional buildings simply artistic licence.”

 

Now hanging in the offices of Barton Wyatt, any residents or interested collectors are invited to view it. It is hoped that the painting will find a buyer based in Virginia Water, keen to have the important topographical painting added to their collection.

 

The painting is expected to fetch in the region of £15,000 and for more information contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or email jw@bartonwyatt.co.uk.

 

* In painting, a capriccio in older English works often anglicized as “caprice”, means an architectural fantasy 

Boys Toys: Treat your Dad to the perfect property present this Father’s Day

by Viv United Kingdom

With Father’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 16th June, sons and daughters all over the country will be scouring the shops for the perfect gift. A new pair of socks? Hilarious comedy tie or maybe a mug with “World’s Best Dad” emblazoned on the side? The choices are seemingly endless!

  • Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 16th June 2013
  • 65% of fathers would rather not get anything than yet another tie as a gift (Fox News)
  • Father of three, James Wyatt, suggests the perfect property presents
But research from Fox News reveals that 65% of fathers would rather receive nothing.  Another tie or a silly mug holds no thrills on this big day.  Only 18% would like a personal care product and 14% desire an automotive accessory; maybe their offspring should be thinking more creatively?
So what could we be buying?
Well for most fathers their home is their castle so a property related gift might be the answer. James Wyatt, affectionate father of three and Partner of leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt in Surrey offers his suggestions for the perfect Father’s Day property present:
“Father’s day for me is about spending time with my lovely children, any present is very secondary.  For some fun, here is the Barton Wyatt fantasy father’s day gift list.”
For the petrol-headed Dads out there then Carnanton is the perfect choice. This enormous 6 bedroom £6,950,000 home located on the exclusive Wentworth Estate was built by a serious car enthusiast in 2009 who incorporated a gargantuan garage easily capable of accommodating five cars. Sitting safely under the house with electric doors, this garage provides the perfect combination of space and security.
For the busy working father then the Jacuzzi elegantly set into the decking of Bourne House, the 5 bedroom £3,150,000 property in Virginia Water would be a great way to wind down after a long day in the city. Affording many benefits with the hydrotherapy soothing tense muscles, increasing flexibility as well as your range of motion, not to mention the sheer pleasure of relaxation, having your own hot tub in the privacy of your landscaped garden is a real treat.
York House could be just the ticket for any Dads out there who always wanted their own public house! This grade II listed property located just outside Chertsey subsisted as a brewery from 1600 before being commissioned as the Cock Inn public house whilst retaining its beer making capabilities! This quintessentially looking English ‘pub’, available from £1,300,000 overlooks the village cricket green and still very much looks the part as an English coaching house.
Those Dads out there passionate about keeping fit will love Wilton. This £5,350,000 house, also located on the Wentworth Estate, is a sporting dad’s dream with its own air-conditioned gymnasium.  Perfect for any chap keen to impress his friends by flexing muscles and putting them through their paces in his own personal sports centre.
If your Father prefers a more sedate way of winding down from a stressful week by putting their feet up and turning on the box then a home with a terrific entertainment system will be a certain winner. A home cinema such as that located in Strawberry Fields or perhaps Park Place even has its own cinema complete with a box office.
No Father’s Day would be perfect without some home gadgetry gifts.  Dads who are into the latest gizmos will need a home such as Waterford House.  Jam-packed with gadgets – baths which can be run from an iPhone and outside speakers for blasting out some Dire Straits at a party or perhaps some Men at Work whilst doing the garden.  One button can transform the family room and master bedroom into a home cinema complete with substantial projector screens and electric blackout blinds; and if that’s not enough this house is keyless – all operated with door codes  – perfect for a Trekkie Dad.
Back at Bourne House, the 8 x 10 ft wine cellar will get many a Dad waxing lyrical about his Merlots and Vigoniers.  That Black & Decker hand crafted rack no longer cuts the mustard as wines need to be stored on their sides between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dark environment. Invest in the real McCoy and make your Dad the envy of all his wine connoisseur friends.
And finally, keeping the best for last, Somerset House in Wentworth is the ultimate for the (often embarrassing) party Dad complete with dedicated entertainment room and bar! The lower ground floor of this incredible 7 bedroom, £6,950,000 house is fitted with a superb cinema which adjoins a garden room festooned with a fully equipped cocktail bar which opens onto the garden logia. As well as this, the lower ground floor also includes a gymnasium and spa bath with steam room – all of which can be opened up for parties.
For more information on any of these perfect Father’s Day property presents then call the ‘Dad in the Know’, James Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Pick your own Strawberry Fields for ever…

