portfolio february 2016
DESCRIPTION
Portfolio Magazine February 2016 Portfolio Brighton & Hove Property, Interiors, Celebrity Interviews, Business and moreTRANSCRIPT
February 2016
The region’s LARGEST property publication
TAKE A SEATWIN! Eames-inspired rocking chair
James Martin INTERVIEW On a visit to Brighton
Home craftingWith ARCH angels Architects
VogueVintage&
Victorian homes on trend The best period refurbishments
FREE
BrightonFP_134514-29AW.indd 1 15/1/16 9:51 AM
INSIDEHill House & Home Truths
COVER STORY : Crafting a home with ARCH angels Architects
Property News
See what’s trending
Calendar : Out and about in February
Legal matters : Mud slinging
You can Do It Yourself NEW!
Up my Street : Hove’s Dom Mason, Founder of Mason Cycles
February Collection : Victorian homes on trend
Talk Money : Time to retire?
Selling tips : Making your home eco-friendly
New Homes : Family homes from Mishon Mackay
Gardens : The best places to visit in half term
Career Ladder : Will Taylor, accountant
Chalk Architecture : On your bike
COVER STORY : WIN! An Eames-inspired rocking chair
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Cover: Image courtesy of www.farrow-ball.com
Gabrielle Aplin, page 20
Competition, page 80
Photo: Jonty Tacon | Up my Street, page 33
... Continued over
For all advertising, editorial and general enquiries contact
Lynne Edwards, Managing Director 07931 537588
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
Subscribe to our newsletter
ARCH angels Architects, page 6
For advertising and general enquiries contact
Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Style, page 90
James Martin, page 104
Production Editor: Fiona [email protected]
Chief Sub-Editor & Features Editor: Daniel [email protected]
Managing Director: Lynne Edwards07931 537588 • [email protected]
Designer: Sally [email protected]
Contributor: Kate Hill
Interiors Editor: Tara de la [email protected]
Contributing Editor: Maarten Hoffmann07966 244 [email protected]
The PORTFOLIO team
Published by:
All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.
Interiors : Take a seat
Shopping : Inspiration to Do It Yourself
Travel : A weekend in Montpellier
Health Matters : Body beautiful
Style : Power dressing
Golf Guy : Hybrids to the rescue
Local news from the region
Business lunch : The Parsons Table, Arundel
Beat the scammers : Tips from Nat West
National news
Motors : Discover the Discovery HSE
COVER STORY : James Martin Plates, mates and automobiles
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104Business lunch, page 96
Travel, page 86
PORTFOLIO 5
Chief Sub-Editor & Features Editor: Daniel [email protected]
Interiors Editor: Tara de la [email protected]
EXPERT column
We’ve survived January, with only one persistent and
unexplained damp patch creeping through the new kitchen
wall. This is progress: a few months ago we were deluged,
chasing water around the kitchen as rain found new, creative ways to
come inside.
I’m doing my best to ignore it. After all, it’s only damp plasterwork
and bubbling paint – no actual puddles or rivers this time. The damp
proofing companies I’ve been calling will get back to me eventually.
We can redecorate (again) when it’s fixed. In the meantime, we can
get on with everything else – much of the remaining indoor work
(outdoors having paused for the winter) is now down to my other half.
Busy as he’s been, I’d earmarked the Christmas break as a planned
intervention: there’s nothing like spending time at home to remind you
of all the things you haven’t done. With 18 due for lunch on Boxing Day,
I even stood a fair chance of getting the downstairs WC finished.
The Christmas break intervention turned out to be something
altogether different. Walking home from his work do in the pouring
rain, Mr Hill House slipped on wet leaves and fell. We spent the small
hours among the seasonal – and colourful - A&E throng, returning
home with crutches, a black boot and an appointment at the Fracture
Clinic.
So instead of building storage, fixing skirting boards and toilets, he
spent the Christmas week experiencing my woeful nursing skills and
a great deal of daytime TV. Happily, tramadol taken for pain has wiped
whole days from his memory, so he’s unable to recall my attempts
to help him up / down / to the toilet. And as new storage and chests
of drawers were unlikely to materialise from his workshop over this
period, I was (reluctantly) permitted an IKEA spending spree – the
results of which the poor man has spent the last week trying to put
together from his fixed spot on the sofa. After 16 years of marriage, if
flat-pack assembly whilst nursing a broken ankle isn’t a sign of true
love, then I don’t know what is. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr Hill.
Have you been at the oysters
again? Food, drink and even
scents have been thought to have
aphrodisiac qualities over the
years. Don’t get your knickers in
a twist, though – it’s probably all
in your mind.
Oysters, chocolate, bananas (really), celery, nuts, avocados, the smell of
lavender, vanilla and even pumpkin pie… all of these have been used to
incite love and desire over the centuries. One school of thought is that if
they work at all, it’s likely the placebo effect: if you believe something is
making a difference, then it will.
Well, not too fast – although these
foods don’t have discreet aphrodisiac
properties, there is good evidence for
a more general link between diet, well-
being and the physical aspects of love.
Chocolate, oysters and other shellfish
are rich in an amino acid called
L-arginine, which the body converts
into nitric oxide – a chemical which
helps blood vessels open wider and
improves blood flow, useful to men
and women. Some studies also suggest that it stimulates the release
of growth hormone and insulin, reduces healing time, and supports
immune function – all important things if you’re in the dating game!
However, there isn’t any research on its effects on true love.. you’re on
your own there.
Its funny you should say that. A 2009 study carried out at the University
of Florence and published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that
women who drank a glass of red wine every day (rich in antioxidants
called polyphenols) reported
greater desire, as well as
more physiological changes
associated with desire, than
those who didn’t. Good news
for those who want to woo their
intended with a glass of Chianti
(the region where work for the
study took place). All done with
dry January? Perhaps one glass
wouldn’t hurt.
I’m in the mood for love…
I THOUGHT OYSTERS HAD APHRODISIAC PROPERTIES?
I could use a drink after all that science.
I’ll cancel the reservation at English’s…
HOME TRUTHSTHE HILL HOUSE
“If flat-pack assembly whilst nursing a broken ankle isn’t a sign of true love,
then I don’t know what is”
Kate Hill
6 PORTFOLIO
PROPERTY
Most people dream of designing their
own home. They usually have a
concept in their minds already, and
the client for this project was no different.
The process for building your own dream
home begins with an idea. With the help of
an architect’s experience, this idea can be
put to paper as a sufficient way to explain it
to a home builder, who can then transform
the refined idea into something physical.
Architectural drawings make up the graphic
language of building design and construction.
This stage is used to visualise possibilities,
study alternatives and present design ideas
about the form and spaces of a building.
The concept stage is where you must
take the time to really decide on what it is
you want from your home and what kind of
lifestyle you want to create for yourself. When
these questions are answered, it is through
a relationship between yourselves and your
architect that the design can be completed.
The owners of this property in the Surrey
countryside wanted to improve their family life
with a larger, more energy-efficient home. They
originally looked at renovating the existing
dwelling, an old 1950s bungalow. However,
after a lot of research, it was decided that a
new dwelling would be more sensible and
economical. The old property was very poorly
designed, with unsympathetic extensions.
It was an eyesore and did not fit well in its
surroundings, which are predominantly
woodland.
Starting from scratch enabled the client to
correct the mistakes of the old property as well
as creating their dream home. One part of this
dream was a large, open-plan living area, later
to be known as the ‘Great Hall’, containing a
high, vaulted ceiling and panelled glass walls,
which created the building’s centre-piece.
The planning stage for this house was
a tricky one. After much negotiation,
compromise and some alterations, the house
was eventually designed to be built in a two-
stage process. Breaking the process into two
satisfied all of the planning requirements and
enabled the client to get his dream home. The
time period for this stage with this project
was roughly a year and a half, including the
passing of the planning stage. It was now that
the physical building of the home could begin!
The first ground works on site began in
December 2009. Unfortunately, nobody could
have predicted that the winter of 2009/10
was to be later known as ‘The Big Freeze,’
and was the coldest on record for 30 years!
However, despite the months of rain and snow,
the site preparations were completed and the
specially designed foundations were laid. The
ground consisted of a clay soil, which required
the house to have up to 3m deep foundations,
designed not only for the ground type but also
the proximity of the trees. Along with digging
trenches for the foundations, the drainage
was laid and an existing drainage ditch was
relocated.
The existing property remained during
construction. The client was able to live in this
house, and it was set to be demolished once
the new house had been occupied.
Once the foundations were in place,
construction of the timber frame of the
building began, in February 2010.
The ‘Great Hall’ vaulted central area of the
house was constructed of green oak. Green
oak is a great material that was carefully
chosen for the character it would bring to
the large centre-piece of the house. This
‘character’ is inherent in the wood’s properties.
High in moisture content, the wood, with good
CRAFTING A HOMEWe all have an idea of our Dream Home. ARCH angels Architects make dreams into reality. Here they profile a project and explain the process
“Starting from scratch enabled the client to correct the mistakes of the old property as well as creating their
dream home”
PORTFOLIO 7
PROPERTY
selection, good detailing and the skill
of the craftsmen, will dry and shrink
over time, ‘cracking’ and forming a very
unique feel for the room.
The beautiful hand-made clay roof
tiles were fitted to the roof structure
at the beginning of May 2010. Along
with the timber windows and doors,
the building had a hand-made brick
plinth added (bottom left photograph).
Above this plinth, British sweet chestnut
was carefully chosen and added to the
façade. British sweet chestnut has a
similar golden colour to oak, but will
weather to a natural silver colouring
if left untreated. Chosen not just for
its aesthetics, sweet chestnut is hard-
wearing, strong and durable, and
relatively light when compared to other
hardwoods, making it ideal for cladding.
The plumbing, heating, and electrical
systems were ‘first fixed’ in July
2010. The client wanted an interactive
intelligent lighting system installed into
the house, enabling him to remotely
control the lighting throughout their
home. The internal walls were also
insulated during this time.
The internal walls were also insulated
and sealed. Rolls of insulation were
inserted between the studs in all
exterior wall cavities. Any gaps between
framing members and around windows
were tightly sealed to eliminate potential
air leaks.
The finishes to the floors and walls
as well as the painting were completed
by December 2010. Also by this date,
the second fix of services had been
completed. The oak staircase, together
with glass balustrading, was completed
by January 2011.
The clients were delighted to finally
move into their new home in February
2011, and their original house was
demolished shortly afterwards.
For help in creating your own dream
home contact:
ARCH angels Architects
3 Dorset Place, Brighton BN2 1ST
01273 267184
www.aaarchitects.co.uk
• Use of locally sourced,
natural, low-maintenance,
durable materials
• Under-floor heating and high
levels of natural insulation
• Natural ventilation
• Rainwater harvesting
• Wood burning stove
• Solar thermal panels
• Low flush toilets
Features include:
Titian Road,Hove BN3 5QR
Guide Price£700,000 - £725,000A most attractive, charming and spacious semi-detached family home, together with a quite lovely, good sized, level rear garden, occupying a favoured residential location. As you enter the house, you are immediately struck by a feeling of light and space, which begins with the reception hallway. The living room is west facing and the room is � ooded with light, from large bay windows overlooking the front garden. The kitchen is well � tted with light wood units and granite like eco-glass work surfaces. The second reception room enjoys superb views of the garden and with doors that open out onto the terrace. On the � rst � oor there are four bedrooms and a large, beautifully � tted bathroom. Externally there is a stunning large rear garden, beautifully established, with a summer house. The home also boasts south facing solar panels, an abundance of insulation and an eco-boiler.
A substantial and most imposing, detached period home of considerable character, together with a � ne, large mature rear garden, occupying a prime central location.
The property provides lovely light and generously proportioned living accommodation, over three � oors. Internally, there is a spacious reception hallway, with a � ne staircase. The living room is � ooded with light from the huge sash windows and there are a wealth of original features on show. The same themes are continued in the adjacent dining room. At the rear of the house, there is a simply stunning, kitchen/breakfast/family room with French doors opening onto the garden. There are 5 double bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms, one of which is en-suite to the main bedroom. The property enjoys the advantage of particularly good sized sunny gardens, which are attractively landscaped.
Wilbury Avenue,Hove BN3 6HS
Guide Price£1,295,000 2 14 2 25
WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
mishonwelton.com 01273 778 87794 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Titian Road,Hove BN3 5QR
Guide Price£700,000 - £725,000A most attractive, charming and spacious semi-detached family home, together with a quite lovely, good sized, level rear garden, occupying a favoured residential location. As you enter the house, you are immediately struck by a feeling of light and space, which begins with the reception hallway. The living room is west facing and the room is � ooded with light, from large bay windows overlooking the front garden. The kitchen is well � tted with light wood units and granite like eco-glass work surfaces. The second reception room enjoys superb views of the garden and with doors that open out onto the terrace. On the � rst � oor there are four bedrooms and a large, beautifully � tted bathroom. Externally there is a stunning large rear garden, beautifully established, with a summer house. The home also boasts south facing solar panels, an abundance of insulation and an eco-boiler.
A substantial and most imposing, detached period home of considerable character, together with a � ne, large mature rear garden, occupying a prime central location.
The property provides lovely light and generously proportioned living accommodation, over three � oors. Internally, there is a spacious reception hallway, with a � ne staircase. The living room is � ooded with light from the huge sash windows and there are a wealth of original features on show. The same themes are continued in the adjacent dining room. At the rear of the house, there is a simply stunning, kitchen/breakfast/family room with French doors opening onto the garden. There are 5 double bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms, one of which is en-suite to the main bedroom. The property enjoys the advantage of particularly good sized sunny gardens, which are attractively landscaped.
Wilbury Avenue,Hove BN3 6HS
Guide Price£1,295,000 2 14 2 25
WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
mishonwelton.com 01273 778 87794 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Mallory Road,Hove BN3 6TD
Guide Price£1,200,000A large, modern, individual detached family home, providing lovely light and generously proportioned living space, while o� ering enormous potential for expansion (STPC).
The internal living space is deceptively large and o� ers � exible and versatile accommodation, with ground � oor bedroom options, in addition to the reception space, which will suit the demands of modern family living. The light and airy space is well maintained, with recently � tted quality modern bathrooms, although one of the most obvious bene� ts is the potential the property o� ers for improvement and modi� cation, which will be realized with the employment of a good architect or planning consultant. Located in one of the Hove Park’s most favoured locations, and enjoys some � ne elevated views over the surrounding area.
A particularly attractive detached Tudor style residence, together with a lovely, good sized and attractively landscaped rear garden, backing directly onto the wooded copse.
This is a lovely family home, which has been beautifully maintained by the present owners and o� ers lovely light and spacious living accommodation, making it a comfortable family home, with a traditional layout and modern theme. The house stands in very pleasant, large mature gardens with a � ne “leafy” aspect on to the copse beyond and also o� er considerable potential for enlargement of the living space (STPC). Woodland Avenue is a very pleasant and favoured residential location, ideally situated within close proximity of Hove Park and local amenities in Queen Victoria Avenue.
Woodland Avenue, Hove BN3 6BH
Guide Price£725,000 - £750,000
2 25 2 13
WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
mishonwelton.com 01273 778 87794 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Mallory Road,Hove BN3 6TD
Guide Price£1,200,000A large, modern, individual detached family home, providing lovely light and generously proportioned living space, while o� ering enormous potential for expansion (STPC).
The internal living space is deceptively large and o� ers � exible and versatile accommodation, with ground � oor bedroom options, in addition to the reception space, which will suit the demands of modern family living. The light and airy space is well maintained, with recently � tted quality modern bathrooms, although one of the most obvious bene� ts is the potential the property o� ers for improvement and modi� cation, which will be realized with the employment of a good architect or planning consultant. Located in one of the Hove Park’s most favoured locations, and enjoys some � ne elevated views over the surrounding area.
A particularly attractive detached Tudor style residence, together with a lovely, good sized and attractively landscaped rear garden, backing directly onto the wooded copse.
This is a lovely family home, which has been beautifully maintained by the present owners and o� ers lovely light and spacious living accommodation, making it a comfortable family home, with a traditional layout and modern theme. The house stands in very pleasant, large mature gardens with a � ne “leafy” aspect on to the copse beyond and also o� er considerable potential for enlargement of the living space (STPC). Woodland Avenue is a very pleasant and favoured residential location, ideally situated within close proximity of Hove Park and local amenities in Queen Victoria Avenue.
Woodland Avenue, Hove BN3 6BH
Guide Price£725,000 - £750,000
2 25 2 13
WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
mishonwelton.com 01273 778 87794 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Leaders estate agents have
been appointed as sole
agents of the exciting new
development at Brighton
Marina which brings a new
meaning to waterside living
with 11 stunning towers
creating a total of 853
superb new homes. One of
the biggest developments in
the history of our vibrant city,
it presents a rare opportunity
to experience Marina life
amidst all the advantages of
Brighton’s rich heritage.
Greg Hall, manager of
Leaders, Marina branch
reports significant worldwide interest due to considerable exposure in the
Middle East and Asia, whilst both London and local buyers are also snapping
up the properties which start at £428,000.
For more information contact Greg on 01273 622007. www.leaders.co.uk
Whichever way you slice it... Searches UK have a more superior range of benefits for their clients compared to any other search company.
[email protected] www.searchesuk.co.uk0800 043 1815
Unit 2, Gemini Business Centre136-140 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7BD
PROPERTY news
PROPERTY NEWS
Tom Cruise is reportedly selling his £4.95 million estate in West Sussex
which he bought in 2006. According to Variety, the 14.2 acre estate,
six bedroom house belongs to the Top Gun actor, and was thought to
have cost closer to the £3million mark when he first bought it. The
website reports that the country estate - located near East Grinstead
- has between five and six bedrooms in the main house alongside
eight bathrooms with features such as a 900 square-foot living room
and a 33 foot-long master bedroom with access to a balcony. Other
features incude manicured lawns, a tennis court, a summer house and
an outdoor swimming pool, the property also includes a ‘pavilion’ with
two additional bedrooms, kitchen/living area and bathrooms.
TOM CRUISE PUTS £4.95 MILLION WEST SUSSEX MANSION ON THE MARKET
BRIGHTON MARINA DEVELOPMENT
Whichever way you slice it... Searches UK have a more superior range of benefits for their clients compared to any other search company.
[email protected] www.searchesuk.co.uk0800 043 1815
Unit 2, Gemini Business Centre136-140 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7BD
PROPERTY news
Crowborough, East Sussex,
about to welcome an A-list
resident in the form of
Oscar-winning actress Cate
Blanchett. Highwell House, is
a sprawling red brick Victorian
mansion with five reception
rooms, seven bedrooms and a
sweeping oak staircase. Cate Blanchett plans to live here with her
husband, theatre director Andrew Upton, and their four children.
The impressive nineteenth-century house, has 13 acres of grounds
and stunning views. Originally called Higher Steep, the property has
had numerous owners since it was built in 1890, and was recently
on the market for £3.75million through Knight Frank. The impressive
9,000sq ft space comprises of a games room, a family room, a
greenhouse and a pantry. Described as ‘an exceptional country house
occupying an elevated position in the much coveted East Sussex
countryside’, the house is situated three miles outside Crowborough
town centre. Other famous local residents include fellow actress
Kate Winslet, who lives in West Wittering, Heather Mills in nearby
Robertsbridge and Bryan Ferry in Fittleworth.
A revised plan for a 17-storey tower at Sackville Gardens will be
handed to Brighton & Hove City Council, after some changes were
requested and re-considered by the architect and developers.
Hyde, the developer, said that the issues had been addressed,
and the plan would be handed back to the council, with a number
of changes. There is no change to the height of the buildings.
Andy Parsons, of architect firm Yelo, said: “We want a scheme
that people like, and were asked to look at how we could improve
this scheme, so we did.”
Tom Shaw, development director (south) for Hyde, said: “We
have listened and acted on the feedback from local residents
and councillors. Accordingly, following the recent consultation, a
number of changes have been made to the proposed development
at the former Sackville Hotel. “These include a reduction in
the number of homes to 98, a redesigned ‘plinth’ building so it
is now lower, and in line with the neighbouring homes, and an
amended ground floor layout to relocate the proposed refuse
store away from existing neighbours. “Hyde is committed to
continuing to work closely with the local planning authority and
other stakeholders to meet local housing need, help deliver local
economic growth and to regenerate a prominent site on the Hove
seafront which has sat derelict for a decade.”
The prospect of quarterly tax returns being imposed on some businesses - including small estate agencies and
other small firms servicing the industry - is to be debated by MPs following the success of an online petition.
