andrew grant winter

Andrew Grant

At Home

www.andrew-grant.co.uk

thepropertyandlifestyleedition

Please contact us on 01737 735 045 or [email protected] Court, 41 London Road, Reigate RH2 9RJ www.smetuk.com

Staircases of Distinction Quintessentially

AUTUMN BY BRINTONS

Whether it’s clothes or interiors, trends makethe world go round. We all want to livefashionably, but when it comes to our home,warmth and relaxation is just as important.Fortunately it’s possible to marry style andcomfort with a Brintons luxury carpet.

Discover superb new looks with your freecopy of Brintons ‘on trend 2010’ and startplanning your perfect scheme...

call 0800 505055 or visit: www.brintons.net/inspiration

on trend2010

Sunseeker Predator 74 SportSee the world from a superior position

Sunseeker London, 36 Davies Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4NF, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 207 4933441

www.sunseekerlondon.com • [email protected]

With offices in: London - Poole - Torquay - Monaco - Cannes - Beaulieu sur mer - La Napoule (South of France), Greece, Turkey, Egypt, St Lucia

www.sunseekerlondon.com

UNIQUE

STUNNING, INDIVIDUAL KITCHEN FURNITUREStarck by Warendorf is an inspirational collaboration between creative genius Philippe Starck and Warendorf - formerly Miele Die Küche - and takes a different approach to the concept of a kitchen. Where kitchen designs today tend to follow an evolutionary path within the traditional concept of functionality, Starck by Warendorf is a range of stunning and truly unique pioneering concepts that are set to move kitchen design thinking into a new era.

To experience Starck by Warendorf up close, visit our stand at Grand Designs on 1st - 9th May, 2010 on stand K324.

Find out more: 0844 800 2007 [email protected] www.warendorf.eu

0844 800 2007 www.warendorf.eu

39 Luxury escapes with Mr & Mrs SmithThe Smiths talk about theirexpanding boutique hotelbusiness and pick some oftheir finest winter escapes

52 I ownBritain’s best homeSharon Kilby meets withAmanda Barrington,the proud owner of‘Woodsend’, recently voted‘Britain’s Best Home 2009’

58 Top HatWe meet with bespoke hat couturedesigner Louis Marriette at his SloaneGardens studio about his work and TVwork as one of the judges on the‘Britain’s next top model’ programme

50 A taste of Relais &ChâteuxA gastronomic tour with the finest chefs inthe UK and Ireland

thepropertyandlifestyleedition

Andrew Grantwww.andrew-grant.co.uk

WINTER EDITION

66 And so theshow beginsExtracts from the Gordon Ramsaybook, Three Star Chef

ANDREW GRANT OFFICES:Worcester Country Homes Tel: 01905 734735Worcester City Homes Tel: 01905 734734Hereford Tel: 01432 355292Pershore Tel: 01386 554031Malvern Tel: 01684 563136Droitwich Spa Tel: 01905 771124Bromsgrove Tel: 01527 579977Redditch Tel: 01527 66161

Kidderminster Tel: 01562 60228Stourbridge Tel: 01384 370232ANDREW GRANT DEPARTMENTS:Antiques & Fine Arts Tel: 0844 984 9617Commercial & Industrial Tel: 01905 29402Surveys & Valuations Tel: 01905 617768New Homes Tel: 0844 984 9619Lettings Tel: 01905 23882

www.andrew-grant.co.uk

Welcome to the Winter issue of Andrew Grant’s At Home Property Lifestyle magazine, featuring aselection of some very interesting homes currently for sale within our portfolio of 1,250 propertiesthroughout the Midlands.A dynamic and forward thinking organisation – Andrew Grant is recognised as the Region’s premierIndependent Group of Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers and Estate Agents. During 38 years ofsuccessful history, the business has gone from strength to strength – innovating, challenging establishedpractice, embracing the latest technology and providing an unrivalled personal service. There are nineresidential offices in Worcestershire and Herefordshire including Worcester, Pershore, Malvern,Hereford, Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Kidderminster and Stourbridge. There is also a LondonOffice in Pall Mall and specialist departments in Surveys, Commercial, Lettings, New Homes and FineArt – all staffed by experienced and well trained experts in their own particular fields.Andrew Grant is an ISO9001:2000 accredited business – providing clients with a service which meetstheir needs and surpasses their expectations – combining principles of professionalism and integrity.Andrew Grant is fully committed to its membership of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyorsand National Association of Estate Agents together with their associated rules of conduct.Selected membership of Homesale Network is another coveted credential to assist buyers and sellerswith their relocation needs.In many ways, as we enter into 2010 Andrew Grant is sad to leave behind the success of 2009 becausewe will be saying goodbye to a year of remarkable recovery within the residential housing market. Wehave seen our sales grow by a staggering 69% since 2008 and which superb level of activity has beendespite a continuation of severely depressed economic conditions. Looking forward into 2010 provides the encouraging prospect of an improving economic climate whichshould bode even better for the now stabilised housing market. The difficulties associated withmortgage funding and a collapse of house prices during 2007, effectively restricted the numbers ofproperties entering the market and the stock of available homes to buy is now at an all time low.Consequently, an equilibrium exists between demand and supply with current conditions marginally infavour of the seller. Therefore, now would seem to present an excellent moment to enter the market.Call for Free Advice from the professionals who on April 01st 2010 will be celebrating 40 years ofoutstanding success – based upon high levels of professionalism and customer service.Please contact us – see below.

The homes featured in this magazine are a randomselection from our portfolio of some of the finestproperties available in the local area.

Andrew Grant

©Leycol Publishing 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the Publishers.The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer orcontract. Leycol Publishing cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. The views expressed within editorialsare those of the writers and not those of Leycol Publishing.

For all Advertising and Editorial enquiries please contact: Steven Hall 01803 849287 [email protected]

For all Print Sales enquiries please contact: Elizabeth Baxendale 07715 496853 [email protected]

Leycol Publishing 5 Hancock Road London E3 3DATELEPHONE

020 8880 6000E-MAIL

[email protected]

020 8880 6001

Our next property magazine will be published in April for the spring edition.

The Andrew Grant ‘At Home’ property lifestyle magazine is exclusively published and printed by:

14 WINTER COLLECTION

Vowchurch, HerefordshireOffers over £4,000,000

270 acres (109 ha) Approx. An Important Classical Grade 11*Listed Country Residence with Commanding Views, Lodge andCottage within a beautiful Landscape. Traditional outbuildings,Indoor Pool, Tennis Court, Apartment, Garaging, FormalGardens, Medieval Parkland, Woodland and Paddocks.

Poston House: 4270 sq ft (397 sq m) GIA approx.Poston Lodge: 2560 sq ft (238 sq m) GIA approx.Garden Cottage: 1776 sq ft (165 sq m) GIA approx

In conjunction with Knight Frank 0207 629 8171

Telephone: 01905 734735

Andrew Grant www.andrew-grant.co.uk

ABBERLEY HALLWORCESTERSHIRE

Co-educational Boarding and Day School 8-13 yearsOutstanding academic record in preparing pupils

for all public and senior schools.

Set in 90 acres, the school has exceptional facilities including a new indoorswimming pool, Astroturf, Design, Technology and Art centre, Riding Stables,

Modern Language Laboratory and French Chalet.

A wide range of evening and weekend activities from calligraphy to abseiling.

For further information please contact:

John Walker Esq, Headmaster, Abberley Hall, Worcestershire WR6 6DDTel: 01299 896275 e-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01299 896875

www.abberleyhall.co.uk


Wolverley, Worcestershire£3,000,000

48 acres (19.4 ha) Approx. An Equestrian Country Residencewith Leisure Complex, Heated Infinity Pool, Lodge, ExternalStabling and Garaging, Paddocks within beautiful Landscape.

Principal residence approximately 8,200 sq ft (760 sq m)Leisure complex approximately 5,400 sq ft (508 sq m)Hill House Lodge approximately 980 sq ft (90 sq m)

Telephone: 01905 734735



Mamble, Worcestershire£2,350,000

A Fine Georgian Residence 9000 sq ft (850 sq m) GIA approx withExceptional Views to the Welsh Mountains 16.5 acres (6.7 ha).

Impressive reception hall, 5 reception rooms, kitchen,8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Garage, period outbuildings,landscaped gardens, grounds, long drive, tennis court,wildlife pond, woodland, paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Bretforton, Worcs/Glos£2,250,000

30 Acres (12 ha) Approx. An Inspirational Country Estate Fitted andFinished to the Ultimate Specification 8000 sq ft (760 sq m) GIAapprox. including Banqueting Hall, Spa, Indoor Tennis Court and1⁄2 mile tree lined drive.

Further accommodation includes 3 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfastroom, games room, 6 bedrooms (3 e/s), bathroom, dressing room, open garaging, formal gardens, outbuilding, paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735


100% pa

ss

rate a

t A2

putting girls first

“... the life of the Sixth Form is a strength of the school.”Independent Schools Inspection Report

www.stmarys.org.uk 01905 357786

Worcester’s Girls’ School

St Mary’s

St Mas Gicester’Wor

arys’ Schoolirl

s’

p

putting g

stgirls firrs

s.www

stmarys.or

g.uk r

19050

3577786


Cookhill, Worcestershire/Warwickshire Offers Over £2,000,000 (as a whole)

An Enclave of Residences within a Tranquil Wildlife SanctuaryLOT 1: Principal Residence: 4400 ft². Stable Cottage: 680 ft².56 Acres, Outbuildings, Gardens, Electrically Operated Gates,Conservation Ancient Woodland, Wildlife Pools, Pastureland.OFFERS OVER £1,395,000.

LOT 2: Two Detached House – The Woodlands:1800 ft². The Cottage: 970 ft². 1 Acre. OFFERS OVER £675,000(All measurements are approximate)

Telephone: 01905 734735


WINTER COLLECTION 23

Nr Cooksey Green, Bromsgrove £1,750,000

Minimalist Indulgence.

