'Life At Home' - Issue 4

David Boyden

Managing Director, Boydens

Contact Us

Colchester Branch

Aston House, 57-59 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EY tel: 01206 762244 sales@boydens.co.uk

Sudbury Branch 64 North Street, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1RE tel: 01787 883700 sudbury@boydens.co.uk

Coastal Branch 73 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-On-Sea, Essex, CO13 9PP tel: 01255 851185 frinton@boydens.co.uk

West Essex Branch 121 High Street, Kelvedon, CO5 9AA tel: 01376 570335 kelvedon@boydens.co.uk

Welcome to the Autumn edition of Life at Home magazine

As the nights draw in and the seasons change, attention often turns to changes in our wider lives, especially concerning where we live – and with a new year on the horizon, this has traditionally been a time of year to look for new beginnings.

We tend to spend more time in our homes during the winter and so I hope you will find the hints and tips within this issue useful to make that time spent more comfortable. In addition to the usual seasonal content, this edition includes a focus on our West Essex Branch and the surrounding area as well as a significant focus on our people, which is part of what has always made Boydens special.

My son, Philip, has written a piece about our family history and what it is like to work in a family business that stretches back many years and still retains that personal ethos, which brings repeat business to our door.

We like to think that the family ethos we have worked so hard to develop and ingrain over the years stands us in the best stead to be able to assist you with honesty, straight-talking and integrity, and so, if now is the time you are looking to move home or if you wish to discuss your rental property portfolio, we are here to guide you.

Please do not hesitate to call your local Boydens team – we will be delighted to assist.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Life at Home.

boydens.co.uk

6 Homes with style

Browse our shopping pages for inspiration and ideas for your home.

11 News

Check out what’s going on in the property market and pick up essential advice.

14 Time to remortgage?

Mortgage consultant Chris Pargin looks at remortgaging and why it’s always best to plan ahead.

We chat exclusively with property experts and TV presenters Scarlette and Stuart Douglas.

22 Family values

Philip Boyden takes a walk down memory lane and explains why we have stood the test of time.

31 Hide and sleek

Find out how to tackle clutter and create an organised space with some savvy storage.

42 Plain sale-ing

Introducing the superstars who make your sale happen!

54 The cherry on the cake

Cover image Courtesy of Rangemaster rangemaster.co.uk

46

Meet our West Essex Branch team

We catch up with the team at Kelvedon to find out how they can help you.

48 The best of both worlds

Find out what makes Kelvedon and the surrounding area such a great place to live, work and visit.

We chat to ‘wonder baker’, author and TV cook Juliet Sear about her gorgeous new kitchen.

61 Don’t leave me this way

What to do when a tenant abandons a property.

64 expertiseMoving whatever the weather

If you’re ready to move, check out some expert advice.

18 ‘I think we disagree more than we agree!’

Mini Fixed Feet, The Radiator Centre, £185.81

Starting o at only 80mm high – in four heights, four depths and lengths up to 2.6 metres – this e cient radiator is powerful, churning out almost 5000 watts at its largest size. But even better, it features LowH20 technology with a super-conductive and ultra-fast heat exchanger giving maximum heat for minimum energy consumption. theradiatorcentre.com

51L Stove, Contura, from £1,650

A wood burning stove is 60 per cent more e cient at heating the home as heat transfer is convected into the room rather than being lost up the chimney in the case of conventional open fireplaces. This low-leg, castiron stove with single air-control is ideal for recessing into an existing fireplace opening, and can heat a 120 sq m space with 5kW e ciency. contura.eu

Classic Fusion Round Tap in Polished Chrome, Quooker, £1,150

Boiling water taps have tanks that store water at high temperatures under pressure. Quooker is the only hot water tap to store water at 110 degrees and dispense at a true 100 degrees. The average kettle uses 2,200 watts to heat up 1.7 litres of water and costs around 2.5p per boil, while a Quooker boiling water tap costs just 3p per day to run on standby. quooker.co.uk

HOMES WITH STYLE

06LED Smart Bulbs, 4lite, from £9.95

Prior to the energy price crisis, a single LED lightbulb used £34 less electricity a year compared to an incandescent bulb. However, just one year on, LED bulbs will save 75 per cent more due to soaring electricity costs. Bright sparks at 4lite report the increased cost of energy means, from October 2022, switching to LEDs could save as much as £61 a year for every bulb at home. Based on 10 bulbs, this equates to a staggering saving of £611 a year of electricity – time to switch! 4liteuk.com

£25.44

In winter, windows can be a huge source of heat loss with up to almost a third of a home’s heating energy lost through them. Tightly installed blinds can reduce this by 40 per cent – equating to a 10 per cent saving in heating bills. Online blinds retailer BlindsbyPost has a number of di erent types of blinds that can provide insulation this winter, including thermal and blackout options. blindsbypost.co.uk

boydens.co.uk

Get inspired with our curated selection of products that are both energy effi cient and on trend

Hudson Burgundy Perfect Fit Blind, BlindsbyPost, from

Shopping

Avant Silence Island Cooker Hood, Franke, £1,498

This stylish cooker hood not only o ers a more peaceful cooking experience, o ering noise reduction of up to 6db, but a more energy e cient one too with its A+ energy rating. Made from stainless steel and black glass, the hood measures 90cm wide and o ers three operating speeds plus an intensive setting with a quiet 68db sound level and an extraction rate of 750 m3/h. franke.co.uk

Aurora Instant Hot & Cold Filtered Water Dispenser, Aqua Optima, £199

Both fast and convenient, this 3-in-1 kettle, water chiller, and water filter jug can help you save space in the kitchen while saving energy by only boiling and dispensing the water you need. Powered by Strix technology, it’s Quiet Mark accredited for minimal noise levels. amazon.co.uk

Hot tips

Heating expert, Wunda Group, shares its advice to minimise heat loss in your home this winter in the face of rising energy bills.

1. Check your insulation

Up to 25 per cent of heat can be lost through the roof of an uninsulated home, so this is a great place to start to help save on costly bills. Consider fitting your hot water cylinder with an insulating jacket – it could save £35 a year as well as 115kg on carbon emissions.

2. Avoid ine cient heat sources

Electric heaters are very expensive to run, (for example, a 5,000-watt electric heater will cost almost £1.50 per hour of use) and there are several additional factors which come into play that can add to the expense.

3. Zone your home with a smart thermostat When utilised properly, smart heating is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to improve energy ratings in your home, cutting heating bills and reducing CO2 emissions. Most UK homes are still operating on one single thermostat for the entire home.

4. Don’t keep the heating on all day Leaving your heating on in every single room is needlessly expensive, especially if you aren’t using every room that you are heating. If you’re going away for a long period of time, turn the heating down or o to prevent spending money unnecessarily – but avoid switching the boiler o entirely as this can cause faults.

Dual Flo Kettle, LAICA, £69

This eco-friendly, multifunction kettle and hot water dispenser only boils the water you need, making it friendlier to the planet while saving you money on your energy bills. With up to 1.5L capacity, you can boil and dispense just one cup at the touch of a button. amazon.co.uk

5. Explore underfloor heating (UFH)

This can be an incredibly e cient and cost-e ective system for the home, costing on average 25 per cent less to run than radiators, but the real savings come when utilising a smart heating system alongside UFH to zone each room. wundagroup.com

boydens.co.uk

You can always talk to us about the Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax considerations you may need to take into account.

‘Bills included’ becomes most searched for rental term

New analysis from the UK’s biggest property website Rightmove reveals the effect the rising cost of living and record rents are having on people searching for a new place to rent.

