INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL 3 & 4 JUNE 2016
from the
editor
Welcome to our March issue...
T
he Investec Derby Festival has announced the first of their 2016 Ambassadors, 2015 Investec Derby winner and Britain’s best-loved champion jockey, Frankie Dettori MBE. Renowned as the world’s greatest flat race and one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, this year’s Derby Festival takes place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June and is estimated to attract over 125,000 visitors. Enjoy a great family day out at Bocketts Farm this Spring, with hundreds of gorgeous baby lambs, newborn chicks and fluffy ducklings! Children will love to get up close to the animals in daily Animal Handling and ‘Meet The Shepherd’ sessions, in addition to goat milking, tractor rides, pony rides and pig racing. Plus, complete the Easter Trail and take home a chocolate treat. Hop through RHS Garden Wisley on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts & craft sessions. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! Join us for our premier chocolate fair at Denbies Vineyard in Dorking Surrey. We invite you to indulge your passion at the first of our yearly Denbies Chocolate Fair - where chocolate lovers can unite and experience the world of premium chocolates. Showcasing a wide selection of handmade chocolates, handcrafted by skilled chocolatiers, we will also be bringing you an intimate collection of chocolate-related stalls, selling handmade chocolates, truffles, fudge, brownies and more. The newly opened 1853 Wine Shop is a provider of wines from the stunning regions of the New World. 16 wines are available to taste daily, from our enomatic dispenser and themed tastings are held every evening on a Thursday.
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
Fashion Editor Hazel Englander
Accounts Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet
•••••
•••••
•••••
Editor Assistant Katie Miller
account Manager Anita Hill
Sales James Marshall
•••••
•••••
•••••
Sub Editor Alex Lux
Design/ Production Emma Andrews
Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith
LOVE
LOCAL
We feature fantastic local businesses and exciting nearby events each month
Investec Derby Festival 3-4 June • www.investec.co.uk
LOVE LOC AL
13 march Denbies Chocolate Fair Join us for our premier chocolate fair at Denbies Vineyard in Dorking Surrey. We invite you to indulge your passion at the first of our yearly Denbies Chocolate Fair - where chocolate lovers can unite and experience the world of premium chocolates. Showcasing a wide selection of handmade chocolates, handcrafted by skilled chocolatiers, we will also be bringing you an intimate collection of chocolate-related stalls, selling handmade chocolates, truffles, fudge, brownies and more. Denbies Wine Estate Surrey RH5 6AA
ARTS & events
CALENDAR 19 march Selsdon Half Marathon If you love running this is the event for you! A local half marathon has been organised to help raise funds for South East Cancer Help Centre. If you’re aiming for a full marathon then this could be the perfect training event or if you are a 5k or 10k runner then the Selsdon Half Marathon might be the step up you’re looking for. If you’re interested in registering please contact the fundraising team on 020 8668 0974 or apply online at www.selsdonhalfmarathon.verycool.co.uk. Registration: 9am Start: 10am Registration fee of £20. 2-4 Selsdon Park Road, CR2 8JA
6 MARCH 2016
Main Image: Alex Lyons
12 march Classic Car Auction With its home at the Brooklands Museum, Britain’s most evocative motoring arena, Historics auction house is now firmly established for the sale and purchase of the finest historic, classic and sports cars and motoring memorabilia. Historics independent auctioneers brings together a wealth of specialist motoring experience and aims to preserve and extend the tradition of some of motoring’s most prestigious names. Besides an interest in renowned marques such as Bentley, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, RollsRoyce, Porsche and Jaguar, Historics will welcome the opportunity to offer advice, expertise and enthusiasm to anyone looking to buy or sell any classic car at auction. 10am to 5pm Price: £30 Brooklands Museum Brooklands Road Weybridge KT13 0QN
18 & 20 march Photography Workshops Get the best from your camera with one of our own photographers. Understand what all the camera controls do and how they relate to one another. We will cover portraiture, landscape, action, flash and low light photography. Understand the controls, composition, perspective and more. 10.00 meet and get to know one another, our cameras and our learning objectives over a coffee 10.30 move into grounds and start workshop 12.30 Lunch (not included in price) 13.30 Back to pho. Booking Essential. Phone: 07850 086355. A National Trust Event - Gates open 10:00. Start 10:00. End 16:30. Adult. Meet outside Dairy Courtyard Coffee Shop (nearest to car park). For more details please phone the contact number below. Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD
15 march - 9 april Easter Eggstravaganza at Bocketts Farm Park Enjoy a great family day out at Bocketts Farm this Spring, with hundreds of gorgeous baby lambs, newborn chicks and fluffy ducklings! Children will love to get up close to the animals in daily Animal Handling and ‘Meet The Shepherd’ sessions, in addition to goat milking, tractor rides, pony rides and pig racing. Plus, complete the Easter Trail and take home a chocolate treat. ?ith plenty of play indoors and out, including giant slides, jumping pillows and pedal go-karts, you can be sure of a great day out whatever the weather. 10am to 5:30pm. Price: £9.50 / £9.95. Bocketts Farm Park Young Street Leatherhead Surrey KT22 9BS