Contemporary high specification interiors – 5 reception rooms,5 en-suite bedrooms, circa 5,400 sq ft (500 sq m), hospitalityterraces, garaging/stabling, circa 2.25 acres (1 ha).

Telephone: 01905 734735




Hagley, Worcestershire £1,550,000

An Elegant Victorian Residence, 6,200 sq ft (580 sq m) within anExceptional Position Commanding Magnificent Far ReachingViews. 2.5 acres (1 ha) Approx.

Impressive reception hall, 4 reception rooms, kitchen,butler’s pantry, 7 bedrooms (2 en-suites), bathroom, garage,outbuildings and gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

26 AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION

Great Comberton, Worcestershire£1,550,000

8 Acres (3.2 ha) Approx. One of the Finest Settings inWorcestershire.

Drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room,swimming pool, 6 bedrooms, dressing room, en-suite,bathroom, garaging, long driveway, gardens, woodland,orchard, paddock, 160 yds river frontage.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Alvechurch, Birmingham£1,450,000

Over 5 Acres Approx. Imposing, Graceful, Eminent. 5,260 sq ft

House and annexe in parkland garden. In all 6 reception rooms.10 bedrooms. Superb character with self contained annexe.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Stone, Nr Mustow Green, Worcestershire£1,250,000

An Exquisite Country Residence approx, 4600 sq ft overlookingLake and Woodlands. Approximately 22 acres.FOR SALE AS A WHOLE OR IN TWO LOTS

Lot 1: 4 reception rooms, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,cottage, gardens, swimming pool, garage, outbuildings,4 acre lake, woodland.Lot 2: Paddock 8 acres £100,000.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Ledbury, Herefordshire£1,250,000

Beautifully Presented Country Residence with ContemporaryInteriors. 4,800 sq ft (447 sq m). 5 acres (2 ha) approx.

Principle Residence: 4 reception rooms, kitchen, 5 bedrooms,4 bathrooms.Coach House: Open plan kitchen/living room, 2 bedrooms(1 en-suite), bathroom.The Nest: open plan studio, garaging. Landscaped gardens and grounds.Joint agent: Hayes, 01531 630030

Telephone: 01905 734735



Stockton-on-Teme, Worcestershire£1,195,000

Inspired Conversion, Inspirational Setting Around 3.75 Acres

Drawing room, study area, dining room, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 4 en-suites and bathroom.

Leisure block with home cinema, office, play room, double car port,4,500 sq ft gardens, paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Upton-Upon-Severn, WorcestershireOffers over £1,100,000

6.6 Acres (2.7 ha) Approx. An exquisite country residenceimpeccably presented throughout (5000 sq ft (464 sq m)GIA approx.

6 reception rooms, kitchen, self contained leisure complex withgymnasium and guest suite, 5 bedrooms (3 en-suite), bathroom,5-bay garage, gardens, paddocks. Suitable for equestrian purposes.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Defford, Worcestershire£895,000

Distinguished Former Rectory 5,400 sq ft (500 sq m) GIA approxwith Magnificent Views to Bredon Hill, Approx 1.4 ac.

Reception Hall, 4 Reception rooms, kitchen, butler's pantry,4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Landscaped gardens. With pp for adetached dwelling. Joint agents Halls 01905 611066.

Telephone: 01905 734735




Droitwich, Worcestershire£1,550,00022.5 Acres Approx. An Exquisite Period Residencetogether with Exceptional Equestrian Facilities.3,500 sq ft GIA approx.

4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms(all en-suite), 4-car garage, 4 stables, long sweeping treelined drive, gardens, paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Claines, Worcestershire£1,500,0007 Acres Approx. A Prominent Country Residence withLeisure Complex. 6,800 sq ft (632 sq m) GIA approx.

5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms2 en-suites, bathroom, leisure complex, garage, studio,gardens, paddock.

Telephone: 01905 734735

WINTER COLLECTION 35WINTER COLLECTION 35


Mamble, Worcestershire£1,400,00017th Century Grade II Listed Georgian Residence withPeriod Barns.

Farmhouse: 3260 sq ft approx.Threshing Barn: 2819 sq ft approx.Period Barn: 1786 sq ft approx. Attractively laid out maturegardens. Small arboretum.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire£1,500,00011 Acres Approx. An Elegant Georgian Residence.Rejoicing in Glorious Teme Valley Views. 8,000 sq ft GIAapprox. Joint agents Knight Frank 01432 273087.

4 reception rooms, butler’s pantry, kitchen/breakfast room,5 bedrooms, 7 second floor rooms, 2 shower rooms,3 bathrooms, cellarage, garaging, stabling, barn, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Bewdley, Worcestershire£1,395,000A Unique Country Residence 4000 sq ft (370 sq m) GIAapprox. within its Own Grounds. 7.25 Ac (3 Ha) Approx.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms(1 en-suite), bathroom, self-contained annexe, studio,4-car garage, tree lined drive, electrically operated gates,wildlife pond.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Broadwas-on-Teme, Worcs£1,295,000Possibly the Finest Landed Barn in Worcestershire.Around 25 Acres.

4 principal receptions, 5 bedrooms, 2 en-suite. Detachedannex, 5 car garaging, stabling and portal barn. A further50 acres may be available.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Fine & Country National Editorial:Layout 1 05/10/2009 13:54 Page 37

autumn collection | 39

South-eastof EdenMr & Mrs Smith’s favouritewinter escapes

The South East of England isn’t short onplaces to stay, but if you’re looking for achic spa retreat, cosy country inn orvillage-set designer den, there’s onlyone place to turn: boutique-hotelexperts Mr & Mrs Smith tell us howthey got started, and cherry-pick someof their most luxurious UK hotspots…

Back in August 2001, courting coupleJames Lohan and Tamara Heber Percy, onthe advice of a not-to-be-named travelguide, were staying at a not-to-be-namedhotel in the Lake District, and not enjoyingit in the slightest.

‘This had happened before – wecouldn’t believe we were yet again stayingin a sub-standard hotel.’

‘We cut short the trip, and on the wayhome, we decided there was a need for aguide you could really trust,’ said Tam.And, with that, Mr & Mrs Smith was born.

The now widely known irreverent titleimmediately caught people’s imagination;‘It’s got the right level of naughtiness andfun, and it underlines that our selection isall about romance,’ says James.

By January 2003, the pair had raisedthe necessary finance, recruited a team andbegun compiling a collection of boutiquehotels that offered an inspirational guideand the sort of inside information you wouldpass on to a friend. Eight months and 41hotels later, the Mr & Mrs Smith HotelCollection UK/Ireland was launched and, byChristmas, the couple were reeling as thepredicted sales of 5,000 rolled into 20,000.

‘We just couldn’t believe it,’ saysJames. ‘All our hard work and reviewinghad paid off. Although it’s great fun, wereally are quite tough in terms of thecriteria the hotels have to meet. Once a


40 | autumn collection

hotel is spotted we visit it for considerationand if it’s promising, we send a couple to doan anonymous review and. If they love it, weinvite the hotel to join the Smith collection.

‘If it’s a close call,’ adds Tam, ‘We tellthe hotel why we haven’t been able toinclude them and if they choose to rectifythe problem then we will revisit. It’s notabout being elitist, we simply have a clearidea of what the collection is about andpeople have come to trust our judgement.We also do regular checks, and if wereceive two complaints we make a visit;three and they’re out.’

Following the success of their firstbook, the couple have since publishedseveral other Mr & Mrs Smith boutiquehotel guides under the Spy Publishingimprint: European Cities, European Coast &Country and an updated UK/ IrelandVolume 2. In 2008, they released The GlobalShortlist in the States and are starting tosee traffic increasing as the brand becomesmore well known Stateside.

‘The books have been a phenomenalsuccess, and continue to be popular eventhough our business has evolved from

being a niche publisher to being aboutique property provider for style-conscious travellers,’ explains James.

Recognising the need to keepreinventing their business, James, whopreviously owned an event company inLondon and started chic Clapham bar theWhite House, and Tam with her career inmarketing, launched their website – whichtook the company to a new level andmeant that Smith fans could bookboutique hotels through their trustedbrand online.

‘We’ve now selected more than 550properties to feature online, and thecollection has got much broader, toinclude stylish safaris, sexy ski lodges,child-friendly getaways and our growingself-catering selection.’

James and Tam have also introduceda three-tiered membership club offering atravel booking and concierge service,which covers anything from watering yourplants while you’re away to organising aromantic dinner on your trip.

‘We get an incredible 350,000 hits apeople have signed up to our various

membership clubs, which gets themaccess to all sorts of discounts andbenefits. Our entry level membership,BlackSmith, is just £15 per year,SilverSmith is £99 and GoldSmith £299.’

‘But we didn’t stop there. We’veintroduced an innovative loyalty scheme toreward frequent bookers. Members whobook trips with us will earn up to five percent of the value of their booking back to apersonal ‘Vault’, which can be viewedonline. They can spend their earnings inour shop which carries all sorts ofamazing high-quality brands or they canuse it to book more boutique hotel stays.’

This year, much excitement hassurrounded the launch of yet anotherguidebook: Australia & New Zealand (outin October ‘09), which has been publishedto celebrate the opening of Smith officesin Melbourne this May.

‘The offices in Australia mean that wecan offer a 24-hour Travel Team, six days aweek,’ says James. The Asia-Pacific arm ofMr & Mrs Smith (which includes Australiaand New Zealand) is headed up by SimonWestcott, former global publisher of LonelyPlanet and a boutique hotel connoisseur.‘It’s all just part of our plans for worldwidedomination,’ laughs Tam.

And out of all the great hotels theyrecommend, what are their favourites?‘Difficult, but among them all, we’ddefinitely go back to Endsleigh in Devon,JK Place in Florence and Ca’s Xorc inMallorca – where we got married.’