People looking for ‘bills included’ has jumped up to the top position for renters using Keyword Sort, a Rightmove tool that allows people to prioritise their property search results by choosing specific terms. It has overtaken those looking for pet friendly homes for the first time, and is now also higher priority than gardens and garages. Last year, ‘bills included’ was just outside the top five.

Many people are also contacting agents about available rental properties across a much bigger area than four years ago, to have a better chance of finding somewhere available within their budget.

Hybrid working is also a likely factor as many people have more flexibility about where they live.

The average area renters are searching and contacting agents in has expanded from 70 sq km in July 2018 to 137 sq km currently.

While the number of new rental properties coming onto the market is slowly getting better, there is still a huge imbalance between demand and supply.

New rental properties were up 3% in July versus June, but total available rental properties remain 25% behind this time last year.

The result is a fiercely competitive and fast-moving rental market, with prospective tenants seeing properties being snapped up twice as quickly as they were two years ago.

Rightmove’s Property Expert Tim Bannister says: “People looking for a new place to rent are casting their net much wider than before, in the hope that it will help them find a suitable place that they can afford. Although it’s not as constrained as it was a few months ago, the number of homes is still nowhere near enough to meet demand from tenants.

“The lack of homes is down to more people choosing to stay put and sign longer contracts, some landlords selling up due to more onerous taxes and others taking advantage of record house prices, and hybrid working shifting some demand to more rural and suburban pockets of Great Britain. This has all led to a fiercely competitive rental market in many areas with agents reporting that in some cases properties are being rented out in just a few hours.”

Tidy House, Tidy Mind

Not only is a clean and tidy home a selling point for any buyer, it also says a lot about your outlook on life!

Research into homeowners by Procter & Gamble divided the respondents into those with messy and tidy homes, with some interesting and surprising results.

As many as 76% of people who claim their house is ‘spick and span’ also describe their outlook on life as positive and ‘glass half full’.

On the flip side, a staggering 72% of those who admit their house is a mess say they have a mostly ‘glass half empty’ outlook.

Meanwhile, half of those (50%) with messy houses describe themselves as ‘artistic’.

According to the data, if you’re a bookworm you’re more likely to have a messy home (38%), with a further 28% of untidy dwellers claiming they are ‘academic’.

Surprisingly, Brits who have spotless houses are most likely to have an

active social life, loving hosting parties and entertaining (17%), compared to a national average of 10%.

Over a fifth of the Brits polled (22%) are guilty of secretly judging other people with messy homes, with 38% of tidy people confessing they don’t understand how they can live in a dirty, untidy house.

Meanwhile the research suggests that cleaning could benefit our mental health, as almost a quarter (23%) of the Brits polled reckon cleaning their homes from top to bottom makes them feel calm and relaxed.

In fact, 36% say that when their house feels clean and tidy, it makes them feel serene, while a third say being in a messy home is a sure way to make them feel stressed and depressed.

Also, while having people round (68%) and hosting dinner parties (49%) would be out of the question for someone with a messy house, 42% admit they can’t even relax on the sofa if their home is a tip.

At a Glance:

*Properties in Essex had an overall average price of £406,432 over the last year. The majority of sales in Essex during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £367,670. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £421,349, with detached properties fetching £610,458. Overall, sold prices in Essex over the last year were similar to the previous year and 13% up on the 2019 peak of £359,711. (Source: Rightmove, September 2022)

*Properties in Su olk had an overall average price of £319,708 over the last year. The majority of sales in Su olk during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £469,222. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £285,619, with terraced properties fetching £234,892. Overall, sold prices in Su olk over the last year were similar to the previous year and 14% up on the 2019 peak of £279,373. (Source: Rightmove, September 2022)

*Research by Comparethemarket has found that almost a third of homeowners whose fixed rate mortgages are nearing an end in the next three years will only consider remortgaging to a long-term fixed rate deal... see page 14 for more on remortgaging.

TIME TO REMORTGAGE?

Against a backdrop of rising interest rates, homeowners are rushing to secure a good deal before the fixed term on their mortgage ends. Mortgage consultant Chris Pargin, of Pargin Financial Solutions, discusses remortgaging and why it’s always best to plan ahead.

The mortgage market is as busy as ever, and we have been receiving a lot of remortgage enquiries stemming from recent interest rate rises.

The rate increases have caused concern for people looking for stability on their monthly mortgage payments, and as a result many mortgage borrowers are looking to see when they can start renegotiating their next mortgage product.

Of course, a lot of people are looking at their overall outgoings with the cost-of-living increases, and the monthly cost of paying the mortgage is a huge part of this – and is usually the starting point when it comes to household budgeting.

It comes as no surprise that we have seen an increase in remortgage enquiries at this time.

Lenders have been playing their part in offering their clients a solution early, and we have had lenders recently alter the point at which they are able to offer new product rates to their clients. This means that we can review their options earlier and secure a new product before we would have been able to, previously.

As a general rule of thumb, if people are looking to find out when they can start looking at their options, we usually speak to our clients six months prior to their product fixed rate end date, as some lenders do enable you to secure a new rate this far in advance. Many mortgage offers will last for six months also, so this is the ideal time as it can enable options with alternative lenders to be considered alongside your current mortgage lender. This way, we can compare alternative products available and advise on the best route forward, and it does usually provide enough time for the mortgage lenders and solicitors to complete their process.

Although re-securing rates and looking to save money is often the reason for remortgages, we do also receive many enquiries from people who have other plans. Where people are looking to raise capital from a property, they will often tie this in with their remortgage, so that they can secure this additional borrowing as one mortgage part with one product end date rather than have multi-part mortgages that are arranged on different products with different dates of rate expiry.

Some of our portfolio buy to let clients have in the past used their mortgage review as a time to look to grow their portfolio. When we look to renegotiate their product, we will review the property value and mortgage outstanding, and if the client would like to look to add to their portfolio, there may be a potential option of raising

capital from the subject property, which can then be used as a deposit for an onward purchase.

Another popular reason for remortgaging is to repay a Help to Buy equity loan. The Help to Buy scheme is a popular way that many have purchased new build properties with the assistance of an equity loan from the government. When revisiting clients on this, we have looked at the potential of raising capital from the property in order to repay the equity loan, and again when a mortgage product is due to expire it can be an ideal time to consider this possibility.

There are many options when remortgaging, and the point that your rate is coming to an end is a real opportunity to review your entire situation and see what options are available to you. Rather than just select a new product, the remaining mortgage term and monthly payment should be considered, as well as your wider financial situation and insurance arrangements.

A lot can be gained from paying attention to these areas and conducting a full review, so the advice to all clients is to diarise the point to take some time out to review your circumstances and try not to leave it until the last minute. We do contact all of our clients in advance of their residential or buy to let mortgage product coming to an end in order to arrange this review, which can be a real additional benefit of working with a broker to keep on top of things.

Article by Chris Pargin, of Pargin Financial Solutions. You can contact Chris on chris@parginfs.com or 07398163663.

Pargin Financial Solutions Ltd and Boydens are separate entities. For estate agents, Pargin Financial Solutions Ltd acts as introducers only

“There are many options when remortgaging, and the point that your rate is coming to an end is a real opportunity to review your entire situation.”

‘I think we disagree more than we agree!’

We chat exclusively with property experts and sibling TV presenting duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, who have recently been helping homebuyers make their money go further on Channel 4’s Worst House on the Street and alongside George Clark on Flipping Fast.

About Scarlette and Stuart Scarlette’s property journey began when she bought her first flat at the age of 24. She became an award-winning television presenter with A Place In The Sun (2015) and since then, has been a regular reporter for BBC’s The One Show as well as presenting her own primetime Channel 4 show Holiday Secrets: Is Last Minute Best? (2020).