It has been suggested that small businesses and the self-employed would be expected to file their tax returns
online quarterly from 2020 using apps on smartphones or via the HMRC website. An online petition against
the proposal quickly gained support, and this week went over the 100,000 signature threshold that triggers a
parliamentary debate. Signatories were emailed by the government on Wednesday to be told that a debate will
now be held at the end of January. Debates of this kind are not always held in the chamber of the Commons, and are instead often held in smaller
committee rooms - but they do indicate that a large number of people have expressed their concern about the issue. A former residential chair
of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Jeremy Leaf - who operates an agency in north London - was amongst those tweeting links to the
petition when it was seeking supporters. Read more at www.estateagenttoday.co.uk
CATE BLANCHETT BUYS £3MILLION PROPERTY IN CROWBOROUGH
CHANGES TO SACKVILLE TOWER SCHEME
TAX THREAT TO SMALL AGENCIES TO BE DEBATED BY MPS
Hamptons International Estate Agents HoveSales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 159
Bazehill Road £3,475 PCM An imposing 5 bed 3 bath Georgian style detached family house situated in its own grounds within walking distance of the coastal village of Rottingdean close to Brighton. EPC: 51Brighton Lettings 01273 796159 [email protected]
Brunswick Square £1,500 PCM First Floor 2 bed 2 bath apartment in prestigious regency seafront location with seaviews from the front and rear. Brighton Lettings 01273 796159 [email protected]
Marine Parade £2,950 PCM A stylish & unique three bedroom raised ground floor apartment with three en-suite’s, direct sea views & roof terrace. EPC 58 Brighton Lettings 01273 796159 [email protected]
First Avenue £1,350 PCM A second floor apartment in period conversion with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, oblique sea views from the Living room. Sought after location & close to Sea. EPC 54 Brighton Lettings 01273 796159 [email protected]
Beyond your expectationswww.hamptons.co.uk
NEWS
South African born Elon Musk is the
entrepreneur and innovator behind PayPal,
SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. The real-
life inspiration for the Iron Man series of
films starring Robert Downey Junior, Musk
was academically super bright and attended the University of
Pennsylvania, where he paid his own way through school by turning
his house into a club and throwing massive parties. He started a pair
of huge dot-com successes, including PayPal, which eBay acquired
for $1.5 billion in 2002. Musk was forced out as CEO and so began his
lost years in which he decided to go it alone and baffled friends by
investing his fortune in rockets and electric cars. For twelve months,
he was shadowed by the book’s author, tech reporter, Ashlee Vance.
Published by: Ecco Press on 8th March 2016
Guest Director for Brighton Festival 2016 is the pioneering artist and
musician Laurie Anderson. Anderson takes the helm in a milestone year
for Brighton Festival as it marks its 50th year.
Renowned for her inventive use of technology - from her 1981 hit O
Superman to her appointment as NASA’s first artist-in-residence -
Laurie Anderson is one of America’s most daring creative pioneers.
Her eclectic, multidisciplinary career has spanned the worlds of art,
theatre and experimental music and has seen her create works as a
writer, director, visual artist and vocalist. Most recently Anderson has
garnered acclaim for her first feature film in almost 30 years - Heart
of a Dog - which reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her
mother, her beloved dog, and such diverse subjects as family memories,
surveillance and Buddhist teachings.
Laurie Anderson says: “I’m so happy to be serving as Guest Director of
Brighton Festival in its historic 50th year. Our theme of home and place
is especially relevant with so many people in the world on the move now
looking, like all of us, for a place we can belong. I’ve been part of the
Festival several times and it was exciting to watch the city become the
heart of so much art. I’m looking forward to being part of it this year.”
The 50th Brighton Festival will take place from 7-29 May 2016
www.brightonfestival.org
Idris Elba will be donning his iconic
Luther coat to uncover a serious case
of hilarity in an special sketch for Sport
Relief 2016. The super sleuth will be
joined by Lenny Henry, Rio Ferdinand,
and David Haye, amongst others. This
special one off sketch will be shown as
part of a star studded night of Sport Relief TV on the BBC, Friday
18th March. The nation is being encouraged to walk, run, swim or
cycle themselves #proud at Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games events
from 18th to 20th March – with hundreds of local events across the
UK. Other TV treats include the return of The Great Sport Relief Bake
Off which will see a fresh batch of 16 celebrities compete in the
ultimate baking battle, all to raise as much dough as possible.
For more information about how to do yourself proud by entering
the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games, go to www.sportrelief.com.
ELON MUSK INTL: TESLA, SPACEX, AND THE QUEST FOR A FANTASTIC FUTURE
LAURIE ANDERSON ANNOUNCED AS GUEST DIRECTOR FOR 50TH BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
LUTHER SWAPS CRIME FOR COMEDY
PORTFOLIO 15
TRENDING
A beautiful but practical Valentine gift. Take it from us, a way to a girl’s
heart is definitely food. Why not cook her a fabulous meal and then serve a
selection of fab cheeses on this beautifully handcrafted slate cheese board
which keeps it just cool enough. Price: £17.00 www.adventino.co.uk
FARROW AND BALLGet that great vintage look from a great
selection of paints and wallpapers
at Farrow & Ball. Uniquely, they use
traditional block and trough printing
methods as well as their own richly
pigmented paint to give each design
a sumptuous and tactile texture. For
more advice contact their local Hove
branch.
Image courtesy of: Farrow & Ball.
www.farrow-ball.com
WE LOVE: JUST SLATE HEART CHEESE BOARD
ONTHE
COVER
Amime Wallpaper Living Room
Beyond your expectationswww.hamptons.co.uk
Hamptons International Estate Agents HoveSales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 063
St. Catherines Terrace, Hove £275,000Two bedroom ground floor apartment. EPC D
Palmeira Avenue, Hove £590,000Two to three bedroom second floor flat with parking. EPC B
Kings Road, Brighton £699,950Three bedroom sea front apartment with parking. EPC C
Dyke Road, Brighton £500,000Eco-sensitive ground floor two bed apartment with secure parking. EPC B
Eaton Gate, Hove £625,000Three bedroom apartment with balcony and two parking spaces. EPC D
Tidy Street, Brighton £835,000 Three bedroom four storey city centre house with garage. EPC E
PORTFOLIO 17
BEAUTIFUL homes
DREAM GARDENThis beautifully presented detached family home offers spacious accommodation
arranged over three floors, benefiting from off-road parking to the front. The ground
floor benefits from a good size living room and spacious dining area, with bi-folding
doors opening to the south-west facing rear garden. There also is a charming family room
with cast iron wood burning stove. The kitchen is split-level, and has a gas-fired Rayburn
cooker, together with contemporary hob and oven. On the first floor there are four
bedrooms, an en-suite shower room and luxury family bathroom. The master bedroom is
on the third floor, and benefits from an en-suite, together with lovely sea views. A particular
feature of the property is the spacious paved terrace which leads down to the remainder of
the garden, which is laid to lawn approximately 120ft in depth.
Dyke Road, Hove BN3 6PE
Price: £1,450,000 Bedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 3Extras: Off road parking; Garage; Beautiful master bedroom with en-suite bathroom Best Bits: Stunning good sized garden; Distant sea views from top floor; Sought after location
Hamptons International82 Church RoadHove BN3 2EB 01273 230 230 www.hamptons.co.uk
Roundhill Crescent, Brighton £590,000 FREEHOLD
A superb 4 bedroom family home.The property is located on a quiet residential road within a mile of Brighton station.
It boasts 1,346 square feet of accommodation arranged over 3 floors and also benefits from far reaching views across the town.
Energy Rating: E51.
Maslen Estate Agents39 Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 3HQ t:01273 677001 e:[email protected]
m a s l e n . c o . u k
L E W E S R O A D . W O O D I N G D E A N . H O V E . F I V E W A Y S
Maslen_Roundhill Crescent,.qxp_Layout 1 12/01/2016 12:10 Page 1
PORTFOLIO 19
BEAUTIFUL homes
SPACIOUS VILLAA stunning ground-floor, three-bedroom garden flat within an impressive double-
fronted period villa, just off Hove seafront. The property enjoys sole use of the
impressive entrance hall and has beautifully finished and spacious accommodation
arranged over the entire ground floor. Original features and 11ft-high ceilings are features,
along with attractive fireplaces and gardens to three sides, sea glimpses and a garage. The
reception rooms have large bay windows and shutters and there is a modern bathroom and
kitchen. EPC D58
Westbourne Villas, Hove, BN3 4GG
Price: £750,000Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1 shower room with WC and one separate WCExtras: Reception rooms with large bay windows, shutters and 11ft high ceilings; Just off Hove seafront - sea glimpesBest Bits: Impressive entrance; Period features and fireplaces; Gardens and garage
Maslen Estate Agents174 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DJ01273 321000www.maslen.co.uk
20 PORTFOLIO
CALENDAR of events
FebruaryOur pick of February events. Comedy, ballet, opera, plus Brighton Science Festival
Gabrielle Aplin’s album, Light Up The Dark adds a new chapter to a career that has already delivered 80 million Spotify streams, 90 million YouTube views, 1.5 million sales of singles, and number 1 chart positions in the UK and Australia over the course of her debut album English Rain.The new album was inspired by Joni Mitchell and the production on Feist’s The Reminder. “Her voice is just here, right at the front, and everything sits around it perfectly,” says Aplin. “I’ve also become much more comfortable writing songs about other people’s stories as well as my own, much of which is inspired by travelling and everything I’ve seen since my first album.” Support from Hudson Taylor & Hannah Grace.Brighton Dome, 7pm. www.brightondome.org
National treasures Martin Carthy & John Kirkpatrick embark on a rare UK duo tour.These two leading interpreters of English folk traditions – folk guitarist/singer Carthy and squeezebox virtuoso/singer Kirkpatrick – are long-time collaborators. Martin Carthy is one of folk music’s greatest innovators. Musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums. John Kirkpatrick has a reputation as an instrumental virtuoso (melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion), and as a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope.The Hawth, Crawley, 7.45pm. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
The popular festival will return to the city from February 2 – a successful crowdfunding bid having ensured the Festival’s presence. Among the highlights of the festivals’ packed calendar include a
three-mile cycle ride along the city’s seafront on a 1: 1 billion scale representation of the solar system and former Maths teacher Matt Parker performing stand-up at the Ropetackle in Shoreham. Award-winning ‘science festival veteran’ Robin Ince is expected to be a major draw. There will be events marking the 100th anniversary of the first use of gas in warfare and the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb will be marked with discussions on conscience in science.Visit www.brightonscience.com for full details of events
Comedian Stewart Lee is presenting fresh material in preparation for his next BBC2 series of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle. See it live now ahead of transmission…‘What is exhilarating is how many surprises he still throws in and
how deft his jumps are from one tone to another... invigorating’ The Times. ‘He is... the only comedian who can get away with deconstructing and critiquing his own routines as he goes along and not be repellent. He, and his material, are simply that good.’ The Independent. ‘Stewart Lee is not funny and has nothing to say’ The Daily TelegraphChichester Festival Theatre. 8pm. cft.org.uk 15 February
Gabrielle Aplin
26 February Martin Carthy & John Kirkpatrick
2 - 28 FebruaryBrighton Science Festival
20 FebruaryStewart Lee:
A Room With
A Stew
PORTFOLIO 21
CALENDAR of events
The Snow Maiden, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, accompanied by a live orchestra,The Orchestra of the Russian State BalletThe Snow Maiden (15 February): Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. Based on a traditional folk tale. Sleeping Beauty (16 February): Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Swan Lake (17 February): The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton
La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi is shown in a live screening from The Royal Opera House. Verdi’s tragic opera of a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices all for love is vividly told in Richard Eyre’s production.The Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season sees a total of 12 Royal Opera House productions relayed live to more than
1,500 cinemas in over 35 countries. The season’s screenings include six Royal Opera and six Royal Ballet productions.This production is directed by Richard Eyre. Conducted by Yves Abel. Cast includes Venera Gimadieva and Saimir Pirgu.The Hawth, Crawley, 6.45pm. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk. More details at www.roh.org.uk/cinemas
Professional Grumpy Old Woman, Splash survivor, amateur soup maker, and novice knitter, Jenny Eclair is younger than Madonna but eats crisps and likes wine. Semi–bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund! You are most welcome to join her; just button your cardi up properly and wipe that lipstick off your teeth.De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea. 8pm. www.dlwp.com
‘25 Years of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Moments’ – their first tour since 1995 – will be a celebration of 25 years of their professional collaboration and will include sightings of some of their most popular characters: Man With the Stick, The Stotts, Mulligan and O’Hare, amongst others.As always with Vic and Bob, there will be some uplifting moments, some musical moments, maybe some magic, several dancing styles, some show of physical strength, but always some poignant moments. Vic Reeves said: “Destiny has led us to this point in time. Now, finally, the diversion of Reeves & Mortimer can be revealed in its full extent through a cornucopia of preposterous doggerel etc.”Bob Mortimer added: “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us. I will ensure that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise not to mention football, JLS or apricots during the performances. Should you choose to attend, be warned, I will be not be wearing a toupé.”Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk
15 - 17 FebruaryThe Russian State Ballet of Siberia
4 FebruaryLa Traviata
26 FebruaryJenny Eclair: How To Be A Middle-Aged Woman
14 FebruaryReeves & Mortimer
52 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FN • Tel 01273 778844
113 St. Georges Road, Brighton BN2 1EA • Tel 01273 685111
10 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GA • Tel 01273 383830
Refurbished four bedroom period property in highly sought after location moments from Seven Dials. Highdown Road is very conveniently situated just off Dyke Road close to Seven Dials. There are excellent local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, bars etc literally just around the corner. From here the city centre, seafront, schools and Brighton mainline railway station are also very easily accessible. The layout of this property has been skilfully remodelled by architects to suit modern life .They have created a superb family house with a prefect mix of contemporary with and period features. The ground floor has 2 spacious reception rooms, both with beautiful original fireplaces, and a large kitchen, dining room, breakfast room with bi-fold doors opening to the rear garden. On the first floor the master suite has a large bedroom, dressing room and very generous bathroom. There is another bedroom and family bathroom on this level too. Up again to the top floor and you’ll find another large bedroom again with dressing room and bathroom en-suite. There is potential to extend further subject to the usual consents. Viewing is highly recommended. EPC rating E.
Four bedroom Georgian Style House. Conveniently located in the quiet and sought after Martlet residential area, this beautifully spacious and light family-sized Hove home. Classic Georgian style features effortlessly combine with contemporary interior design and an abundance of natural light in this beautiful four bedroom house. Enjoying panoramic views that stretch over green playing fields and roof tops all the way down to the sea in the distance, it is ideally located for easy access to all that Brighton and Hove has to offer. EPC rating D.
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
HIGHDOWN ROAD, HOVE - £795,000 HOVE OFFICE: 01273 778844
THE MARTLET, HOVE - £615,000 HOVE OFFICE: 01273 778844
Three bedroom semi-detached house in quiet cul-de-sac. Conveniently situated in a popular location near to Portslade Village, this light and spacious family-sized home has a beautiful modern interior. Set in a quiet cul-de-sac with easy access to Brighton and Hove, contemporary interior design blends seamlessly with period features. Boasting a large secluded mature rear garden with views of pony fields, this attractive 1930s three bedroom home is ideally placed for both families and commuters. EPC rating D.
This stunning, sympathetically refurbished, six bedroom Victorian terraced property is located in an historic, tree-lined road in popular Kemp Town. Favourably positioned in a conservation area, it is 500 yards from the seafront, minutes from the independent shops, restaurants and cafes of Kemp Town village and a mere quarter of a mile from the city centre. The streets notable residents have included the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and it is thought to have been on this street that Charles Dickens based the lodging house in his novel, Dombey and Son. Extending over five storeys, the four-bedroom family home is spectacular in its footprint and has the benefit of a sizeable, fully self- contained, two-bedroom apartment at the lower ground level, offering a wealth of possibilities for purpose. Lofty architecture, humbling proportions, breathtaking period features, stylish finishes, a pretty walled courtyard garden, two elevated terraces and double garage to the rear, make this property a covetable find in a privileged city location. EPC Rating D.
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
DOWNSVIEW ROAD, PORSTLADE - £375,000 PORTSLADE OFFICE: 01273 383830
UPPER ROCK GARDENS, BRIGHTON - £1,750,000 BRIGHTON OFFICE: 01273 685111
24 PORTFOLIO
BEAUTIFUL homes
CONTEMPORARY LUXURYLying discreetly, set back from the road in a highly sought-after area of Hove, rich
wooden electric gates open to reveal this supremely elegant property. Sweeping,
curved white walls, smoked oak floors and an abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows
all combine to create a unique example of contemporary architecture at its very best.
Throughout this expansive house, modern technology features have been incorporated with
imagination and the utmost attention to detail. From the wine cellar to the glass vestibule of
the roof terrace, with its panoramic 360-degree views, every aspect of this home is finished
to an incredibly high specification. A separate one-bedroom apartment is self-contained and
offers the same superb standard of luxury as the main house.
Tongdean Area, Hove
Price: POABedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 3Extras: Four reception rooms; Self-contained one-bedroom annexeBest Bits: Sought-after area; Gated; Panoramic views
Fine and Country46 Church RoadHove BN3 2FN 01273 739911www.fineandcountry.com
Fine & Country 46 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911
Roedean Road, Brighton EPC: C
Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton EPC: D
Tel: 01273 739911
Tel: 01273 739911
£695,000
£1,750,000
Commanding beautiful sea views from the first floor of an award-winning ICF complex, this breath-taking duplex apartment has been designed with superb attention to detail and is both luxurious and eco- friendly. Throughout this stunning duplex apartment contemporary design features have been incorporated seamlessly with creativity and imagination. Climate controlled underfloor heating and an interconnected audiophile speaker system are just two of the many subtle additions that run throughout the property in a functional yet subtle manner.Located in Roedean within easy reach of the marina and central Brighton this property is one of seven individual homes in a purpose built development created by Bold Architecture Design. Access is gained via a short road which leads to a secure gated entrance. Further security features include a high tech biometric fingerprint entry system and CCTV fitted across all communal areas, viewable in each apartment.
This stunning, sympathetically refurbished, Victorian terraced property is located in an historic, tree-lined road in popular Kemp Town. Favourably positioned in a conservation area, it is 500 yards from the seafront, minutes from the independent shops, restaurants and cafes of Kemp Town village and a mere quarter of a mile from the city centre. Extending over five storeys, the four-bedroom family home is spectacular in its footprint and has the benefit of a sizeable, fully self- contained, two-bedroom apartment at the lower ground level, offering a wealth of possibilities for purpose. Lofty architecture, humbling proportions, breathtaking period features, stylish finishes, a pretty walled courtyard garden, two elevated terraces and double garage to the rear, make this property a covetable find in a privileged city location.
fineandcountry.comTM
LEGAL matters
26 PORTFOLIO
The beginning of each year sees a peak in
divorcing couples and January 2016 has
been no different. In fact, as reported
by the press, the number of people enquiring
about the divorce procedure and seeking legal
advice was set to rise by around 300% (The
Guardian).
January is notorious amongst divorce
lawyers as being the month they take on the
most new clients. The festive period is still a
very recent memory and all the time spent off
work with a spouse (and the in-laws) is simply
too much for some people to take. As well as
this, many spouses decide, for the sake of the
children and families, it’s best to wait until
after Christmas before seeking a separation.
The procedure for obtaining a divorce has three
steps:
1. Filing for the divorce (where the first
application to the court is made)
2. Applying for a decree nisi (the document
that confirms there is sufficient evidence
for the divorce to proceed)
3. Applying for the decree absolute (which
legally ends the marriage)
To begin this process the petitioner would
need to be prepared to state that the marriage
has irretrievably broken down and would
then need to prove one of the five grounds.
These are adultery, unreasonable behaviour,
two years’ separation with consent, desertion
or five years’ separation.
However, the courts have been noticing
a spike in couples alleging unreasonable
behaviour in order to obtain their divorces
sooner; the alternative could involve spouses
living for two years as a ‘separated couple’
before beginning proceedings. This is
something most divorcing couples view as
completely unreasonable, both financially as
well as emotionally.
There is a momentum building amongst
family lawyers up and down the country, led
by Resolution (the organisation of expert
family lawyers) to see this out-dated law
changed.
The ‘mud slinging’ that spouses feel the
need to engage in, in order to divorce in a
reasonable time, is unethical. It tarnishes
any opportunity to resolve matters through
mediation and, especially when children
are involved, does not help post-separation
relationships.
It has been proposed that there should be
the possibility of ‘divorce without blame’. This
was provided for in the Family Law Act 1996
but never enacted. It would enable couples
to decide early on to issue a no-fault divorce
based on irreconcilable differences, creating
less conflict between the parties, which has
to be best for any children involved and for
families in general.
Fiona Connah, is Associate Solicitor
at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke
8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ
01273 327 272
www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke
See more from Howlett Clarke at
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
MUD SLINGING? Howlett Clarke hope to see a change in divorce law to allow divorce without blame
“It has been proposed that there should be the possibility
of ‘divorce without blame’”
A M O S T M A G N I F I C E N T
W I N T E R
D O R S E T H O U S E , H I G H S T R E E T , H A N D C R O S S , N E A R H A Y W A R D S H E A T H , R H 1 7 6 B J
I N S T O R E | O N L I N E A N D S O T O B E D . C O . U K | C A L L 0 1 4 4 4 4 0 1 7 8 9
AndSoToBed_Portfolio_Handcross_Feb16.indd 1 19/01/2016 13:56
DO It Yourself
When we think about decorating and adding colour to our
homes, we tend to focus on the walls, leaving the interior
trim and furniture as an afterthought. But when it comes
to creating beautiful interiors, it pays to get creative with
paint. By custom painting furniture pieces you will inject
personality and interest to your décor.
Whether your style is bold and bright or soft and
subtle, a freshly painted dresser, chair or table will
revive your interiors and introduce a splash of your
favourite hues to your home. There is something
exciting and satisfying about finding an old piece of
furniture for not much money, seeing its potential
and renovating it to look lovely in your home...
So… pick up those paint brushes and let your
imagination run wild. Find lots of inspiration at
www.farrow-ball.com/find-it-paint-it-love-it
For some innovative DIY shopping ideas go to page 84.
WHY NOT DO IT YOURSELF: painting furniture
Transform your furniture by upcycling and refreshing it with simple-but-impressive paint techniques and finishes. How to paint furniture like a pro with these expert tips for a professional-looking finish
“Whether your style is bold and bright or soft and subtle, a freshly
painted dresser, chair or table will revive your
interiors and introduce a splash of your favourite
hues to your home”
1. First, remove any knobs and handles and lightly sand the furniture with medium-coarse paper. This will help the paint grip. You’re just looking to rough it up a little so the primer has
something to adhere to; you’re not trying to strip the surface. Wipe with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
2. Paint the bare furniture with a wood or multi-surface primer (use a multi-surface if you’re painting over old paint). Leave to dry and then lightly sand with a fine-grade paper. Wipe to remove dust. Tip: Want to save time? Skip the priming step by choosing a primer and paint in one, which is specifically designed for painting furniture.