To find out more, order a guidebook orbook any of the hotels in the Mr & MrsSmith collection, visitwww.mrandmrssmith.comor ring the expert Smith travel team on 0845 034 0700.g



The George in Rye98 High Street, East Sussex TN31 7JT

Style Quirky-smart Regency inn

Setting Cobbled streets of Rye

Rooms 24, including five suites

Rates £125–£225, including breakfast; midweek rates

also include dinner. One-night bookings for Saturdays

incur a £50 supplement.

Smith Factor This inspiring coaching inn-conversion is

located in the heart of historic Rye, a potter-paced

seaside town on the East Sussex coast. The decor makes

for love-at-first-sight stuff – bird-patterned wallpaper,

chairs clad in monochrome Florence Broadhurst textiles,

and artworks ancient and modern on the walls. Pillows

loaded with lavender coupled with bottles of Florentine fig

oil turn lazy nights in into a relaxing addiction. In addition

to the sumptuous bedrooms, each individually designed,

the hotel’s pièce de resistance is its Georgian ballroom, a

dramatic, high-ceilinged chamber adorned with hand-

painted silk panels – a truly wow-inducing wedding

venue. The hotel makes an unbeatable base for exploring

the coastline; the George’s Mediterranean kitchen

(headed by an ex-Moro chef) can pack you a hamper of

mouth-watering goodies to picnic upon – Camber Sands

is our top pick for alfresco eating. But if picnics aren’t

your thing, Rye has enough gastropubs and cake-toting

teashops to ensure you’re never hungry for long.

‘The first thing we noticed about this 18th-century

coaching inn was that the new owners seem to have

achieved what few proprietors of these ancient public

houses up and down the country have: a modern,

redesigned interior that is still sympathetic to the

original character of the building. It’s not just that the

black tar-encrusted beams have all been sand-blasted

clean, or that the sticky red paisley carpets have given

way to the original flagstone tiles. It’s that no detail,

from the nickel-coated plug sockets to burnished

copper radiators, has been overlooked. Tightly packed

with long sofas, chairs and beams, the George rises

above the seagull-echoing street in a warren of little

floors. Our room is extremely light and well planned,

rendering it utterly inviting, helped in no small way by

soft-touch scented pillows and hot-water bottle cosies.

The bathroom has a Victorian-style bath-cum-shower,

and is Aveda-product equipped, while soft-blue wood

panelling lends a gently nautical air. As soon as she

opened the ‘G’-branded wooden box to find an incredibly

varied selection of teas, Mrs Smith immediately set to

work preparing that most British of refreshments in

celebration.

The owners, Katie and Alex Clarke, have links with

set design and prop buying, making for a tasteful but

vibrant and diverse decorative scheme: psychedelic

Beatles prints sit alongside pockmarked beams and

distressed leather.

Chef Rod Grossmann’s menus create bold but

well balanced flavours. Local produce is at the fore, and

starters such as dressed crab and smoked duck are

quite something. The wine we chose was English:

Sandhurst Sussex Pinot Noir – what an extraordinary

revelation. Having tasted no better Gevrey-Chambertin

from Burgundy itself, it instantly became an all-time

favourite.

Rye – you made converts of us. OK, this East

Sussex spot may present more-than-ample kitsch bric-

a-brac window-sniggering opportunities, and maybe its

one-way system is a little annoying to first-time users,

but the charm and romance of this ancient fishing town

is undeniable. And, if it is trying to shrug off its unfair

bucket-and-spade image, then the George in Rye will

help its cause no end.’g

Mr Smith says…

‘Our room is extremelylight and well planned,rendering it utterly inviting’



Calcot ManorNear Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8YJ

Style Family-friendly farmhouse

Setting Homely heart of Gloucestershire

Rooms 35

Rates £230–£430, including breakfast and VAT. Dinner,

bed and breakfast rates (from £293 –£510, excluding

drinks) are compulsory at weekends and peak periods.

Smith Factor A 14th-century farmhouse set three

miles from Tetbury, amid the leafy rural roll of the

Cotswolds, Calcot Manor offers the acme of family

escapes, with child-geared facilities at every turn

and a parent-pampering spa to wind down in. Staff

have been trained to cater to youngsters of all

ages, and the range of activities on offer for little

ones (a fully staffed nursery, games room and

home cinema, 220 acres of grounds for outdoorsy

tykes) is enough to keep them occupied for a week.

Calcot’s family-friendly credentials don’t mean that

the hotel’s a passion killer, however – the couples-

only rooms in the main house, sophisticated fine

dining, two pools and an outdoor hot tub mean the

manor is as appealing a destination for twosomes

as it is for toddlers.

‘Our room at Calcot Manor, the Woodchester, is

simply lovely. Even though my eyes range over the room

in search of style faux pas, I find none. There’s not a

hint of chintz in sight, and they seem to have got that

hard-to-pull-off blend of classic look, contemporary

feel just right. There’s a plasma-screen TV, high

thread-count sheets, stripped wooden floors –

everything, in fact, screams luxury. This continues in

the bathroom, where we admire twin sinks and a

shower big enough to host a Sumo bout.

When our little one finally drifts off to sleep, we

drift down to the reassuringly grown-up Conservatory

Restaurant. Much more formal than the hotel’s child-

friendly Gumstool Inn, it offers fine, unpretentious

dining in a space filled with high-backed chairs and

tables swathed in white cloths. Head chef Michael Croft

has been working at top hotels for years, and has

garnered plenty of awards while at Calcot, so our

expectations are high. Thankfully, they’re met – and

then some. We devour Dorset crab salad, roasted pork

belly with seared scallops and some of the best beef

I’ve ever tasted. The wine list, too, is excellent, and we

treat ourselves to a delicious bottle of Pomerol.

Full and ridiculously content after the meal, we

take what’s left of the wine through to the comfortable

and stylish lounge, where, on suede sofas beneath low-

level lighting, we relax with a final glass before heading

up to bed.

The hotel is home to a fabulous spa, indoor and

outdoor swimming pools, and a courtyard hot tub that

just begs to be lazed in with a glass of champagne.

There’s even an outdoor open fireplace that roars away

just metres from the water. There are a lot of hotels out

there that put style over substance. Calcot Manor isn’t

one of them – it’s got plenty of substance and now

there’s a healthy coating of style, too.’

Mr Smith says…

‘The hotel is home to afabulous spa, indoor and

outdoor swimming pools, anda courtyard hot tub that just

begs to be lazed in’



Mrs Smith says…Cotswolds88 HotelKemps Lane, Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6YB

Style Versace in verdant surrounds

Setting Pastoral Painswick village

Rooms 17, including three suites

Rates £165–£225; suites from £225–£395, including

breakfast.

Smith Factor The brainchild of the larger-than-life

character behind flamboyant, kitsch cocktailerie,

Loungelover in East London, Marchella De Angelis,

Cotswolds88hotel is a temple to Italian design. The

name may be straightforward, but that’s all that is.

Gloriously over-the-top touches such as PVC-backed

chairs and chrome mannequins vie for attention with

the hotel’s own Palladian backdrop, and the result is a

space that’s luxurious and super-stylish, and that has a

cheeky sense of humour. We love the six Detmar rooms

– named after the famous 20th-century architect – with

their vivid red accent colours, playful atmosphere and

giant lip prints on the wall.

There’s little indication that anything eccentric lies

behind the hotel’s classical grey Palladian façade: its

neatly coiffed bushes and groomed lawn are all so far, so

country house. As we gaze across the sheep-dotted hills

in the distance, it’s all swoon-stirring Jane Austen-

evoking stuff.

Yet it’s the interior we’re eager to see. Up a few

small stone stairs and one foot into the hallway and we

realise this is anything but a conventional Cotswolds

retreat. This is the kind of establishment where your

eyes dart excitedly from object to artwork. A cursory

peek at the retro-rich bar and black-and-white-striped

restaurant, and it’s up the steps to the reception with a

quick crane of the neck to admire an original carved

ribbed-and-bossed ceiling.

The super-lovely receptionist is a platinum-blonde

bombshell in Vivienne Westwood choker. She shows us

to our suite. A mishmash of imaginative old and new,

with a backdrop of glorious leaded windows looking out

onto green gardens, and across to that postcard-perfect

hillside. Tea on the lawn below, relaxing on modern

undulating loungers that resemble reclining Henry

Moores is clearly a must.

After a meander around pretty Painswick, we make

it back in time for champagne cocktails. Supper selected

over aperitifs, we decamp to the monochrome dining

room where an enormous oversized fabric bow

dominating most of the back wall elicits a gasp from us

both. Our restaurant critic hats on, we put the young

server’s sommelier skills to the test. He confidently

recommends the cheapest of three rosés. If he’s

anything less than knowledgable we can’t tell, as his

suggestions are delivered with reassuring conviction. It’s

an unexpected treat when a celeriac soup arrives to

amuse our geules.

After a heavenly night’s sleep, a long lazy soak in

our splendid bathroom, and breakfast in the dining

room, we’ve barely enough time for a tramp around

town. We’d love to stay longer, but the Big Smoke is

calling us home. We trot back to Costswolds88 to airkiss

it farewell.

‘This is the kind of establishment where youreyes dart excitedly from object to artwork.’



Mr Smith says…WhitehouseChillington, Devon TQ7 2JX

Style Gorgeous Georgian

Setting Charming Chillington village

Rooms Six

Rates £180–£230, including full English or Continental

breakfast, afternoon tea and tax. You can rent the whole

house (sleeping 12) for £2,800 for two nights; with

£1,300 for each additional night.

