Bucks life book march 2016

COOMBE VALE GERRARDS CROSS Luxury contemporary living by LANDMARK GROUP

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RIDGEWAY KITCHENS | Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ | info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk YO U R

K I T C H E N

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YO U R

S PA C E

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YO U R

WAY

FROM THE

EDITOR

Welcome to our March issue…

PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD EDITOR Faye Manning

FASHION EDITOR Nicholas Peter

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Jason DanielDesign ProperGander

EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Katie Miller

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Abi Gardner 07841 871 458

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet

SUB EDITOR Alex Lux

DIRECTORS Patrick Smith, Rory Smith

© All Rights reserved: All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole withozut written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising.

Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.

DISCOVER FAMILY FUN & ADVENTURE THIS SPRING Come and visit Waddesdon Manor for a range of outdoor activities, including: Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Friday 25 March-Monday 28 March Mimi’s Super Spring Trail Tuesday 29 March-10 April Colourscape Saturday 28 May-Sunday 5 June

House and Grounds re-open Wednesday 23 March (Wednesday-Sunday & Bank Holidays) Nr Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH 01296 653226 www.waddesdon.org.uk

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CONTENTS LOVE LOCAL

10

Landmark Group Stoke Park Thame Country Fair St Fancis Hospice Waddesdon Manor Eating Local South Bucks Hospice The Boodles Newlands College The Buckinghamshire Local Theatre Westbrook Hay The Oxfordshire Light Up Your Day Local Brides The Boat Race

FEATURE

42

Lords Cricket Calendar Vogue The Rolling Stones The London Riding Club

FASHION & BEAUTY

54

Trends With Andrew Gardner Special Shirts From A’legions Crow & Jester Intu Watford London Fashion Week B Retreat Drop It 21 Rosebank Dental

HOUSE & GARDEN Hazlemere Windows Mumford & Wood Neatsmith KBS Ashford Interiors Origin Leisure Spacers Tiles St Giles Furniture Love Your Water West One Bathrooms Jones & Jacobs Bo Concept

72

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LOVE LOC AL

Sophistication personified We talk to Mav Sandhu, a Partner at Landmark Group about their stunning project in Gerrards Cross, Coombe Vale.

I

f you have recently been considering a property purchase in or around the Gerrards Cross area, you would be hard pressed not to have noticed “Landmark Group”.

With their sophisticated site hoardings elegantly gracing the prime roads of Gerrards Cross, they are bringing super high-end, luxury homes to market.

But who are Landmark? While their presence is being felt all over the village, you may be surprised to learn that they are approaching 20 years in the industry.

Q&A between Faye Manning of Fish Media Group and Mav Sandhu of Landmark Group.

It’s hard to drive around Gerrards Cross without seeing a “Landmark” hoarding. You must be busy?

Wow, thank you, that’s quite a compliment. Business is buoyant at the moment and we’re incredibly thankful for that.

I guess we have been lucky to get into the market at the right time. We have a lot of local clients, some developers, some home owners who want to revamp their home. It was the satisfaction we got with working with them that spurred us to take our business to the next level. A lot of market analysis was undertaken a few years ago and we started acquiring some of the sites back then. Of course, one has to be brave and believe in the product we generate and above all else, believe in the team that make Landmark.

10 MARCH 2016

You’re no newbie to the development game are you?

No, not at all. Landmark is, and always will be a family business. We are privately owned and intend to remain that way. Our story started almost twenty years ago developing in Central London. We designed high-end apartments and were very good at it. We were very much a boutique developer and very selective, as we are today, on the projects we associate ourselves with. As things progressed, we turned our attention to developing more locally and have had a number of successful projects in the area. Being a family business, it’s the little things that matter to us such as the attention to detail and finishes to the final product.

Any plans to expand?

We’ve gone through quite an expansion process over the last few years. I sometimes look back to when my father, mother and I started the business. Then I look at our bustling office today and wonder just when this all happened! We employ a number of professionals; a team of Town Planners, Architects, Structural Engineers and Project Managers are all full time within the Practice. I think for now we have the right number. I really

believe that a small knit team is beneficial when working at the luxury end of the market. We aim to deliver a truly bespoke product, one that meets the needs of the potential owner and this can only be done after we get to know the client and their needs. It’s the cohesion that a small team has that brings a project to life, and ultimately delivers the high end result that we all expect from a “Landmark Project”.

So what makes a “Landmark Project” then?

Where do I start? We looked at the industry and were of the opinion people were building the same houses in different locations. The design was almost identical but with varying sizes. We wanted to create property that was befitting of the area and worked within the natural habitat. Whether it’s relating the composition of materials to the landscape or designing something totally unique for the space, we wanted every Landmark home to be specific for that location. When designing for clients, we really take the time to understand them and what makes them tick. We use this information to create a design-led project with one focus; to suit the end user’s needs.

Tell us about Coombe Vale?

Coombe Vale is the first of our 2016 projects to come to market. We launch on March 19th 2016. It’s located within the Dukes Wood Estate on a quiet cul-de-sac. It’s a stunning 5 bedroom property spread over 3 floors with a double garage.

We loved working on this project as the layout was amazing and had real ‘flow’. We then used specifically commissioned materials to make the internal arrangements unique. This coupled with the latest in technology made Coombe Vale a truly wonderful home. It benefits from a bespoke Sheraton kitchen, Miele appliances throughout, home automation controlled by iPad and Villeroy & Boch Bathrooms; the list goes on and on. Finally, we furnished it to a very high standard; this house is ready to move into.

What else do you have in the pipeline?

Well, straight after Coombe Vale we will be preparing our show house at Fulmer Drive (launching summer 2016). Our flagship development there is a collection of five super high-

I have worked in the area for over 27 years and I am very excited about the launch of Coombe Vale. The attention to detail in both the design and finish are exceptional Richard Kew of The Frost Partnership Gerrards Cross

end homes. These properties will offer a profound insight to the breadth of talent that the company has. Our homes range from circa 5200 to 6400 sq.ft and will be finished to highest standard we’ve ever commissioned. We will be using Crestron home automation, Kitchens by Extreme Design (here in Gerrards Cross), bathrooms by Villeroy and Boch - just to name a few. This development will really set the bar for the area.

What does a typical day look like for you? am incredibly fortunate in that I genuinely love what I do. As result I’m naturally up around 5:30am, get to the gym and my day begins. My team will tell you that they are now used to receiving emails in the early hours; it’s me, normally from the treadmill! I try and have breakfast with the kids and in the office by 8am. I have a very supportive wife who handles the home affairs as well as, more recently, taking a role within the business. This allows me to concentrate on work matters.

Each day is different, but it normally consists of a mix of client meetings, design briefs and site visits to ensure the highest standards are continued to be met.

Where do you see the company in 10 years time?

Honestly, doing what we do now. I love where we’re at and hopefully we will continue to strive for the highest standards in beautiful, well appointed developments.

THE DETAILS Landmark Group Telephone; 01895 832560 www.Landmark-Group.co.uk MARCH 2016 11

LOVE LOC AL

A truly inspirational course Stoke Park ‘season’ to launch with re-opening of Colt Nine

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he new golf season at Stoke Park gets underway on April 22 when members help relaunch the venue’s historic first nine holes, the Colt course.

Dating back to 1908 and designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the nine-hole loop, which bears his name, has been closed for the winter while it underwent some reshaping and refurbishment of its bunkers. Every bunker on the front nine holes has been completely re-shaped and rebuilt with the inclusion of a bunker liner.

The course will re-open with an 18-hole ‘shotgun start’ tournament for members, followed by an official ‘launch’ evening, with a drinks reception; a presentation from the club’s director of golf, Stuart Collier – including an update on future course and facility upgrades; the introduction of the new 2016 captains and committees; an update from the academy covering coaching programmes, forthcoming golf trips and the scholarship programme; and a buffet and free bar until midnight, with the whole event being sponsored by Greece’s number-one golf resort, Costa Navarino.

There will also be a short presentation to the members from Alexander Devine children’s hospice service which has been chosen as the members’ charity for the second successive year.

The golf club – one of several clubs within a club at the multi-award-winning, five-star Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel – still has available seven-day golf memberships, with the price held for 2016 at £3,500pa. Laid out across 300 acres of mid-19th century, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-

12 MARCH 2016

landscaped parkland, the 27-hole, Colt-designed course is one of the country’s leading parkland layouts, with its picturesque seventh hole, providing the inspiration for the original 16th at Augusta National, home of the US Masters.

Founded in 1908 as the UK’s first country club, Stoke Park – one of just two five AA Red Star golf clubs in England – combines the traditions of an exclusive members’ club and the best of today’s sporting, leisure, entertaining and hotel facilities.

Those facilities include the historic 27-hole golf course; 13 tennis courts, comprising indoor, grass and floodlit artificial clay – as used by many of the world’s top players, such as Novak Djokovic, during the annual Boodles tournament; an award-winning spa; indoor pool; state-of-the-art gymnasium; fitness, hot yoga and spinning studios; three restaurants, including the three AA Rosette-winning Humphry’s; and 49 luxurious bedrooms and suites.

THE DETAILS Set within 300 acres of beautiful private parkland estate in Stoke Poges, Bucks, Stoke Park is only 35 minutes from London and seven miles from Heathrow Airport. www.stokepark.com

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LOVE LOC AL

Something for Everyone Enjoy Easter this year at the Thame Game & Country Fair

T

he Thame Country Fair returns this Easter bringing with it a feast of entertainment and activity from the Countryside.

The Countryside really does come to life with three main show arena including the new World of Dogs arena, where you will see exciting dog display teams, sheepdog & gundog displays, agility and much more A new act in the main arena is Stunt Mania, a motor cycle display team with Britain’s only female rider, lots of thrills and spills to entertain you here. There’s also lots of old favourites around the arenas, majestic birds of prey, shire horses and the electrifying horse boarding & scurry racing championships Moving around the showground there’s all sorts of activities to attract your attention; The Falconry Village with The Owl Show and Eagle Show, The Craft Village, Food Glorious Food Show with new chefs in The Country Kitchen – The Crabstock Boys Andy & Adi who are seafood specialists from Devon and Northampton. With the new World of Dogs Arena with all things canine and the new Speed Shooting competition for airguns and pistols, you will have entertainment all day long. With such a diversity of attractions, there really is something for everyone, so come and enjoy!

Lots to See! Lots to Do! Lots to Buy!

Sunday & Monday March 27th & 28th

The show is open 10am until 6pm daily.

Admission £13.00 adults £12.00 over 65’s & £4.00 children.

THE DETAILS

Sunday & Monday March 27th & 28th THAME SHOWGROUND Kingsey Road, Thame OX9 3JL Off A4129 Thame - Princess Risborough Road Full show details available on: www.livingheritagecountryshows.com Telephone 01283 820548 14 MARCH 2016

LOVE LOC AL

Returned to Glory The arrival of spring has heralded a step change for upcycling at Returned to Glory, The Hospice of St Francis’s award- winning pre-loved furniture emporium in Berkhamsted

U

pcycling projects have got bigger and bolder and include a huge five-seater sofa which has been re-upholstered in designer fabrics. Originally two sofas, the stunning piece took the the team two weeks to complete but was worth all the hard work. The team draws its creative inspiration from visits to trade shows around the country to find out what will be the next new trends to hit the high street. Working with fabric designers means team members can also incorporate the latest look in their innovative upcycled projects. number twenty, the hospice’s gift shop in Lower Kings Road recently showcased a retro chair that had been reupholstered in leather (from donated hides that would have otherwise have been used to upholster first class plane seats) and a contemporary coffee table was bought bang up to date and on trend with a metallic graphic design.

Returned to Glory’s Spring Autentico paint workshop programme is now well underway. A lick of paint (straight onto a metal base, no preparation required) changes a lamp.

The addition of a ‘designer ‘lampshade (made by Francesca the showroom’s manager), completes the transformation and makes a truly unique custom-made piece.

The paint workshops offer customers the chance to get in touch with their ‘creative side’ and if you fancy a get-together with a group of friends in your own special workshop – perhaps for a birthday celebration - Returned to Glory can arrange it for you and provide a cake! For more information or to make a booking call 01442b874356 or email returnedtoglory@stfrancis.org.uk Alternatively if you would prefer to commission a piece of upcycled furniture, the team would we happy to discuss this with you.

16 MARCH 2016

All funds raised support the work of The Hospice of St Francis, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Herts and Bucks and provides support for their carers and families. The charity relies on voluntary donations for 80% of its £4.8m annual running costs, with only 20% coming from the NHS.

Plans are now in hand for Returned to Glory’s next Designer Weekend event on– Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May. Follow the showroom on Facebook to find out more and check out the latest upcycled projects on Instagram. For more creative inspiration, why not follow it on Pinterest? For anyone wishing to donate an item of furniture, Returned to Glory offers a free collection service returnedtoglory@stfrancis.org.uk THE DETAILS Returned to Glory Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted HP4 1EH www.stfrancis.org/uk/returnedtoglory Tel. 01442 874356 Open 7 days - Mon-Sat 10.00 – 5.00 & Sun 10.30 – 4.30

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LOVE LOC AL

Wonderful Waddesdon O

nce the weekend retreat of the Rothschilds, Waddesdon Manor is a Renaissance-style château housing one of the finest collections of French 18th-century decorative arts in the world as well as magnificent English portraits and Dutch Old Master paintings.

The garden has a parterre, aviary, seasonal displays, walks, fountains and statuary. One of the most visited historic houses among England’s National Trust properties, Waddesdon was built from 1877 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his treasures and entertain the fashionable world of Victorian society.

This year the Manor is welcoming visitors to experience the house and gardens as if a 19th-century guest of Baron Ferdinand. Both the displays and events will bring the Manor back to life and encourage visitors to encounter the collections and surroundings as originally intended. The 2016 season, beginning on Wednesday 23 March, explores this theme with the exhibitions, including the Riches of the Earth highlighting items in the collection that celebrate the wealth of the Earth.

The Red Drawing Room has been opened up, so for the first time since 1958 visitors will enter the Manor as Baron Ferdinand designed. New conservation blinds let light and garden views back into the room while the

18 MARCH 2016

17th-century Savonnerie carpet, temporarily substituted with a reproduction that visitors can actually walk on, provides a much more authentic experience.

Spring will see a hive of fun family activities including a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt from Friday 25 March to Monday 28 March. It is also the perfect time to enjoy the gardens as they awaken from Winter. While the Woodland Playground, that winds through the trees between the Manor and the Stables, offers children of all ages an opportunity to enjoy the play equipment in the fresh air. The ever popular and extraordinary labyrinth of colour, music and light, Colourscape, returns again from Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June.