3. On to the exciting part: choose your paint There are gloss and satin finishes available, as well as glitter and metallic for smaller, more detailed
projects. Remember, the glossier the finish, the easier it will be to keep clean. To prevent brush marks, use a good-quality brush (a three-inch brush will suit most jobs) or a small roller. Use a one-inch brush for the fiddly bits. You’ll need two to three coats to ensure an even coverage.
4. Once the paint is dry, apply a lacquer or sealant to protect the paint from nicks and scratches. This will also add a slight gloss to the piece, a feature that works well in many decorating schemes. Make sure the sealant is dry before moving the piece into the area of the home where it will be used, then marvel at your handiwork.
DO It Yourself
PORTFOLIO 29photo paint pots: www.diy.com
What You Need:
• Medium sandpaper
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Primer
• Appropriate paint
• Finishing wax or polycrylic
sealer
• Paint brush or smooth-finish
paint roller
• Lint-free rag
• Oil soap or all-purpose cleaner
FOUR STEPS TO painting furniture
WOODMANCOTE | POA
DITCHLING | Offers In The Region Of £1,750,000
Extended and modernised throughout - Chic contemporary design - Elevated position with stunning countryside views - Open
plan sitting/family/kitchen space - Boutique style master suite - 5 bedrooms - 4 reception rooms - 3 bathrooms
Substantial ‘Sussex Style’ residence - Approximately 9,8500 sq ft (including outbuildings) - Gardens and grounds of approximately
2 acres - Luxury spa complex including swimming pool - Detached 1 bedroom cottage - Substantial barn - 6 bedrooms - 5
reception Rooms - 6 bathrooms
chattestates.co.uk | 01273 844500 34 HIGH STREET, DITCHLING, EAST SUSSEX BN6 8TA
PORTFOLIO 31
BEAUTIFUL homes
CHARACTERFUL COTTAGEThis delightful single storey period property is situated in a convenient, semi-rural
location close to open countryside. Sitting in a corner plot the property benefits from
a good sized and private, south facing garden. With three bedrooms, two of which
have en-suite facilities and two reception rooms, the property offers versatile and flexible
accommodation perfect for a multitude of different purchasers. The property benefits from
a characterful vaulted ceiling, stone flooring throughout and the potential for extension. Henfield Road, Albourne, BN6 9DD
Price: £525,000Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Extras: Great potential for extensionBest Bits: Stone flooring throughout; Good sized corner plot; South facing garden
Chatt Estates34 High Street, Ditchling,East Sussex BN6 8TA01273 844500www.chattestates.co.uk
We have a fresh new look for 2016to match our well renowned service.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk.
01273 777123goldinlemcke.com
WHAT DO YOU DO AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU DONE THIS? I design all the frames, forks and bikes for our bicycle brand, Mason Cycles, and I also do the graphic design for the bikes, website etc. I worked for another brand for 15 years, and the opportunity came up for me to start up on my own, so I ploughed all my inheritance into it and started Mason. We’ve been trading since March 2015, and things are going brilliantly.
AS YOU WORK FROM HOME AND HAVE A FAMILY, YOU MUST HAVE TO BE PRETTY DISCIPLINED ABOUT WORK/HOME LIFE BALANCE? Yes, it’s hard, especially during the school holidays, but at least I get to see a lot of the kids. I do have a desk at our warehouse, so I can get in there if I really need some time without being asked to play on the trampoline or help build Lego!
YOU LIVE IN HOVE, NEAR NEW CHURCH ROAD... We have some good friends here now; all the neighbours are friendly; we have an annual street gathering every Christmas and know most people in the road by name. I love the fact that it’s very close to the seafront, and only 10 minutes from the Downs, so it’s great for getting out on the bike. Between Portland Road, Richardson Road and George Street you can pretty much get everything without the need to go into town, although I love being so close to town, and thrive off the creative free-thinking vibe of Brighton.
ARE YOU AS PHYSICALLY ACTIVE, AS YOUR JOB WOULD SUGGEST? Certainly not as active as I’d I’d like to be. Since starting up Mason Cycles my wife Julie and I have been working on it all hours. As things get more established with the business, I’m going to build riding into the business; it’s an essential part of test and development and core to what we do.
AS YOU HAVE TWO YOUNG BOYS, WHERE DO YOU TAKE THEM ON A TYPICAL DAY OFF? They like cycling off-road in Stanmer woods or along the base of the Downs towards Alfriston, riding through local lanes, stomping through surrounding forests, climbing, wake boarding at the Lagoon or driving along the coast in our 1972 camper to visit beaches..
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BRIGHTON/HOVE/EAST SUSSEX? Nearly 25 years now. Before that I was in West Sussex, so haven’t moved far.
DESCRIBE YOUR HOUSE BRIEFLY... HAVE YOU DONE ANY WORK TO IMPROVE IT OVER THE YEARS YOU HAVE OWNED IT? It’s a 1930s semi, really
solidly built, with nice interior features. ‘Mock Tudor’ isn’t really my thing, but we’ve modernised and styled it in a way that works for us and I’m pretty happy with it, really. We’ve lived here about 16 years now. When we first moved in, I designed and hand-built our kitchen, made our dining room table, gas cutting the legs from a steam engine boiler-plate. The house was pretty run down when we got here, so we altered it loads and added a loft extension. Julie’s an excellent painter, so she’s been round the house a few times over the years. We designed the garden, too, with planters to contain the architectural plants, keeping everything low-maintenance, which has been great.
WHO LOOKS AFTER THE GARDEN, YOU OR YOUR WIFE? I’ve built all the structural stuff, front and back, but Julie is the one who chooses the plants and does most of the actual gardening.
DO YOU HAVE DREAMS OF LIVING IN A BIGGER HOUSE IN THE CITY OR ABROAD? Yes, I do dream of that. As the boys get bigger we are filling up this house pretty fast! I have always had my eye on a house at the base of the Downs, near Poynings. My dream would be a gravel drive, double timber garage, so we could keep the VW camper dry all year, country views front and back, and plenty of outside space for the boys to ride, build jumps, explore and adventure!
DO YOU PREFER TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME, OR DO YOU LIKE EATING OUT LOCALLY? IF SO, WHERE DO YOU EAT/DRINK? Pizza Express is a regular of ours, as it’s the boys’ favourite but if we’re going out to eat without them’ our favourite place is Terre a Terre. Otherwise we might go to Cote. Also the Ginger Pig in ‘Hove’ is always good. I also like the Shepherd and Dog (you can walk up to the Downs directly out of the back garden) and The Royal Oak, at the base of the Downs. We went to Francos, along the Kingsway, for the first time before Christmas and had a great meal in there, but we’re not really pub people, so if we do go out, it would generally be for food.
WHERE DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE VISITORS? We would take a walk along Hove seafront, stopping at Morocco’s for an ice-cream, then maybe we’d pop into Hove Museum, always interesting exhibits and a lovely cafe with great tea and cake! In town, we’d take them to the Pavilion, North Laines, Palace Pier, Bills…
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BE LIVING IN 10 YEARS TIME? Hopefully, in my dream house in Poynings!
We have a fresh new look for 2016to match our well renowned service.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk.
01273 777123goldinlemcke.com
DOM MASON IS FOUNDER AND DESIGNER AT MASON CYCLES
UP MY STREET......THIS MONTH WE SPEAK TO DOM MASON ABOUT WHERE HE LIVES AND WHY HE LOVES IT
www.masoncycles.cc
Photo: Jonty Tacon
Fiveways01273 561534
Brighton Central01273 720714
Brighton Marina01273 622007
AN INCREDIBLE WATERSIDE DESTINATION
Whether you are looking for a stunning home or an impressive investment, the iconic landmark Brighton Marina development should
be at the top of your list. With marina and sea views, high quality finish and spacious well laid out accommodation the development
offers a unique and desirable way of life from just £428,000.
For full details of the development and the breath taking apartments available contact us on 01273 622007.
Hove01273 321721
North Laine01273 675571
Hove01273 321721
North Laine01273 675571
LEADERS
Leaders, one of
the city’s leading
estate and letting
agents, has revealed
its first Investor Insight
infographic – with the
debut edition focusing
on Brighton & Hove.
Andrew Hovey, Branch Manager at Leaders
in Western Road, says: “The buy-to-let market
is booming across the city right now, with a
huge number of investors keen to complete a
purchase in the first few months of 2016.
“With so many reasons to live in Brighton &
Hove, tenant demand will always be high, and
this ensures rents remain strong, allowing
landlords to achieve a great return.
“We are delighted Brighton & Hove is the
subject of the first Investor Insight infographic,
which illustrates exactly why it is the perfect
place to invest. We are sure it will prove to
be an invaluable tool for both inexperienced
investors moving into property for the first
time and seasoned landlords aiming to grow
their portfolios.”
Investor Insight details selling prices, rental
values and expected yields for a range of
property types across the city. It also reveals
the top-three reasons to buy-to-let, the top
investment spot within Brighton & Hove and
examples of great investment properties
currently on the market.
Leaders has five branches across Brighton
& Hove and can offer expert advice on all
aspects of the buy-to-let market, as well as a
full range of sales and lettings services.
Please contact your local branch for a copy
of Investor Insight, or visit leaders.co.uk for
more information.
Leaders can offer advice on all current
matters regarding sales and lettings.
Please contact your local Leaders branch to
speak to a member of the team:
www.leaders.co.uk
BUY-TO-LET BOOMA brand new online feature has been launched by Leaders to show investors what they could achieve in Brighton & Hove’s thriving buy-to-let market
“We are delighted Brighton & Hove is the subject of the first Investor Insight
infographic, which illustrates exactly why it is the perfect place to invest”
VISIT OUR AWARD-WINNING HOVE SHOWROOM for a stunning range of kitchen displays, furniture, worktops and appliances.
The Kitchen Store offers a bespoke consultancy service to help you choose your dream kitchen.
For friendly advice and inspired kitchen ideas take a closer look or call us today.
Showroom: 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD Tel: 01273 95 77 78Or visit our Lancing showroom | www.thekitchenstore.co.uk
38 PORTFOLIO
THE collection
THE FEBRUARY COLLECTIONThere are period features galore in our selection
of Victorian properties for sale this month
This tree storey red brick late Victorian house offers spacious accommodation with plenty period features. The current owners have lived here
for circa 31 years and have made this house into a beautiful home having improved and upgraded many parts including the kitchen. The front
door opens into the hallway with feature fireplace and stairs leading to the first floor. The sunny living room to the front of the property offers a
great space with fireplace and bay window. To the rear of the property is kitchen/breakfast room with a separate dining room with double doors
opening to the patio garden.
On the first floor are four good sized bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room. Up a smaller staircase is a further bedroom. Throughout the
property, the accommodation has a feeling of space and light and much of the original charm of buildings of this period have been retained,
including cornicing, fireplaces and sash windows.
Spacious accommodationPembroke Crescent, Brighton
Price: OIEO £900,000Hamptons International 01273 230230 www.hamptons.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 39
THE collection
This flat occupies the entire ground floor of this attractive period building.
Salisbury Road is ideally situated for everything that central Hove has to offer.
The various shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars etc are literally just
around the corner in Church Road and Western Road. The seafront is also
nearby. The flat has a superb open plan sitting room-kitchen, two double
bedrooms and a useful additional bedroom/study. The is the added benefit of
gas central heating, a share of freehold and no chain. Viewing recommended.
This elegant Victorian family home was built in the 1880s to impress, and still does,
as it has been sensitively restored and maintained to create a stunning house. On
one of Brighton’s most favoured streets close to the Park, the shops, and within a
two minute walk of a commuter station, this considerable Victorian house is in a
prime location within a charming conservation area. The substantial four bedroom
house would be perfect for a growing family, or those simply wishing to upsize to a
property with more stature.
This superb four bedroom Victorian family home is located on a central but quiet
residential road within a mile of Brighton station. The property boasts 1,346
square feet of accommodation arranged over three floors and also benefits from
far reaching views across the town. Period features include a Victorian open fire
with marble mantlepiece, in the lounge plus further fireplaces and stripped floors
throughout. Bay windows to the front. and sash window to the rear bring in lots of
light into this bright home. The low maintenance rear garden with raised deck &
borders is a private and stunning outdoor space.
Period perfectSalisbury Road, Hove
Gracious Victorian Florence Road
Great locationRoundhill Crescent
Price: OIEO £375,000Sawyer & Co
01273 778844 | www. sawyerandco.co.uk
Price: £950,000Brand Vaughan01273 504441 | www.brandvaughan.co.uk
Price: £575,000Maslen Estate Agents01273 677001 | www.maslen.co.uk
brandvaughan wins 5th gold. sunday times 2015 best small estate agency south east award.
Brand Vaughan was awarded as best small estate agency in the South East at The Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2015 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times and sponsored by Zoopla Property Group.
Award winners were decided following a rigorous and thorough judging process by a panel of 20 industry experts who assessed initial entry submissions before conducting an extensive review of the entrants, which included over 150 hours of telephone interviews and independent mystery shopping exercises. The whole of the judging process was overseen by The Property Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer, and Gerry Fitzjohn, VP of The Property Ombudsman acted as Arbiter.
With more entrants than ever before, over 6,000 offices were represented this year, but only the very best of the best were crowned as winners.
high fiveBrand Vaughan’s outstanding success continues as they scoop a 5th gold award in 4 years, in what is recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry. Brand Vaughan director, Jason Brand commented; “We’re thrilled to have retained our gold award for best small estate agency in the South East for 2015. This recognises all the hard work by everyone at Brand Vaughan. As we enter our tenth year since opening, our company has grown year-on-year and we were really delighted that the judging panel acknowledged our commitment to raising standards and leading innovation in estate agency.”
The judging panel reported that; “Brand Vaughan continues to impress (...) they’ve built on this success by continuing with what works well and through seeking to innovate further (...) Brand Vaughan is a business to be admired”
pictured: 2003 Rubgy world cup winner Matt Dawson MBE presenting 2015 best small agency in the south east award to David Vaughan and Jason Brand.
cambridge grove, bn3filmic inspiration beds: 3-4 double | living rooms: 1 open plan | location: central hove
Beautifully restored in 2002, this stunning four bedroom house is a architectural purist’s dream. The cobbled mews on which it stands once housed the stables which served the imposing houses of Cromwell Road in Hove, and this house in particular has been remodelled and brought back to life using original reclaimed materials from the late 19th Century. Set over three floors, light pours through a central stairwell from the open plan living space at the top, which also boasts a private roof garden, and contemporary design features which marry perfectly with the property’s unique character.
£750,000
ocean heights, bn2visionary glamour beds: 3 | living rooms: 1 | area: 1314 sq ft | location: roedean
With fabulous views of the sea from its south facing sun terrace, this three bedroom luxury duplex also has a private garden with a home office. Within an exclusive development combining ecologically sustainable principles with an unusually high degree of luxury, this glamorous home is ideal as a full time or part time base as it has rare, secure parking and is close to the beach, Marina, award winning schools and central Brighton.
£695,000
florence road, bn1gracious victorian beds: 4 | living rooms: 3 | area: 2010 sq ft | location: preston park CA
This elegant Victorian family home was built in the 1880’s to impress, and still does as it has been sensitively restored and maintained to create a stunning house. On one of Brighton’s most favoured streets close to the Park, the shops and with a two minute walk of a commuter station, this considerable Victorian house is in a prime location within this charming conservation area. It boasts four large bedrooms and three reception rooms, leading out to a picturesque south facing garden. This substantial house would be perfect for a growing family, or those simply wishing to upsize to a property with more stature.
£950,000
hove officecall: simon lemcke01273 22 11 02
kemp town officecall: david vaughan01273 683 111
preston park officecall: jason brand01273 504 441
brandvaughan wins 5th gold. sunday times 2015 best small estate agency south east award.
Brand Vaughan was awarded as best small estate agency in the South East at The Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2015 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times and sponsored by Zoopla Property Group.
Award winners were decided following a rigorous and thorough judging process by a panel of 20 industry experts who assessed initial entry submissions before conducting an extensive review of the entrants, which included over 150 hours of telephone interviews and independent mystery shopping exercises. The whole of the judging process was overseen by The Property Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer, and Gerry Fitzjohn, VP of The Property Ombudsman acted as Arbiter.
With more entrants than ever before, over 6,000 offices were represented this year, but only the very best of the best were crowned as winners.
high fiveBrand Vaughan’s outstanding success continues as they scoop a 5th gold award in 4 years, in what is recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry. Brand Vaughan director, Jason Brand commented; “We’re thrilled to have retained our gold award for best small estate agency in the South East for 2015. This recognises all the hard work by everyone at Brand Vaughan. As we enter our tenth year since opening, our company has grown year-on-year and we were really delighted that the judging panel acknowledged our commitment to raising standards and leading innovation in estate agency.”
The judging panel reported that; “Brand Vaughan continues to impress (...) they’ve built on this success by continuing with what works well and through seeking to innovate further (...) Brand Vaughan is a business to be admired”
pictured: 2003 Rubgy world cup winner Matt Dawson MBE presenting 2015 best small agency in the south east award to David Vaughan and Jason Brand.
cambridge grove, bn3filmic inspiration beds: 3-4 double | living rooms: 1 open plan | location: central hove
Beautifully restored in 2002, this stunning four bedroom house is a architectural purist’s dream. The cobbled mews on which it stands once housed the stables which served the imposing houses of Cromwell Road in Hove, and this house in particular has been remodelled and brought back to life using original reclaimed materials from the late 19th Century. Set over three floors, light pours through a central stairwell from the open plan living space at the top, which also boasts a private roof garden, and contemporary design features which marry perfectly with the property’s unique character.
£750,000
ocean heights, bn2visionary glamour beds: 3 | living rooms: 1 | area: 1314 sq ft | location: roedean
With fabulous views of the sea from its south facing sun terrace, this three bedroom luxury duplex also has a private garden with a home office. Within an exclusive development combining ecologically sustainable principles with an unusually high degree of luxury, this glamorous home is ideal as a full time or part time base as it has rare, secure parking and is close to the beach, Marina, award winning schools and central Brighton.
£695,000
florence road, bn1gracious victorian beds: 4 | living rooms: 3 | area: 2010 sq ft | location: preston park CA
This elegant Victorian family home was built in the 1880’s to impress, and still does as it has been sensitively restored and maintained to create a stunning house. On one of Brighton’s most favoured streets close to the Park, the shops and with a two minute walk of a commuter station, this considerable Victorian house is in a prime location within this charming conservation area. It boasts four large bedrooms and three reception rooms, leading out to a picturesque south facing garden. This substantial house would be perfect for a growing family, or those simply wishing to upsize to a property with more stature.
£950,000
hove officecall: simon lemcke01273 22 11 02
kemp town officecall: david vaughan01273 683 111
preston park officecall: jason brand01273 504 441
Buy & sell with the experts.
Dyke Road, Brighton£1,250,000
A truly magnificent three bedroom penthouse apartment forming part of a fantastic newly built, eco-friendly development in the centre of Brighton. This luxury penthouse apartment boasts an enviable wrap around roof terrace that offers far reaching, panoramic sea and city views, and also has its own secure underground parking space.
3 2 1
Four of our favourite properties this month . Visit our website at justinlloyd.co.uk to view all our properties.
Marine Parade, Brighton £447,500A beautifully presented two double bedroom apartment with direct, uninterrupted sea views, high ceilings throughout and a fantastic south facing balcony. The property is situated on the first floor of a converted Grade II listed period building on Kemp Town seafront, moments from the beach and walking distance to the city centre and Brighton Train Station.
2 1 1
“An extremely efficient service from start to finish. From initial valuation through to the sale, the team at Justin Lloyd were informative, available and honest. Would use them again” Vendor comment, November 2015
Call us now 01273 692424
Visit justinlloyd.co.uk
Email [email protected]
Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH
Hove 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD
Chichester Terrace, Brighton£450,000
A stunning two double bedroom apartment, with excellent natural light, situated on the lower ground floor of a converted Grade I listed building with its own private courtyard.This apartment also comes with access to the private Kemp Town Enclosures; 5-6 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with an underground tunnel direct to the beach.
2 2 1
Sussex Sqaure, Brighton £350,000
An incredibly spacious one bedroom flat situated on the lower ground floor of a Grade I listed period house in one of the most sought after addresses in Brighton.In addition the property benefits from a private patio courtyard to the rear of the property as well as the use of Kemp Town Enclosures - 6 acres of beautiful private manicured gardens.
1 1 1
HighlyCommended
Real EstateAgencyEast Sussex
The InternationalProperty Awards2013-2014
PORTFOLIO 43
BEAUTIFUL homes
CITY LUXURYJustin Lloyd is proud to present this truly magnificent and wonderfully unique second-
floor 1163sq ft two-bedroom, two-bathroom premier apartment boasting luxury
features.
The Park Vista Tower, at 21 Wapping Lane, is Wapping’s first new-build development for
more than a decade. Exclusively for the benefit of the residence, the complex is equipped
with an extensive selection of on-site facilities and amenities, coupled with access to a
beautifully landscaped central Plaza that sits above the private underground car park. The
24-hour concierge and security are situated within a grand lobby. There is an exclusive
residents’ health club with swimming pool, restaurant, 3,000-book library and private
cinema.
The apartment includes a natural stone and glass bathroom with marble walls, a style
continued in the en-suite shower room, and a luxury, custom-designed high-gloss kitchen.