* E ****
DITOR ’S
PICK
19 march - 10 april Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt and Easter Holiday Family Activities: Garden Detectives Hop through RHS Garden Wisley on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts & craft sessions. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! Full details will be on the website. 10:30am to 4:30pm Price: Free with normal graden entry RHS Garden Wisley Woking Surrey Surrey GU23 6QB
until 29 april 50 Years of Fashion Beautiful and iconic items of women’s dress from the 1960s to the present day, selected from the Olive Matthews Collection. 10a,-4pm, free entry. Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, KT16 8AT
MARCH 2016 7
LOVE LOC AL
An education tailored for boys
T
he town of Guildford is bucking a national trend which continues to be at the heart of heated educational discussion in the press and social media. A row over single-sex education has again flared up with the suggestion that students at single-sex institutions are at a huge disadvantage living in a deeply unrealistic world and, as such, all-boys and allgirls schools are educational dinosaurs. The number of single-sex schools continues to drop and yet the RGS remains proud to have offered boys-only education in the centre of Guildford for over 500 years, an education which not only allows boys to emerge with exceptional results but also to develop into confident, grounded, thoroughly decent individuals. The smooth coexistence with the neighbouring girls schools means that RGS boys get the very best of both worlds: an education tailored for boys where the teaching and support are geared specifically to the learning style of boys without gender stereotype, prejudice or distraction, while in every other way allowing the boys – with the freedom which a town-centre school affords – to enjoy healthy and normal interaction with girls in the academic, artistic, extracurricular and social spheres. This media storm has coincided with a time when, if justification were required with regard to perceived disadvantages, the RGS can justifiably claim to be proud of its past, its present and its future. Our Old Guildfordians continue to flourish on the national and international stages: Jack Clifford (OG11) is part of Eddie Jones’s new-look England rugby squad for the Six Nations; Angus Goodwin (OG06) won the prestigious Turner Prize as founder
8 MARCH 2016
member of art, architecture and design collective Assemble for his work on a Liverpool housing estate; Tom Griffiths (OG09), in the presence of The Prince of Wales, was awarded the Sword of Honour at the Sovereign’s Parade; Giles Hutchings (OG13) has been participating in the Champion of Champions tournament on Channel 4’s Countdown. The current Upper Sixth Form has just received 38 Oxbridge offers: the second highest ever for the School and a record for the RGS for Cambridge offers with 25. The future looks equally exciting and recently we have been delighted to welcome prospective students from Prep and Primary Schools – impressive in both number and calibre alike – who sat our 11+ entrance examinations. There are great schools which are single-sex or co-educational, which are day or boarding, which are independent or maintained: the important thing is not, however, the label but an institution in which pupils are happy, have the scope to flourish and grow, and where they can fulfil their potential. It is in this light that we continue to be proud of all those boys who have worn, continue to wear and will wear in the future, the RGS blazer. THE DETAILS Royal Grammar School, Guildford, High Street, Guildford GU1 3BB ••••• Twitter: @RGSGuildford Facebook: RGSGuildford www.rgs-guildford.co.uk
LOVE LOC AL
The Rise and Fall of the English Switzerland: An exhibition at Haslemere Educational Museum
H
aslemere Museum, which remains an independent museum, presents its new and highly entertaining exhibition, The Rise and Fall of the English Switzerland, from 2nd – 23rd April. It tells how Hindhead, more recently renowned for its traffic jams and now its tunnel, became known as the ‘English Switzerland’ in the late 1880s. The exhibition begins by explaining the extent to which Hindhead, and in particular its London to Portsmouth Road, now the A3, had once been widely considered a ‘most villainous’ place and how the arrival of the railway through Haslemere in 1859 and the decision of Lord Tennyson in 1868 to build his summer retreat on nearby Black Down transformed the area’s reputation. It goes on to describe how it was a scientist, the eminent physicist and experienced Alpine mountaineer, Professor Tyndall, who christened Hindhead the ‘English Switzerland’. The reason? Tyndall thought that the air on Hindhead was as pure as that of the Alps and as good a cure for tuberculosis, endemic at the time. Although he expressed these ideas in a relatively obscure magazine, unwittingly he opened a very colourful chapter in Hindhead’s history. Hindhead became immensely fashionable, and an influential, if bohemian, group of writers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, built homes, socialised and wrote some of their best works there.
