Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) December 2015

loom lane radlett

The development opportunity of a lifetime has arisen in leafy Loom Lane, Radlett, one of the most exclusive roads in Hertfordshire.

Irresistibly Luxurious Laura Ashley - The Manor Elstree 49 luxury en suite bedrooms 10 acres of gardens and natural woodland award winning restaurant and bar with unrivalled views of the city of London skyline.

Hertfordshire’s Newest Haunt New Experiences Await this winter 020 8327 4700 www.lauaraashleyhotels.com

from the

editor

Welcome to our December issue...

T

he Heritage Lottery Fund has backed the St Albans Museum and Gallery project with a massive £2.5 million grant. The money, combined with a previous £300,000 award, will provide around a third of the £7.75 million cost of the scheme. With prices starting from just £375, Gallery Rouge provides inspirational gift ideas for the whole family. We shine a spotlight on some fresh works with attitude.

Plan your perfect wedding day under one roof at Knebworth Barns in Stevenage where over 80 of the region’s finest wedding suppliers will be on hand to offer inspiration and expert advice on all aspects of your special day.

Picture-perfect Palazzo Penthouse in Hadley Wood is the talk of the town after being named the UK’s finest new apartment in the International Property Awards.

The London Boat Show 2016 is inviting visitors to discover the best of boating, from the ground-breaking innovations of the 60’s to the sailing champions of tomorrow, all to be showcased at the newest attractions and iconic marine brands showcased at ExCeL London during 8-17 January.

Faye Manning Editor

Get this issue online

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JJ. 0844 800 8439 www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Faye Manning

Design/ Production Emma Andrews

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Editor Assistant Katie Miller

senior business manager Jade Hughes

Sales James Marshall

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Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux

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ex d

is Ja pl n ay u ki ar tc y h S en a s le fo r sa le

DAVONPO R T N a t u r a l l y

D i s t i n c t i v e

I n t e r i o r s

Experience Classic English Elegance

1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, H a Hertfordshire n d c r a WD3 f t e7BQ d in

Colchester, England Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com

m o nd ea yvhoi lnl ipn ot er rt i.ocr os .mc o m To request a portfolio or speak to a designer:

01206 760 800

RO T f es eR Ry G G ev ua bI e e al Jan TH y s H R T a 4 u e n TH Ja m

Celebrating 12 years.

Want beautiful Granite or Quartz worktops for your kitchen?

Rock and Co is a Hertfordshire based company established in 2004 that supplies, manufactures and installs beautiful Granite and Quartz worktops into kitchens and other areas for both domestic and commercial clients. We have grown at a fast pace owing to our quality and service.

Sourcing the best Granite and Quartz stone for price/quality assurance is not easy, we travel around the world in Europe and Asia picking out products that are suitable for our customers, that are tried and tested and are in on the latest trends. While most companies only settle for the lowest priced products with the highest achievable mark-up, we are proud to go for quality and style. You won’t be coming back to us with problems with your stone after a few months!

Our range of products includes 100% natural Granite – currently over 200 designs and a selection of branded Quartz products with full manufacturers guarantees.

How easy is it to get a new kitchen worktop you might ask?

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 with Rock and GO! 1) Simply visit our showroom and choose your material. 2) We then visit your home and create a template. 3) Its out with the old and in with the new worktop.

If you want a company that you can rely on – trust Rock and Co, love our prices!

Please send over your design to get a free quote.

Our website has our latest up to date ranges on show www.rockandco.co.uk or please call us on 01992 535059 for more information

LOVE

LOCAL

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting Hertfordshire events in the spotlight each month

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts www.tringpark.com

LOVE LOC AL

Find your perfect match in

Hertfordshire

this New Year

A

new year and a fresh start, perhaps Herts Match is what you have been looking for to help you find that special someone?

Brand new to Hertfordshire, Herts Match brings with it a whole host of sophisticated one off singles events and courses for Men and Women aged 45+.

Sometimes it takes more than one meeting to have a connection with someone. At Herts Match, we understand that and will offer a blend of one off events and courses, where you can also get to know someone over a few weeks.

Plus, all of our events are activity based, so you’ll never be left without anything to say and you may also learn something new along the way.

For those passionate about food, our events will include...

Wine tasting events and courses, Cookery Masterclasses, Supper Clubs and Taster Menu dining events.

For those looking to learn something new, our events will include...

Dance classes and courses, language taster classes and courses, painting workshops with drinks and more.

For those looking for something more relaxed, our events will include...

Dog walk and pub lunch, cinema trips with dinner and more.

For those looking for something sporty, our events will include...

Bike rides, Bootcamps, a round of golf and more.

For those looking for something cultural, our events will include...

Theatre trips, Gallery events, Historic walks, Concerts, Ballet and Opera, all accompanied with dinner too.

All of our events will take place in and around Hertfordshire, starting with St Albans.

We are putting the finishing touches to our wonderful Calendar for 2016, so register for our mailing list, to be the first to find out about Herts Match.

Sign up today at HertsMatch.com Love is closer than you think.

Find your match in Hertfordshire 12 DECEMBER 2015

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from

LOVE LOC AL

Christmas MADE EASY

M

aking Christmas dinner for your family doesn’t have to be stressful, a little bit of prior planning and prep can go a long way to helping your day run smoothly. Below are a few simple tips that help me during what is a stressful time of year for many!

1. Get all your vegetable prep done the day before…

This will save you a lot of time. For boiled vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and brussel sprouts, pre blanch them the day before, apply the seasoning (salt, pepper and butter are always good), then put the vegetables in a suitable dish, cover with cling film and microwave them until warm.

Your guests will never know!

2. If you’re roasting the vegetables (and of course the parsnips and potatoes), something I love to do is put them in the oven to roast for 45 minutes, then when the turkey is finished, take the roasted vegetables and potatoes out of the oven briefly, pour all of the gorgeous turkey juice and hot fat over them, and then put them back in the oven (I like my potatoes the crispier the better!).

If you want to do something slightly different with your potatoes this year then you can always serve your guests some gorgeous fondant potatoes, which are slow cooked in butter and stock (or water).

3. Of course the turkey is the centre piece of the meal and everyone has their own preferences. Personally, I recommend cooking the legs and breast separately because the leg takes longer to cook. This ensures that the breast hasn’t dried out by the time the leg is ready to take out of the oven!

4. A bottle of champagne in the fridge is a must! If you’re not a champagne lover then we at Auberge Du Lac recommend the British Brut Nyetimber, a sparkling wine which can be found at Waitrose.

For all you budding chefs out there, if you want to try something a bit different this Christmas then why not serve your turkey leg filled with Christmas-themed stuffing mix?

14 DECEMBER 2015

• Firstly de-bone the turkey leg (or get your local butcher to do this for you) • Create a stuffing mix using meat from the drumstick, the turkey offal (heart and liver), chestnuts, truffle and quince paste. Then blitz in a food blender.

• Stuff this inside the turkey leg and then roll it in tin foil • Slow cook in the oven for 4 hours, at 140 degrees.

Need a drink for the evening?

At Auberge du Lac we have created a stunning After Eight cocktail tea that is perfect for the occasion.

Ingredients for one glass: Ice cube; 15ml crème de menthe; 10ml crème de cacao blanc; 5 ml Tia Maria; Fresh Mint; Edible flower; Hot water 1. Firstly, squeeze fresh mint and place in the teapot.

2. Pour all measures of alcohol into the teapot, starting with crème de menthe, crème de cacao and then the Tia Maria.

3. Prepare your garnish and place inside your cup with an ice cube.

4.Pour hot water and let tea brew for 2 minutes in the teapot.

5. Finally, pour into the cup, causing the ice cube to melt, creating an ‘after eight tea’. Enjoy!

THE DETAILS Unfortunately Christmas at Auberge du Lac is now fully booked, but we are hosting a special Cocktail Masterclass on Thursday 28th January to celebrate Burns Night, and we would love for you to join us!

••••• Brocket Hall, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG 01707 368888 www.aubergedulac.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL

Performing Arts school is a top performer at A Level in the county As the new Star Wars film is about to be released and is set to make a huge international star out of an ex-Tring Park pupil, here is a look at one of the leading ‘schools for stars’ in the country, in the heart of Herts

Daisy Ridley as “Nancy” in Tring Park’s 2010 production of The Boy Friend

N

ot just a pretty talented face… famous alumni of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts are high achievers both artistically and academically.

The school in Tring, Hertfordshire, has long been the favourite for budding dancers, singers and thespians. And it can boast a glittering line-up of star-studded alumni, such as Cinderella herself Lily James, X Factor pop star Ella Henderson, Downton Abbey’s Jessica Brown Findlay and Daisy Ridley, who will soon become an international star, when she is seen on the big screens starring in the most anticipated Hollywood blockbuster of the year (May the Force be with her…).

Daisy spent nine years at Tring Park, landing a scholarship at the age of 11 in 2001 to attend the school.

She explored all diffferent types of performing, starting on the Junior Dance Course before joining the Performance Foundation Course at 14, finishing her time at the school studying musical theatre in the sixth form. Daisy credits her musical theatre teacher Donna Hayward, Tring Park director of musical theatre, with helping her to realise her potential. Donna also taught Lily James.

16 DECEMBER 2015

So, while the school is extremely popular with parents who have children who are keen to follow a path in performing like Daisy, Tring Park is fast becoming a favourite with parents keen to ensure their offspring leave school with a clutch of high grades academically too, and is holding its own academically alongside the many other excellent independent schools in the county. According to published school league tables, Tring Park is in the top 10 independent schools in Hertfordshire for A level results* with almost 32% of its A Level students achieving an A* or A grade, and 64% achieving A*, A or B grades.

And this is even more surprising when you consider that it must be one of the few independent schools in the county, and indeed the country, that does not have an academic admission selection process at all: students are awarded places at the prestigious school based on performance auditions only.

The school is having to ensure the highest academic standards: an increasing number of its students are choosing to pursue scholarly vocations when they leave the school, such as medicine and law. And, although the majority of its students do still opt for performing arts colleges for their higher education, these institutions are becoming increasingly tough with their academic entrance requirements.

Principal Stefan Anderson said: “We are absolutely delighted with another successful academic year here at Tring Park.

“Our students strive for excellence in all areas of their studies and their achievements at A Level are even more remarkable given that they experience only 50 per cent of the academic teaching of mainstream schools.” *Some schools did not submit results and therefore do not feature in the tables THE DETAILS Mansion Dr, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5LX ••••• 01442 824255 www.tringpark.com

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£2.5 million National Lottery boost for Museum and Gallery project

T

he Heritage Lottery Fund has backed the St Albans Museum and Gallery project with a massive £2.5 million grant.

The money, combined with a previous £300,000 award, will provide around a third of the £7.75 million cost of the scheme.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “This ambitious redevelopment project will create a ‘onestop shop’ - celebrating local heritage and culture - right in the centre of St Albans.

“This will provide a much-needed boost to both the local economy and tourism and provide a wonderful opportunity for people to explore the wider history of this beautiful city.

“As we approach next week’s 21st anniversary of the National Lottery, it’s also fitting that we thank National Lottery players for helping bring this vision, with heritage at its heart, one step closer to realisation.”

It was the second major decision made last month (November). The other decision was the scheme being recommended for planning permission, change of use and Listed Building consent by the Council’s Planning Referrals Committee.

That recommendation has been sent to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark, for consideration. He is due to announce his decision by mid-January.

If his approval is given, construction work could start as early as Spring of next year with the Museum and Gallery scheduled to open in autumn 2017.

We are both delighted and honoured the Heritage Lottery Fund is giving this flagship City project its prestigious backing Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage for St Albans City and District Council, said: “We are both delighted and honoured the Heritage Lottery Fund is giving this flagship City project its prestigious backing.

“We want to create a fitting cultural beacon right in the heart of our City for all to access freely. In 1831 The Town Hall and Courthouse was built for public use.

“We are now well on our way to creating a new landmark museum and art gallery with three floors of galleries and exhibition space for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

18 DECEMBER 2015

The scheme to convert the Town Hall, a Grade II* Listed Building, into a new museum and gallery is intended to rejuvenate the cultural life of the District.

It has been in development since 2012 in a partnership between the Council, St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust and the University of Hertfordshire The overall cost will be £7.75 million with the Council committed to providing funding of £3.3 million.

St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust, a registered charity, is leading efforts to raise £1.7 million with the HLF now providing the rest of the required finance.

