Sandbanks, The New Forest Autumn Collection Magazine 2020

COLLECTION SANDBANKS & NEW FOREST

SANDBANKS SUMMER

We catch up with former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp

PERFECT TIMING A collection of elegant watches from Watches & Wonders

ROOM WITH A VIEW The finest homes available in Sandbanks and the New Forest via Fine & Country

Within this edition...

Welcome To the new look edition of the Fine & Country Sandbanks & New Forest Collection magazine.

For all of us, it has been an extremely eventful year, dominated of course by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The enforced lockdown changed our lives temporarily and permanently and gave many of us time to think, to reflect, to plan. As lockdown has eased, the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, clients and community has been at the forefront of our actions and has changed our working practices.

The impact on the housing market has been like the releasing of a dam, such has been the demand for properties and, importantly, the willingness and drive to get the transaction completed quickly and smoothly. There is no aimless browsing, no impulse purchases, no lukewarm thoughts of moving – both buyers and sellers have been focused, businesslike, almost urgent. As a result, we have seen over £70 million of property sold in the last 3 months. Buyer demand is 34% higher than the same time last year, increased buyer demand has encouraged sellers and the flow of new supply in the last month has been 50% faster than last year. Consequently, strength in demand is supporting growth in UK house prices. The biggest increase in sales agreed has taken place in the prime market with Rightmove showing a 59% increase in sales agreed for prime properties.

06 Properties The finest homes available in Sandbanks and the New Forest via Fine & Country.

18 Sandbanks Summer A catch up with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp.

We are seeing the return of the market that was hesitating for the Brexit result, waiting for a decision on leadership, has sat in lockdown planning and for some, a market that now has the desire to leave city areas for a quieter landscape in this stunning part of the world in which we live and work.

35 Perfect Timing A collection of elegant watches from Watches & Wonders.

Adrian Dunford Principal

Fine & Country Sandbanks 16 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QB Tel: 01202 076297

Fine & Country New Forest 1 Sandle Manor Mews, Sandleheath, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1NT Tel: 01425 203408

55 Riding the Rollercoaster!

We take a look at Rumsey of Sandbanks experience during COVID 19.

Front cover image by Jenny Sturm/Shutterstock.com. Published and printed in partnership with Fine & Country. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the Publishers. The content of this publication is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer or contract. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors.

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CASTLE TOP HOUSE BURLEY HAMPSHIRE

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Price Office Contact

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9 | EPC: C

POA New Forest 01425 203408

newforest@fineandcountry.com

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Occupying a prime position, Castle Top House holds something of a ‘gateway to the Forest’. It sits just a mile and a half from the A31, allowing fantastic access to Southampton, Ringwood, Bournemouth and London, whilst also enjoying seclusion by virtue of being on a private road, atop the picturesque village of Burley, one of the forests most sought after neighbourhoods. Castle Top House was built in 1898 by Arthur Clough whose father was secretary to Florence Nightingale, as well as a respected poet and educationalist in his own right. Castle Top is a residence built to rival any of the larger homes in the Forest, and still holds up to this day, having over the years, been given contemporary touches, but exquisitely executed in order to accentuate its period features. It is a quintessential late Victorian summer house-turned-family home, with sensational grounds, beautiful views and direct forest access for equestrian pursuits.The current owners have been in residence for over 25 years and have extensively renovated many of the property’s structural features over that time.

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SOLD

31A AVON CASTLE DRIVE RINGWOOD HAMPSHIRE

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: B

£2,500,000 New Forest 01425 203408

newforest@fineandcountry.com

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Sitting on a private estate with views over the River Avon, Avon Castle has been described as the Beverly Hills of the New Forest. Arranged over three floors, this contemporary masterpiece is finished impeccably throughout and offers many points of quality. The ‘super home’ is accessed through a set of imposing iron gates and once opened, you begin to see the splendour of the property. Bordered by fashionable gardens, the driveway carries you to a substantial parking area and double garage with adjoining self-contained annexe. At the door, you are greeted with the most amazing view of the River Avon and rolling fields of the Kingston Great Common Nature Reserve nicely accompanied by the Poggenpohl kitchen with Gaggenau appliances. The entrance floor also provides access to the formal living space and extensive sun terrace, with views from all angles. The lower ground and garden floor offer four double bedrooms and space for an office and additional living room, all benefitting from views. Not only is this home of an exacting standard, but the location it sits in is only comparable to a select few.