The breath-taking, spacious, triple-aspect, open-plan living room with beautiful oak hard
wood flooring leads onto a generous decked wrap-around terrace with floor-to-ceiling
windows and a pleasant view towards Tobacco Dock, including the City.
Cobblestone Square, London, E1W 3AY
Price: £1,200,000Bedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2 (include en-suites)Extras: Concierge / Porterage and 24/7 Security; Secure underground car parking space; Breath-taking view of the historic Wapping canal and Tobacco dock pirate shipsBest Bits: Excellent finish with wooden floors and underfloor heating; Landscaped gardens with water canals on both sides; Hydro therapy pool, gym and spa; Private cinema
Justin Lloyd, Kemp Town Office118 St James’s StreetBrighton BN2 1TH01273 692424www.justinlloyd.co.uk
TALK money
There are many ways of taking your
pension income, and the whole thing
can be quite bewildering, especially
now that there are more flexible options
available. The right choice depends totally
on your circumstances and what is important
to you in terms of your income. Some people
want absolute guarantees, others require
flexibility. Some are single and are not worried
about providing an income to a spouse should
they die; for others, a widow’s pension is
essential. Also, what about the tax-free cash?
You may need this for a specific purpose
upfront, or you may want to incorporate it
into your future income. Choosing the wrong
options could greatly affect what you may
receive in your retirement.
Many people have different pension pots
with various providers. When they reach
retirement age, the providers generally write
offering an annuity, some people just sign the
form and obtain the income from their current
provider. How do you know that is the right
way of setting up your retirement income
and how do you know that the company will
provide you with the highest annuity in the
marketplace? This is especially true if you
have history of ill health, as you may be
eligible for an enhanced annuity. This is due
to your life expectancy being potentially less,
so some providers are willing to pay a higher
income from outset.
All providers will offer different amounts
of income for your capital; it is essential to
shop around.
Here is a brief explanation of the two main
options when taking retirement income:
Lifetime annuity: A lifetime annuity is a
guaranteed income paid to you for life from
an insurance company. The annuity would be
purchased using the money you have built up
in your pension plans during your working
life. The pension provider will assess how
long they think you will live and will provide a
guaranteed income for the rest of your life in
return for your pension fund.
Income Drawdown: Your pension money
would remain invested and you can take
income directly from the fund each year.
Income can be set at the required level, it
can be changed during the term or stopped
altogether. This method provides flexibility
and often a higher level of death benefit for
your beneficiaries.
For independent advice on any of the above,
or if you are approaching retirement and
looking at your options, please call me, Claire
Cook, on 01273 224667. I would be very
happy to assist.
Talk Money is a trading style Aspect 8, a member
of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd which is authorised
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The value of investments can fall as well as rise
and you may not get back the amount invested.
See more from Talk Money at
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
TIME TO RETIRE?Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money looks at pension options to make your retiring income work for you
“Choosing the wrong options could greatly affect what you may
receive in your retirement”
44 PORTFOLIO
108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 565566www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
In 2015 we sold more properties in BN1 than any other agent*
Call us today and let us show you how we achieved this
Trusted & Professional
Citywide sales & lettingswww.spencerandleigh.co.uk
BN1
*data supplied by Rightmove Intel
Hove: 01273 773399 | Hangleton: 01273 322766
NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT SERVICE!
W W W. E L L I OT T S E STAT E AG E N T S . C O. U K
Visit our new and improved website to view the wide variety of properties we have for sale in the Brighton & Hove area.
PORTFOLIO 47
BEAUTIFUL homes
PARK VIEWA rare opportunity to acquire a quality detached residence, on the very doorstep of St
Ann’s Well Gardens, being one of a small handful of quality houses of this kind in this
particularly central location. Backing immediately onto the local Primary School,
the house occupies a large plot, which includes a brick paved front courtyard and adjoining
garage, providing plenty of off-road parking and a glorious, good-sized rear garden, which
enjoys a favoured south aspect. Accommodation is larger than average and includes five
first-floor bedrooms, with the main bathroom and en-suite, whilst on the ground floor the
house boasts particularly spacious living space, including a big reception hallway, large
through lounge, additional separate reception or dining room, together with a big eat-in
kitchen/breakfast room. Whilst already sizeable, the house still offers enormous scope
and potential, and also benefits from two separate cellars. Chain-free, early inspection is
strongly recommended.
Somerhill Avenue, Hove BN3 1RJ
Price: £1,250.00 Bedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 2Extras: Eat-in kitchen/breakfast room; Two cellars; No ongoing chainBest Bits: Large south aspect rear garden; Lots of off-road parking; Walking distance Brighton/Hove city centres/stations
Elliotts Estate Agents2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL 01723 773399 www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk
Hove: 01273 773399 | Hangleton: 01273 322766
NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT SERVICE!
W W W. E L L I OT T S E STAT E AG E N T S . C O. U K
Visit our new and improved website to view the wide variety of properties we have for sale in the Brighton & Hove area.
Estate Agents
Stylish, elegant and charming
A simply stunning two bedroom apartment
£335,000 Share of Freehold
Ventnor Villas, Hove
THE SMARTER WAY TO SELL CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
01273 622664See more properties:www.qsalesandlettings.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 49
BEAUTIFUL homes
Estate Agents
Stylish, elegant and charming
A simply stunning two bedroom apartment
£335,000 Share of Freehold
Ventnor Villas, Hove
THE SMARTER WAY TO SELL CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
01273 622664See more properties:www.qsalesandlettings.co.uk
“People aren’t going to change their
habits just to save the environment,”
says architect George Clarke. “They
need to see the benefits for themselves.” The
presenter of Channel 4’s The Home Show and
The Restoration Man believes that the best
way to make properties more sustainable is
to adopt a holistic approach, recognising that
saving energy needs to benefit consumers and
not impose heavy additional costs.
“There is a perception that eco-designed
homes are new builds, with a lot of hi-tech
modern features. But all homes need to
become eco-homes if we are to reduce carbon
emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocol. Just
think how much energy – and money, when it
comes to fuel bills – can be saved with roof
insulation and double-glazing alone,” he says.
HERE ARE SOME OF CLARKE’S PRACTICAL
SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR
GOAL.
1. Install underfloor heating. As an architect
who likes using space efficiently, Clarke
detests wall radiators. “They don’t just look
ugly, they are energy-inefficient,” he says.
Underfloor heating can be installed to good
effect in all properties and is particularly
suited to bathrooms.
2. Insulate your loft. Use natural or recycled
materials where possible. “I’m amazed by
how many people have still not insulated their
lofts,” says Clarke. He says homeowners should
recoup the cost of loft insulation, about £250-
£300 in a standard house, within two to three
years.
3. Use locally sourced or supplied building
materials and local tradesmen where possible.
This is a good example of Clarke’s holistic
approach to housing. Not only does this save on
fuel consumption, it supports the local economy.
4. Buy furniture made from recycled materials.
In all areas of retail trade, including larger stores,
more furniture made from recycled materials
is coming on the market. Make sourcing these
items your priority.
5. Use water-based paints with natural
pigments. “It is a small point, but one which a
lot of people miss,” says Clarke. “Most paints
used in homes are oil-based and therefore less
energy-efficient.” Water-based paints using
natural pigments are increasingly design-led
and aesthetically attractive.
6. If renovating or building, insist that your
builder reduces waste and recycles rather than
sending material to landfill. Another example
of consumer power in action. We should place
expectations on tradespeople to follow good
practice and veto those who throw everything
into a skip.
7. Fill cavity walls with insulation. A vast
amount of energy is wasted in homes that were
built before energy-saving became a priority.
Uninsulated cavity walls can be almost as
wasteful as uninsulated lofts.
8. Consider investing in solar panels. They can
be expensive to install, but make long-term
savings. You can use the energy you generate
and sell the surplus, under a “tariff” system, on
to the National Grid.
9. Replace single-glazed windows with double-
glazed ones. “It’s a shame double-glazing
salesmen have given the industry such a bad
reputation,” says Clarke. “When you look at the
GREEN HOMEA few simple changes can help save the planet and cut your energy bills too. George Clarke’s top 20 ways to make your home eco-friendly
50 PORTFOLIO
GREEN home tips
50 PORTFOLIO
“Many people have their water temperature set
too high without thinking about it”
potential energy savings, every house in the
country ought to be double-glazed.” Double
glazing can work for period properties too.
Clarke’s Edwardian house in Notting Hill
Gate in London is double-glazed from top
to bottom. Double-glazing can be ugly, but
doesn’t have to be, he says.
10. Choose wood-framed windows rather
than UPVC or metal. They are easier to
repair, more insulating, last a lifetime and are
less polluting than the cheaper uPVC which
emits toxic compounds.
11. Keep your boiler serviced and upgrade
it to a more efficient model when you can.
“Older boilers are incredibly inefficient
compared with the latest models,” says
Clarke. “You should think of renewing your
boiler every 10 years or so.”
12. Replace old-style bulbs with energy-
saving ones. “Energy-saving bulbs used
to have a reputation for looking cold and
unattractive,” he adds. “But the newer ones
have got around that. In terms of energy
consumption, they are many times more
efficient than filament bulbs.”
13. Add thick curtains at windows or doors.
Curtains can be elegant and stylish and are
necessary in addition to, or in place of, blinds
if you are serious about conserving energy at
doors and windows.
14. Monitor your electricity consumption.
“If people could see with their own eyes
how much electrical appliances cost them,
they would be less wasteful,” says Clarke.
Digital displays that monitor your electricity
consumption as easily available and a useful
tool to see which appliances make the
numbers fly.
15. Investigate sources of second-hand
furniture and fittings such as eBay and
charity shops. “People used to take it for
granted that their homes would contain a
mixture of new and second-hand items,”
Clarke says.
16. Lower your thermostat and check
the temperature of your hot water. “Many
people have their water temperature set too
high without thinking about it,” says Clarke.
Familiar to anyone who has turned on their
hot water and scalded themselves. Reducing
the thermostat setting by a few degrees can
lead to significant savings. Clarke suggests
you can save about £60 a year by turning
down your thermostat by one degree Celsius.
17. When buying or renting a new house,
check its Energy Performance Certificate
(EPC), which will give you information on
the house’s energy use and CO2 emissions.
EPCs grade properties from A (most energy-
efficient) to G (least energy-efficient). The
average score is currently D.
18. Block draughts around doors, chimneys
and windows. If there is a draught coming
down your chimney, then energy is being
wasted. Ditto if your front door is badly
fitted. Draught-excluders may not always be
elegant but they are practical .
19. Buy an eco-kettle “Most kettles use a
ridiculous amount of electricity,” says Clarke.
“People don’t stop to think. They will boil
enough water to make six cups of tea when
they only need one.” Eco-kettles are more
energy-efficient and will beneficially impact
on your electricity bills.
20. Fit a water-saving showerhead. We
all assume that taking a shower is more
eco-friendly than a bath. Well, not you
spend ten minutes in a power shower. Save
energy by opting for an aerated or low-flow
showerhead. And a short shower!
Series 5 of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
is currently showing on Channel 4.
52 PORTFOLIO
INTERVIEW
It all started with two Brighton estate agents
who, after 40 years combined sales and
lettings experience, decided to go it alone and
create an agency with a difference, united by a
simple mission: to help their clients realise the
best price for their properties and to act with
transparency, professionalism and honesty
throughout.
After meeting the founder of StreetVisit, they
realised they could match their own unrivalled
services, with a superior, cutting-edge virtual-
reality marketing tool which would allow
would-be purchasers of the finest properties
on the south coast a unique property-viewing
experience, without needing to leave home.
Through this innovative combination of next-
generation technology and old-fashioned know-
how, Knight & Knoxley, “The Next Generation
of Estate Agency”, was born. Soon after, the
team behind Knight & Knoxley acquired a local
landmark building in Preston Circus, into which
– after 35 years – they breathed new life, further
contributing to Brighton’s regeneration and
resurgence as one of the number-one places to
live in the UK.
The team at Knight & Knoxley know the
success of property marketing lies with
superior presentation and merchandising. The
virtual-reality technology features top-quality
panoramic photography and virtual tours
which are second-to-none, offering clients an
unrivalled viewing experience, whether using
their desktop, laptop, mobile device or virtual-
reality headsets. Not only that, the use of first-
rate technologies extends to LED window
displays, full-screen website capacity and highly
efficient administrative capabilities.
Knight & Knoxley advertise on Rightmove,
Primelocation, Smart New Homes and Zoopla,
which have a combined 11 million-plus visitors
every month. London and national markets are
targeted through The Evening Standard Homes
& Property, The Times, The Sunday Times, The
Telegraph, The Daily Mail and The Independent.
Knight & Knoxley also have a presence in
the local press in particular the prestigious
PORTFOLIO magazine.
Knight & Knoxley are there to help you buy, sell
or let your next property in the best way they
can, to fit with your priorities and lifestyle. So, if
you are selling or letting a property, requiring a
property-management service or would like to
experience their exceptional, ground-breaking
virtual-reality technology, please contact
Knight & Knoxley for a complimentary market
appraisal.
KNIGHT & KNOXLEY
Clyde Corner, 2 Clyde Road
Preston Circus, Brighton BN1 4NP
01273 28 66 66
www.knightandknoxley.com
THE NEXT GENERATIONKnight & Knoxley is the first, and only, agency in the country to use next-generation, virtual-reality technology to showcase their properties
“The team at Knight & Knoxley know the success of property marketing lies with
superior presentation and merchandising”
01273 28 66 66CLYDE CORNER,PRESTON CIRCUS, BRIGHTON
Yardley Street, Brighton BN1
Located in one of Brighton’s most desirable and sought after residential enclaves, this three bedroom period home has been lovingly restored by the present owners mixing contemporary finishes with traditional tones. To experience “The Next Generation” virtual reality tour of this property visit www.knightandknoxley.com
£515,000
THE NEXT GENERATION OF ESTATE AGENCY KNOWLEDGE & KNOWHOW
NEW Landlords wanted
Awarded the best LETTING agent in BrIghton & Hove 3 years running.
We were also awarded the best letting branch
in the south east.
To work with the best
lettings: 01273 321333 | 109 church road hove bn3 [email protected] | www.propertymoves.co.uk
Up, Up & Away!
bestlettingagent
2015in brighton & hove
bestlettingBrANCH
2015in the south east
PORTFOLIO 55
BEAUTIFUL homes
CENTRAL GEMA fantastic opportunity to rent this lovely two-bedroom, modern flat in a popular
central Hove location. The property is spacious and benefits from your own street
entrance, wooden floors and a lovely west-facing rear patio area. The property is
furnished to a high standard, has gas-fired central heating and a modern, fitted kitchen.
The property has a very good-size lounge, with wooden floors, two double bedrooms and
a modern bathroom suite with bath & shower. The flat is a very, very short walk from Hove
mainline station, benefits from being close to all the local shops, and is also a short walk to
the seafront and central Brighton.
Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TD
Price: £1,250 pcmBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 1Extras: Modern, fully-fitted kitchen; Wooden floors; FurnishedBest Bits: West-facing patio; Near Hove Station; Spacious lounge
Property Moves109 Church Road, Hove BN3 2AF01273 321333 www.propertymoves.co.uk
OSBORNE VILLAS, HOVE
Fox and Sons are delighted to offer this fantastic two bedroom raised ground floor flat in one of Hove’s most desirable areas. The property itself
is superb for anyone who is looking for a home to move straight into without having to do anything. The living room has a feature fireplace, bay window overlooking the front patio garden, and the kitchen has been well
designed being recessed off of the living room.
PRICE: £300,000HOVE OFFICE: 01273 820280
PRESTON PARK AVENUE, BRIGHTON
Forming part of this elegant Victorian red brick house situated along one of the area’s finest addresses, is this stylish ground floor apartment with
westerly outlook/views across to Preston Park.Beautifully arranged with a large 20 x 16 living and dining room, separate
kitchen, two bedrooms, own entrance and patio space. Viewing highly recommended
PRICE: £350,000PRESTON PARK OFFICE: 01273 508761
NEW CHURCH ROAD, HOVE
A stunning 4 double bedroom, 2 bathroom family home situated in a superb position on New Church Road. This home has off street parking, garage and a lovely south facing rear garden. You are welcomed by a nice light entrance hall and tastefully decorated living room. The back of the house has the WOW factor with a large open plan kitchen/living space that is a must see for any potential buyers.
PRICE: £775,000 HOVE OFFICE: 01273 820280
SUSSEX SQUARE, BRIGHTON
Situated in the sought after Sussex Square is this beautiful ground floor apartment with a lovely patio garden and two garages. There are lots of original features as well as very high ceilings. There is of course access to the Kemp Town Enclosures providing six acres of landscaped communal gardens.
PRICE: £800,000KEMP TOWN OFFICE: 01273 688148
9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove27 Offices in Sussex38 Offices in London
DITCHLING ROAD, BRIGHTON
An imposing, mock Tudor style five bedroom detached house offering excellent accommodation with a lovely westerly rear garden and spectacular views to the front across Brighton towards the sea. Comprising five bedrooms, three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom, shower room, cloakroom, garage with private driveway and a lovely well stocked rear garden. Retaining many character features as well as offering potential to update/extend (subject to consent). Ideally placed for excellent local schools and transport links. Viewing essential, no onward chain.
PRICE: OFFER IN THE REGION OF £890,000 PRESTON PARK OFFICE: 01273 508761
www.rightmove.co.ukwww.primelocation.co.ukwww.fox-and-sons.co.uk
SOCIAL event
PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS
LUNCH The first Property Professionals lunch of
2016 was held in January at the Pub du
Vin, Ship Street, Brighton, attracting over
70 local business people eager to network
with others in the industry. The lunch
was followed by inspirational speaker
Neil Laughton, a former Royal Marine
Commando and Special Forces Officer, who
currently runs a management-training
company, Laughton & Co. Neil spoke about
the importance of a work/life balance and
explored the tools and strengths needed
to run a successful business, as well as
sharing his own business triumphs over the
years. As usual, a special raffle was held
in support of the Rockinghorse Children’s
Charity, the winner receiving a VIP Luxury
“goody bag” from the multi-award-winning
Treatment Rooms and a Racetrack “Super-
car” driving experience for two people.
Next event is 14th April, so make
sure you book your space now with
Bob Bastian (Stephen Rimmer Solicitors).
Lara Squires (Consortium Business Solutions).
Neil Laughton (Laughton & Co). Lynne Edwards (Portfolio). Andrew Stenning (Searches UK). Ryan Heal
(Rockinghorse Childrens Charity). PORTFOLIO magazine is delighted to report that these lunch events have so far raised over £4,000 for the chosen Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.
Charlotte Smith (Cityzen LLP). Holly Goacher (PDT
Solicitors). Clare Osborn (PDT Solicitors). Amanda
Fearon (Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors). Julie Frith
(Mishon Mackay).
Brian Quinton (Metro Bank). Rebecca Edwards (Metro
Bank). Danny Ross (Baron Estates). Simon Conn
(Overseas Property & Finance Specialist)
Craig vile (Angels Media).
Robert Desbruslais (Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors).
Michael Pirrie (Yelo Architects).
Jo Deighton (Yelo Architects).
Stewart Payne (Handelsbanken).
Fiona McTernan (Portfolio). Amy Trevellick (Sherwood
Solicitors). Anthony Singh (Sherwood Solicitors).
Sara Van Loock (Mishon Mackay New Homes).
Richard Zinzan (ZST Architects).
Sophie Law-Smith (ZST Architects).
Jason Bradshaw (Cunningtons Solicitors LLP).
Katie Lawley and Becca Kelly
(McMillan Williams Solicitors).
58 PORTFOLIO
A three bedroom detached bungalow in popular close in favoured Surrenden area. Offering further scope for extension (STNC), the property requires modernisation, shower, lounge, conservatory, kitchen, GCH, double-glazing, south garden and garage.
A modern detached chalet bungalow enjoying east/west aspect at Woodingdean. 3/4 bedrooms, bathroom with shower, lounge, dining room, kitchen, GCH, double-glazing, west rear garden, garage.
Beechwood Avenue, Brighton £485,000
Donnington Road, Woodingdean, Brighton £345,000
Graves Son & Pilcher, 51 Old Steyne, Brighton, BN1 1HU01273 321123 | www.gravessonandpilcher.co.uk
BRUNSWICK TERRACE - RECENTLY SOLD
BRUNSWICK SQUARE, HOVE - RECENTLY SOLD
BRUNSWICK SQUARE, HOVE - RECENTLY SOLD
SALES & LETTINGS 01273 323000 30C WESTERN ROAD, HOVE BN3 1AF
brices sales & lettings
A truly unique lower ground floor dual
aspect mansions apartment forming part
of this Grade I listed seafront property.
Features include private street entrance,
three separate patio garden areas and
spiral staircase to decked terrace, internal
arched study/dining cave, entrance
lobby and entrance hall, grand reception
room, separate kitchen, cloakroom, en-
suite shower room and bathroom with
integrated wall TV, two double bedrooms,
conservatory, abundance of character.
A beautifully presented two bedroom lower
ground floor flat in a converted grade I
listed building in Hove’s finest seafront
square. The property comprises entrance
lobby, entrance hall opening to dining area,
spacious kitchen with range of integrated
appliances, bright 16’10 x 16’4 west
aspect lounge with patio doors opening
to 21’10 rear patio garden with bespoke
seating area, additional inner courtyard,
two double bedrooms, bathroom, en suite
shower room, gas fired central heating.
This unique two bedroom ground and
lower ground floor maisonette forming
part of a Grade I listed building is located
in sought after Brunswick square, hove.
