Lodestone-Life

An update of news from

our

Managing Partners.

It has been an extraordinary 18 months for Lodestone. Our Shaftesbury office is now established and doing well; we have launched the Lodestone Life website off the back of our first successful magazine and despite all the challenges that the pandemic presented, we have had a good trading year. We know and appreciate that we are very fortunate.

The pandemic has changed the lives of many people including those who were used to working in cities and commuting for five days a week. After being forced into working remotely, most businesses have adopted flexible working on a permanent basis.

The consequence is that many people who no longer feel it is necessary to continue living in cities are now moving to the south-west to improve their quality of life.

The result is that the demand for houses has soared, outstripping supply which has created challenging conditions, particularly in 2021.

Our social media followers have increased exponentially and visitors to our website have tripled over the past 12 months.

As with our first edition of Lodestone Life, we are including contributions from our Lodestone colleagues. Estate agency is a people business so why would we not include our fabulous team! We also welcome back our advertisers without whom this magazine would not be possible - we are very grateful to them.

Please enjoy the read and do visit both our websites.

With best wishes, Sue & Cathy

www.lodestoneproperty.co.uk | www.lodestonelife.co.uk

Lodestone Branches: Bruton 01749 605099 | Shaftesbury 01747 442577 | Wells 01749 605088

City to country exodus

Outside of London demand exceeds supply... ... and nowhere more than in Somerset and Dorset

We are witnessing something like an exodus from urban to rural locations, especially in the south west, where the clamour for homes is incredible. Demand had been on hold before the General Election, back at the height of Brexit uncertainties, and was just beginning to flare up when the world changed in March last year, slowing the market.

But now that we are learning to live with the pandemic and now that a different sort of lifestyle is being prioritised, the residential property business in rural England is boiling over.

Those things which weren’t necessarily fashionable – countryside, larger homes, good size gardens, the space to work from home– are now red hot. Most properties with those attributes instantly have many more viewings than they might have expected previously and often go to sealed bids.

Frome and Bruton, subjects of much media hype (most of it incongruous with these relatively quiet though stylish and vibrant towns), command the most interest. But we are also witnessing demand spread west and south. Our offices in Wells and Bruton in Somerset and Shaftesbury in Dorset see selling prices exceed expectations time after time.

Excess

Demand

We have been able to cope with the excessive buyer demand. Staff were brought back from furlough immediately when the first lockdown finished, and we took on more viewing agents, people with real knowledge of their local areas – what to do, where to shop, local schools, local services, even where to buy good coffee. For those moving to a rural area for the first time, our viewing team are often indispensable.

We also now work with digital, design and journalism experts, having launched a dedicated sister website, Lodestone Life, providing information about moving and settling here, its lifestyle features are a source of relocation inspiration and practical advice.

Limited

Supply

Dealing with the limited supply of property is inevitably trickier. It’s not possible to pinpoint what came first: unlimited buyers or limited sellers. That demand is currently so frighteningly high explains the reluctance of some sellers to enter the market. We do lots of valuations, but many never go on sale. Anyone can sell their property at a great price, but not all can then find their next home.

Let’s move to Bruton!

This small Somerset town always pops up in the press as one of the coolest places to live in the UK. Here are some of the reasons...

It’s the best of both worlds

Its streets may be packed with historic buildings, monuments and period homes, but Bruton’s cultural life is bang up to date with contemporary art galleries, eateries and independent boutiques. Plus the schools are excellent too.

It has a world-renowned art gallery

Nestled in verdant countryside just up the road from Lodestone Property’s Bruton branch is Hauser & Wirth - a pioneering arts centre showing contemporary exhibitions from around the world. It also has the added bonus of a popular restaurant, The Roth Bar & Grill, which serves delicious food using seasonal and locally sourced produce. The “ Roth Bar Burger” is to die for!

You can get a first-class flat white

Often mentioned in the Sunday papers, “At The Chapel”, is a restaurant and bar in a Grade II Listed chapel in the high street. It’s the go-to place for coffee, wine or food – or just to snap up their freshly baked breads from their bakery. An ideal place to meet friends or to watch the world go by, in summer the suntrap terrace is filled with the scent of jasmine. To top it all, the venue also hosts events in the ‘Clubroom’ – a place to meet up with a laid-back vibe – making it an important hub for community activity.

The high street will make you happy

A high street lined with interesting and independent retailers including vintage clothing, fashion boutiques, health store, florist and jewellers. Live here and immerse yourself in shopping. There are shops selling gifts, cool fashion, artisan foods, wholefoods, flowers, jewellery, vintage clothes, beauty treatments and more.

It’s constantly evolving

New places to visit, eat, drink and stay are constantly opening – to rave reviews! The Newt in Somerset is a country estate, hotel, shop and restaurant just outside Bruton, with magnificent woodland walks and breathtaking Somerset views. And in the town itself, a 12-bedroom hotel, Number One Bruton, opened to great acclaim recently along with its waiting-list worthy, Michelin star restaurant, Osip.

Bruton Schools

STATE:

Primary Bruton Primary Secondary Sexeys : Rail Links

INDEPENDENT:

Prep Bruton School for Girls, All Hallows, Hazlegrove Senior Kings Bruton, Bruton School for Girls, Downside

Bruton - Waterloo & Paddington | Castle Cary (5miles) - Paddington

A day in the life of our Bruton Office

No two days are quite the same in the Bruton office. With all the recent hype around Bruton and the South-West, the team have never known it to be so busy!

Francoise, Branch Manager has been with Lodestone since it opened in 2016. She starts her morning by catching up on industry news. Climbing into the day, she may find herself discussing the local area with buyers moving to Somerset or checking on the progress of existing sales. Being a people person, she enjoys regular chats with clients on the best strategy to buy or sell their home and of course, chasing solicitors.

“What I most enjoy is taking a prospective buyer to a village they haven’t been to before, telling them all about what the local area

Francoise Jackson Bruton Branch Manager

has to offer, so they understand a little of what it is like to live in this lovely part of the world. At the end of a long day, I never say no to a glass of rosé!”

Meanwhile across the office, meet Alistair, resident Sales Advisor, who has lived and worked in this area since his early teens, concentrating on market appraisals.

The Bruton office team is small, but very knowledgeable. Alistair takes a particular interest in the maths of land and development, spending part of his afternoon working out how to cost schemes effectively to meet the requirements of developer and purchaser.

“South Somerset and North Dorset have always been my patch. I have lived and worked here since my early teens and when I joined Lodestone two years ago, I started to expand our search

FACT BOX

• Our Bruton office is at Fry’s Halt, Station Road, Bruton BA10 0EH

• We operate in an area that runs from Frome in north Somerset to the A303 corridor in the south and east of the A37

• Our phone number is 01749 605099

• bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk

for desirable properties towards the south of Bruton and over the county border. At the end of a busy day, I climb into my trusty BMW and listen to a blast of The Prodigy on the way home!”

Later, as the team get stuck into the work of the day, and after Katrina, Sales Assistant, has had her trusty Costa cappuccino; she uses her intimate local knowledge and expertise on the phone to guide clients towards properties that will match their wish list. She has a particular flair for interior design…

“I’m well known in the office for my maximalist style – you will never hear me say “that’s over the top” or “less is more”!‘

And as she points out…

“It is such a varied job, I never get bored but my favourite role is that of talking to our clients – finding out what they are looking for in a house or where in the area they might like to live. It’s so rewarding to bump into a client who has purchased through Lodestone and is keen to let me know just how happy they are in their new home”

By mid- afternoon, the office is a hive of activity, as the team liaise with vendors and purchasers, giving each client their insight into everything from schools to farmers’ markets, to builders and coffee shops. This is all a part of the Lodestone ethos of not just selling houses, but making homes happen.

Sarah, Sales Assistant, joined the team to keep on top of the calls and enquiries that flood in throughout Saturday, now extending her time into a job share. Enjoying the variety that the role offers, she gets herself out and about on viewings whenever she can.

“I love meeting our vendors in person and of course, being able to get lots of inspiration from some of the beautiful interiors and gardens that I see.”

At the end of the day the team lock up the office feeling inspired, after spending another exciting day showing just how brilliant Bruton is.

“One of the great beauties of architecture, whether a building, an artefact, or a piece of furniture, is that it is a visual art, which speaks of its time and place.”