Smith Factor Just a short meander from the South

Devon shoreline, hidden away in the little village of

Chillington, Whitehouse is the perfect getaway for

style-seasoned city types hankering for a rustic rest-

stop. The Georgian buildings have been a doctor’s

surgery, a residence for GIs, and a private home in their

time, but today they’ve finally found their true calling as

one of Devon’s most welcoming and intimate boutique

hotels. Outside, you’ll find lush green gardens and a

croquet lawn (occasionally ornamented by the hotel’s

two cats). Inside is a harmonious old-meets-new

medley of chunky furniture, smooth pastel walls, and

fireside snugness. The six rooms feature hand-made

wooden beds, roll-top claw-foot baths, and showers

like a jungle downpour. Peek in the bathroom and you’ll

find a collection of the hotel’s own line of hand-made

toiletries. As for what to do while you’re here? Well,

you’re in Chillington, and the clue is in the name…

‘Whitehouse is the opposite of a big, soulless

corporate hotel. Its owners are in fact three friends,

each playing a hands-on role in hotel operations, and

all happy to address guests’ requirements personally.

One of them, Ally, is the gifted chef behind the

restaurant’s fresh and hearty platters, and frequently

opens the kitchen to show off her Aga, with special

dinners and wine-tasting evenings frequently

appearing on the event schedule.

There are only six rooms, and I speak only for the

one we stayed in, the Attic – ample space, comfortable

pillow-laden beds, a showerhead comparable to the

steering wheel of an articulated truck, and a colour

scheme that echoes the name of the hotel. Make no

mistake: this isn’t an escape aimed at hippy types who

favour singsongs round open fires over a few modcons;

the extras in our room included an espresso machine,

flatscreen TV with all the Sky and DVD trimmings, a

DAB radio and a well-stocked minibar.

What grabbed me was the abundance of sofas

and roaring fires that make every room a perfect place

to kick back with a book or the Sunday papers after a

coastal stroll. The headline act, however, is what they

stick on my plate. From the just-baked scones, loaded

with clotted cream and local jam, through to the

delicately salty Salcombe smokie, the fresh, mostly

local ingredients were always excellent. Thank you, Ally

and co.

Rather than a common-or-garden fancy hotel,

staying at the Whitehouse feels like spending the

weekend with stylish, hospitable (and significantly

better off) friends. Its appearance is the result of the

owners’ good taste rather than the work of an interior

designer, and it’s more a place to feel comfortable in

than marvel at. We were looking for something

quintessentially English, and we were lucky enough to

find a homely hideaway in the middle of a splendid

county. And don’t let its American-presidential-abode

name distract: this hip hotel makes you feel truly

patriotic. Rule Britannia, indeed.’g

‘Staying at the Whitehouse feelslike spending the weekend withstylish, hospitable (andsignificantly better off) friends’



Mr Smith says…Tuddenham MillHigh Street, Tuddenham, Near Newmarket, Suffolk

IP28 6SQ

Style Streamlined gourmet getaway

Setting Brink of the Suffolk Brecks

Rooms 15

Rates £195–£395, including breakfast.

Smith Factor This 18th-century Suffolk hotel is a

converted water mill in 12 acres of land, enhanced

with a sleek, minimalist restaurant and super-

stylish boudoirs with high-spec Starck-fitted

ensuites. Tuddenham Mill is somewhere to while

away a lazy sunny afternoon playing boules by a

swan-studded pond, or cosied up on statement

furniture in a spacious lounge bar under original

exposed beams. With delicious food confronting you

at every turn (home-made biscuits in your room;

jars of pickle at reception), you’ll hardly go hungry,

but for a change of scene, take your pick from

Newmarket’s restaurants and cafés, or head into

Bury St Edmunds.

‘About as close to Manhattan as you’ll get in Suffolk,

Tuddenham Mill is akin to a downtown NY hotel – set in 12

acres of gorgeous Brecks-borders land. The reception,

with its generous glass double doors, welcomes you into a

large lobby with cool greys and flagstone floors. Catching

our eyes in the corner is a blazing fire; the ambience is

relaxed and inviting and we are entirely ready to collapse

onto the clean-lined furniture.

We’re sleeping in the eaves of the mill, and it turns

out to be a huge, double?height, beamed barn of a

bedroom, resplendent in sleek, Italian?designed

minimalism. We can’t help but wonder what the

mill?workers who used to toil their lives away here would

make of our lazy-lubber weekend. Knowing that this hotel

revolves around its restaurant, and wizard Scots chef

Gordon McNeill, we’re thrilled it’s time for dinner. Centre

stage, behind the bar, is the original waterwheel; it

becomes a real showpiece by night when its full glory is

illuminated by pulsating up-lights. Even patrons who take

a table upstairs can peer down, through a glass floor-

panel, at the mighty and beautiful machinery – lovingly

restored, yet still resolutely functional.

The kitchen team doesn’t disappoint, delivering

inventive, courageous, witty and hearty fare – not suited to

the squeamish, though: Gordon’s signature dish, ‘A Taste

of the Highlands’, features haggis spring roll and shin of

beef stovi. Opposite me, a seafood salad is being devoured

– Cromer crab, crayfish tails, king scallops, peeled

prawns – a reminder that we’re not far from fleets of

fishing vessels. The wine list is not only excellent, but also

reasonably priced. Even the glassware is fabulous;

bulbous bowls that fill your palm, perfect for each slug of

shiraz. Clearly, Tuddenham Mill is a place that’s perfectly

suited to foodies who like proper portions and are happy

to hole themselves up in this culinary fantasyland.’

‘A place that’s perfectly suited tofoodies who like proper portionsand are happy to hole themselvesup in this culinary fantasyland’



Mrs Smith says…The Brew House Hotel1 Warwick Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TA

Style Crisp modern makeover

Setting Pantiles-handy Warwick Park

Rooms 10

Rates £150–£195, including full English breakfast.

Smith Factor With super-spa pampering and quirky

boutiques all but a genteel totter away, the Brew

House Hotel is a great choice for couples in need

of some serious pampering. If you’ve come to

escape the stresses of city life, you’ll find plenty of

greenery to soothe souls: there’s miles of open

Weald-land to explore. Inside the Brew House, the

minimalist decor is saved from coldness by clever

flashes of colour and touches of texture: orange

chandeliers warm up the hotel’s fantastic little

cocktail bar, while a pink pillar or two provide

focus in the elegant restaurant. Upstairs, the

white-on-white theme continues in the bedrooms,

with a calming palette of greys, taupes and creams

used to add warmth via soft furnishings. Our

favourite feature? The catch-me-if-you-can glass

bathroom walls, which flick from frosty to clear at

the touch of a button – hours of fun before you’ve

even stepped outside…

‘Set in the heart of the town centre on Warwick

Park, the Brew House Hotel is a beauty – even when

compared to the other stunners in the vicinity. Think

warm pink stone interspersed with pale cream and a

peaked arch top, and two round semi-circular windows

on the ground floor that reveal flashes of pristine white

and a soft spotlight glow.

Judging by the clean lines in the lobby, I’m

steeling myself for something rather minimalist, but am

pleasantly surprised, elated even, to see that the Brew

House has managed to pull off that trickiest of tricks –

contemporary design using stark colours, yet still

managing to infuse the room with warmth. The black

glass furniture might have made the room severe, but

cleverly, they’ve added touches such as champagne,

silver and white fabric blinds and a black silk bedspread

with a gold underside.

I don’t anticipate any major hurdles – until I switch

on the bathroom light, that is. The door is made of clear

glass. A jumble of situations – most of them ghastly –

present themselves in my head. While my voice gets

increasingly high-pitched, Mr Smith calmly flicks a

switch next to the light and the door frosts into opaque.

My hero.

Before dinner, we hit the hotel bar, which has the

same decor as the restaurant, barring a blue light-filled

panel of glass, strange octopus neon chandeliers,

plump white chairs and dark wood floors. The Number

One restaurant is almost at full capacity; I believe it’s

because the Brew House offers good food – minus

stratospheric prices. Champagne, Chablis, pinot noir,

two starters and mains all came in at less than £100.

Back in the room, the distilled silence filtering

though the sea of trees and quiet that surrounds

Tunbridge Wells awaits us. Egyptian cotton sheets

soothe our food-heavy bodies with a soft touch, and this

spotlit bubble, high above the madding crowds, is the

place that Mr Smith and I love best.’

‘The Brew House has managed topull off that trickiest of tricks –contemporary design using starkcolours, yet still managing toinfuse the room with warmth.’


At Home in Britain’s Best HomeSharon Kilby talks to Property Consultant Amanda Barrington


Resting magically amongst the heavilyscented and lush woodland of the HarghamEstate in Norfolk stands a shining exampleof modern architecture at its mostinspiring. Breathtakingly in appearanceWoods End is a striking combination ofcontemporary and traditional design thatcaptures the very essence of modern living.It is no great surprise therefore thatproperty boasts the impressive accolade of‘Britain’s Best Home’ and has receivedpraise from numerous respected architectsand designers. Woods End was voted thewinner of Channel 5 series “I own Britain’sBest Home” by public vote beating 27 otherhouses in the series all vying for therevered title and the £20,000 prize moneywhich owner Amanda Barrington donatedto 3 Charities.

Woods End was created by renowneddesigner and property developer AmandaBarrington and offers state of the artcontemporary living in a natural andecologically sensitive environment. Havingpainstakingly researched the very bestenvironmentally efficient constructiontechniques, the completed house nowblends in harmoniously with the landscape.With a natural eye for good design Amandahas a wealth of experience in bringingbuildings to life and her work as aconsultant has lead to her involvement in

many exciting interior and exterior projects.Commissions have included lifestyle officesand apartments in London, periodproperties in the country and even a veryswanky seaside beach-hut.

The award for Britain’s Best Home wasconfirmed following the course of 8 heatswhere architectural designer MichaelHomes and interior consultant MelissaPorter and property journalist RussellHarris put 24 of the U.K. homes throughtheir paces as 24 hour “live in guests”.Their task was to interview owners whowere passionate about their homes andhave toiled over build, design andrenovation, leaving their own personalstamp on their buildings. Michael HomesArchitect and Property Designer said ofWoods End “This is truly a remarkablepiece of Architecture which has taken fullconsideration of eco credentials”.