Former professional footballer Stuart bought his first property in 1999 – a converted hat factory in St Albans. He redesigned, refurbished, and eventually sold it for a healthy profit. This proved to be the catalyst for him to buy and develop in the locations of the football clubs where he played. With Scarlette’s candid input, he has developed and sold numerous properties. Stuart was nominated for Best Debut Presenter at the New Voice Awards 2022.

How did you both get into the property market? Stuart was the one that got into property first, kind of by accident. As a footballer, he invested his money into his first house by renovating it and made a great return without even meaning to. Thirteen years later, he took me under his wing and taught me the ropes. We’ve been developing as a duo ever since!

Tell us about your first experience of buying a property together and how that progressed to a career in television. Our first place together was in Barnet. It was a ground-floor converted Victorian flat; one bedroom that we turned into two, of which we made a good

profit. We continued flipping properties and a few years later, an opportunity came up for ‘A Place in the Sun’, who were looking for presenters with property expertise. I did a screen test, got the job and the rest is history as they say!

How would you describe your working relationship as siblings – do you mostly agree with each other on property matters and how do you resolve any differences? I think we disagree more than we agree! We have learnt over the years that compromise is our best friend though! Stuart keeps emotion out of renovations, whereas I try to, but struggle! We’re very good at meeting in the middle and, ultimately, we want the best for our prospective buyers, so we always have that at the forefront of our minds when we may have a disagreement. What’s best for me may not be best for someone else.

Image courtesy of Channel 4, Flipping Fast

Interview

Which is your favourite style of property interior and why?

20This is such a difficult question because no two properties are the same. I like to be as true to a property as I can. Yes, use elements of different styles and merge designs, but I like to be true to the period and build of the initial property. Traditional features are so beautiful, so enhancing and restoring them rather than removing does so much more justice to the house. If it was a new build? Go as modern as you like, but I would always say be gracious to the era of the house by at least giving a nod to the period here and there.

Which part of a property (inside or out) gets you most excited when making an investment or starting a renovation project?

The layout. A floor plan, honestly, is the thing to look out for when wanting to renovate. You can see exactly what can change and what can’t and how to make the most of the space on offer.

Which simple home improvements do you think can add most value to a property?

There are a few different ones here. A new kitchen and bathroom always add value to a property, but

something that’s not too big of a job is sprucing up the kerb appeal. Having great outside space front and/or back really can add money to your home, and it doesn’t have to be expensive to do.

What’s your biggest property success? Everything I’ve done within property I would like to believe has been a success. I never stop and rest on my laurels and am always seeking to surpass what I’ve already achieved, so I’m not sure I have seen my biggest success as of yet.

And any property mistakes you care to mention? Every mistake is a learning curve so as much as I can’t think of any right now, I wouldn’t change them as I wouldn’t have the knowledge I have to date.

1. DO as much research as possible –it’s key to minimising mistakes and errors in your purchase.

2. FAIL to prepare, prepare to fail – if you don’t do your homework, you’re taking a big risk with your investment.

3. DON’T expect everything to be plain sailing – there are a lot of ups and downs with property, so you need to be adaptable (just because your o er

has been accepted, doesn’t mean it’s definitely going to be yours, so be aware).

4. DO have a contingency fund just in case you need some extra cash along the way.

5. DO make your house look as presentable and appealing as possible to give it the best chance of getting the best o er!

What are your top 5 dos and don’ts for buying or selling a new home?

Family

Values

As a family business stretching back five generations, Boydens has quite a history. The fifth generation of the Boyden family, Philip Boyden now works in the business alongside his father David Boyden and, as Philip explains, this really is a family affair.

My involvement in the family business started at an early age. I remember making regular trips to the Colchester Branch in the early 1990s (or ‘Grandad’s Office’ as we referred to it), as my mum attended a cake decorating class nearby on Tuesday evenings. During this time, my sister Laura and I would spend time in the office where my dad and grandad were working.

I recall enjoying a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer and still now, when I pass a certain point on the middle floor of the building, I sense a familiar aroma which takes me instantly back to those days.

From left, Desmond Boyden who set up the residential property business in 1966; Desmond with son, David; and David who now works alongside his son, Philip

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The Boydens story began back in 1852 when George Boyden, a master builder and Quaker, started his own business. His son, Aston, continued the building business which at its height employed 28 sta before being interrupted by the Second World War. Aston died in 1947.

Aston’s son, Desmond, my grandfather, was too young to immediately join the building business, instead studying engineering and working for Woods of Colchester.

For two years Desmond commuted to London working for a commercial Chartered Surveyors firm based in The Strand, before returning to Colchester to spend 11 years with local Chartered Surveyors firm, C M Stanford & Son, specialising in residential property and farms.

THE EXPANSION OF BOYDENS

In 1966, Desmond set up his own residential property business initially at Blackheath, Colchester and then onto Balkerne House in Crouch Street. Due to expansion, the business moved next door to Aston House in 1988, where the business has been based ever since.

Desmond’s son, David, my father, joined the family business in 1976. In partnership with his father he developed the business, building Boydens’ reputation, taking the best of the family ethos – and combining this with the modern approach and expanding our business across Essex and Su olk. After graduating from university, I joined the family business in 2015.

Seeing the Boyden name in lights above the door and on the various sales and lettings boards on properties in the area, and knowing this was part of my family history always instilled a feeling of pride. A popular misconception at school at the time was that other pupils would remark that my family appeared to own a lot of houses!

My more formal involvement in the family firm began when, aged 17, I spent my summer between school and 6th form college working in Boydens’ Property Management Department carrying out Routine Inspections on rented and managed properties. During my gap year before university, I spent time working in New Zealand for a farming firm, which was a wonderful experience. I then headed to university where I undertook a degree in Rural Property Management, which included a work placement for a year as a surveyor taking instructions from Savills, negotiating the installation of pipelines over farmland on behalf of Anglian Water.

After successfully completing my surveying degree, I joined the family business full time in the capacity of Sales Negotiator, based in our Braintree Branch. During this time, my experience in commercial property was utilised in providing a source of advice for all of our branches, including our Coastal Branch, in commercial property sales and rentals.

Main image, David Boyden looks through an archived newspaper advert for Boydens; below, Desmond Boyden during his working days; and an old sign for the original building business, established by Aston Boyden in 1852

I moved to the Colchester Head Office in 2017. As a Senior Property Consultant, I love helping clients to successfully sell or buy their properties, getting as much pleasure from helping first-time buyers on their first step onto the ladder to those with high-end, bespoke properties. I enjoy the diversity of continuing to be the company’s specialist with the sale of land and commercial properties.

There is no doubt that being part of a family firm is a source of pride to me, and makes working life so much more interesting. Dad and I are different characters, but we share the same core values and passion for the business to succeed and it is nice to work alongside him. I enjoy sharing the family history of Boydens with clients; to be able to do it as a member of the family does make it extra special and, I think, demonstrates that we really do care – with us it really is personal.

I was particularly proud of my involvement in the rebranding of Boydens in 2016 which was a bold move in helping to modernise the company, and started a process which we continue to this day. We have faced challenges throughout our history – the property market is often used as a barometer of what is happening in the wider economy which has its ups and downs, but the quality of people working within Boydens is exceptional and so gives me great confidence in the future.

This was never more prevalent than when we all faced the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic where we pulled together collectively to see us through what was a huge challenge for us, our staff, and indeed the whole world.