10 MARCH 2016
The exhibition concludes by illustrating how, by the early 1900s, the area had become a major tourist attraction and what was done to protect the famously ‘alpine’ landscape from excessive development. While seeing this exhibition, a ‘must’ for anyone interested in local history or our literary heritage, it is well worth allowing time to visit the Museum’s superb permanent galleries. The extent of exhibits, which include a whole zoo’s worth of taxidermy specimens, a 2,500 year-old Egyptian mummy, stunning meteorite fragments, fossils and minerals, is so unexpected in a small town’s museum that visitors can be forgiven for thinking they have stumbled across Aladdin’s Cave! The exhibition is based on original research by local historian and Museum volunteer, Dr Marion Dell, and draws on the Museum’s extensive photographic archive and collections. Entry to the Museum and exhibition, free. Preview and talk by Dr Marion Dell, also titled: The Rise and Fall of the English Switzerland at 7.30pm on Friday 1st April. Tickets £5 include refreshments, booking advised, 01428 642112. Clockwise from top left: Hindhead as it looked circa 1880; Prof Tyndall; Alfred, Lord Tennyson; Professor Tyndall’s house, Hindhead House (Pictures courtesy of Haslemere Educational Museum)
THE DETAILS Haslemere Museum is open Tues – Sat 10.00am – 5.00pm. For more information, please visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk ••••• Exhibition kindly sponsored by Clarke Gammon Wellers and Allen Avery Interiors. Supported by Haslemere Book Shop.
LOVE LOC AL
A Play, A Pint & A Pasty
returns to Guildford Fringe with a superb piece of new writing.
A
ward winning performer and writer Amy Gwilliam and West End director Sophie Larsmon arrive at Guildford Fringe and return to their roots in Guildford with this brave and wacky comedy about Death! Mummy is a cathartic and corrosively funny new play about a young woman who has shrouded herself in studies to numb the pain of grieving. Returning to her secondary school as a publicity stunt to launch her first book “MUMMY or the Art of Saying Goodbye”, she is confronted with the spectre of her dead mother and her 16-year-old self, irritating stifled wounds and unwinding her suppressed pain. The show is semi-autobiographical; a homage to Amy’s own mother, television and film director Liddy Oldroyd, who was born and bred in Guildford, and died in 2002. Amy Gwilliam says ‘Sophie and I met on our first day at Guildford High School back in 1997. In the years that would follow we would perform in, and devise, many productions together, culminating in co-directing the Panto in our final year!’ Amy continues. ‘This creation has been no less wonderful and marks the beginning of (I hope!) many future projects together.’ Mummy runs from Tuesday 26th April through to Saturday 30th April with a show each evening at 8pm and a 3pm matinée on the Friday. It will be performed at The Back Room of The Star Inn, Quarry Street, Guildford. ‘I am over the moon to be welcoming Amy and Sophie back to their home town and to work with them on a great piece of theatre’ says Nick Wyschna, Artistic Director at Guildford Fringe. ‘It is always a challenge to find the right piece to put on so when I met Amy at a theatre networking event in London it was a wonderful moment when things just started to fall into place. I cannot wait to welcome you all in to watch Amy’s wonderful play… and to enjoy a pint and pasty on us of course!’ Mummy is a co-production with Guildford Fringe Theatre Company and Amy Gwilliam.
