Thoroughbred homes to match the Home Counties summer equestrian season

by Viv United Kingdom

 

If it’s equestrian cavorting that captures your heart then Surrey and Berkshire are the places to be this summer. Some of the biggest global equestrian events take place in the Home Counties and the rain won’t put us Brits off!
 
Topping the charts is the dashing Royal Ascot – one of the pinnacle events of the summer equestrian and indeed social season. In this historic year, Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Meeting will certainly be one of the must-attend events to enjoy all of the pageantry and history of a quintessentially British day out.
 
The Royal Meeting is the ultimate stage for the finest racehorses in the world, a sporting and social spectacular that is simply un-matched. Racing is not the only highlight however, as fashion meets with tradition to make Royal Ascot the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends and family.
 
Serious racing fans will not have missed the Epsom Derby earlier this month. One of the Queen’s favourite sporting events, the Epsom Derby held in Surrey is a great spectacle with people from all walks of life enjoying a fast paced day out with probably the greatest flat race in the world. This year’s Coronation Cup winner was St. Nicholas Abbey who is tipped to be a winner at Ascot next week.
 
If you are after something more intimate then polo at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park is now underway. This event sees the Cartier Queen’s Cup culminate on 17th June and the Audi International Day which sees Great Britain pitted against South Africa, on 22nd July . With the high scorers battling it out, expect serious horsemanship, fast paced action and a super glam crowd.
 
Rupert Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt in Virginia Water, Surrey commented on the impact that such high profile sporting events such as these have on local house prices, saying:
 
“It is rather obvious that if your house has a bird’s eye view of a fabulously British sporting event then this will drive the price up. We have had many buyers over the years who have bought properties entirely due to the proximity to a sporting event. We sell many houses on the exclusive Wentworth Estate which have superb views of the fairways for the PGA and we are currently letting a property with a grandstand view of Ascot – a ferociously sought after position whether you are keen on horse racing or not.”
 
Being surrounded by so many high profile sporting events, Barton Wyatt has its fair share of celebrity clients such as Clive Smith, owner of Kuato Star, winner of this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rupert Wyatt, who sold Clive Smith’s house on the Wentworth Estate recently, comments,
 
“The Home Counties attract more than their fair share of celebrity residents often due to the proximity to sporting events such as Ascot or Guards Polo. Professionals such as Clive Smith are so committed to their sports that living nearby is just part of the passion.”
 
If you are looking for property that is close to equestrian facilities then the North Surrey / Berkshire border is a dream destination. This area has a fabulous array of liveries and stables to choose from and terrific riding – anything from a trot through Virginia Water to applying for an annual permit to ride on the Crown Estate and enjoy Windsor Great Park. Recently Barton Wyatt let a property with a bird’s eye view of the grandstand at Ascot – they were not surprised at the speed that this house got snapped up!
 
For an example of two very different but equally very exciting properties in this area:
 
New on the market is an awesome house – Park Place in Windlesham. The house is on the market for £8,000,000 and would suit a large family who love entertaining. Park Place is a magnificent country house which stands impressively within a mature woodland setting and approached via a private road. 
 
Built in 1995, the Georgian style property has been built to an exceptionally high standard. The imposing reception hall with a central staircase, marble and granite floors with under floor heating, a hand-made kitchen and custom made furniture in many parts of the house all blend to create a unique and wonderful home.
 
Set over three floors, there are 7 reception rooms off the impressive hall. The first floor has a master suite and 4 further bedrooms suites whilst the second floor has a further 4 master suites. A generous cottage in the grounds offers additional accommodation with kitchen, living area, 3 beds and bathrooms.
 
If this is a little large for your liking then consider The Lake House in Ascot priced at £2,450,000. This is a remarkable opportunity to own a lakeside home with its own private island in a quiet exclusive cul-de-sac backing the Old Mile, close to Ascot Village Centre.
 
The property sits high and looks down onto a beautiful lake with wildlife wandering freely to the rear. With ample accommodation the house has optimized the views over the lake. This type of 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house comes on the market very rarely and the wonderful gardens, include an enclosed heated swimming pool is a great find.
 