Orme is an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architecture Practice based in Baltonsborough, Somerset.

Established in 2004, the 25 strong, highly skilled team are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of service combined with delivering outstanding design.

Whatever the concept, budget or location, working across the UK, the team have a far-reaching portfolio in terms of project type and style across both the commercial and residential markets, demonstrating the ability to deliver innovative design.

Offering a full range of architectural services from initial concept design through to managing the build on site, Orme look to blend cutting edge techniques with the latest innovations in sustainable construction and technology, pushing the boundaries of both contemporary and traditional architecture without ever compromising on aesthetic quality in order to deliver inspired living and work spaces.

Orme | www.orme-architecture.com

Architectural Design Solutions are based in Wells, Somerset and design creative, contemporary and sustainable buildings, shaped by the surrounding environment and the people or businesses that are to occupy them in the future.

Specialising in both traditional and contemporary architecture, ADS has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry including new build residential, domestic extensions and conversions, alongside commercial and retail projects and offers a premium level of service.

Architectural Design Solutions | www.ad-solutions.co.uk

Wells Reclamation Company is a family run business established in 1985, set over five and a half acres and situated in the beautiful county of Somerset.

It is one of the oldest reclamation yards in the UK and is one of the largest sources of architectural antiques and salvage in the country.

As a premium resource for architectural antiques, huge stocks of new and reclaimed materials are available on site. The stone yard carries some of the largest stocks of paving slabs, slate flooring, natural stone flooring, reclaimed flagstones and reclaimed bricks in the UK alongside a large selection of timber flooring, both new and reclaimed.

The indoor emporium holds a vast and ever-changing stock of antique and vintage furniture from the UK, Europe and the Far East alongside garden ornaments and artefacts and a range of freestanding wooden kitchen units.

In fact, there is something for every project, whether a period home, a renovation or design undertaking, or even a gift.

Wells Reclamation | www.wellsreclamation.com

At Handelsbanken, we provide a personal mortgage service, with a dedicated account manager and the power to make clear and timely decisions within the branch. We take the time to understand your needs to help find a solution that is right for you, whether you are buying, building or extending your home.

This may be just one of the reasons why we have been voted top for customer satisfaction in an independent survey of British banks for twelve years running (EPSI Rating, Oct 2009-2020).

To find out more about how we may be able to help you, contact us direct.

Sue Smith - Individual Banking Manager

Tel: 07767 114674, Email: susm01@handelsbanken.co.uk

Steve Mayell - Individual Banking Manager

Tel: 07442 505396, Email: stma16@handelsbanken.co.uk

“Your home is the backdrop to your life, telling the story of who you are. ..

Bruton based business No Naked Windows, led by Christine with her experienced team of seamstresses, create handmade curtains, blinds and soft furnishings beautifully tailored to your home.

Taking a design led approach, the success of the business is based upon both Christine’s style and her understanding of the client’s needs and tastes.

The No Naked Windows showroom hosts an extensive fabric library showcasing a versatile range of styles, colours and textures, with a particular focus on natural and eco fabrics.

A reputation built upon quality craftsmanship and unique design sensitivity has cultivated an expanding customer base and relationships with private clients, interior designers and project managers alike. From family homes to extensive interior projects, the No Naked Windows’ attentive service, inspired by the love of their profession, creates an individual and stylish look.

No Naked Windows | nonakedwindows.co.uk

Ali Guttridge is founder and director of the leading interior design company.

Origin Interiors. With a portfolio of private and corporate clients, from homeowners to luxury hotels, the South West based interiors specialist is renowned for her singularly stylish work. She has earned a reputation for adding the unexpected and memorable as she creates beautiful and unique spaces.

Key to her success is her understanding of the client and the space. With layered textures and textiles, contemporary finishes and vintage touches, Ali’s work always has an element of surprise.

A love of upcycling and re-imagining older pieces allows Ali the satisfaction of rebooting reclaimed treasures and breathing new life into vintage finds and it is this ability to mix traditional and new which has made Ali’s unique designs so sought after.

Origin Interiors | www.origininteriors.co.uk

Garratt & Derbyshire pride themselves on their fantastic customer relations.

Great importance is given to listening to and understanding the needs of each individual customer and giving the benefit of their years of experience and advice where required.

Whether it’s renovating an older property or assisting in the creation of a dream home, it is a challenging and a rewarding way of life with incredible job satisfaction.

Garratt & Derbyshire wwwcheckatrade.com/rtinDerbyshirePainterAndDec/

Established in 2012 Studio Bizley is based in a Victorian shop in the pretty historic Somerset town of Somerton.

Their work covers domestic and commercial interior design in Somerset and the surrounding counties. Bringing creative vision and professionalism to all their projects, they place huge emphasis on building strong relationships with their clients, and listening carefully to their requirements, in order to deliver projects that reflect their personalities and enhance their lives.

Quality and longevity are key, they promote the use of high quality sustainable materials, and traditional upholstery methods in their designs. Antique and vintage furniture and lighting complement their work with local makers and crafts people. The results are beautiful bespoke interiors that will stand the test of time.

Studio Bizley, Market Place, Somerton - Open by appointment

Studio Bizley | www.studiobizley.co.uk

City Decorating Supplies, based in Wells, offers customers an inspiring environment of expertise and creativity for interior and exterior home décor.

The importance of presenting a home in the most desirable way to a potential buyer, whilst recognising that a home move can sometimes feel an overwhelming task due to the many decisions required at a time of great change and upheaval, is understood by the City Decorating Supplies team. A commitment to providing expert knowledge, coupled with years of experience as colour experts allows the discerning homeowner to explore the endless possibilities of colour combinations available, stress free, resulting in the creation of a design which truly reflects an individual’s personality and style.

The showroom offers a large range of quality paints, wallpapers, and decorating accessories, whilst the home visit colour consultancy service looks at light levels, the size and scale of the project, balance of space and ideas which will work with existing flooring and furnishings to achieve a cohesive sense of colour balance throughout the home to create a stunning interior, with confidence.

City Decorating Supplies www.citydecoratingsupplies.bigcartel.com

Showcase a collection of the things you love, with the design and decoration capturing your spirit and the essence of the space.”

Let’s move to Frome!

One of the “Best Places to Live in the South West” (Sunday Times, 2021).

Community charm and vibrant atmosphere, underpinned by a wealth of history and culture.

Community, Countryside and Convenience…

Nestled between the patchwork farmland that characterises Somerset, with cobbled, winding streets, the oldest cheese show in the country, envious community spirit and an air for culture linking both the country enthusiast and modern creative – it’s no wonder Frome has become a popular place to live.

Marvellous Markets

One of Somerset’s original market towns, Frome continues with tradition and brings together its buzzing community with regular markets every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Not forgetting the Frome Independent Market, hosting the best independent craftspeople, makers, food producers and vintage traders in the south-west, attracting thousands of visitors, keen to explore.

Grab brunch, lunch or dinner

Try out Frome’s independent eateries. From award-winning Eight Stoney Street and Bistro Lotte serving food morning ‘til night, to Hamper offering unforgettable lunchtime sandwiches – perfect to ‘eat on the go’ as you stroll through the narrow streets, stopping off at the Old Bake House for a ‘must have’ jam doughnut!

Va-Va-Frome

Known for its community spirit, arts and entertainment, Frome has a number of choirs, symphony orchestra, youth band, two theatres and independent Westway Cinema, that still make time for an ice-cream interval! Last, but not least, we must mention the renowned Cheese and Grain, a fantastic live music venue, boasting performances and shows from many a headline act, especially during the Frome Festival.

Independent shopping and a place to learn …

From the buzzing boutique shops of Catherine Hill down to the spring-water leat which runs through medieval Cheap Street, there is a joyful surprise round every corner. You won’t be able to resist shopping small and local in Frome. Get stuck into a creative class with florist Bramble Wild or Pilau Plants, jewellery making with Christina Oswin plus yoga workshops and beer brewing.

Frome Schools

STATE:

Primary Vallis First, St Louis Catholic, St John’s C of E

Secondary Selwood, Oakwood Academy College Frome Community

Rail Links

Frome - Paddington

INDEPENDENT:

Prep All Hallows, Bruton School for Girls

Senior Downside, Kings Bruton, Bruton School for Girls, Stonar

Situated in rolling Somerset countryside, mid-way between Bath, Bruton and Frome, we are a happy, friendly prep school delivering outstanding education to boys & girls aged 3 to 13.