WATER WEEDS SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: D

ÂŁ6,500,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Welcome to Water Weeds, a truly stunning four double bedroom waterfront home extending to over 5,371 sq ft of living space combining elements of the traditional with contemporary modern internal finishes. Located on one of the most prestigious waterfront positions of the Sandbanks Peninsula with outstanding views of Poole Harbour. The ground floor hosts an abundance of reception areas with feature double height ceilings and large expanses of glass making for impressive living space and maximising on its waterfront location. To the first floor, a striking master bedroom suite affords full views of the harbour with private terrace, dressing room and two en suite rooms. The guest bedroom and bedroom four also benefit from Poole Harbour views with bedroom two offering en suite and dressing room.

Bedroom three faces the front elevation enjoying landscaped grounds.

A family bathroom completes the floor. The property offers excellent leisure and outdoor facilities, including a large 10 meter heated swimming pool, summer house and extensive terracing.

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LA BAIE SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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3 | EPC: C

ÂŁ5,995,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Designed by the award winning architects Terence O’Rourke, this fabulous brand new detached beach front home is set amidst secluded grounds and offers direct access to one of the finest award winning sandy beaches on the South Coast. Benefiting from stunning views.

Internally, the accommodation is staged over four floors, offering five bedrooms, each with sumptuous en suites, as well as a choice of three reception rooms. Connecting the floors is a private lift which feature the very latest technology throughout, including intelligent lighting. An indoor heated swimming pool complex that connects out onto terracing and secluded grounds. Triple garaging set behind solid private gates in landscaped grounds. This property is the ultimate in luxury living with magnificent views across Poole Bay from all principal rooms and balconies and with direct beach access from the rear garden.

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HARRY REDKNAPP'S

Sandbanks Summer

In the TV series, Harry Redknapp's Sandbanks Summer, produced by Naked Television, we saw former Tottenham Hotspur & West Ham United manager and King of the Jungle, Harry Redknapp, invite viewers to find out more about the exclusive place he has called home for 20 years - Sandbanks.

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Harry Redknapp's Sandbanks Summer gave the audience an insight into this unique part of the British south coast peninsula, one of the most exclusive postcodes in the UK, where property prices are higher than in Monte Carlo.

With some of the most expensive homes in the world, Sandbanks is nicknamed the Hamptons of England and viewers were treated to a guided tour of the area from its most famous resident. Harry offered a unique and personal perspective on his much sought-after manor, a far cry from the old East End where he was born and raised.

Within each episode we watched Harry invite viewers to explore the delights Sandbanks and its environs have to offer.

With a host of famous friends joining him along the way, they’ll throw themselves into some of the activities that residents can enjoy. Whether it be with recent friends from

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the jungle, old friends from football, or the rest of the Redknapp clan, there is plenty to keep them entertained.

Harry is also joined by his wife of 51 years, Sandra Redknapp, as they open the doors to their home to reveal a glimpse into the Sandbanks lifestyle.

To really experience this beautiful stretch of the Dorset coast, Harry took his guests on a variety of adventures including the annual Sandbanks Beach Polo Tournament, sword fighting in a medieval festival at nearby Corfe Castle, an adrenaline fuelled powerboat race right in front of his house and a scouting inspired ‘back to basics’ family camping trip to Brownsea Island.

To watch the series, Harry Redknapp's Sandbanks Summer, go to www.itv.com.

9 NORTHSHORE SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: B

ÂŁ2,000,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Interior designed to an impeccable standard, with high specification and finishes throughout, this fabulous four bedroom penthouse is located in a prestigious water front development with fabulous views out across Poole Harbour. Set behind secure electric gates, the drive leads up to the main development with external visitors parking and a drive leading down to the underground parking bays with a lift and stairs to all floors.

The penthouse internally opens up into an impressive entrance hall area that acts as the central core to the home, with the main sitting room benefitting from a beautifully framed view and a double height galleried ceiling over to the upper floor. Doors open out onto the terrace giving a breath taking view of Poole Harbour which benefits from the afternoon/evening orientation.