The location of Woods End was pivotalto its creation and the natural undulation ofthe landscape and the gentle sweepingcurves of the river are all mirrored in theshape and style of the building. PropertyConsultant and owner of Woods EndAmanda Barrington explains how her ideasstarted to become realty “The moment Ivisited the plot I could visualize clearly howthe house would look and feel, the flow ofthe river and the gentleness of the g


D E C K B U I L D E R SD E S I G N E D T O R E F L E C T A L I F E S T Y L E

Decking solutions for the great outdoors

Specialists in the design and construction of decks and timberstructures we are able to create individual outdoor living

environments on any scale. With designs to reflect your way oflife, we provide seamless transitions from inside to outside your

home, regardless of landscape or location.

Call now for a brochure anddesign consultation

0845 370 7790

www.deckbuildersltd.co.uk



surroundings all called for a property thatsat comfortably in its natural environment. I had spent two years trying to find the perfectplot whilst also researching responsiblebuilding techniques. One of the mostimportant factors for me was to make themost of the fantastic light that fills the area.”

Sitting within 2 acres of landscapedand natural gardens, the surroundingcountryside provides a harmoniousbackdrop to the rich hues of the timberclad building. Having bought the plot in2001 Amanda enlisted the services ofaward winning architects Roderick Jameswho interpreted Amanda’s ideas into aworkable design. Encompassing manyecologically sound elements the finishedhouse goes that extra mile when it comesto achieving a perfect balance betweenluxury living and responsible building.

Utilising traditional constructionmethods alongside contemporarytechnology and natural materials WoodsEnd embodies the very best of both classicand modern design. An innovative fusion ofstyles the house maximises on the brightNorfolk light which floods the interior of thebuilding creating a calm and tranquil space.

The exterior has a timeless quality andis easy on the eye; it enjoys gently curvingroofs topped with flowering sedum whichprovide a pretty display of white and pinkflowers during the summer. Built on stiltsthe house is able to ‘breathe’ and the aircan circulate around the buildingeliminating any stale air and potential dampareas. Woods End is healthy on so manylevels providing clear light, unpolluted airand the use of natural materials alsomeans that no harmful toxins have beenused in the construction process.

Organic materials have also beenthroughout the house including majesticDouglas Firs grown and supplied from asustainable UK source at Longleat, which

have been crafted to form the frame, whilstthe exterior of the building has beenenveloped in Redwood Cedar.

Woods End enjoys exquisite views ofthe garden designed by Amanda whichincludes a Japanese style water feature,bridges, decks and terraces all designed tocomplement the location and provide spacefor relaxation. The stream that flowsthrough the grounds brings a Zen likequality to the space and adds a sense oftranquility and calm.

Having really studied the landscapeand its intrinsic character Amanda had avery clear vision of how the house shouldbe built. “I felt that the house needed tolook and feel as if it had naturally evolvedfrom the land. The building needed to beexceptional in order to do justice to itslocation and we have kept true to this visionwithout compromise. The house evenchanges naturally with the seasons, thesedums on the roof take on a lavender huein the autumn and the cedar claddingbecomes darker and more intense duringthe winter. In the summer months the roofenjoys a sprinkling of white flowers and thetimber walls of the house become lighter”.

The interior of the house is equallybreathtaking with open plan living spaces



and the temperature is ambient all yearround thanks to the thoroughly efficientthermal and sound insulation together withstate of the art windows which cut outharmful ultra violet rays whilst alsoensuring against heat loss.

With function and form being adheredto in each space the building has beenthoughtfully designed to allow a naturalflow from room to room. Floor to ceilingwindows have been introduced in manyareas and high quality contemporaryfittings add to the overall feeling ofunderstated luxury. The four bedrooms allenjoy views across the gardens andbathrooms have limestone floors, walls andsurfaces and are fitted with Boffi andFantini sanitary ware.

The floors are predominately oak in theliving areas and limestone in thebathrooms and are laid over a sophisticatedunderfloor heating system, the mattkitchen has been designed by BOC Designof Chelsea using white cabinetry by Hacker.

Designed to be both comfortable andstylish Amanda’s eye for detail is clearlyevident and the living space has an air ofrelaxed sophistication. Using localcraftsmen and suppliers to create a uniqueand restful interior, fittings are all of thevery highest specifications. Doors havebeen handmade in Ash, movementsensitive lighting is fitted throughout,electric Lutron blinds can be activatedremotely and the whole house enjoys wi-fiand satellite links.

Drawing much inspiration from the Far East Amanda’s style is unique andwhilst recognising the requirements of acontemporary lifestyle she has successfullyachieved a harmonious balance betweenexterior and interior living. “This house hasits own sense of calm and serenity which Iam sure reflects the fact that it has beenrespectfully built taking the landscape into

consideration from the very beginning. It isa wonderful place in which to live and has apositive effect on everyone that visits”.

Amanda Barrington is available for

exterior and interior design consultancy,

Woods End is currently for sale for more

information please visit

www.woodsendnorfolk.co.uk or call

Amanda Barrington on 07740 411710.


Alice in Wonderland

Headpiece: Louis MariettePhotographer: Dave Wise assisted by Ben Lycett

Stylist: Rivkie BaumModel: Mecia Simpson @ Models 1

(Winner of Britain’s Next Top Model)Dress: Grace Shannan

Shoes: Guiseppe ZanottiHair: Noel Gibbins assisted by Laura Hunt

Make-up: Lauren Baker



Milliner extraordinaire!

Exotic bejewelled headpieces, bespoke hat couture, inspiring

accessories… a talent that isrising head and shoulders above

the competition, as well as abeckoning TV career.

Allie Philpin had the pleasure of talking to the charismatic Louis Mariette

about his exciting life and fabulous luxury creations.

Louis Mariette, Britain’s next top model judge

Photographer: David Venni



Louis was born in Malawi but grew up inBotswana and Swaziland - add to that hisMauritian origins. As a child he wasfascinated by all flora and fauna. His loveof nature and creative design became achildhood passion that has stood him ingood stead, together with his flair forartistic imagination.

His siblings went into the hotelindustry, and Louis duly followed. But hewas soon running an exclusive partyplanning business - themed parties withfabulous table pieces and décor, alldesigned by Louis, and this is where he‘dipped his toes’ into headpieces forguests using the colour palettes of thedécor, flowers and trimmings. Louis says,

“It was quite extraordinary; althoughmy training is in hotels, the requests forheadpieces just seemed to take over andnext thing I knew, I’m being asked todesign the headpieces for a fashion show!”

The fashion show in question was inMilan, Italy and the man asking was MichaelDye, the Creative Director – 25 headpieces,all bespoke for each outfit. After months of

work matching materials, threads andtrimmings, the organisers requested a fulldress rehearsal and presentation of theheadpieces. “It was amazing,” says Louis,“all the models wore their outfits with theirheadpieces and presented them to theorganisers. They were all Italian, which Ididn’t speak; they didn’t speak English andthey showed no emotion or expression, so Ihad no idea what they thought… heart in themouth time!” Michael Dye eventually putLouis’ mind at rest, they loved all hiscreations, except one, and his career as amilliner escalated.

Not long after the fashion show, Louisreceived a telephone call from potentialclients asking to meet at his studio. “I wasso surprised, my first commission and thecall came out of the blue. I didn’t even askwho they were!” said Louis. He soon foundout… Harrods! They commissioned him tocreate all their window and shop floordisplays, as well as providing helpful tipsand advice to their clientele; and the rest,

as they say, is history. And recently,his ‘Diffusion’ accessory range has been

picked up by Net-a-Porter.com, theworld’s premier luxury online retailer.

Each and every headpiece oraccessory that Louis creates is completelybespoke. His inspiration comes from hischildhood homes and his many travelsaround the world, drawing on the amazingscenery he sees and different cultures hevisits. “The Bhutanese people in theHimalayas are inspirational,” says Louis.Louis works closely with the client, andsays, “Hats are a very personal accessoryand different creations look different ondifferent people; it’s very individual.”

In April this year, Louis was invited tobe one of the judges on Living TV’s‘Britain’s Next Top Model’. “Wonderful andso exciting!” says Louis. Workingalongside Lisa Snowdon and Icelandicphotographer, Huggy Rugnarsson, Louiswas the ‘couture fashion’ element of thethree. “Working with Lisa and Huggy hasbeen just great,” says Louis. “I wasencouraged to be just myself… we haddifferent views on the models, but weworked well together. It’s hard for modelstoday, they have to be so multi-functionalwhich isn’t an easy task,” he says. Withinthe show, one of the tasks for the modelswas to present themselves to a selectionof his clientele, which was challenging.Another task for the models was to re-create his stunning ‘Princess Neptune’headpiece shoot (Photographer: ZenaHolloway, Stylist: Heidi Taylor), which wonthe Best Hat of 2008 Award from TatlerHong Kong. “It was such a hard thing todo,” says Louis. “The models had toimmerse themselves in a tank of g water,and we had all the safety divers andprofessional photographers ready to takethe right shot… all very impressive!” Thelast show of the series is was ‘Alice inWonderland’ theme and Louis created theheadpieces for this finale. Would he do itagain? “Oh, very definitely!” says Louis, g

Bejewelled

Photographer: Catherine HarbourModel: Lucy Davis at Acclaim

Make-up: Lan Nguyen


Alice in Wonderland

Headpiece: Louis MariettePhotographer: Dave Wise assisted by Ben Lycett

Stylist: Rivkie BaumModel: Mecia Simpson @ Models 1

(Winner of Britain’s Next Top Model)Dress: Grace Shannan

Shoes: Guiseppe ZanottiHair: Noel Gibbins assisted by Laura Hunt

Make-up: Lauren Baker g



Flame of Desire

Photographer: Camille SansonHair: Claudio ContrastiMake-up: Lan Nguyen

Dress: Gething

“it has been such a fabulous and excitingproject!”