Boarding, including our hugely popular flexi-boarding option, is available from Year 3 (age 7/8).

Come and visit us to find out more and to discover why are our children are thriving. Call Jackie on 01749 881609 to make an appointment.

PERIOD HOME & RENOVATION SPECIALISTS

The importance of being earnest

The importance of Sales Progression during the sale and purchasing process is paramount. We talk to Cathy Morris-Adams, Managing Partner, about keeping a sale on track.

It’s so exciting when you find a buyer for your home! But if you’ve moved more than once, you’ll know that while the path to your new front door maps out a fresh start, it can also be a rocky road of set-backs and slow-downs. Which is why, when choosing an estate agent, you should ask yourself which company can actually get the job done.

We have a 96% success rate of selling homes, a result to which we attribute not only good old-fashioned communication and modern marketing techniques, but also the commitment to sales progression, making sure that we oversee the sale once an offer has been accepted, right the way through to completion.

What do we want to achieve?

We aim to keep a sale on track, not allowing it to fall through because of a technical or administrative difficulty. Working with both sides requires diplomacy, honesty and genuine care for the client. At the end of the day, both parties want the same outcome and we are here to try to facilitate that.

What are the skills required?

Communication. Be it a quick email or a phone call, the ability to react quickly, offer reassurance and keep everyone informed is essential. Problem-solving is paramount.

We know there is always a solution, you just need to find it. It helps that we work with some brilliant local solicitors who are always willing to speak with us.

Why do you think sales progression is so important to a property sale?

Being on top of a sale means that we can gather information from both parties, bringing value to both vendor and purchaser which cannot be underestimated. Agencies that compete on fees alone add no value.

We start the discussion as soon as we visit a vendor for their market appraisal. Then, once an offer has been accepted, we contact the buyer so that they are fully aware we will help them progress their purchase.

Describe one of your most rewarding recent results?

We helped to make two connected sales happen for lovely clients and purchasers who were frustrated by their solicitors. It felt as if they had locked horns and neither would give a millimetre, they had forgotten that they needed to support their clients to find solutions. Getting the call to say they had finally exchanged after weeks of delicate negotiations, was truly satisfying. Two lovely families had wonderful new homes and as a team, we had made it happen.

Finally, what are your top five tips to help ensure a smooth and successful sale?

• Pick the right agent, preferably Lodestone! Choose the one who will go the extra mile for you and who understands your property – if they fall in love with it, they will be passionate, which will sell it.

• Pick the right solicitor. Ask what their capacity is to progress your sale / purchase and if they know the local area. Local knowledge really does help.

• Get your paperwork in order. If your solicitor is provided with all the information they need, it will speed up the sale process and prevent delays.

• Tidy up. Not every purchaser can see through a very personalised property, so make it easy for them to visualise living there with their furniture, family, pets and friends.

We specialise in Viewing Agents – they specialise in local knowledge

With over 30 viewing agents supporting our three offices, it is tricky to keep up with them!

We asked Nicki, Marianne and Sacha for a few words on working with Lodestone...

At Lodestone, we are so lucky to have an extensive group of incredibly competent and worldly Viewing Agents, who make up a core part of our team, supporting the sales process out in the field.

When Lodestone started, the Managing Partners made a very conscious decision to bring local expertise into the business for the purposes of viewings on houses.

They felt strongly that our viewing team should represent all that the business stands for – local knowledge, great communication and excellent service.

Over the years we have invited local friends, ex-colleagues and even some of our purchasers to join our team. They have all lived in Somerset and Dorset for many years and bring their local expertise to our purchasers.

They know the best schools, restaurants, pubs, walks, shops, markets and they are able to paint a picture of what it would be like to live there.

We asked three of them to tell us of their experience of being part of the Lodestone family ….

Nicki

“Each time I show a new family around one of Lodestone’s beautiful properties, I remind myself how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful part of the country, offering something for everyone, including some unusual hidden gems.“

Marianne

“We recently purchased our lovely home through Lodestone, who were brilliant. They persevered through the lockdown with some delicate negotiations. They kept in touch on a weekly basis, informing us of developments, not only from their end but also about how the sale was progressing in the chain, which was over and above their remit. I was so impressed, I asked if I could join their team as a Viewing Agent, which I have!”

Sacha

“I really wish I’d known about Lodestone before we made our move to Somerset 16 years ago. Having someone knowledgeable about the local area you are about to buy in, is invaluable (although we were extremely lucky and landed in our dream home in a dream location). Lodestone offer a unique viewing experience like no other I’ve experienced.”

“Garden design is the exquisite art of taking what nature has gifted us and using it as a natural canvas.

More Than a Garden is based in Compton Dundon, in a very original Somerset longhouse and is a small garden design practice led by Kate Towers.

Kate has been creating gardens in Somerset for 20 years, qualifying with a distinction from the Garden Design School at the Bristol Botanic Gardens. More Than a Garden has moved away from more traditional design methods to work more closely with people, involving them directly in the design process. In this way, it’s possible for people to become more connected with their gardens and have the knowledge and confidence to care for them and develop them as they evolve.

Kate draws inspiration from nature; walking the hills, paths and waterways of Somerset to understand what works; the soil, the plants, the geology and the climate. Garden design in the 21st century needs to understand what works in this changing climate and what gardens are for in our modern lifestyles.

Understanding the symbiotic relationships between the plants, the fungi, the soil, the insects and wildlife enables More Than a Garden to create spaces which are naturally in balance. A healthy, diverse, balanced garden has a better chance of surviving extremes and will provide important habitat and year round nutrition for insects and wildlife.

More Than a Garden recognise that working with nature can bring a balance and richness to our lives. When we share our gardens and our understanding with our children and families and friends, we spread an understanding and share health and respect for nature.

More Than A Garden | www.morethanagarden.uk

Judy Cole Garden Design is a professional garden design service based in Bruton and serving the South West.

Whether you want a completely new garden design, or wish to pay particular attention to one area, Judy will listen sensitively and then help.

Designing gardens of beauty and individuality, built on sound sustainable principles and using locally sourced, natural materials whenever possible is a top priority and Judy has a particular interest in supporting wildlife in a garden. Using plants that attract pollinators, there is nothing more wonderful than seeing a flower border, buzzing with different types of bees and butterflies!

Judy will explore, take note of existing plant and animal life, and receive the atmospheres of different spaces within the garden to find the inherent nature of the place so that she can transform it into a natural and well-proportioned garden that sits comfortably with the house and also in its wider landscape, whether urban or rural.

On the drawing board, design ideas spring to life through dialogue with clients who get to walk, talk and imagine the development right from the start as Judy’s aim, in response to her clients’ wishes, is to bring life to a garden whilst taking care of the inherent nature of the place.

Judy Cole Garden Design www.judycolegardendesign.co.uk

Flowers and plants are our paints, the soil and sky our beautiful, perfect, backdrop.”

Zac Cambourne Financial Adviser

My name is Zac Cambourne and I am a local financial adviser. I will be readily available to assist you with your mortgage arrangements; working closely with your chosen estate agent and local conveyancing teams to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.

As your financial adviser I can provide face-to-face consultations to clients of Lodestone estate agents and will place you at the heart of everything that I do. I am committed to building and sustaining long-term relationships with you and your family, based on trust and the excellent quality of my advice.

I provide a holistic approach to financial planning. This means in addition to supporting you with your mortgage arrangements, I can support and advise on:

- Financially protecting you and your family from the risk of illness or untimely death.

- Planning for the retirement that you want to achieve.

- Investment planning which aims to beat inflation and achieve your long term goals.

- Organising your estate tax efficientlyprotecting wealth for your chosen beneficiaries.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up your repayments on your mortgage.

Zac Cambourne Dip PFS Cert CII (MP)

Associate Partner | St. James’s Place Wealth Management 3 Steeds Terrace, Benter, Oakhill, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 5HB Tel: 01761 202035 | Mobile: 07971 782575 | Email: zac.cambourne@sjpp.co.uk The Partner is an

Let’s move to Wells!

Relocate to England’s smallest city and you’ll find it bursting with cosmopolitan culture, and a cathedral at its core.

It’s where religious life meets café society

Historic buildings everywhere – some dating from medieval times (including the 13th century cathedral) provide a backdrop for upto-date café culture, bars, restaurants, festivals and markets in Wells – yet the city has only around 12,000 residents.