SOLD STC

WILLUNGA Impressive brand new detached home inspired by “Falling Water” an iconic 20th Century modernist home by Frank Lloyd-Wright. The architectural influence is complemented by outstanding interiors with a clever design internally with half levels which enable the home to be both practical and versatile. Stand out rooms include the kitchen/family room with its oversized dedicated terrace as well as the highly luxurious top floor master bedroom suite with a walk through dressing room, amazing en suite bathroom and another dedicated private sun terrace which boasts Poole Harbour views. The finishes throughout are suitably crisp and clean as one would expect of a high quality contemporary home. Brudenell Avenue is a favoured location due to its very close proximity to the water and some of the South Coast’s most stunning award winning beaches are little more than 0.5 miles away.

SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: B

£2,495,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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ORSELETA CANFORD CLIFFS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: B

ÂŁ4,995,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Welcome to Orseleta, an uncompromised expression of individuality with breathtaking architecture encompassing 7,250 sq ft of property and 3,200 sq ft of external terraces, set down a private drive giving this perfect retreat an exclusive setting with an abundance of landscaped grounds with lush flora and fauna. A sanctuary from the outside world, Orseleta is bordered on one side by the lush woodland of the Luscombe Valley Nature Reserve which is an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty with special scientific interest, it is home to a number of protected species of flora and fauna. An uncompromised expression of individuality, where breath taking architecture unites with exceptional interior design, culminating in a unique collection of homes that blur the boundaries between the natural world and the man-made. Luscombe promises a lifestyle like no other. Some images from show home.

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63 CHADDESLEY GLEN CANFORD CLIFFS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: TBC

ÂŁ1,945,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Iconic elegance awaits you in this recently built four double detached home with extensive terracing and affording views of Poole Harbour.

Outstanding features throughout with all en suite bedrooms, cinema room, two receptions and a double garage. Harbour Lodge is located in the highly prestigious and sought after Chaddesley Glen renowned for the dual benefits of its close proximity to the shores of Poole Harbour coupled with easy access to the some of the south coasts best award winning Blue Flag sandy beaches. The accommodation is laid out over three floors and extends to approximately 3,335 sq ft with views of Poole Harbour from the upper two floors. The property offers a good degree of outside amenity space with a choice of decked balconies and terraces from all of the principal rooms.

SLEONN HOUSE BRANKSOME PARK DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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5 | EPC: D

ÂŁ4,950,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Located in one of the area’s most desirable roads, this impressive and imposing residence sits back from the road, with a traditional carriageway drive with its aspect facing south with grounds of circa 1 acre. The property combines a wealth of specification and amenities with over 12,500 sq ft of property with an abundance of reception rooms to choose from. The first floor accommodation follows through on its specification with five bedrooms, all double in size and each with its own fitted wardrobes/dressing rooms and beautifully appointed en suite bathroom/shower rooms. The leisure complex set with in the property affords a very good size swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, changing rooms and gymnasium. The remaining elements of the property include triple garaging and a top floor games rooms which could be split into two additional bedrooms.

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SOLD STC

SOUTH SANDS CANFORD CLIFFS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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4 | EPC: D

ÂŁ1,895,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Welcome to South Sands, an immaculately presented five double bedroom detached house set in an exclusive gated development of three houses with an abundance of features throughout. Beautiful grounds, prestigious location with the golden sandy beaches of Sandbanks only a few hundred yards away. The house offers light and airy accommodation arranged over two floors with the ground floor offering an extensive range of reception rooms with an impressive kitchen breakfast room, separate utility, dining room, drawing room, garden room and a study. Upstairs accommodation comprising of the master bedroom which boasts a private walk through dressing area and an en suite bathroom with a good sized terrace. There are four double bedrooms in addition to the master and two bathrooms.

148 CANFORD CLIFFS Extensively modernised throughout, this beautifully maintained home offers the very best of contemporary living. The detached home occupies a private plot in the sought-after location in Canford Cliffs. It was built to an exceptional design by the current owners and also benefits from exquisite external zoned landscaped grounds. Set back from the road, the block paviour drive gives an abundance of off road parking with access to the garage and the property. The home is approached via bespoke doors and the grand reception hall with central feature stairs to the first floor a galleried glass floor landing which allows an abundance of light into the ground floor area. The accommodation is imaginatively laid out with large areas of glass maximising the light and enjoying the surrounding setting of the private sun terraces and grounds.