Main image, from left, Boydens Managing Director David Boyden, Director Jennie Boyden, and Director, Senior Property Consultant Philip Boyden; left, Philip and David have fun during an office break; above, the Boydens head office in Crouch Street, Colchester, back in the day; and below, the old Boydens logo.

THE FUTURE

With our excellent people, I think the future for Boydens is bright – we have ambitious and exciting plans and, whilst the property market is difficult to predict, my father and I have seen numerous peaks and troughs during our working lives. Moving forward, our people will be the catalyst for how we will grow, and we are determined to stay true to the core values we hold dear – those of honest, straight-talking and with the family principles we have held so close over the years, carrying on into the future.

Looking to the future, David and Philip Boyden

PERSONAL TOUCH

True personal service and caring about what we do and demonstrating this to clients has always been a Boydens priority. It is quite rare these days to see a family business where the family are truly involved on a fundamental level, and on a daily basis. The longevity of the business is down to family succession planning, which has evolved in a structured way.

Our history and deep-rooted connections bring us repeat business from recommendations, which is vitally important to us. My son and I are now working together alongside our excellent team, and I am using connections built up over the years as a catalyst for new business. We have a great deal to be proud of, and a lot to look forward to, as we continue to service our clients with the confidence and values that they have come to expect from us.

David Boyden

With over 25 years of experience in the building industry, here at Alpha Group, we pride ourselves on being builders that you can trust. We understand that having building work carried out on your home is a big investment, and one that you will want to be sure is in safe hands. We can help you create the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, whether you’re looking for a complete redesign or a more modest makeover. We have the knowledge, experience, and tradespeople to make it happen.

HIDE AND SLEEK

It’s the source of much frustration in households across the country – too much stuff and not enough places to hide things away and keep everything tidy.

We asked storage design experts for their tips on how to make the most of three key areas in the home, to make everyday life less chaotic and add value to your property...

Could a lack of storage be aff ecting the value of your home? We look at how to tackle clutter and create an organised space.

KITCHEN

32There are few places where mess is more visible to guests than the hub of the home, the kitchen. With open-plan kitchen and dining areas becoming increasingly popular over the last few years, hidden storage that keeps worktops clear is more of a consideration than ever before.

Features like breakfast cupboards with pocket doors that pull back to reveal a worktop with small appliances are high on the wish lists of homeowners planning a new kitchen.

So too are deep drawers with sectioned interiors to keep pots, pans and crockery well organised, cutlery drawers with inserts that maximise utensil storage, and plinths that reveal items like muffin trays as and when needed.

The pull-out pantry is a particular godsend for those who crave savvy storage solutions.

Main image, Benchmarx Cambridge Forest Green True Handleless benchmarxkitchens.co.uk; above and right, Pronorm ProTech drawers in Anthracite (kitchens from £12,000) pronorm.de

boydens.co.uk

“Larder units with mechanisms that glide forward easily to allow full sight and easy access to contents are a pleasure to use and a highly practical storage solution in any kitchen,” says Richard Turner, UK & Ireland National Sales Manager for kitchen manufacturer Pronorm (pronorm.de).

“On an aesthetic level, opening out a tall larder with shelves of smartly organised baking ingredients, pulses and pasta can look impressive and says something about personal style and the value being placed on the kitchen as a whole.”

A corner larder offers a clever way of using areas that are often under-utilised.

“By being placed on the diagonal, the need for stretching around dark corners and reaching in odd angles are eliminated,” explains Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager for LochAnna Kitchens (lochannakitchens.co.uk). “Instead, you can simply see everything you have stored at a glance and access becomes as simple as stepping inside.”

However, before ordering a kitchen with every storage consideration conceivable, it makes sense to declutter first. Also, assess how you will use the space and how much storage do you actually need? You don’t want to max out capacity from the outset!

Another thing to factor in is that kitchen storage needs have evolved, particularly over the last couple of years due to the pandemic, as we adjust to the ever-changing

landscape of homeworking and family life. Kitchens need to be functional above all when so much multi-tasking is required, observes Sinead, so storage should not be an afterthought.

“A beautifully aesthetic kitchen that doesn’t work on a practical level won’t stand the test of time, so when designing a kitchen, storage must be one of the most crucial elements to consider. Don’t fall foul to the mistake of leaving storage to the last minute,” she explains.

“Instead, when you’re first designing your kitchen space, think about how you and your family use the kitchen on a day-to-day basis and how your needs might evolve and grow in the near future. You can then use this information to select the ideal storage and design the rest of your kitchen around these elements.”

If you’re not contemplating a new kitchen, but want to enhance storage capacity, there are some simple solutions to make the most of existing cupboards.

Items like waste sorter bins are very handy for keeping the kitchen organised – and make the job of recycling easier.

“They sit discreetly into kitchen units and allow users to quickly sort their waste for recycling and to maintain a clean, uncluttered kitchen space,” comments Jo Sargent, Sales and Marketing Director at kitchen solutions specialist Franke (franke.com). “Models with three compartments are handy for compartmentalising plastic, cardboard and cans.”

boydens.co.uk

mowlemandco.com

franke.co.uk

buttonandsprung.com

BEDROOM

Numerous studies have shown that the practical set-up of your bedroom can directly affect how much sleep you get. Removing clutter helps create a relaxing environment that is conducive to getting enough shut-eye.

“A messy and cluttered bedroom will not only affect how fast you fall asleep, but the quality of your sleep,” says Carl Walsh, sleep expert and owner of Bed Guru (bedguru.co.uk). “If every time you get into bed you’re surrounded by mess and clutter, this can distract you as you’re trying to fall asleep, make you feel anxious or on-edge, and lead to a bad night’s sleep.”

If a bedroom is particularly small, then multi-functional furniture such as under-bed storage is a must.

Storage divan beds give you the option to have concealed draws coming from all angles, a great space saving alternative to a chest of drawers, while ottoman beds that open upwards provide plenty of under-bed storage and don’t encroach onto the floor space around the bed.

Carl also recommends harnessing any vertical space on offer if needed, such as buying a bunk bed with storage for a child’s bedroom, while custom-size furniture will be your best friend, ensuring you make the most of every inch.

Fitted wardrobes can also be miracle workers for small bedrooms and spaces with awkward nooks and crannies.

“From a practical and aesthetical perspective, fitted wardrobes offer the most effective and efficient way to make use of the space within your bedroom,” comments Racheal Hutcheson, National Retail

sharps.co.uk

Manager for Sharps (sharps.co.uk). “A truly bespoke design, that has been created to fit the exact contours of your room will offer, on average, 40 per cent more space than ordinary fitted wardrobe designs.

“Small or awkward spaces often need intelligent solutions to make the most of them, so consider curved corner rails, pull-out trouser rails and pull-down hanging rails to ensure your wardrobe is as efficient as it can be.

“It’s important to take a wardrobe’s doors into consideration to ensure they are easily opened. If a bed is in close proximity to a wardrobe, opt for sliding doors to provide a sleek, effective alternative, whilst mirrored styles will help to make a space look bigger,” she adds.

Bedroom island units offer additional drawer space, as well as a tabletop for displaying perfume and cosmetics or other finishing touches, according to designer Megan Baker, of My Fitted Bedroom (myfittedbedroom.com). “When mounted on wheels they can be easily moved around the room for the ultimate in flexibility.”

Replacing the dressing table concept (which is often messy and filled with bottles, brushes and make-up palettes on display), built-in beauty bays are ideal for keeping make-up and toiletries hidden away, she adds.