In 2005, Louis was catapulted into thehighest echelons of bespoke hat couturewith the creation of the world’s mostexpensive hat, the £1.5million Chapeaud’Amour (Photographer: Alice Wilby,Stylist: Michael Dye). The headpiece wascommissioned by Harrods for the openingof their Hat and Evening Wear department.“The hat was inspired by my Mauritianroots,” recalls Louis, “and we were stillfinishing the little details just the daybefore! It is woven with platinum fabric(from the Platinum Guild) as well asdiamonds and was modelled, of course, bythe gorgeous Lisa Butcher.”

And the accolades keep coming… in2006 he was awarded the Celebration ofLife Jewellery Design Award in FashionAccessories by The Tanzanite Foundation,and in 2007 i-D name him one of the 250most creative people. As recently as 2009,the Luxury Marketing Council Europeawarded Louis the Most InnovativeProduct Design-Range at their LuxuriaAwards… not bad for an artistic andimaginative child with a passion for floraand fauna!

Louis’ talent, flair, inspiration and ‘joiede vivre’ have certainly captured theimagination of many – photographers,designers and creative directors – and areworn by the famous and glamorous suchas Joan Collins, Jodie Kidd, Paris Hilton,Pink (the singer), Erin O’Connor, JerryHall, Kate Moss, Olga Kurylenko, PrincessSabina von Stentel and StephanieSeymour to name but a few, and he workswith leading international companies likethe Plantinum Guild, Swarovski, Harrods,Boucheron, Links,

The Dorchester, the Royal OperaHouse and Cliveden House.

And when he’s not working on his



fabulous creations? Louis immerseshimself into his other passions – interiors,sport such as jet skiing, snow skiing,anything that is fun! “I love animals, myfather was a vet, and I was recently ajudge at a Dog Show on behalf of theMacmillan Cancer Trust,” Louis tells us,and he has just been appointed a VicePresident of The Children’s Trust as wellas being a patron of the St Thomas LupusTrust… all this as well as his marathonrunning – 7 so far, including this year’sLondon Marathon!

Another passion is his love of therainforests. “It is so important to protectthese environments, such as in Brazil,”says Louis, “it’s so important becauseonce they’re gone, they cannot bereplaced!” he enthuses.

Louis’ outlook is to live life to the fulland enjoy yourself. “I was a judge at theHat Show at Royal Ascot this year whichwas great fun, so exciting!” he laughs.“I’ve been blessed with a fantastic thirtysix years so far and I hope to be blessedwith many more! To be happy, adventurousand above all to have fun… who could askfor more?”

And his ambition? “I love my work andwant to go on creating new and inspiringheadpieces, as well as expanding anddeveloping my brand and designs intodifferent areas, like the accessories,”Louis explains. “I also love Thailand, it’smy favourite country. I’d love to open asmall boutique or hotel over there, with aluxurious environment and feel, andattention to detail of course.”

His enthusiasm is captivating, hisenergy is incredible, his talent isunquestionably huge, and coupled with hischarisma and love of life, this particularmilliner is destined to be a star.

www.louismariette.co.uk

Flight of Fantasy

Photographer: Ian Gillet at London Fashion Week for theManish Arora catwalk show

Miss Tick Tock

Photographer: Ross PerkinsModel: Jasmia at AcclaimDress: Gething



“Running a restaurant is like putting on a live show every day –

but without a script.”

The cast assembles at 7am every

morning, five days a week,

backstage in the kitchen of

Royal Hospital Road. Silently

and in total concentration, they

rehearse their roles: preparing

up to 15 sauces from stocks that

have been bubbling away

overnight; prepping the

vegetables; filleting the fish;

par-cooking the risotto; or

caramelising the tarte tatins to

be finished off during service.

This five-hour mise-en-place

ahead of lunch is when 90 per

cent of the work is done.

Front of house Jean-Claude,

Gordon’s long-serving maitre d,

casts a final eye over the dining

room to make sure that every



glass, every piece of cutlery is in

place. Soon the audience will

take their seats and expect

another flawless performance.

Better than anyone, Gordon

knows that running a restaurant

is like putting on a show, a

selfcontained drama in three

acts. People come to be fed, but

they also come to be entertained.

The smile on arrival, the

discreet service, the playfulness

of a pineapple and chilli soup

– all are calculated to bring that

buzz of excitement. “It has to be

dramatic because customers

vote with their feet. If they

aren’t excited by the way they

eat, they won’t come back,

simple as that.”



AND SO THE SHOW BEGINS. As in any three-star restaurant, this is

signalled by the arrival of the amuse-bouches, literally ‘entertainments

for the mouth’. Their gastronomic function is to get the tastebuds

going, to tease the palate with the promise of the delights to follow.

More than this, though, they help to put diners at their ease as they

settle into their new surroundings, drawing their focus to the task in

hand – to surrender to the unalloyed luxury that is a three-star meal.



PAN-RIED SCALLOPS WITH A MILLEFEUILLE OF POTATO,PARMASAN VELOUTÉ AND TRUFFLE SMARTIES



NOW THE KITCHEN MOVES INTO GEAR. A pre-starter is dispatched, again to

heighten anticipation but also to win the chefs a little more time to

prepare the first dish to be cooked to order. “You don’t want to give guests

time to get bored, or they’ll start picking holes in the décor. Their starter

should be on the table within 15 minutes of ordering, max.”

Extracts taken from the Gordon Ramsay book, Three Star Chef.All photographs © Quentin Bacon

‘Three Star Chef ’ is currently available via all good book storeswww.quadrille.co.uk

Restaurant, Gordon Ramsay,68, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HP

[email protected]


Input Joinery Ltd was established in 1979 to produce all aspects of bespoke joinery. The company is based on the outskirts of Andover, Hampshire in a purpose built factory equipped with state-of-the-art computer controlled machinery operated by traditionally skilled craftsmen.

Our product range is virtually limitless, but includes; high performance doors and windows, staircases, conservatories, orangeries, lantern lights, sliding folding doors...just ask. Give us a call on:

01264 771900

The Fairground, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 0ST

www.inputwindows.co.uk

PROUDLY BUILT IN

BRITAIN

join er y | 'join re |nounthe wooden components of a building, such as stairs, doors, windows and conservatories, viewed collectively.

e- HARDWOODWINDOWS AND

CONSERVATORIES

At Brightwood, every one of our hardwood windows, doors,

conservatories and orangeries is unique and designed to

complement your home and lifestyle.

We are justifi ably proud of our quality and invite you to

arrange an appointment to visit our showroom and tour

our factory to see for yourself why. Give us a call on:

01264 771900

The Fairground, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 0ST

www.brightwood-conservatories.co.uk

PROUDLY BUILT IN

BRITAIN




Clyro, Herefordshire£1,295,000A Country Residence of Considerable CharacterCommanding Finest Black Mountain Views.Approaching 10 Acres.

5 reception rooms, kitchen, 6 bedrooms (3 en-suite),bathroom, approx: 4300 sq ft, garage, observatory, gardens,Scotts stable block, outbuildings, paddocks, woodland.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Bevere, Worcestershire£1,275,000A Spectacular Country Residence of 5400 sq ft (500 sq m)GIA approx. with Panoramic Views 1.66 ac (0.68 ha).

Reception/dining hall, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room,utility, gymnasium, cloakroom, study, 5 bedrooms(2 en-suite), 2 bathrooms, garage, tennis court, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Bransford, Worcestershire£1,250,000A Lifestyle Opportunity, Stylish Residence Overlooking ItsOwn Extensive Fisheries. 5.6 Ac (2.3 Ha) approx.

3 reception rooms kitchen, 4 bedrooms (all en-suite).Annexe: In all 3350 sq ft (310 sq m) GIA approx.Garage, fishing lodge, 3 fishing lakes, extensive aviaries.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Elmley Lovett, Worcestershire£1,200,000A Distinguished Grade II Listed Residence of ImmenseCharacter, around 7000 sq ft, Approx 12.5 acres.

Elizabethan hall, 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, utility,boot room, 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 attics, s/c cottage,garaging, stables, outbuildings, garden, paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735

WINTER COLLECTION 75WINTER COLLECTION 75


Alvechurch, Worcestershire£1,190,000A Magnificent Principle Residence and Neighbouring CottageIdeal for Extended or Dual Families & Annexe Purposes.

Croft House: Exceptional living room, study, sitting room, dining room, kitchen breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 1 en-suite,bathroom, integral double garage, three bay dutch barn. The Cottage: Living room, dining room, kitchen breakfast room,3 double bedrooms, 1 en-suite, bathroom, detached garage.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Bromsgrove, Worcestershire£1,195,000A First Class Country House in the Town with AdjoiningCoach House. In all around 6,425 sq ft.

Drawing room, dining room, kitchen-breakfast/day room,study, master bedroom suite, four further bedrooms,principle and secondary bathrooms. Coach House: Extensive garaging/workshops, bedrooms

Telephone: 01905 734735



Studley, Warwickshire£995,000A Particularly Impressive Detached Residence Occupyingan Attractive Setting amongst Secluded Grounds.

Hall with Gallery Landing, 4 receptions, Kitchen & Utility,5 Bedrooms, 2 En-Suite, Bathroom, Games room, Garage &Stores, Landscaped Grounds & Private Woodland,Approximately 2 Acres.

Telephone: 01527 66161

Pedmore, West Midlands£1,050,000Immaculately Presented Imposing Residence Situated InGated Development.

Hall, 4 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, cloakroom, bootroom, galleried landing to master bedroom, dressing roomand en-suite, five further bedrooms with 3 en-suites,bathroom, triple garage and gardens.