Luxury Curtains

Bespoke Dining Chairs

Bespoke Made Corner Suites Padded Headboards and Ottomans

LOVE LOC AL

Laura Ashley, The Manor

T

he Manor Hotel, Elstree is a beautifully proportioned, classic timbered Tudor revival mansion, nestled within lushly colourful landscaped gardens, surrounded and protected by ten acres of completely natural woodland. It offers a completely unique haven, deep in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, a remarkably peaceful retreat yet barely twenty minutes from all the attractions of central London’s theatres, museums and shops. Those not wishing to venture too far from the comforts of the hotel are also well

assistance, answers to any questions you may have and service perfectly paced to your needs. Cuisine is an award-winning blend of seasonal English dishes with carefully chosen ingredients freshly sourced from a trusted team of local producers. The extensive and well-chosen wine list, ranges from new world options to premier traditional old world varieties and there is always sound advice on hand as to which wine will best complement which dish.

The range of delicious choices on the menu are changed quarterly during the year, allowing Chef to work with seasonal selections. The choice changes also provide fresh fare for those guests and visitors who have become faithful regulars. Private dining here is also an option, should you have a special celebration for family and friends which you’d prefer to be more intimate, with your own designated dining room.

Guests or visitors seeking a lighter menu or simply tea, coffee, drinks or snacks are not forgotten and are exceedingly well catered for in the elegant LA Bar and Terrace which, with the same stunning views, offers cosy comfort and cushions in the winter months and sunshine and sun-umbrellas outside when its warmer.

It offers a completely unique haven, deep in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, a remarkably peaceful retreat catered for, with a number of famous local attractions to visit, including the Warner Bros Studio and Hendon Air Museum.

As well as providing a picture-perfect hideaway, The Manor is an idyllic venue for a wedding or indeed for any kind of celebration to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Of course, however delightful the surroundings, wining and dining play a large part in the enjoyment of any stay and here again, the Manor does not disappoint.

The impressive AA Rosette, Cavendish Restaurant, invites you to sit back, relax and relish some delicious meals, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cavendish is a beautifully proportioned, wood-panelled delight of a room but your eye will be drawn to the windows overlooking the carefully manicured gardens, (look out for the magnificent giant chess board on the lawn) as well as the stretches of countryside beyond and, in the distance, some of London’s most significant landmarks. The view during the day is spectacular, once night falls, it’s magical as the lights of London sparkle before you.

The well-trained restaurant staff offer unobtrusive, 20 DECEMBER 2015

THE DETAILS Laura Ashley The Manor, Elstree Barnet Lane, Elstree WD6 3RE ••••• 020 8953 8227 www.lauraashleyhotels.com/The-Manor

LOVE LOC AL

22 DECEMBER 2015

Office: 01707 592020 • Mobile: 07540 568000 • charlesworthclassics-weddings@outlook.com

St Albans Wedding Cars Welcome to Charlesworth Classics Wedding Cars. We are a family-run business based at Hatfield House with classic, vintage and iconic vehicles for a different arrival to your wedding. All of our vehicles are maintained in our own garage.

Your expectations are our standard, to exceed them is our goal

Jaguar XJR

Rolls Royce

London Taxi

A stunning British classic which brings back memories of The Long Good Friday, The Sweeney and Arthur Daley.

A truly British icon. Arrive in a 1970 vintage Rolls Royce and feel like the film stars such as Michael Caine. *UNDER RESTORATION*

Theme your wedding in a London style with this authentic London Taxi, with plenty of space for the bride and her dress. Also great as a second car.

Available in red or white.

www.stalbansweddingcars.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL

24 DECEMBER 2015

Your expectations are our standard to exceed them is our goal charlesworth classics specialise in high Quality servicing and repairs for your cherished marque or on your everyday family vehicle.

• Over 30 years Of knOwledge and experience wOrking On marques such as mercedes-Benz, audi, rOlls rOyce and Bentley • ecOnOmical servicing and repairs • quality O.e Or equivalent parts and luBricants Only • great custOmer service and Old fashiOned values • free cOllectiOn and delivery • m.O.t • tyres • air cOnditiOning • state Of the art engine management equipment

Whatever your vehicle rest assured it is in safe hands with us, For further information or to book a service call sean on 01727 838 241 222 london road, st albans, hertfordshire, al1 1pn

LOVE LOC AL

26 DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015 27

LOVE LOC AL

WIN!! A B&O BeoPlay A2 T

o help celebrate Bang & Olufsen’s 90th birthday, which makes them the oldest audio/video company in the world, we have teamed up with Bang & Olufsen Of Winchmore Hill, the North London’s oldest B&O dealer to offer you an amazing prize.

The BeoPlay A2. The portable Bluetooth speaker. With 6 speakers providing 360° of sound.

In an iconic form you would expect from the worlds oldest, the most sought after, audio visual design company.

With just a 3 hour to charge that provides hours of great music wherever or whenever you want it to go.

At Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill we recently received our own birthday and Christmas present from Bang & Olufsen. This November Bang & Olufsen launched the 90th anniversary product to mark this amazing company’s ongoing success.

They let the audio engineers free to create something truly iconic. A pair of speakers that will shape the way speakers are designed and benchmarked going forward for years to come. We are proud to say with have a beautiful pair of the amazing BeoLab 90 speakers at Bang & Olufsen Of Winchmore Hill for our customers to see and

most importantly listen to.

The Winchmore Hill showroom is one of the oldest dealers in the UK and has the both the full Bang & Olufsen product range and B&O Play product range on display.

THE DETAILS Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill 727 Green Lanes, N21 3RX ••••• 020 8360 5088 winchmorehill@bang-olufsen.co.uk

TO ENTER, Answer the question: What is Bang & Olufsen Winchmore Hill’s postcode?

YOUR ANSWER: FULL NAME: ADDRESS:

Tick if you do not want to be sent information from Bang & Olufsen Winchmore Hill POST TO: Bang & Olufsen Winchmore Hill, 727 Green Lanes, London, N21 3RX 28 DECEMBER 2015

Alternatively, email your answer with full name and address to: winchmorehill@bang-olufsen.co.uk

Terms and Conditions The prize is a A2 Black worth £299.

Deadline for entries is 31st January 2016

LOVE LOC AL

Brayleys says…

remember car service as well as carol service this Christmas!

Brayleys’ tips for winter – remember ‘BESTFEB’ BATTERY

W

ith the festive season fast approaching, there is nothing more certain to spoil your Christmas than your car breaking down. Advice is at hand, however, from the experts at Brayleys, who have some winter tips to ensure you’re well prepared.

Booking your car in for its regular service before the colder months will not only improve its reliability, safety and environmental performance but also significantly protect its re-sale or trade-in value, says Brayleys. www.brayleys.co.uk

Batteries do suffer at this time of year, particularly in cars that do short journeys on cold mornings. Conserve power by switching off auxiliaries such as lights, wipers, radio and air-con/heater before turning your engine off. This allows extra charge to run into the battery. Use a car battery charger to check your battery’s condition.

ENGINE

Depress the clutch when starting a cold engine, as this disconnects the engine from the gearbox so there’s less drag. Check the coolant reservoir regularly. If the level is below the minimum mark, top up with a 50/50 mixture of water and anti-freeze to prevent engine freezing.

SCREEN

Always use a proper additive at the right concentration. An unclear windscreen could mean a fine of up to £1,000 for driving with restricted vision, so the air-con and de-icer to clear the screen fully and ensure the wipers are free. Use a scraper to remove any hard ice. Never use boiling water from a kettle as this can crack a screen and will just refreeze as it cools, either on the screen or on the ground where you’re standing.

TYRES

Check tyres regularly. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but at least 3mm will provide better grip in wet and icy conditions. Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure for the vehicle.

Details can be found in the handbook. Also check for any bulges, splits, cracks and objects stuck in the tyres.

FUEL

It’s not wise to run your fuel tank right down as you might encounter difficult driving conditions and traffic jams. At least then you’ll always be able to run the engine and keep warm.

EQUIPMENT

Carry these items in your car, in case of a breakdown: Warning triangle; hi-vis jacket; coat and gloves; boots; jump leads; chocolate and a bottle of water; mobile phone with breakdown firm contact details; tow rope and shovel; blanket; first aid kit.

BODYWORK

Wash the car frequently to get rid of the salt and dirt that builds up over the winter. Check for stone chips as rust forms quickly in cold, damp weather.

30 DECEMBER 2015

LOVE LOC AL

Is a new car Perfect?

Hatfield-based master detailer, and proprietor of Gtechniq Accredited Extreme Detailing, Lee Mitchell, talks about why it is vital any new car gets the best start to its life.

A

new car may look fantastic and shiny under the showroom lights, but after removing the wax and examining the surfaces more carefully it will often reveal fine scratches, swirls, and defects.

This is due to a number of reasons, the first being the manufacturers budget for perfecting the paintwork, then the journey from the manufacturer to the forecourt – enduring extreme temperatures and weather conditions, bird droppings, harsh detergents, and the scratches and scrapes during transit. Finally at the dealers, they will have to prepare the car before it is ready. This involves removing protective films, valeting and waxing the car and all done within tight budgets to maximise return and sometimes not in optimal conditions. All of these add up to not quite perfect paintwork. This is where the detailer comes in as they can polish and protect the vehicle so it has a much better start in its life.

Prior to applying any kind of paint protection to a new car, any credible detailer will remove any contamination and perform at least a single stage polish to remove any fine marks within the paintwork, or more, depending on the imperfections they may find. There is not point in applying a protection unless the paintwork is looking better than new and ready for that shine to be sealed in.

Then there are the protection packages ranging from six months up to seven years of guaranteed protection. So if you are looking to truly protect your car then Gtechniq’s

32 DECEMBER 2015

Crystal Serum is the best paint protection on the market and is definitely something to consider. This protection though can only be applied by a Gtechniq Accredited Detailer, because of the skill and preparation that is necessary. It is worth it though, it will last for at least 7 years, providing high gloss levels, scratch, UV and chemical resistance and make the car easier to clean.

Even older cars can benefit from paint protection, although the time required will be longer as you are repairing paintwork first, but you can get that car looking like new and protected giving it a new lease of life.

Detailing is a relatively new phenomenon here in the UK, detailers are skilled tradesmen who have the knowledge to look after and protect a car correctly. Having your car protected with Crystal Serum by a professional detailer can cost as little as £460 – not that much when considering the grand scheme of things.

While detailing may not be for everyone, it is the best way to ensure one of your biggest assets maintains as much value as possible during its journey with you – if your car looks good when you sell it on, then you will certainly see a benefit.

THE DETAILS 0800 840 2058 or 07717 781484 www. extremedetailing.co.uk

LUXURY CHRISTMAS

Image: Gallery 1066

gift & EVENTS GUIDE

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

9-10 january The Wedding Show at Knebworth Barns Plan your perfect wedding day under one roof at Knebworth Barns in Stevenage where over 80 of the region’s finest wedding suppliers will be on hand to offer inspiration and expert advice on all aspects of your special day. The spectacular choreographed fashion shows at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3pm each day combine music and dance in an entertaining performance that showcases the latest bridalwear, groomswear, bridesmaid dresses and mother-ofthe bride outfits. Try on dresses in Bride: The Wedding Boutique where you can find a style which suits you. There will be live singing, a Champagne bar, competitions to enter and free copies of Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Bedfordshire Bride magazine to pick up. The first 100 brides through the doors each day will receive a goody bag packed full of treats, favours and samples to take home. 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Tickets cost £4 each or £12 for a group of four in advance from www. theweddingshow.co.uk/knebworth or £5 each on the day.

Knebworth Barns, Knebworth House, Knebworth, SG1 2AX

ARTS & events

CALENDAR 19 december Potters Bar Choral Society Xmas Concert

Excerpts from Handel’s Messiah plus carols! With accompaniment from string band and orchestra. Tickets £10 on the door £8 if booked before hand. Contact info@pbchoral.org for more information Our Lady & St Vincent Church, 243 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT

36 DECEMBER 2015

14-17 january The Snow Queen This January bring your family to see the frozen tale of The Snow Queen as The Warren present their latest fabulous pantomime - with music, dance, comedy and special effects that will delight and surprise you 14th-17th January with matinee performances on 16th and 17th - £8 children / £13 adults - all profits are donated to local charities Thursday 14th Jan 7.30 pm Friday 15th Jan 7.30 pm Saturday 16th Jan 2.30 pm Saturday 16th Jan 7.30 pm Sunday 17th Jan 12.00 pm Sunday 17th Jan 4.00 pm.