Save the date for ‘Feast’ festival on the weekend of 18 and 19 June. A revival of ‘The Baron’s Treat’ where Baron Ferdinand would host local families in the grounds for an annual garden party with a vast range of entertainments, Feast will see the North Front once again transformed with elaborately decorated tables for visitors to take a seat at and enjoy some of the delicious food on offer. There will be over 60 stalls, many performers and entertainment including craft activities for the family, as well as an opportunity to enter the house.

THE DETAILS Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH Booking Office & Visitor Information Telephone 01296 653226, open Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), 10am-4pm or email: bookings@waddesdon.org.uk

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LOVE LOC AL

Baked Jerusalem Artichoke Dauphinoise

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hilst we look towards March for the arrival of spring there is still the need for the last days of comfort food with the blustery weather and showers upon us. The autumnal stored fruit and vegetables, marrows, squash and pumpkin, apples and pears are coming to an end and there is still time to make the most of the root vegetables, parsnip, swede, turnip, kohlrabi and brassicas that thrive well in the cooler weather, as well as Brussels sprouts, cavolo nero, spring greens and kale. The pale pink stems of forced Yorkshire rhubarb are just making an appearance and it is also the time of year to celebrate the Jerusalem artichoke, which is grown easily and well in the smallest of vegetable patches. Here I have This dish will provide the perfect taken a classic ‘Pommes companion to your winter roasts Dauphinoise’ recipe and replaced the potatoes with the artichokes. They can simply be washed and scrubbed off – the skins give a nutty rich texture. This dish will provide the perfect companion to your winter roasts or slow braises and eats well with a fish, like bass or turbot, as well as white meats such as pheasant, guinea fowl and veal.

Baked Jerusalem Artichoke Dauphinoise Serves 6

Ingredients: 1 kg Jerusalem artichokes (scrubbed clean and peeled) 150 ml full fat milk 142 ml double cream 1 garlic clove (peeled and halved) 2 sprigs thyme 50 g hazelnuts (toasted) pinch nutmeg Method: 1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees or Gas 4.

2. Butter a 20 cm square, non-stick tin.

3. Bring the milk, cream, garlic, thyme and nutmeg to the boil.

Then turn the stove off and allow the mixture to infuse for 10 minutes before straining the liquid.

4. Slice your artichokes, then layer them into your tin, pouring your milk infusion as you go.

5. Bake for about 1 - 1 hour 15 minutes, until soft.

6. Leave to stand for 15 minutes.

7. Scatter chopped hazelnuts on top.

20 MARCH 2016

To celebrate the arrival of spring we invite you to join us for - a complimentary glass of crisp Rhubarb Bellini upon arrival, to accompany our Lunch Tasting Menu. This fabulous Tasting Lunch Offer is available from Tuesday to Friday until the end of April 2016 for just £38 per person - optional wine flight £18 additional sixth course for an extra £6.00 - optional wine flight £24 (Max 6 guests per reservation - excludes Good Friday) **please mention Offer when making your reservation**

THE DETAILS The Artichoke 9 Market Square Old Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 ODF T. 01494 726611 Web: www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk Email: reservations@artichokerestaurant.co.uk

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LOVE LOC AL

M

Going that extra mile

arathon man Matt Fowler is going the extra mile in April to help the patients of South Bucks Hospice – by running three epic races on consecutive weekends.

Matt, 47, a father-of-two, will compete in the Manchester, Brighton and London full marathons in aid of the charity which looks after people with life-limiting conditions.

“It will be tough but so worth it if I am able to raise a sizeable sum for this wonderful local charity,” he says. “They really need fundraisers like me as only 6% of the money required to run the specialist services South Bucks Hospice offer comes from the NHS. The other 94% has to be raised by fundraising and donations.

“The charity is building a large new Hospice in High Wycombe right now and every penny I can raise will help to fund the best possible care to patients and more specialist services for local people.”

Professional photographer Matt, who lives in High Wycombe, is now hard at work preparing and has just recorded his longest-ever monthly mileage training total of 242 miles. He aims to complete each of his marathons in under three-and-a-half hours.

But he only started running three years ago, by accident, after dropping off his teenage son at a rowing session at the Thames in Marlow.

“I walked my Labrador by the Thames while I waited to pick him up after the rowing,” he recalls. “But then I realised I was going to be late so I began running. The following week, I dropped my son off again at the same place and repeated the routine, running a bit more this time – and I never really stopped running after that!”

22 MARCH 2016

Matt is now a member of the Handy Cross Runners and has competed in many long-distance events, including a 100km race.

To ensure he gets the best out of his body he has to pay huge attention to his running gear.

“My shoes are Hoka One One and I get these my local running shop Runners Retreat in Marlow,” he says. “I mainly use Ashmei running shirts and socks from a local company in Aldbury near Tring.

It will be tough but so worth it if I am able to raise a sizeable sum for this wonderful local charity “I try to keep local to buy equipment rather than online, especially with shoes as it is important to get exactly the right shoe and you can only do that by talking and getting a fitting from an expert.”

His races in aid of the Hospice are as follows: Manchester April 10; Brighton April 17; London April 24, and Matt is now hoping readers of this magazine will also go an extra mile to help by donating to his Just Giving page.

Support Matt now by visiting http://tinyurl.com/z2ttyw6 THE DETAILS More about the South Bucks Hospice at www.sbh.org.uk More about Matt at www.mattphoto.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL

The Boodles 2016 N

ow in its 15th year and often described as, “One of the highlights of the summer social Season,” The Boodles, has, in recent years made a habit of attracting some of the biggest names in tennis, while offering guests the unique chance of an opportunity to get up close and personal with the player’s. It is hosted within Stoke Park’s stunning 300acre estate in the Buckinghamshire countryside, perhaps the most picture-perfect setting in the English tennis scene. It also has an intimate purpose

24 MARCH 2016

built stadium of only 1,900 with no seat further than ten metres from the grass court, The Boodles allows you to be breathtakingly close to the action!

The Boodles is truly a unique event. A fun English garden party atmosphere, with world-class tennis being played in intimate and beautiful surroundings.

With an exclusive list of official sponsors, such as Patek Philippe, Perrier Jouet Champagne, PlayBrave and the established status of their title sponsor, Boodles, guests will experience the luxury and service that has become so synonymous with these brands of excellence.

In 2015 The Boodles saw so many players wanting to play, an extra match was added each day!

Players included World No.1 Novak Djokovic (who landed in spectacular fashion in a helicopter!), who used The Boodles as his only pre Wimbledon grass court preparation and as we know went on the win Wimbledon, to Rafa Nadal, who played for the first time, to Wimbledon semi finalist, Richard Gasquet, World No.9 Milos Raonic, to big serving South African, Kevin Anderson. The wonderful Goran Ivansevic also hugely entertained the crowds as he played his old friend Cedric Pioline and World No.1 doubles stars, the Bryan brothers also competed. The Boodles has also always attracted young up and coming players, such as Alexander Zverez and Thanassi Kokkinakis.

“I didn’t participate in any official tournament before Wimbledon but that is why I am coming here in Stoke Park because I need some match play and I like the scenery. I enjoy it, I have a lot of fun, we have a lot of laughs and its something that is not very common on the court, competing in big tournaments you are in your own world and in your own zone and you focus on winning and here it is not about winning its about playing some good tennis and interacting with the crowd.”

Novak Djokovic

THE DETAILS The Boodles 2016 will take place from 21st June25th June (the week after Royal Ascot) and tickets are on sale now at www.theboodles.com MARCH 2016 25

LOVE ATION LOCAL EDUC

Newland College

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ewland College is a co-educational independent secondary school. We offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). Our small classes of 14 students support our students in becoming confident communicators. The IB MYP is an academically challenging curriculum framework with eight academic areas: English, Maths, Science, Modern Languages, Humanities, Arts, Technology and Physical Education. Within ‘language and literature’, for example, students learn key learning concepts and skills through a range of texts (novels, short stories, plays, films etc) and realworld examples. Of course, there is also a focus on the use of language – skills such as grammar, spelling and punctuation – and this is developed concurrently.

There is an emphasis on the relationship between subjects so that the different academic departments work together during the year to complete projects utilising skills, concepts and content from several subject disciplines. Students who undertake the IB gain more than a rigorous and globally recognised education.

In the IB, teachers don’t simply teach students what to think, they teach them how to think.

And in this sense, the IB is appropriate for any student who has a passion for learning. IB teachers achieve this by having the pedagogic freedom to create unique and innovative units of learning – areas of knowledge that actively harness local and global contexts and examples. Put another way, IB teachers use the ‘real world’ to teach; and this makes learning relevant and engaging for students.

We aim to build a happy student community with sustainable well-being at its heart Moreover, students are encouraged to be ‘change-makers’ – that is, perform their learning with real action. For example, in ‘language and literature’ students are studying the ‘Art of Rhetoric.’ In class, students study the verbal and non-verbal techniques of global leaders during speeches.

We aim to build a happy student community with sustainable well-being at its heart. We strongly value our students’ understanding of their own and others’ perspectives, leading to their development as compassionate and inspired world citizens. Many universities in the UK and the US indicate a preference for IB students. They value the ability of IB students to learn independently.

Our aim is to develop reflective learners who succeed in gaining entry to the world’s best universities, or wherever their career takes them, and thrive once they are there. John Dewy has a fantastic quote: “education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” This encapsulates the International Baccalaureate well; it recognises that in order to flourish in today’s constantly changing world, we all need to be life-longer learners.

THE DETAILS Please reserve a place at Open Mornings or a Welcome Wednesday by emailing our Registrar: s.haig@newlandcollege.co.uk 01494 875502 @newlandcollege | facebook.com/NewlandCollege www.newlandcollege.co.uk

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LOVE LOCAL LOVE LOC AL

Buckinghamshire Golf Club

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ou would be forgiven for being unaware of the beautiful haven that awaits you at Buckinghamshire Golf Club. Set moments from Denham Village and close to the motorway, tucked away at the end of the long winding drive sits this delightful oasis of calm and privacy.

I was recently invited to spend some time at the Club with John O’Leary, their Ambassador of Golf who explained to me just how they run things there.

As a bit of background, John is ex European Tour Player, having turned professional in 1970. He represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Ryder Cup in 1975, and won the Irish Open in 1982. He remained the last Irish Man to have claimed that title for 25 years until Pádraig Harrington claimed the title in 2007. John has been involved with the club for 20 years in various capacities with always one vision – to make it an enjoyable place to spend time.

John was very keen to insist that this coverage be about the club and not him, yet so much of the ethos of the club, and how the venue lives and breathes and functions clearly comes from him and his belief, and his teams belief, in how a golf club should be.

We don’t want to tell people what they can’t do, but to let them know what they can do

I asked John what makes Buckinghamshire Golf Club so special. He spoke of the personal touch, of that overall desire amongst the team there to make anyone using the venue feels welcome, feels relaxed, and that they enjoy their time there. In his words you should feel “delighted to come here, disappointed to leave” Buckinghamshire Golf Club opened in September 1992.

The 18-hole course, of John Jacobs design, is set in 226 acres of magnificent English parkland. Situated along the River

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Colne and Rive Misbourne, visual satisfaction is immediate.

Currently undergoing an upgrade, with an investment if of £2m, it is hard to see what can be done to improve things.

Work will break for the Spring, and complete early 2017.

John is keen to impress on me the atmosphere of the club. With the membership including local residents, internationals, City workers – the club has to suit everyone.

I was always told that golf is a great ‘leveller’, and that it can bring people from many different backgrounds together, to share and enjoy their mutual passion. I think that Buckinghamshire Golf Club have this nailed. Quite simply, the club has a ‘minimal rule’ rule. People are expected to go about their time at the club enjoying the atmosphere, respecting other members, welcoming new faces, and most importantly, relaxing and enjoying their time there. With no Presidents and Captains, it really is quite different to many clubs, and it works. “No politics” John told me. “We don’t want to tell people what they can’t do, but to let them know what they can do” The Buckinghamshire offers more than the golf. The club house is a stunning building, dating back to the eighteenth century and offers a comfortable place for coffee or you can enjoy afternoon tea with friends. The Heron Restaurant is open Sundays to members or non-members alike, and offers a traditional Sunday lunch whilst the Spike Bar is open daily and offers a range of English and Japanese options.

The Club has function and banqueting options, catering for Christenings, birthdays, weddings – you name it.

I could talk for much longer on the warmth of welcome that you receive here, on how comfortable you are made to feel, and how attentive the staff are. Their programme to welcome new starters to golf, their Ladies Academy, their Junior Section, the Pro shop and the club house staff in the restaurants - everything is considered, the thought has gone into this place. Why not take a look for yourself, the reception team will welcome you – and help you find your way around.

THE DETAILS Denham Court Drive, Denham, Buckinghamshire UB9 5PG 01895 835 777 www.buckinghamshiregc.com info@buckinghamshiregc.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL

END OF THE RAINBOW Lisa Maxwell on playing Judy Garland

Her relationship with Anthony is one that she’s comfortable with because he’s just there to serve her. Even though he’s a gay man, there’s a lot of chemistry between them, and he’s partly there to represent her love for her audience. With Mickey Deans, on the other hand, she has quite a volatile relationship, although she’s very much in love with him. I think he loves her too, but as a frustrated musician, he’s nonetheless aware of the opportunities that being married to her can bring him. He’s actually her fifth husband, although she keeps calling him husband number four because she can’t remember.”

W

ere you a fan of Judy Garland before taking on this role?

“I’m absolutely in love with Judy, and I feel very protective of her at the moment. The thing I think I’m most worried about is really giving people what they expect, because there’ll be a lot of Judy Garland fans in the audience. Also, as a fan of her myself, I want to do her justice. Die-hard Judy fans know everything about her, so I hope that with this play we’re giving them what they know and love. For those who aren’t fans, we’re telling a sometimes funny, sometimes touching story of a woman with a serious addiction.”

The play takes place in a hotel room, where Judy is preparing for a string of performances with Anthony, her devoted accompanist, and Mickey, her new fiancé. What is Judy’s relationship like with these characters?

“I know at times she behaved appallingly towards other people, but she had no idea of how to love or be loved because she was never shown.

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How are you preparing to take on the role?

“I want to give the character as much depth as possible. It’s important to say that this is a play with songs rather than a musical, so we’re trying to tell a very truthful story that’s wonderfully punctuated with all these moments where we see her in concert. I hope that people see her vulnerability, as well as how absolutely hilarious she was.”