A “must see” property finished to a high
specification benefiting from entrance hall,
two double bedrooms, lounge, large patio
garden, further courtyard, bathroom, en-
suite shower room, separate kitchen, utility
area and east aspect balcony.
PORTFOLIO 61
BEAUTIFUL homes
PERIOD APARTMENTAwell-presented two-bedroom third-floor flat in a converted period building located
in this sought-after location on Brighton seafront, with stunning direct views to the
beach, sea and Brighton Pier. The accommodation comprises entrance lobby, hallway,
lounge/dining room, modern kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom. The bright, south
aspect lounge/dining room enjoys an incredible view of the sea from the in-keeping period
sash windows, with oblique sea views eastward from both bedrooms and the kitchen.
Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1AZ
Price: £325,000Bedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 1Extras: Bright and spacious lounge; Two double bedrooms Best Bits: Stunning direct sea views; Stone’s throw from Brighton seafront; Located close to the historic centre of Brighton
Brices Sales & Lettings30c Western Road, Hove BN3 1AF01273 323000www.brices.co.uk
FOR SALE WILBURY ROAD TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT £260,000
69A&B CHURCH ROAD HOVE 01273 733500 [email protected] [email protected]
Set inside The Carlton built circa 1972, the apartment has a living room, separate kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. White walls, floorboards and an excellent choice of colours work in harmony with this 70s build which makes for a light, stylish living experience.
FOR SALE NORTON ROAD ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT £315,000 The apartment has a 17ft easterly facing living room, a separate kitchen with a balcony that leads to a communal garden, a bathroom and a westerly facing bedroom with built in wardrobes. Decorated with verve, this apartment is sublime, understated and complete.
FROM HOUSE TO
SALESLETTINGSVALUATIONS
FOR SALE WILBURY ROAD TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT £260,000
69A&B CHURCH ROAD HOVE 01273 733500 [email protected] [email protected]
Set inside The Carlton built circa 1972, the apartment has a living room, separate kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. White walls, floorboards and an excellent choice of colours work in harmony with this 70s build which makes for a light, stylish living experience.
FOR SALE NORTON ROAD ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT £315,000 The apartment has a 17ft easterly facing living room, a separate kitchen with a balcony that leads to a communal garden, a bathroom and a westerly facing bedroom with built in wardrobes. Decorated with verve, this apartment is sublime, understated and complete.
FROM HOUSE TO
SALESLETTINGSVALUATIONS
FOR SALE £500,000: EACH NEW HOME HAS FOUR BEDROOMS TWO BATHROOMS A ROOF TERRACE A PATIO AND PARKING
CONNAUGHT
Six brand newly built, four bedroom, two bathroom, terraced houses, all benefiting from a roof terrace, parking space and patio garden, available NOW in Brighton. These terrific new homes are tucked away in a quiet gated Mews in a popular location with all the amenities close at hand.
01273 733 500
Nash Watson & Hamptons International present an exciting new development in central Brighton. For more information and to book a viewing contact either selling agent.
01273 230 230
FROM HOUSE TO
FEATURE home
8/9 Old SteineBrightonBN1 1EJ
If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service. In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients:
Direct dial to your SolicitorNo hidden chargesCompetitive fees
We would be delighted to provide you with a free personal quotation. Please contact one of our team on: 01273 669139 or email: [email protected] or visit www.healys.com and complete our online quotation form.
•••
Making Moving a Pleasure
This two-bedroom ground-floor garden flat is part
of a charming, detached residence, built circa
1810. York Villas is adjacent to Prestonville Road
and Old Shoreham Road, close to both Seven Dials
and Brighton Station. Lovingly restored by the current
owners in recent years, the property retains a wealth
of character and charm, with high and ornate corniced
and moulded ceilings, original shutters to a pair of bay
windows which overlook the gardens, and a well-fitted
kitchen. One of the property’s finest features is the
private brick-block paved patio, which leads out onto a
private lawned garden with further gated access to the
communal garden. The flat is being sold with a share of
the freehold.
123-125 Dyke Road, Hove BN3 1TJ01273 232232www.austingray.co.uk
...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine
2-bedroom flat for sale
York Villas, Brighton
Price: £375,000
HOME OF THE MONTH
Brighton & Hove City OfficeResidential Sales & Lettings3-6 North Road, BrightonEast Sussex BN1 1YASales 01273 688881Lettings 01273 688884E [email protected]
Residential Estate & Letting Agents • Land & New HomesLewes Town & CountryResidential Sales & Lettings14a High StreetLewesEast Sussex BN7 2LNT 01273 487444E [email protected]
London Office40 St James’s PlaceLondonSW1A 1NS
T 020 78390888E [email protected]
oakleyproperty.com
The Historic Lanes £725,000
Montpelier/Clifton OIEO £900,000
Hove Seafront £1,000,000
Kemptown £750,000
3 3
4
2 2
1
1 2
2
An attractive Grade II listed house offering versatile accommodation situated in the heart of the historic Lanes with several period features and a courtyard garden.
A stunning modern city centre three double bedroom town house benefitting from open plan living areas, a decked patio garden, roof terrace, private gated parking and NHBC warranty.
A stunning raised ground floor mansion flat with a southerly elevation situated in central Hove with fabulous views across Hove Lawns and to the sea.
A contemporary four bedroom house situated close to Kemptown Village. A spacious open plan living area with bi-folding doors creating amazing outside inside modern living. 10 year BLP premium guarantee.
3 2 2
CHOICE OF 2 OR 3 BEDROOMSPLUS A SUMPTUOUS PENTHOUSE
PRICES: TWO BED £535,000 • THREE BED FROM £700,000 TO £825,000 • PENTHOUSE – POA
Prepared to be impressed by these stunning sea view apartments each with south facing balconyand secure private parking. Located just a stroll from Hove’s famous promenade.
All of the apartments have been thoughtfully designed to create a light and airy living environment.Luxury contemporary finishes include designer kitchens featuring quartz worktops,
Quooker boiling tap and Neff integrated appliances.
CALL 01273 829300 • WWW.MISHONMACKAY.COM
NINE LUXURY APARTMENTS WITH PANORAMICSEA VIEWS ON HOVE SEAFRONT
READY FOR OCCUPATION SPRING 2016 – SELLING OFF-PLAN NOW!
HURRY!ONLY ONETWO BEDAPARTMENTREMAINING
191 Kingsway FP Portfolio Ad.qxp_Layout 1 18/01/2016 09:23 Page 1
PORTFOLIO 67
NEW homes
Mishon Mackay New Homes have
announced several exciting new
schemes of family houses coming to the
market. “We are very excited about these new
developments,” says New Homes Director Julie
Frith. “From well-planned family homes through
to grand-scale mansions, there is something for
everyone!”
Chapel Row in Lyminster Avenue in Patcham
is already attracting attention. Built to an eco-
friendly agenda, with photo-voltaic solar panels
and masses of insulation, these three attractive
new family homes of 1400 sq ft have four
bedrooms, off-street parking and great gardens.
Guide prices start at £435,000.
For buyers who are looking for the
spectacular, Vizion – two grand houses in
Withdean Road by Silver Homes – is ideal.
Offering approximately 3000 square feet of
internal space and sweeping views across Tivoli
Copse to the sea, these stylishly contemporary
homes will be ready in the summer of 2016
and have a guide price of £1,450,000. Withdean
Road, with its leafy ambiance and woodland
setting, is popular with developers, and Cielo,
a superb, contemporary development of three
detached homes by Baobab Developments, will
be ready in the summer of 2016. Just one is
still available, with sublime views, spectacular
space and landscaped gardens. The guide price
is £2,250,000.
Factory Mews in Kemptown is a stylish
boutique development of three apartments and
three townhouses by Creative Developments.
The apartments start at £525,000, while the
three spacious townhouses are shortly to be
launched. With 1660 sq ft of internal space,
integral garages, 3/4 bedrooms and sunny roof
terraces, these delectable city townhouses are
already attracting offers.
Homes ready for occupation include 38
Hove Street £899,950 – a superb city home,
packed with eco-friendly features and uber-
cool technology. Carefully designed exteriors,
using an attractive combination of warm brick
and dove grey render, give a welcoming feel,
and with four sumptuous double bedrooms, it
offers fantastic flexibility. The last remaining
townhouse at Holland Row in Holland Mews in
Hove is also still available, with a guide price of
£575,000, three bedrooms and a garage.
For full details of all of Mishon Mackay’s new
homes, call the sales team on 01273 829300 or
email [email protected].
STUNNING NEW family homes If you are looking for a new family home, a new build could be just right for you… Mishon Mackay New Homes have recently announced a number of new family housing developments
“From well-planned family homes through to grand-scale mansions, there is something for everyone”
www.engleharts.co.uk
For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:
Vallance Hall, Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DE
• 01273 204411
local & independent
solicitors
Incorporating Johnson McCabe
We are local, independent solicitors providing
an expert legal service with a personal approach
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PORTFOLIO 69
GARDENS
WEST SUSSEX
Petworth House and Park
Mini-masters Pop-Up Art Studio
Daily from 13 to 21 February
Arty fun at Petworth House this February
half-term. Inspired by their colourful Bosch to
Bellotto Renaissance exhibition, there is a pop-
up art studio, where young artists can create
their very own mini-masterpiece.
Normal admission plus donation
Uppark House and Garden
Baby Wildlife Springtime Trail
Daily from 13 to 21 February
Uppark’s wide expanses of lawn are perfect for
running across, as little ones hunt for clues on
Uppark’s half-term quiz trail. This year’s theme
is baby wildlife.
Normal admission charge only
Woolbeding Countryside, Woolbeding
Pancakes Al Fresco
Tuesday 9 February, 5pm to 6pm
Tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley lies
the picturesque Woolbeding estate. Cook your
own pancakes over an open camp fire in the
woods as the sun sets. All ingredients supplied,
just bring a healthy appetite!
£3, booking essential on 01730 816638.
Slindon Estate
Wild About The Woods
Wednesday 17 February, 10am to 3pm
Plant trees at the National Trust’s biggest-ever
woodland restoration project and help create
a natural and resilient wood for wildlife and
people. Plus den-building sessions, nature
trails, and more.
Free event, but book a space on 01243 814730.
EAST SUSSEX
Bateman’s
Children’s Winter Garden Trail
Daily from 12 to 21 February, 11am to 4.30pm
Follow the winter spotter trail and learn more
about what’s happening over winter in the
Bateman’s garden. Behind the scenes, lots of
animals and insects are busy preparing for the
spring.. Pick up a trail sheet at visitor reception
Normal admission charges apply, £1.50 per
trail.
Birling Gap
Spring Sheep Mobile Making
Daily from 13 to 17 February, 10am to 3pm
It’s spring and the lambs are being born. Come
and turn wool into sheep mobiles.
You can also try carding, spinning and weaving
(on Tuesday 16 February only) in the visitor
centre.
£2 per sheep mobile.
Bodiam Castle
Half Term Shrovetide Fun
Daily from 13 to 21 February, 11am to 4pm
The castle is coming back to life after the winter
period and the Bodiam household will be here
to celebrate Shrovetide and Lent. Learn about
the Lent menu and discover the dos and don’ts
of medieval feasting and fasting.
Normal admission charges apply, £2.50 per
trail.
Sheffield Park and Garden
50 Things Activities Week
Daily from 15 to 19 February, 11am to 12.30pm
Join one of the kite-making workshops to
create your own kite to fly in the parkland. Or
make a bug hotel to take home to your garden.
After you’ve finished your crafts, head out into
the woodland to climb a tree, make a trail out of
sticks or create some wild art.
Tickets £3 per child, including all materials.
Standen
Little Embroiders’ Trail
Daily from 13 to 21 February, 11am to 3pm
The Plantation kids want to create a piece of
art but they’ve lost some animals and flowers
they want to include. Inside the house, have a
go at the spotter trail. Don’t miss the artwork
designed by the Embroiders’ Guild influenced
by the garden at Standen.
Normal admission charges apply, £1 per garden
trail.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
GO WILD this half-term with the National Trust Half-term is fast approaching and there are lots of activities to get kids outdoors and having fun in National Trust houses and gardens throughout East and West Sussex
If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some time together
exploring the beautiful landscapes of Sussex as they gradually reveal signs of spring colour and wildlife after the colder winter months.
Take a walk on the wild side, enjoy fun craft sessions, or try exciting challenges and quiz-packed trails, indoors and out. Along the way you’ll be
able to tick off a few of the ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 ¾’ challenges, from mud-pie making and kite flying to den building and tree climbing.
Take your pick from our top family places for a wild day out:
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PORTFOLIO 71
OVERSEAS
MGM French Properties have announced
the launch of three new developments
in a trio of the Alps’ most desirable
resorts: La Plagne, Chamonix and Le Grand
Bornand. Perfect for buyers looking for a hassle-
free second-home, these turn-key apartments
are fully managed by the MGM team, with access
to a range of top-class facilities, including full spa
and wellness amenities. All occupy absolutely
prime positions within their respective resorts,
within close proximity to the slopes.
LES BALCONS ETOILÉS, CHAMPAGNY LA
PLAGNE
Situated in the valley recognised for its breath-
taking natural beauty, Champagny en Vanoise is
one of 11 picturesque villages in the renowned
La Plagne ski area. At an altitude of 1,250m,
the traditional Savoyard enclave is built around
a 17th-century church and retains much of its
original charm. The new Les Balcons Etoilés is
located in an enviable position at the heart of
the village and features 6 chalets, comprising
47 one- three-bedroom apartments. Inspired
by traditional Vanoise architecture, the
development is built with local wood and stone
and is expected to be in high demand year-
round. All residences enjoy stunning views of
the Vanoise National Park, often referred to as
the ‘Great Garden of France’.
A skier’s paradise, the La Plagne ski area
offers over 435kms of pistes and is linked to
the Paradiski area via the ‘Vanoise Express,’ the
largest cable car in the world.
1-bedroom apartments from £150,000
(€213,000) - NET of VAT via leaseback purchase
3-bed duplex apartments from £270,000
(€383,000) - NET of VAT via leaseback purchase
Completion:: Christmas 2017
LES CHALETS ELÉNA, CHAMONIX
The appeal of Chamonix as both a winter and
summer sports mecca is known the world over,
and the charming Les Houches is no exception
to the valley’s charm. A particular favourite with
families, properties here, in the international
capital of skiing and mountaineering, are in
high demand. Les Chalets Eléna is a premium
development of 50 apartments, ranging from
one to three bedrooms, blending contemporary
styles with traditional mountain influences
and stunning panoramic views across the
Mont Blanc valley. A winter playground of epic
proportions, the resort has become notorious
for its limitless off-piste and back-country skiing
and has over 900km of pistes. The year-round
lift system gives access to high mountain areas
around Mont Blanc, whether for skiing, climbing,
hiking, mountain biking or horse riding.
1-bedroom apartments from £155,000
(€220,000) NET of VAT via leaseback purchase
3-bedroom duplex apartments from £293,000
(€416,000) NET of VAT via leaseback purchase
Completion:: Christmas 2017
LE ROC DES TOURS, LE CHINAILLON, LE
GRAND BORNAND
Le Grand Bornand is a family, and epicure’s, ski
resort, set in the stunning Aravis region of the
Haute-Savoie. Bursting with Savoyard charm,
the 300-year-old village retains all the magic
of days gone by, yet offers the amenities of a
world-class resort. The new Le Roc des Tours
development consists of 44 one- to three-
bedroom apartments, just a short distance from
the village centre. Only an hour from Geneva,
and 20 minutes from Lake Annecy and Mont-
Blanc, Le Chinaillon is known as one of the
prettiest villages in France. The birthplace of
the famous Reblochon cheese, the destination
has an exceptional fine-dining scene, whilst
the cheese is sold by local farmers at a weekly
market in the village centre. Other activities
include horse-drawn sleighs, ice-skating, snow-
shoeing, paragliding and hot-air ballooning.
1-bedroom apartments from £138,000
(€196,000) NET of VAT via leaseback purchase
3-bedroom duplex apartments from £369,000
(€525,000) NET of VAT via leaseback purchase
Completion:: 2016
All properties across the three projects are sold
as leaseback, saving investors 20% VAT on the
purchase price. Owners still gain 100% freehold
ownership as well as a fully-managed property,
guaranteed rental income and up to 10 weeks
usage across high, medium and low seasons.
Setting MGM French Properties apart is the fact
that they allow owners to maximise personal
use at the most desired times of year, such as
Christmas, Easter and February half term.
Example rental income of an MGM Property:: 3 to
4 weeks use in winter or summer can generate
between £3,800 (€5,500) and £6,300 (€9,000)
per annum for 1 – 4 bedroom apartments,
respectively. Higher or lower usage packages
are also available.
www.mgmfrenchproperties.com
ALPINE APARTMENTS
Back from skiing and thinking of buying in the Alps? MGM French Properties have fully-managed apartments with peak-week personal usage in the heart of the Alps
PORTFOLIO 73
BUSINESS News
Innovative Sussex-based business Searches
UK have announced that they have been
acquired by Fitzalan Partners, part of NAHL
Group PLC. With their client’s best interests at
the core of how they function, the new acquisition
will strengthen the business, creating future
growth opportunities and resources to enhance
the client’s experience of their service.
Searches UK will operate as normal with the
same highly experienced and friendly team,
streamlined processes and fantastic service
whilst seeking new ways to enhance and
improve its service to its clients.
Their range of products and services will
remain the same, and prospective and existing
clients will still have the option to fully tailor
the service they receive to meet the needs of
their firm. This includes various ordering and
payment methods, added-value service options,
bespoke packs and flexible returns.
Andrew Stenning, Managing Director, at
Searches UK commented:
“It is a very exciting time for our clients, team and
business; we are treading in new territory with
the aim of making further improvements to the
way our business is run to ultimately benefit our
clients. The business will function in the same
way, and I would like to take this opportunity to
reassure our clients that there are lots of great
positives as a result of this change.”
Richard Rickwood, Managing Director, at
Fitzalan Partners, said:
“Having worked with Andrew and the team
at Searches UK, Fitzalan Partners is looking
forward to welcoming them to the Group. We are
always looking for ways to help house-buyers,
and by bringing our services together, we
believe that the conveyancing process will be
far smoother. I look forward to an exciting future
for both companies.”
Russell Atkinson, CEO, at NAHL added:
Searches UK is a high-quality business and has
an excellent reputation within the conveyancing
industry. We are therefore delighted that Andrew
and his team are joining the Group. As we have
stated previously, the conveyancing sector
remains highly fragmented, with significant
opportunities to grow market share.”
Fitzalan Partners is an online marketing
specialist focused on the conveyancing and
property sector through five internet brands:
Fridaysmove, In-Deed, Homeward Legal, Best
Value Conveyancing and Surveyor Local.
NAHL Group PLC is listed on AIM and is the
parent company of National Accident Helpline,
a leading UK consumer marketing business
focused on the personal injury market, Bush
& Company Rehabilitation, operating in the
catastrophic injuries market, and Fitzalan
Partners.
Searches UK was established in 2008
by Andrew Stenning and has grown from
strength to strength since its inception. As a
leading provider of conveyancing searches,
Searches UK offer a comprehensive range of
both residential and commercial searches,
including local authority, drainage & water, flood,
environmental, planning and chancel searches.
For more information about any of the
products and services from Searches UK, visit
their website and follow them on Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+. Alternatively, call
them directly on 0800 043 1815 or email them
at [email protected] to speak to one of
their dedicated team today.
www.searchesuk.co.uk
CHANGES AT SEARCHES UKLeading search provider Searches UK have been acquired by Fitzalan Partners
“Searches UK will operate as normal, with the same highly experienced and
friendly team”
Andrew Stenning
Rostrum Lodge, Ditchling Road, Brightonwww.cliveemson.co.ukCall: 01273 571853 [email protected]
Guides are provided as an indication of each Seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures which a property
will sell for and may change at any time prior to Auction. Unless stated otherwise, each Lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the Lot during the Auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide
range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide. Please check our website regularly at cliveemson.co.uk,
or call 01273 571853, in order to stay fully informed.
SUSSEX & SURREY AUCTION - FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2016THE HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE - COMMENCING 11AM
Lansdowne Place, HoveA substantial Grade II Listed mid-terrace property arranged as five self-contained flats over five floors. Two of the flats are vacant at present while three of the flats are let and the building currently produces £25,500 per annum
The property is situated in a sought after seafront location at the southern end of Lansdowne Place on the east side. There are local shopping facilities and amenities in the immediate vicinity with Hove mainline railway station a mile to the west. EPC:D/E/F/G
Guide: £750,000 Plus - FREEHOLD
Westhampnett, ChichesterA semi-detached Grade II Listed Licensed House in Multiple Occupation arranged as five letting rooms over four floors, with ancillary accommodation.
The house is fully let and produces £25,200 per annum. EPC:F
Guide: £300-325,000 - FREEHOLD
Brookpit Lane, ClimpingA unique opportunity to acquire this former stable yard with
consent to convert the existing buildings into two residential dwelling. The site extends to 0.23 hectares (0.58 acres) and comprises single storey agricultural buildings with yard and
grounds.
Guide: £500,000 Plus - FREEHOLD
Richard Payne, Emma Attrell, Sam Kinloch & James Emson
Rostrum Lodge, Ditchling Road, Brightonwww.cliveemson.co.ukCall: 01273 571853 [email protected]
Guides are provided as an indication of each Seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures which a property
will sell for and may change at any time prior to Auction. Unless stated otherwise, each Lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the Lot during the Auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide
range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide. Please check our website regularly at cliveemson.co.uk,
or call 01273 571853, in order to stay fully informed.