CANFORD CLIFFS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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3 | EPC: C

ÂŁ1,650,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Perfect Timing

INTRODUCING THE HERMÈS SLIM D'HERMÈS GMT IN ROSE GOLD. The Slim d'Hermès GMT is back this year, but now it's in rose gold. The modern classic is an addition to the existing Slim collection that was first launched in 2015. Known for the quirky Philippe Apeloig-designed numerals, the Slim d'Hermès GMT was released in 2018 in palladium with grey dial and again later that year with the HODINKEE Limited Edition version that featured a blue dial.

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INTRODUCING THE JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO ONE RED-WINE.

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New from Watches & Wonders, we have the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Red-Wine. It's a slender version of the classic swivel-cased watch inspired by Reverso watches made for women back in the 1930s.

INTRODUCING THE IWC MOODS IW390703

One of the revamped watches it the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph. This watch has always been the most sportive member of the Portugieser family, and it continues this tradition with the 3rd generation. The 44mm large watch is powered by Caliber 89361, an automatic manufacture movement which can be admired through the glass caseback. IWC is offering this model initially in three versions; a stainless steel one with a stainless steel bracelet with either a blue or a silver dial, or in two-tone, as pictured above, combining stainless steel with rose gold for both the case as well as the bracelet.

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PANERAI Panerai presents a special edition, available in only five pieces, that will allow buyers to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Arctic with explorer and brand Ambassador Mike Horn. Embark on an adventure that will face extreme conditions and touch the frontiers of the known world. In natural synergy with the indomitable spirit of one of history’s greatest explorers, Panerai furthers its leading edge identity by giving shape and substance to an exciting new creation: Submersible EcoPangaeaTMTourbillon GMT 50 mm Mike Horn Edition (PAM01108), a sophisticated and authentically environmentally sensitive watch. www.panerai.com

MONTBLANC 1858 The Montblanc 1858 Collection is inspired by the adventurous world of mountain exploration. Reinterpreting the Minerva pocket watches and chronographs from the 1920s and 1930s, the Montblanc 1858 timepieces honour the spirit of the past while embodying the modern trend of returning to nature. These watches from the beginning of the 20th century were highly accurate, legible and robust for use in extreme conditions. www.watchesandwonders.com

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LA FONTANELLA BRANKSOME PARK DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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4 | EPC: C

ÂŁ4,750,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Spectacular and sensational highly imposing five bedroom home extending to over 8,700 sq ft. Set in arguably one of the best roads in Branksome Park, with an acre of grounds. The design incorporates five bedrooms (all en suite) four receptions including a magnificent kitchen/family room and a choice of sitting areas. Attractions also include a games room, a wine room as well as wealth of terracing. The cuttingedge design is complemented with a range of luxurious finishes. The property boasts large expanses of glass, triple storey voids and double storey atriums allowing the property to be flooded with natural light.

The plot in particular is elevated from the road affording bright and open spaces with an abundance of level grounds to the rear.

Computer Generated Images to show furnished.

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35 BROWNSEA ROAD SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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3 | EPC: C

ÂŁ1,550,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Delightful five bedroom detached home with a fantastic array of high specification finishes throughout, located on the fabulous Sandbanks Peninsula with the award winning golden sandy beaches are within 500 meters with Poole Harbour access only 250 meters. Set behind secure electric gates, the drive leads to the main property which displays the modern external facades incorporating a mix or render, wood and seamless glass to the front and rear elevations. Internally, as you enter through the main door, its delightful finishes are evident with the architectural design feature hall which allows the light to ricochet down through to both the ground an first floors. This impressive hall area acts as the central core to the home, with the vast open plan kitchen living day room extending the full width of the rear with bi fold doors, opening out onto the extensive private terracing and rear southerly facing garden.