Top up your tote at weekly markets

All good places to live have regular markets, where you can buy direct from producers and makers and save on all that plastic packaging, plus keep the local economy thriving. Wells has markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with colourful artisan stalls, plants and gardenalia, coffee and food produce all for sale in the medieval market place near the cathedral.

Culture vultures have plenty to celebrate

For such a small city, there’s a large roster of events. Numerous festivals run throughout the year: Art, Film, Theatre, Food and Literature. Cedars Hall, state-of-the-art performance venue situated in the grounds of Wells Cathedral School hosts a full programme of concerts and events. There is even a carnival each November - said to be the largest illuminated procession in the world!

Something delicious for every day

All good places to live have regular markets, where you can buy direct from producers and makers and save on all that plastic packaging, plus keep the local economy thriving. Wells has markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with colourful artisan stalls, plants and gardenalia, coffee and food produce all for sale in the medieval market place near the cathedral.

Wells Schools

STATE:

Primary St Joseph & St Teresa Catholic, St Cuthberts C of E

Secondary The Blue

Rail Links

Castle Cary (12miles) - Paddington | Bath (21miles) - Paddington

Shop local and lovely

The High Street has everything you need from specialist, independent retailers to major supermarkets in and around the city, including Waitrose. Check out Heritage Courtyard and the Artisan quarter for those interesting one-offs!

Beautiful landscapes are just a short drive (or cycle) away

Wells is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the foot of the Mendip Hills, with the Somerset Levels stretching away to the south and west. Ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities from rambling to running and riding.

INDEPENDENT: Prep Wells Cathedral, Senior Wells Cathedral

“The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a room full of warmth and love.”

Rather than dreaming of being a footballer or a train driver, Dix’s boyhood fantasies were always around design and construction (as well as skateboarding).

Fast forward a few years, and today you’ll find Dix doing exactly that (and still skateboarding). Having worked initially as an apprentice and later as a cabinet maker at some of the country’s most prestigious furniture makers, in 2008 Dix decided to go it alone. He set up his design studio and workshop, Heartwood.

Heartwood is based in Somerset, on the Levels, by the water, fields and woods that inspire their work. It is a busy workshop, with a team of passionate designers and craftsmen. Embracing traditional techniques as well as cutting edge practices, the team have crafted beautiful furniture for the likes of Claridge’s Royal Suite, as well as few more glamorous names. However, the focus of the business has always been making kitchens that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Dix believes that, for the best possible outcome, the project should be a true collaboration between Heartwood, and the client.

Heartwood | www.heartwood.co.uk

Buscott Woodworking is a traditional joinery and cabinet making workshop set in the heart of Somerset, specialising in bespoke timber kitchens, staircases, fitted furniture, windows, doors and conservatories.

The talented team of skilled craftsmen share a passion for wood, an eye for detail and an enthusiasm to deliver beautiful work of outstanding quality by combining time-honoured techniques with modern technologies to deliver the very best in bespoke joinery.

Buscott Woodworking pride themselves on the quality of their workmanship and take great care to provide exceptional communication and customer service, actively encouraging clients involvement in the design process.

The majority of commissions are for residential projects, both large and small. However, Buscott Woodworking are also experienced commercial contractors. Their attention to detail, disciplined time management and excellent communication ensures all contracts come in on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards of workmanship.

Buscott Woodworking | www.buscottwoodworking.co.uk

Mercia Kitchens and Bathrooms is a Wells based showroom offering design, supply and installation services to the surrounding area.

Father and son-in-law team, Graham and Ethan, offer a friendly and personal experience and aim to remove the stress of home renovation.

Mercia have a wealth of experience to call upon in order to get the best out of any space and are able to offer a wide range of kitchen design styles from classic shaker to modern and anything in between. Each kitchen and bathroom is designed and tailored to bespoke specifications in order to maximise aesthetics and functionality.

Mercia Kitchens & Bathrooms www.merciakitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

https://wells.cathedral.school admissions@wells.cathedral.school

A day in the life of our Wells Office

Located in the second smallest city in the UK, our bustling Wells office is a reflection of the community - vibrant, collaborative and welcoming.

Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the foot of the Mendip Hills, our team start their day with a spring in their step. Lisa, Sales Advisor, begins her day checking in with clients. Lodestone’s specialist approach means that she takes her time with each client, building connections with both buyer and seller to support each in reaching a successful conclusion. Lisa has an excellent reputation, built on her 30 years of experience and she puts her success down to her relationships.

Rachel Badrick Wells Acting Branch Manager

As the morning goes on, you may find Rachel, Acting Branch Manager, involved in a number of things; using her special blend of diplomacy and problem-solving skills to assist both clients and the team. Over the last year in particular, she has needed these skills as Somerset has rapidly grown in popularity.

‘Somerset has been a hot spot for a few years now and even though the current, slightly bonkers market has seen an unprecedented increase in demand, we don’t see the interest diminishing. Somerset is still the place to be, and Wells with its surrounding villages has so much to offer. There is no property bubble about to burst, it will always be a popular and vibrant place to live and work.’

FACT BOX

• Our Wells office is at 36 Chamberlain Street, Wells BA5 2PJ

• We cover a wide area heading north as far as Bristol and Bath, east towards the villages bordering the A37, south towards Langport and the surrounding area, lastly west towards the M5.

• Our phone number is 01749 605088

• wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk

By the afternoon, many of the discussions Lisa and Rachel have with vendors centre around the current market. Despite only having around 12,000 residents, Wells’ thriving café culture, 13th century architecture and proximity to a range of fantastic schools, makes it a consistently popular destination.

‘There is a large, stable desire to live in a rural location and a general lack of housing stock coming to the market. There is still considerable interest in Somerset and I would encourage those who are wondering whether to sell - to put their property on the market! ‘

Later on in the day, the team are sure to be busy. You may find Liz, Sales Assistant, out and about on a sales viewing, or back at her desk catching up with email and phone enquiries about the latest property to hit our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Whilst across the office, Rachel will be reviewing market appraisals or the latest requests to go on the market, she uses

her experience as a vendor, renovator and developer to add a bespoke touch to every sale.

The team head off to enjoy their evenings, at home or in one of the plethora of restaurants, pubs and venues on their doorstep. They reflect on how the past eighteen months have highlighted just how good the quality of life in Somerset is….

‘What’s not to love about Wells and the surrounding area? We are so lucky to have such an abundance of historic buildings, beautiful countryside, interesting shops and great places to eat. Having lived in the area all my life, it is easy to take it all for granted! it’s not until you go away and come back again, that you realise what a stunning environment we live in.’

At the end of the day, the Wells team head home, ready to do it all again the next morning with a smile on their face.

“To empower, educate, and equip with an open mind that will always be ready to learn.”

Wells Cathedral School is a family-orientated co-educational boarding and day school for 2-18 year olds which provides an all-round education alongside world-class Specialist Music and Chorister training.

Founded in AD 909, Wells is among one of the oldest schools in Europe with stunning medieval halls, beautiful Georgian boarding houses and a state-of-the-art 21st century concert hall.

Their mission is to inspire every individual pupil to nurture their talents in a vibrant, creative, spiritual and safe environment. Located in the city of Wells, the School enjoys a close relationship with Wells Cathedral which plays an important role within the school community.

Wells provides an innovative and academically strong curriculum with an Integrated Arts Programme, Modern Foreign Languages, STEM, a Specialist Music Scheme and a Specialist Maths Scheme. They offer over 25 subjects at GCSE and A level.

The School is internationally famous as a specialist music school, one of only four in England and the only music school to operate within the context of a conventional school.

Their ancient motto esto quod es - “Be what you are” - succinctly and powerfully represents the School’s belief in the individuality of each pupil. They encourage each and every Wellensian to be curious and open-minded, to develop their character in a positive way, and to nurture existing passions as well as discover new ones.

The School lives by their core values of Creativity, Aspiration, Responsibility and Endeavour, which appropriately enough spell ‘care’, and this represents the most important thing of all – ‘that we all take care of each other, and that we are kind to each other.’

Wells Cathedral School | www.wells.cathedral.school

Clayesmore has the ‘LEX’ factor: The school standing out from the crowd, with a progressive re-envisioning of a thoroughly modern education.