Telephone: 01384 370232



Pedmore, West Midlands £995,000A Gentleman’s Residence Situated in One of the Most ProminentLocations in the West Midlands.

Hall, cloakroom, 4 receptions, kitchen, utility, boiler room, WC,4 bedrooms, 2 en-suites, bathroom (approx. 3,767 sq ft). Garage andwell established garden.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Stourbridge, West Midlands £995,000Fine Detached Residence, being 5,987 sq ft with Electric Gates inSought after Location. No Upward Chain, Part ExchangeConsidered For a Smaller Property in Stourbridge Area.

Hall, cloakroom, 4 reception rooms, kitchen, snug, conservatory,utility room, shower room, function room, 5 bedrooms, en-suite,2 bathrooms, garage with loft accommodation, club house, gardens.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Blakedown, Worcs £985,000An Exceptional Equestrian Property within A Very Prestigious Areawith Around 42 Acres (17 Ha) Sold As A Whole or In Three Lots.

2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite),bathroom, 1,766 sq ft (164 sq m) gia approx, 24 stables. Indoor school, allweather manège, 17 paddock enclosures, woodland, bridleway, subject toan agricultural/equestrian occupancy condition.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Bridgnorth, Shropshire £985,000A Distinguished Southerly Facing Period Residence ofConsiderable Character (5600 sq ft (520 sq m) GIA approx).

4 reception rooms, kitchen, 9 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, swimmingpool, stabling, electrically operated gates, garden, ha-ha, paddock,approximately 6.5 acres.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Pedmore, West Midlands£1,050,000A five bedroomed residence originally built circa 1930’sand situated in this sought after location.

Hall, fitted cloakroom, 4 reception rooms, utility, gamesroom, 5 Bedrooms, 2 en-suites, Jack and Jill style bathroom,double garage and front and rear gardens.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Barnt Green, Worcestershire£1,175,000A graceful, exquisitely styled period residence in a firstclass setting

Hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room,kitchen/breakfast room, 6 bedrooms (2 en-suite), dressingroom, sitting room, around 4000 sq ft, garaging, gardensaround 1 acre.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Blakedown, Worcs £975,000In popular location of Blakedown, imposing family home inlandscaped grounds totaling one acre.

Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility/stores, cloakroom,master bedroom, bathroom, separate wc, 3 double bedrooms, doublegarage, landscaped gardens, plans to extend subject to pp.


Droitwich, Worcs £985,000A Conveniently Located Character Residence within a ParklandSetting Commanding Magnificent Views. Approx Nine Acres.

Hall, four reception rooms, kitchen, six bedrooms (1 en-suite),two bathrooms, around 3000 sq.ft, garage, lawned gardens, stables,outbuildings, paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Alvechurch, Worcs £975,000A magnificently situated property and outbuildings with holiday letPP 54 acres (22 ha) approx.

Farmhouse: 2,400 sq ft (225 sq m) GIA approx.Traditional Outbuilding:3400 sq ft (315 sq m) GIA approx.Portal Barn, Long driveway, WildlifeLake, Pastureland with PP for new vehicular access.

Telephone: : 01905 734735

Stourbridge, West Midlands £925,000A Stunning Contemporary Six Bedroom Family Homes in a MostPrestigious Location.

Reception hall, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, gym/study,office/dining room, utility, 6 bedrooms (2 en-suite) bathroom(approx. 2,892 sq ft). Triple garage and attractive gardens.

Telephone: 01384 370232


Birlingham, Worcs £895,000An Exceptional Village Residence with Attached Barn Conversionwith Indoor Heated Swimming Pool.

Sitting room, conservatory, kitchen/dining room, snooker room,6 bedrooms (one en-suite), bathroom, shower room, 3800 sq ft(354 sq m) GIA approx, garage, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735


Upper Strensham, Worcs £895,000A Distinguished Residence of Classic Proportions (5200 sq ft (480 sq m) GIA approx).

4 Reception Rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 6 bedrooms (2 en-suite),2 bathrooms, studio, period outbuilding, garden. Paddock ofapproximately 2 acres available by separate negotiation.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Nr Bromsgrove, Worcs £895,000A Grade II Listed Residence ideal for use as a Bed and Breakfast(approximately 33 ac (13 ha).

4 reception rooms, kitchen, 8 bedrooms (3 en-suite), 2 bathrooms,games room, holiday flat, 6000 ft² (550 m²) GIA approx, periodoutbuildings with holiday let planning consent, moated gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Stone, Worcs £895,000A Period Country House within a Beautiful Location (4600 sq ft(430 sq m) GIA approx approximately 1.5 ac (0.6 ha).

2 reception rooms, kitchen, former dairy, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,self-contained annex, traditional garaging, stabling and outbuildings,plants man’s garden, orchard, tennis court, woodland.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Sambourne, Warwickshire £895,000A Truly Exceptional Detached Residence Occupying a PremiumLocation Within A Desirable Enclave.

Hall, sitting room, dining room, study, sun lounge, family kitchen & utility, 4 double bedrooms, 2 en-suite, swimming pool, gymnasium & sauna, grounds extending to approx. 2.5 acres. GIA.4290 sq ft.


Blakedown, Worcs £895,000A Handsome Family Home of Immense Quality in aPrestigious Setting.

Living room, dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room,sun room, study, 5 bedrooms (1 en-suite), bathroom, around 3150 sq ftdouble garage, landscaped gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Stourbridge, West Midlands £895,000An Immaculate Detached Family Residence Situated In A Cul-De-Sac In This Sought After Location.

Hall, cloakroom, 4 reception rooms, dining kitchen with family area,utility, landing, 5 bedrooms, 2 with en-suites, house bathroom,bedroom six/games room, storeroom, triple garage.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Knighton-On-Teme, Worcs £890,000A Grade II Listed Country Residence of Considerable Character.Approx 4.6 Acres (1.9 Ha).

4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, shower room, 5 bedrooms,bathroom, 2800 sq ft (260 sq m) GIA approx, period outbuildings,mature landscaped gardens, woodland, wildlife pond.

Telephone: 01905 734735


Wolverley, Worcs £890,000A Resplendent Grade II Listed Attached Period Home ofBreathtaking Proportions.

Hall, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast/familyroom, laundry. 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, shower room, lift, cellarage,approx 7000 sq.ft, communal parkland.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Ockeridge, Worcs £875,000A Character Country Residence 3750 sq ft (350 sq m) GIA approx,within a Blissful Rural Location. Around 1.5 ac (0.60 ha).

4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 6 bedrooms (2 en-suite),bathroom, garage with first floor, all-weather tennis court, landscapedgardens, wildlife pond.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Churchill, Worcs £875,000An Individual House in Beautiful Parkland Gardens.Approx 2.25 acres.

Four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom,dressing room, en-suite, second bedroom en-suite, 2 further bedrooms,bathroom, gardens, garaging. Around 3455 sq ft. PP for 2 storey extension.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Bromsgrove, Worcs £825,000Grade II Listed Family Home At The Heart Of The Village. Approx.3 Acres.

Drawing room, dining room, snug, kitchen, breakfast room, gardenroom, cellarage, 6 bedrooms , 1 en-suite, around 4,370 sq ft,outbuildings, gardens, paddock.

Telephone: 01905 734735


LUCTON SCHOOL

www.luctonschool.org

A quality education on your doorstepLucton is a co-educational day andboarding school, with small classesand traditional values.Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex visited recently as partof Lucton’s tercentenary celebrations. During the visit,Prince Edward met a number of prep school pupils andsaw some excellent swimming displays in the newswimming pool, which he agreed to name ‘The WessexPool’. The Prince saw the CCF on parade and was highlyentertained by some of the music and drama in the seniorschool.

Lucton has seen strong growth in the last few years andMrs Gill Thorne, Lucton’s Headmistress, is committed toconsistently raising standards. “At Lucton, we are veryfortunate with the high quality of staff we have been ableto attract. My aim is simply to raise standards in everypossible aspect of school life. Recent investments haveincluded a new Sixth Form Centre, IT suites and anindoor swimming pool. A measure of Lucton’s success hasbeen seen in the value-added tables over recent years, inwhich we have consistently performed very well.”

Please call or e-mail now to receive your copy of the Lucton DVD.

Telephone: 01568 [email protected]


Fernhill Heath, Worcs £795,000A Commanding Family Home of Exceptional Quality bordering theRoyal Grammar School.

Drawing room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen breakfast room,conservatory, family room, leisure room, 4 bedrooms, dressing room,2 en-suite, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Holt Heath, Worcs £795,000Fabulous Conversion.

Drawing room, dining room, family room, TV room, study, gallerysitting room, kitchen breakfast room, 4 bedroom (3 en-suite), showerroom, around 3670 sq ft, triple garaging, multi-purpose room,landscaped gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Lower Broadheath, Worcs £795,000An Exquisite New Executive Home of Immense Quality in 1 Acre.

Hall, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room/conservatory, kitchenbreakfast room, pantry, utility, 5/6 bedrooms (5 en-suites), gatedentrance, 2 car garage with office over, garden, paddock and stabling.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Newnham Bridge, Tenbury £795,000A Beautifully Presented Georgian House with a StunningNew Orangery.

Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room,study, cellar with games room and cinema room, master bedroom,dressing room and bathroom, 6 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,garden, paddock, outbuildings including 3 bay garage.

Telephone: 01905 734735




Burford, Worcs £795,000An Extensive Country Residence with Detached Cottage (in allapprox: 5700 sq ft) mature landscaped gardens.

Principal residence: 5 reception rooms, kitchen, 6 bedrooms (2 en-suite), bathroom, garage. keepers cottage: 2 reception rooms,kitchen, bedroom. outbuilding. Joint Agents: Strutt and Parker 01584 873711.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Malvern, Worcs £795,000An Impressive and Elegant Regency Grade II Listed ResidenceCommanding Glorious Far Reaching Views.