The Bull Theatre, 68 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SJ

5-30 december Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs A sparkling traditional pantomime with stunning costumes, hilarious comedy, fabulous live music, and loads of audience participation.

Follow Snow White’s adventure in the enchanted forest, as she escapes the Wicked Queen, helped by seven little people with big hearts. Join in the fun, songs and laughter of this extremely popular fairy story with all your favourite pantomime characters....and a magic mirror!! Price Code A : Adults : £19.50 Children: £17.50 Family Ticket: £70 Price Code B: Adults : £19 Children: £17 Family Ticket: £68.

The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL

20 december Candle Carol Service This is an wonderful service to come to for that real Christmas glow. We gather around small tables of 4, 5, 8 or 10 as suits us. The light outside fades and the daylight falls to evening. The array of candles on our tables are lit as the service begins, and we hear the Christmas message, through readers spread around the Church, by the warm candlelight glow. Favourite Christmas Carols are laced between the readings as we remember the real meaning behind Christmas - the message of love to be shared by all. Do join us for this heart warming event and build up your Christmas glow!

Seasonal refreshments follow the service.

4pm - 5pm followed by refreshments. Free entry.

Individuals and families all welcome!

Chesterfield Road Church, Barnet, EN5 2RE

*****

EDITOR ’S

PICK

11-22 december Aladdin Harpenden’s laughter-packed, fun-filled family pantomime.

Starring Michelle Heaton (Liberty X) and Peter Dean (EastEnders). Join us on a magic carpet ride which sees Aladdin meet the beautiful Princess, find the magic lamp, and fight the evil Abanazar....Tickets from £10 Performances Fri 11th Dec 1pm Sat 12th Dec 1pm and 6pm Sun 13th Dec 1pm and 6pm Tue 15th Dec 1pm Wed 16th Dec 1pm Thu 17th Dec 7pm Fri 18th Dec 4pm Sat 19th Dec 1pm and 6pm Sun 20th Dec 1130am and 4pm Mon 21st Dec 2pm and 7pm Tue 22nd Dec 1pm.

Eric Morecambe Theatre, Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD

until 24 december Santa’s Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun Meet Santa and receive a golden key to his toy shop to choose any gift. New for 2015, children also enter the Elves Teddy Bear Workshop where they can make-a-bear to take home. Visit the reindeer, write a letter to Santa in the Elves House and skate on our magical ice rink (synthetic ice). With farmyard animals to meet and plenty of under cover play in Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn, Toddler Town and Snowball Shootout! Daily 10am to 5.30pm. Close 4pm on Christmas Eve. Call 0870 129 9718 or visit website for details and pricing Willows Activity Farm. Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans, AL4 0PF dec E M B E R 2 0 1 5 3 7

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Christmas Cheer The festive season has never been better thanks to The Galleria, Hatfield

T

his year, make your Christmas sparkle with a little help from The Galleria, Hatfield. Boasting leisure and retail brands, at outlet prices, The Galleria has everything you need to make your Christmas a merry one.

The Little Things

Before you start thinking about putting your Christmas decorations up, try to get your home in order. Organise the main living spaces and bring down last year’s adornments from the attic. Look through them to decide which ones you’ll use, and what you’d like to buy.

Tip: When decorating your home for Christmas, don’t forget to buy a scented candle! Gorgeous scented candles from The Gift Company will help your home smell delicious over the festive season. The Gift Company offers fragrances such as burnt orange and cinnamon.

Send it With Love

Each year we receive a multitude of cards in the post, so make sure they don’t go to waste. Christmas cards can be an excellent, low-cost way to decorate the home. Attach them to ribbons and hang or dot them across the house.

Tip: We love the Christmas card range from icandy!

restaurants all under one roof, The Galleria is the perfect destination to eat and relax over Christmas. The centre’s larger restaurants such as Bella Italia, Frankie & Benny’s and Prezzo are perfect options for parties, offering delicious winter menus, while the smaller, more intimate eateries, such as Costa Coffee are great for a quick catch-up.

Tip: Book quickly to avoid disappointment. Reservations for large groups or work Christmas parties are in high demand and venues often require bookings to be made weeks in advance.

Treat

After you’ve finished shopping for your Christmas essentials, why not treat the kids to a session at The Galleria’s enormous jungle-themed adventure play area, Get Wild!, with its eclectic assortment of slides, tunnels, rope walks and climbing frames right in the heart of the shopping centre, it’s the perfect place for children between the ages of 1-12 years to play and explore. Couple this with a trip to Odeon cinema to see the latest release and you’re sure to make your littles ones day over the festive period!

Tip: Feet aching from all of the Christmas shopping?

While the kids are enjoying Get Wild! why not enjoy a delicious cuppa and cake from Costa Coffee?

Light up

Lights are not just for the tree; they create a feeling of warmth and atmosphere. Decorating both inside and out will transform your home into a winter wonderland that is sure to impress.

Tip: Choose a ‘warm’ coloured glow to avoid that frosty feeling inside on cold winter nights. The Works offer a range of Christmas lights perfect for every home.

Christmas style

Christmas is your time to shine and your favourite retailers at The Galleria have a range of dresses and accessories at outlet prices. Whether it’s an outfit from GAP, Gant, French Connection, Jaeger or M&S, you’re sure to find that perfect choice to make your Christmas sparkle.

Tip: Whether it’s a small statement accessory or a head to toe shine, Christmas is the perfect time to go bold. French Connection offers dresses perfect for every Christmas party, and all at outlet prices.

Come dine

With a wide range of eateries, cafes and grab-and-go 38 DECEMBER 2015

THE DETAILS There’s plenty of extra fun events and promotions taking place throughout November and December to celebrate the festive season so be sure to check the centres website www.thegalleria.co.uk and Facebook and Twitter pages, @galleriahatfield, for details of the latest news and events.

CHRISTMAS

I’m Dreaming of a

Clockwise from above: Scott Rohlfs ‘Candy Crush’ - £950 JJ Adams ‘Eddystone Lighthouse’ - £495 Katy Jade Dobson ‘Opium I’ - £395 Leigh Lambert ‘Little Davy’s Got Chips and Gravy’ - £695 Harry Bunce ‘Hope’ - £420 Dean Fox ‘Madonna’ - £375

With prices starting from just £375, Gallery Rouge provides inspirational gift ideas for the whole family. Here, we shine a spotlight on some fresh works with attitude.

www.galleryrouge.co.uk 40 DECEMBER 2015

Christmas‌

To learn more about these artist, or to discover other artists who may appeal to family and friends, please either visit the galleries in St Albans and Harpenden or visit www.galleryrouge.co.uk

78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP | harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01582 760332 27 Chequer Street, St Albans, AL1 3YJ | stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01727 860401 DECEMBER 2015 41

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Wrights’ the Jewellers shines with ethical engagement rings

potters crouch passionate about fragrance

Africa and South America.

Wrights’ have a beautiful selection of Arctic Circle rings available, which offer our customers the opportunity to purchase luxurious jewellery that also supports fair working conditions. St Albans was officially awarded Fairtrade City Status in May 2006 and this certification was renewed in 2013. As a local independent retailer we are proud to support the City in offering a fair trade option.

Wrights’ the Jewellers has hand-selected each Canadian diamond especially for their collection, set in a choice of elegant and classic engagement ring styles priced from £1,200. Arctic Circle proves It’s Cool to Care with wedding jewellery you will wear and love forever.

THE DETAILS 39 The Quadrant, St Albans AL4 9RB ••••• 01727 850098 www.wrightsjewelleryshop.co.uk

Lovingly hand made with traditional fine French fragrances & premium grade ingredients... especially for you!

“Discover why our customers always come back for more- and recommend us to their friends. It could be the fine natural French perfumes; the long burning pure clean waxes; the wide range of exclusive quality gifts; perhaps even the outstanding customer care. Either way, you’ll be so glad you paid a trip to our Factory Shop and tried “the best candles on the planet”*

GREAT CHRISTmAS GIFTS Tel: 01727 836454 Email: info@potterscrouchcandles.co.uk Prae Wood Farm Barn, Hemel Hempstead Road, St Albans AL3 6AA POTTERS CROUCH CANDLES2.indd 1

42 DECEMBER 2015

(* customer quote)

A

t the heart of the St Albans community for more than 50 years, Wrights’ the Jewellers provide jewellery and watches for men and women and sparkling diamond jewellery for that special occasion.

‘Tis the time for Christmas proposals, and what better a way to say those magic words than with an Arctic Circle diamond ring from Wrights’?

Exclusive to Wrights’ the Jewellers, Arctic Circle diamonds are found in the remote and beautiful frozen tundra of northwest Canada. Each stunning diamond is mined in the most sustainable way possible, while also meeting the highest environmental standards possible – something Wrights’ the Jewellers is proud to support.

Once the diamonds have been expertly cut to sparkle with maximum brilliance, they are carefully set in precious Fairtrade gold by master goldsmiths, supporting artisanal mining communities across East

STuDIo oPEn monday to Friday 9 - 5.30 Saturday 9.30 – 5.00 07/12/2015 21:55

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

HERE’S TO A GREAT YEAR,

ROLL ON 2016!

W

ith Christmas drawing closer, at D. Copperfield it’s all about gifts in the store; the tree is up and it’s all go! Our fantastic staff are busy helping customers with ideas and giftwrapping presents to sit pretty under the tree for that special someone.

When given a moment to breathe, it’s also a time of reflection for the team at DC, as this year has seen some significant changes and improvements for us.

The store has undergone a major redevelopment, with a complete overhaul of the shop fit. Our website is now fully alive and kicking, with a great blog that keeps readers fully updated with trends and what’s going on in St. Albans. Also, the brand mix in store is changing – with excellent feedback from our customers.

One of our new brands for winter, hailing from Venice, is the soft tailoring brand Barena. It has proved incredibly popular as a smart casual option for guys of all ages, looking great dressed up or down for the weekend…spot on for the party season.

We have had a delivery of John Smedley just in time for Christmas; a brand that we have traditionally stocked over the years at DC, now back in a big way with the latest collection flying off the shelves. We love to buy British, and this brand ticks all the boxes.

As we start to look forward to next year, we have lots of new brands coming in to the store that we can’t wait to shout about.

We continue our nod to British heritage, and the 44 DECEMBER 2015

expansion of our footwear division, with the introduction of the Northampton-based Grenson and Joseph Cheaney brands. These are handmade in their own factories and steeped in history. Keep an eye out for our D.Copperfield X Grenson collaboration coming soon.

On apparel, we have a brand we are very proud to add to our collection in Oliver Spencer. Alongside his distinctive design style, Oli is uncompromising in the standards he sets for production. That means the company seeks out the finest fabrics and yarns from artisanal British and Italian mills, and makes every garment in only the best European factories and workshops. Around 40% of the collection is made in England.

Hailing from across the Atlantic, we will see the allAmerican the Hill-side arrive for next year, and from the opposite side of the globe we have Nanamica from Japan – with some serious bits of techy Gore-Tex outerwear and jackets that will see you stay dry through the beautiful British summer!

So we leave you this year full of festive cheers, and here’s to next year. Who knows what 2016 will bring for you, but one thing you can be sure of is that D. Copperfield will have some great new stuff in store, to keep you (or your husband) very happy!

Main image: Winter hiking boots from Fracap (image by @itsabbiephoto); Left: The complete Oliver Spencer look (image courtesy of Oliver Spencer)

THE DETAILS 3-5 Chequer Street, St Albans AL1 3YJ ••••• 01727 835175 www.dcopperfield.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Deck the halls with Georg Jensen Luxury Living from Wharton Goldsmith

As family and friends gather for the Christmas festivities, it’s time to have your home looking its very best.

Georg Jensen Fir Tree and Turtle Dove, £33

Georg Jensen Bloom Mirror bowl, £72

Georg Jensen candleholder, £72

T

ake a look at the beautiful range of luxury homewares from the Georg Jensen LIVING Collection at Wharton Goldsmith.

Boasting the largest LIVING Collection outside of London, Wharton’s designer homewares are showcased in style with their own dedicated Georg Jensen suite in store. Visit their sparkling new showroom, in George Street St Albans, making sure you pitstop in the Georg Jensen suite to peruse some stunning pieces for your home.

The style is sleek and elegant. It’s streamlined and neat with a modern simplicity, a classic look from its Danish roots.

From fabulous utensils, to serving dishes and bowls.

From stunning vases to champagne buckets and cocktail shakers. Each piece is a statement, bringing contemporary flare to your home. They also make wonderful gifts!

Here are some of our favourite pieces.