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

If it’s equestrian cavorting that captures your heart then Surrey and Berkshire are the places to be this summer. Some of the biggest global equestrian events take place in the Home Counties and the rain won’t put us Brits off!
 
Topping the charts is the dashing Royal Ascot – one of the pinnacle events of the summer equestrian and indeed social season. In this historic year, Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Meeting will certainly be one of the must-attend events to enjoy all of the pageantry and history of a quintessentially British day out.
 
The Royal Meeting is the ultimate stage for the finest racehorses in the world, a sporting and social spectacular that is simply un-matched. Racing is not the only highlight however, as fashion meets with tradition to make Royal Ascot the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends and family.
 
Serious racing fans will not have missed the Epsom Derby earlier this month. One of the Queen’s favourite sporting events, the Epsom Derby held in Surrey is a great spectacle with people from all walks of life enjoying a fast paced day out with probably the greatest flat race in the world. This year’s Coronation Cup winner was St. Nicholas Abbey who is tipped to be a winner at Ascot next week.
 
If you are after something more intimate then polo at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park is now underway. This event sees the Cartier Queen’s Cup culminate on 17th June and the Audi International Day which sees Great Britain pitted against South Africa, on 22nd July . With the high scorers battling it out, expect serious horsemanship, fast paced action and a super glam crowd.
 
Rupert Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency Barton Wyatt in Virginia Water, Surrey commented on the impact that such high profile sporting events such as these have on local house prices, saying:
 
“It is rather obvious that if your house has a bird’s eye view of a fabulously British sporting event then this will drive the price up. We have had many buyers over the years who have bought properties entirely due to the proximity to a sporting event. We sell many houses on the exclusive Wentworth Estate which have superb views of the fairways for the PGA and we are currently letting a property with a grandstand view of Ascot – a ferociously sought after position whether you are keen on horse racing or not.”
 
Being surrounded by so many high profile sporting events, Barton Wyatt has its fair share of celebrity clients such as Clive Smith, owner of Kuato Star, winner of this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rupert Wyatt, who sold Clive Smith’s house on the Wentworth Estate recently, comments,
 
“The Home Counties attract more than their fair share of celebrity residents often due to the proximity to sporting events such as Ascot or Guards Polo. Professionals such as Clive Smith are so committed to their sports that living nearby is just part of the passion.”
 
If you are looking for property that is close to equestrian facilities then the North Surrey / Berkshire border is a dream destination. This area has a fabulous array of liveries and stables to choose from and terrific riding – anything from a trot through Virginia Water to applying for an annual permit to ride on the Crown Estate and enjoy Windsor Great Park. Recently Barton Wyatt let a property with a bird’s eye view of the grandstand at Ascot – they were not surprised at the speed that this house got snapped up!
 
For an example of two very different but equally very exciting properties in this area:
 
New on the market is an awesome house – Park Place in Windlesham. The house is on the market for £8,000,000 and would suit a large family who love entertaining. Park Place is a magnificent country house which stands impressively within a mature woodland setting and approached via a private road. 
 
Built in 1995, the Georgian style property has been built to an exceptionally high standard. The imposing reception hall with a central staircase, marble and granite floors with under floor heating, a hand-made kitchen and custom made furniture in many parts of the house all blend to create a unique and wonderful home.
 
Set over three floors, there are 7 reception rooms off the impressive hall. The first floor has a master suite and 4 further bedrooms suites whilst the second floor has a further 4 master suites. A generous cottage in the grounds offers additional accommodation with kitchen, living area, 3 beds and bathrooms.
 
If this is a little large for your liking then consider The Lake House in Ascot priced at £2,450,000. This is a remarkable opportunity to own a lakeside home with its own private island in a quiet exclusive cul-de-sac backing the Old Mile, close to Ascot Village Centre.
 
The property sits high and looks down onto a beautiful lake with wildlife wandering freely to the rear. With ample accommodation the house has optimized the views over the lake. This type of 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house comes on the market very rarely and the wonderful gardens, include an enclosed heated swimming pool is a great find.
 