SOLD STC

CHERRY ORCHARD BRANKSOME PARK DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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3 | EPC: B

ÂŁ3,595,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Welcome to The Cherry Orchard, a privately located, exquisitely finished, detached home situated on a level plot capturing an abundance of light from the architectural design and the SSW facing elevations. The property hosts five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a wealth of reception rooms including pool, steam room, gymnasium and cinema. Located in the prestigious and sought after Branksome Park conservation area in Poole, designed by the award winning architects, Western Design. The Cherry Orchard is an excellent example of modern contemporary living whilst reflecting in its natural landscape and enjoying privacy with an abundance of light from its south west orientation. The specification and finish has been luxuriously appointed throughout. Each area flows seamlessly with some key architectural designs from the first floor galleries, a stunning reception hall through to the oversized integral double garage and covered parking facilities for an additional four vehicles.

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16 MIRAGE SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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1 | EPC: C

ÂŁ1,375,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Welcome to Mirage, a fabulous modern development combining elements of the coastal beach location with contemporary modern living and internal finishes. The property extends to over 2,000 sq ft of main home living with exquisite panoramic views and located on one of the most prestigious area’s in Dorset, the Sandbanks area offers outstanding local amenities with an abundance of things to do in the surrounding area with some of the finest views of Poole Harbour and the award winning blue flag beaches nearby. Set in a gated development, the drive flows down to a secure basement parking area with lift and stairs to all floors and parking for several cars. The apartment floor hosts an abundance of reception areas with feature height glazing and large doors to the terracing with magnificent coastal views. Modern fitted kitchen breakfast room, the open plan sitting room and dining room all wrap around the central core of the home. Additional rooms for the apartment include a guest bedroom with en suite and utility room.

3 FLAGHEAD CANFORD CLIFFS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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1 | EPC: C

ÂŁ1,375,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Exclusive frontline location within a renowned development in Canford Cliffs, Dorset. The award winning sandy beaches are 50m away with direct promenade and beach access via communal gardens. This first floor home benefits from decadent views of Poole Bay, Old Harry Rocks and Sandbanks, as well as the wider beautiful setting. The apartment is situated on the first floor which is accessed via either a lift or stairs through well-presented communal areas. The apartment benefits from bright and spacious accommodation throughout with a generous kitchen breakfast room, spacious living room and separate dining room which both enjoy the fabulous sea views with access through patio doors and full use of the outdoor terracing.

SUNDANCE PENTHOUSE SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: C

ÂŁ3,000,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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Penthouse Apartment finished to the highest of standards with sea and harbour views. With only a handful of homes offering both sea and harbour views on the world renowned Sandbanks Peninsula, Fine & Country are elated to bring this top floor apartment of the highest standard to the market. Comprising three double bedrooms, an exquisite kitchen and a living area with views over Blue Flag beaches, we do not anticipate this home being on the market for long. With the exterior of the block having been extensively refurbished, even approaching the building through its electric sliding iron gates gives you the feeling of innate luxury.

Upon entering the apartment, you are greeted by the flood of space and light, pouring in as a delightful result of such outstanding views at both ends of the property.

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Computer Generated Image

196 HURN ROAD CHRISTCHURCH DORSET

Price Office Contact

ÂŁ1,250,000 New Forest 01425 203408

newforest@fineandcountry.com

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Computer Generated Image

Bordering beautiful heathland to the east, this rare opportunity comprises a plot of circa 1 acre, together with a further 18 acres including approximately 2.5 acres of former paddocks with stable block. Stunning views across the Avon Valley, with the Isle of Wight visible on a clear day.

Planning has been passed for a five bedroom contemporary family home sitting in 1 acre of formal gardens with views across the Avon valley to the Isle of Wight. Approached by a tree lined driveway, the home sits proudly on the hill and overlooks the entire 19 acre plot and beyond.

Affording an open plan living room, two further reception rooms, five bedrooms, complete with en suites and an outdoor heated pool, this slice of countryside gives the purchaser the ability to build the kind of home they've always dreamed of owning.

Riding The Rollercoaster!

Unique visitors to www.rumseyofsandbanks.co.uk

March 2020

April 2020

May 2020

Before we start I must just say that in the context of so many people losing their lives, talk of financial or business problems as disasters seems trite. I’ve been lucky that I barely know anyone that went to hospital, let alone died and I’m very grateful for that.