“I’ve also been seeing a vocal coach for a few months.

She wasn’t at the top of her game towards the end, but the one thing that she was always able to do was to turn it on and make magic happen on stage. I’m not allowing myself to say, ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter if you can’t sing it, because she was at the end of her life’.

I’m not taking that easy way out.”

THE DETAILS Theatre Royal Windsor 32 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PS Tel: 01753 853888 Tuesday 22nd March to Saturday 26th March. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

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EDUC LOVE ATION LOCAL

A family affair Westbrook Hay opens a £3m Performing Arts Centre

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estbrook Hay School, a leading independent Preparatory school in Hertfordshire officially opened its superb Performing Arts Centre in January.

This is the latest addition to the School’s extensive facilities and offers superb provision for drama, dance and music. The 300 seater auditorium is a wonderful venue for all school performances.

The Centre was opened by Mr Michael Woolf, a local Chartered Surveyor, former parent and Deputy Chairman of Governors, who has over 40 years association with the school.

Michael’s son, Ben, joined in 1973, his wife, Inge, became a teacher for 14 years and a counsellor at the school for a further 15 years. Ben’s children Alfred and James have also been pupils at the School. Michael’s daughter Tirrie, also a former pupil, is currently a teacher at Westbrook Hay and her children Jesse and Taitai have joined the school to continue the Woolf dynasty.

Michael’s expertise has been used to the full and he has been instrumental in the delivery of the Middle School building (2001), the Lower School (2008) and the school’s most ambitious and impressive building to date, the Performing Arts Centre.

Among the guests for this occasion were Councillor Frances Button, Chair of Hertfordshire County Council; the Mayor of Dacorum, Councillor Adeleke; Mayor of Tring, Councillor Hearn; Mayor of Berkhamsted, Councillor Ritchie; Head Teachers from local senior schools and many former pupils and staff. The visitors enjoyed a tour of the facility led by the senior pupils and a performance including dance, music, singing and drama by pupils aged between 5 and 12 years.

When asked about the importance of the Performing Arts Centre to the school, the Chair of Governors, Andrew Newland said “We keep updating and improving our facilities to offer the best modern infrastructure to match the quality of our excellent teaching staff; that way we can provide a superb academic education and pastoral experience for all our pupils both now and for future generations”.

THE DETAILS Westbrook Hay Prep School London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 2RF Tel: 01442 256143 www.westbrookhay.co.uk

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WEDDING SPECIAL LOVE LOCAL

The

OXFORDSHIRE T

he Oxfordshire is a stunning wedding venue licensed to hold wedding receptions, civil marriages and evening celebrations for up to 180 guests. With planning services, outstanding hospitality and world-class leisure facilities, the hotel provides a superb venue for bride, groom and guests alike.

Set in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, the hotel is the ideal place for beautiful pictures of your special day. With 50 luxury bedrooms in the hotel, the venue also boasts Tempus Spa with relaxation, pampering and the ultimate in luxurious treatments. Tempus Spa is delighted to be an exclusive Pinks BoutiqueŽCelebrated Spa, with award-winning treatments and products which are hand blended in England. Also within the resort that is The Oxfordshire sits the Championship Golf Course – considered to be one of the most exciting courses in the country.

With a Civil Wedding licence, The Oxfordshire is able to conduct the ceremony in addition to providing the very best catering services and luxurious accommodation. With complimentary car parking for over two hundred vehicles, a late night licence to support the best possible entertainment, and a beautiful private bridal suite, The Oxfordshire has everything you may need to guarantee a picture-perfect wedding.

The quality of the setting is apparent from the moment you drive up the tree-lined driveway to the magnificent stone

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pillared entrance of The Oxfordshire. With an elegant interior and landscaped grounds, our hotel provides a winning combination and a romantic setting for a memorable occasion for you and your guests.

Recent accolades include, top 50 places to Stay & Play voted by Golf Monthly magazine, Top Golf Course in the county voted by the Top 100 Golf Courses in England and awarded 4 Bubbles by The Good Spa Guide in 2012 and 2013.

Rycote Lane, Milton Common Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2PU Tel: 01844 278300 www.theoxfordshire.com

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LOVE LOCAL WEDDING SPECIAL

Bespoke

Light Up Letters L

ocal business, Bespoke Light Up Letters are based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and specialise in crafting quality letters, words and numbers to hire for weddings, parties, corporate events and more.

With over 20 years’ experience in the sign industry, Bespoke Light Up Letters work in partnership with one of the largest sign manufacturers in the UK. All of our bespoke items are designed and produced in house.

Sophie Clayton, co-founder of Bespoke Light Up Letters quotes ‘Personalised wedding decor has become increasingly popular, with illuminated words, letters and numbers now very much on trend’.

In June 2015, Sophie spotted a gap in the market and produced some variations that have proved very popular.

They included LOVE at 150cm tall, 50cm tall and 30cm tall. Since then, her local business has grown from strength to strength and Sophie is sure this is based on the quality of the product – they are quite simply a unique and supreme product that has been built to last.

In July 2015, Eastenders actress Luisa Bradshaw-White, who plays Tina Carter hired, for her own wedding to Annette Yeo, big LOVE and a table top LOVE. This was a fantastic opportunity for the company as the lights appeared in OK! Magazine in August 2015. This was what Luisa Bradshaw-White had to say. “Thank you so much for lighting up our wedding! The LOVE letters were quirky, classy, beautiful and FUN! They also provided the lights for the evening disco! Thank you so much, your lights made the venue into something so much more special. Lots of Love Luisa and Annette” Since then, bookings have been non-

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stop, including corporate events at the Groucho Club in Soho, Christmas parties, weddings and many birthday bookings.

Already for 2016, variations of the light up letters and numbers are booked for 35+ weddings and birthdays. “This is down to various marketing strategies and a selective few appearances at some amazing wedding venues” Sophie quotes “We are now on the preferred supplier lists of many popular wedding venues in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas” Bespoke Light Up Letters now have the entire alphabet in addition to the LOVE variations and Sophie explains that a lot of bride and grooms are now going for their initials to personalise their wedding. She says “It is increasingly popular and adds a personal touch” So what makes Bespoke Light Up Letters different? Sophie explains that is is “Simply the product. The letters and words are classy, bespoke made mainly from aluminium (not MDF) so their font style is smooth, they are light to manoeuvre and they look awesome! They have carnival bulb LED technology which sparkle and dazzle and truly stand out” Sophie goes on to add that “living and working locally allows us to offer our local customers a much more personalised service.”

Bespoke Light Up Letters www.bespokelightupletters.co.uk email: hello@bespokelightupletters.co.uk Tel 07974 356395

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LOVE LOCAL WEDDING SPECIAL

Exquisite elegance in the making

The date is set, the venue is booked, and the next most important part of the wedding plans is the dress.

This isn’t just any dress, this is the dress, for the day that the bride-to-be has been very likely dreaming of, thinking about and sketching in her mind for months – years even. Lesley Cutler of Lesley Cutler Bridal Wear has the onerous task of turning that dream, that vision, into reality.

L

esley has been creating bespoke wedding dresses for over twenty years. Her career started with four years of intense training at London College of Fashion. Over the years Lesley has had the honour to work with a number of key fashion houses and public figures. Starting as an Assistant Pattern Cutter working on Margaret Thatcher’s clothes, Lesley progressed to Senior Patter Cutter at Ronald Joyce – one of the best known manufacturers in the industry for bridal, bridesmaid and occasion wear. Lesley moved on to a role as Workroom Manager for Elizabeth Emmanuel, the high-profile wedding dress designer for Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lesley explains how she will work with a bride-to-be, taking their initial concept through various design stages, working closely with them at all times on the style of the dress. Listening to them, understanding the look they wish to create, selecting the silks, the lace, the embellishments – everything is discussed down to the minutest detail to ensure that their dream dress can become the reality. Very often a bride-to-be will come to Lesley with a number of ideas based on lots of ‘off the peg’ dresses that they have seen, and Lesley will then take those dreams, those snapshots of a dress to create the stunning dress that will showcase the bride on her special day.

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Once Lesley has been commissioned to create the dress, appointments will be made so that the bride knows exactly what stage the dress is at, at any time. Every bride will have the opportunity to try their dress on, initially made in cotton (called a toile) as the first stage, and here, numerous changes will be made to give the perfect style and fit.

With an extensive range of stunning designer silk fabrics, Lesley will set about creating the bespoke dress that is unique to each bride. Advice and guidance always on hand, Lesley draws on her years of experience and craftsmanship to ensure that the finished product is perfect, and beyond their wildest dreams.

For the perfect co-ordination, Lesley also makes accessories including tiaras and jewellery to complete the final look.

Lesley tells us that current trends are for champagne coloured silk and lace dresses, with off the shoulder necklines making for a very pretty silhouette.

With a lovely private studio, working with Lesley is simple, creative, fun, relaxing but most of all – exciting and fulfilling.

If you are starting your search for the dress, talk to Lesley Cutler.

Tel: 01908 690899 www.lesleycutlerbridalwear.co.uk Appointments are available Monday to Friday from 8.30 am, Tuesday & Thursday evenings.

Saturday appointments lasting 90 mins from 11.00 am.

LOVE LOCAL

The Cancer Research UK

Boat Races supported by BNY Mellon First raced in 1829 and 1927 respectively, The Cancer Research UK Boat Races are amongst the oldest sporting events in the world. March 2016 will see the running of the 162nd Boat Race and 71st Women’s Boat Race, both now taking place on the Championship Course.

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atched by thousands along the banks of the Tideway, and by millions more on TV around the world, The Cancer Research UK Boat Races are a unique sporting event. With four very strong squads of athletes, expect to see more thrilling contests once again this year.

The Boat Race course, known as the Championship Course is 4 miles, 374 yards or 6.8 Km long. It stretches between Putney and Mortlake on the River Thames in South West London. This course was first used for the Boat Race in 1845 and has been used for every race since, (apart from 1846, 1856 and

Sunday 27th March 2016 3.10pm & 4.10pm

1863 when the race was held in the opposite direction between Mortlake and Putney). The Fulham/Chiswick side of the course is known as the Middlesex side. The Putney/Barnes side of the course is known as the Surrey side.

The Boat Races are rowed upstream, but are timed to start on the incoming flood tide. The Boat Race is usually an hour before high tide, with the Women’s Boat Race a further hour before so that the crews are rowing with the fastest possible current.

The atmosphere will be building up along the course all day and your riverside walk, lingering lunch or extended session in the pub will be crowned by a sighting of one of the capital’s great sporting events.

The start of the race is marked by the University stone, a few hundred yards upstream from Putney Road Bridge and for the first quarter of a mile, as the crews pass the historic boathouses of Putney Embankment.

The Finish Line is just a few yards downstream from Chiswick Road bridge and here the crowds on Race Day are as densely packed as those near the Start. What those crowds witness as the crews cross the Line is the ecstasy of the victors and the despair of the losing crew.

On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames to witness the action. Remember, all the riverside pubs will be heaving, with the crowds spilling out onto the towpaths. If you’re planning to watch from a pub, arrive early!

There are large screens at Bishops Park, Fulham and Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith which mean you will be able to watch the whole Race before and after the crews have passed. The parks will also feature food outlets, beer stands and merchandising stalls. The Races are shown live on BBC1 and streamed on the BBC iPlayer.

For the 2016 & 2017 Boat Races, sponsors BNY Mellon and Newton Investment Management have donated their title sponsorship to Cancer Research UK., This is a landmark move, the first of its type, which will hopefully see the awareness of CRUK’s work continue to increase over the two year initiative.

THE DETAILS For more information visit www.theboatraces.org

4 0 MARCH 2016

FEATURE EVENTS

E PICTUR

LORD'S The Home of Cricket

MCC ESY OF COURT

Lord's has long been seen as the game's spiritual 'headquarters'. But its importance is not merely historical. In practice it remains, to this day, perhaps the most important single place in world cricket.

PICTURE COURTESY OF MCC

I

PICTURE COURTESY SARAH WILLIAMS

8 MARCH2016

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ts owner, Marylebone Cricket Club, remains the guardian of both the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket, and MCC sides (which play around 500 games a year) perform a key role in promoting cricket - in Britain and elsewhere.

In addition, Lord's is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as well as the European Cricket Council (ECC).

It is also the setting for the state-of-the-art MCC Cricket Academy, the unrivalled MCC Library and the world-famous MCC Museum.

Above all, Lord's is the setting for some of the best cricket in the world .It hosts Investec Test matches and NatWest-sponsored one-day internationals plus most of Middlesex's home games, some historic fixtures (such as Oxford v Cambridge) and the village and club finals.

The first fixture of the year at Lord’s is the County Championship match between Middlesex and Warwickshire on Sunday 17th April. The full fixture list available to view on our website www.lords.org/fixtures/fixturesand-tickets There is a Tour of Lord's where you will begin in the MCC Museum, home of the famous Ashes urn.

The museum brings the fascinating story of cricket is to life. Paintings, photographs and artefacts, covering 400 years of cricket history, reveal the game's development from a rural pastime to a modern, increasingly international sport. The museum also boasts bats, balls and kit donated by great players like Mahela Jayawardene, Glenn McGrath, Rahul Dravid, Paul Collingwood and Shane Warne - as well as from past greats such as Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs and Don Bradman.

Additional attractions at Lord's include the Tennis Court where Real Tennis, 'the game of kings' (famously enjoyed by King Henry VIII), is still played, and the MCC Cricket Academy - where many future Test and county stars hone their skills. Founded in the 1970s, it soon produced some of the world's finest cricketers, including Sir Ian Botham, Martin Crowe and Angus Fraser. Regular users include Middlesex players, MCC's Young Cricketers and international cricketers preparing to appear in major matches at Lord's.

Members of the public are welcome too. Facilities include a 19-yard run-up for bowlers, a variable speed bowling machine for batsmen, two-way simultaneous video recording equipment, a Supergrasse playing surface - especially for cricket, a bar & coffee shop for spectators (for tired players!) with coaching available throughout the year.

Lord's is also an ideal venue for meetings or conferences, exhibitions, wedding receptions, dinners, parties or any celebration.

From the Victorian elegance of the Pavilion to the striking lines of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre, Lord's offers a wide range of facilities that allow for flexibility and creativity. Its ideal location in the heart of London and stunning vistas of the hallowed turf make Lord's a unique and popular choice for any event.