Georg Jensen Vase, large, £240

THE DETAILS Wharton Goldsmith No. 1 George Street, St Albans Herts, AL3 4ER ••••• showroom@whartongoldsmith.com

46 DECEMBER 2015

Georg Jensen Isle Mama Vase, £275

Georg Jensen Wine and Bar set, £105

LOVE LOC AL

48 DECEMBER 2015

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LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

A feast for your eyes! keeping a painterly style to his work.

We are currently accepting private commissions for Krystian’s work - if you have an icon or a loved one you would love to adorn your walls please contact the gallery for further information.

Save the date!

Fabian Perez ‘For a Better Life VIII’

T

ake your holiday entertaining to the next level with art and your guests will enjoy a feast for their eyes.

Impress your guests this Christmas with a stunning work of art adorning your walls.

We offer our expert advice to help guide you to find the perfect piece to hang in your home. Art for every room, from something special to hang above the mantel piece, above your bed to a painting for your hallway (and those cheeky little spaces in between) and don’t forget toilet art which has a surprising impression on your guests!

If you are to give a gift to last a life time there is no better way of showing your love than through the power of art. Art is unique and very personal, show the person you love how well you know them with a thoughtful piece of art this Christmas.

Gallery 1066 offers a range of inspirational gift ideas whether it be a stunning original painting, a hand embellished limited edition or a charming sculpture – we aim to bring you an eclectic portfolio of established artists to suit every taste and pocket.

We are excited to announce Russian figurative artist Anna Razumovskaya will be gracing the doors at Gallery 1066 on Wednesday 27th January!

With her classic figurative forms Razumovskaya magically captures the lyrical romanticism of renaissance portraiture, while creating art that is completely modern and original. Take this unique opportunity to meet Anna and see her stunning collection of originals and limited editions as well as unseen pieces from her US collection. This is a RSVP event so please contact Gallery 1066 to reserve your place on the guest list. Gallery 1066 gives you the chance to meet leading international artists from our portfolio throughout 2016, more dates to follow! We welcome you to lose yourself here in the heart of Baldock, Gallery 1066 the hidden jewel of Hertfordshire is nestled down a cobbled mews on Hitchin Street and only a 2 minute walk away from The George www.thegeorgebaldock.co.uk where you can find excellent food and accommodation … please take a trip and visit this charming old coaching town of Baldock and be inspired, a warm welcome awaits you.

Give someone a gift that will last a lifetime this Christmas.

Gallery 1066 is proud to represent emerging talent Krystian Pajor and have just entered him into the prestigious European show ‘The Columbia Threadneedle Prize ‘Figurative Artist Today’ at the Mall Galleries in London. His incredible portraits of Winston Churchill and Ronnie Wood have unsurprisingly captured the eye of the judges. These two outstanding paintings have just been preselected to go through to the semi-finals and there is no doubt that this outstanding portrait artist captures the heart and soul of his subjects with haunting realism whilst

‘Marvellous Tale’ by Anna Razumovskaya

THE DETAILS

Winston Churchill by Krystian Pajor

50 DECEMBER 2015

Ronnie Wood by Krystian Pajor

info@gallery1066fineart.com www.gallery1066fineart.com T: 01462 622233 / 896164 ••••• Gallery 1066 Fine Art Ltd Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street Baldock, Herts. SG7 6AE

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Zefino

Celebrate in Style with Marilyn Monroe loved to bathe in it. 19th century dandies polished their shoes with it. Supposedly created by accident as far back as Roman times, Champagne has long been synonymous with hosting a celebration and a luxury that should be enjoyed by everyone!

D

ecember is without a doubt the most Champagne-soaked month of the year. As you get stuck into your Christmas and New Year celebrations, you’ll no doubt be popping open a bottle with little persuasion. At Zefino Wine & Spirits, we stock Champagnes and sparkling wines from independent family owned houses, chosen because they have prioritized terroir and quality over publicity to give maximum satisfaction to your taste buds. We’d like to share with you our favourites from the Zefino collection, all of which are available to taste and to buy in store.

The most exciting is our Code Noir Rosé from the Henri Giraud champagne house (£75) Named in celebration of the decoding by French scientists of the DNA of Pinot Noir, this is a superb expression of the richness the variety achieves when grown on the Southfacing chalk slopes of the Grand Cru of Aÿ. The powerful fruit gains complexity as a result of cask fermentation and ageing, and the rosé colour is achieved by the addition of still red Côteaux Champenois wine to the blend. The result is a bubbly with both heart and body.

The Domaine Andre Jacquart, also a family owned Champagne house based in Vertus on the Cotes des Blancs, is world renowned for its brilliance with the Chardonnay grape. The wines made here tend to be elegant, graceful and classic in style. Their Experience Le Mesnil Grand Cru

2007 (£48) is simply delicious; a complex and well -rounded Champagne with wonderful mineral purity and a clean and fresh style, bursting with lemony fruit.

We’d like to introduce you to the Ferrari sparkling wines. These are wines with heritage – back in 1902 Guilio Ferrari pledged to make the greatest sparkling wines in Italy, and all of his wines are made using the same careful processes used by the finest Champagne houses. The Ferrari Brut NV (£26) has a positive and persistent bouquet, with a note of ripe fruit accompanied by hints of crusty bread, hazelnuts and floral aromas. Dry, elegant and well balanced, it has the intense fruity notes that are typical of Chardonnay accompanied by appealing nuances of vanilla that linger on the palate.

Come along to our George Street shop in St Albans and browse our fantastic range of sparkling wine and Champagne – let us show you around our collections. Tastings arranged by appointment.

SPECIAL OFFER From time to time, we have the opportunity bring you the best prices on big names. We have prepared a special deal with Bollinger for the whole of December, offering their Special Cuvee Brut NV for £33.50, and the Rose for £40 a bottle, when you buy 6 bottles.

THE DETAILS

This image and centre: Stephanie Belton Photography

52 DECEMBER 2015

3 George Street, St Albans AL3 4ER 01727 852 545 ••••• Christmas Opening Hours We are open from 11am – 8pm Monday to Friday, from 10am-9pm on Saturday, and from now until Christmas we will be open from 12pm until 7pm on Sunday.

••••• Free local delivery.

To join our mailing list and be the first to hear about our regular wine tasting event and information on our monthly wine specials, please visit www.zefino.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Christmas at Gatwards

W

hen it comes to Christmas shopping, nowhere else encapsulates the Christmas spirit more than Gatward Jewellers.

Situated in the historic market town of Hitchin, Gatwards was established in 1760 and is one of the oldest jewellers in the UK still in the same family. With beautiful, seasonal decorations and a traditional tree, the 15th century oak beamed showroom lends its self perfectly to Christmas time. The warm surroundings are coupled with a welcoming and knowledgeable team who all share a passion for jewellery and watches. Whilst the old traditions of personal service & individuality remain, today their selection of stock is wider than ever with unique items sourced from all over the world.

We spoke to Anna Gatward, one of the 7th generation of Gatward jewellers to find out what you might discover during your ultimate Christmas shopping experience: “This winter we launch our very own Gatward 1760 collection, a wonderful selection of outstanding coloured gemstone jewellery. From the most exquisite green Columbian emerald to the softest pink hue of fine morganite, the collection is an exciting range of the more unusual, coveted gemstones.

If you are looking for beautiful diamond jewellery for someone special, our friendly & qualified staff will be on hand to guide you. We have a stunning range of diamond jewellery from the whitest of certificated diamonds to beautiful natural fancy colour diamonds, all carefully selected from our award winning and conflict free suppliers. Our new certificated collection of 8one diamond rings have just arrived, featuring 23 more facets than the average brilliant cut for added brilliance. Perfect for those Christmas proposals!

For those looking for elegant gold jewellery we have the prestigious jewellery brand Fope. Founded in Vicenza, Italy in 1929 Fope is an Italian goldsmith that has long been synonymous with elegance, artisanal craftsmanship and 54 DECEMBER 2015

originality in jewellery design, and has evolved to become one of the world’s most prestigious jewellery brands.

We also have exciting and stylish silver jewellery from Links of London, SHO, Ti Sento, collectable beads from Trollbeads & the adorable children’s range from Molly Brown.

For the man in your life, we have an exceptional range of cufflinks from the fun & quirky to the simply gorgeous.

If he’s always hankered after a fabulous pen, then we can offer you something special from our Mont Blanc range.

We also have a collection of Mont Blanc accessories including wallets, key fobs, tie slides and cufflinks.

Gatwards offer a superb range of watches including Ebel, Longines, Frederique Constant and Raymond Weil as well as a selection of vintage and pre-owned watches such as TAG, Cartier and Rolex. Vintage and antique jewellery are also available.

Alongside our jewellery and watches we have a variety of giftware, including silver and bronze gifts as well as glassware and fragrance from the iconic French brand Lalique.

We pride ourselves on our customer service, from helping you find the perfect present to complimentary gift wrapping on all purchases, we aim to make Christmas shopping stress free! For convenience we are now open seven days a week in the run up to Christmas, with late night shopping until 8pm on 16th December. Alternatively, if you are short on time, why not check out our website www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk which gives a flavour of our stock or give us a call on 01462 434273.’’

THE DETAILS 20-21 Market Place, Hitchin SG5 1DU ••••• 01462 434273 www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Dine out

in festive style Luton Hoo Chef has created two delicious festive fayre menus to be enjoyed in either their fine dining Wernher Restaurant or the Adam’s Brasserie

O

ne stunning setting in Bedfordshire’s beautiful countryside provides guests with two very different dining experiences this Christmas.

Delight in fine dining with the elegant backdrop of a bygone age in the Wernher Restaurant or enjoy modern cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere in Adam’s Brasserie – both at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa.

A dazzling setting

Located in the original state dining room, the two AA Rosette Wernher Restaurant retains all the original features including four different types of coloured marble, ornate eight-foot chandeliers and vast wall tapestries. Overlooking

Norfolk bronze turkey with all the trimmings and date and pistachio frangipane tart to finish.

Star-studded Brasserie

Housed within the original coach house and stable complex, Adam’s Brasserie is relaxed and informal with a menu featuring contemporary dishes and familiar favourites. Guests dine under photographs of Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and other stars who appeared in films shot on location at Luton Hoo. The new festive menu showcases starters such as pickled pumpkin and pomegranate salad with marinated feta cheese, mains including seabass fillet with parsnip puree,

Adam’s Brasserie is relaxed and informal with a menu featuring contemporary dishes and familiar favourites Capability Brown’s rolling parkland, the restaurant also encompasses the Grinling Gibbons room named after England’s most famous wood carver. Hand carved detailed images of birds and flowers feature across the walls, completing the atmosphere of classical grandeur.

In addition to the winter speciality and tasting menu, the new festive fayre will include dishes such as potted pink shrimp and crayfish with Bloody Mary dressing, traditional

roast swede, tender stem broccoli and split lemon jus and desserts such as white chocolate cheesecake and traditional Christmas pudding.

Luton Hoo offers more than a dozen rooms for private dining, ideal for celebrations, family parties and business lunches with dining options from a grand banquet for 290 guests or an informal gathering for a select few.

THE DETAILS

The Wernher Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Friday: 12.30pm-2pm & 7pm-10pm, on Saturday evening: 6.30pm-10.30pm Sunday lunch 1pm-9pm.

••••• Adam’s Brasserie is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday: 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm Sunday lunch: 12.30pm-4pm.

••••• Wernher restaurant £30 for Lunch, £44 for Dinner and £37.50 for Sunday Lunch Adam’s Brasserie £26 for Lunch, £34 for Dinner and £37.50 for Jazz Sunday Lunch ••••• For further information, online reservations and menus visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk or call 01582 698888.

56 DECEMBER 2015

LOVE LOC AL CHRISTMAS

Another great gift option for the outdoor fanatic is the brand new Suunto Traverse (£290), which boasts a range of capabilities, including GPS and GLONASS navigation, speed tracking, route planning and daily calorie counting.

The Suunto Traverse also includes sunset / sunrise times and storm alarms – ideal for those heading out in the unpredictable winter months. The added waterproof protection makes this a great product for everyone from trail runners to kayakers, and is a high-tech must-have for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

A must-have for every outdoor explorer in the cold weather is the Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Double Wall Insulated Tumbler (£30). This sophisticated travel mug boasts vacuum insulated technology, keeping liquid hot for four hours, and cool for twelve hours. What’s more, its compact size makes it an excellent stocking filler.