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

Virginia Water takes property millionaire top spot according to latest research from PrimeLocation.com

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Newly researched data from PrimeLocation.com heralds Virginia Water in Surrey as the UK’s number one property millionaire hotspot, overtaking last year’s top pick Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.
 
Home to a higher proportion of properties valued at £1 million or above than anywhere else in the country, James Wyatt, partner of Barton Wyatt, the longest established agent in the village comments:

“Brought up in the heart of Virginia Water, I feel very privileged to have lived in this fantastic village all my life. It’s no surprise that this area is the number one choice for a millionaire lifestyle especially considering the picture perfect village that borders the famous Wentworth estate; and its well renowned golf club which played host to the BMW PGA tournament just last weekend.
 
If you do have your eye on a property adjoining the fairways of Wentworth golf course, this privilege spot commands house prices in the region of £5 million and above. ”
 
While the data from PrimeLocation.com lists the location of seven of the UK’s top 10 millionaire towns in the South East – the wealthiest region in the UK, Virginia Water seems to be the crème of the crop with a staggering 48.5% of homes valuing at more than £1,000,000.

Nigel Lewis, property analyst at PrimeLocation.comremarks:
 
 “There are a number of factors that have led these UK towns to become millionaire hotspots. Most of these areas are home to a high proportion of spacious and luxurious properties set in a peaceful and exclusive environment, within easy commuting distance of London, but this sought-after combination comes with a hefty price tag.

“Not only is Virginia Water a commuter town offering easy access to the Capital, it’s also home to the famous Wentworth Estate which encompasses one of Europe’s premier residential areas.

 
"With a significant proportion of the housing stock being large detached properties, the price of which averages £1,210,326, this affluent area has overtaken Beaconsfield as the UK’s hottest £1m+ location.”
 
But what will your millionaire wallet be able to afford in Virginia Water?
 
Cranberry Cottage priced at a respectable £1,295,000 is the perfect example of a property in Virginia Water that gets snapped up quickly. As a perfectly modernised and extended character property with luxurious bathroom suites and a stunning open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room, this beautiful property is situated in a prestigious leafy residential road in Virginia Water, perfect for a restful and relaxed life.
 
For someone with more money to burn, the Waverley priced at £3,950,000 is a brand new mansion built by luxury developer Danesfield Homes. The house is situated close to the heart of Virginia Water and comprises six bedrooms, six bathrooms, four reception rooms, double garage, private parking and beautiful gardens of approximately 0.60 acres.
 
Or if you are after that exclusive house on the Wentworth fairways then Hyale, is the perfect property, costing £7,950,000. A very grand house opposite the 17th Green of the Championship West Course with 9,376 square feet of luxurious accommodation arranged over four floors with grounds approaching 1.63 acres.
 
For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 

Editors note – 

Photographer of Wentworth Image is David Cannon

Homes fit for a Queen this Jubilee

by Viv United Kingdom

 

Worth in excess of £300 million, with a spread of glorious castles and multi-million pound palaces across the land to call home, HRH Queen Elizabeth II certainly affords an impressive property portfolio.
 
But for those Royal subjects of more modest means, it is still possible to own a home fit for a Queen. In celebration of her Diamond Jubilee, luxury developers Millgate Homes and Surrey’s most exclusive estate agency, Barton Wyatt explain what it takes to make a Royal feel right at home as well as handpicking the most sumptuous and awe-inspiring properties on the market today. 
 
Absolutely top of the list is a supersized bedroom suite. A stunning view, a luxurious bathroom with top of the range fixtures and fittings, perhaps a four poster bed, roll top bath, power shower, mood lighting and an ambience that could normally only be found in a top international hotel. The bedroom suite requires ample storage, a fully operational his and hers dressing room with stacks of shelving, hanging space and shoe racks.
 
Essential for any Royal home, the entertaining area will be a well used space. A formal dining room and sitting room goes without saying, with warmth from subtle under-floor heating and surround sound, fully integrated sound system hidden in the walls and ceiling. 
 
Royalty or not your kitchen will be the hub of the home yet festooned with discretely hidden white goods, a well stocked wine fridge, plenty of champers for me lady and a bevy of the latest mod cons such as a boiling tap to replace the traditional kettle, in-built Nespresso machine (George Clooney optional) and a selection of rest areas for the all important kitchen chit-chat.
 