THE DETAILS For more information about Lord's visit the website at www.lords.org

PICTURE COURTESY OF MCC

Make a real difference Be part of it. There are many ways you can help us make South Bucks Hospice a very special place.

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FEATURE

CLAUDIA SCHIFFER HERB RITTS

FRED ASTAIRE ANDRE DE DIENES

LINDA EVANGELISTA PATRICK DEMARCHELIER

SPONSORED BY

A century of British Vogue is celebrated at the National Portrait Gallery

A major exhibition celebrating 100 years of cutting-edge fashion, beauty and portrait photography by British Vogue is open at the National Portrait Gallery until 22nd May 2016.

V

ogue 100: A Century of Style showcases the remarkable range of photography that has been commissioned by British Vogue since it was founded in 1916, with over 280 prints from the Condé Nast archive and international collections being brought together for the first time to tell the story of one of the most influential fashion magazines in the world.

Decade by decade, the exhibition explores British Vogue’s unfaltering position at the forefront of new fashion, its dedication to the best in design, and its influence on the UK’s wider cultural stage during some of the most inventive and exciting periods in style, taste, the arts and society.

Exquisite vintage prints from the early twentieth century, ground-breaking photographs from renowned fashion shoots, unpublished work and original magazines have been brought together in this first retrospective survey of the celebrated magazine.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style includes work by many of the leading twentieth-century photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Lee Miller, Irving Penn and Snowdon. More recent work by celebrated photographers David Bailey, Corinne Day, Patrick Demarchelier, Nick Knight, Herb Ritts, Mario Testino, Tim Walker and Albert Watson are included, reinforcing British Vogue’s keen editorial eye and dedication to commissioning worldclass photography, as well as its role in nurturing new talent.

The exhibition also includes many of the faces that have shaped the cultural landscape of the twentieth century, from Henri Matisse to Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Damien Hirst; Marlene Dietrich to Gwyneth Paltrow; Lady Diana Cooper to Lady Diana Spencer; and Fred Astaire to David Beckham. Also 4 4 MARCH 2016

featured in the exhibition are the fashion designers who defined the looks of the century, including Dior, Saint Laurent and McQueen.

Highlights of the exhibition include the entire set of prints from Corinne Day’s controversial Kate Moss underwear shoot, taken in 1993 at the pinnacle of the ‘grunge’ trend; Peter Lindbergh’s famous 1990 cover shot that defined the supermodel era; a series of exceptional Second World War photographs by Vogue’s official war correspondent, Lee Miller; a rare version of Horst’s famous ‘corset’ photograph from 1939, which inspired the video for Madonna’s hit song Vogue; and vintage prints by the first professional fashion photographer, Baron de Meyer.

Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of British Vogue, says: ‘Vogue 100: A Century of Style is a landmark exhibition in the history of magazine photography. I am incredibly proud of this collection of exceptional photography and of the whole concept of the exhibition, which shows the breadth and depth of the work commissioned by the magazine as well as Vogue’s involvement in the creation of that work. The National Portrait Gallery is a wonderful place for this show, which mixes portraiture and contemporaneous artistic style in the same way as much of the Gallery’s own collection. Anybody interested in photography, fashion, fame and magazines will find this an unmissable experience.’

ADMISSION CHARGES Tickets with donation: Adult £19 / Concessions £17.50 Standard price: Adult £17 / Concessions £15.50 BOOK NOW FOR TICKETS Telephone 0303 123 7344 visit www.npg.org.uk/vogue100 or in person at the Gallery THE DETAILS For more information about VOGUE 100: A CENTURY OF STYLE National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE visit npg.org.uk/vogue100

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FEATURE EVENTS

T

he Rolling Stones will stage their first ever major exhibition at London’s prestigious Saatchi Gallery, opening to the public on 6 April 2016 until September 2016. EXHIBITIONISM will be the most comprehensive and immersive insight into a group described by critics as ‘The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band’, taking over nine themed galleries spread across two entire floors at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London. Tickets for EXHIBITIONISM go on sale to the public next week on Friday 10 July 2015 at 9am via www.stonesexhibitionism.com and 10am from Saatchi Gallery.

As well as over five hundred Rolling Stones important and unseen artefacts from the band’s personal archives, the exhibition will take the public through the band’s fascinating fifty year history, embracing all aspects of art & design, film, video, fashion, performance, and rare sound archives.

At the heart of the exhibition is of course the Stones musical heritage that took the group from being a hard working London blues band in the early 1960’s to becoming inspirational cultural icons adored by millions.

DHL is proud to be the Presenting Partner of EXHIBITIONISM – The Rolling Stones first ever global touring exhibition.

Over five decades the Stones have shaped popular culture, often in their own image, and this exhibition will look back through every facet of the band’s career to offer a unique perspective that only the bands own archive can provide. EXHIBITIONISM will be the largest touring experience of this kind ever to be staged by a band or artist, and continues the proud tradition by the band of groundbreaking innovation combined with the highest production values.

EXHIBITIONISM has taken three years of meticulous planning and will offer a comprehensive insight into the band in a way that has never before

been attempted. The exhibition is an interactive tour through the band’s vast artistic oeuvre, and includes original stage designs, dressing room and backstage paraphernalia; rare guitars and instruments, iconic costumes, rare audio tracks and unseen video 6 April 2016 clips; personal diaries and correspondence; original – September 20 poster and album cover artwork, and unique 16 cinematic presentations. Collaborations and work www. by the vast array of artists, designers, musicians and stonesexhibit ionism. writers will be included in the exhibition – from com Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Alexander McQueen, #stonesism and Ossie Clark to Tom Stoppard and Martin Scorsese.

Mick Jagger commented, “We’ve been thinking about this for quite a long time but we wanted it to be just right and on a large scale. The process has been like planning our touring concert productions and I think that right now it’s an interesting time to do it.”

Keith Richards commented, “While this is about The Rolling Stones, it’s not necessarily only just about the members of the band. It’s also about all the paraphernalia and technology associated with a group like us, and it’s this, as well as the instruments that have passed through our hands over the years, that should make the exhibition really interesting.”

Ronnie Wood said, “The scene was great down the King’s Road in the 1960’s. That was where you went to hang out to watch the fashions go by. So it is appropriate that our EXHIBITIONISM will be housed at the wonderful Saatchi Gallery.”

Charlie Watts added - ‘’It’s hard to believe that it’s more than fifty years since we began and it is wonderful to look back to the start of our careers and bring everything up to date at this exhibition.’’

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for the exhibition are on sale via www.stonesexhibitionism.com and at The Saatchi Gallery. www.stonesexhibitionism.com www.rollingstones.com therollingstones rollingstones Saatchi Gallery Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY www.saatchigallery.com

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FEATURE

The Riding Club London T

he Riding Club London provides access to quality horses, riding lessons and unique private events and holidays throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide. Bringing together like-minded equine enthusiasts of all levels, the Riding Club London work with leading experts in all equestrian disciplines as well as offering the opportunity to participate in team riding events.

The Riding Club London has a busy social calendar throughout the year from monthly drinks in private London clubs to BBQ’s, cocktails and balls.

BENEFITS INCLUDE: Weekly lessons at the Household Cavalry. Only members of The Riding Club are granted the privilege of riding the Cavalry horses. A truly unique experience!

10% discount at over 40 yards throughout the UK and abroad Regular events both riding and social, hosted by the club Exclusive discounts from our partners, including magazine discounts, free tickets to the Royal Academy and much more Riding Club London Showjumping, Polo & Dressage teams Members only riding events in the UK – from hacks in the English countryside to refresher rider clinics, dressage, hunting, polo, eventing, showjumping training and weekends away

4 8 MARCH 2016

Members only riding trips internationally – ranging from castle & champagne tasting rides in France to riding safaris in Africa Complimentary Rider Consultations to discuss your individual riding interests & goals

To sign up visit www. ridinglondon. com

READER OFFER Life Magazines Reader offer: 50% OFF JOINING FEE. Use offer code joining50 THE DETAILS For more information about The Riding Club London Telephone 020 3589 2385 or email info@ridinglondon.com www. ridinglondon.com @Riding_London

Riding Club London

@RidingClubLondon

FEATURE LOVE LOC AL

The Venue

Buckinghamshire’s newest large event venue has arrived – The Venue is a unique, luxury pop-up event space nestling in the magnificent grounds of Denham Court Mansion.

“Fantastic night out, Bill really knows how to put on a good party” - Darren Anderton

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et amongst the rolling 226 acres of parklands, overlooking the gently-flowing River Colne and a spectacular waterfall backdrop, The Venue’s stunning location makes it an ideal event space for weddings, christenings and show-stopping private and corporate occasions of 80 - 500 people.

In addition to its exclusive location, The Venue offers event options for every size and budget, boasting one of the largest event capacities in the county whilst its flexible pop-up design also perfectly accommodates more intimate occasions.

The Venue offers clients the ultimate in flexibility – every aspect from layout to catering and theming can be tailored to individual requirements, or it can simply be hired ready to

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go. The designated, professional-grade kitchen also allows for specialist outside caterers to be brought in to suit.

A full event planning and management service is also offered by The Venue’s team, led by exclusive event and wedding planner Bill Blenkarn of MJB Events.

Blenkarn says: “The arrival of The Venue is an exciting addition to Buckinghamshire’s event scene. Where else can you tailor make your venue, specific to your requirements, in such an exclusive and private setting?

“This luxurious pop-up event space brings a whole wealth of new party planning possibilities – from the largest weddings to the most bijou gatherings, it’s the perfect venue to create a spectacular, stand-out event unlike any other.”

Buckinghamshire’s leading event organiser, Blenkarn has over 25 years’ experience in the industry, creating and delivering show-stopping events for high profile private and corporate clients. From his offices in Buckinghamshire and Marbella, Blenkarn offers his clients a full event planning and management with each occasion bearing the hallmarks of his uniquely bespoke offer.

Clients benefit from total flexibility and a highly creative and meticulous approach to every project. Blenkarn works closely with clients to create truly unique occasions, encouraging them to think beyond a standard event and then bringing their vision to life. His entertainment industry

“You know when you have been to an event Bill has organised, everyone leaves having had a great night!” - Dennis Wise

Bill Blenkarn of MJB Events

contacts ensure that each occasion enjoys expertly-matched performances – from classic chart toppers to the freshest young talent – all guaranteed to get the party well and truly started.

Blenkarn’s expertise enables his team to handle every aspect of even the largest wedding or party, including entertainment, production and guest transportation. The wedding planning offer is indicative of Blenkarn’s truly full service approach and signature attention to detail – everything from dress and suit fittings to post-wedding clear up is unobtrusively managed.

Of his approach, Blenkarn says: “I’ve worked with high profile clients, from footballers to music artists, large corporates to large bridal parties, and am responsive to each client’s specific needs.

“I work closely with clients from the outset, involving them from the earliest stage of the creative process. I ask them to think about what they want from the occasion, including look and feel, and encourage them to think way beyond a standard event. I always work to create a stand out experience that will be entirely new to guests – why would you want your event to be like everyone else’s?

“I then create a range of mood boards and we take it from there. Clients can be as involved as they want to be, some are very hands-on and others leave me to manage every aspect – all of my clients know they can trust me to deliver a truly breath-taking event.

“The right entertainment is central to the success of any event – no matter what the occasion, people are there to

Lauren Platt (former XFactor finalist) tweeted “Well that was actually one of the best events I have played at” enjoy themselves. My entertainment industry contacts mean that clients are guaranteed the perfect acts for their event – recent events have seen me introduce acts as diverse as the legendary Ray Lewis of the Drifters, XFactor finalist Lauren Platt and beat boxing crew, Bloxed Beats, who usually grace stages such as Wembley Stadium, or international music festivals. Each act was tailored for a specific event audience and each blew the guests away with incredible performances.

Planning a party or an event can be a daunting task, whether it be a birthday, a wedding, a corporate event or even a one off party. Talk to Bill from the outset to ensure that everything you know you want as well as all of the other fine details that you hadn’t even considered are taken care of. With the experience and contacts that Bill has built up over the years in the industry, you can rest assured that by working with him your event will be executed to perfection, appear seamless and most of all, be a talking point for a very long time.

Bill says “For me, it’s all about the attention to detail - it’s the small details that only the host and my team will be aware of, that come together to create an overall ambience that can’t be matched.

“The Venue fits this bespoke approach perfectly and I am delighted to be able to bring this unique, luxurious pop-up experience to Buckinghamshire.”

To speak to Bill about your up coming event this year then please contact him on the details below .

THE DETAILS www.mjbevents.co.uk Contact Bill : 01494 240098 Email: bill@mjbevents.co.uk F E B R UMAA R YH 2200 11 66 2531 RC

FEATURE HOUSE & GARDEN

Electrical Magic We speak with Karl Ferguson owner of local custom installation company Electrical Magic What does EM do?

We design supply and install smart home control systems, home cinemas, streaming multi-room audio, Wi-Fi upgrades, universal remotes and energy saving heating controls. We basically integrate people and technology into the buildings they occupy.

Why did you set up Electrical Magic?

I have always been interested in technology, when I was fourteen I built a digital electronic door lock for my bedroom; my love of using technology to solve everyday problems has just grown from there. I spent many years working in the electrical and electronics industry and a spell in construction, the skills gained were perfect for the transition to a career in custom installation. I also hate wall acne and have made it my mission to clean up Britain’s walls using Niko’s award winning switch plates.

What makes Electrical Magic different?

My exceptionally high standards and drive for perfection. I treat all of my clients like friends and actually listen to what they want. We provide a level of customer service that goes above and beyond what most companies try to achieve. I’m 8 FA E RBCRHU2A 56 2 M 0 1R6 Y 2 0 1 6

more of an engineer than salesman so you won’t get the hard sell from me and I don’t push service contracts.

What is a Smart Home?

A Smart Home is where a home’s electrical devices are connected to a central system that controls those devices based on user or sensor inputs. For example- when you leave the house in the morning the smart home will turn the heating and lights off, if it is a hot day the shades will lower to keep the house cool, and when it gets dark the daylight sensor will tell the lighting to go into presence simulation mode.

So what are the benefits of a Smart Home?

Energy savings: Connected devices such as learning thermostats, light switches, electricity outlets and water heaters cut down on energy and use.

Control: Have you ever been driving and thought did I leave the iron/oven on? Or how about forgetting to leave a lamp on when you go away. With a smart home this can all be done using you phone or tablet.

Convenience: Smart locks can allow you to grant access to certain individuals at certain times, so you don’t have to stay home or give out a key. Likewise, a sensor can tell you when

your fridge is out of milk, and a Wi-Fi enabled doorbell can let you “answer” your door from anywhere in the world.