Indulge in some luxury presents this Christmas with

Cotswold Outdoor Now available at Cotswold Outdoor is the Hero4 Session (£330), the smallest, lightest GoPro yet. Expertly designed for use with a range of activities, from windsurfing to bouldering, abseiling to paragliding, it’s sure to be a hit this season. Known for capturing amazing footage of the outdoors, this highly durable, waterproof camera is an incredible piece of kit. Delivering stunning video quality, and featuring time-lapse capabilities and open-air microphones to enhance water recordings, this amazingly wearable gadget is sure to top Christmas lists across the country.

Every outdoor explorer knows that a trusty Swiss Army knife is a musthave piece of kit. With a choice of 15 tools to choose from, whether it’s a knife or a pair of scissors you need, the Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife (£35) is a great present for outdoor fans looking to build their core kit.

Fjällräven’s Foldsack No.2 (£125) is a great gift for those who need a reliable bag that doesn’t compromise on style. With enough space to transport a laptop, it’s made from Fjällräven’s famous G-1000 HeavyDuty waxed cotton fabric, so is ideal for travelling with.

THE DETAILS 91 Victoria St, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3TJ Tel: 01727 847888 ••••• For more of Cotswold Outdoor’s great AW15 range, please visit: www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/new-season 58 DECEMBER 2015

fashion, HEALTH

Ready, steady,

prep...

Image: See article ‘Ready, steady, prep...’

& BEAUTY

fashion H OUSE &ga BEAUTY HOUSE h ous e && GARDEN GARDEN rden

62 DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015 63

HEALTH HhEALTH & ga BEAUTY ous e & rden

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS BEAUTY FIXES!

T

he days are getting shorter, the John Lewis Christmas ad is already everywhere, and there’s a definite chill in the air. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m ready to start my shopping. I’m going to hold out for a little while yet. I’m a last minute kinda guy!

But I’ll tell you what can’t wait.

If you want to outshine all your colleagues during those Christmas parties….Look younger than ever as the family descends…. …and go into the festive season feeling your absolute best.

There is still time to get that quick beauty fix now…

With many cosmetic treatments, your skin continues to improve over several weeks, so to get the maximum benefit at Christmas time, you can’t wait until the last minute.

Our rough guide is: SMOOTH OPERATOR!

Who doesn’t want fewer wrinkles and theres no better way of looking simply hot than a smoother, relaxed and happy expression! Try some Botox no later than 5 days before a party and it will keep you looking super smooth for 4 months!

GO ANGELINA!

If you want killer cheekbones, or luscious lips just like Angelina Jolie, we can help in time for those Mistletoe Moments! Highly skilled aesthetic doctors can use tissue fillers to give you SAFE & natural looking results. Your secret will be safe with us!

RADIANT SKIN!

We have the most amazing mild skin peels which will leave your skin simply glowing straight away! No downtime - just gorgeous skin!

PEARLY WHITES!

Given the fact that there are going to be a shed load of selfies and photos taken with our smart phones, get your teeth whitened by our Cosmetic Dentist to make sure you don’t have to do any photo editing!

Christmas tends to be a particularly busy time as everybody has the same idea, so if you do want to give yourself this little Christmas present, make sure you book fast!

64 DECEMBER 2015

CHRISTMAS HANGOVER CURES Lets face it, we all eat and drink too much over Christmas and it takes its toll on our skin, wellbeing and energy. What you need is a detoxifying and rehydrating vitamin infusion. We have 3 to choose from: 1. VitaGlow replenishes Glutathione, a power antioxidant which repairs sun-damaged and aging skin and also cleanses all the toxins from your organs. Great to give your skin, hair and nails a glow or if you want to protect your body against illness.

2. Megaboost restores vital minerals and vitamins, leaving you feeling healthy and refreshed, and delivering a much-needed energy boost in this busy period!

3. Royal Flush is the first choice for those hangovers, giving maximum rehydration, maximum vitamin replenishment & maximum energy!

All of these treatments are delivered directly to your bloodstream, so your body absorbs 100% of the goodness, fast.

Don’t forget to have a great time this Christmas and remember we at Riverbanks are here to help you look and feel your best over the festive period!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE DETAILS Riverbanks Clinics won ‘Best Aesthetic Clinic’ in the UK three times from 2009 -– 2013.

••••• Feel free to visit our website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk or call my friendly team on 01582762877.

Dr Rav i Jain

HhEALTH & ga BEAUTY ous e & rden

Gorgeous grooming gifts Though 2015 will undoubtedly be remembered as the Year of the Beard, that’s not to say men have given up on grooming altogether.

By Katie Wright, Press Association

I

n fact, spending on male beauty products continues to increase year-on-year, with the average 30-something now shelling out over £100 a month on looking good.

So, whether he’s a burly, beard-toting bloke, a cultured city dweller or anything in between, you can bet there’s a perfect present waiting in the beauty aisles...

FOR ELEGANT GENTS

For certain discerning fellows, only the finest fragrance will do, so cross that bogstandard cologne and body wash set off your list and treat him to one of the crop of new scents that are as sophisticated as they are seductive. Whiskey aficionado’s will be drawn to Molton Brown’s Tobacco Absolute Eau de Toilette, £39 for 50ml (www.moltonbrown.co.uk), which is smoky, spicy and little bit boozy. Issey Miyake Nuit D’Issey Eau de Parfum, £48 for 75ml (www. theperfumeshop.com), is fresh, peppery and more gutsy than its EDT predecessor, while Aramis Black Eau de Toilette, £40.50 for 60ml (www.boots.com), is woody, deep and unmistakably masculine.

Molton Brown Tobacco Absolute Eau de Toilette, available from moltonbrown.co.uk

Issey Miyake Nuit D’Issey Eau de Parfum, available from theperfumeshop.com

FOR FRAZZLED FELLAS Image: Photo/thinkstockphotos; all images courtesy of PA Photo/ Handout

Haven’t you heard? Staying in is the new going out, and bragging about how many hours of brain-boosting

Aramis Black Eau de Toilette, available from Boots

Tried & tested

Our testers get their hands on some skin-softening lotions...

Woods of Windsor White Jasmine Moisturising Hand & Body Lotion

“This reasonably-priced moisturiser absorbs into the skin quickly and - ideal for winter - requires few re-applications throughout the day. Combining shea butter and grape seed oil for a smooth finish, it captures the charm of an English country garden with its delicate jasmine fragrance and refined, perfumey notes of ylang-ylang.” £8.75 (www.woodsofwindsor.co.uk)

66 DECEMBER 2015

Filorga Hand 3/5 Absolute Ultimate Rejuvenating Hand & Nail Cream

4/5

“I have very sensitive skin on my hands and usually can only really use specialist creams, but I found this formula to be very kind. It didn’t irritate and wasn’t greasy in the slightest. My only complaint would be that the smell is slightly medicinal.” £20 (www.marksandspencer.com)

3/5 Liz Earle Rosemary & Rock Rose Hand Repair

“Packed with essential oils and natural ingredients, including echinacea, rose and rosemary, you don’t need to use a lot of this thick but fast-absorbing - and crucially, non-greasy - hand cream to feel the benefits. That said, although the scent is subtle, it’s a little too herby for me.” £21 (www.lizearle.com)

ESPA Ultimate Finish Collection, available from espaskincare.com

This Works Dream Believers, available from thisworks.com

Top Gear 3 in 1 Bath Soak, available from Marks and Spencer

shut-eye you got last night is way cooler than shouting about how many pints you sank. Ergo, a soporific gift like This Works Dream Believers, £25 (www.thisworks.com), which includes the legendary snooze-inducing pillow spray - is bound to please your sleep-deprived bro or stressed out pal. And if a spa visit is deemed too ‘girly’ (his loss), Temple Spa Relaxation Room Ultimate Calming Ritual set, £50 (www.templespa.com), contains all the ingredients you need to invoke total zen at home: an aromatic lotion, a lavender-scented ‘eye duvet’ and a CD of serene tunes.

FOR THE JET-SETTERS

Baylis and Harding Citrus Lime Sport collection, available from Lloyds Pharmacy

If your gift recipient is the kind who spends more time in airport lounges than in his own bed, a luxe travel kit will go down a treat. The Grown Alchemist Travel Kit, £58 (www.spacenk. com) is a sleek, black sevenpiece kit of minis that will suit even the manliest of men, while the Baylis & Harding Citrus Lime Men’s Sport Weekend Bag, £19.99 (www.lloydspharmacy.com), comes with a stylish navy holdall, ideal for overnighters.

Osprey London’s The School Rugger Leather Wash Bag, available from ospreylondon.com

a chuckle from ‘Petrolhead Papa’, while Osprey London’s The School Rugger Leather Washbag, £75 (www. ospreylondon.com), in the shape of a rugby ball, will give ‘Sport-mad Dad’ something to play with on Christmas morning.

The Grown Alchemist Travel Kit, available from Space NK

FOR THE JOKERS

Buy it now

FOR BEARDED BOYS

For those who are following the follicular trend, a trove of beard-taming treats won’t go amiss. Atkinsons Beard & Moustache Salve, £39 (www. selfridges.com), will help him whip those whiskers into shape and leave them seductively scented with the famous 24 Old Bond Street fragrance. Combine it with Men’s Society Beard Grooming Kit, £30 (shop.royalacademy. org.uk), and he’ll never have a bristle out of place again.

Atkinsons Beard & Moustache Salve, available from Selfridges

Never mind her killer vocals, Adele’s nails are always top of our beauty charts, and her recent appearance on Even dads who don’t have Saturday Night Live in New York was particularly on what could be described as a point. The singer had her talons topped with Red Carpet ‘grooming regime’ will get a kick Manicure Nail Gel in Expresso Yourself, £12.95, and out of a gimmicky gift set. Get a smattering of glitter. Plus she had the underside ‘DIY Dad’ the ESPA Ultimate coated with shimmery Expresso Yourself Lacquer, Finish Collection, £39 (www. £8 (www.redcarpetmanicure.co.uk). Christmas espaskincare.com), a trio of sink party nail-spiration or what? essentials that comes in a paint tin complete with screwdriver. Top Gear 3-in-1 Bath Soak, currently reduced to Men’s Society Beard £5 from £10 (www.marksandspencer.com), Grooming Kit, available from which looks like a bottle of diesel, will raise Royal Academy Gift Shop

DECEMBER 2015 67

H EALTH & BEAUTY

68 DECEMBER 2015

HhEALTH & ga BEAUTY ous e & rden

Ready, steady,

prep...

When it comes to parties, we can all agree that getting ready is half the fun, but in the run-up to Christmas, when mid-week soirees mean we don’t have the luxury of lazy afternoons to primp and preen, the pressure really is on. By

Nailed London Perfect Classics Collection, available from Amazon

Katie Wright, Press Association

A

little planning goes a long way, however, and with the right prep and products, you can transition from office to out on the town with ease - and keep your festive beauty mojo popping along with the Champagne corks.

These are the dozen daily essentials that will help you sail through party season...

EASY AS NAILS

A UV-cured manicure is your best bet for polish that will make it through the 12 days of Christmas chip-free, but if you haven’t got time to get to the salon, a DIY gel effect polish, like Nailed London, will still go the distance.

You need a shade that will complement all your outfits, so dark or nude is best, and the Perfect Classics Collection, £24, Amazon, offers both (www.amazon.co.uk).

Fancy a quick change? Nails Inc’s innovative new Paint Can Spray Nail Polish, £10, cuts your mani time in half. Paint on a clear base coat, spray Hoxton Market liberally, finish with a top coat and wash the excess off for a hot pink hand makeover in minutes (www.nailsinc.com).

70 DECEMBER 2015

Kazumi Root Varnish, available from Boots

A BREATH OF FRESH HAIR

December can take its toll on our bank balances and sometimes, a visit to you colourist just isn’t an option.

But you needn’t worry about revealing regrowth, because there are now a plethora of root cover-up products on the market. Most come as a powder or spray, but Kazumi Root Varnish, £30, is a gel formula that can be brushed onto wet or dry hair, allowing greater precision in five shades, from blonde to black (www.boots.com). If lacklustre locks are a problem, dry shampoo will give them a new lease of life pre-party (or pep them up the morning after). Aveda’s new Shampure Dry Shampoo, £22, is a powder that you massage into your roots then brush out, adding volume and a fresh scent (www.aveda.co.uk).