by Viv United Kingdom

Mention the word strawberry to the average Brit and they will think warm English summers and cool fragrant Pimms.  Almost instantaneously people will be imagining pots crammed full of bright red juicy fruit with the most provocative smell that can only be attributed to the humble strawberry. 

With the “pick your own” season almost upon us, the more serious fruit lovers amongst us will be readying jam jars for home preserving, selecting the finest recipes worthy of the Great British Bake Off and comparing pavlovas, terrines and roulades to pay homage to the great British strawberry.

And fresh on the market this week arrives a house that is ripe for picking – not only is Strawberry Fields packed with juicy treats such as a kitchen pantry, gorgeous stable door, an open fireplace and Juliette balcony in the master bedroom, it is also owned by the property personality Guy Charrison. 

Mr Charrison, Chairman of NAVA (National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers) is best known for his skills in the auction room, where he uses his powers of persuasion to gain the best price for vendors before bringing down his gavel to secure the bid. 

Deciding not to use this method to sell his own home he has placed the sale with trusted Surrey agency Barton Wyatt.  Rupert Wyatt comments:

“Strawberry Fields was built by Guy Charrison with abundant flair and design. The property has been beautifully thought-out, combining character looks and Cotswold style with a skilful blend of modern contemporary living.  The house has been designed with  some ‘secret passages’ which have been strategic in adding convenience for either parental access to the children’s rooms or for discretionary staff.  

“Charrison has been in property all his life and has a gift for creating simple luxury.  Known locally not just for his auctioneering skills but also for his prowess on the tennis court, he was at one time the gents captain at Wentworth.”

So for a slice of decadent Wentworth in the form of Strawberry Fields and for opportunity to live in a house designed by a property great then please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

It’s out with the hydrangeas and in with the hot tubs in today’s English country garden

by Viv United Kingdom

With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show just around the corner (May 21st – 25th) and the long awaited spring sunshine peeking through, the nation is getting all green fingered.

According to the latest research from Lloyds TSB Insurance the average UK garden is now worth £1,928 but long gone are the days of a perfectly manicured lawn complete with Wimbledon worthy stripes surrounded by immaculate flowerbeds bursting to the brim with tulips, roses and hydrangeas. Today more and more homeowners are investing in outdoor furniture and decorations in a bid to add a touch of luxury to their gardens.

  • RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens in late May
  • The average UK garden is now worth £1,928 (Lloyd’s TSB Insurance)
  • Hot tubs now account for 1 in 10 garden purchases
British homeowners have spent on average £894 on items such as this in the last 12 months alone with barbecues accounting for 29% of purchases, trampolines 22%, swings / slides / see-saws 19%, hot tubs 10%, summer houses 8% and patio heaters 7%.

 

As James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt located in the heart of leafy Surrey, comments,

 

“In the current economic climate where many cannot afford to move house, it’s no surprise that homeowners are staying put and spending any money available on making their outside spaces more enjoyable.

 

“85% of households in the UK have some form of outdoor space around their property which should be considered as an extension of the home. Even a small area of lawn, some potted plants, a veggie patch or outdoor dining set can really add a new dimension to a property, providing a leisure space as well as adding extra value.”

 

On the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, only a short distance from one of Britain’s finest ornamental gardens, The Savill Garden, homeowners pride themselves on creating the perfect outdoor space for both friends and family to enjoy.

 

At Pine Acre for example, a 9,000 sq ft 5 bedroom luxury family home available for £4,650,000, there is a sizeable decked terrace with covered barbecue area and inbuilt heaters perfect for outdoor entertaining not to mention stocked flowerbeds, immaculate lawn and slate water feature.