SUSSEX & SURREY AUCTION - FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2016THE HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE - COMMENCING 11AM
Lansdowne Place, HoveA substantial Grade II Listed mid-terrace property arranged as five self-contained flats over five floors. Two of the flats are vacant at present while three of the flats are let and the building currently produces £25,500 per annum
The property is situated in a sought after seafront location at the southern end of Lansdowne Place on the east side. There are local shopping facilities and amenities in the immediate vicinity with Hove mainline railway station a mile to the west. EPC:D/E/F/G
Guide: £750,000 Plus - FREEHOLD
Westhampnett, ChichesterA semi-detached Grade II Listed Licensed House in Multiple Occupation arranged as five letting rooms over four floors, with ancillary accommodation.
The house is fully let and produces £25,200 per annum. EPC:F
Guide: £300-325,000 - FREEHOLD
Brookpit Lane, ClimpingA unique opportunity to acquire this former stable yard with
consent to convert the existing buildings into two residential dwelling. The site extends to 0.23 hectares (0.58 acres) and comprises single storey agricultural buildings with yard and
grounds.
Guide: £500,000 Plus - FREEHOLD
Richard Payne, Emma Attrell, Sam Kinloch & James Emson
PORTFOLIO 75
WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN
COMPANY? I wanted to continue to grow my
business, and the accountancy profession is in
revolution (relatively speaking). I felt I needed
to be more agile…
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE
ACCOUNTANCY BUSINESS? I have been in
accountancy for 17 years, with 10 years as a
partner in my previous firm.
WAS THIS YOUR FIRST CHOICE OF CAREER?
I previously worked in the film industry. I was
a runner, working for Ridley Scott. The film
industry was a little dull and accountancy was
a bit more sexy. I switched when I was 23 –
nothing to do with having kids, that was just
coincidence.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST-EVER JOB? I worked
for Gap as a retail assistant, genuinely the
single biggest influence on how I run my
business today. I still revere their customer
service handbook. Mickey Drexler is my
business role model.
DID YOU TAKE A TRADITIONAL ROUTE INTO
YOUR CAREER? Not really. In despair, my father
sent me on a career-development course when
he knew I was about to be a father – and they
said my suited vocations were accountancy or
sculpture. As I said, I wanted something more
left-field…
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING DID YOU
TAKE? I have a BA in History, and an MA in
English, both from Sussex University. Then I
became a Chartered Accountant (ACA). I use
my degree and MA more than my accountancy
qualifications in how I run my business, if I am
honest.
WHAT MAKES UP A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU?
Wake at 5.30am and ride on my turbo in the
kitchen for an hour whilst pretending to parent.
I am at work for 7.30am, either at my office
by Brighton station or in London, where the
majority of my clients tend to be. Then, back-
to-back meetings with clients or mercilessly
drilling my staff, and trying to keep my inbox
down. I leave work around 7.30pm, usually –
and get back on the turbo in the evening for
another 90 minutes of quality time when the
kids are asleep… Rock ‘n’ roll…
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR
JOB? Accountancy is voyeurism. I am fortunate
to have clients far more interesting than me,
and they pay me, and say thank-you.
HOW IMPORTANT IS NETWORKING FOR YOU?
I believe in working, not networking.
HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR
PROFESSION AT ALL? Accounting is still a
business built on discretion, and as I specialise
in clients in the public eye, this makes it
even more important to be mindful of what
information is publically shared. However, it is
clearly the case that whatever an uncensored
twelve year old is doing now, we ought to
be preparing for: most of the successful
businesses I work for currently live or die by
their Instagram.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WEREN’T AN
ACCOUNTANT? A sculptor, but then again, no…
WHAT DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE WHEN
YOU GREW UP? Don Johnson
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME AS AN
ANTIDOTE TO THE JOB? I cycle, in fact my job
is almost an antidote to my cycling. I used to
do ironman triathlons, but I was told recently
you can only do two and a quarter things well
in life.
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
TO A YOUNG PERSON STARTING OUT
TODAY WHO WANTED TO GET INTO YOUR
PROFESSION? Accountancy is product retail:
the best employees I have did not want to be
accountants. They came from other business
lives and that is why they add value to the
businesses they advise. So, embrace customer
service experience and build up business
resilience. All the best companies hire by
reference to your resilience above anything
else… And watch Whiplash…
Will Taylor Chartered Accountants4th Floor, International HouseQueens Road, BrightonEast Sussex BN1 3XE01273 311411www.willtaylor.cc
CAREER LADDERThis month we speak to Will Taylor about his new company, Will Taylor Chartered Accountants
On your bike! Seriously, it is probably your
best option, given the way things are
going in our increasingly busy city. One
of the most common conversation topics across
morning coffee or the after-work pint in the pub
is how much of a nightmare it is to get across
the city. Each of us has been party to an ear
bending from a taxi driver covering any or all of
the following: 20mph zones, the Brighton station
taxi rank, the Valley Gardens scheme, Park and
Ride, or Monorail & Volks (a topical one of late).
Pedestrianisation of the Lanes and North Laine,
bike routes, Lewes Road “improvements,” Seven
Dials roundabout, Madeira Drive, more sea front
works at the bottom of West Street, Boris Bikes
(not till 2017), the proposed sat-nav redirection
of traffic into Brighton via Portslade… there are
way too many to list out fully.
Looked at as a collective set of strands
forming the big picture of where we’re at, where
we’re going and how we’re going to get there,
there is a clear battle of vested interests at play.
Bike vs car vs bus vs taxi vs train vs pedestrian.
We have local workers and day-to-day shoppers
traversing town east to west, commuters
entering and exiting north and south, children
& students criss-crossing to their schools,
colleges and universities and shopping tourists
descending on the city centre at the weekend.
The vagaries of the anecdotal list, above,
cloud the big picture that could actually end
up helping to solve them. Our future prosperity
isn’t dependent on East/West; the wealth comes
from the North, and we need to focus our energy
on facilitating an additional, effective transport
link into and out of Brighton, from the North. A
super-fast and hyper-reliable park and ride that
is integrated with the rail network and tallied
with how the shopping experience is structured
with it is the key. This provision would reduce
tourist car traffic through the city, freeing up
movement of buses, bikes and critical path
journeys for locals who have to use their cars.
The tourist coming to experience our stunning
seafront explores on foot, or could do so by bike.
FUTURE BRIGHTON ON YOUR BIKE
Paul Nicholson at Chalk Architecture on the challenge of getting into – and around – the city
“The tourist coming to experience our stunning
seafront explores on foot, or could do so by bike. It is, after all, a
promenade”
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It is, after all, a promenade. A shopper, at the end
of a day, laden down with bags, just wants to get
home.
One of my favourite images of someone’s
transport vision for future Brighton was created
in the 1960s and suggests a massive, great
flyover descending on the centre of Brighton
from the A27 and carving straight through
the North Laine (see www.nlcaonline.org.
uk ). It is preposterous and reveals the mind
set of the post-war town planners. Viewed
from our current perspective, it is a ridiculous
proposition, but it is a design that identified
that a radical singular solution was needed
to get mass numbers into and out of Brighton
efficiently. And one still is needed, but we just
can’t go ploughing through neighbourhoods with
elevated jugular monsters. Having said that, the
Victorian viaduct serving the train to Lewes is a
wonderful artefact of engineering and offers a
fabulous view en-route up and down the valley.
With proposals for Black Rock and the
Brighton Centre developments coming forward
this year and a decision on whether Gatwick
airport will get the 2nd runway forthcoming over
the summer, it will be fascinating to see how
the whole transport debate for Brighton starts
to evolve. It needs to be at the forefront of the
creative minds of the city’s designers, planners
and developers.
Chalk Architecture, The Cycle Hub,
109 Stroudley Road, Brighton BN1 4DJ
Tel: 01273 448700
Twitter: @chalkdesign &
@chalkarch #FutureBrighton
www.chalkarchitecture.com
https://m.facebook.com/ChalkArchitecture
“Viewed from our current perspective, it is a ridiculous proposition,
but it is a design that identified that a radical singular solution was needed to get mass
numbers into and out of Brighton efficiently”
BUSINESS
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80 PORTFOLIO
COMPETITION
Based in Brighton, Onske is an online retailer
of contemporary, industrial and designer
inspired furniture and accessories.
From bubble chairs to side tables and storage
to sofas, they carry a wide range of classics and
retro items in the style of Eames, Saarinen, Arne
Jacobsen, Le Corbusier, Knoll, Van Der Rohe and
other great 20th century designers together with
contemporary furniture ranges and all come in a
premium quality build in 100% leathers or fabric
finish.
Portfolio have teamed up with Onske to offer one
lucky reader the chance to WIN this Eames-style
rocking chair…
This maplewood rocker is perfect for use in a
nursery, bedroom, children’s room or anywhere
else you might want to sit and relax. The moulded
shell sits on a polished Eiffel stainless steel
silhouette held by two solid maplewood rockers.
The chair wraps around you and the design is
simple and aesthetically pleasing for any room in
the home.
For more office and home furniture with
a wow factor and fast local delivery visit
www.onske.co.uk or call them on 01273 921522
For a chance to win this chair, just answer this question: How were Charles and Ray Eames related?
Email your entry to [email protected]
WIN! This Eames-inspired rocking chair
Our living rooms should be designed for comfort and relaxation, and whatever the size and style of your room, having smart, comfortable seating
that you can sink into after a long day is essential. The biggest investments you will make for this all-important room will most likely be in the
sofa, flooring and lighting.
Whether you favour a snug armchair or a squashy sofa, comfortable seating that you can sink into after a long day is a luxurious essential
SITTING COMFORTABLY
INTERIORS
82 PORTFOLIO
INTERIORS
The sofa is the main feature of every living room, and
today’s sofas give us seating that combines modern
comfort with great design. Right now, the design and
fabric of sofas seem to be highly influenced by the past.
Contemporary manufacturers continue to be inspired
by traditional manufacturing techniques and styles,
creating pieces suited to today’s homes. The current
inclination towards retro and the opulence of the art
deco era is clear to see in furniture design and fabrics.
We have moved away from the sleek, minimal-
looking furniture of recent years and are now seeing
lots of bold colours and patterns, as well as rich,
sumptuous fabrics emerging.
There is a definite ‘retro revival’ going on at the
moment, with geometric-patterned sofas in warm
colours appearing, which complement the more
curved shape of the current-look sofa. The new retro-
look furniture is all about looking back to the past and
bringing their features to today’s contemporary homes.
There are many classic designs that will appeal to
everyone.
For those who are not brave enough to embrace a
whole sofa in bright colour and bold print, a statement
chair will bring a pop of colour to your living room. A
stylish armchair will create a focal point in a room,
so pick an unusual shape with bright or geometric-
patterned fabric with contrasting buttons or piping.
These days the trend is for ’love seats and snugglers,’
which are halfway between an armchair and a small
sofa. If space is short and you need extra seating, this
type of chair is a great space-saver.
Another very popular trend in the emerging furniture
design is the revival of the Art Deco style. The glamour
of the Art Deco period is being brought to today’s homes
by designers creating beautiful, luxurious furniture,
fabrics and wallpapers in this style. From high-end
furniture showrooms to high street shops, there is
smart lounge furniture in luxurious velvets and even
hand-finished natural leathers. Classic and timeless
monochrome, reminiscent of the Art Deco period, is
high fashion right now. Bold and stylish, this look has
been translated to many of the furniture designs we see
today. This type of seating would be perfect for adding a
dash of sophistication and glamour to your living room.
“The perfect accessories will add the finishing touch to your living room. Essential pieces such as side tables, consoles and coffee tables can provide colour or contrasting texture”
Photo: www.johnlewis.com
www.onske.com
Photo: www.johnlewis.com
PORTFOLIO 83
INTERIORS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOFA
When choosing a sofa for your living room,
carefully consider the space. A wide sofa can be
good for stretching out and watching TV, but for
social occasions a pair of two-seaters may be
more appropriate.
A bespoke sofa will cost more, as you will
be paying for the quality of the frame, springs
and upholstery, which in return will last longer
and be more comfortable. However, these
days most sofas are well made, using durable
materials for longevity.
A more expensive sofa will have feather-
filled cushions that will need regular plumping
to keep their shape. A foam and feather mix
is best for both comfort and support. When
shopping for a sofa, sit on it with someone else
to check that you don’t roll together and that
the cushions are comfortable for both back and
legs.
Buttoned, high-back sofas with firm frames,
curved arms and turned legs are on trend at the
moment. All these details are borrowed from
the past. The other popular style is sofas that
are low and sleek, with fixed seats or single or
large double-seat cushions.
For practicality, choose a corner sofa
which is great for entertaining, and modular
arrangements are the most flexible. These have
movable corner sections that can be rearranged
or used separately as chairs. For a dramatic
effect, each section could be upholstered in a
different colour or print, using many of the eye-
catching fabrics available on the market today.
FINISHING TOUCHES
The perfect accessories will add the finishing
touch to your living room. Essential accessories
such as side tables, consoles and coffee tables
can provide colour or contrasting texture.
Marble-topped tables bring elegance to a room,
while brightly coloured tables can lift a scheme,
especially if you have opted for a more neutral
upholstery. Glass tables with metal legs are very
much on trend at the moment, and as glass is
very light and airy, the living room will feel more
spacious. Nests of tables are back in fashion for
their versatility as they can be moved around
when needed, then put back together after use.
Cabinets and shelving play an important part
in the lounge as they provide good storage to
house books and even the television. There
are solid multi-purpose units available today
that are sleek and smart with storage space for
everything, to keep your room neat and tidy. Opt
for shelving in stone lacquer finish with chrome
in true vintage flavour. For extra storage, choose
a retro-look Scandi ottoman in a choice of four
understated colours, including duck egg blue,
which will also double up as a footstool. A great
multi-purpose piece at an affordable price.
Comfortable, smart and functional furniture
is essential to create a warm living room that
is both relaxing and inviting. Visit your local
interiors stores and showrooms to view the
latest trends and styles and update your living
room beautifully.
See more interiors ideas at
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
www.onske.com
Update your home and sort out your storage with these DIY ideas for the home
84 PORTFOLIO
SHOPPING
MARVIN CRATESBased on old linen crates, used to transport fabric safely, these versatile boxes are made from sustainably sourced pine and look perfectly chic. £79.00.www.lillyloray.com
STORE IT AWAYA super-stylish way to store clothing and other items. Pack them, and stack them…£30 to £75 from Oliver Bonas.www.oliverbonas.com
ROOM WITH A VIEW This Black and White Woodland Clearing Wall Mural is a stunning woodland scene finished in a monochrome effect. Available to fit any size wall, in a range of finishes from wallpaper to vinyl, from £39 per square metre. www.murawall.com/uk
EASY AS ABCA fantastic blackboard sticker for a child’d bedroom and a fun way to learn the alphabet. This chalkboard wall sticker is easy peasy to apply. From Tenstickers.www.tenstickers.co.uk
DOING IT yourself
www.farrow-ball.com
METAL EFFECT Tileworks’ Metallic Steel effect porcelain tiles add a touch of industrial chic with the look of aged metals. £49.95 per pack. From Original Style.www.originalstyle.com
UPDATE YOUR DOORSGive a fresh look to your kitchen cupboards without spending a fortune… Painting cupboard doors is an easy way to transform them and get a whole new look on a budget. www.farrow-ball.com
GOT YOUR NUMBERAdd instant kerb appeal to your house with a custom made house number in etched glass effect or stained glass effect film. Design your own house number or name sticker, in a choice of materials, colours and fonts. From £45.00 per m2. Purlfrost Window Film from www.purlfrost.com
COME ON INEvery home needs a stylish doormat. This Black Star doormat from Rigby & Mac fits the bill perfectly. (W: 79cm x D: 40cm). £32.95www.rigbyandmac.com
OLD SCHOOLFor good looks and the ability to blend with either traditional or contemporary settings, a cast iron column radiator provides elegance with an unobtrusive profile. New Clasico from MHS Radiators. Priced according to size. www.mhsradiators.com
LOG ITWhether in a country cottage or contemporary studio these enamel kindling buckets with handle keep it neat. Kindling Bucket available in two sizes. £14.95 from Ludlow Stoves.www.ludlowstoves.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 85
GARDEN TIDYGreen wooden garden tidy with 8 internal compartments, perfect for holding the necessary tools and string for tidying the garden. £24.95.www.dotcomgiftshop.com
86 PORTFOLIO
Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier
boasts a pleasant climate, a medieval
old town and a strong tradition of
arts. Thanks to its universities and strong
North African influence, Montpellier is one of
southern France’s most multicultural cities, and
is an excellent base from which to explore the
Mediterranean coast, the nearby mountains and
some of France’s best wine regions.
With its elegant buildings, grand hotels
particuliers (private mansions) and stately
boulevards, Montpellier is a quietly stylish
metropolis – with more than a hint of Barcelona
about its old quarter and shady backstreets.
Founded in the 10th century by the counts
of Toulouse, Montpellier later became a
prosperous trading port and a centre for
education. (Europe’s first medical school was
founded here). Today, one third of the population
is made up of students from the multiple
universities in the city.
The main focus point of the city is the Place
de la Comédie, with the Opera Comédie, built
in 1888. The majority of the buildings in the
historic centre – the Écusson – have medieval
roots, though many were modified between the
16th and the 18th centuries.
The best way to get about in Montpellier is
by using the (TaM) tram network. The four lines
intersect in the city centre and offer a fast,
efficient and cheap way to get around. The TaM
also manages the large bike sharing scheme,
Vélomagg’, comprising 1,200 bicycles and 50
stations.
We explored much of the centre of the city on
foot. The Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier – the
oldest botanical garden in France, founded in
1593 – is a must-see, with its tropical rain forest
greenhouse, La Serre Amazonienne.
The Porte du Peyrou, Montpellier’s Arc de
Triomphe, built at the end of the 17th century,
and the Place Royal du Peyrou, mark the highest
point of the Écusson and offer breathtaking
views of the city .
Montpellier is also an exceptional example
of controlled urbanism: The Antigone District,
designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill, in
particular, is stylistically impressive.
Other sights worth seeing are: the Musée
Fabre; the 14th-century Roman Catholic Saint
Pierre Cathedral; the medieval Hebrew Mikve
(ritual Jewish bath); the Tour des Pins, and the
Tour de la Babotte, vestiges of the old ramparts,
modified in the 18th century to include an
observatory.
Montpellier is a city full of charm and energy,
and the nightlife reflects this. Eating out is easy
and varied, with lots of small, independent
restaurants and cafes. Similarly, shopping is a
pleasure in the small, medieval streets, where
independent shops, old-fashioned stores and
high-street names sit side by side.
The nearest beaches are at Palavas (tram
direction “Odysseum” to Port Marianne, then
bus 28), but the best are slightly to the west of
the town.
“Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier boasts a
pleasant climate, a medieval old town and a strong
tradition of arts”
The third-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast after Marseille and Nice, Montpellier is the lively, cosmopolitan capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region
COSMOPOLITAN COCKTAIL
PORTFOLIO 87
TRAVEL
THE DETAILS
WE STAYED:
At The Vichy Spa Hotel in Juvinac,
15 minutes from the city centre.
A modern, spacious hotel set in
lovely gardens, with spa facilities
www.vichyspahotel.com
WE ATE:
The inventive set menu at intimate
L’Alliance des Plaisirs , a welcoming
restaurant run by a friendly and
knowledgeable husband and wife
team. www.lalliancedesplaisirs.fr
Classic and regional specialities in
the lovely surroundings of Place
de la Chappelle at Le Grillardin.
www.restaurantlegrillardin.com
In the beautiful beautiful garden
terrace, with the backdrop of St
Peter’s Cathedral, at Le Petit Jardin.
Perfect for a special occassion...
www.petit-jardin.com
WE TRAVELLED:
We flew to Montpellier with Easyjet,
who offer two flights a day from
Gatwick. www.easyjet.com
We booked a car ahead with Hertz
– which we picked up at Montpellier
airport. www.hertz.co.uk
WHEN TO GO:
Montepellier’s Mediterranean
climate makes the city perfect for a
city break year round… We visited in
October, when it was still pleasantly
warm and sunny during the day,
though getting chilly at night. The
liveliest time to visit is during the
academic year (Oct–May), when the
city is full of students. Montpellier
has a rich cultural life, and hosts a
number of annual festivals, notably
Montpellier Danse (late June to
mid-July), and Le Festival de Radio-
France et de Montpellier – a classical
music and jazz Festival (second half
of July).
With thanks to:
www.montpellier-france.com,
www.lonelyplanet.com,
www.roughguides.com
Photos: by Wolfgang Staudt
Web site: www.redjoinery.comTwitter: @redjoineryTel: 01273 463799Mob: 07970274626
We design, create and install bespoke furniture to commercial, domestic and retail sectors.
PORTFOLIO 89
HEALTH
Around this time of year it’s easy to lose
sight of those New Year goals we set
ourselves, and get frustrated with the
time it takes to make any difference. For some
of us, though, self-transformation might mean
more than a visit to the gym. This week, we’re
looking at nips, tucks and needles as we review
cosmetic procedures.
WHAT PROCEDURE, WHERE?
Changing how we look can make a real difference
to physical and mental well-being. Taking a few
years off our appearance would likely cheer
most of us up, but cosmetic procedures can also
improve the quality of our smile, our posture,
reduce pain and even end distress.
There are, quite literally, hundreds of
different cosmetic procedures – surgical and
non-surgical – for different issues and areas. A
good rule of thumb is to consider less invasive
treatments first, as they will carry less risk, and
cost less.
Non-surgical procedures for the face
include things like botox (botulinum toxin),
injectable fillers, chemical peels (where
surface layers of dead skin cells are removed),
microdermabrasion (where fine crystals and a
vaccuum are used to remove dead skin cells),
non-surgical laser and intense light treatment.