On the Market:
 
Queenswood, Sunningdale, in Royal Berkshire! A Perfect jubilee pad – this magnificently restored country house occupies a stunning location overlooking Sunningdale ladies golf course.  
 
This fabulous Dutch gabled property is accessed through a brick pillared entrance with wrought iron electric gates. 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 elegant pillared front entrance opens to wonderful oak panelled rooms, high ceilings and beautiful fireplaces.  Whilst the reception rooms are awash with character and tasteful joinery, the kitchen and laundry are the height of modern living.
 
The first floor is well thought out with the master bedroom suite boasting 2 dressing rooms. A further five bedrooms all with en-suite and a large games/cinema room makes for an extremely substantial house – perfect for large family living with plenty of space for guests. 
 
Waterford House, Wentworth Estate, Surrey – is superbly situated on arguably one of the most prestigious roads within the Wentworth Estate.  This house has the most fabulous garden – perfect for a summer jubilee tea party. Created by specialist garden designers you will be the talk of the town with your own mini private estate within Wentworth.  
 
An extensive terrace spans across the rear of the house  to a slightly raised dining area off from the kitchen. A pathway leads around the perimeter of the rear garden to a sun terrace in the north-west corner of the garden with an attractive pond and water feature. In the centre of the garden is a very attractive Rill which can be seen as you come through the front door of the property.
 
No expense was spared in the construction of the house using the finest materials and construction methods. Of particular note is the amount of technology boasting  Crestron and Lutron systems controlling the audio visual, curtains, blinds and even the running of the bath via IPhone technology! Throughout the house there is a feel of sophisticated luxury with attention to detail and design. With five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a cinema room, games room, three-car garage with studio annexe over with shower room and kitchenette,  this house shouldn’t be on the market for long.
 
Radcliffe House, Boar’s Hill, Oxfordshire – A spectacular example of a modern country house from Millgate Homes which boasts the most wonderful outdoor living area within its gorgeous two acre garden. Set within this large garden is a dedicated party area comprising brand new heated swimming pool and the most spectacular pavilion with terrace.
 
The pavilion is just what one needs to keep the party going, wine fridge, changing areas, WC, power, lighting and a kitchen area. But best of all is the all-weather outdoor kitchen with ample storage, a vast BBQ and sink. This house with its views over to the spires of Oxford is surreal. 
 
The accommodation at Radcliffe House comprises drawing room, dining room, study, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, games room and five bedrooms each en-suite. There is also a detached cottage with kitchen/living room, bedroom and bathroom.
 
Broomfield House located in Windlesham, Surrey is a magnificent family house featuring an incredible array of modern day living. Celebrating the Jubilee here will be a breeze with CAT 5 integrated request audio system with speakers throughout many rooms, intercom facilities, security cameras and a state–of-the art Rako mood lighting system, this house was meant for some serious partying.
 
The accommodation comprises a utility room and fabulous kitchen .An impressive entrance hall with marbled flooring and chandelier leading to a further six reception rooms include a study and conservatory. The master bedroom includes en-suite and dressing room. There are four further bedrooms (2 en-suite) and a family bathroom.
 
To amuse your guests the recreation area includes a pool and Jacuzzi. There is a steam room and shower plus separate changing rooms and a custom built bar area which has access onto a terrace via 10m fully retractable glass doors.
 
The property also includes a detached triple garage block with staff flat above. The flat includes a private entrance, kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom. If all that isn’t enough the grounds of Broomfield House extend to 1.7 acres with fabulous views to woodland.
 
St Audries House – based in Kingswood, Surrey – so quite clearly a great choice for Royal living.   This amazing country house is just having the finishing touches added and will be ready for a very lucky new owner in mid June. Set within private landscaped grounds is a palatial 6 bedroom detached house offering privacy, exclusivity and allure in equal measure bearing all the hallmarks of a truly exceptional home.
 
Excellence is in the detail – it is the final touches, sometimes tiny and even imperceptible that separate the truly exceptional from the merely functional. Devotion to detail is what turns houses into homes, an essential part of the Millgate Homes philosophy exemplified at St Audries.
 