STARING INTO THE ABYSS There are lots of versions of the stages that we go through when facing a difficult event like bereavement, divorce or bankruptcy but they generally have in common denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I recognise all of these in my behaviour as things snowballed into the surreal in March. First there was plenty of denial- we simply didn’t believe that our country could be locked down and if it was surely only for a few weeks. As the first guests wanted to cancel because of worries we had no special conditions and pointed out that we simply couldn’t afford to vary our terms.

Then came the lockdown and we had to start cancelling holidays. Some of the big national agencies got a legal opinion that a credit note or alternative holiday in the same property would fulfill our obligations and so we entered into a period of literally bargaining as well as calculating. The big issue for us is that we take commission from deposits and use it to run the business all winter so we didn’t have the money to refund. With our limited resources and overdraft we could cope with losing April, May would hurt but we’d get over it, June would be a body blow, July & August might be the end of us.

June 2020

July 2020

August 2020

outpouring of support from our customers and then a marvellous thing happened- VE day.

The graph above shows traffic on the website from March until mid July. On the left the spike is the first Harry Redknapp programme on Sandbanks followed by a slide into minimal traffic during lockdown. The first spike on the right is the day after VE day- we beat the Nazis so we’re not going to let this virus get us down, we’ll bally well go on holiday to Britain because Britain is great!

Even now I feel a bit emotional remembering that day, suddenly the tills started ringing again and like all good marketers I immediately poured petrol on the fire by switching on all the pay per click and other advertising that had been suspended. At first we wondered if it would be a temporary blip but no, as the days and weeks went on traffic and bookings went on increasing and the calendar filled up.

Now the question was when would we be allowed to open, as the bookings arrived, we issued refunds 2 weeks in advance of arrival until finally the news came that holidays would be allowed from 4th July. We were saved! Now the office is under siege welcoming guests for a sold out summer.

No gradual reopening for us, we went from empty to full in one day and what a day it was!

Finally something even more marvellous happened- we are inundated with enquiries from people who want to buy a second home in the UK so suddenly our problems are coping with growth and recruiting to meet demand.

The press and campaigners painted businesses unable to give refunds as money grabbing fat cats, it was confirmed refunds were compulsory and I might have been depressed for an hour or two before acceptance set in for a few days.

As government support through the furlough scheme, rates relief, grants and vat holidays arrived I got a surge of energy like I’ve never had before. This was compounded by an FINEANDCOUNTRY.COM | THE COLLECTION | 55 |

A

bout three or four weeks after the miracle of VE day I started to get enquiries from people looking to buy a second home in Sandbanks. Normally I deal with 4 or 5 enquiries a month and this had petered out during lockdown so I was happy to see further evidence of a return to some sort of normal. As we progressed through June the trickle turned into a steady stream which saw me speaking to 3 or 4 people a week, then once confirmation came that we would be reopening on 4th July things went a bit bonkers and I’ve been dealing with one or two enquiries a day ever since.

As always each person’s motivation is different but there are a number of themes emerging around a very attractive combination of security, yield and enjoyment and anticipation of a new normal in our working lives.

FLEXIBLE WORKING & HOME WORKING Most organisations have been forced to conduct an experiment running a remote distributed workforce. Many thought it would be impossible to maintain productivity but have found the opposite. Who would have thought that highly motivated people willing to endure miserable commutes of 90 minutes or more each way into the city would do a better job if you gave them those three hours back and removed the distractions of the office?! With hindsight it seems obvious and although there are downsides and it’s not for everyone it’s clear there is going to be a permanent change to working practices.

Covid Produces Huge Surge In Demand For Sandbanks Second Homes

This is a game changer for the UK second home market in general and Sandbanks in particular with many of those high net worth professionals based to the South or West of London just a short drive away. Fridays and Mondays at home may well become the new normal and working from a home by the beach is a very attractive proposition.

THE NUMBERS ADD UP High end holiday homes have always delivered a modest yield and we have tended to work with owners whose primary motivation is not squeezing out the maximum return. The most common path for a property to join us up until now is after being used purely as a second home for a few years so an expense rather than something generating income. For years when discussing income I’ve said if you’re only interested in yield then get a student let or a commercial property. Those categories are looking pretty shaky at the moment, income from deposits or gilts is practically zero and it’s a brave person who would put all of their money into equities.