 

Also available on the prestigious Wentworth Estate is Bourne House, a superb 5 bedroom property affording a long south facing garden with full width sun terrace which backs onto woods as well as a hot tub and even a horse sculpture in the grounds!

 

Down the road in neighbouring Sunningdale, Berkshire lies Queenswood, a 6 bedroom home also available at £4,650,000. The gardens to the rear afford a stone paved terrace as well as standalone heated swimming pool area and pump house perfect for family fun in the sun.

 

For more information on the stunning 21st century English country gardens mentioned above contact Barton Wyatt today on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

A Capital Contender: Woodlands Road West named most expensive street outside London

by Viv United Kingdom

Away from the stratospheric house prices found in many Central London streets, Woodlands Road West in Virginia Water is quickly becoming a contender for the most sought-after place to live. With house prices averaging £3.2 million according to Lloyds TSB, this exclusive road located on the Wentworth Estate in Surrey is reputedly the most expensive in England outside the Capital.

Indeed the latest Zoopla data reveals that over the past 5 years, the average property on Woodlands Road West sold for an eye-watering £3,148,333 with rents within the road’s GU25 postcode averaging £5,565 per calendar month.
James Wyatt, Partner of the leading estate agency in Virginia Water, Barton Wyatt, explains how Woodlands Road West can command such high house prices,
“It is quite simply a fabulous place to live. The privateroad is tree lined, the gardens wooded and a new car registration place recognition system has been installed so there is a feeling of real privacy. Some house builders make the mistake of building their new mega-mansions right at the front of these prime plots for all to see whereas buyers in this area want exactly the opposite – privacy and discretion.
“Home owners of Woodlands Road West be they royalty, celebrities or successful businessmen appreciate that their family homes is secluded and away from prying eyes yet accessible to shops, restaurants, schools and superb road, rail and air connections.”
Another real draw to the area is the highly acclaimed Wentworth Club only yards from Woodlands Road West. Wentworth itself boasts three PGA championship golf courses and the member’s only Clubhouse offers tennis courts and a health spa, not to mention a fine dining experience inspired by The Ivy and Le Caprice.
With a one-off joining fee of up to £24,500 and family membership costing £15,192 a year, the Wentworth Club attracts affluent society from not only Surrey but all over the world. James Wyatt, a Wentworth resident and Member, comments,
“The Wentworth Club is not only one of the finest golf and country clubs in England but also the heart and soul of the Estate. Offering a wide range of activities for all the family not to mention a vibrant social scene, the Club is always buzzing with members from all over the world adding an international flair.”
Two other factors keeping Virginia Water very much in the limelight are speedy commute into London and the choice of fine schooling. Direct trains hurtle into Waterloo in under 45 minutes making this an ideal commuter location and schools in the area are the finest you will find in the South East, be it the highly acclaimed state school Charters, public schools such as Eton College or the international institutions ACS and TASIS.
So if you’re looking for the perfect home away from the hustle and bustle of London then why not consider these stunning on the salubrious Woodlands Road.
Wilton, Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water   £5,350,000
This wonderful family home is less than two years old and boasts the very latest modern technology including built in Sonos with speaker system throughout the house.   There are four reception rooms including a grand dining hall, drawing room, study and TV room/gymnasium
Upstairs is a grand master bedroom suite with dressing room, en-suite including aquavision television. Six further bedrooms and six bathrooms. The property includes a self-contained staff flat comprising bed/sitting room, kitchen and bathroom set above a triple garage.
Carnanton, Wentworth, Surrey                £6,950,000
Carnanton was completed in 2009 for the current owners by prestigious house builder, Applegate Homes. The property has been immaculately maintained and is now presented for sale in beautiful condition throughout.
As you enter the property, a grand staircase leads up to the first floor and galleried landing. The grand hall is a spectacular feature of the property. The principal receptions face the rear of the property as well as the enormous kitchen/breakfast/garden room, a superb area for the contemporary family lifestyle and informal entertaining.
On the first floor there is a very large master bedroom suite luxuriously equipped with mirror fronted wardrobes in the dressing room and an opulent bathroom suite. Three further suites are on the first floor with three further adaptable rooms on the second floor depending on the owner’s requirements.
On the lower ground floor is the main laundry room and a useful luggage room as well as the enormous garage, a car enthusiasts dream approached via a ramp down drive and an electric up and over door.
The whole is well enclosed by large laurel hedging and mature trees affording a great deal of privacy from the adjoining properties. The plot amounts to approximately 1.5 acres in all.
For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Barton Wyatt really do make parents and now kids’ dreams come true!