 
For more details on any of these homes fit for a Queen contact:
 
Queenswood, Sunningdale, Berkshire. Priced at  £4,250,000. Contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 
Waterford House, Wentworth Estate, Surrey. Priced at £4,250,000. Contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 
St Audies, Kingswood Surrey. Priced at £3,200,000. Contact Millgate Homes on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.
 
Broomfield House,Windlesham, Surrey Priced at £4,700,000. Contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 
Radcliffe House, Priced at £3,850,000. Contact Millgate Homes on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie rumoured to be renting £20m mansion on the Wentworth Estate

by Viv United Kingdom
Where else would Hollywood royalty choose to live than the ‘Beverly Hills’ of England, the exclusive Wentworth Estate in Surrey.

With rumours rife that the A-list couple have rented a palatial pad backing onto the famous Wentworth golf course, home to the BMW PGA Championship later this month, we asked James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the longest standing estate agent in the area and Wentworth resident himself, just why this is the perfect UK base for the couple and their family,

“The very fact that I was unaware of the rumours that Brad Pitt had rented a property on the Estate despite being a resident myself is exactly the appeal of Wentworth – privacy.

Designed by Tarrant in the 1920’s, Wentworth is home to numerous celebrities, successful business tycoons and even royalty who all value their privacy. The 700 hectare estate enjoys 24 hour security with private roads and many of the homes have considered landscaping to ensure maximum privacy as well as some of the most advanced security systems. The range of onsite leisure facilities, ‘village’ feel and attractive parade of local shops on hand also makes the Wentworth Estate and practical as well as desirable place to live.

Being only 20 miles from London with direct train line access, only a few miles from Heathrow international airport and with the highly regarded TASIS American School just minutes away in Egham, I can fully understand how the Pitt-Jolie family would find living on Wentworth very convenient.”

 
Barton Wyatt
01344 843 000

UK remains top choice for HNW expats as investor visas rise seven-fold in 3 years

by Viv United Kingdom

 

According to recent data obtained by leading commercial law firm, Pinsent Masons, the UK remains one of the most sought after expat destinations with the number of high net worth investors being issued investor visas to stay in the UK rocketing over seven-fold from 43 in 2008 to 320 in 2011.
 
Of those, the largest number was issued to Russian nationals (27%) followed by Chinese investors (15%). Introduced in April 2008, this new category of visa enables high net worth individuals to invest and remain in the UK for 3 years. Often seen as a fast-track process for wealthy foreign nationals to acquire British citizenship, demand for investor visas has reached new highs.
 
Nick Thomas, Partner at Pinsent Masons, adds: “The nationality of the applicants for investor visas reflects those who are buying prime property in London. Many of these Russians will put their children through school in the UK and will use the investor visa mechanism as a means of acquiring British citizenship for those children once they reach their majority.”
 
For decades now the UK has welcomed Russian nationals (and their often substantial wealth!). In the early 1970’s it is thought there were only about 70 Russians residing in the South East of England; this figure has risen markedly with estimates published by the Office for National Statistics (2009) suggesting a Russian born population in the UK of 32,000 with the total number of people of Russian decent close to 300,000.
 
London, often referred to fondly as “Londongrad” or “Moscow-on-the-Thames” remains the main focal point for Russian expats with over 300,000 Russians thought to call the Capital city home. Numerous oligarchs including Boris Berezocsky and the infamous Roman Abramovich own luxurious homes in the Capital, often seen as a status symbol of their massive wealth and business achievements. 
 
But it’s not just the London real estate market which is benefiting from the influx of wealthy Russian buyers.  Keen to fully embrace quintessential British life, Russian nationals and their trusted Property Finders are now looking further afield to the Home Counties for their next purchases where green space and a sense of community abound.
 
James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning estate agency, Barton Wyatt located in Virginia Water has seen an influx of Russians chomping at the bit for property in this top-end niche area of Surrey, commenting:
 
“Overseas buyers accounted for 55% of total sales in Q1 2012 making this sector a highly lucrative market for us. Russian buyers comprise a significant proportion but they have high expectations are not content with older properties in need of renovation, they desire to own the very best that money can buy, brand new grand homes, dressed to perfection and key ready.”
 