Clayesmore, a leading co-educational, all through day and boarding school, will be introducing LEX; a bold and ambitious weekend programme to equip every Clayesmorian with the essential skills to live their lives well. Clayesmore has torn up the rule book of a traditional six day a week independent education, and replaced academic lessons on a Saturday with a supercharged weekend of trips, experiences and events. All designed to enable pupils to seize new opportunities, develop new skills and provide them with memories and mastery to draw upon forever.

“It has become abundantly clear that alongside a strong core academic curriculum, young people need more than ever to be outdoors; developing an appreciation and a passion for the environment with all the opportunities for physical fitness, exhilaration, adventure and sheer good fun that includes!”

Jo Thomson, Head of Clayesmore

Pupils from Prep to Sixth Form will select the pursuits they wish to participate in. They will sometimes be single taster sessions, three-four consecutive sessions or even longer. The options are endless, From cipher challenges to fashion design, kitesurfing, bushcraft and filmmaking; to country pursuits, horse riding and exploring the Jurassic coast.

Every term time weekend will be packed with excitement, events and trips; but, Clayesmore’s strong pastoral conscience recognises that kids sometimes just want to go home, see their parents and recharge; and that’s OK too. Flexing to the needs of pupils and their families is one of Clayesmore’s greatest strengths; it’s a family affair at this school, where fluidity and compromise are used in generous measure to balance school and family life.

LEX is a landmark moment for the school, its pupils and parents, and is set to frame the next phase of Clayesmore’s remarkable history. Read more about LEX, or download the brochure at www.clayesmore.com/lex/

Let’s move to Somerton!

An ancient settlement with loads of charm, this small town can pack a few punches.

A pretty town above the tranquil of the Somerset Levels

Somerton was mentioned in the Middle Ages as the capital of Wessex, the origins of this name leading to the county of Somerset. Situated on a hill with far-reaching views across the River Cary, the ancient viaduct and fisheries, towards the watery landscape of nature reserves - a paradise for birdwatchers with a criss-cross of footpaths and cycle routes.

Traditional buildings with historical tales to tells

A fine example of market town life with the focal centre of Cow Square, home to rich stone buildings and the iconic Grade II open-sided Buttercross, built in the 1600s to protect butter and cheese from spoiling in the sun. The 21st century equivalent Friday market sees local produce and artisan gifts on offer once a month.

Traditional meets contemporary

Stroll across to the Church of St Michael with its rare octagonal tower, past the newly-opened ’28 Market Place’ restaurant, bakery and wine shop and down the wide tree-lined avenue of Broad Street with a glorious mix of architecture and quirky, local shops including the Craft House Chocolatier.

Year-round cultural activity

A thriving (and growing) art scene includes the inspirational ACEarts exhibition space and gallery in the old Town Hall on the market square, nearby SomARTon and a thriving annual music and arts festival held every July.

Not short of places to shop or eat

Covering all the needs of a small town from chemist to butcher to gifts and hardware, well-stocked Cobbs Wholefoods, a hub for alternative therapy treatments and the all-essential country pet supplies. Plenty of choice for eating and drinking too with cosy coffee shops and tea rooms alongside four long established pubs and a more recent micro-pub with guest ales and ciders.

Somerton Schools

STATE:

Primary King Ina

Secondary Huish Episcopi Academy

: Rail Links

INDEPENDENT:

Prep Hazlegrove, Millfield

Senior Millfield

Castle Cary (10 miles) – Paddington | Templecombe (17 miles) - Waterloo

“The capacity to learn is a gift, and education is one of the best gifts one can give or receive.”

Sexey’s School is a Church of England, non-selective, coeducational state boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds. We are ambitious for our students’ academic achievement and provide an inclusive, friendly environment, producing confident young citizens.

As one of just 44 state boarding schools in the country, we provide high quality boarding and education at the lowest possible cost, often a third of that of an independent school. This is because the cost of education is covered by the UK government. To be eligible, students must have a UK passport or right to residency in the UK.

Your child matters to us. We have strong Christian values and offer a supportive, caring, family atmosphere where teachers know their students’ strengths and build differentiated lessons to help them grow and learn personally. Our dedicated pastoral and nursing teams are also on hand to provide additional support outside of the classroom.

Our students perform consistently highly and well above the national average across a range of public examinations at both GCSE and A-level, year on year. With over 90% of our Sixth Form students progressing to their chosen university, half of which are within the Russell Group. We also offer a broad range of extracurricular activities and trips for boarders and day students.

Sexey’s School | www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/

Bruton School for Girls is a place where girls are inspired and flourish throughout their time here.

The skills of resilience, communication, understanding and teamwork we develop throughout these years will be of even greater importance going forward in an ever-changing world. Consequently, our girls grow into confident, mature and independent individuals, ready to make their mark on the world.

“It is with this focus on our girls as individuals which sets us apart and helps us prepare them for an exciting future.”

Established in 1900 and set in the heart of the beautiful Somerset countryside, only two hours from London, Bruton School for Girls is a Day school for girls and boys aged 2 to 7, and a Boarding and Day school for girls aged 7 to 18.

We are extremely proud of our heritage and even more passionate about making a difference in education. Being a small school, we know all our pupils individually and our broad curriculum ensures that we develop the confidence to succeed in life, not just in the classroom.

Why not come and see what makes us so different at BSG?

For more information or to book a visit, please call our Admissions Department on 01749 814400, email admissions@brutonschool.co.uk or visit our website www.brutonschool.co.uk

Nestled in the heart of rural Somerset, All Hallows is a traditional prep school with a modern approach. With Dr Richards at the helm, a qualified Educational Psychologist as well as an educationalist, it is a school which is doing things differently and distinctively: children’s happiness and wellbeing underpin their whole approach and pupils feel they truly belong.

This, together with the inspirational teaching and an innovative and flexible curriculum, enables the children to often achieve above and beyond expectations.

Children are busy, happy, energetic and share a love of the outdoor life with a flexible timetable that allows them to study a broad range of subjects, enabling them to find their own particular strengths and passions.

All Hallows is also known for its opportunities for creativity throughout the curriculum, from the state of-the-art Creative Centre, to the classroom and on the sports field where pupils can develop their sporting skills with long-term enjoyment and success in mind.

All Hallows School | www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

Music Matters

Music is part of what makes us human. It is a universal language that connects us, paying no attention to race, age and gender. Music empowers, inspires and enriches us in an unquestionably unique way.

It’s no secret that playing and enjoying music has a fundamental impact on mental health and well-being. With this in mind, it is frustrating to see the dramatic decline of music education – and other creative arts – across UK schools, as it competes with other subjects at secondary and primary levels, as well as with SATs in primary schools.

With an estimated one in five children experiencing mental health issues by the time they leave primary school, and with the new and wide-spread threat of eco-stress, mental health problems in young people are an increasing worry for families, carers and educators. Music provides the perfect channel for children to express themselves, especially when words to describe how they are feeling might be hard to find.

Music also support children’s self-confidence, helps them to develop social skills, encourages positive emotional development, improves performance in academic studies and – for some – leads to a successful and fulfilling career for life.

Organisations such as Young Voices, who have, for the last 23 years, created the largest school choir concerts in the world, know just how important the power of music for young people is. The benefits of being part of a choir, indeed part of any musical activity, are evident; you only have to watch the passionate faces of young people when they sing to see this.

In the Music Education Report State of the Nation, released in February 2019, Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) commented: “never has there been a time when creative subjects in school has been more necessary. We are facing the fourth industrial revolution where creativity is vital. Music contributes £4.5bn a year to the UK’s economy whilst the creative industries are worth £101.5 billion.”

In summer 2019, a number of celebrities from the Creative Industries Federation, including Sir Lenny Henry, called for creative education to be accessible to all young people and asked the government to realise the vital role of creative education not only for the younger generation, but also for the creative industry and our economy. The call coincided with the 2019 A level results which saw a further drop in the number of pupils taking arts-based subjects in the Sixth Form, a worrying downward trend over the last few years.

If you’re looking for a school where music is still very much championed, you should visit Downside School, just 25 minutes from the World Heritage City of Bath. Downside is a co-educational boarding and day school, for pupils aged 11-18, renowned for its extensive performing arts provision as part of both the curriculum and co-curriculum including GCSE Drama, GCSE Music, A level Drama & Theatre and A level Music.