Security: Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, connected motion sensors and smart smoke alarms can all be monitored from inside or outside a home, in the event of an alarm they will send you an email and text alerts.

Safety: Smart sensors that can detect water leaks, humidity levels, carbon monoxide, motion, heat and every environmental concern imaginable help prevent accidents from turning into disasters because they can communicate with you directly, wherever you are.

The Elderly and Disabled: One of the greatest benefits of home automation is for the elderly or disabled individual.

Home automation can provide the invisible assistant needed for some people as they continue to do tasks around their homes as their capabilities decline.

Why don’t you have a showroom?

We don’t sell packages, we design and build bespoke automation systems around our clients’ needs and wishes. We are not tied to any manufactures so we can pick and choose the best equipment for their particular requirements.

Isn’t home automation very expensive?

Home automation used to be a luxury for the fabulously wealthy, but not anymore.

Control systems are now cheaper than ever. There are many good quality solutions for the new build or retro-fit market - two of my favourites are Niko Home Control and Fibaro.

There is a solution for all budgets and new build properties can have intelligent lighting , heating and air-conditioning systems installed at 0% VAT. Isn’t home automation just for new builds?

Whilst home automation is ideal for all new build homes,

there are retro-fit solutions available for the majority of properties including listed buildings and castles! You do not need to do every room in the house in one go. You could start with the kitchen refurb; put some speakers in the ceiling, have a lighting controller to create some nice scenes and perhaps a small TV in the corner to watch the news and tennis. Your home control system can then grow from there.

But I already have lots complicated remote controls, won’t home automation just add to them?

No, not at all, we can consolidate all of your remotes onto the tablet or phone of your choice and we will only put on the buttons that you actually need.

I pride myself on the fact that all our systems are intuitive and simple to use.

What’s popular at the moment?

• “Man caves” also known as home cinema.

• Wi-fi upgrades so you get great wi-fi signal anywhere on your property.

• Integrated audio, controlled from your phone or tablet (great for kitchen a refurb) • Lighting controllers • Energy saving heating controls What is the future for home control?

Wireless charge pads for our phones and tablets are going to be popular and integrated Wi-Fi and smart controls in all new build homes is on its way.

THE DET AILS Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9RU Tel: 01296 330149 www.electrical-magic.co.uk F E B R UMAARR Y C H2 2001166 85 73

FASHION & BEAUTY

Jet Set Glam

Easy glamour look for the summer fashionista! In the footsteps of the 70s jet set girls we get back into here and now in a casual deluxe poncho or gorgeous lace dress.

With flowing silk hippie dresses, plain or in fantastic prints, we are in immediate party mode‌

HipHippieHooray!

70s Suede

The wild 70s celebrate their fashionable leatherrevival. There is no way past the wow-pieces of the season. We love the mega cool bell-bottom, the culottes, the new flared dress and of course the fringe accessories.

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Print Parade

Whether dots, stripes and other graphic patterns or fantastic floral paradise-and bohemian prints‌this season prints and patterns strongly emphasize and accentuate flowing, soft silhouettes.

Riani collections now available at Andrew Gardner.

THE DETAILS

Andrew Gardner Women The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 625488 Email: women@andrewgardner.co.uk MARCH 2016 55

FASHION & BEAUTY

A’legions Luxury men’s shirt brand lands in Beaconsfield

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stablished in 2014, A’legions’ shirts are made from the finest, cotton-blended fabrics available. The Albini Group was one of the first manufacturers of shirting fabric in 19th-century Italy – a group of mills that continues to run today and supplies A’legions with the expertly made fabric that has been prized by many – in the UK and internationally – for several hundred years. The intricate embroidered detailing is finished by the latest state-of-the-art machinery, allowing for a clear design-signature across the range.

A’legions’ collars have a refined, crisp appearance due to their interlining and fusing which has been achieved with the world’s experts since 1843: Germany’s Wendler. A’legions worked symbiotically with Wendler to develop three, unique collar types: The Cutaway, The Venetian and The Roman High. Many collars feature edgestitching for an exacted finish.

Additionally, A’legions has designed several pioneering constructions-techniques: the “incorporated-bowtie”; smooth, “peel and reveal” cuff tips; the “flush inside-pocket”; and the readyto-wear double-cuff that can be worn multiple ways.

The A’legions crossed keys emblem stems from ancient codes of loyalty and strength and is a symbol of uncompromising quality for A’legions’ modern wearers.

THE DETAILS Available at Jonjames Menswear Address: 2 McBride House, Penn Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2FY Phone:01494 670024

A’legions with the expertly made fabric that has been prized by many – in the UK and internationally

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Are you a Crow or a Jester?

2016 sees the return of luxury Designer Simon Horsley and Crow and Jester

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row and Jester make individually designed, made to measure suits and shirts, personally created for you by designer Simon Horsley. Each garment is personalised to your style, using only the finest fabrics, and have the artistry of a designer who has worked at the

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height of men’s tailoring for over 20 years.

Having worked on patterns, productions and samples for the likes of Sir Paul Smith, Nigel Cabourn and Ozwald Boateng, including creating an entire season’s sample collection for them, Simon Horsley created Crow and Jester, his own contemporary menswear collection, dedicated to his purist vision of modern tailoring.

Crow and Jester represents both sides of Simon Horsley’s character. His ethos is that to create something truly individual, the designer has to give something personal from his or her own life experiences. For Simon it is all about personality driven design which has flawless detail combined with his personal twists.

‘A ‘Crow’ character is more introvert, classic, in command. It’s all about silhouette and cut’, explains Horsley, ‘with subtle classy details. The customer knows he is wearing the best suit but doesn’t need everyone to know this. The ‘Jester’ character is an extrovert. When he walks into a room he wants everyone to notice him.’

Originally established in 1997, with its range of ready-to-wear shirts and suits, 2016 sees a change of direction for Crow and Jester as Simon brings his flawless skills into the world of Made to Measure

tailoring, allowing Simon to meet each client by appointment and personally create each individually designed piece of clothing inspired by his Crow and Jester ethos.

A traditionally quirky and sharp yet classic British label, Crow and Jester takes a refreshing look at fashion through high quality garments with a tailored fit synonymous with all the great designer names. Crow and Jester’s style is all about silhouette, cut and impeccable attention to detail, finished off with the surprise element of trim and design. The versatility of the collection enhances Crow and Jester’s timeless appeal.

Crow and Jester individually design made to measure suits,

shirts and coats, which are created to complement your personality. Whether you have a look in mind or they are working with a blank canvas, our designer, Simon Horsley personally attends every appointment, giving advice and guidance to ensure you achieve your very own masterpiece.

Simon will be with you for every step of the process, from the first consultation to delivery of your first suit- something very unique within with the tailoring world.

For more information or to book an appointment please visit www.crowandjester.co.uk

THE DETAILS For more information or to book an appointment please visit www.crowandjester.co.uk MARCH 2016 59

LOVE LOC&ALBEAUTY FASHION

SPRING

coAST

INTO New

SeaSON

nEW Look

FaSHION With Christmas & New Year firmly behind us, it’s time to hang up your winter knits and start thinking about your spring wardrobe

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TED BAkEr AT joHn LEWIS

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he new season offerings are perfect for the sunnier days, from bright stripes at Topshop to pink tones at Ted Baker @ John Lewis, intu Watford is the perfect one–stop destination to find all of the latest fashion trends under one roof.

Floaty dresses, lace and delicate prints will keep you cool in the milder climate and ahead of the trend, with stores like River Island and H&M stocking a great selection to suit all shapes and sizes.

Not in to patterns? At Karen Millen and Coast you will find gorgeous, block colour items in a vast array of spring shades, from poppy red dresses to emerald green skirts.

Nautical stripes will also be a big hit this spring, with Marks & Spencer and New Look stocking a range of affordable and stylish pieces. If you are also looking to treat your toes,

nExT

If you are also looking to treat your toes, you will find bright, eye-catching colours and patterns the main focus at stores Kurt Geiger and Aldo. you will find bright, eye-catching colours and patterns the main focus at stores Kurt Geiger and Aldo.

No outfit is complete without the perfect accessory. Why not take a look in Accessorize or Next, and invest in an effortlessly stylish backpack to carry all of your essentials?

Finally, finish off with a statement bracelet or ring.

You are sure to find something you love in one of our many jewellery stores, from Thomas Sabo to Swarovski.

We can’t forget the boys either. With Zara, Jack & Jones, Timberland and Topman, you will find the latest trends to keep your look fresh and up to date. With so much to choose from across branded stores and independent boutiques, you’ll be spoilt for choice on ways to add a touch of spring to your Wardrobe at intu Watford.

kArEn mILLEn

kArEn mILLEn

THE DETAILS intu Watford Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 2UB ••••• 01923 250292 intu.co.uk/watford

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kArEn mILLEn

kUrT gEIgEr

Š 2016 Intu Properties plc

Shop with us: in centre | at home | on the go

Dorothy Perkins at BHS

S/S16 fashion is here

Come into bloom with fashion from your favourite brands.

Find out more at intu.co.uk/fashion

Progressive £ 295 Single vision £ 145 Book eye test online: crosseyes.co.uk

CrossEyes Amersham on the Hill 53 Hill Avenue crosseyes.co.uk Buckinghamshire crosseyesuk HP6 5BX crosseyesuk Tel. 014 9425 8586 Daily Poppins advert.pdf

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London FashionWeek Autumn/Winter 2016 Highlights

r A world of catwalks, celebrities, glitz and glamou TEMPERLEY LONDON

MARCH 2016 63

FASHION & BEAUTY

BURBERRY SHOW FINALE

JULIEN MACDONALD SHOW FINALE

London Fashion Week is always exciting and inspirational, and last month’s event proved to be once again. London Fashion Week presented another unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry.

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s usual, celebrities swarmed to attend the fashion event of the year - including Naomi Campbell, Alexa Chung, Cheryl FernandezVersini, Ellie Goulding, Millie Mackintosh, Pixie Lott, Yasmin Le-Bon, Samantha Cameron, Kelly Hoppen and Alan Carr. Keira Knightly made a dazzling return to the limelight at the Erdem show.

While most of us are thinking about our spring and summer wardrobes, 83 designers were showcasing this year’s Autumn/Winter Collections, and it was one of the event’s biggest line-ups yet.

Here are just some of the highlights...

BURBERRY THE COLLECTION – ‘A PATCHWORK’ The womenswear collection features a mix of patterns and textures influenced by British artists, musicians and history.

The Patchwork: A collection of bags inspired by the belt buckle from the brand’s iconic trench coat. Each one-of-a-kind bag is individually designed and named. With a variety of colours, textures, fabrics and embellishments, each bag features a polished buckle and can be worn as

NAOMI CAMPBELL WEARS BURBERRY

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MARY KATRANTZOU

a shoulder or crossbody, or carried as a clutch. Customers can select an exclusive bag design, which can be personalised with up to three initials as part of Burberry’s Runway Made to Order service.

The Buckle Boot: Inspired by the distinctive patchwork details present throughout the collection and by the classic wellington boot, the structured ankle boot comes in snakeskin and rubberised leather with a raised heel and accentuated tread Textures and fabrics: Glossy python, metallic floral and geometric jacquards, double-construction cashmere, python-trim shearling, brushed wool mohair checks, military Melton, hand-sewn sequin florals, framed lightweight lamé, printed python georgette, hand-worked fil coupé silk, glossy technical down shell, silkscreen floral lamé Colours: Parade red, sapphire blue, military green, black, mustard, powder blue, metallic teal, white, gunmetal, regimental navy Silhouettes: Cashmere military coats, aviators, duffle coats, field jackets, fur- trimmed puffers, regimental jackets, trench coats, cape coats, cape jackets, patchwork skirted dresses, pleated dresses, panelled T-shirt dresses, flared officer trousers, cropped military trousers Techniques: Double-faced fabrics, intricate embroidery, leather buffing with stone for a high-shine finish, handmade appliqué, artisanal fil coupé, regimental piping, bugle bead embroidery, patchworked panelling JASPER CONRAN Long blunt cut hair, hat pulled down. A softly militaristic attitude with patch pockets, epaulettes and bindings. Over coats and jackets with a masculine approach. Shirts and dresses split front, back and side.

Geometry in pattern and print bold and graphic yet stripped back. Art and architecture inspire. Colour moves from graphic blocks of navy, white and brown to greens, ochres, pinks, oranges and Crayola stripes.

At its core quality and precision in material and make.

BURBERRY

JASPER CONRAN

HOUSE OF HOLLAND

NAOMI CAMPBELL AND MICHAEL TESTINO AT BURBERRY

TEMPERLEY LONDON “Winter 2016 brings Temperley Sirens to London - inspired by pirates who preyed on the traders of the spice route and their tattoos of victories, loyalties, and loves, and mermaids who beguiled all before them with their dishevelled beauty... all this with a hint of Hendrix. “Alice Temperley MBE Tattoo inspired applique, stitch and sequin embroidery on outerwear, day and eveningwear styled with boyish bow-necked shirts, ruffle cuffs and lace trims. Capes layered over delicate dresses and fine needlecord tailoring with frogging details in soft powder blues and heady cinnamons.

Ice grey military inspired coats and jackets paired with feminine, diaphanous separates.

Layered, modern jacquard knitwear with fringed detailing sit alongside rich file-coupe jacquards both in stormy greys, mauves and unexpected pops of lime green. The nautical tattoo theme crescendos into fluid, exaggerated print dresses and an array of mermaid inspired cocktail and evening pieces. Raw edged layered tulle ruffles, ribbon embroidery, iridescent sequins and sheer mesh applique for understated opulence.

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND Autumn/ Winter 2016 is the first Runway Collection from Pringle of Scotland’s new Womenswear Design Director, Fran Stringer, ‘I wanted to find a way of celebrating the brand’s history and embracing its heritage, that was relevant to the way women want to dress today, so there is a sense of ease to the way the collection is worn. For me it was really important to capture something of its spirit; so the colour palette is inspired by natural wool colours and highland hues.”

In keeping with Stringer’s desire to honour the brand’s heritage but apply it to a way of dressing now, ‘twinsets’ take on a modern twist with all knit dressing, creating a relaxed and easy feel to the collection. Separates are produced in tonal colours, revealing head to toe monochrome looks worn as a full knit wardrobe.