Many of these technologies and procedures,
along with other treatments such as sculpting
techniques and non-surgical vein and varicose
vein treatments, are also used in other body
areas. There is an equally vast and ever-
developing array of surgical interventions to
make permanent changes to the face and body.
PREPARE YOURSELF
In these times of ever-reducing NHS resource,
it’s important to be clear that unless there is
a very, very strong clinical case, any cosmetic
procedure is unlikely to be funded by the NHS.
Despite this, it is a good idea to consult your GP
if you’re considering a cosmetic procedure. They
will be able to talk you through the basics of the
process and procedure and make a referral to
a local qualified practitioner – even if you are
paying for the process yourself. A good GP
should encourage you to explore alternatives
and help you to work out the option that suits
you best.
Any procedure – surgical or non-surgical
– should be carried out by an appropriately
qualified health professional. Providers of
surgical treatments must be registered with
the Care Quality Commission (www.cqc.org.
uk ). Providers of non-surgical treatments
don’t have to be CQC registered, but it is
important that they are appropriately qualified;
injectibles should only be administered by
a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or dentist. NHS
choices have produced excellent fact sheets
about surgical and non-surgical cosmetic
treatments, along with a summary of ongoing
clinical trials on surgical treatments http://
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cosmetic-surgery/
Pages/Introduction.aspx You can also link to the
relevant professional bodies from this site and
check that a provider is registered.
HOME OR AWAY?
Cheap foreign cosmetic treatment packages
may seem tempting, but think very carefully
before you sign up for one: regulations and
qualifications required abroad may differ
significantly from UK standards, and it is vital
to consider what would happen – and how you
could seek redress or further treatment – were
anything to go wrong. The issues that arose with
PIP breast implants in 2011 highlighted how
important it is to be able to get swift treatment
in the event of problems. We still have what’s
probably the best healthcare system in the
world, so why go anywhere else?
Dr Catherine Swann
www.eipa.co.uk
Senior partner at Evidence
into Practice Associates,
a research and delivery
organisation specialising in health, care and
community.
“There is a vast and ever-developing array of surgical
interventions to make permanent changes to
face and body”
BODY BEAUTIFULChanging how we look can make a real difference to physical and mental wellbeing; cosmetic procedures can improve the quality of our smile, our posture, reduce pain and even end distress. Dr Catherine Swann looks at the major benefits of some minor procedures
The new year is undoubtedly a time of
transformation, which for many people
means starting (or restarting) a diet or
exercise regime. But the new year is also a
great time to take a look at your style –
particularly guys. Does it need updating ? Does
your professional image need sharpening ?
And what key pieces should a well-dressed
man invest in to take him through the year
ahead and beyond ?
SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Sharpening your image for the new year does
not mean you have to throw out your wardrobe
and start again. On the contrary, it can be done
by simply focusing on the small things. For
example, the three items that everyone notices
are watches, shoes and coats. Updating these
three can transform your overall look, but do
make sure you buy the best you can afford.
Watches: it may not have occurred to you, but
you may need more than one watch. Consider
investing in a smart everyday timepiece for
the office, and perhaps a sportier version for
weekends and casual days.
Coats: arguably, the only three coats you need
are a trench, a classic overcoat and a pea coat
for off duty days. Invest wisely.
Shoes: every man should have a pair of
leather brogues (dark brown or black) and a
pair of black leather derby’s in his wardrobe
for work and formal wear. For off-duty days,
loafers, desert boots and leather trainers are
all good options
CREATE YOUR ‘SIGNATURE’ LOOK
Many stylish men have a ‘signature’ look that
makes their style individual and immediately
recognisable (see the box). How do you do
this? It’s best to focus on one element that you
feel comfortable with and that works for you.
This could be a small element – such as your
ties (think Jon Snow’s vibrant neckwear on
Channel 4 News) or your socks, or perhaps you
have a fantastic watch or glasses collection
that you can showcase.
CHECK YOUR GROOMING
Is your grooming up to scrutiny? Changing your
skincare routine , hairstyle products or even
investing in a manicure are other relatively
easy ways to ring the changes and introduce
a ‘new you’. As I said a couple of issues ago,
men’s grooming is now big business, and
so it should be. There’s no excuse for men
not taking care of their skin, hair, nails and
brows. Sloppy grooming habits can instantly
undermine the most pulled- together look.
Three of the best websites out there, for
grooming advice and how-to’s are
FashionBeans, Niven & Joshua and Mankind.
Each of these targets the modern, well-
dressed man, giving top tips and trends.
So many new year resolutions fizzle
out by February, but making simple style
and grooming changes will carry you through
2016 and beyond. Use your steely new year’s
resolve to make some simple style and
grooming changes to make 2016 your best-
looking year yet!
STYLE
DRESS FOR SUCCESSSamantha Wilding on the key pieces a well-dressed man should invest in to take him through the year ahead and beyond
“Sharpening your image for the new year does not mean you have to throw out your wardrobe and
start again”
90 PORTFOLIO
Mark Hill
Eddie Redmayne
www.styleandgrace.eu | @alwayschicUK
BeautyBox
Picture the scene. You are sitting opposite your
beloved amid flickering candlelight, about to
indulge in a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner.
Valentine’s Day seems to be one of the girliest
occasions of the year, one where we are positively
encouraged – even expected – to exploit our feminine
wiles. So let’s start with your lashes…
You’ll want them to be at their lushest, thickest best
– all the better for fluttering. I’m a great believer
in having more than one mascara at your disposal,
as different occasions call for different lash looks.
Sometimes you want length, sometimes volume,
sometimes waterproof, sometimes all of the above.
Here are my top picks for your Valentine’s lashwear.
Liz Earle’s Lash Definition
Smudgeproof Mascara has an amazing
brush that really clings to your lashes;
you can really feel it gripping to coat
and define each one. It doesn’t flake or
smudge, and delivers on both length
and volume. Lash Definition is a
great choice if you’re after moderate
intensity, but it wasn’t quite dramatic
enough for me. Also, be aware that it
is ‘water resistant’; I found it took two
good cleanses to remove all traces.
Lash Definition comes in black and brown, is available
at uk.lizearle.com and retails for £14.50.
For evening, my first choice would
be MAC’s Opulash Optimum Black
Mascara. The brush is fat (MAC
describes it as ‘bodacious’) but not
unwieldy, delivering an intense black
with length, no clumping, extra volume
and even a bit of curl. I actually found
this easier to remove than the Liz Earle
mascara, despite it delivering a much
sootier (in a good way) result. Opulash
retails for £15 and is available at MAC
stores and outlets, and online at
www.maccosmetics.co.uk
Until next month….
Samantha
Get ready to flutter
SIGNATURE LOOKS TO INSPIRE YOU
All of these guys use specific items to create their own ‘signature’ looks.
• Jon Hamm as Don Draper in ‘Mad Men’, always looking impeccable in
sharp suit and tie combinations
• Actor/musician Idris Elba is often seen in a ‘statement’ overcoat, worn
over everything, from tailoring to T-shirts
• Actor Eddie Redmayne uses colour, texture and sharp tailoring to nail
the ‘modern dandy’ look
• Antiques expert and television presenter Mark Hill epitomises ‘geek
chic’ with his dark framed glasses, three-piece slim-cut suits and pocket
squares
LINKS: GROOMING
• www.fashionbeans.com
• www.nivenandjoshua.com
• www.mankind.co.uk
Idris Elba
There is an old Danish expression that
says, freely translated, “A beloved child
has many names.” That certainly seems
to apply to one of the most prolific
additions to many golfers’ bags in recent
years. Variously called rescue clubs,
utility clubs or hybrids – and sometimes
mysteriously pronounced “high-
breds” in the States – they are often
characterised by pro shops and golf
instructors as being easier to hit than,
say, a three- or four-iron, and they are
thought to be very useful when hitting
out of short rough.
Personally, I was never very adept at
hitting consistent shots with long irons
under the best of conditions, so I needed
little persuasion to exchange them for
19 degree and 23 degree hybrids several
years ago. And every now and then I hit
one of those whoarrrhhh! shots with
one of them – but not very often.
Here’s the thing about hybrids: they
look and feel like fairway clubs rather
than the irons they are supposed to be
replacing, and I’m never sure how to
use them. Out of the rough, I often get
too far under the ball and pop it up.
Alternatively, it goes low and left. Off the
fairways, I tend to play hybrids more like
a three-metal; that is, ball a bit further
forward and a sense of “sweeping” the
ball off the turf. Too often, the result is
a miserable top or thin and consistency
might as well be a small town in
Remotistan. “Everbody’s got one, no one
knows a thing about them” seems an apt
description of these clubs. There must
be a way to hit crisp, solid hybrid shots
with a modicum of consistency. Can you
rescue my hybrids?
GolfGuy
HYBRIDS TO THE RESCUEThis month on the fairway: Learn to use your hybrids and save shots this winter
GolfGuy writes:
GOLFGUY...
GOLF
I think you have been playing them the
wrong way around!
The hybrids were designed to replace
the long irons and are therefore do not
demand the same set up as a fairway wood, nor do they create the
same distance.
Your hybrid might look a lot like a fairway wood, but you need to
play it the way you would an iron. The hybrid’s shaft is only slightly
longer than the corresponding iron, so it’s easy to set up to the ball
the same way. For the fairway shot, play the ball in the middle of
your stance, and keep your weight central. Your hands should be in
line with the ball, and your shoulders, hips and feet should be square
to your target. As you take the club back and swing through to a full
finish, make sure to hit the ball with a descending blow.
If you are playing from the rough and the ball ’pops up’, the ball
may be sitting up, therefore requiring that the ball position should be
moved forwards to enable you to sweep the ball as you would when
sweeping the ball off a tee peg with the driver.
If you are unfortunate to get a poor lie in the rough and wish to try
the hybrid, make sure you have enough loft; then go down the shaft
and play the stroke the same way as the standard shot. Your follow-
through might be restricted as the lie may curtail the finish.
Hybrids are definitely here to stay, and now that you know how
to play them they will become great friends and very versatile for
consistent hitting compared to long irons and fairway woods because
of their design. Some of you may prefer to hit your hybrid from the
fairway rather than your three- or five-wood. Although you may lose
a little distance, that shorter shaft feels like you have much more
control.
Lots of people feel they hit their hybrids longer than their iron
counterparts. This is down to the fact that the carry distance with
hybrids is generally further. Examples:
Three-iron carry 165 - total distance 190
Hybrid carry carry 180 - total distance 190
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: [email protected]
The Golf Pro replies:
With thanks to our golfing expert,Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Clubwww.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk
Bring this article with you to Mid Sussex Golf Club, and when you pay for a round, another player can go free.
“Hybrids are definitely here to stay, and now that you know how
to play them they will become great friends and very versatile
for consistent hitting”
Lee Andrews
Good lie in rough Bad lie in rough
94 PORTFOLIO
LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL news
BINGO HALL TO CLOSE
KING ALFRED CENTRE’S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
ARGUS ON THE MOVE
Beacon Bingo in Moulsecoomb
Way, Brighton, will close on
February 28 after almost 20
years, following an “unsolicited offer” for the site from a third party. Up to
27 jobs are at risk from the closure at the venue, which has been calling out
numbers since November 1996.
Management at Milton Keynes-based Praesepe, who own the Beacon Bingo
brand, said a full consultation process has been entered into with staff and
options were being explored to “avoid or minimise” redundancies, with
possible redeployment opportunities elsewhere within the group,
Larry Kehoe, Operations Director at Beacon Bingo, said: “As part of
our continuing plan to ensure the future viability and profitability of the
Praesepe Group, we regularly review our property and business portfolio.
It is with regret that we can confirm the impending closure of Brighton
Beacon Bingo.
“The outstanding contribution of all staff and management at this club has
enabled us to provide a great service to the local community. Unfortunately,
despite these efforts, the club has continued to make a trading loss.”
To date, Brighton and Hove City Council have remained tight-lipped over
the preferred developer for the King Alfred Centre, though the decision
is set to be revealed after the policy and resources meeting at the end
of January.
The two developers battling it out for the job are Crest Nicholson
Regeneration (working with The Starr Trust) and French builder
Bouygues Development. But not even the developers will find out who
has the successful bid until after the policy and resources – where the
matter is being discussed behind closed doors.
Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis, head of legal and democratic services
at the council, said: “The council is committed to openness and
transparency and strives to make information public as soon as
possible, unless there is some legal or other good reason not to do so. In the case of the King Alfred project, a large-scale major development,
given the competitive dialogue process that was adopted, and the complex nature of the project, an assessment was made by the council’s in-
house legal team.
“The view taken was that publishing the detailed information ahead of the meeting would increase the risk of legal challenge. We are sorry if this
comes as a disappointment, but cannot expose the council, the project and taxpayers’ money to the risk of legal challenge.”
The Argus has completed
the sale of its Hollingbury
home of 23 years.
Hanbury Properties, a
property investment
and development business based in Chichester, has signed
contracts for the 4.5 acre site. Argus House in Crowhurst
Road has been home to Sussex’s only daily newspaper since it
vacated its North Laine offices in 1993. It is expected Hanbury
will demolish the 16,989 sq m building and create a mixed
development of retail and commercial space.
Then called The Evening Argus, the newspaper moved to the
old KTM factory in the Hollingbury industrial estate in 1993.
By the late 1990s, Newsquest, the new owner of the Evening
Argus, was acquired by US company Gannett, and two years
later the paper was rebranded as The Argus.
The disposal of the building was handled by Flude Commercial
while Graves Jenkins has led the search for new offices over
the last year.
Strada has also closed its Brighton reataurant after more
than nine years in the grade II listed site in the Colonnades,
on the corner of North Street and New Road.
Mexican street food restaurant Wahaca will open in Brighton on the site. The group, which has
16 restaurants in London, alongside venues in Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol and Manchester, is set
to open their 130-cover restaurant in April. The award-winning chain was founded in 2007 and
was inspired by co-founder and Masterchef 2005 winner Thomasina Miers’ travels to Mexico.
www.wahaca.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 95
LOCAL news
Dermot O’Leary’s seafood restaurant Fishy Fishy in Brighton
has shut its doors after seven years. The TV presenter opened
the Brighton restaurant with friends James Ginzler and Paul
Shovlin in 2009. It closed last month, following in the wake of
its sister restaurant in Poole. Fishy Fishy’s shutdown comes
three years after Dermot’s Poole restaurant of the same
name also closed.
O’Leary said: “After seven years Fishy Fishy is moving on from our 36 East Street location.
We would like to thank all of our customers, staff and the good people of Brighton for their
loyalty and support. Future plans are currently in discussion.”
The glass viewing pod for British Airways i360, conceived and designed by Marks Barfield
Architects, was completed on Brighton beach in January, making way for the last phase of
construction before the world’s tallest moving observation attraction opens this summer.
The construction team attached the final segment to the 162-metre tower, forming a
breathtaking, futuristic glass viewing pod, which is ten times bigger than the capsules on
the London Eye and can hold up to 200 people. Julia Barfield said, “This is an extremely
important moment for us. The pod is completed and it looks stunning. The fluid form of
the glass sits beautifully in its beachfront setting, and the mirrored underside will cast
reflections of the naturally shifting shapes of the sea and sky.”
Eleanor Harris, CEO of British Airways i360 said, “It is a thrilling way to start the year. We are
well on schedule and look forward to starting to test the pod movement in the spring and
British Airways i360 opening this summer.” Among its other features, the British Airways
i360 pod will be heated and air-conditioned, is fully accessible for wheelchair users, has
bench seating for passengers and will also house the Sky Bar, the most unique bar in the
UK. The next key project milestone will be when the team runs test flights for the pod in
spring. www.britishairwaysi360.com
Sport Relief is back and once again pupils and
teachers from all over the South East will be
making every Mile count this March.
Schools across the region are already planning
to take part and raise vital cash to help change
the lives of vulnerable people here in the UK and
across the world’s poorest communities.
For Sport Relief 2014, schools across the South
East raised an incredible £680,000 by running,
hopping, skipping and jumping their way around
a Mile. One school limbering up for Sport Relief
2016 is The Math School in Rochester. Dedicated
pupils and teachers are hoping they can raise even
more money this year by taking part in a whole
range of fundraising activities.
P.E Teacher Angus Parker said, “We love taking
part in Sport Relief, getting our pupils, teachers
and even parents involved in the fun. It’s a great
way to bring everyone together and we always
come up with something different to raise as much
money as we can. Everyone really gets stuck in!”
This year, Sport Relief is challenging schools in the
South East to try a new twist on their Mile, from
fancy dress to balancing bean bags on their heads.
Teachers can get started by signing up for a free
school fundraising kit. Just head to sportrelief.
com/schools
There are lots of ways to get involved: at school, in
the workplace and in the local area. From Friday
18th to Sunday 20th March 2016 the Sainsbury’s
Sport Relief Games are back and the whole of
the South East will walk, run, swim or cycle itself
proud to raise vital cash to help people living
incredibly tough lives.
Sign up now at sportrelief.com
FISHY FISHY CLOSES IN BRIGHTON
BRITISH AIRWAYS I360 VIEWING POD COMPLETED IN BRIGHTON
SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH EAST SHAPE UP FOR SPORT RELIEF 2016
GOODBYE STRADA, HELLO WAHACA
96 PORTFOLIO
THE PARSONS’ PLACE
The Parsons Table is located in one of
those cosy mews that adorn many of our
Sussex old market towns. Tarrant Street,
in which the mews is located, is a buzzling little
road opening onto Arundel’s High Street. The
first thing you notice as you make your way to
The Parsons Table is that there is no scarcity of
pubs and cafes within a couple of celery sticks
of The Parsons. But opening a classy new
restaurant (for local mullets, where Sage used
to be) here in this popular market town in early
December is a declaration of some sort.
Unless you have been unusually connected to
the Danish food scene since 1963, you will never
have heard of Danish chef Søren Gericke, who
is considered one of the most important living
Danish kitchen gurus. My Danish first wife and I
staged our wedding repast at Søllerød Kro, the
northern Copenhagen village inn where Gericke
began his stellar career. It is one of my abiding
regrets that I was so nervous about having to
deliver a short wedding speech in Danish that I
have no memory of what we ate that day. I might
as well have been munching on cardboard. The
thing is, Lee Parsons looks spookily like the
young Gericke, and the resemblance doesn’t
stop there. The lad can cook, too, as we soon
discovered.
Lee Parsons was Sous Chef at Claridge’s
Hotel, London, around the time when this iconic
establishment was being “adopted” by a raft of
new-generation models, designers, musicians
and artists. Gordon Ramsay, Mark Sargeant
and Northern Ireland’s Michelin-starred chef
Michael Deane have all graced the kitchens
of Claridge’s. With eight years of experience
tucked under his toque, Lee moved on to the
world-famous Raymond Blanc establishment,
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, where he further
refined his culinary skills before heading to
North America. Here he set up and ran the
kitchens at top hotels in the Niagara Peninsula
and Vancouver, winning a slew of awards on the
way, and becoming a regular on Canadian TV. Liz
pursued a variety of roles in hotel management
before moving into event planning. In Vancouver,
she won international awards for her work with
renowned Canadian caterers, Culinary Capers
Catering, putting on hugely successful events,
from intimate dinners and weddings to lavish
parties for up to 600 guests. The Parsons
duo tick all the boxes for the pedigree and
confidence required to open a new eatery in an
already busy catering environment.
Just a few miles from Brighton, Arundel is well known as a town of special historical interest with lots to see and do, but now it has another reason for you to visit. Daniel Frickelton checks out the new kid on the block
Photos: www.emmagutteridge.com & Bethany Hobbs www.beehobbs.co.uk
BUSINESS lunch
We were greeted by Liz Parsons, who
somehow managed to make us feel, in the space
of five minutes, as though we had known her
forever. The warm, welcoming Liz interfaces
so seamlessly with the smooth, professional
Liz that the two are clearly inseparable.
We followed her happily to our table in this
contemporary dining space which, despite the
somewhat “Protestant” whitewashed walls and
clean Scandi inspiration, made us feel all warm
and cosy. Maybe it was the soft lighting, or the
way the room was broken up into smaller, more
intimate spaces. Or maybe it was just Liz.
The menu at The Parsons Table is delightfully
simple, clear and attractive. Besides the
obligatory meat and fish offerings, the
vegetarian options are truly mouth-watering
(and gluten-free). My companion’s starter of
tiny, roasted Pulborough beets with Golden
Cross goat’s cheese, winter kale and walnut
dressing (£6) was a thing of beauty on the plate
and an explosion of flavours on the palate. This
warm, welcoming winter salad reflects Lee’s
dedication to local ingredients. My pan-seared
scallops (£9), classically served with crispy bits
of prosciutto and capers - and a cheeky slash
of cauliflower cream sauce – were more local
delights. There is actually a photo of this dish
on the restaurant’s website, in the menu tab
(dinner). Have a look, and if your mouth doesn’t
start watering, you’re not hungry.
My dining partner beat me to the beef cheek
(£16). We had heard about this dish from
our two friends, Roger and Kathy, who raved
about it. This ingredient is making regular
appearances on menus these days, possibly
replacing other cheaper cuts of which diners
have tired. I don’t see beef shin, osso buco or
even pork belly as frequently as I did a couple of
years ago. It is tempting to compare beef cheek
to slow-cooked brisket because of the way they
fall apart under the fork, but this comparison
does not quite cut the mustard. Cheek has a
finer texture and simply melts in the mouth,
and Lee’s version was no exception. Braised in
red wine and served – simply, classically – with
potato puree and bourguignon sauce, this dish
was at once hearty and elegant. We have since
bought a piece of beef cheek to try at home in
the slow cooker with some beef broth, root veg
and red wine.