Unless your bedroom is particularly big, Megan recommends drawers versus shelves. “Open shelving is great if you have lots of space to play with, but in most modern bedrooms, storage is about making items accessible and neatly stored. Drawers help to translate that zen-like feeling that everything has its place to the inside of the wardrobe.”

boydens.co.uk

BATHROOM

As more and more of us crave the spa experience at home, demand has surged for storage solutions that help create the beautiful, soothing, sleek aesthetics befitting a calming sanctuary to escape and unwind.

Bathroom bliss requires items such as ugly household cleaning products to be kept well tucked away. You want nice, luxury products on display, not bleach and toilet rolls!

“Storage is often an afterthought when planning a bathroom, but when you consider how much stuff we keep in our bathrooms, it should be a priority,” observes Howard Birch, Director at luxury bathroom specialist, Aston Matthews (URL). “From spare loo roll to cleaning materials and cosmetics, if the bathroom is going to look smart and clutter-free, you need to incorporate as much storage as possible.

“A basin unit is a useful option, providing drawers or a cupboard under the sink. Also, consider a mirrorfronted cabinet above the basin and if this also incorporates a light – even better.”

Aside from the functionality provided, a vanity unit can provide a focal point in your bathroom.

Roseberry fitted furniture in London Grey utopiagroup.com; below, Aston Matthews S Line wall-hung basin unit in solid limed oak astonmatthews.co.uk

“When it comes to the actual style of your vanity unit, it really comes down to personal taste,” comments James Stevenson, Creative Director at Imperial Bathrooms (imperialbathroom.com). “Perhaps you prefer a model with design flourishes and features such as glass legs or period handles, or maybe you’re more inclined towards a simple, more pared-back aesthetic with a classic look and clean lines. Whatever your preference, bear in mind that your vanity unit can play an all-important role in maximising your bathroom storage.”

Maximise your space with fitted furniture that makes the most of tight corners and awkward spaces, adds Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at bathroom expert Utopia (utopiagroup.com).

“In terms of interior storage, look for deep drawers and adjustable shelving to allow for those taller bottles.

Compartmentalised drawer spaces are also excellent for organising make-up and personal grooming items.” Organise makeup and toiletries in drawers in transparent containers to make it easy and quick to grab and go – especially at peak times like the school run.

Freestanding wall storage can be used to create a focal point, while in smaller bathrooms, wall-hung cupboards provide the ideal solution, creating the illusion of more space by maximising the visible area of the floor.

A towel rail on a wall-hung unit or utilising the unused space on the back of a door for hanging towels and bath robes also incorporate practicality in a smaller setting.

If your bathroom is really bijou, consider running a shelf above the bathroom door or utilising the wall space above the toilet for a storage unit.

boydens.co.uk

Orthex at homebase.com

imperialbathroom.com

PLAIN SALE-ING

When you sell or purchase a home through Boydens, you will be allocated a Sales Progressor who is dedicated to getting your sale completed in the most efficient way possible.

Sophie has worked in estate agency for seven years and was previously a Sales Negotiator carrying out viewings, listings and also progressing sales. She became a dedicated Sales Progressor for Boydens in 2019.

My mornings usually begin with checking emails where I prioritise cases relating to exchanges which have not happened for whatever reason – investigating the case in order to get it back on track. I work partly at home and partly from our Sudbury Branch, and so this gives me the flexibility and balance in my working life as I have a young family.

I use our inhouse software to keep me on track and also to act as an audit trail, which also makes it easier for myself and my fellow Sales Progressor, Gemma, to cover each other’s workload in the event that this is required. My role involves a lot of telephone-based work and I have built up a good understanding of how our solicitor contacts work, and so I know their preferences in terms of when and how they like to be contacted. This helps a great

deal – most of the local solicitors I can actually visit to talk with them face to face too if necessary, which has huge advantages.

The biggest challenge in this role is managing client expectations in terms of things we are or not able to do, but I know that the value we deliver is helping to make the whole experience better for our clients. We know what questions to ask, and when, which is invaluable when it comes to progressing a sale efficiently as we generally then avoid simple issues holding up the process.

The key skills needed in this role are the technical knowledge of the processes combined with regular communications, even when there is nothing new to report – that reassurance goes a long way for our clients.

The most enjoyable part of my role is when you get the call to say that an exchange has happened – and that is even more rewarding when you know it has been a difficult or protracted sale.

Sophie Clark was amazing from start to finish and she wasn’t even our estate agent!! She was our seller’s agent and was by far the best person we dealt with throughout our whole moving process - better than our own agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors. She always responded to every email and was very efficient at updating us with everything. So helpful, polite and goes above and beyond. Loren xx

A dedicated Sales Progressor has the specialist knowledge and time to ensure your home sale or purchase stays on track. Not all agents employ them, but at Boydens we know that this enhances and improves the experience for our clients as our customer service feedback proves.

Introducing Gemma Williams…

Gemma has a background in estate agency having previously worked as a Sales Negotiator for various estate agencies over a 12-year period. She joined Boydens in 2019.

My role involves the coordination of sales for our Colchester and Coastal Branches (covering also for my colleague, Sophie, when she is away). My day typically starts by going through emails. In this job communication is key and so I always make it a priority to go back to clients before the close of business, even if there is no new development to report – at least the client feels they haven’t been forgotten.

Knowing the solicitors and the way they like to work is a key aspect in this job and you get to know their working practices and routines so that, for example, there will be solicitors who you might contact at certain times, or on specific days. This knowledge can only be built up over time but does help to keep the information flowing smoothly. Solicitors are busy too, so when they can see I have taken the time to allow for this, it helps the relationship hugely.

44To do this job you need to be well organised and knowledgeable about the various aspects of the sales process. This understanding means you are able to work more efficiently, for example, requesting information early in order to not delay the process further down the line. Without that understanding, there is the risk of issues arising within the chain which will lead to delays. I have an especially good

Google Reviews

Bought a flat in Colchester through Boydens and couldn’t be more happy. Gemma and the team were fantastic, keeping us up to date all the time and even liaising with our solicitors on our behalf.

A brilliant professional and friendly service throughout.

Gemma was a fundamental part of our house buying process, and working with her was a delight.

She is incredibly experienced and proactive, and we received high levels of communication throughout. Highly recommend! Overall the team at Boydens were great to work with, and it was massively appreciated.

rapport with the local solicitors we work with, and to be successful you need to be patient and polite with solicitors whilst also maintaining the confidence to question them if you feel you need to.

It is also vital to educate buyers constantly throughout the process as there are often steps which they can take which will help save time (and stress) further down the line.

We currently spend on average four to five months progressing a sale from acceptance of offer to full completion. Some offers are quicker than that, but in my years of working in the industry, the current length of time to complete transactions is the longest I have known.

The biggest challenge of this role is juggling the workload, which is why I like to set expectations early in terms of always replying to clients promptly. Reassuring clients and having great patience are also essential skills when you are a Sales Progressor. You also need to be inquisitive as we take time to investigate, and if necessary intervene, further down the chain if I spot an issue which, even not directly related to the sale I am progressing, might still impact it if left unchecked.

Even after my years of experience, situations still emerge which surprise me, but that keeps the job varied — and there is still no greater reward than seeing the property sale complete and receiving positive feedback from the happy clients.

Meet our West Essex Branch team!

Kelvedon in Essex – located between Chelmsford and Colchester – is a commuter village that along with the surrounding area forms part of Braintree District. Comprising a wide range of properties, it offers everything from Victorian first-time buyer homes to imposing family abodes.

Boydens’ West Essex branch is a small but exceptionally busy branch that handles residential sales and lettings. In addition to Kelvedon, where it is based, the branch has extensive coverage including (but not limited to) the towns of Braintree and Witham, and the villages of Tiptree, Coggeshall, Great Notley, Feering, Messing and Great Braxted.