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND

HOUSE OF HOLLAND

BURBERRY

The use of materials for the collection also pays homage to the brand’s roots; traditional Scottish plaid tartan and wool in its myriad yarns including cashmere, Shetland wool, mohair, silk and cotton. Shearling is given an unusual lightweight quality by weaving strips into a knitted base, creating a feminine, yet playful feel. Natural wool colours of cream and chocolate prevail, combined with evergreen, conker and rust, offset with pops of ochre, giving the collection a sense of its native Scotland.

JOSEPH Joseph’s collection definitely celebrated personal expression!

Unconventional yet brilliant looks: from those amazing oversized knitted jumpers, to laced up trousers without forgetting the whole turned inside out letting the garments being seen in there rawest form. There was surely a vibe of late 80’s gliding down the catwalk!

SIBLING Showcasing the ‘Give the world a little disco’ collection, which reflected singer Grace Jones. The models walked down the catwalk to Kelis’ milkshake, whilst flaunting sequins, feathers and sparkle. The key colour: PURPLE. HOUSE OF HOLLAND Drawing from two of the greatest party decades of the 20th century – 1920s vs 1970s. The look of Lori Maddox with the inherent rebellion and sexual freedom heralded by 20s flapper girls. Good time Glam Rock groupies.

Tough. Sexy. Individual. Rubber coated lace. Statement shearling. Slashed metallic ‘chainmail’. Fringed hemlines. Leopard velvet suiting. Louche smoking jackets. 1920s prints and detailing. Scalloped hems, dropped waists, clashing velvets with metallic.

THE DETAILS For more information visit the website at www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

JASPER CONRAN

KEIRA KNIGHTLY AT THE ERDEM SHOW

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FASHION & BEAUTY

b retreat A luxury aesthetic retreat in Berkhamsted offering a range of unique and cutting edge treatments.

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he b retreat, founded by Katie Thacker, partners with leading global providers to combine revolutionary technology and natural products in a beautiful private setting.

Katie trained with one of Europe’s leading skincare specialists in Hungary and is a qualified CIBTAC and CIDESCO therapist, including advanced ESPA and CNC cosmetic training. She has worked delivering luxury experiences in some of the world’s leading spas and established The Barn Spa, ESPA’s first boutique spa in the UK. Her vision has evolved to focus on cutting edge aesthetic treatments, visiting celebrity therapists and brow artists in Europe and the US, to create a unique retreat.

Katie approaches every client’s individual skin concerns with personalised skin analysis and guidance. Her depth of knowledge in holistic and dermaceutical ski care thrills her clients with immediate and lasting results. She is passionate about helping you change the way you think about and care for your skin.

“My job is to make flawless, glowing, youthful skin a reality for everyone, so that you can live your life and leave the rest to me. I am continually researching the latest technologies around the world, to bring you truly unique and natural solutions that really deliver. I look forward to welcoming you to the place to b.”

Katie Thacker products CNC Skincare CNC (Creative Nature Cosmetic) offers the most innovative and revolutionary premium cosmetics for face and body. Their high tech formulations are based on the proven effectiveness of their active ingredients.

Combined with the latest findings in anti-aging research, they enter into perfect

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Life Mag a readers zine receive 15%Off a treatme ny nts on mention of this feature

symbiosis with the skin. Vitamins, antioxidants, fruit acid, hyaluronic acid and peptides in high concentrations as well as various sun protection factors promise effective solutions that will work for every skin problem and skin type.

The BrowGal By Tonya Crooks The BrowGal is an innovative line of eyebrow products designed by Los Angeles based celebrity eyebrow expert and makeup artist, Tonya Crooks. Well groomed eyebrows can make a huge difference in framing your face. Brow shape and texture is different for everyone, based on genetics, so for the perfect brows natural is best.

Zoya Nail Polish and Treatments The longest wearing natural nail polish, which is free from toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP and camphor. Phd Safewax Professional, hygienic and disposable.

This achieved through using the individually packaged applicator heads, which are disposed of after each treatment.

Mac Cosmetics The world’s leading professional make up authority. Setting trends backstage at fashion weeks around the world.

Dior Cosmetics Dior’s unique understanding of couture brings the idea of customised luxury to the world of make up, which adapts to your unique skin type and adjusts throughout the day for ultra smooth, flawless finish.

THE DETAILS b retreat Northchurch Common Berkhamsted HP4 1LR Open Monday to Saturday by appointment only.

For bookings and product orders +44 (0)7769 701 250 www.bretreat.com

FASHION&& BEAUTY BEAUTY HEALTH

Make a POSITIVE CHANGE today Sugar is the hot topic of the moment, all over the news for it’s links with obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Sandra Brooks explains how the DROPiT21 programme, encompassing clean eating, fitness and well-being, can help you to kick the sugar habit for a cleaner, healthier and happier life.

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ccording to research, the UK as a nation devours a massive 2 million tonnes of sugar each year, which equates to around 238 teaspoons of sugar per week, per person. We are often unaware that we are even consuming sugar at all. Some of the added sugar is found in foods and drinks we are led to believe to be healthy.

So what is the connection between sugar and obesity?

Sugar metabolises as fat in the liver and can lead to an increase in body weight. Over-consumption of sugar can lead to a whole host of medical problems. This was clearly demonstrated by TV chef Jamie Oliver in his recent documentary “Sugar Rush” and also by filmmaker Damon Gameau in his documentary, “That Sugar Film”, recently shown in cinemas.

In the hard-hitting “Sugar Rush” Jamie Oliver investigated sugar’s huge contribution to health problems. Scarily, in the UK each year, 26,000 primary school-age children go to hospital due to rotten teeth. Equally frightening is the 3 million people with Type 2 diabetes and the numbers for life-changing limb amputations relating to diabetes currently standing at more than 100 per week!

In “That Sugar Film”, Gameau, conducted an experiment to introduce 40 teaspoons of sugar a day to his diet (the average Australian’s daily sugar consumption), the twist being that all of this sugar was found in foods considered as healthy. Frighteningly, within just 18 days Gameau started to show signs of fatty liver disease along with 10 centimetres of visceral fat around his stomach. After 60 days he developed signs of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If he had carried on with this diet he would have probably gone on to develop those in full. Encouragingly, when Gameau reverted back to his previous sugar-free diet, all the conditions reversed themselves in 60 days.

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And this last point is good news for everyone – you can make a positive change today that can instantly benefit your health and wellbeing for the long term. DROPiT21 is a completely online programme focusing on education and motivation around clean healthy eating, involving removing sugar and processed food from your diet.

So are you ready for that Positive Change?

Rob & Sarah holding the equivalent in sugar to the weight they lost by doing the DROPiT21 Programme - Rob is now 23lbs lighter and Sarah is 13 lbs lighter.

THE DETAILS For Further details of DROPiT21 please contact Sandra Brooks: Tel: 07771 800913 Web: www.dropit21.com Email: sandra@dropit21.com

Achieve Flawless Skin in Safe Hands Achieve Flawless Skin in Safe Hands

Achieve Flawless Skin in Safe Hands

Treatment Suitable for Everyone Treatment Suitable for Everyone

Electrolysis for hair & skin treatment Before

After

What blemishes can be treated?

• Thread Veins • Skin Tags • Blood Spots • Milia • Sebaceous Cysts • Verrucas • Spider Naevus • Warts • Moles & many more diverse blemishes.

Treatment Suitable for Everyone

For an appointment please call Maureen on 0701 0707 310 or email: maureengillanders@hotmail.com

To find out more and book an appointment ask at Reception

Or email: info@advancedelectrolysis-mgillanders.co.uk Visit: www.advancedelectrolysis-mgillanders.co.uk

For an appointment please call Maureen on 0701 0707 310 or email: maureengillanders@hotmail.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

OUR AWARD OUR WINNING DENTIST I wanted to talk about Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) this month : Snoring and OSA are usually the result of a partial or complete mechanical blockage of air flow during sleep. This article will focus on the professional management of these all too common problems.

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he gold standard for treating severe OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A face mask attached to an air pump forces air, under pressure, through the collapsed airway ensuring uninterrupted breathing during sleep. CPAP treatment is very successful but patient tolerance, some of the side effects and social impact of the treatment lead to poor patient compliance. Only the most severe OSA, determined patients will tolerate these limitations. Simple snorers are unlikely to receive this treatment.

ENT surgery to improve nasal airflow, increasing the upper pharyngeal area, may make nasal breathing easier. This may discourage mouth breathing and resolve the snoring and OSA. Such an approach may be indicated for a deviated nasal septum, removal of nasal polyps, or reduction of soft tissues at the back of the throat. However patient selection is critical as surgery is invasive, carries risks and can be very painful. Since most of the blockage in the airway is lower down the throat in the hypopharynx, upper airway surgery may be ineffective, disappointing and in some situations may result in soft tissue scarring which further impinges air flow resistance.

Major jaw surgery (Orthognathic surgery) where the lower jaw, upper jaw or both are broken and then advanced to permanently open the posterior pharyngeal airway is effective but is invasive, complex and carries high risks. This surgery is reserved for extreme cases especially where there is associated facial deformity.

Bariatric gastric surgery in the obese patient to reduce excessive weight may also help the snoring and OSA but is seldom the first line of treatment.

The most simple, non-invasive, reversible, low risk and inexpensive treatment is a mandibular advancement device (MAD) which is removable by the patient and worn only during sleep. These appliances hold the lower jaw, attached structures (i.e. muscles, tongue and hyoid bone) forward in the “recovery position” during sleep. Try holding the jaw forward and you may notice that breathing is easier. As a result of holding these structures forward, the airway is widened and kept open. Additionally the uvula, the dangly bit at the end of the soft palate, moves downward and forward, helping to open the upper

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airway space, providing the patient breathes through the nose. Enlarging tongue space by holding the tongue forward, has an immediate and dramatic impact on the airway, breathing, snoring and OSA. To quote an ENT surgeon, “its almost impossible to snore with the jaw and tongue forward providing the patient breathes through the nose”. MAD’s can be used to complement the other treatments.

MAD appliances are derived from Orthodontic functional appliances used by Orthodontists to alter jaw relations and tooth positions in children and young adults. Self-prescribed, over the counter devices may put the unsuspecting patient at risk. Fortunately most patients find these generic devices intolerably bulky and unwearable.

Snoring and OSA are chronic long term conditions which often worsen with age. When choosing a MAD, the patient should look for features which offer a long term solution.

The device must be easy to wear, comfortable, non-invasive, cleanable (dishwasher proof ) durable, easy to fit and remove.

It should need minimal maintenance, cause few unwanted side effects, be unobtrusive and inexpensive in the long term.

It should be adjustable, enable speech and drinking without needing to be removed from the mouth.

Dentists make a range of bespoke MAD appliances in plastics or metal. Whilst individually made plastic devices are better fitting, more tolerable and are safer for the patient than the “over the counter” MAD’S, these plastic devices are bulky, difficult to clean, become smelly and liable to fracture.

They don’t last very long and in many cases need regular replacement. Dentist delivered plastic devices are more expensive than the over the counter devices but are cheaper than metal MAD’s. The most comfortable, best tolerated, least bulky, dishwasher proof, highly durable and longest lasting MAD is the Somnowell. This appliance is made of cast chrome cobalt metal. A dentist is required to apply advanced specialist measurement techniques. The devices are bespoke and tailor made by hand for each individual patient using jaw simulators and state of the art laboratory technology. They are expensive in the short term but since they tick all the boxes and are so effective over a long period of time, they are relatively inexpensive in the long term.

How can you place a financial value on your health and a good night’s sleep for both the patient and sleeping partner?

Please feel free to contact us if you require any information on the Somnowell Appliance. Thank you

THE DETAILS THEPractice, DETAILS Rosebank Dental Shire Lane, Rosebank Dental Practice Chorleywood, Hertfordshire WD3 5NH Shire Lane, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire WD3 5NH Tel: 01923 282 691 Tel: 01923 282 691 www.rosebankdental.co.uk www.rosebankdental.co.uk

HOUSE HOuse garden H OUSE & GARDEN

When is a door noT a door?

It is strange how we can often remember old jokes that our school friends and parents told us… particularly the bad ones!

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hat said, in this energy conservation age, thermally efficiency wise, a door in practical terms is not actually a door (in the energy saving sense) when it is a-jar, as obviously when open a door lets out all the energy that has been generated by the property’s heating system.

A door is also not a door when it is a-jar in the security

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sense either, as it is designed to provide access and egress for the owners of the property, along with their friends, family and visitors. Nowadays you don’t find many UK householders who leave their front and/or back doors unlocked at night! Some old fashioned folk, still choose to risk leaving them open during the day, but if they were to be burgled their insurance company would not pay them anything, in the same way if an unlocked car is stolen. In today’s modern society, most insurance companies insist on multi-point locking for front and back doors, and sometimes require an additional deadlock, and unless when you leave your property you do lock both locks (i.e. both the yale lock and the mortice lock) its contents simply will not be insured, despite the fact you have paid a premium!

Doors are a common cause of draughts and leaks in most homes, so fitting replacement double glazed or even triple glazed residential doors is a sure way to reduce the amount of heat your property is losing as a result of retaining old inefficient doors. The added bonus is that multi-locking comes as standard on virtually every aluminium, composite and UPVC double glazed front door in the UK marketplace. By

…when its a-jar? raising the door handles vertically on these high security doors, one not only activates the locking mechanisms, but also engages the gaskets around the door frame, which

or aluminium replacement doors, but when it comes to saving energy, the security of your home and fantastic aesthetic appearance, do you really want to compromise

Aluminium double glazed residential doors are excellent replacement doors in terms of added energy efficiency and security creates a seal, keeping out the cold, reducing draughts and keeping expensive heat inside.

A door is neither a container (i.e. a jar!) when it is open or shut, but when open it does let the cold outside in and the warmth stored inside out.

Thermally efficiency wise, your property will greatly benefit by fitting it with high quality double glazed doors, and obviously will benefit even more if you install a triple glazed UPVC front door, back door or a set of triple glazed French doors.

Aluminium double glazed residential doors are excellent replacement doors in terms of added energy efficiency and security, however the most thermally efficient and secure doors are the top of the range composite front doors, and composite French doors that are available in the UK. The downside is that high quality double glazed composite front doors, do cost more than UPVC

and settle for second or third best? Even though Hazlemere’s composite door ranges are the most expensive types of replacement doors in their High Wycombe doors showroom (although still far less than the cost of double glazed solid hardwood front doors), they are still Hazlemere’s best-selling front doors, a fact which rather tells its own story.