The cod was off the menu, so I had to “make
do” with a bit of halibut (£17). As this is one of
my two favourite fish, I did my best not to look
too disappointed. The crispy skin and buttery
creaminess of the flesh were offset by the
tangy sweetness of the saffron and soft herb
risotto with cured tomatoes on which it floated.
Again, simple, classical cooking to bring out
the best in fresh, local ingredients, which could
also describe the apple crumble that followed.
That’s The Parsons’ secret (a good name for
another restaurant). I’m betting it won’t be a
secret for very long.“Lee Parsons looks spookily like the young
Gericke, and the resemblance doesn’t stop
there. The lad can cook, too, as we soon discovered”
THE PARSONS TABLE2 & 8 CASTLE MEWS, TARRANT STREET,ARUNDEL, WEST SUSSEX BN18 9DG01903 883477www.theparsonstable.co.uk
ISSUE 20 . 2016 The widest-read business publication in the South East
PLATINUM
PLATINUMPLUS:Legal IssuesAccountancyBusiness TravelChamber NewsBusiness StyleEditorial OpinionNetworkingMotoringBusiness Funding GuideInternational TradeWealth Management
READ ALL PAST ISSUES AT WWW.PLATINUMBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM
SUSSEX EDITION .
BUSINESSTRAVEL
Shake hands in…Singapore
NATWESTCEO Impersonations
A GRAND SPA
PROPERTY INVESTMENTwith Kreston Reeves
THE BIG STORY
JEFF BEZOSThe Billionaire’s Race For Space
The most
read business
publication in
the South East
SUSSEX COVER - issue 20.indd 1 20/01/2016 11:17
PORTFOLIO 99
FINANCE
ISSUE 20 . 2016 The widest-read business publication in the South East
PLATINUM
PLATINUMPLUS:Legal IssuesAccountancyBusiness TravelChamber NewsBusiness StyleEditorial OpinionNetworkingMotoringBusiness Funding GuideInternational TradeWealth Management
READ ALL PAST ISSUES AT WWW.PLATINUMBUSINESSMAGAZINE.COM
SUSSEX EDITION .
BUSINESSTRAVEL
Shake hands in…Singapore
NATWESTCEO Impersonations
A GRAND SPA
PROPERTY INVESTMENTwith Kreston Reeves
THE BIG STORY
JEFF BEZOSThe Billionaire’s Race For Space
The most
read business
publication in
the South East
SUSSEX COVER - issue 20.indd 1 20/01/2016 11:17
A WHALE OF A SCAM
Fraud techniques are continuing to
evolve as criminals look for new ways
to defraud their victims and everyone is
a potential target. At NatWest, we’ve learned
of a new form of scam, one that uses email
to impersonate a senior executive to defraud
businesses.
This type of scam is more commonly known
as “CEO Fraud” or “Whaling Fraud” and is a
method that fraudsters are using to facilitate
payments from unsuspecting customers by
sending emails that appear like they’re coming
from a known contact in the “From” field.
WHAT IS CEO FRAUD AND HOW DOES IS WORK?
A member of staff in the finance team receives
an email which appears to have originated
from a senior person within their own
organisation e.g. the Finance Director or CEO.
The email instructs the recipient to make an
urgent payment to a specified beneficiary (this
may be outside normal procedures). The email
appears genuine as the details in the “From”
box may reflect the genuine address of the
individual. Believing the email to be genuine,
the member of staff processes the payment,
which arrives in the fraudster’s account. The
monies are then usually quickly withdrawn.
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?
There are two known methods being used:
Email spoofing – this is where the fraudster
constructs a fake email that appears to have
come from a genuine source but is capable of
hiding its true origination. The sender’s email
address will have been slightly changed from
the genuine address. For example it may be
showing as .org instead of .com.
Email account hacking – is where the
fraudster hacks a genuine email account and
starts to issue fraudulent emails. These types
of attacks are typically associated with email
services e.g. Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo. The
details in the “From” box may reflect the genuine
address of the sender.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
The email will usually have been sent from
a mobile device such as an iPhone/iPad. The
sender of the email will appear to be a senior
person within your firm. The sender’s email
address may be slightly different from the real
address i.e. ending .org instead of .com. The first
email request may ask what details are required
to make a payment. There may be a number
of emails in the conversation requesting the
payment, with the sender usually saying they
are unavailable at the moment. The payment
request will usually be urgent.
The words used and style of communication
may be different from that used normally by
the named sender but on some occasions the
fraudsters may seek to mimic it.
HOW TO MITIGATE THIS TYPE OF FRAUD
As with most types of fraud, we recommend that
you ask your staff to operate with high levels
of vigilance, especially those entrusted with
access to your online payment systems.
At NatWest, we’re committed to helping you
safeguard your money. We use a wide range of
fraud prevention and detection processes in the
fight against financial crime. Our aim is to help
our customers remain vigilant and to follow best
practice in order to help you safeguard your
business.
HERE ARE FIVE TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING
EXECUTIVE IMPERSONATION SCAMS:
1. Be suspicious of any unexpected emails
that ask for an urgent bank transfer – even
if the message looks like it’s from someone
in your organisation.
2. Check any unusual payment requests
directly with the apparent sender, ideally in
person or by telephone, to confirm they’re
genuine. But don’t use any telephone
numbers or email addresses in the
suspicious email as they will go directly
back to the fraudster.
3. Be alert to unusual wording that you
wouldn’t expect the real senior executive
to use. There may be odd expressions,
or incorrect spelling or grammar. Ask
yourself: does this sound like the turn of
phrase or tone of voice you’d expect from
the real person?
4. Make sure that internal email passwords
are strong – they should include a
minimum of eight characters and a mixture
of UPPERCASE, lower case, numeric and
special characters.
5. And if your company doesn’t already have
a well-documented internal process for
requesting and authorising payments,
create one.
To find out about the latest developments
in fighting fraud, we recommend that you
regularly visit the Financial Action Fraud’s
website: www.financialfraudaction.org.uk
Don’t be defrauded by CEO impersonations. NatWest Regional Director Daryl Gayler talks us through the warning signs
100 PORTFOLIO
NATIONAL news
NATIONAL NEWS
HOMEBASE BOUGHT BY AUSTRALIA’S WESFARMERS FOR £340M
UK DIY chain Homebase has
been sold by its owner Home
Retail Group to Australian
retail giant Wesfarmers
for £340m. Wesfarmers
already owns Bunnings -
one of Australia’s largest
suppliers of outdoor living
and DIY products. The 265
UK Homebase sites will
be rebranded under the Bunnings banner over the next three to five
years. The deal is expected to be wrapped up in the first three months
of this year provided shareholders of Home Retail Group agree to the
purchase.
Home Retail Group chairman John Coombe said: “We are very pleased
to have reached agreement with Wesfarmers regarding the sale of
Homebase. We believe that this is the best deal for shareholders and
for the business.”
Bunnings managing director John Gillam said the acquisition
represented a “compelling opportunity to enter the attractive UK
home improvement and garden market”. We will combine essential
local elements with the best of Bunnings to bring customers in the
UK and Ireland an exciting new home improvement and garden offer.”
Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and Belgium’s GB-
Inno-BM.
STRUTT & PARKER REPORTS RECORD RESULTS FOR 2015Strutt & Parker announced a record level of turnover and profit last year. Andy Martin, senior partner at Strutt &
Parker said: “I am pleased to report that we have again made substantial progress in our business. These are the
best set of results that the firm has ever reported. Our revenues have risen by 9%, leading to an increase in profit
of 13%. Our performance was led by the Commercial group, where revenues increased 26% as a result of having
completed a number of high-profile property transactions, not only in London’s City and West End markets, but
also taking advantage of new investment activity outside the capital.
“Our Development and Planning group also delivered exceptional growth, reflecting the continued strong demand
for new home development in the south east of England. This was combined with another year of steady growth
in our Consultancy group, acting for large estate owners.
“Our Residential Agency business was impacted by the unexpected hike in Stamp Duty Land Tax rates last
December aimed at the higher end of the market, where we operate, as well as uncertainty created by the
independence referendum in Scotland and, latterly, the UK General Election. In the context of these headwinds, this section turned in a creditable
performance overall. www.struttandparker.com
Friends Reunited - one of the UK’s first social networks - has announced
it will soon close. One of its founders Steve Pankhurst said that the
platform was still used by “a handful of members” but that it was “no
longer used for the purpose it was built for”. Friends Reunited launched
in 2000 and was bought by ITV for £175m in 2005. However, it failed to
keep pace with other social networks and was sold to comic publisher
DC Thompson for £25m in 2009, then offered back to Mr Pankhurst a
couple of years ago.
Pankhurst and business partner Jason Porter took the site on for a
trial period. However, “It became clear that most of the actual users
coming to the site were using it purely as a messageboard,” said Mr
Pankhurst, adding, “I also realised that of the more than 10 million
users registered, a lot had done so over a decade ago and hence their
contact details were out of date. But importantly - it hasn’t covered its
costs. Therefore, whilst it’s sad, I believe it’s time to move on and put
Friends Reunited to bed.”
FRIENDS REUNITED WEBSITE TO CLOSE DOWN
FIRST TIME BUYER NUMBERS BUOYANT, SAY HALIFAX
GOVERNMENT SUPERFAST BROADBAND ROLLOUT REACHES MORE THAN 3.5 MILLION UK HOMES AND BUSINESSES
CLYDESDALE BANK PRICE SET AHEAD OF FLOTATION
More than 3.5 million homes and businesses have now been reached by the Government’s
nationwide rollout of superfast broadband with almost nine out of ten UK homes and
businesses now having access to superfast speeds.
The rollout is delivering superfast access - Internet speeds greater than 24 Mbps - to
those properties not covered by existing commercial networks and is on track to take
superfast access to 95 per cent of the UK by December 2017.
Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “Our rollout of superfast broadband is one of the biggest and most challenging infrastructure
projects undertaken by Government in recent times. We need to keep the UK moving with the demands of the digital age, and our tremendous
progress throughout 2015 has equipped businesses with the tools they need to grow, and homes with the technology to be part of our online
global community.”
National Australia Bank (NAB) has valued
the Clydesdale Bank at between £1.5bn
and £2bn ahead of its flotation. NAB,
which plans to demerge Clydesdale next
month, set the price for shares in the
Scottish bank at between 175p and 235p
a share. The Australian bank is expected
to demerge 75% of Clydesdale to its
shareholders. The remaining shares will be sold in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) in
February. Clydesdale, which also operates Yorkshire Bank, said last week that trading in
the three months to December was in line with expectations.
Clydesdale shares are slated to be listed on the London stock exchange on 2 February
after final pricing on the same day. The Australian lender also said it may choose not to
proceed with IPO or proceed with a smaller offering, in which case it would retain some
ownership in the bank.
Half of people in South East fear
loved ones could be struck down
with heart disease. Figures released as BHF urges
everyone to Wear It Beat It for life saving research
– Over three quarters of people in the South East
have someone in their family with risk factors that
put them greater risk of heart disease, according to
new statistics released ahead of the British Heart
Foundation’s (BHF) Wear it. Beat it. campaign to get
the nation wearing red to fight heart disease on
Friday 5th February. The BHF poll revealed almost
half of people in the South East (47%) fear that a
loved one could be struck down with a potentially
life-threatening heart attack or stroke in the future.
Almost two fifths (37%) have already lost someone
or know a loved one affected by heart disease.
Despite this, 41% of people in the South East said
although they might worry about a loved one’s
health they’re too afraid to talk to them about it.
Around 922,000 people are living with heart and
circulatory disease in the South East.
The BHF’s Wear it. Beat it. campaign aims to raise
£1million this February 5th to help fund new life
saving research in the fight against heart disease.
The nation’s heart charity is calling on everyone
to wear red and hold a fundraising event to help
save more lives and protect more families from the
devastation of heart disease.
Since 2009 the campaign has raised over £6million
towards new cardiovascular science. Last year
more than an incredible 23,000 people took part
in Wear it. Beat it. and the BHF is calling for even
more of you to get involved this year to help raise
£1million for life saving research.
PORTFOLIO 101
NATIONAL news
The number of first time buyers is
estimated to have totalled 310,000 in 2015,
virtually unchanged over the past year
despite the average price of a first-time
home having risen 10 per cent. The Halifax
says the 310,000 figure for 2015 was a tiny 0.5 per cent below the 2014 level of 311,700 - it
roughly retains the same dramatic growth from the 2011 figure of 193,700. The average price
of a property purchased by first time buyers increased by 10 per cent in 2015 from £172,563 to
£190,180. The average deposit paid by a first timer rose by 13 per cent.
The Halifax says that based on the average price paid by first time buyers, most regions have
benefited from the stamp duty changes announced in December 2014. The largest saving is
made by first-time buyers in London with someone buying at the average first time buyer price
of £367,990 now paying £8,399 in stamp duty fees compared to £11,039 before the change – a
difference of £2,640.
WEAR IT. BEAT IT CAMPAIGN
DISCOVERY SPORT HSEMotoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann takes a look at the smooth and refined Discovery Sport HSE
102 PORTFOLIO
The Freelander had been with us for a long,
long time, and personally, I hated it. It was
gruff, hard and handled like a drunken
pig. But Jaguar Land Rover have been busy,
pumping out cracking new models across the
range with great gusto, and it was only a matter
of time before they turned their attention to the
Freelander dinosaur.
And with the all-new Discovery Sport, and
the subtle differences between the Disco,
Evoque and Range Rover, this trio is beautifully
designed to cover the demographic waterfront.
If you have a spare pile of cash and want the
finest all-round FWD on the market, it’s the full-
fat RR. If you have a little less, and don’t need all
the bells and whistles, it’s the half-fat Evoque;
and if you want an excellent SUV that will not
decimate your pocket, there’s the non-fat Disco.
Although non-fat makes it seem less
somehow, it really isn’t. This is a very capable
car using the Evoque chassis and a brand-new
rear suspension, to cope with the two extra
seats you get in the back, making this a full-fat
seven-seater.
I was expecting a slightly turgid, utilitarian
affair, but what a very pleasant surprise! Even
with the manual, smaller-output engine I was
sent, it was smooth, refined and really nippy
around town. Originally only available with
one engine option, the 2.2 litre Ford derived
diesel, which was not the cleanest in terms of
emissions, the Discovery now boasts the new
‘Ingenium’ power plant, available in 148bhp or
MOTORING
“Jaguar Land Rover have been
busy pumping out cracking new
models across the range with great
gusto”
178bhp versions. It can really be thrown about
with no awareness of its ride height, and parking
is a simple affair with sensors all around. JLR
have injected £500 million into their new
Wolverhampton engine plant to reduce their
reliance on other manufacturers’ engines.
The interior is very well laid out - and may
perhaps be considered ‘modest’ when compared
to the Evoque and RR - but it is user-friendly,
robust and visually impressive. As with all JLR
models, the SatNav incorporates touchscreen
technology, and I do find that easier and faster
to use. Using a dial to click through the menu to
locate each individual letter when entering an
address is made so much easier when you can
just stab the screen. All rivals seem to favour the
dial method, but I think they are all wrong.
The two jump seats in the back are
reminiscent of the old Merc E-Class estate and
are a godsend. They are a bugger to get into
and are not great for adults on a long drive, but
are absolutely perfect for the kids, who love the
adventure of clambering in. The central seats
can be adjusted for rake and will slide back and
forth, which is really useful if you have a very
tall passenger, and of course, they can all be
dropped flat for maximum load capacity.
I shall not bang on about its off-road
capability; suffice it to say that it will do
everything you need it to do, and then some.
Snow, ice, sand, gravel - there are settings
for all. A computer manages the permanent
four-wheel drive, shunting power between
the front and rear wheels to keep you moving.
The Discovery will wade through 600mm of
standing water. It should be a big seller in the
Cumbrian area.
The flagship HSE comes with full leather,
panoramic glass roof, heated seats, rear
camera, xenon headlights and more besides.
It is a very handsome car, and there is no
mistaking the family from which it hails. The
distinct C-pillar gives it a very rakish look, and
the nose is as pretty as you’ll find.
So JLR have completed the family, with the
breathlessly awaited new Defender being the
one you will want for driving up a mountain,
and with the convertible Evoque on its way,
you could equip the entire family from this one
family. Bulk discount, anyone?
TECHNICAL STUFFEngine: 2.0 litre TD4 Turbo Diesel
Power: 150 bhp
Economy: 57.7 combined
Performance: 0-62 - 11 seconds
Top: speed 112 mph
Base: £35,395.00
Price tested: 43,551.00
104 PORTFOLIO
BEAUTIFUL homes
Photo credit: www.aptonline.org
PORTFOLIO 105
THE interview
PLATES, MATES AND AUTOMOBILESCelebrity chef and TV personality James Martin is on his very first UK tour, visiting 25
venues across the UK – including The Brighton Centre on 22nd March – with his interactive
live cooking show
The tour marks 20 years since James first
graced our TV screens and his live show
promises to be a fast-paced, interactive
and high-tech extravaganza, packed with James’
signature cooking demonstrations, full of
surprises and some very special guests.
James Martin said: “I’ve been cooking live on
TV for 20 years now and I felt it was time to do
something I’ve never done before that was truly
special. I’m so excited to be heading out on my
first ever tour, doing what I do best – but on the
big stage. I can’t wait to get out there and visit so
many great parts of the UK. This show is going
to be super cool. I’m pulling out my favourite
recipes and mixing in plenty of surprises and
special guests in what I hope is going to be feast
of a live show.”
Born in Malton, Yorkshire, James was brought
up on the Castle Howard estate where his father
worked as a catering manager. At 16 he began
his formal training at Scarborough Technical
College. After catering college James went
to work for Antony Worrall Thompson in the
kitchens of One Ninety Queen’s Gate in London,
going on to work for many leading chefs in
London including Marco Pierre White. In 1994,
just a few weeks short of his 22nd birthday,
James opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in
Winchester as head chef, where he became
famous for changing the menu every day.
James’s television career began in 1996 with
The Big Breakfast and Ready, Steady, Cook. Over
the next ten years he went on to film numerous
shows and continues to be the presenter of
popular BBC One show Saturday Kitchen, a
Saturday morning staple for over a decade,
regularly attracting viewers in excess of 3.5
million, and recently named Best Food Show at
the TV Choice Awards 2015. Though he says that
being a TV chef was never part of the plan, “That
just kind of happened because being on TV was
106 PORTFOLIO
THE interview
106 PORTFOLIO
never a thought, I just wanted to be a chef.”
In September 2011 James was tasked with
revamping the menu and catering facilities
at Scarborough General Hospital for the
BBC’s Operation Hospital Food – hospital food
remains one of James’s great passions. James
was named TV Personality of the Year at the
Fortnum and Mason Food & Drink Awards
2015. He is also the author of 15 best-selling
and award-winning cookbooks, most recently
Sweet, a contemporary desserts book.
James may have made his name as a chef,
but his passion for motorbikes and racing
cars is well-documented, and he has built
up an impressive collection of classic cars,
including a 1960s Ferrari. In 2012 he teamed
up with racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart to
drive through the Alps in a Pantera supercar
and also drove Stewart’s Tyrell Formula One
car around the famous Monza racing circuit.
James described it as “a dream come true!”
As well as his hugely successful cookery
career and his passion for fast cars, he holds
a helicopter pilot’s licence. “I was having my
house (in Hampshire) built and I was bored of
choosing which skirting boards to have and
where to put the plug sockets, and one day I
drove to Goodwood and decided I was going
to learn to fly,” he says – as you do. “Flying
gives me the same buzz as driving racing cars.
There’s no distractions, you haven’t got people
ringing you up or asking you questions.”
But back to the live show: no straightforward
cookery demonstrations, Martin insists his show
is going to be different. “It’s very important for
me that we put on a show and a performance.
It’s not just going to be me standing at a stove
baking a few scones,” he says. Although food
will be at the heart of the show, Martin will also
be joined by special guests, including an ex-
Formula One racing driver, and has a few other
surprises up his sleeve.
Martin has been thinking about doing a big
show like this for quite a while. “I watched the
Hairy Bikers do their tour and people like Paul
Hollywood and Gino [TV chef Gino D’Acampo],
and when my tour starts I will have been in the
business 20 years, so it felt like the time was
right.”
He is clearly driven to do things well. “If
you’re going to do something, you should do it
properly, otherwise what’s the point?” he says.
“I like to do things properly, and the only way
you can do that is by learning from others and
through practice. I think that’s the same in all
walks of life. You’re constantly learning; there’s
no way I could do Saturday Kitchen without
all those years of knowledge and experience
behind me,” he says.
James Martin’s Plates, Mates and
Automobiles is at The Brighton Centre on
Tuesday 22nd March, 7:30pm. All tickets £30.
www.brightoncentre.co.uk
“I’m so excited to be heading out on my first-ever tour, doing what I do best – but on the big stage”
JASON DERULOTue 2 Feb
MODELWORLDFri 19-Sun 21 Feb
COLLABROSat 12 Mar
UB40Tue 3 May
JAMES MARTINTue 22 Mar
JASON DONOVANWed 23 Mar
YESSat 7 May
IL DIVOSun 15 May
REEVES & MORTIMERSun 14 Feb
PETER ANDREFri 11 Mar
THE SESSIONSWed 6 Apr
THE X FACTORMon 22 & Tue 23 Feb
WET WET WETTue 1 Mar
ADAM ANTSat 28 May
THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYDFri 21 Oct
CHINESE STATE CIRCUSSat 5 Nov
box office 0844 847 1515*
www.brightoncentre.co.uk*calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
Selling your home?
It’s Easy. Let us look after it.
chattestates.co.uk 01273 844500
Untitled-1 1 14/01/2016 16:32:18