Jules Cain, Branch Manager jules.cain@ boydens.co.uk

About me

I joined Boydens five years ago, having previously worked in estate agency in London. I have spent most of my working life in the property industry (over 30 years) and have four children. I am a huge fan of Only Fools and Horses.

My day to day

We always start the day in the office with our morning meeting in order to set the priorities for the day ahead. I am responsible for the vast majority of sales and lettings valuations for the branch, and work with my fantastic team to help us expand the growth of our branch into new areas and markets.

What I love about my job

Every day is different. My team are superb and very loyal, and I am proud of the environment we have created at West Essex where there is a real buzz around the work we have done over the last couple of years in order to establish ourselves as a leading agent in the local area.

Seeing a property exchange is always a high point... and a property sale or let complete, especially when we have built up a rapport with those clients. Seeing the happy faces of clients moving into their new home is something which never fails to delight me.

I can help you with…

As Branch Manager, I am able to assist you if you are looking to sell or let your property. I can also advise you on the most accurate status of local market conditions and I am extremely knowledgeable of the Kelvedon, Braintree, Witham and Feering areas, so please feel free to contact me.

tanya.page@ boydens.co.uk

About me

I have a broad range of work experience gained in a variety of roles, from hospitality and bar management to the NHS and property management based in Canary Wharf. I began running five years ago and run a half marathon every year, each time for a different charity. I also enjoy reading and writing and am currently writing a self-help book. I have four grown-up children and a grandson.

My day to day

The first task of the day is always to attend our branch morning meeting which sets us up for the day ahead. I then allocate time to following up leads which have come in overnight. The core part of each day is taken up with viewings, leaflet drops, valuations and follow-ups on our database. The days always pass very quickly in our branch!

What I love about my job

I love viewing different properties, especially character properties. It is also very interesting seeing new development sites as they take shape.

Tanya Page, Sales and Lettings Negotiator

Every day is different, and the nature of my job means that I am not sat at my desk the whole time. I love seeing a sale from start to finish, and it is always highly rewarding to have conversations with clients and to build those relationships.

I can help you with… Finding your perfect home! If you are looking to sell your home or seeking the ideal tenant for your property, I can help, so don’t hesitate to contact me!

Paula

inspiration from what other people have done to their homes.

I can help you with…

If you are dealing with our branch for any sale or let, I will be able to ensure that this runs as smoothly as possible, and so we are sure to be in touch!

Carole Roberts, Property Manager carole. roberts@ boydens.co.uk

on their behalf and providing peace of mind in the process.

Michael Loader, Mortgage Advisor michael@ parginfs.com

About me

Gilks,

Branch Administrator paula.gilks@ boydens.co.uk

About Me

Prior to joining Boydens, I worked as an administrator in pest control and hygiene services, and before that in pub and restaurant management. Both these roles gave me a firm grounding in customer service. I enjoy baking and sewing and am a keen animal lover. I have one daughter.

My day to day

My day is always varied and I am generally the first point of contact for the branch. I carry out write-ups for our properties as well as undertaking the occasional viewing. I also manage the progression of our lettings and carry out the referencing process whilst also handling queries on sales we have underway. My role is very diverse and also involves helping out our Property Manager when required.

What I love about my job

I love the variety of my job – there is literally something different every day. I also enjoy the rapport I have been able to build up with landlords, tenants, vendors and our contractors. An added bonus is getting to see other homes and properties which I find interesting, as you can often take

About me

I joined Boydens in 2010 as a part-time administrator, having previously worked in the insurance industry. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and two grandchildren. I also enjoy eating out and a nice glass of wine!

My day to day

I always start the day checking emails in order to be fully up to speed with any new maintenance issues which may have arisen overnight. The next priority is to check the status of existing maintenance jobs, chasing invoices and contractors, and then dealing with the unforeseen emergencies which may occur on the maintenance side.

What I love about my job

I love meeting people and really enjoy working with my colleagues, which is always a hive of activity. The best part of the job is helping to resolve issues to the satisfaction of the clients, and over the years I have built up good relationships with my landlords, which means I am able to help them even better.

I can help you with… I can help ease the burden of landlords by looking after properties

boydens.co.uk

I have been a mortgage advisor since 2013. I previously worked in retail for ten years, but have always worked closely with estate agents since becoming an advisor. I am a keen football fan, and I play seven-a-side football. I have two children.

My day to day

My role is to look after the West Essex, Sudbury and Coastal Branches, and so I spend time regularly in those branches but am more regularly based in the West Essex Branch. My time is spent researching products for clients, taking into account their specific needs, whilst also chasing lenders and solicitors to progress deals accordingly.

What I love about my job

Being part of securing a client a new home remains a rewarding part of my job. This job also comes with a certain level of flexibility, and so I am able to balance my home and work life. The job is always most rewarding when a complicated application is completed and the client is delighted.

I can help you with… Mortgages! Whether you are a first-time buyer, looking for a Buy to Let or have adverse credit, I can help. I also look after clients for remortgages and insurances such as Life, Critical Illness or Buildings etc, and am always happy to talk through your specific requirements.

With the help of our friends at Kelvedon Parish Council in Essex, we take a look at this beautiful village and its next-door neighbour, Feering, which offers residents a tranquil haven with everything on their doorstep.

The Best of Both

Worlds

A village of two villages is how Kelvedon and Feering might be described – even sharing a cricket team. While, strictly speaking, many of local amenities are located in Kelvedon, residents of both villages have access to a generous range of services.

Kelvedon is an historic and picturesque village in the heart of Essex, providing a beautiful blend of rural family life and easy access to many of the county’s hot spots.

It sits on the edge of Braintree District and is something of a haven for those who value the convenience of town-like services and transport links, alongside the tranquillity of countryside life.

Dating back over 2,000 years, much of its more recent history is preserved through architecture and there are many examples of this along Kelvedon high street. Designated a conservation area, it is a blend of old and new, with thriving businesses and amenities set among centuries-old buildings.

Photography by Simon Bellotti

Location focus

Once a largely agricultural community, thanks in part to its unique ‘micro-climate’, much of Kelvedon’s farmland is still active today. Perhaps the best known is that of Kings Seeds, which continues to be a leader in seed production.

50There is a wealth of information regarding the history of Kelvedon in its dedicated museum and library.

A vibrant social scene Kelvedon hosts a number of independent businesses, including several pubs and restaurants which contribute to a vibrant social scene in the village. There is also a café, wine bar and various takeaway establishments for when you need a night off from cooking.

Residents have access to two primary schools, a nursery and a GP surgery, as well as many other shops and services. Local secondary schools include two of the country’s leading grammar schools, as well as other highly regarded public and state schools in nearby areas. Twice winner of the Essex Best

Kept Village Award in recent years, Kelvedon is well looked after and pleasing on the eye. Walkers and cyclists can enjoy numerous walkways and paths, taking in sights such as the River Blackwater, Brockwell Meadow Nature Reserve and a newly planted orchard.

In the heart of the village is its main and newly-renovated recreational ground which, as well as providing a year-round space to enjoy, plays host to the ever-popular Kelvedon Community Festival each year, with live music and other entertainment aplenty.

With local football, rugby, cricket, tennis and netball teams, as well as dance classes and an amateur dramatic society, there is plenty for children and adults to enjoy. And for when a little treat is required, Prested Hall – a premier leisure facility and wedding venue – has the facilities and treatments to oblige.

Everything close at hand

One of the most valuable and unique things about the village is its mainline railway station.

With Chelmsford and Colchester both within a 15-minute ride, and London Liverpool Street around 45 minutes away, it is undoubtedly one of Kelvedon’s main draws for commuters and families alike.