by Viv United Kingdom

Well known in Surrey as the premier estate agency, letting and selling only the finest homes in the county, Barton Wyatt not only make parents but now kids’ dreams come true as staff member, Jo Parris, embarks on a trip to Florida with the charity Dreamflight.

Lettings Manager Jo first became involved with Dreamflight back in 2004 when a new client was looking for a house within Virginia Water. This tenant was, and still is, group leader for the ‘Pooh Bear’ Group which partakes in the Dreamflight trip to the theme parks of Florida on an annual basis. Jo was instantly captivated and Barton Wyatt has been an avid supporter of this heart-warming charity ever since.
Keen to get even more involved, this year Jo offered to be an assistant on the 2013 flight to America leaving in October; she was invited to join the team and she is thrilled to be doing something that will make a huge difference to others. The children selected to go on Dreamflight are severely ill with problems which have made their lives so difficult that they simply deserve a special treat like this.
Once a year, 192 deserving children from all over the UK, accompanied by a team of medical carers, head to Florida to spend 10 magical days of fun and excitement with Mickey and Friends. These children could not undertake such a trip without the support of the army of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and non-medical volunteers such as Jo who care for the children 24 hours a day.
Dreamflight is not just a holiday. The children leave their families behind giving them an opportunity to discover independence, confidence and a whole new outlook on life. Often for the first time, these children realise that they are not alone in their illness. They see children around them who have also experienced illness or disability and they gain experience and enjoyment from things they never thought possible.
Jo Paris comments on her forthcoming trip:
“This is just the type of opportunity where I feel I can really make a difference. My husband is a Doctor and he is also joining us on the trip as a medic which will make it even more special for us. We are tasked with fundraising to the tune of £10,000 in order to take a ventilator with us – this is keeping us rather busy at weekends!
“The support I have had from my colleagues at Barton Wyatt has been amazing. They are very supportive with this charity and the Partners, James and Rupert Wyatt encourage my involvement wholeheartedly.”
For more information on Dreamflight visit www.dreamflight.org or if you would like to support Jo in her fundraising contact her at the Barton Wyatt office on 01344 843 000. 

Make sure that you can see the wood for the trees and choose the right home in splendid Surrey

by Viv United Kingdom

Did you know that Surrey is the most wooded county in England?