The School’s Arts facilities include Downside Abbey Church – a majestic and inspiring venue to perform in; a Performing Arts Centre which has a 400-seat theatre, music rooms and a recording studio; and a Mac Studio dedicated to music. Music is always high on the School agenda with numerous concerts, recitals, plays and arts events through the year – at the School and also at other locations including London, Bath, Bristol and Wells.

Downside boasts four choirs, an orchestra and various bands and ensembles including Rock Band, Jazz Ensemble and the CCF Pipe Band, as well as the school’s Schola Cantorum-the oldest Roman Catholic school choir in the United Kingdom.

In 2019 the School employed a Head of Academic Music, Jonathan Bridges, whose focus is very firmly on the ongoing provision and support of academic music in the School including a new First and Second Form music curriculum that was rolled out from the start of the academic year.

Music and Choral scholarships are available at 11+ and 13+. To find out more about Music at Downside, as well as the wide variety of other curriculum and co-curriculum opportunities available, the school’s next Open Mornings are on 7th March and 16th May 2020.You are also very welcome to make a private visit to Downside on a day to suit you.

Admissions Office: admissions@downside.co.uk +44(0)1761 235103 www.downside.co.uk

Let’s move to Shaftesbury!

Director Ridley Scott made this Dorset town famous – and when you live here, you’ll understand why it played such a starring role in his work.

It’s pretty breath-taking

Shaftesbury is one of the prettiest, historic market towns in Dorset with buildings dating back to the 15th century. It has breath-taking views too, thanks to a hilltop location that overlooks Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale countryside and villages. Perfect for town and country pursuits!

It has a golden past

The town has a fascinating history going back to Saxon Times. King Alfred established an Abbey here for this daughter (you can still visit the ruins today) and King Canute died here in the 11th Century. In the 1980s it became famous for something very different – Hovis Bread – when cobbled street Gold Hill became the star of Ridley Scott’s ‘Boy on the Bike’ advert.

It supports a local economy

Thursday’s weekly Charter Market is a reminder of Shaftesbury’s roots as a popular market town. This heritage has been brought up to date with regular farmers markets, Sunday markets, book fairs and flea markets, giving you plenty of ways for you to shop locally and ethically. The county classic – Shaftesbury & Gillingham Agriculture Show with displays of livestock, horticultural exhibits and handicrafts, showcases the best of Dorset.

Get your culture fix

Messums Gallery have opened just across the border in nearby Tisbury, Wiltshire, giving you access to an array of artists and exhibitions in a rural setting, while in town Shaftesbury Arts Centre has plenty of courses, shows and gigs all year round. The nearby Larmer Tree Gardens hosts two popular festivals, including the Larmer Tree Festival and award-winning End of the Road Festival. And look out for the annual Fringe Festival with venues all around town.

There’s an independent spirit

Shaftesbury has a Tesco and there’s a Waitrose in nearby Gillingham, but the town is also full of independent businesses too. We like Pamplemousse flowers, gifts and café, The Botanical Candle Co for lifestyle products (and their quirky gift boxes), Mine and Willow for fashion and interiors, and The Grosvenor Arms, Mitre Pub and Salt Cellar for food and drinks.

Shaftesbury Schools

STATE:

Primary Shaftesbury C of E Primary, The Abbey C of E Primary

Secondary Shaftesbury School

: Rail Links

Gillingham (5miles) – Waterloo

INDEPENDENT:

Prep Port Regis, Clayesmore, Hanford, Sandroyd

Senior Clayesmore, Bryanston

“A community with a backbone of local, reliable and passionate businesses...

Luxury, fire, design and quality are all very prominent areas within the husband and wife led team at Mendip Fireplaces.

Jeremy and Natalie White were fortunate to be able to secure a now 43 year old business back in 2004 which was founded by Jeremy’s father, Nick, back in 1977.

With one exclusive showroom based a mile north of Shepton Mallet, Mendip Fireplaces showcases a very carefully selected range of fires, fireplaces, stoves, range cookers, antiques and now more recently, outdoor fires and outdoor kitchens which includes fire-pits, BBQ’s and pizza ovens as well as furniture.

With a business ethos that has stood the test of time and affords them continuous recommendation, Jeremy and Natalie are extremely proud of the goods and services they provide, whilst working with many local architects, estate agents, developers, hoteliers, interior designers and some of the best builders in the area.

The whole close-knit team at Mendip Fireplaces offer an outstanding service, confirmed by their many repeat customers! Even their in-house Beddlington Whippet has a role – but customers will have to visit to find out what that is! The team look forward to welcoming all customers old and new.

Mendip Fireplaces | www.mendipfireplaces.co.uk

In 1992, James moved to Somerset to create a business and lifestyle that was outdoors, didn’t involve commuting and provided the chance to spend time in and around the wonderful countryside of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Twenty-seven marquee seasons later and things have moved on! His four sons and lots of local young men and women, many of them students working in their holidays, have helped erect marquees in every part of those counties and customers often comment that the happy team are a delight to have around.

Adams Marquees have always offered clear-span frame marquees and in recent years have added traditional canvas wooden pole marquees. They also supply all the essential extras for a successful event whether it’s staged in a marquee, barn or village hall.

Adams Marquees offers a friendly, flexible, knowledgeable and local approach with marquees that will grace any occasion.

Adams Marquees | www.adamsmarquees.co.uk

... is a community that offers a great service!”

A day in the life of our Shaftesbury Office

Located in the historic market town of Shaftesbury, our open-hearted office is nestled amongst buildings that date back to the 15th century.

If you are awake early enough, you may spot Ali, Sales Advisor, who rises with the lark at five thirty am to walk her dogs in Buckland Newton. She arrives back in time to be fresh and raring to go in the office by 9am, when the phones start ringing! Dorset born and bred, Ali has been in the industry for fifteen years, through which she met Cathy (our Managing Partner) which led her to join Lodestone, to coincide with the opening of the Shaftesbury office.

Simon Neville-Jones

Shaftesbury Branch Manager

As the day begins and the team settle into their work, the collaborative nature of the office is put into practice as Simon and Ali work together to meet their clients’ needs.

“Simon and I share an office which really helps with communication and teamwork – we discuss everything together which fits with the ethos of the company”.

The day-to-day work varies. Lodestone is a modern business equipped and empowered to take a unique approach to its work; there are always interesting initiatives going on. On any given afternoon you may find Simon, Branch Manager out and about, meeting clients and vendors. For anyone who would like to come to our central location office and come in for a chat, we have a cosy meeting room, equipped with a snazzy coffee machine.

FACT BOX

• Our Shaftesbury office is at 4, Old School House (2nd floor) The Courtyard, Shaftesbury, SP7 8BP

• From Shaftesbury, we primarily cover North and West Dorset in an area bordered by Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Blandford and the A303 to the North.

• Our phone number is 01747 442577

• shaftesbury@lodestoneproperty.co.uk

One thing our staff appreciate during their working day are their stunning surroundings, as they use their bespoke approach to assist clients in finding their dream Dorset home. This isn’t something we take for granted: we are aware that we are well placed in the south-west and we are one of the lucky sectors that bounced back quickly after lockdown.

Simon joined the team in 2020, a few months before the restrictions were announced. At the time he got stuck into helping Sue and Cathy keep the business on track whilst many colleagues were furloughed. Simon uses his great understanding of the area to offer a bespoke, local knowledge for his clients.

“Having lived in a beautiful village just outside Sherborne for many years, I feel very lucky to have got to know local people and businesses in the Shaftesbury area. The views are great as we sit high up on the second floor of a former school, looking out to Trinity Church and beyond”.

Through the power of digital marketing and social media, the team are able to help prospective buyers visualise their new home.

“A clever take on how we present a house, or show how someone might like to live in that house, really helps our clients to imagine themselves living there”.

By the end of the day the team leave the office, feeling satisfied after another day of helping clients find a new home. Ali explains ….

“As a woman in this business, Lodestone offers a level playing field and I feel really valued in my role. This positive experience follows through to how we engage with our clients and really getting to know them, keeping in touch with them the whole way through their selling or buying journey – I like that. It helps to find something that is just right for them”.

Time to support

WEDMORE

SUMMER FAYRE

WALKING PROCESSION

We love getting involved with local communities around our offices in Bruton, Shaftesbury and Wells.