That said, when it comes to replacement back doors, kitchen doors or French doors opening into the garden or onto the patio, most owners in the South of England are more than happy to install UPVC or aluminium doors as their back door or kitchen door, given these areas are usually more secure in the first place, and the double glazed replacement aluminium or UPVC doors are a dramatic improvement both security wise and thermally wise on the old leaky and draughty doors.

So when is a door not a door? …When it is not double or triple glazed… and securely shut!

THE DETAILS If you would like more information or a free no obligation quote on Hazlemere Windows thermally efficient insulated bespoke residential doors in aluminium or composite or PVCu, call us on 01494 854266 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk MAARRCCH H 22001166 7835 M

H OUSE & GARDEN

Beautiful timber windows and doors

Top of your home-style agenda should be a critique of whether your windows and doors are letting the kerbside appeal of your home down.

Peeling paint, draughty window frames and badly fitting doors simply don’t cut it so this is the perfect time to take action.

Safe, Secure and Made to Last Today security is of great importance and homeowners can rest assured that Mumford & Wood’s Secured by Design accreditation, this is the UK police initiative to design-out crime, to PAS:24 standards, will provide the highest levels of security.

The timber the company uses is mainly Siberian Larch which is dense and slow growing. It is sustainably sourced and engineered to achieve the most stable, durable and robust timber making it perfect for fine joinery products. “Sourcing the correct timber is an art form in itself,” says Frank Buckley, managing director, “and we pride ourselves on making our timber selection the very essence of our success.”

Maintenance

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he dramatic return to timber as the natural material of choice for windows and doors follows the continuing decline in popularity of uPVC. The uniqueness of timber is much loved by British home owners and it provides levels of energy and acoustic performance that can make a real difference to your comfort.

But they will also completely transform the appearance of your property adding to its kerb appeal and, importantly, its value.

Architectural style and performance

Mumford & Wood make-to-order and will advise you on the correct style of fenestration that your home requires.

Their award-winning Conservation™ range is a carefully coordinated collection of traditional timber sash and casement windows; beautiful French doorsets; increasingly popular balcony doors; dramatic bi-folding doors, and entrance doors with fanlights and fixed glazing so there’s plenty to choose from.

Double glazing comes as standard in this collection with U-values that surpass the requirements of current Building Regulations which, if you are working on your project with the help of an architect, will be important to the specification. These products are Energy Saving Trust listed and carry the BSI Kitemark, the marque of excellence.

Equally, if your property is listed, or in a conservation area where planning restrictions may overrule the use of double glazing, Conservation™ heritage single glazed sash windows with traditional true bar and putty glazing, or their new slim double glazed classic options, may be the perfect solution.

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The company’s market leading warranties ensure they deliver to the highest standards. “Our customers are usually amazed that our products, which are fully factory finished, are delivered with three coats of high quality, micro-porous paint which is available in a wide choice of heritage colours, or stain, while a dual-colour option allows you to easily coordinate with the interior décor,” continues Frank.

Inevitably timber windows will require maintenance during their lifetime and to ensure these products look better for longer you can purchase Mumford & Wood paint, colour matched to your original order, whenever you need it.

Alternatively their Complete Care Service means that they will take responsibility for the care, maintenance and upkeep of your investment with an annual inspection and aftercare service.

The Refer a Friend scheme means they say ‘Thank You’ to you, your friends and families when you recommend Mumford & Wood.

THE DETAILS Visit showrooms in Tiptree, Essex, where the entire Conservation™ range is manufactured, and at the Building Centre, London 01621 81855 or visit www.mumfordwood.com

Photo credit: Simon Maxwell

Bespoke Kitchen and Wardrobe Design www.neatsmith.co.uk

Neatsmith quality

design

service

0800 1956 595

FIncHLEY ROad

HatcH End

158 Finchley Road

471 Uxbridge Road

nW3 5HH

Ha5 4JS

H OUSE & GARDEN

SMART & STREAMLINED the new Neatsmith kitchen

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eatsmith, the experts in clever cabinetry solutions, launch a new kitchen range that fuses British design and Italian craftsmanship. The result is a streamlined and integrated look made easy with Neatsmith’s talented kitchen designers, who work with clients to create bespoke designs to exacting specifications.

As experts in cabinetry, due to a long heritage in stunning wardrobe design, Neatsmith truly understand storage. They create smart designs that incorporate appliances into the very fabric of the kitchen.

The Neatsmith design process is a collaborative one. They will turn a combination of your ideas and their expertise into an efficient and stunning design. This very design-led service is allied to a kitchen range of the highest quality.

Each element of your kitchen can be tailored to suit your space and requirements. Using sleek and innovative materials allows for a kitchen that is stylish yet durable. The trend for industrial-style kitchens has been growing over the past few years. Neatsmith can help you choose surfaces that can stand the wear and tear of everyday cooking – combining style with durability.

The kitchen is undisputedly both the heart and hub of the home. It is the room where we end up spending most of our time, be it for cooking, socialising or simply spending time with the family. It needs to be beautiful, but functional too.

As technology gets smarter and makes life easier, a clever, gadget filled kitchen has become a must have. Neatsmith can help you incorporate the latest gadgets and still retain design integrity.

Stainless-steel has become an increasingly popular choice, due to it being a non-porous material that is hygienic and easy to clean. Scale stains can easily be removed, leaving the steel as good as new.

Neatsmith create smart designs that incorporate appliances into the very fabric of the kitchen Paperstone, an innovative design, is made completely from recycled materials. This eco worktop is hygienic, non-toxic and resistant to temperatures up to 180c. It is a non-porous surface, 100% water-resistant and resists cracking from heavy impacts.

Visit one of Neatsmith’s three London showrooms to further explore the collection and begin your complimentary design consultation. Kitchen prices start from around £20,000, wardrobe prices start from around £1,500 per linear metre, please visit the website for more details.

THE DETAILS Call 0800 1956 595 or visit www.neatsmith.co.uk to find out more. Alternatively visit one of showrooms in Hatch End, Finchley Road or Teddington

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Bespoke Wardrobe and Kitchen Design www.neatsmith.co.uk

Neatsmith quality

design

service

0800 1956 595

FincHLeY Road

HaTcH end

TeddingTon

158 Finchley Road

471 Uxbridge Road

3 Broad Street

nW3 5HH

Ha5 4JS

TW11 8QZ

H OUSE & GARDEN

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home Sue Birch, a designer at KB Studios of Beaconsfield offers advice on how to plan your dream kitchen when undertaking a home renovation project.

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he kitchen is the heart of the home and the most important room when it comes to renovating a house. Take time to think about how you will use your kitchen before you even begin to think about what it will look like.

A good place to start is your current kitchen, what works and what doesn’t, what would you most like to change.

A good kitchen designer will work with you and ask lots of questions about how you and your family live and what you want to do in your new kitchen.

Storage is a key element as everyone’s storage requirements will be different, what do you want to store, how much stuff, how much is to be hidden away and how much do you want on display?

Take time to think about how you will use your kitchen before you even begin to think about what it will look like Your designer can offer advice as to the relationship between different areas and how to have a logical working triangle so that everything you need for preparing and cooking is at hand. If you have always dreamed of a kitchen island, what will you use it for and how much space do you have. If possible build the island in the kitchen with boxes so you can see what room is available around it. Generally if you’re having an island there should be at least four feet between it and the nearest counter.

When you have a clear idea about what you need you can start to consider what style you want. Many homeowners don’t know if they want modern or traditional, it is only 78 MARCH 2016

when they see a display in a showroom or a picture in a magazine, they then know that is what they have been looking for.

Once you have decided on a style and colour scheme there are still many choices to be made, handles, worktops, sinks, taps, the list may seem endless. Don’t be overwhelmed take advice and do your research, considering the look you want to achieve, the functions you require and budget.

Don’t forget that a good designer will be your best friend and a wise investment so choose one that shares your vision and you will enjoy the process- happy planning!

THE DETAILS KB Studios 43/45 Mayflower Way, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1UG Telephone: 01494 677727 www.kbstudios.co.uk email: sales@kbstudios.co.uk

HOUSE & GARDEN

Ashford Kitchens & Interiors

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shford Kitchens & Interiors offer complete design, supply and fully project-managed installation service. Being established for over 30 years now, with a large showroom in Ashford, Middlesex and a newly opened showroom in Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire; Ashford Kitchens & Interiors can be sure to provide you with a hassle-free, individual service which exceeds expectations, meeting needs in terms of design, budget and timeliness.

The family run business are proud to have completed over several thousand installations in and around the local area – In the photos above can see some of these completed kitchens. Customers travel from far and wide for the expert advice provided by the family-run, KBSA-registered business.

‘We heavily rely on recommendations – in fact, over 70% of our business is from recommendations alone’ says company director, Stephen Flower ‘We are very proud of this and recognize the importance of it.’ Offering high standards of quality and attention to detail, it’s no wonder Ashford Interiors has built up such a loyal clientèle.

The company offer a free, no-obligation, design visit and planning service with computer aided design software, which helps client’s visualise their renovation project and make adjustments right for them. Our skilled designers can plan a kitchen to suit different budgets, style requirements and spaces. We make every effort to make things right from day one, so that you will be delighted with the end result.

Ashford Kitchens & Interiors pride themselves on facilitating a fully project managed service, as not many companies take on the job as a whole.

By providing this service, customers can feel at ease that their project is in safe hands; not having to worry about going 80 MARCH 2016

elsewhere to search for appliances or flooring. The company provide expert knowledge and excellent prices on their high quality cabinetry from leading British manufacturers and a vast range of appliances, specialised worktops, flooring, tiles and lighting - all of which can be viewed in one of our spacious showrooms.

Ashford Kitchens & Interiors has been a specialist member of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) since 1984. We are one of 300 fully accredited, UK based, independent retailers recognised for providing the highest quality advice about key home improvements.

Therefore you can be double assured that we will always offer a highly professional and cost effective service from design to installation.

Being a local, family run business Ashford Kitchens & Interiors genuinely care that their customers receive the best possible service and are happy with their experience from the moment they step into the showroom.

We welcome you to visit our spacious showrooms in Ashford, Middlesex & Farnham Common, Bucks where you will be able to experience the variety and quality of our extensive displays that will inspire you to create your dream kitchen, bedroom or home office.

THE DETAILS 1 – 2 The Parade, The Broadway, Farnham Common, Bucks, SL2 3QJ Tel: 01753 642362 85 Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 2PE Tel: 01784 245964 www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk

THINKING OF REPLACING YOUR KITCHEN, BEDROOM OR HOME OFFICE? Visit our Large Showrooms for Inspiration and to book your FREE design Visit 85 Church Road Ashford, Middx TW15 2PE Tel: 01784 245964

1-2 The Parade, The Broadway Farnham Common Bucks SL2 3QJ Tel: 01753 642362

www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk

H OUSE & garden GARDEN HOuse

Guide to the

ulTimaTe home improvemenT

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ransforming your home with a bespoke pool house is a luxurious and life-enhancing choice.

Designing and building a pool house is quite unlike any other building project and requires more than just finding a competent builder. Gary Taylor of Origin Leisure, the UK’s oldest established, multiaward winning pool company with more than 30 years’ experience, gives his advice on how to go about the ultimate home improvement.

building project is to have one single company responsible for all aspects of the design and build of your dream pool house. Of course it is possible to work with individual contractors but they will require more management by you, and the success of your project depends heavily on how well they work with each other. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of a blame game and have the headache of multiple people to deal with.

SpecialiSt deSign

Bringing your dream to life has some distinct stages. At Origin Leisure we work through four key stages to create the perfect bespoke indoor pool.

1. Plan. This involves comprehensive feasibility studies and designs, from initial concepts, through to architectural drawings, and 3D CAD and colour visuals. This stage will also cover your planning applications.

2. Design. Our structural engineers and technical team work through the details of every design aspect, from specialist heating, dehumidification and ventilation design to the detail of the materials used, lighting, interior design and even energy source. Your pool house can also include green energy options, such as solar or air/ground source heat pumps

It’s important to understand that indoor pools require specialist design in three major areas: the pool chamber, the building structure and the management of the pool building environment (heating, dehumidification and ventilation). All of these specialisms should be integrated into a consolidated design from the start, to avoid disruptive, complicated and potentially costly alterations after your pool house has been built.

achieving harmony

Look for a company that has all this specialist knowledge under one roof. The safest way to achieve harmony in your 2 M MA AR RC CH H 2016 98 0

the four StepS to SucceSS

3. Build. From the moment the first spade hits the ground the entire construction will be project managed by the same team that you have been working with from the outset, right through to liaising with all the utilities companies on your behalf.

4. Maintain. Your pool house is for life, and we understand the maintenance this requires. We also look after this final stage of the process for many of our customers, from routine maintenance to emergency support, winter-proofing your building, and water health checks.

peace of mind

It’s important you have peace of mind about your chosen pool company, so in addition to speaking to existing customers and seeing examples of work, here is a checklist of things to ensure your chosen pool company offers: • Over 30 years’ experience in indoor pool design and construction • 10 year warranty • Members of the Federation of Master Builders • Accredited members of SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association). The SPATA awards are long established, and are considered the UK’s number one accolades for excellence in the swimming and leisure industry. This year alone Origin Leisure has won four awards for indoor and outdoor pools – two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze

diving in

Matt and Kerrie Smith chose Origin Leisure to create their indoor swimming pool after being inspired by the 2012 Olympics. They wanted to make a big improvement to

their country retreat that would suit the whole family.

“My son has a friend who has an indoor pool and seeing the amount of flexibility it gave to the family was what swayed our decision”, explains Kerrie. “They could have a number of children over at the house, all happily playing in the pool all day. Our kids, aged six, ten and 13, are at the age now where kicking a ball outside isn’t enough to keep them entertained for hours on end.”

As with most areas of the house, the children and the adults use the space differently. An indoor swimming pool is no exception - it had to be a space for the whole family to enjoy. “We needed it to tick all the boxes; entertain the children, whilst also

As with most areas of the house, the children and the adults use the space differently. An indoor swimming pool is no exception being a space where the adults could exercise.”

Since making the decision to add an indoor swimming pool to their home, Matt and Kerrie haven’t been happier.

“A swimming pool is the best thing we’ve done to the house and we wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. We knew we were going to enjoy it, but we absolutely love it. My advice to anyone thinking about investing in a swimming pool is not to think twice. I smile every time I look at the pool and it’s brought so much fun to our home.”