Sanctuary Spa Wonder Body

BODY BEAUTIFUL

We do more than our fair share of dashing around in December, so keep a can of Sure Women Crystal Invisible Black & White, currently reduced to £1.65 from £3.39 (www.superdrug.com), on hand, to freshen up while changing into your evening attire. Crucially, it won’t leave marks, whether you’re in an LBD or a white tux jacket. Going tights-free in the deep midwinter can be somewhat terrifying, but Sanctuary Spa Wonder Body, £8, will allay your flesh-baring fears. The moisturising lotion blurs, smoothes and adds a hint of colour and sheen (www.sanctuary.com).

by its staying-power (www. johnlewis.com). Can’t decide on one shade? MAC Irresistibly Charming Pink Lip Gloss Kit, £26, consists of a quartet of rosy hues in handbag-ready mini tubes (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).

MULTITASKING MAKE-UP

A palette will save you carting round a mountains of make-up, while also giving you flexibility to chop and change your look, should the mood take you

If your desk becomes your dressing table right about now, a strict cosmetic edit is a must. A palette will save you carting round a mountains of make-up, while also BRIGHT IDEAS giving you flexibility to chop and change your We can’t cure your hangover (sorry), but look, should the mood take you. Yves there are ways to hide the evidence Saint Laurent Kiss & Love Makeup of your festive excess. Halo Eye Palette, £59, offers interchangeable Make Up Remover Pads, £1.50, eye, lip and cheek options in a are soft, perfectly sized and sweet kiss-print compact (www. soaked with lotion, so wiping houseoffraser.co.uk). Pair it away panda eyes is a breeze with Ecotools Mini Essentials (www.superdrug.

Brush Set, £5.99, to create com). If that’s Gwen Stefani is a modern make-up icon seductive eye make-up not enough to even in paparazzi pics, she never looks anything looks and perfectly flushed get those eyeless than flawless - so who better to pair up with cheeks (www.boots.com). bags to budge, Urban Decay on their latest eye colour collection?

When boozy lunches have a try a couple of Featuring 12 new shades and three from the tendency to bleed into cocktail Masque Bar Dark archive, the Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette, hour and beyond, you need Circle Reducer Eye £40, offers endless eyeshadow possibilities, a lipstick that just won’t quit.

Patches, currently just in time for party season Laura Mercier’s Velour Lovers reduced to £6 from www.urbandecay.co.uk.

Lip Colour, £22, comes in 12 matte £9.99 for five pairs shades of saucy-sounding colours, (www.boots.com). Keep like hot pink Boudoir and Foreplay (the them in the fridge to boost brightest red), the colour pay off matched only their post-party potential.

Buy it now

Lead image: PA Photo/ thinkstockphotos. All product images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Love Multi Usage Palette, available from House of Fraser

Masque Bar Dark Circle Reducer Eye Patches, available from Boots

Tried & tested

Is a balm better than a face wash for thorough make-up removal? Our testers find out...: Trilogy Make-up Be Gone Cleansing Balm

“I’m quite lazy when it comes to my skincare routine, but this balm is thankfully fuss-free. You just scoop out a small blob and massage into dry skin, then soak the small, organic cloth in warm water and use it to gently wipe across your face. Not a hint of make-up remained and my skin felt immediately softer and more hydrated.” £19.50 4/5 (www.trilogyproducts.com)

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

“Starting life as a dense balm, on contact with my skin, it melted into a silky oil-like cleanser. I have sensitive skin but this mild formula didn’t irritate, even around the eyes, and it successfully removed my waterproof mascara too. My skin 4/5 felt polished and fresh after use.” £22 (www.clinique.co.uk)

Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm

“Gentle enough to be used as a daily face polish, this silky balm emulsifies with water to create a gentle paste. It’s non-abrasive, so suitable for sensitive skins, and left my skin feeling smooth and bright without causing any nasty dryness.

After a week of use, my skin is really glowing.” £46 (www.spacenk.com)

5/5

DECEMBER 2015 71

advertising feature

Pain Free Feet For 2016 with Prestige Healthcare

P

restige Healthcare provides high quality orthotic clinical services to the NHS and the private sector. They are able to help with an array of lower limb and foot problems including Plantar fasciitis, knee ligament instabilities, ACL ruptures and arthritic knees. They also offer advice on how best to protect your knees and back whilst pursuing sports activities like skiing. The consultant Orthortist runs clinics from Prestige Healthcare’s friendly premises in East Barnet village Hertfordshire

How can an orthotist help you?

An orthotist specialises in the use of devices (orthosis) to support weakened joints, correct deformities and reduce pain and strain when the affected joints are being used in everyday life. The devices most commonly used by an orthotist are specialist shoes or insoles for problems in the feet and knees and splints for the hands and wrists.

A number of splints and foot orthosis are available from Prestige Healthcare.

More complex problems may require a custom-made orthotic device to be designed and fitted by the orthotist.

These devices are also designed to help patients support or control a part of their body.

The health benefits of an orthotic device can include: • Improved independence • Improved mobility • Pressure relief • Pain relief • Reduced ulceration rate • Improved function

Prestige Healthcare can help you with a number of orthotic conditions including: 72 DECEMBER 2015

Plantar fasciitis/painful heels/ policeman’s heel The clinic has a proven treatment with its unique plantar faciitis support and orthotic.

Arthritis of the knee Prestige Healthcare specialises in offloading knee braces as recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

A sports injury that requires a brace The sports injury clinic can cater for all aspects of sporting injury.

Flat or pronated feet The clinic’s state-of-the-art 3D CadCam orthotics are made to a scan of your feet and the bespoke insole, which is made on the premises, can be transferred to most shoe types.

Prestige Healthcare can also assist in obtaining suitable or comfortable footwear specially designed for people with diabetes, arthritis, bunions or swollen feet. The clinic can also make bespoke footwear to cater for all clinical needs. If you require help with any of the above please call the clinic to make an appointment with our consultant Orthortist, who will be able to asses and prescribe a suitable orthosis for you to enable you to continue with your daily and sporting activities.

THE DETAILS

For more information please visit www.prestigehealthcare.co.uk or call for appointment on 0208 364 8800

If you are interested in a worthwhile career in care see a list of our current opportunities at www.bmcare.co.uk

HOUSE

& GARDEN

Image: Nicolas Tye Architects

Bringing you inspirational ideas for your home from Hertfordshire’s finest home interior companies

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Introducing

Solarlux

T

he use of glass in architecture creates a unique relationship between indoors and outdoors, they change your home from open and boundless to closed and protected. From the Solarlux range Herts Bifold Doors supply and install the SL60e folding glass door which has so much to offer; the range of installation options both commercial and domestic make it one of the most versatile Bifold Doors the glazing market has to offer.

The impressive thermal insulation more than fulfils the requirements of the German energy saving ordinance, allowing the door to achieve a U-Value as low as 1.3. These aluminium frames can cater to both double and triple

Herts bifold doors are able to source your desired choice of glazing to suit your thermal and acoustic needs. Secured by design approved and RC2 burglar protection tested under the new European standard offers exceptional security glazing. Herts bifold doors are able to source your desired choice of glazing to suit your thermal and acoustic needs. Secured by design approved and RC2 burglar protection tested under the new European standard offers exceptional security.

Narrow frame and panel sections with onlwy 130mm face width and 59mm installation depths both echo the slenderness and flexibility of the Solarlux design. Each door panel can reach heights of 3m with special sizes available upon request. The recessed floor track allows for a barrier free living for the almost flush finish which is 76 DECEMBER 2015

so highly desired. Every bifold door manufacturer brings something unique to the table, and Solarlux is no different, one example of this is its ability to have blocks fitting in the track allowing for a part open ventilation position.

Our showroom is open between 8am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am – 5pm Saturday, we would like to invite you to come and view the Solarlux doors and many more!

THE DETAILS Herts Bifold Doors & G&N Windows Unit 8 The Gryphon Industrial Park Porters Wood, St Albans Herts, AL3 6XZ ••••• Call us for more details: Tel: 01727 845600

Bifold doors - Large pane sliding doors - Windows - Roof lights Closed from 12pm on 24th December until 4th January

Showroom located at Unit 8, The Gryphon Industrial Park, Porters Wood, St Albans AL3 6XZ Tel 01727 845 600 information@hertsbifolddoors.co.uk

www.hertsbifolddoors.co.uk

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Want beautiful Granite or Quartz worktops for your kitchen? tooling to deliver an even more accurate fit and finish not normally seen in this industry; of course we can also deliver projects with a faster turn-around with this new equipment. Also hand-finishing the stones is a must and we have a fantastic team of stone masons and installers that will treat every job as their own, with full care and attention.

Sourcing the best Granite and Quartz stone for price/quality assurance is not easy, we travel around the world in Europe and Asia picking out products that are suitable for our customers, that are tried and tested and are in on the latest trends. While most companies only settle for the lowest priced products with the highest achievable mark-up, we are proud to go for quality and style. You won’t be coming back to us with problems with your stone after a few months!

Our range of products includes 100% natural Granite

We travel around the world in Europe and Asia picking out products that are suitable for our customers – currently over 200 designs and a selection of branded Quartz products with full manufacturers guarantees.

How easy is it to get a new kitchen worktop you might ask?

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 with Rock and GO! 1) Simply visit our showroom and choose your material. 2) We then visit your home and create a template. 3) Its out with the old and in with the new worktop.

If you want a company that you can rely on – trust Rock and Co, love our prices.

R

ock and Co is a Hertfordshire based company established in 2004 that supplies, manufactures and installs beautiful Granite and Quartz worktops into kitchens and other areas for both domestic and commercial clients. We have grown at a fast pace owing to our quality and service.

We continue to strive to become the best Granite and Quartz Company in the South East and we believe with constant re-investment into the business, putting our customers first and sourcing the best quality materials at the right price, we can continue to be ahead of the competition.

We have upgraded our in-house machinery over the last few years to include new CNC (computer controlled)

78 DECEMBER 2015

THE DETAILS Our website has our latest up to date ranges on show www.rockandco.co.uk or please call us on 01992 535059 for more information

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Why property owners should choose

a+ or a++ energy rated replacement windows

I

f and when replacing inefficient, outdated or inefficient existing windows, it makes sense, given the ever rising costs of electricity and gas, to choose the most affordable thermally efficient replacement windows.

Technological advances in the double glazing industry over the last decade have caused the first and second generations of replacement double glazing (which at the time was a massive improvement on single glazing) to be superceded by “thermally broken” energy saving efficient windows, that meant far better energy ratings were achieved.

Window Energy Ratings (or WER’s) were introduced by the Government many years ago now to help consumers

80 DECEMBER 2015

know how thermally efficient any particular combination of frame, gaskets and glass sealed units were. Back on 1st October 2010, the Building Regulations changed so that from then on double glazing installers, suppliers and home owners had a legal responsibility if replacing windows, to replace them with either an independently tested “C” rated, “B” rated or “A” rated window, with until fairly recently, an “A” being the highest rating available.

This legislation brought about a sea change in the double glazing industry, whereby it had to suddenly scrap any outdated non-thermally broken window products for higher quality, better designed, more expensive, thermally

broken products, be the window frames made out of aluminium, timber or UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride).

The resultant improved living environment and financial savings on energy bills for property owners has led to much of the UK housing stock being better insulated, so much so that home owners looking to sell their properties with older outdated double or single glazing are severely disadvantaged, or at the very least not able to achieve the sale price they had hoped for.

For double glazing manufacturers to achieve a decent window energy rating they need a frame that is thermally broken (i.e. where the outer pane and inner pane are separated, so that the cold on the outside cannot interfere with the warmth on the inside) and a high specification sealed unit with a warm edge spacer bar separating the inner and outer glass panes which is filled with an inert gas like Argon, which not only insulates, it helps with sound reduction too.

Recent technological advances now enable certain UPVC products to obtain even greater energy ratings than “A”. Some companies use triple glazing to achieve better than an “A” rating, whereas others have opted to improve their double glazed frames, making them more robust as well as more thermally efficient in the process.

Triple glazing sealed units costs more than double glazed sealed units simply because there are two warm edge spacer bars, rather than one, and three panes of glass rather than two. This means triple glazed units cost more to replace if they break down or crack than double glazed units, a factor worth noting if choosing between these two options.

Independent double glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Window Company Ltd have been replacing windows in the UK for over 30 years. They have recently switched all their UPVC casement windows with side hung and top hung opening vents to

Independent double glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Window Company Ltd have been replacing windows in the UK for over 30 years A+ as standard. The outer window sash on the bespoke UPVC windows they supply and install now has six chambers increasing the thermal break between the inside and outside, as well as the robustness of the product.