We often find that the best way for us to do this, as a business, is to offer sponsorship for local events or simply to find ways of helping local charities by supporting and promoting their fundraisers through our marketing and donation of prizes.

We also enjoy going along to the events, which gives us the opportunity to get out and about, spreading the word about Lodestone Life and Lodestone Property!

Here is a flavour of the events we have supported during the past year.

• Wells Festival of Literature brings thousands of visitors to the Cedar’s Hall, (plus live streaming) to listen to thought provoking talks across many subject themes. Lodestone sponsor an author talk each year – Lucy Jago for 2021.

• Shaftesbury Fringe – a bustling bank holiday weekend performing arts festival – sponsorship of a tower promoting 30 venues for performance and exhibitions.

• East Harptree Flower and Crafts Show – the official sponsor of an uplifting event to support the villagers for the highlight of their annual calendar.

• Wells Food Festival is a fun day where foodies from all over come to taste and take home amazing artisan treats. We will sponsor the Marketplace Marquee.

• Help for Homeless in Babcary - a ‘team of angels’ who provide food, bedding and essentials to those in need on the streets of Bristol, Bath and Yeovil.

• Gilcombe Farm Shop and East Harptree Village Shop –sponsorship of re-fillable milk dispensers.

• The Rendezvous in Sherborne, who offer emotional support for young people aged 13-25, advising on jobs, housing, health and relationships.

• Wells SOUP - a clever initiative to encourage small charities to come forward to pitch an idea which will benefit the local community and receive a grant towards the set up costs.

• Ditcheat and Lovington Primary Schools - donations to PTA fundraising events.

• Wedmore Summer Fayre – funded the printing of fliers to promote this annual event.

• The Lawrence Centre in Wells organises art projects suitable for elderly residents with memory loss and health issues.

• Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance – raffle prize donation for this fun, sponsored horse ride.

As you can see from the list above, we take a 360° approach to our business. We are always ready to support the fantastic communities where we live and work.

Virginia Banks Office Manager

Wells Festival of Literature 2020 [Photo credit: Jo Shepherd]

East Harptree Flower & Crafts Show 2021

Marketing – The Lodestone Way

Our marketing reflects the way we run the rest of our business: we are proactive and treat every property individually. We identify the most suitable target market for each house, and then tailor a creative strategy to fit..

Story-telling. Without a story, a house wouldn’t be a home.

From sharing stories on social media, property spotlights, to longer-length features on our Lodestone Property website, we work with professional copy-writers to ensure that the narrative behind the sale of your property captures those looking to buy.

We’re proud to lead the way as the most-followed estate agent in Somerset and Dorset on social media, and tailor our social media marketing around property and lifestyle to engage our followers. We now reach over 150,000 people a month across the UK and internationally on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Our social media drives more referrals to our website than Rightmove.

Our website sees an average of 4,000 unique visitors a week with users spending an average of 4+ minutes browsing our featured properties and original editorial.

As video and live content continues to come to the fore of social media marketing, we’ve made changes to ensure we’re adding to the narrative, by working with media professionals within in the industry from expert photographers to savvy videographers.

We extend our narrative by working with national and local media for advertising and editorial, alongside establishing relationships with schools and community organisations within Somerset and Dorset.

Lodestone Life magazine and sister website are an extension of our brand story – a focus on relocation, lifestyle, design and the people within our community. We feel the emotion of house moving is as much about where you choose to live and why, as it is about the physical purchase of the property.

Through Lodestone Life, you will find lifestyle led features on local places, towns and villages; innovators in property through design and architecture; businesses whose work we admire and of course, the all-important property search device.

Find more on our website: www.lodestonelife.co.uk

Lucy Housley Marketing Manager

Let’s move to Sherborne!

A jewel in North Dorset’s crown, with many delightful period houses and renowned, historic landmarks.

History round every corner

With not one but two castles – the ruins of a 12th century fortified palace and a 16th century mansion known as Sherborne Castle, this traditional market town combines architecture through the ages, all the way back to its 8th century place of worship, the Abbey.

A place to live with a bit of everything

Sherborne has long been a destination for buyers seeking a town location with good amenities within walking distance of each other. Cheap Street is the hub of this bustling town with a fantastic selection of independent shops including a baker, butcher and Waitrose supermarket.

Its famous schools integrate into town life

Many know the town for its famous schools – Sherborne School for Boys and Sherborne School for Girls as well as the Prep School. Their buildings and boarding houses have become an integral part of the fabric of the town, where pupils can be seen walking to lessons, sports fixtures or on a visit to the Abbey.

It’s Festival Time!

The Sherborne Abbey Music Festival, International Film Festival and Literary Festival fill up the cultural calendar with plenty inbetween and new, on-trend shops like Circus boutique and Elementum are opening up to cater for a younger crowd moving to the country.

You’ll be spoilt for choice...

Enjoy the thriving culinary scene – MasterChef winner, Matt Follas, has recently opened his restaurant Bramble, with The Green and The Plume of Feathers nearby. Popular pubs are dotted around the centre of town and Tamburino Gold is a top choice for those seeking superb pizza. If you prefer café society, drop into The Pear Tree or Oliver’s. Feast on the range of independent food shops and delis like Ingredients, and don’t forget Vineyards – an enviable range of wines!

Sherborne Schools

STATE:

Primary Sherborne Abbey C of E, Sherborne Primary

Secondary The Gryphon

Rail Links

Sherborne - Waterloo

INDEPENDENT:

Prep Sherborne

Senior Sherborne for Boys Sherborne for Girls

Leweston School

“Food not only nourishes the body, but also the soul.

Nestled in the heart of the medieval City of Wells lies Goodfellows Restaurant, bringing a flavour of European cuisine to Somerset.

Chef patron Adam Fellows spent 17 years perfecting his style working across England, France and Belgium; before opening Goodfellows with his wife Martine in 2004.

For the last 15 years Adam has delighted customers with his modern European dishes featuring fish, meat and vegetarian dishes which are light but intense with flavour and perfectly paired with West Country produce.

A particular attraction is the layout of the restaurant across three rooms, with the main area offering patrons the chance to watch the action and theatre of the kitchen in the open plan dining room.

Dishes, from the lighter café inspired lunchtime options, to classic fine dining recipes, vegetarian dishes and specialist seafood recipes, alongside Adam’s five-course tasting menu are all cooked to order, to original recipes with a modern European emphasis.

Adam and Martine recently launched their new venue 7B, in their town house on St Thomas Street. Here they showcase Adam’s cookery demonstrations and tasting evenings, with exciting plans to develop this venue over the next 12 months.

Goodfellows Restaurant | www.goodfellowswells.co.uk

Formed when two cottages were knocked together there has been a pub on this site since 1750.

Traditionally, the Alhampton Inn was a community pub where farmers and labourers from the parish came to drink, play music and cards and to catch up on the local gossip.

This is a three room affair where customers sit in close proximity, on stools, chairs and old church benches. Warmed by the glow of two roaring fires the endangered art of communal banter is alive and well in this place. Good company is to be found here.

The Ally remains a proper pub with rustic roots and, today, stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time. With a wink to the past, this pub also has an eye firmly on the future.

The current owners took over a few years ago and with their talented team of chefs have developed a delicious locally sourced menu. Venison, crayfish, cheese and salads are all sourced from within a mile. Combined with craft ales, local ciders and an excellent wine list the Ally is rapidly developing a reputation as the best local pub you wished you lived near. Come on in.

Alhampton Inn | www.alhamptoninn.com

An overview of a contemporary development: Cubis Bruton

Celia Willis, our Sales Advisor tells us more about what’s happening at the sought-after Bruton site…

Strong interest continues for our remaining properties in this magical town, where artisan delicatessen meets delicious local produce, where there is a Michelin starred restaurant and where there is a world-renowned art gallery set in glorious countryside in this ancient part of Somerset.

There is little nod to the more traditional type of modern housing developments in terms of how these houses present themselves, some with dramatic sloping sedum roofs and terraces and all of them taking full advantage of any available light, with huge triple glazed windows creating the best solar gain and thermal insulation.

This means that the buildings require less energy input, an aspect of these new builds which appeals to all our visitors.

Once inside, this becomes very evident. The light invited in by the massive windows and lofty ceilings is immensely flattering to many interior designs, whilst the huge glass doors opening onto the garden provide an alluring view into the green backdrop.