3 reception rooms, kitchen, conservatory, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,lawned garden, woodland. 4,200 sq ft (390 sq m) GIA approx.In excess of 1 acre.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Worcester, Worcs £790,000A Prototype Executive Newly Built Home fitted and finished to anexceptional level.

4 reception rooms Kitchen, 5 Bedrooms (all en-suite),Study/Playroom, Bathroom, Garage, Balconies, Garden, 5,800 sq ft(540 sq m) GIA approx, all with glorious views.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Kidderminster, Worcs £785,000An Arts And Crafts Residence of Great Architectural Merit within a Highly Prestigious Residential Area.

5 reception rooms, kitchen, 5 bedrooms (2 en-suites), bathroom,shower room, billiard room, three-car garage, 6000 sq ft (560 sq m)GIA approx, swimming pool, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735



Hartlebury, Worcs £775,000Eminent Georgian House in the Heart of the Village.

4 principal receptions, 6 bedrooms, 2 en-suite, studio, cellars.Detached coach house with p.p. Beautiful gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Cockshot Road, Malvern £765,000Large Modern Detached Family Home Located Within GreatMalvern Benefiting From Spacious Multi-Purpose Garden Room.

4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, garden room,master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, 4 furtherbedrooms, 2 with en-suite, gardens, parking, double garage.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Mamble, Worcs £750,000A Distinctive Early Georgian Residence of Immense CharacterStanding Within Elegant Gardens and Grounds.

Hall, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms(2 en-suite), bathroom, 3500 sq ft (330 sq m) GIA approx, garage,wildlife pond, woodland, approx 1.8 acre (0.75 ha).

Telephone: 01905 734735

Astwood, Worcs £750,000A Period Village Home Of Exceptional Character Enjoying MatureGardens Approx An Acre (3664.8 sq ft).

Inglenook reception hall, sitting room, inglenook snug, dining room,country kitchen/breakfast room, 6/7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, countrygardens, outdoor heated swimming pool, parking, Grade II Listed.




Hallow, Worcestershire £749,000Exceptional Detached Conversion in Exclusive Setting withCaptivating Views.

Drawing room, dining room, sitting room, study, kitchen – livingroom, recreation room, 5 bedrooms, 2 en-suite and bathroom.Garaging, gardens, approaching 1 acre.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Pedmore, West Midlands £745,000A Spacious 6 Bedroom Double Fronted Detached Residence,Retaining Many Original Features.

Hall, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, rear hall,dining kitchen, boot room, cellar, larder, 6 bedrooms, shower room,bathroom, separate wc (approx. 4,219 sq ft). Garage and gardens.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Hagley, West Midlands £745,000An Immaculate and Deceptively Spacious 5 Bedroomed(Plus Dressing/ Storage Room) Family Residence.

Reception hall, cloakroom, study, dining room, sitting room, diningkitchen, utility, landing, 5 bedrooms, 5 en-suites, dressing/storageroom, double garage, extensive rear garden.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Clent, Stourbridge £745,000A Deceptively Spacious Four/Five Bedroomed Detached DormerBungalow Situated In This Sought After Area.

Hall, cloakroom, sitting room, study/bedroom 5, kitchen, utility,conservatory, 2 bedrooms with en-suite, bedroom 3, bedroom 4 withstudy/sitting room, adjacent storeroom, bathroom, triple garage, gardens.

Telephone: 01384 370232

Simply beautiful…

Traditional freestanding and fitted furniture for:

Kitchen, Utility, Boot-room,Dining Room and Conservatory.

For a brochure call:01367 820895

www.bryceashton.co.uk

BUYING OR SELLINGyour bricks and mortar?The property market may be tough rightnow but it’s not impossible. And to prove it we offer fight-back services for:• Residential property sales and purchases • Home Information packs • Remortgages and equity release • Property auctions • Landlord and Tenant issues • Commercial property

If you’re buying or selling, speak to us first. For initial advice and a quote please contact: Keith Yates

01299 [email protected]

Offices at Worcester & Stourport-on-Severn

NOT JUST IN CASE...IN EVERY CASE

www.lumsdongrindley.com



Clent, Stourbridge £735,000A Well Presented and extended, Impressive Family ResidenceSituated in a Sought after Location.

Reception hall/living room, sitting room, study/family room, diningroom, kitchen, utility, WC, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 3 bedrooms, shower room. Extensive gardens, detached doublegarage, within the catchment for Hagley Schools.Telephone: 01384 370232

Sytchampton, Worcs £725,000A Superb Tudor Country Residence within a Highly ConvenientLocation. 3100 sq ft (945 sq m) GIA approx.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom,self-contained annexe, period outbuilding, garaging, stables,attractively laid out garden.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Astley, Worcs £725,000Conversion of Victorian Farm Buildings Forming 3 Self ContainedProperties with Wealth of Versatile Living Space. Ideal for anExtended Family.

Approx. GIA 4,541 sq ft spilt into dwellings 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, 3 kitchens, 5 reception rooms, garage/workshopgardens, courtyard and wild flower meadow.


Fernhill Heath, Worcs £725,000An Exceptional Executive Home Situated Within an ExclusiveSetting, Circa 3,432 sq ft.

Breakfast kitchen, family room, dining room, sitting room,conservatory, 4/5 bedrooms, dressing room, 2 en-suites, bathroom,play room and study, double garage, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

WWW.TMLEWIN.CO.UKLOCATIONS COUNTRYWIDE

“An expertly tailored suit, a perfectly cut shirt…

dressing for business is now a simple affair.

Be it quality, price or choice we aim to give you

the best of all worlds”

GEOFF QUINNMANAGING DIRECTOR

T.M.LEWIN



Hadzor, Worcs £695,000Stunning Contemporary Barn Combining Stylish Modern Designand Exceptional Specification in Popular Village Location.

2 Reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite),bathroom, garage, games room, 3240 sq ft (301 sq m) gia approx,attractively laid out gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Naunton Beauchamp, Worcs £699,000A Magical Village Retreat With Principal Residence andBusiness/Domestic Annexe Around 5.5 Acres.

Drawing room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen breakfast room,4 bedrooms, 1 en-suite, bathroom, garaging, detached annexe,garage/workshop, stabling, gardens, paddock.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Rous Lench, Worcs £675,000An Exceptional and Versatile Period Farmhouse Approaching 4000sq ft.

Drawing room, garden room, sitting room, family/dining room,kitchen-breakfast room, second kitchen, store, boot room, cloak room,6/7 bedrooms, en-suite, bathroom, shower room, garage, groundscirca 1.75 acres.Telephone: 01905 734735

Belbroughton, Worcs £650,000A Unique Property Which Successfully Marries Many PeriodFeatures and Contemporary Fitments.

2 reception rooms, conservatory, stylish kitchen, study/bedroom 5,master bedroom with superb en-suite, 2 further bedrooms with en-suite,bedroom 4 and nursery. Detached double garage with first flooraccommodation.

Telephone: 01527 579977



Uphampton, Worcs £635,000A Beautifully Presented Period Detached Residence in a Peaceful Hamlet.

Reception hall, cloakroom, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room,utility, 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite), house bathroom, 2-car garage, first floorhome office, delightful cottage garden.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Martin Hussingtree, Worcs £649,000A Highly Versatile Property Conveniently Positioned For MotorwayNetworks. In Excess Of 3.5 Acres.

4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms (two en-suite),bathroom, approx 2600 sq.ft, quadrangle of traditional stables/outbuildings approx 6100 sq.ft, garden, paddock.Joint Agents: Knight Frank 01905 723438.Telephone: 01905 734735

Bromsgrove, Worcs £599,950Period Country Property of Considerable Charm andCharacter Enjoying a Prominent Position within theHeart of Bournheath Village.

Established gardens and woodland measuring approx, 1 acre. detacheddouble garage with room above and parking area for several vehicles.

Telephone: 01527 579977

Clifton-on-Teme, Worcs £595,000A Period Residence with one of the Premier Teme Valley Views.Extending to approx. 1.3 ac (0.50 ha).

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, 4 bedrooms,2 bathrooms, 2200sq ft (210sq m) GIA approx. Garage, garden, stable,3 paddocks.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Luxury self-catering holidays

A better home for your holiday home…As the № 1 luxury holiday home agency in the South West, we understand how important your holiday home is to you, which is why we concentrate on three things:

Generating income for you Making it easy for you Providing you with excellent service

With a special low commission rate of 17.5% for your fi rst year there has never been a better time to make your holiday home work for you!

…don’t shell out on anything less.For your free guide to getting the most out of your holiday home, call Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 561 2001 or visit www.bluechipvacations.com/owners



Bewdley, Worcs £575,000An Impressive and Prominently Set Newly Built Residence 3735 sq ft (347 sq m) approx.

Reception hall, 2 cloakrooms, drawing room, kitchen dining room,study, utility, games room, 5 bedrooms, 2 en-suite, bathroom, 3 car garage, balconies, gardens.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Docklow, Leominster £595,000A Most Unusual Delightfully Set Country Residence. Approx. 5.5 Acres (2.2 Ha).

4 reception rooms, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3000 ft² (278m²) GIA approx. Garaging, gardens, wildlife pools, woodland,paddocks and long tree lined drive.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Wolverley, Worcs £375,000 A sympathetic conversion standing within a glorious parkland setting.

Reception hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in all approx. 1600 sq ft. Attractively laidout garden, communal grounds.

Telephone: 01905 734735

Lindridge, Nr Abberley £350,000A Beautiful Newly Renovated Three Bedroom Barn Conversionwith Vaulted Ceilings and Open Plan Living.

Garaging, car parking and 1 acre pony paddock all included.

Telephone: 01905 734735

andrew grant winter

Documents

bromsgrove tel

hereford tel

malvern tel

stourbridge tel

kidderminster tel

pershore tel

redditch tel

lettings tel