Kelvedon is within easy reach of the capital, the coast and lots in between.

A popular summer day out is the nearby Maldon seafront, including the recently refurbished Promenade Park. Other local attractions are the boutique vineyard in Coggeshall, the famous Wilkin & Sons jam factory in Tiptree and Braintree Designer Shopping Village (formerly known as Freeport). Nearby Witham, Kelvedon’s closest town, offers employment opportunities as well as a good range of shops and eateries.

In the heart of the countryside and with great facilities, this unique village could certainly be considered an example of ‘the best of both worlds’.

For more information, go to www.kelvedon.org.uk

boydens.co.uk

Photos by Simon Bellotti, simon@dephoto.co.uk

52 THIS IS ESSEX –MAKE IT YOURS!

Essex offers a fantastic quality of life; with acres of open countryside, top visitor attractions, fast transport links to the capital, as well as top schools and business opportunities, it’s clear to see why so many people call Essex ‘home’.

We invited Visit Essex to tell us more about what makes the area so special, focusing on Braintree and the surrounding area…

Amble Around

Explore the Flitch Way, which stretches almost 15 miles along the track of the former railway line between Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford. Today, the flat and well-surfaced route is a favourite with joggers, cyclists, dog-walkers, families, and in some sections –horse riders – looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Get Active

Families love heading over to Great Notley Country Park, which covers 100 acres of open space. Explore the 1.2km play trail featuring a giant see-saw, climbing forest, tyre swings, sand play area, rope climbers, slides, forts and much more. There’s also a Sky Ropes experience where you can swing, climb and jump around the high-wire course.

boydens.co.uk

Location focus

Historic Essex

The Braintree District has a vast range of historically important buildings. Visit Cressing Temple Barns, between Witham and Braintree; it’s of supreme interest for its unique buildings and gardens, gifted to the Knights Templar in 1137.

Among Cressing Temple’s many gardens, the Walled Garden is a lovely place to wander; it’s been faithfully reconstructed as a Tudor pleasure garden – one of a few in the country. Also, tuck into a yummy cream tea at a Tiptree tearoom, ‘The Barns’, which offers a range of homemade meals with fresh and local ingredients.

Hop on over to Hedingham Castle too and step back into mediaeval England and watch jousting in the castle grounds. Or try an escape room with a difference on the top floor of the castle’s keep.

Vineyards

Thanks to its warm and dry climes, Essex has become renowned for its excellent vineyards. Just a short drive from Witham is Bardfield Vineyard which has been producing award-winning wine for almost 30 years. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the vineyard and wine tasting either with a self-guided trail or for groups by appointment. Wine can also be purchased from the vineyard shop.

To discover more, www.visitessex.com

A bright future

Supporting the availability of good quality, sustainable and affordable A

BRIGHT FUTURE

Supporting the availability of good quality, sustainable and affordable homes that best meet the needs of current and future residents remains a key priority for Braintree District Council.

More than 400 affordable homes were completed across the district in 2021-22, the highest number ever delivered in one year.

The council is also investing £24.3 million into Horizon 120 – a 65-acre business and innovation park being built just off the A131 at Great Notley in Braintree, strategically close to the A120.

The development will create up to 2,000 jobs for local people, and includes a new enterprise centre, providing space for conferences and events as well as

boydens.co.uk

The cherry on the

CAKE!

We chat to ‘wonder baker’, author and TV cook Juliet Sear about her gorgeous new kitchen, which has to work doubly hard as a recipe testing space and filming location.

What’s your earliest memory of cooking and baking?

My earliest memory of cooking is making fried eggs when I was little, and I made my first family roast dinner when I was eleven. I didn’t really bake at all as my mum used to only cook savoury food. My auntie was the baker, so I used to watch her make lots of cakes. I only got into baking once I moved in with my husband and I started throwing dinner parties.

How did you go about turning a passion into a career as a baker and author?

I started making birthday cakes for friends and family to earn some extra money when the kids were babies and toddlers. That turned into something a bit bigger when I started to supply a local café with cakes and savoury tarts. It kind of took over the kitchen at home, but I enjoyed it and I liked being able to be my own boss. I used to juggle things around nursery and kids’ clubs.

Once all the kids had started school, I got a part-time job at Little Venice Cake Company in London and spent a couple of years working there, and learnt lots of techniques and skills from a lady called Christine Lee. We used to have a really good laugh and we’re still friends today. After that, I started my own business, which was more than fifteen years ago now, and that led to being on TV, writing books, being in magazines and making cakes for celebrities.

Please tell us a little about your home – what style of property is it, what are your favourite rooms and why?

I live in London in a classic Georgian-style house with big windows and high ceilings. My favourite room is the bathroom as I love a bath. It’s the first room we renovated after moving in. We put in a new bathroom in a Victorian style to go with the house, including a slipper bath, which is the place I go to unwind and relax.

What are your favourite things to bake at home? Definitely bread. I love eating bread and it’s something that fills the house with an incredible smell. I love to have fresh sourdough on the go so all my family can have delicious homemade sourdough on tap. It’s really easy to make too.

Real homes

What did your kitchen renovation project involve and why did you choose this style and colour of kitchen?

It was quite a big project as we had to move lots of the plumbing and gas supply, which meant digging up the entire floor in the dining room and kitchen. We also had to move a manhole and access point outside, which was a right kerfuffle!

We went for shaker-style cabinets as we didn’t want the kitchen to be too modern; it felt like it went with the house and the rest of our style. We worked with a fantastic kitchen design company called Olive and Barr, and they helped us to visualise the space and maximise the storage and workspace.

I had a bee in my bonnet that I wanted the walls to be pink. I’d seen lots of pink keep popping up and I felt it

was the right colour for the walls. We went for setting plaster in the end, which is a subtle pink. We love green too and it goes well with pink, so we tried lots of combinations of green test paints with the setting plaster until we found the one we liked.

You’ve teamed up with Rangemaster – tell us about the collaboration and how you will be using your new Elise 110cm dual fuel range cooker?

It’s been brilliant working with Rangemaster, I’ve always loved the brand and my mum had one in their kitchen. I think the style of the range is beautiful, it’s very timeless. It is really fantastic for baking; it’s important for me to get a really good even bake on all my cakes and even if I’m using all the racks and it’s full, the sponges come out perfectly.

I also love to have the family over for a big old Sunday roast, so having so many gas rings is so handy. It means I can have all the veg, gravy and maybe a pudding on the go all at once!

Do you have any tips for anyone who is thinking about installing a new kitchen? These days my kitchen is also my workplace, as I don’t have a bakery anymore, so we really had to think long and hard about storage, work surface areas, having a range cooker with two ovens, having two fridges and space for filming and photography.

At the same time, it’s also our family kitchen and the room we probably spend the most amount of time in.

The best thing we did was get a good designer. Nicole and Al at Olive and Barr really were great. They listened to us, made suggestions, mocked up visuals and helped us get to a point where we’ve maximised the space. So that’s my tip: spend some time thinking about what’s important to you and get a designer to help you make it happen and, importantly, visualise it.

The Elise range cooker from Rangemaster starts from £3,699 and is available in dual fuel and induction fuel types, and 90cm, 100cm and 110cm widths. Imagery courtesy of Rangemaster (rangemaster.co.uk)

“The best thing we did was get a good designer... spend some time thinking about what’s important to you and get a designer to help you make it happen and, importantly, visualise it.”

Don’t leave me this way

What to do when a tenant abandons a property.

Taken from Property Professional, the member magazine of our agency’s professional body, Propertymark.