They also now offer a UPVC triple glazed window with a slimmer outer frame that has an A++ energy rating.

As it is now possible to have professionally fitted bespoke A+ energy rated double glazed windows for far less than A+ or A++ triple glazing, it makes better financial sense to invest in double glazed A+ windows. If the most thermally efficient windows on the planet are not well fitted, they won’t perform, so it is important to select an experienced installer you can trust to do a professional job.

THE DETAILS If you’d like to find out more about energy rated aluminium or UPVC windows, contact Hazlemere Windows as they offer free professional advice and a no obligation quotation without any hard sell.

Call them on 01727 238658 or email improve@hazlemere.co.uk, alternatively visit www.hazlemere.co.uk and download one of their brochures or free windows buyers’ guides.

DECEMBER 2015 81

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Are you facing another winter with Cold, Draughty or Leaking Windows?

D

oes your home have ageing metal windows?

If so then the thought of another winter like last year is probably sending shivers down your spine already, not to mention the rising energy costs of trying to keep your home warm. Now is probably the best time to do something about it before the cold weather really hits in the New Year.

The Heritage Window Company has been manufacturing and installing slimline aluminium windows for 20 years with innovative concepts to deliver unparalleled performance.

The new Heritage Conservation range with its unique ultralow profile frame has been carefully developed to replicate traditional style steel windows, and provide all the benefits

mean they can be customized to almost any requirements, and the tough powder coated finish means they are virtually maintenance free. You can choose from over 200 colours – even opting for different colours inside and out to suit your home’s décor.

The Heritage Window Company takes its reputation for quality products and customer service very seriously – the company employs its own team of trained craftsmen and all installations are monitored throughout the contract to ensure the highest quality standards.

Proof of just how successful this formula is are the many customer testimonials which can be viewed at their showrooms, and this relentless focus on customer

Slimline aluminium replacement windows save on energy costs and preserve the appearance of your period property of double glazing, without compromising the character of a period home.

Heritage Conservation windows not only offer better thermal performance – having achieved an ‘A’ performance rating and a 1.6+ U value – but satisfy all the latest building regulations for replacement or new build applications, and multipoint shootbolt locking provides extra security as well.

Managing Director, Sean Ballard says: “One of the great advantages of Heritage windows is that they fit into existing timber subframes which dispenses with the need for redecoration. Should the subframes need replacing, our craftsmen can reproduce new timber frames matching the original profile.” The windows can also be fitted direct-tobrick or stone.

Many customers have a specific idea of what they want, so all Heritage windows are bespoke and made to order in its London factory. A range of styles and glazing options 82 DECEMBER 2015

satisfaction and quality product has clearly paid off. “We get people writing in every week, talking about how pleased they are with their new windows and the care and attention to detail of our fitters. In fact, a large proportion of our business comes from existing customers or referrals, which is encouraging” says Sean.

As energy prices continue to rise, the cost of heating your home is only going to increase. Heritage’s energy efficient windows employ a ‘polyamide thermal resin break’ to reduce condensation and argon-filled double-glazed sealed units to ensure more of the heat stays in – helping you keep those heating bills down.

THE DETAILS For details or expert advice call 0208 695 0055, email sales@thwc.co.uk or visit www.thwc.co.uk

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The latest in German technology from Moneyhill Interiors

by Celia Warbrick

O

ctober is always an exciting time in the kitchen calendar - all the major German kitchen manufacturers open their Factories and showcase their latest designs inhouse in various different locations. Whilst all the manufacturers are dependent on various manufacturing factors such as new veneers,and carcase materials, they are also desperate for the latest in technology for such boring components as hinges and soft close mechanisms that we just take for granted now.

I simply love the new designs from Pronorm, combining the lacquers and laminates in subtle colours ( that you never grown tired of ) with stunning oak and white glass units. The use of pocket doors whilst not a new invention have become very sophisticated and glide with ease and the new interiors from Pronorm show just how easy it is to be totally organised in the kitchen. The versaltity of designing with a German range is also reflected in the price. It is possible to achieve the same design look and indeed colour using a door finished in a coloured laminate for a fraction of the price when using a high gloss lacquer. Concrete laminate doors for example are also proving that you can have texture and colour without blowing the budget.

Although the kitchen has always been at the centre of family life, it has now also become the dining room, study and TV area all into one. The fact that all the food storage, prepping and cooking also takes place means that design needs to be simply tailored to individual needs. A couple with no children or animals have very different needs to a family with children. Its really lovely that so much can be stored away such as coffee machines, toasters and blenders,

leaving clutter free worktops. It is also possible to hide away Ovens, Steam Ovens and Microwaves with specially designed cupboards that bleep if machines are left on and the doors closed.

THE DETAILS For a fabulous design individually tailed to your specific requirements please call for an appointment or visit the Showroom at Moneyhill Parade.

••••• Moneyhill Interiors Ltd.,, 1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Herts. WD3 7BQ ••••• 01923 773906 www.moneyhillinteriors.com celia@moneyhillinteriors.com

84 DECEMBER 2015

Christmas Party 2015 AntiPASti - Fresh Vegetable Soup - Sliced Duck breast served with salad, sweet melon & an asian dressing - ‘Burrata’ : extra creamy mozzarella, served with vine tomatoes, avocado puree, drizzled with a balsamic reduction & extra virgin olive oil (v) - A bis of Forman’s Famous Smoked Salmon and ‘Gin and Tonic’ Gravdlax served with sour cream, beetroot & radishes & Melba toast - Home made Chicken Liver Pate served with peach chutney and melba toast - Portobello Mushroom topped with gorgonzola & walnuts (v) (n) MAiN CourSE - roasted Fresh Scottish Cod Fillet topped with a herb crust served with crushed new potatoes & fresh spinach - ‘osso Buco’ of Turkey with Gremolata, cooked for several hours in vegetables & a rich stock, served on a bed of mash potatoes and fresh carrots - ’Aubergine Canneloni’, Spinach and Sun dried tomatoes wrapped in Aubergine and baked, topped with a Gorgonzola and Parmesan sauce and served with mash potato (v) - ‘Girasoli’ Pasta filled with ricotta & Spinach served with butter sage & parmesan (v) DESSErT Sticky Toffee Pudding served with vanilla custard Chocolate Brownies with vanilla ice-cream

£26.00 + service charge 12.5% Service charge is left to your discretion thank you Wishing you all a Happy Holiday The Rising Sun Mill Hill LLP, 137 Marsh Lane, Mill Hill, London NW7 4EY • 0208 959 1357 • www.therisingsunmillhill.co.uk

property loom lane

RADLETT | HERTFORDSHIRE

The development opportunity of a lifetime has arisen in leafy Loom Lane, Radlett, one of the most exclusive roads in Hertfordshire Guide Price: ÂŁ2.5 million

property

Arranmore, TotteridgeVillage Totteridge, London N20

A

n immaculate and imposing ‘Classical’ interior designed gated detached residence which was remodelled by the existing owner approximately 7 years ago set in approx. one acre with a southerly aspect backing onto Darlands Nature Reserve.

The property is located in the ‘heart’ of the village, set in sumptuous southerly aspect landscaped garden and grounds complete with an outdoor heated swimming pool and a detached summer house.

You enter into a spacious reception hall entrance with a magnificent sweeping staircase and a guest cloakroom.

Double doors open lead onto a double aspect drawing room and a dining room which has double doors onto the landscaped gardens. There is a ‘Smallbone’ fitted kitchen breakfast room, a family room/television room and spacious laundry room on this level.

The sweeping staircase rises to a spacious landing with access to the Master Bedroom suite which is complimented by an en suite dressing room and bathroom. There is also a third bedroom suite with en suite bathroom, a fourth bedroom and a separate shower room on this floor.

A staircase rises to the second floor study/fifth bedroom together with a second bedroom suite which is complimented by a delightful lounge area and an en suite bathroom.

There are beautiful landscaped gardens to the rear with a large terrace and well stocked borders and external

lighting. Terraces surround the heated and recently retiled swimming pool. The detached summer house was completed about 18 months ago and features a fantastic games room with lounge area and kitchen plus a shower room, toilet and changing area.

The deep gated sweeping shingle carriage drive to the front has a central lawn area, access to the double length attached garage and ample parking.

Located just 10 miles from Central London, Totteridge Village is surrounded by open greenbelt countryside and offers a wealth of sporting facilities including South Herts Golf Club, Totteridge Tennis and Cricket Clubs and horse riding.

Totteridge Green is home to the renowned and recently refurbished Orange Tree public house which dates back to 1665.

Totteridge underground station (Northern Line) is easily accessible as is the multiple shopping centre at Whetstone which includes Marks & Spencer, Boots and Waitrose and a number of high class boutiques and restaurants. Junction 23 of the M25, A1M and M1, which provide fast routes to all major airports are also within easy distance as is Brent Cross shopping centre.

There is an excellent choice of schools in the area, both public and independent with school coaches providing collection from The Orange Tree in Totteridge Village.

Guide Price £5,000,000 Sole Agents

For more information about this property please contact our Totteridge Office on 020 8445 3694 or email: totteridge@statons.com

90 DECEMBER 2015

From Cottages to Country Estates

FOR OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.STATONS.COM

forty Hill

Poa

Grade II listed Approx 2 acres Adjacent to Forty Hall Park 9 Bedrooms including self contained coach house Potential Development subject to planning

Hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

radlett

£995,000

Sole Agents Five Bedrooms Master With En Suite Secluded Rear Garden Off Street Parking Garage To Rear Three Receptions Close To Amenities & Station

radlett office 01923 604321

BrookmaNs Park

£1,275,000

Sole Agents 80ft Landscaped Rear Garden Detached House of just under 2,500 sq ft Close to Station and Shops

BrookmaNs Park office 01707 661144

Hadley Wood

Poa

5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms (3 en suite) 5 Receptions Character Features Magnificent and mature rear garden Swimming Pool

Hadley Wood office 020 8440 9797

BarNet

£1,485,000

6 Bedrooms 4 Receptions 2 Bathrooms Arranged over three floors OSP Period Features Freehold

BarNet office 020 8449 3383

cuffley

£2,650,000

Sole Agents Fully Refurbished Approx. 6,000 sq ft.

Indoor Swimming Pool 5 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 3 Reception Rooms

BrookmaNs Park office 01707 661144

letcHmore HeatH

£1,850,000

Sole Agents Excellent Schooling Gated Entrance Five Bedrooms En Suite Off Street Parking

radlett office 01923 604321

NeW BarNet

£1,185,000

5 Bedrooms 2 Receptions 3 Bathrooms Chain Free Cinema Room Garage Freehold

BarNet office 020 8449 3383

totteridge oieo

£1,195,000

Detached Character Home Secluded Location 3 Bedrooms 2 Garages Courtyard Garden Conservatory Close To Local Amenities and Transport Links

totteridge office 020 8445 3694

SALES OFFICES AT: BARNET 020 8449 3383 TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694 HADLEY WOOD 020 8440 9797 BROOKMANS PARK 01707 661144 RADLETT 01923 604321 NEW HOMES SHOWCASE HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9555 PREMIER LETTINGS HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9796

Associated Offices in Mayfair, Moscow, China, USA & Monaco

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations

WybuRN AVE, HIgH bARNET, EN5

An extended four bedroom, two bathroom semi detached home with off street parking.

£795,000 FREEHolD

THE OWNERS LOVE…

WE’VE NOTICED…

“I love that I can be in Boots or Waitrose within 5 minutes & down to the tube station within 10!”

Several sought after primary & secondary schools including Foulds Primary school & QE Boys Secondary school are less than a mile away.

“This is a quiet road with little traffic but so close to the amenities” “We neighbour Hadley Green & King Georges Fields”

The property has been extensively refurbishment throughout and still offers further potential to extend to the rear STPP. EPC Rating: D

Contact Susan Bradford at our Barnet office on 0208 440 2444 • 4 Exchange Buildings, High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SY

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations

OAkLEIgH PARk SOuTH, WHETSTONE, N20

ÂŁ2,500,000 FREEHOLD

This newly built exceptional home is located in the leafy area of oakleigh Park and a short walk from the local shops and restaurants. There are also a number of top quality private and state schools locally and a choice of both overground station and the Northern Line station at Totteridge and Whetstone.

This substantial home has a gross internal area in excess of 4500 sq ft and some of the benefits include 7 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms, Metris designer kitchen as well as orangery and a media room.

No expense has been spared and the designs have been carefully thought out to create a truly elegant home with state of the art technology.