No? Well woodland covers a substantial 22.4% of Surrey, 37,564 hectares in fact, nearly double the national average of 11.8%. Box Hill for example, close to the charming town of Dorking, has the oldest untouched area of natural woodland in the UK and is one of the oldest in Europe; not surprising perhaps that it was closely guarded from the crowds keen to catch a glimpse of Wiggo whizzing past at the Olympics last year.
The South East of England is particularly rich in ancient woodlands. There are sites which have been continuously wooded since at least 1600 and can be found on the earliest reliable maps as well as many which have been woodland for much longer and may even be descended from the ‘wildwoods’ that covered Britain at the end of the last Ice Age.
Perhaps all this woodland located tantalizingly close to London is the continuing draw for individuals, couples and families alike to reside in Surrey? Adding another dimension to the immediate environment, woodlands attract large numbers of wildlife as well as offering beauty, tranquillity and privacy which makes living in the countryside so highly prized.
Inspired by this exquisite nature, Barton Wyatt, award-winning Surrey estate agent see an extraordinary number of homes with names linked to trees or woods. In fact 50% of their current sales inventory features just that: Keepers Wood, Pine Acre, Birchington, Willowbrook, and Woodbury House – the list goes on.
James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, comments on how the great outdoors impact local house names in the Virginia Water area,
“A great number of our buyers come to the area from central London or overseas. They’re attracted to Surrey due to the short commute (42 minutes direct to Waterloo by rail), the great schools available and almost always for our beautiful countryside. There are very few days of the year where you cannot enjoy all the nature we have to offer. Whether you are into shooting, fishing, riding or perhaps more mainstream cycling, walking and flying a kite – Surrey has it all. The changes of season that can be hard to spot in London are around us every day and I particularly love this time of the year as we enter Spring, although it does appear to be dragging its heels somewhat this year!
“Virginia Water is particularly blessed, we have our own stunning lake in grounds that reach as far as Windsor Castle, locally there are many gardens that are open to the public such as The Savill Gardens and if you like golf – the courses at Wentworth are an amazing spectacle, particularly in May when the rhododendrons are out.”
So if you are looking for the perfect home in splendid Surrey, make sure you can see the wood for the trees and be inspired by one of these charming properties.
Queenswood, Sunningdale, Guide Price £4,250,000 
A magnificently restored country house with distinctive Dutch gables occupying a stunning location overlooking Sunningdale ladies course yet just a short walk from Sunningdale village centre and mainline station.
Queenswood is blessed with wonderful grounds. The garden to the rear of the property has a stone paved terrace with gradual steps down to the lawn.   A gravel path leads down the undulating lawn with steps down to the swimming pool area. Many of the trees and shrubs in the front and rear gardens are discreetly lit by an external lighting system.
The property offers wonderful family accommodation. The ground floor comprises a modern Kitchen / Breakfast room, utility, gymnasium and shower room. The reception rooms include formal drawing room, dining room, sitting room and orangery.
On the first floor the master bedroom has an en-suite and 2 dressing rooms. There are a further five bedrooms all with en-suite and a large games/cinema room.
Keepers Wood, Wentworth   £4,450,000
Keeper´s Wood is set within 0.7 acres of south facing rear gardens in a highly sought after road on the prestigious Wentworth Estate, in Virginia Water, Surrey.
The property includes marble floored entrance hall, large combined kitchen / breakfast / family area with walk-in larder and second cloakroom. Linked dining and drawing room opening onto terrace, a spacious guest cloakroom, TV end and study complete downstairs.
First floor has 4 en-suite bedrooms. The master bedroom suite is beautifully appointed and includes a centre, free standing bath, TV, bespoke twin basin vanity unit, super-sized walk in wet room and separate wc and bidet. The master bedroom has double doors with a glass Juliet balcony overlooking the rear garden
Top floor has a further bedroom, bathroom and a leisure room with mini kitchen.
Woodbury House, Wentworth Estate – £3,950,000
A unique stunning new house recently completed to an extremely high level of specification and finish, an opulent home with a fabulous design and attention to detail.
Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, second floor games room, drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast/family room, utility, double garage, beautifully landscaped gardens facing south at the rear of half an acre.
Willowbrook, Wentworth, Surrey £3,595,000
An architecturally handsome and traditional house with a stunning contemporary styled interior. A stunning open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room is the main feature of the downstairs giving a contemporary family lifestyle. On the first floor there is a generous master bedroom suite with a unique frosted glass wall to the en-suite bathroom. The other bedrooms are all of generous proportions. The house was built to a very high level of specification and finish and has been immaculately maintained during the first occupant’s ownership.
The property is approached though wrought iron electronically operated gates over a cobble driveway providing ample parking for several cars. A pathway leads down the side of the property to an expansive terrace across the rear of the house with steps leading down to a central path running down the middle of the formal upper lawns. There is also a path to the Jacuzzi tub area and a thatched breezes house for al fresco dining. From the upper lawns, the garden falls away to the Cabrera Trust Nature Reserve, a highly protected wildlife sanctuary. The garden is well enclosed by mature trees and high perimeters of rhododendron bushes, faces due south to the rear and amounts to approximately 0.65 of an acre
For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.