One area which has proven particularly attractive to Russian business tycoons is the exclusive Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water. James Wyatt has seen a rise in the number of Russian buyers on the estate in the past 18 months, attracted by the privacy, 24 hour security and on-site amenities.
 
Home to some of the UK’s largest, most lavish new build mansions, properties on the Wentworth estate perfectly match Russian buyer demands. One such property which has received interest from potential Russians buyers is Pine Acre on Wentworth.   This house offers fantastic family living and enjoys all that the Wentworth Estate has to offer in the way of peace and tranquility.
 
Pine Acre has been finished to the highest specification and build quality throughout, extending to just less than 9,000 square feet.
 
The well proportioned and spacious accommodation is laid out to suit a contemporary lifestyle with the principal reception rooms leading off the very spacious entrance hall. The large kitchen / breakfast / family room leads to a stunning garden room with an impressive vaulted ceiling with thermostatically operated roof lantern.
 
On the first floor there are four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. A particularly impressive master suite stretches across the rear of the property with fabulous dressing room and balcony overlooking the mature landscaped gardens. 
 
The second floor includes a further bedroom suite and open plan games room, separate bathroom and gym. Approached from the rear entrance is a one bedroom staff apartment with lounge, bathroom and kitchenette.
 
All floors have under floor heating provided by the latest air source heat pump.
 
Pine Acre is priced at £4,975,000. For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Recession, what recession? Award-winning Surrey estate agent announces 650% increase in salestransactions in Q1 2012

by Viv United Kingdom

The UK may have officially slipped into a double-dip recession but evidence of this is hard to find in Surrey’s golden commuter belt where award-winning estate agent, Barton Wyatt, reports a 650% increase in the total value of property sold in Q1 2012 compared to the same period only a year ago.

Selling luxury family homes and apartments in affluent North Surrey and Berkshire, home to the exclusive Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water, Weybridge, Sunningdale and Ascot, Barton Wyatt has experienced uplift not only in the volume of property being sold in 2012 but also the value.

Barton Wyatt’s sales records show that back in Q1 2011, the average sales price was £1.75 million whilst just 12 months on, the average sales price has more than tripled to £5.8 million.
 

Commenting on this substantial growth, Partner James Wyatt, says,

“In contrast to much of the UK and indeed many global property markets, we have experienced marked growth over the last 12 months. Despite a brief lull in interest after the recent Budget announcement and hike in stamp duty, sales have picked up once again, especially to overseas buyers. This corner of the south east remains as internationally desirable as ever with 55% of all buyers in Q1 2012 being foreign nationals, mostly from Eastern Europe, Russia and the US, keen to purchase new or nearly new homes.”

Indeed this growing demand for larger, more expensive prime country homes has also been echoed by Knight Frank in their Prime Country House Index Q1 2012. According to the data, sales volumes overall were up on the year with a 13% rise in the number of exchanges; properties worth £5 million or more also continued to rise, up 2.1% compared to Q4 2011 and 2.8% compared to Q1 2011.

James Wyatt goes on to comment,

“With over 165,000 homes in Britain worth at least £1 million, there has been a definite shift in what we mean by the ‘high end market’. £2 million properties have become the old £1 million but the super wealthy, especially those from overseas who are often more liquid and hold larger equity, don’t think twice of spending in excess of £5 million on a home in the UK.”

In fact recent data reveals that there has been a 22% increase in the number of properties selling for £5 million or more in 2011 compared to 2010, so what can you get for Barton Wyatt’s average sales price in Surrey’s golden commuter belt?

Park House on the Wentworth Estate is one such highly desirable detached property on the market for £5.75 million. Hand crafted by Citigate Homes, Park House will be finished to the highest specification with exacting attention to details.  The house extends to approx 8,500 sq feet and has been designed for the contemporary family lifestyle.