The first residents moved in around 18 months ago and whilst everyone has a different aesthetic, the houses respond brilliantly to accommodate anything from mid-century Scandi to French provincial style.

The house design provides a great talking point and the concept of the houses also engages curiosity and interrogation. One of the merits of the design is that it shows people how houses can be built so that they are sociable and sustainable both in construction and use. This is underpinned by the surrounding natural landscape and the public open spaces forming part of the development.

Sitting at the front of the development, the Cubis Bruton marketing suite is the hub. We are open 10am-5pm by appointment and over the past year or so I have also conducted viewings over WhatsApp or Facetime – initially a challenge but so useful when some clients have been unable to travel. There is always demand for brochures, booking visits, queries about availability of houses - the day is always full. It is such a privilege meeting new visitors and keeping in touch with residents and hearing their thoughts about our houses. There is such a strong sense of community and identity in Bruton and this clearly extends to Cubis and its population - and this may be why many are keen to move here.

At Cubis Bruton, Acorn have taken a fresh look at highly efficient house building; have built houses which sit comfortably within the local landscape whilst marrying this with uplifting design which looks towards the future.

Celia Willis Sales Advisor

FACT BOX

• Cubis Bruton is at Cuckoo Hill, Bruton BA10 0FA

• Cubis is a unique development. Phase one comprises 28 three and four bedroom houses, flexible living, energy efficient and are highly sustainable

• Our phone number is 01749 598088

• cubissales@acornpg.org

“The

Farnfields Solicitors are specialists in property law, commercial and agricultural law, business law, family law and mediation, wills, probate and trusts, offering our services across North Dorset, West Wiltshire, South Somerset and further afield.

Farnfields was established in 1936 by Bill Farnfield with an ethos of providing legal advice that served the local community and we continue to hold on to that ethos today, providing a one-stopshop for legal services where people can buy or sell their home, write or update their will, establish trusts to protect wealth and aid succession planning, buy or sell a business, set-up pre-marital agreements and deal with a litigation issue. Our specialist lawyers provide clear expert advice when needed from the firm’s offices in Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Warminster or at a client’s home or business premises. We are very proud to have been able to serve generations of families over many years.

Farnfields prides itself on providing a service where clients should ‘Expect Far More’ and this is reflected in our client feedback: www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk/search-firm?firm=farnfields.

We also feel passionately about supporting local communities and the amazing work that they do. Over the years we have supported many local groups and we continue to support community organisations that share our passion to provide access to sport, leisure and entertainment locally.

Farnfields LLP | www.farnfields.com

Mogers Drewett is a leading South West law firm that takes pride in building long term client relationships.

From our offices in Bath, Frome, Sherborne and Wells our people offer comprehensive expert advice across a range of legal services for individuals and businesses.

With Mogers Drewett you can be sure of receiving the highest calibre of legal advice without the big city price.

Drewett | www.mogersdrewett.com

Mogers

Rosa Clutterbuck Lettings Manager

A day in the life of our Lettings Office

Just before 9am the phone starts ringing – and the Lodestone Lettings’ day begins. This job is pretty fast moving - you never know what’s going to happen. One week you can have five houses on. By the end of the week, they’ve all gone and you may have another five.

I joined Lodestone in 2020, following a career start in London Property Management. But like so many of us – the pandemic forced me to focus on what was important and for me, that was a return to Somerset.

The typical day begins when I check the diary, emails and answer any enquiries that have come in. If we’re calling prospective

FACT BOX

• Our Lettings department works across all three offices

• We operate in all our areas – from North Somerset, south to Blandford and Frome , west to Langport

• Our phone number is 01749 605002

• lettings@lodestoneproperty.co.uk

tenants we ask about their situation, what they’re looking for and who is going to be living at the property; these are all things the landlord wants to know.

I look after all our offices, so rental opportunities may come up in a big circle from north of Wells round to south of Shaftesbury.

When we go to see a property it’s not just a quick walk round. We sit down and have a chat to find out about the landlord as well as the house. Of course, we research the market too. We also spend a lot of time talking to tenants to find out what they’re after because we want to get the right fit.

So many properties don’t even go onto Rightmove because we quite often already have the perfect tenants in place for them. This is why 60% of our business is from returning landlords –because we’re very fast. Communication with landlords and

tenants is key. By concentrating on a small number of rental properties, our aim is to do them well, giving a more personal service to the client, as well as potential tenants. We need to make sure that all our landlords are compliant with the law and adapt tenancy agreements to suit their requirements.

It is really important to stay calm and get the job done. The day winds down about 6pm but if something needs finishing, I will stay and do it. I thought the pace would be slower than London but the days fly by and there is never a thumb-twiddling moment.

Lots of people are moving to the country from cities right now, so we have plenty of people who are in-between houses, waiting for sales to go through. This also creates a demand for short-term lettings. It’s a great feeling when you have someone in mind for a property, show them round it and they jump for joy and go, “yes!”.

Let’s move to Sturminster Newton!

Thomas Hardy’s ‘Vale of Little Diaries’, locally referred to as ‘Stur’, is stepped in history and surrounded by rolling hills..

A haven of history and tradition

This historic, former market town lies in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, once home to one of the largest cattle markets in Europe. Fairs and markets are believed to have been held here since the reign of Henry III and the annual Cheese Festival keeps this tradition alive, bringing thousands of visitors to the town each year.

The ancient flour mill takes pride of place

The much-photographed mill has sat on the same spot since 1086, the present building dating from the 17th Century. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour by the miller, buying the flour milled on site before taking a walk along the banks of River Stour.

Art and culture thrives

The hub of the town is now The Exchange, a community arts and business venue, opened in 2007 and occupying the site of the former cattle market. National and international performers are drawn to the 300-seat theatre with superb performance space.

For something a little different…

Country department store, Harts of Stur has taken pride of place for over 100 years – one of the largest stockists of cookware and kitchen electricals. For a bit of variety, try the Paddock Pantry for all things equestrian, Hansons fabric warehouse and Olives Et Al Deli for delicious culinary ingredients.

Coming together of traditional buildings and modern life

17th and 18th century thatched cottages, Georgian houses and 19th century brick buildings make up the pretty High Street. Traditional outlets are complemented by a specialist delicatessen, artisan bakery, fruit & veg shop and florist, along with a selection of cafes and, for the serious tea drinker, Comins Tea House.

Sturminster Schools

STATE:

Primary Sturminster Marshall First, William Barnes, Sturminster CofE

Secondary Sturminster High : Rail Links

Gillingham – Waterloo | Sherborne – Waterloo

INDEPENDENT: Prep Clayesmore, Hanford, Knighton House, Sherborne Senior Clayesmore, Bryanston, Milton Abbey, Leweston, Sherborne Boys & Girls

“Your financial decisions effect your financial health...

Handelsbanken is a local relationship bank, built on satisfied customers, financial strength and sustainable values.

It is driven predominantly by its customers’ unique requirements, providing tailored solutions to suit each individual customer’s needs. Instead of being target-driven, Handelsbanken takes a long-term view, always aiming to do what is best for customers and making customer satisfaction a top priority.

Each branch operates as a local business, enabling it to make decisions locally and to provide a service that is bespoke, whether personal or business-related.

Customers have direct line access to a dedicated account manager who is available to assist in person or over the phone and this personal service is complemented by secure online and mobile banking services.

The branch has the power to decide the structure and pricing of products, directly benefitting the customer through swift decision-making.

Perhaps that is just one of the reasons they have been voted top for customer satisfaction in an independent survey of British banks for twelve years in a row (EPSI Rating, Oct 2020).

Handelsbanken

www.handelsbanken.co.uk/findmybranch

As someone who has grown up, lived and worked on the Mendips my whole life I really understand the draw and the beauty of the area.

I now live here with my wife and two young daughters and couldn’t think of a better place to grow up within a safe and caring community.

My role as a financial adviser (formerly a primary school teacher for fifteen years) helps me to facilitate assisting others with moving to, and staying in, the part of the country that I love – and hope my daughters will do too.

I love helping families as they grow, develop and support each other. Some of my more recent endeavours have involved supporting local families buying their dream ‘forever’ home, protecting them against the unexpected and helping them prepare for the future that they desire.

Zac Cambourne | Email:

zac.cambourne@sjpp.co.uk

...consider what you should be doing to help improve and secure your financial health and habits.”