A nice house in Sandbanks looks like a safe place to park your money and the unique tax treatment of qualifying furnished holiday lets mean income can be tax free for many years.

A CHANGE OF MINDSET A friend of mine has a son who’s a salesman in a high end car showroom. I commiserated with him recently over family drinks- who is buying a car at the moment, let alone a flash one? Turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong, they have had a bumper month in June and July is looking even better.

I hear that a local jet ski company committed to a large order of stock just before lockdown and thought they were staring down a barrel but have sold out already.

Some of this is down to people having more leisure time but what I’m getting a sense of is a change of mindset- what’s the point in having money in the bank and working flat out just to get more? Many people have reevaluated their priorities during lockdown and will live a more balanced life in future.

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For some a second home will be the centerpiece of the new normal and in the long term may well be a sound investment too.

WHY WOULD YOU EVEN BOTHER RENTING IF YOU CAN AFFORD NOT TO? The financial benefits as detailed below are really good and many owners don’t like an asset just sitting there running up bills but there’s much more to it than just money. Running it as a business through a full service agency means that much of the hassle is taken away and you spend your time there enjoying the house instead of meeting tradesmen or doing jobs yourself. From arriving late to crisp sheets and shopping in the fridge to leaving late on a Sunday without cleaning up the experience is more like a holiday and when you let friends or family use the place you won’t have to field the calls about something not working. It feels like you get all these services

for free as they come out of the rent and there’s a nice bit of profit every year to spend on something special.

compared to a minimum of 18% and typically 28% on buy to lets. (Lifetime limit of £1m applies)

THE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Rollover Relief. When you sell a furnished holiday let and buy another the gain can be ‘rolled over’ into the new property so the tax is not payable at that point provided the new property is of equal or greater value. Note that capital gains tax does not apply after death so if you never sell the property you never pay the tax.

No Council Tax or Business Rates. Furnished Holiday Lets are business rated and subject to small business rate relief (one property only).

Capital Allowances on Commencement. Little known niche in the tax rules mean that a substantial write down of the property infrastructure can be made leading to a significant ‘tax free’ income period which can run to many years.

Mortgage Interest Relief. The new rules restricting tax relief on interest payments do not apply to holiday lets.

Capital Gains Tax Furnished Holiday Lets qualify for entrepreneurs relief giving a flat rate of 10% on disposal

Qualification Criteria. You have to make the property available for holidays for at least 7 months and you have to let at least 15 weeks on a commercial basis.

https://www.rumseyofsandbanks.co.uk

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I’m not buying a dog!

My new life makes me my own perfect customer.

Sandbanks residents were treated to the unusual sight last week of a middle aged bald man cartwheeling along the seafront. I have two boys one of which has started an excellent job post graduation and is now engaged, the other has finally finished his degree. Now I am in trouble for ever having any doubts but given that Tolson junior is very much a version of me I have to confess that I was steeling myself for a replay of my own inadequate results and maybe a repeat year of pain and lack of study.

I wrote in the past that the euphoria would wear off but it barely has, every day I get up and wander around the house still feeling the incredible sense of freedom from having to prise adolescent bodies out of bed and off to school.

Now I appreciate that I’m kidding myself that we’ll have an empty house soon and I’m under no illusion that the spending is over but it still feels like a new stage in our lives.

What has dawned on me is that I am now a member of one of my own most sought after customer groups- sure the families arriving for the school holidays spend the most but the battle for a good year’s rental figures is won and lost in the shoulder periods. Filling up May, June, September & October at the best price is what makes the difference between a mediocre year and a great one and so it’s this market that we really need to concentrate on.

Whilst there are of course parties of ladies who lunch and blokes on kite surfing trips in general this is a couples market and broadly speaking we can divide this group into 3 categories, pre children, with babies & toddlers and kids left home.

The baby & toddler crew are perhaps the most straightforward to think about. Unfortunately some things that they look for you can’t control- lift in the block, walk to beach etc but you can make them feel as welcome as possible by supplying good quality cot, highchair & stairgates, making gardens safe and by making it clear that they are welcome. Doesn’t hurt to highlight the nearest ice cream shop and family friendly place to eat and a box of toys and plenty of dvds will provide lots of fun for very little cost.