Comprising 5 grand reception rooms, 5 bedrooms suites and a dedicated cinema and games room, there is a separate self-contained staff flat with its own entrance situated over the three car garage. The mature gardens overlook greenbelt meadows to the rear with a mini putting green for the extra wow factor. For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 

Property Portals under scrutiny by NAEA members

by Viv United Kingdom

 

A huge audience of NAEA members from the Surrey area met last week to discuss the rapidly rising cost of listing their properties on the major portals.
Rightmove and DPG have increased their charges far in excess of the rate of inflation in the last year and with a flat housing market, some agents are feeling the heat.
Chairman James Wyatt said “This meeting was held at the members request as double digit price inflation from the portals is not sustainable in the long term. NAEA members are looking at the alternatives”.
Hot topic of the day was the merger between Zoopla and DPG. “We are watching closely” said Wyatt, “the merger is meant to be a big win for consumers and advertisers – the Estate Agents, but we see this as an opportunity for DPG to increase their prices to Rightmove’s levels and for those two portals to effectively create a duopoly. Historically, duopolies tend to lead to market manipulation and price fixing.”
The NAEA agents do have their own portal, PropertyLive.co.uk, which is free to their members. Surrey members have put a plan in place to market this portal much more aggressively, which comes just in time for the brand new propertylive website due out soon which has enhanced search engine optimisation.
 
For more information please contact:
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is a part of NFoPP.  James Wyatt is the Chariman of the NAEA Surrey. 
James Wyatt is a Partner of Virginia Water Agents Barton Wyatt www.bartonwyatt.co.uk 01344 843000   surreynaea@gmail.com

Put a spring in your property buying step

by Viv United Kingdom

 

You might have lost an hour of priceless sleep but the turning of clocks forward last weekend officially marked the start of spring, a favourite time of the year for many including the team at Barton Wyatt.
 
From their base in the heart of north Surrey, the award winning estate agency can once again enjoy the bright and colourful flowers popping up in Virginia Water, admire the catkins hanging from the trees and hear the woodpeckers hammering away in the ancient woodlands of Wentworth.
 
And just as nature springs once again into life, invariably so too does the property market with Barton Wyatt seeing an increase in the numbers of properties put onto the market, viewings and indeed sales. In the last fortnight in fact Partner James Wyatt has seen numerous new properties being made available for sale, undertaken an increasing number of viewings and made several multi-million pound sales.
 
So if all this sunshine has put a ‘spring’ in your property buying step, what are the best buys?
 
  1. Fresh on the market this week this house is an antiquarians dream. Simply known as The Cottage in Thorpe, Surrey, this beautifully presented true family home with two staircases has been occupied by the current owners for the last 24 years – a mere blink of the eye in the houses’ more than 500 year history. They have sympathetically restored and improved this lovely property to form a home of immense character yet still having the luxury of modern conveniences such as gas central heating, replacement kitchen with under floor heating, Jacuzzi bath, alarm system, double glazed conservatory etc.

The house retains plenty of the original features which include magnificent timber beams, five fireplaces with a large Inglenook fireplace complete with bread oven in the Sitting room, ledged and braced doors with Suffolk latches and old timber panelling.


Through the leaded light windows views can be enjoyed to the beautiful south west facing gardens, which is mainly lawned with an attractive patio and pond with waterfall feature which completes the garden. The origins of the house have been dated to 1490 according to the owner, and we recommend a viewing of this sensational family home in the heart of the village available from £995,000.

 
  1. For a more contemporary property you would be wise to look at Meadowbrook inSunningdale, an exceptionally designed house completed in 2010 to the highest specification throughout. This fabulous home is a perfect blend of luxurious accommodation set over three floors amounting to approximately 5,500 square feet including a triple garage and staff accommodation. 
The house has been carefully planned for a modern family with a stunning kitchen/breakfast/family room area. The property enjoys a unique location in one of Sunningdale´s most prestigious roads at the end of a long private driveway backing onto Chobham Common and the 12th green of Wentworth´s championship West Course.
 
Six bedrooms, six bath/shower rooms, four reception rooms, steam room, annex, three car garage. Meadowbrook is on the market for £2,950,000.
 