THE DETAILS www.originleisure.com 01895 823366 MAARRCCHH 22001166 8931 M

H OUSE & GARDEN

SPACERS TILE AND WOOD FLOORING

Our professional staff is always on hand to answer any questions and to help with advice from design through to installation. Our website shows just a small sample of the vast choice available for Wall Tiles, Floor Tiles, Solid and Engineered real Wood Flooring, Natural Stone, Carpets, Glass Tiles and Mosaics.

We are also main dealers for Amtico and Karndean vinyl flooring. To appreciate the huge array of products we supply to make your home beautiful, visit one of our showrooms.

You can browse the special offers section of our website for our latest reductions but know that we can offer incredibly low prices on any products, irrespective of whether you order in the showroom or online or by phone..

To appreciate the huge array of products we supply to make your home beautiful, visit one of our showrooms.

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pacers Tile and Wood Flooring have been established for over 30 years supplying the best in Floor and Wall coverings sourced from the worlds best manufacturers.

Both our Maidenhead and Ruislip Showrooms boast over 100 m2 and 200m2 respectively of prime retail space. is gives us the opportunity to show all the products we do to their very best advantage. e finest Floor and Wall coverings from around the world are here for you to explore in the comfort of a spacious and modern environment.

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We now have a special section on our website showing a hand picked range of Porcelain floor and wall tiles and engineered wood at incredible discounts.

We look forward to seeing you…

THE DETAILS Opening Hours; Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm Late night Thursday until 7pm Saturdays 9am – 6pm

Ruislip: 01895 621 651 Maidenhead: 01628 624 546

www.spacers-uk.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

A great night sleep Here at St Giles Furniture we understand bedrooms; we’ve been designing them for 28 years. With our knowledge and expertise we can create your dream bedroom. Let us do the thinking so that you can do the sleeping.

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aving a simple design that functions well makes a perfect bedroom. A great design does not have to be complex. A simple space that functions well will often cost less whilst being efficient and easy to maintain. Creating space that functions simply can be difficult in a bedroom. This is often due to the placement of the bed. Beds will often dictate the placement of every other item of furniture in the room. The beauty of having St Giles Furniture design a bedroom for you is that we enable you to control the elements and finalise a design that meets both your practical and stylistic needs.

When looking at your bedroom try to think about your circulation, visualise your patterns of movement; it is best to keep the main movement to one side of the room. Hotels do this extremely well. Natural light also helps to bring a bedroom to life. Whether you are creating an entirely new space or reworking an old one, try to focus on a vista.

Ventilation can often be overlooked, that fresh air feeling in your bedroom is hard to beat. Privacy is another point to consider when finalising the design of your dream room. Having the bedroom door open without the bed being in full view is a small touch that creates a space that feels personal and separate from the other areas of the home.

Working with St Giles Furniture allows endless options; specific furniture requirements can be drawn by our designers and made

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in our workshop to suit the needs of each space in the home.

At St Giles Furniture we pride ourselves on providing tailor-made furniture that suits the individual needs of our customers. Everything we do is considered.

It is good to take your time to research and understand what is most important for you in your design. St Giles Furniture will support you every step of the way. With our service, expertise in design and stunning furniture a great night sleep is guaranteed- priceless.

THE DETAILS St Giles Furniture 12 The Green, High Street, Chalfont St Giles Buckinghamshire HP8 4QF T:01494 873031 E: info@stgilesfurniture.com W:stgilesfurniture.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Protect your investment and home improvements with a water softener

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he most important part of any functional kitchen or bathroom is water, yet it is often overlooked when planning home improvements. Spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on a new kitchen or bathroom is a big investment and one that you should want to protect. They may look pristine after completion but after just six months, if you live anywhere in Bucks and Berks, the damaging effects of hard water will begin to take effect.

Investing in a water softening system before you install a new bathroom, kitchen or boiler can protect your investment, save you money, endless hours cleaning and have proven wellbeing benefits.

“When I go into my clients’ homes, and they’re looking to install a new bathroom or kitchen, I always recommend they invest in a water softener. Over the years I have seen clients spend thousands of pounds on new bathrooms, only to be hugely disappointed a few months later when the dreaded limescale starts to build up. Pristine taps start to look grubby, free flowing showers get clogged up, crystal clear shower screens and tiles become watermarked – limescale can completely ruin the look of your bathroom not to mention the time you’ll spend cleaning it. I’m a true advocate of having soft water throughout your home, have a water softener myself and will always recommend a Kinetico water softener to my clients.”

A. Speed, Fine Home Build & Design, Beaconsfield

Damaging effects of hard water in the bathroom…

Benefits of softened water in the bathroom: • No more limescale – much less cleaning • No stains and water marks from sinks, baths and showers • Protects your sanitaryware, especially taps and shower heads • Protects your heating system & saves on energy bills –up to 25% less • Softer, smoother hair and skin - kinder to dry skin Damaging effects of hard water in the kitchen...

Benefits of softened water for the kitchen: • New taps, sinks and work surfaces will stay limescale free • Removes the need to buy limescale cleaner or use chemical products to clean • Reduces the build up of limescale inside appliances, boilers and kettles which can cause them to break down • Washing machine and dishwashers will remain efficient and last longer • No need to use salt in the dishwasher • Uses up to 75% less soap and detergent in washing machines 88 MARCH 2016

THE DETAILS For more information on water softeners or to book a free Home Demo or Site Survey Call the Love Your Water Team!

Tel: 01494 673200 • 01753 531985 01628 788819 • 01344 859909 Email: info@loveyourwater.co.uk Visit: www.loveyourwater.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN HOuse garden

A style to suit you in general – colour, textures and light are all important in creating the period bathrooms below – they all help create the right feel and atmosphere as well as choosing the right sanitary ware designs… feet made from cast iron are true to the age, as are paint effects such as faux marbling. Washbasins are often set on a washstand and w/c’s are high-up, in iconic Victorian fashion.

The colour palette is made up of forest colours such as reds, blues and greens with lots of art nouveau patterns.’

art deco bathrooms – art decoratiVe

GeorGian bathrooms

‘Georgian Bathrooms tend to have high ceilings and big windows with lots of light flooding in. Grand and prominent features work well, for example, eye catching freestanding baths or exposed brassware fittings in the shower, or taps. You may also want to introduce bold colours, whether it’s a painted bath, or window dressing, it’s typical of this era to include dark reds, sage greens and cloudy blues. Elegant bathroom sanitaryware works best to create an authentic look, however, if you’re feeling daring very contemporary bathrooms designs can look amazing in these spaces too. Lighting is very important, as Georgian bathrooms often have high ceilings, which can be dressed with a statement chandelier.

The tiling should be kept simple, natural stone works very well, so can the new style plank porcelain tiles which replicate an original wooden floor without the worry of water damage. If it is possible, retain the original features, for example fireplaces can look great behind a freestanding bath, this is the same for a huge Georgian window as there is often a low sill height. Heating is also important, big chunky styles like Bard & Brazier Baronial towel warmers work well with the drama of the space, smaller features would be lost.’

‘As the name implies, this look is rich in decoration with influence from the far east, using dramatic colours and textures. Blacks are often used and highlighted by golds and rich jade colours with chrome plating and lots of mirrors.

Tiling is often patterned with geometric shape, as travel seeps through to the design of everyday household items, such as Belle Aire, the aeroplane taps by Lefroy Brooks.

The sanitaryware is often stronger in shape, with a cubism influence, but also more natural.

Lighting is very important to add Hollywood-esque glamour, with reflective mirrors and crystal lighting.

Freestanding baths add glamour, in polished silver, but on plinth, not ball & claw feet. Black and white chequered floors are prevelant for art deco bathrooms as are marble surfaces.

Victorian bathrooms

‘Victorian bathrooms, like Georgian, tend to have high ceilings, but narrower and smaller windows. They also tend to have more fussy features and a more eclectic mix of design, colour and texture. Victorian bathroom floors are still very popular and we are seeing a resurgence lately with a slightly more Aztec twist, for example Domus Azulej.

Textured wallpapers give a very authentic Victorian feel, which goes hand in hand with decadent sanitaryware items, with gothic or oriental feel. Roll top baths and claw 0 M MA AR RC CH H 2016 69 6

THE DETAILS 0333 011 3333 www.westonebathrooms.com

Rule no. 1 Do interesting things and interesting things will happen to you.

bpcollins.co.uk | 01753 889995

HOUSE & GARDEN

Hidden treasures Since 1802, Jones & Jacob, and our predecessors, have been hosting regular fine art and antique auctions in Oxfordshire, and providing antiques valuations for specialist buyers and sellers around the London area

If you have never been to a real live auction, you will find a warm welcome at the Watlington saleroom, it is an exciting place to see other people spending money and to find a treasure for home too

I

t is amazing what comes to light in attics and garages, amongst firm favourite sold by Jones and Jacob of Watlington are a pair of Russian imperial dessert plates from an attic which sold for £42,000 and a Martin Brothers terracotta figure £27,000. Collected from outside a house was an over life size figure of a saint from about 1100 which realised £57,000.

Clearly not everything found is so expensive or rare but so often un-regarded items languishing in the backs of cupboards are recognised as worthwhile selling. The identification of interesting and unusual is what we do says director Jake Wilde, aided and abetted by the internet. In for their March sale was an early 19th century gunpowder magazine, from a shed, and estimated at £80-120, the owner thought it might be a bit unusual and so it turns out to be, old enough to have seen action in the Napoleonic wars.

With all their auctions now online Jones and Jacob have seen a rapid expansion in international buyers with lots now selling all over Europe, China and the Americas and often the internet bidders are way ahead of the buyers in the room.

Auctioneer Francis Ogley enjoys the challenge of dealing with buyers on line, “It is another thing to watch as we are selling, so we have people in the room, telephone bidders and the bids clerk all to keep an eye on, not to mention the auctioneers selling sheets which are like a score with details of seller, lot descriptions and estimates, no wonder they say we are conducting an auction. It sometimes seems that you are directing a whole orchestra with so many participants”.

Competition on line is always very keen for rare and unusual objects but even the more general items excite attention

92 MARCH 2016

from collectors trawling the web for bargains.

If you have never been to a real live auction, you will find a warm welcome at the Watlington saleroom, it is an exciting place to see other people spending money and to find a treasure for home too.

On line catalogues can be found at www. jonesanadjacob.com or on www.the_saleroom.com

THE DETAILS Watcombe Manor Saleroom, Ingham Lane Watlington, Oxfordshire OX49 5EJ Telephone: +44 (0)1491 61281 www.jonesandjacob.com info@jonesandjacob.com

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Ergonomic Seating for the Home and Office www.fineback.co.uk 7-9 Haseldine Road London Colney St. Albans Herts AL2 1RR (One mile to Jct 22 of the M25) Hours of business: Mon – Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm.

01727 827744

Come and discover the Rhine from himolla’s Cumuly range.

H OUSE & GARDEN

BoConcept Spring Collection has Arrived !

T

Welcome to Copenhagen, our new wall system.

here are endless possibilities to build your own: do you need a stylish bookcase? Or do you need storage? A tv unit? Or do you want to create a home office area?

Flexibility is key and this wall unit can do anything.

Morten Georgsen, the Danish Designer for BoConcept says: “I wanted to design a wall system which is both incredibly flexible and pleasing to the eye, yet stylish and functional” The Copenhagen ranges come with a limited 10% introductory offer.

Come and relax in our Harvard reclining chair were technology, design and extreme comfort all combined.

There are two editions, the premium with electric or battery operated version with separate controls for the back and fully extending leg rest, along with a USB port to charge your phone or IPad. The essential edition has also a reclining back which is manually operated, and complimented with a footstool to give a fully stretched position.

The Harvard comes with a 15% great offer in a range of over 100 fabric and leathers to choose from. make the most of your space!

Many more new Spring furniture and complimentary accessories have arrived. Come and discover them.

94 MARCH 2016

Free design Service Buying new furniture is a big decision, and the Design Team at BoConcept want to help you make the right decision. That’s why they have so many options so you can create the design that suits your taste and needs.

BoConcept offers a unique free design service, and their Interior Design Team can visit you in your home, take measurements, listen to your needs then meet you in store to give you in a 3D format some inspiration and guide you all the way to help you make the right choice.

For a limited period, book this free design service in store or in your home and if your purchase is £5000 or above we will get 10% back . So don’t hesitate to Book this Free Design service now!

Spring collection comes also great Spring Offers like bestselling sofas OSAKA and MADISON both with a 15% discount on any finishes our combinations.

So no better time to bring Spring in your home with BoConcept.

THE DETAILS Finchley Road O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road, London NW3 6LU T 0207 794 8049 fr_london@boconcept.co.uk www.boconcept.co.uk

Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes See us at:

EXCEL 30 April - 8 May

STAND B310

The Conservation Range • Single or dual RAL colours • A-rated* energy efficiency • Fit into timber or direct to stone • UK manufactured

For expert advice call 0800 731 4294 www.thwc.co.uk Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton

*An “A” rated product or certain “U” value is subject to DGU performance and type of specialist sealant or glass and gas used.

Are you sleeping comfortably?

Choose a Royally approved handmade bed, designed to provide a deep and memorable night’s sleep and a positive, energetic start to the day.

Visit our Showroom: Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm Friday and Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm

Longwick Road | Princes Risborough | Bucks HP27 9RS T: 01844 348200 | www.hypnosbeds.com Alternatively, visit your local Hypnos Retailer: Aylesbury Lucas Furniture 01296 486255 Gerrards Cross Crystal Carpets & Furnishings 01753 889230 High Wycombe Hull Loosley & Pearce 01494 445353 Thame Greens Furnishings 01844 212560

Handmade in

Princes Risborough with a

10 Year Guarantee

14:18

Rarity creates its own value Throughout history, rarity has always been highly prized, which is why Octagon homes are always cherished. We build only a limited number of properties every year, The Grove Villas in Highgate Village being a prime example.

Located on one of Highgate’s most historic and prestigious roads with panoramic views over the city, these two new bedroom townhouses are close to the characterful village High Street lined with independent shops and cafes, and offer incredibly spacious accommodation behind their discreet period style facades.

Designed to an exceptionally high specification and finish, star features include a lift, cinema room, gym, wine cellar and a self-contained studio apartment.

Each property also benefits from off street parking and a beautifully landscaped and secluded rear garden.

£7.95m & £8.25m Open weekends 10am - 5pm or by appointment The Grove, Highgate, London N6 6LB Savills: 020 7472 5000 Glentree International: 020 8458 7311

www.octagon.co.uk

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RESIDENTIAL | ASSET | DEVELOPMENT

WWW.HALAMAR.COM