With pre children couples you are competing against a hotel room as well as other properties and this can make an apartment look expensive for a weekend. One of the key reasons a couple may choose self catering is that they have a dog. There are lots of smaller properties that have been renovated to a very high standard but by definition many won’t take a dog. We see really high occupancy in small dog friendly places so do consider this if you have the opportunity- half a dozen extra bookings will pay for a lot of cleaning!

Finally we come to my own cohort of middle aged people with kids grown up or at least at uni or can be left behind. We like our space and will often look at larger properties for our own holidays and there’s fewer kids being taken out of school nowadays so we represent a good opportunity to sell some weeks in 3 or 4 bedroom places out of term time. Whilst I don’t have to worry about how good a hairdryer is supplied

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this group of customers will have a good standard of things in their own home and won’t want to compromise on holiday.

Also lots of dog owners in this group as they fill the void left by the departed offspring.

In all of these cases the guest will often have plenty of choice as there will be availability everywhere so as usual you have to think hard about giving a reason to choose you. price is always the biggest factor but make sure you have the fastest internet you can, get a decent sized TV and chuck out your chintz!

Oh and by the way I am very much looking forward to the void in my life so I am not getting a dog!

THE RIVER HOUSE RINGWOOD HAMPSHIRE

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Price Office Contact

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1 | EPC: C

ÂŁ2,750,000 New Forest 01425 203408

newforest@fineandcountry.com

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The River House is found in the private estate of Avon Castle, an exclusive estate of executive houses bordered by the Avon River. As you approach this wonderful home, you are greeted by a pair of handsome electric gates, adorned with the name of the house, and a paved driveway, flanked with well manicured lawns and borders, leading you to the house. Upon entering the main door to the house, you are greeted with space and light as well as a modern, angled staircase leading to the first floor. On the ground floor there are three of the four bedrooms, each a comfortable double room with well appointed and modern en suite shower rooms and views/access to the meticulous grounds surrounding this wonderful family home, a convenient water closet and a family/reception room in a prime location. Ascending the modern staircase, you arrive at the first floor with sweeping river views and access to the open plan living/dining room, contemporary kitchen breakfast room, a study, a further WC and the master suite. This room, much like the remainder of the house, enjoys grand views of the river and meadows.

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SOLD STC

LAUREL MEAD TIPTOE HAMPSHIRE

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Price Office Contact

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4 | EPC: C

ÂŁ1,185,000 New Forest 01425 203408

newforest@fineandcountry.com

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Substantial family home covering over 3,300 sq ft, and situated in a secure gated development, Laurel Mead enjoys a rural forest location, with magnificent open forest on your doorstep, complete with an acre of its own gardens. The property forms part of an exclusive development of just four properties and is ideally suited to anyone in search of the perfect property on which to put your own stamp, with a private forest location. Constructed in the late 1980s of brick elevations set under a pitched tiled roof, this well presented family home offers light and spacious accommodation with the benefit of a generously sized garden room and linked double garage. Outside, a separate office outbuilding provides for a quiet space for working and allows for keeping business and pleasure firmly separate, set within the property's acre of gardens.

Far reaching lawns stretch out from the property to fields, meadows and forest land beyond. There is also a paved patio for alfresco dining and garden furniture.

THE WHEELHOUSE SANDBANKS DORSET

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Price Office Contact

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2 | EPC: C

ÂŁ2,225,000 Sandbanks 01202 076297

sandbanks@fineandcountry.com

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A fabulously stylish apartment situated on the water’s edge with direct access to Poole Harbour, boasting superb uninterrupted views stretching across the harbour, Brownsea Island and Evening Hill. The property has been finished to an exacting standard, this home is the perfect blend of modern living with breath-taking natural views. Occupying the entire first floor of a small private development of just three apartments, this modern home offers over 2,200 sq ft of internal space which has been generously divided between a fabulous kitchen breakfast room, extensive living/dining area, three double bedrooms with en suites and three terraces. In addition, the property offers secure parking for two vehicles and a generous sized storage unit.

FINEANDCOUNTRY.COM | THE COLLECTION | 65 |

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