Contact David Mitchell at our Whetstone office on 020 8446 2111 • 1286 High Road, Whetstone, London, N20 9HH

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations

CHANCTONbuRy WAy, WOODSIDE PARk, N12 £925,000 FREEHOLD

Situated in the heart of Woodside Park and backing onto Parkland is this extended three bedroom semi-detached family home.

THE OWNERS LOVE…

WE’VE NOTICED…

“It’s great for children to have direct access to the park”

Many neighbouring properties have extended into the loft space and to the side to create additional accommodation.

“The area is fantastic for schools, probably why there are so many families living in the road” “We love that the house is open plan, it makes it so bright and airy”

The property is located in the favoured, quieter stretch of Chanctonbury Way. EPC Rating: E

Contact Craig Thompkins at our North Finchley office on 020 8445 2222 • 773 High Road, North Finchley, London, N12 8JY

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations

HADLEy HIgHSTONE, HIgH bARNET, EN5

Three double bedroom end of terrace cottage with two reception rooms, two bathrooms and off street parking.

£860,000 FREEHOLD

THE OWNERS LOVE…

WE’VE NOTICED…

“Having a front and back garden which means we get the sun all day!”

The property has potential to extend further STPP and has existing planning permission to add a converted barn.

“The walk to Barnet High Street is so easy and it only takes 10 minutes to get to the station”

EPC Rating: D

“This property is so unique and has a lovely quirky feel”

Contact Susan Bradford at our Barnet office on 0208 440 2444 • 4 Exchange Buildings, High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SY

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

property

Crescent East

Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire

A

beautiful linked detached period home that has been extended sympathetically to compliment the original build. The ground floor comprises various reception rooms to suit formal and informal living making it ideal for the modern family. The impressive kitchen/diner being the hub of the home, enjoys a walk-in larder, laundry room and views over the delightful garden, which also provides access to the family room and sitting room. The turning staircase is a superb feature with its split level landings to the first and second floors. This wonderful double fronted home is bright, traditional yet modern and benefits a rear garden of about 200’.

This impressive property is well placed within reach of the local shops and restaurants in Hadley Wood. Additional amenities are provided at High Barnet and Cockfosters.

Hadley Wood mainline station (0.2 miles) to London Kings Cross in 20 minutes, Moorgate in 32 minutes.

Alternatively the commuter has a choice between High Barnet (Northern Line) and Cockfosters (Piccadilly Line).

The M25 (2.2 miles) and A1 (4.7 miles) for routes into and around London. Hadley Wood and the surrounding areas offer some excellent schools; for Primary, Hadley Wood, Monken Hadley, St Johns Prep, Lochinver House and Stormont. Secondary; Dame Alice Owen’s, QE Boys, Latymer Upper and Ashmole. For the private sector; St Martha’s and St Johns. With bus routes for many independent schools; Haberdasher’s Askes, North London Collegiate, St. Albans Boys and Girls, St. Columbus.

5 receptions • 6 bedrooms (2 en suite, 2 dressing rooms) kitchen/diner • walk in larder • family bathroom • 2 guest cloakrooms • cellar • gardens • garage • 410 sq m (4,415 sq ft) • EPC rating = D Asking Price £2.395 million

For further information please contact Savills Barnet on 020 8447 4400 or email barnet@savills.co.uk www.savills.co.uk

98 DECEMBER 2015

property

Palazzo Penthouse awarded best apartment in the UK

P

icture-perfect Palazzo Penthouse in Hadley Wood is the talk of the town after being named the UK’s finest new apartment in the International Property Awards.

Such an accolade represents a world-renowned mark of excellence in the fine art of luxury home design and elevates Palazzo Penthouse to be recognised as the jewel in the crown of Fusion Residential’s peerless portfolio of pristine properties.

Palazzo is a custom-built condominium of apartments in beautiful tree-lined Beech Hill, one of the most soughtafter addresses in the Home Counties.

Palazzo – which means palace in Italian, the language of love - is exquisitely finished and boasts a galaxy of lifeenriching furnishings, fixtures and fittings, brought together with enviable style and finesse. In any language, to cast your eyes on Palazzo Penthouse, is love at first sight.

With electronic gated entrance and discrete underground parking, Palazzo is a showcase of six supersumptuous concierge serviced three bedroom apartments with wide-open outdoor terraces offering panoramic views of the countryside.

Such is Fusion Residential’s marvellous reputation and pedigree that five Palazzo apartments were sold within weeks of coming to market. Ironically, and somewhat unbelievably, the award-winning Penthouse is now the only apartment available for sale, priced at £2.5 million.

The penthouse presents a lustrous dream of opulence, high ceilings, full height windows and tactile fabric wall coverings. It is brought together with decadence, an eclectic

mix of fixtures and fittings, the very best brought in from all corners of the globe, and a state-of-the-art home management system and Lutron mood lighting, all delivered with exacting attention to detail.

It is a personality trait of the Fusion Residential team to exceed expectations in every aspect and this latest accolade – a third consecutive year of honours in the International Property Awards - provides proof positive that the Letchmore Heath-based Design House is now considered amongst the very best in the UK. Fusion Residential Managing Director Antoine Christoforou is justifiably thrilled with this latest honour, which comes after Palazzo was named Hertfordshire’s best new apartment in the previous round of the awards programme.

He said: “To be recognised three years running by the UK Property Awards is testament to the team’s dedication.”

“To now also be winners on an International stage however really is a dream fulfilled for the Fusion team.

“The award underlines the Fusion Residential ethos of striving for perfection in everything we do.

“We have an incredibly talented team and each individual can be very proud that their imagination, innovation and tireless attention to detail has been rewarded with this amazing award.”

But there is no time to sit back and enjoy the view of the masterpiece that is Palazzo Penthouse. The team are already working on their next project aiming to raise the bar yet higher in their quest to deliver the very ultimate luxury lifestyle.

To experience the luxury lifestyle on offer at Palazzo Penthouse, call Debbie Williams on 01923 216 535 or 020 8440 6329, or visit fusionresidential.co.uk.

DECEMBER 2015 101

property

LOOM LANE | RADLETT

T

he development opportunity of a lifetime has arisen in leafy Loom Lane, Radlett, one of the most exclusive roads in Hertfordshire.

Permission has been secured for a 9,000 square foot trophy home – a mansion house of ultimate aspiration and dreams.

The park-like sanctum set to accommodate this visionary residence runs to almost an acre and the property’s elevated position means it will remain invisible from the road.

It is approached through a grand gated meandering drive leading through an oasis of lawns, mature shrubs and landscaped gardens. Eventually, around yet another arboreal turn, the most magnificent house of Loom Lane – No6 - will loom large into view.

Planned over four floors, No6 Loom Lane will feature seven super luxurious double en suite bedrooms and a leisure complex boasting swimming pool, gym, steam and

No6 Loom Lane will be a country retreat within striking distance of everywhere sauna suites, cinema lounge and wine store.

There will be a showpiece kitchen and multiple reception rooms in which to while away the hours. There is even provision for substantial and well-appointed staff quarters.

The purchaser will have the opportunity to influence the design, planning and finish of this magnificent mansion to reflect their own unique style. On completion it will ooze the buyer’s personality from every exquisitely fashioned detail.

Planning permission for this project has been secured by the multi award winning Design House, Fusion Residential based in nearby Letchmore Heath.

The company is famed for fashioning high specification

luxury homes in idyllic locations. Equally impressive is its use of ground-breaking technology, its constant pursuit of perfection, astonishing attention to detail and an allencompassing aftercare service.

To discover a plot of this size, seclusion and complete privacy so conveniently placed for London is almost inconceivable. It is nothing short of a modern day miracle, courtesy of Fusion Residential.

Radlett boasts a variety of independent boutiques intermingled with restaurants and the occasional distinctive flint cottage.

In this part of Hertfordshire there is a wealth of opportunity right on the doorstep. The area boasts some of the country’s finest schools, including Haberdasher’s Askes’, Aldenham, Radlett Prep, Manor Lodge, Edge Grove and Immanuel College.

A little further afield there is The Grove championship golf course, Sequoia health and beauty spa and fine dining restaurants and you will be conveniently placed for the film and television studios at Elstree and Leavesden too.

For the more energetic, there is David Lloyd health and fitness club and the Arsenal and Spurs training grounds which are all close by.

No6 Loom Lane will be a country retreat within striking distance of everywhere.

The M1 and M25 motorways are just minutes away as is Radlett’s Thameslink train service into London. But with Elstree airfield just six minutes from home it will be quite possible to enjoy breakfast at No6 Loom Lane, lunch in Le Touquet and fine dining at The Grove later the same day.

No6 Loom Lane is not just a dream, it makes great financial sense too. This park-like plot is marketed at £2.5 million and, using the option of Fusion Residential’s design and build services, it could lead to stamp duty savings approaching half a million pounds.

Bernardine, The Green, Watford WD25 8ER 01923 216530 www.fusionresidential.co.uk

102 DECEMBER 2015

property

Desirable Homes Developed By Design

Miram House is due to launch in early 2016 and is already the talking point of Hadley Wood.

Paul Artemi’s passion, desire and attention to detail are evident in every corner of Miram House. The specification, which is far too long to list, is jaw dropping; only the best of the best make it in to Miram House.

Artemi & Gibbs have been successfully developing properties in London for over nine years. Priority is given to the design and construction of all their developments, creating the kind of home we all aspire to live in. Homes that are thoughtful in design, friendly to the environment and built by craftsmen with modern skills and traditional values. Both Paul Artemi and Stephen Gibbs work ‘hands on’ in the business and many of their skilled team have been with them for many years.

They do not sub-contract to third party construction companies and they personally manage each one of their developments from the initial design right through to the handover at completion Unlike many other developers, Artemi & Gibbs are also the builders. They do not sub-contract to third party construction companies and they personally manage each one of their developments from the initial design right through to the handover at completion. This approach ensures they are in full control of every detail of the build, for their peace of mind and yours.

A

rtemi & Gibbs were awarded Best Residential Development (Hertfordshire) for Miram House, at the 2015-2016 UK Property Awards held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Mayfair on the 9th October. Nick Staton and Jenna Dooley of Statons joined Paul Artemi and Stephen Gibbs to help celebrate their success. The developers have always known their development is a cut above the rest, so it was a real honour to be awarded such an accolade to affirm what they already knew.

Miram House (Miram from the Latin word for amazing) is a development of six stunning and spacious apartments in Hadley Wood. With bespoke floor-to-ceiling doors, elegantly designed interiors and Hadley Wood’s golf course as its backdrop, these apartments are luxury personified.

0800 809809 www.artemi-gibbs.com

104 DECEMBER 2015

simply the best the award winning

any thing else is a compromise

ar temi-gibbs.com 0800 809 809 Computer generated i l lustrat ion is ind icat ive on ly.

property

Cedarwood T

Set within a generous mature landscaped plot with views across the open Cheshire countryside Cedarwood offers a contemporary rural residence completed to the highest possible specification.

he brief was to create a timeless yet elegant design, which connected with the surrounding landscape. Nestled deep within the established plot the simple series of refined linear buildings blend seamlessly and capture the innate natural beauty of their setting. Strategically positioned the buildings provide an array of landscaped courtyards each with its own distinct character. Constructed from the highest quality natural materials the buildings are designed to provide a healthy and sustainable living environment, highly insulated and filled with light. The large panels of recessed glazing which adorn the elevations provide panoramic views across the site whilst creating a series of bright internal living spaces. The glazing itself is highly thermally efficient allowing energy from the sun to enter the building whilst limiting heat loss during winter. The natural slate roof lines, which float effortlessly over the buildings, provide shelter and protection from the elements. the purity of the roof forms are further enhanced by the use of recessed guttering and concealed down-pipes.

Constructed from a rigid steel frame the buildings are clad externally in western red cedar, which has a superior

natural durability and resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Selected for its warm textured grain and rich colour cedar has an inherent quality that has been proven to retain its appearance for several decades. The use of cedar provides a strong visual connection and roots the buildings within its landscape. The buildings themselves are highly thermally insulated using sustainable wood-fibre board that not only reduces heat loss but also gives protection from overheating in the summer months.

The building construction is highly breathable and vapor permeable protecting the building fabric and providing a naturally healthy living environment. Heating is provided via underfloor heating linked to a highly efficient gas-condensing boiler.

NORTHERN DESIGN AWARD: New Build House Winner

106 DECEMBER 2015

THE DETAILS The Long Barn Studio, Limbersey Lane, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2EA ••••• 01525 406677 www.nicolastyearchitects.com