It’s one of the trickiest issues for landlords and fraught with legal complexity, so how should you deal with abandonment and manage properties when you suspect that a tenant has left before their tenancy has ended without notifying you and without any intention to return?

“We’ve seen an uptick in tenants abandoning properties over the course of the pandemic, mainly in situations where they can no longer meet their liabilities under the tenancy,” says Tristan Sharples, Senior Associate and commercial dispute resolution expert at law firm Freeths LLP.

While arrears are the most common reason, there is also the possibility that a tenant is, for example, on holiday, has gone into hospital or is remanded in custody awaiting criminal trial.

Tenancy agreements in Scotland allow no access at all except in cases of emergency, and across the UK, if the tenant hasn’t surrendered the property or you haven’t legally taken repossession, the tenant still has the right to return during the period covered by the original tenancy agreement. If they do so and find the locks changed, or a new tenant in situ, the agent or landlord is at high risk of being found guilty of illegal eviction.

However, empty properties can cause significant issues for landlords, not least because there is no tenant in situ paying rent. “When a property is unoccupied, it is at higher risk of theft, property damage, vandalism or squatters and, as a result, insurers may stipulate higher insurance premiums if a property is unoccupied for an extensive period of time. For this reason, once a property has been abandoned, the question that most of my clients will ask is ‘how soon can I get a new tenant in?’” Sharples says. However, because the situation carries so much risk, experts advise a cautious approach and the need for specialist legal advice in every case.

The best route forward will vary considerably depending on what type of tenancy agreement is in place and whether the property is subject to the legal framework of England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Check List

The starting point for tenancies in England is to attempt to contact the tenant, and then visit the property to see if there’s any evidence of it being occupied. David Votta, President of ARLA Propertymark, suggests doing two visits and checking any external meters to see if any utilities are being used. “If there is a clause in the tenancy allowing access to the property, a landlord may consider making preparations to investigate inside. In this case, a letter should be drafted explaining they wish to access the house on a given date before further action,” says Gary Ekpenyoung, partner and housing specialist at law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

Once you’re convinced that the tenant has abandoned the property, Votta says there are only two ways in which you can get possession of a property: either a court order or if tenants surrender by handing the keys and vacating. “Remember too that the tenant retains the right to re-enter the property for up to six months if the property hasn’t been surrendered or a court order granted,” he warns.

It is vital to take every step to try to engage dialogue with the tenant, and abandonment/resecuring notices can often trigger a response if the tenant is still there, Votta explains. “Assuming they have abandoned the property, you must serve appropriate notice on the tenants. Use the word ‘resecuring’ as you’re attending to resecure, and cover yourself off if there is a claim under the protection from harassment/eviction acts.”

Ekpenyoung advises that notices should be posted through the door, on the front door and/or a prominent place on the front of the property as well as sending to any forwarding address the landlord has for the tenant. Once the notice has expired, dependent on the circumstances of the individual case, it may be possible for the locks to be changed and the property relet. A crucial piece of advice for any landlords going through abandonment proceedings is to maintain comprehensive records, effectively building a case. “It is not uncommon for these types of situations to go to court, and building up a portfolio of emails, texts, calls and letters sent to the tenant could offer protection if the tenant argues that they did not abandon the property,” Ekpenyoung says.

Ultimately, landlords should ensure that adequate provisions are put into the assured shorthold tenancy agreement to pre-empt this situation. Votta says the absence of clarity in case precedence makes it all the more important for landlords to seek the advice of legal experts at all costs.

Personal Possessions

The issue of possessions left at the property in the case of abandonment adds further complication. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland this is covered by the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977. If there are goods left in the property, the landlord becomes an involuntary bailee. “In many cases I would suggest the service of a notice under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, which enables a bailee to impose an obligation to collect the goods on the owner,” Sharples says.

Once the tenancy has been brought to an end, what happens to the tenant’s deposit very much depends on the terms on which it is held. “In the case of property abandonment, the landlord will be in the position to complete a statutory declaration to the relevant deposit scheme to say there’s been a breach of the tenancy agreement,” Ekpenyoung says. The landlord could then be paid the deposit to cover any arrears or damage to the property. propertymark.co.uk

Please note that this article does not constitute guidance, and specialist legal advice should always be taken in advance of any action.

boydens.co.uk

Sponsored content

MOVING EXPERTISE WHATEVER THE WEATHER

After a summer packed full of sun, and hopefully the odd holiday or time off work, it’s almost time to start preparing for autumn and winter once again. But could these traditionally colder, darker months be made that little bit brighter with the promise of a new home?

With news showing that property prices are finally dropping for the first time in 2022, more people could be back on the move. Traditionally, the warmer summer months are optimal conditions for movers, but not everybody can, or wants, to spend their summer packing up a house and making a new place their home.

Should you go it alone?

As autumn descends, occurrences like heat waves typically turn to colder, wetter and windier weather. And as such, the moving home process can become a challenge, especially as you weigh up the options available. Should you hire a van, load up a car or opt for a removal company?

Call us biased, but your best option is to call in the professionals and let them take on the task, a choice that has even more relevance in inclement conditions.

Used to moving in varying conditions, a removals company is a surefire way to guarantee your furniture, clothing, or any other belongings, arrive at their destination in optimal condition.

Regardless of your options, we’d like to offer some pointers based on our years of experience...

boydens.co.uk

TOP TIPS FOR MOVING IN AUTUMN/WINTER

At AnyVan, we’ve helped people relocate in sun, storms or snow, so we know a thing or two about moving in bad weather.

Take your time

Our first tip is arguably the most important on this list – take your time. Weather such as rain, frost or snow can create unsafe roads, pavements and steps plus reduce your visibility. Doing anything too fast opens the door to trips, falls or accidents. If you’re worried about paying per hour for van hire, why not let AnyVan take care of it?

Speak to your removals company

Autumnal and winter weather can provide the perfect conditions for staying indoors, especially as it can be hazardous outdoors. Factors such as stairs, parking, or building access may all be typical problems, so if you’re using a removals company, you should take the time to reach out and outline potential issues they may encounter come moving day.

Check your current insurance policies

A crucial step in the run-up to your move, you should ensure your belongings are protected for moving days. Some policies can exclude moving days or transportation in certain types of weather, so take the time to check your cover and update wherever necessary – it could save you massive costs in a worst-case scenario.

Keeping it clean

You and your removers could be tracking in mud and slush, especially on the extra rainy days, which is far from the ideal way to decorate your new home. Take the

time to lay cardboard, newspaper or even towels down as you head into your new place to protect those floors from grime. Such advice is also relevant for those moving out; you don’t want to lose your deposit due to a muddy footprint! To be extra safe, consider keeping some cleaning supplies on hand for the day itself, just in case.

Protect what’s important Depending on what you are transporting, you and your removers may need to do more to keep everything safe. Items like heavy or fragile furniture can require additional manual labour or even specialist equipment. In

case of rain or snow, you will also want to ensure your belongings are secured and sealed with enough packing tape. Equally, putting clothes in black bags or covering furniture can offer crucial layers of protection from outside conditions.

If you need more tips about moving, packing, or even storing items, head over to AnyVan’s website. If you’re getting ready to go, why not book AnyVan to help move on a schedule that puts you at the centre of the process? Once done, you can start getting ready to make a house your home; after all, it won’t be long before Christmas is fast approaching.

anyvan.com

boydens.co.uk

Start next year with a new home

With Christmas upon us and the children back at school, many families will be considering moving home now.

Attwells move their clients on average 3 weeks faster than other firms* which may mean you are in your new home for Christmas or the start of the new year.