  1. And lastly Four Winds Harvest Hill is being launched at the end of April and offers 5 families the opportunity to live in an exclusive idyllic semi-rural location within 3 miles of Beaconsfield, with stunning views across the Thames Valley recently described as one of the most desirable towns in the country. 
Each home affords substantial living space on the ground floor flowing from a grand entrance hall into formal drawing and dining rooms and impressive kitchen/breakfast rooms incorporating family living areas.
 
Master suites feature balconies, dressing rooms and palatial en-suite bathrooms with 4 further en-suite bedrooms and cinema rooms. This is a unique opportunity to own a classically designed home, combining modern fittings with timeless external materials and beautifully landscaped gardens in an outstanding location.
 
 
Harvest Hill is available from Millgate Homes on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgate.co.uk guide prices £3,500,000. The Cottage, Thorpe and Meadowbrook are available throughBarton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 

 

Welcome to Wentworthski: Multimillion pound family home on exclusive Surrey estate sparks Russian bidding war

by Viv United Kingdom

 

One of the most desirable homes on the exclusive Wentworth Estate in the heart of Surrey sparked a Russian bidding war this weekend reports the appointed agent, Barton Wyatt.
 
September House, the luxurious detached property from established developers, Millgate Homes, enjoyed a flurry of interest from a number of international buyers in recent weeks but it was two Russian families who eventually went head to head to secure the sale.
 
After fierce negotiating the lucky winner transferred the deposit for this £6,250,000 family home in record time and is set to move in within the month.
 
Commenting on the successful sale, James Wyatt, Partner of the award winning agency, Barton Wyatt, says:
 
“It is sales such as September House that make estate agency really exciting. In my 25 years in this industry, I have never seen such strong competition for a property. Both parties fell in love with the 10,000 sq ft new house but in the end, as it often does, money talks and the lucky buyer secured the deposit first.
 
“The indoor swimming pool was a big hit in this house, not to mention that the property had been dressed by well known interior designers, Alexander James Interiors who worked with Millgate Homes to create a perfect blend of luxury and sophistication.”
 
September House’s new owners will not be the only Russian residents in the area. This corner of leafy Surrey has become a hotspot for Russian families attracted to the open green spaces, easy commute to London, large detached new homes complete with high tech security features.   
 
James Wyatt continues,
 
‘I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this area has turned into ‘Wentworthski’ but I can certainly see why international buyers, including Russians, are buying in and around Wentworth in ever increasing numbers. Be it their primary family home or a country retreat, the estate offers some truly special homes.”
 
For a sneak peek of September House before it is moved in to, view the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IP0QxtI4tY or for more information on the Russian demand for property in Surrey contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 834000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
 

Closure of Stamp Duty loophole won’t deter my foreign buyers says James Wyatt

by Viv United Kingdom

 

“Chancellor George Osborne might have kept his promise of coming “down like a tonne of bricks” on those who have avoided paying stamp duty by closing the tax loophole in today’s Budget but this won’t deter foreign nationals from buying property in UK.
 
The UK is an extremely attractive place to buy property given the Pound’s weakness in recent years. In fact the UK is an all round favourite choice due to our dominant financial centre, superb sporting and cultural activities, some of the World’s best restaurants and top drawer educational choices.
 
Since the start of 2012, 35% of our business has been selling houses to overseas buyers and of those, 65% were from Eastern Europe (Russian, Ukraine & Kazakhstan).
 
Barton Wyatt have sold properties on the exclusive Wentworth Estate and St Georges Hill, Weybridge, both of which are attractive to wealthy buyers. Foreigners pay an average of £8m for a house and some did take advantage of the loophole using an offshore company as a purchase vehicle however at this price point, I doubt the extra 5% stamp duty moving forward would put off a serious buyer.
 
In terms of property types, new homes is the preferred purchase by foreign buyers. Recently one luxury developer Millgate Homes sold ‘September House’ on Wentworth for £6.25m after a bidding war broke out between two Russian families.
 
The problem we face in the Home Counties is not the closure of the stamp duty loophole but a dwindling stock of new properties of a high enough calibre which will inevitably lead to price rises.”
 
For more information or immediate bespoke comment from James please contact Barton Wyatt on 00 44 1344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.