26-30 april 2016
THE DETAILS Tickets are £16.50 (£14.50 concessions) and can be purchased by visiting www.GuildfordFringe.com or by calling 0333 666 3366. All tickets include ‘A Play, A Pint and A Pasty! 12 MARCH 2016
LOVE LOC AL
BURNHAM BEECHES GOLF CLUB 125th ANNIVERSARY
I
t’s a big year for Burnham Beeches Golf Club as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, the first Club in Buckinghamshire to do so. To mark this momentous occasion the Club have a number of special events and initiatives lined up through the year. For the first time in the Clubs history Burnham Beeches will be hosting a national tournament run by England Golf. The English Senior Women’s Amateur will attract all the best Ladies throughout the Country to test their skills in June over the Club’s fine parkland golf course. In addition a grand summer ball with marquee and entertainment is to be held in July for the Members. Michael Roe, a long standing Member, has also updated the book “ Golf amongst the Beeches “ charting all the major events in the Club’s history and proceeds from the sale of this will go to the Captain’s Charity – Alzheimers Dementia Support. Although the Club has a long history they are also looking to the future and have introduced new initiatives to encourage the next generation of golfers. All Juniors aged 12 or under are entitled to free membership and this includes tuition through the school holidays from the Club’s Professionals. Furthermore there is no joining fee for any new Member under the age of 25 and reduced subscriptions up to age of 30. The Club also have a limited number of Full memberships available for those looking for a friendly quality golfing experience at a Club that continues to grow and invest in its facilities. The beautiful course sits on the edge of the ancient Burnham Beeches woodland and offers peace and tranquillity amid all the hustle and bustle of being so close to London. At 6449 yards off the back tees the course offers a good test for the better golfer
14 MARCH 2016
however the set-up is such that all level of player can enjoy the layout and the fact that the 9th green is so close to the club house means it is the perfect course for those may only want to play 9 holes. Visitor usage is strictly controlled so that Members come first and can enjoy playing their course with no need to book tee times. Furthermore all green side bunkers have recently been refurbished and path upgrades are the next project being carried out. The Club never stands still and those discerning golfers looking to play at a true Members course should look no further than Burnham Beeches.
THE DETAILS Burnham Beeches Golf Club, Green Lane, Burnham, SL1 8EG. ••••• www.bbgc.co.uk enquiries@bbgc.co.uk
LOVE LOC AL
16 MARCH 2016
MARCH 2016 17
LOVE LOC AL
18 MARCH 2016
LOVE LOC AL
20 MARCH 2016
LOVE LOC AL
This month’s wine picks
1
Our Writer’s Block Pinotage is crafted from a single vineyard high in the Waaihoek Mountains, above the Breedekloof valley
2 The newly opened 1853 Wine Shop is a provider of wines from the stunning regions of the New World. 16 wines are available to taste daily, from our enomatic dispenser and themed tastings are held every evening on a Thursday.
palate, with dark fruit, tannin and wood spice is complimented by good acidity and a long finish. £24.99.
T
his month’s wine picks are based on what we are drinking, with the long dark winter months starting to become something of the past, we look for lighter bodied reds and crisp fresh Chardonnays to take us into Spring.
3. 2013 Flagstone’s Writer’s Block Pinotage South Africa
1. 2012 Eileen Hardy Chardonnay Tasmania/ Yarra Valley, Australia
Eileen Hardy, the first lady of Australian Wine, was the family matriarch who took over the helm from her late husband Tom Hardy. This vintage of Eileen Hardy Chardonnay is crafted from grapes grown in Tasmania and the Yarra Valley. The wine which was matured in French oak barriques, is rich and complex, displaying peach and lots of minerality. Stone fruit and citrus interplay on the palate, with a rich creaminess and subtle oak characters. £29.99.
2. 2014 Mud House Claim 431 Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
3
Of course it is well known that Central Otago, the far south of New Zealand’s South Island, is a hot spot for Pinot Noir. This Single Vineyard wine was sourced from the very best parcels of the Claim 431 Vineyard in Bendigo. The vineyard’s free draining loam soils over schist gravel makes it a natural home for outstanding Pinot Noir. On the nose, one can catch freshly crushed wild berries, dark plums and brooding spice. An elegant, layered 22 MARCH 2016
And for those of us who are not ready to give up our big warming winter reds, this could be a good option to match with a lovely slow-cooked duck drizzled with a pomegranate and cardamom gravy. Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape variety. The standard story dates back to 1925, when a crossing occurred of what was recorded as Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Although there is some dispute about exactly when the varieties were cross-pollinated, there is strong evidence to suggest that the varieties are correct. In those days Cinsault was called Hermitage, hence the name Pinotage. Our Writer’s Block Pinotage is crafted from a single vineyard high in the Waaihoek Mountains, above the sweeping Breedekloof valley, an hour and a half ’s drive north of Cape Town. The wine is bursting with intense blackcurrant fruit, unique wild berry and spice, with a silky and velvety finish. £14.99. We look forward to welcoming you in our new store. THE DETAILS 2 Heath Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8TB Phone: 01932 428604 1853wineshop.com
LOVE LOC AL
INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL 2016
Frankie Dettori and Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson announced as Ambassadors female star of the hugely successful and critically acclaimed BBC series POLDARK, Eleanor Tomlinson. Eleanor was photographed to launch this prestigious event in a selection of Derby Day-inspired fashion at its host racecourse, Epsom Downs. She commented; “I’m absolutely delighted to be invited to be an ambassador for the Investec Derby.” She added, “Horse racing has been a huge part of my life since an early age; my father is a commentator and I grew up in the saddle so it’s a real honour to be part of one of racing’s most prestigious events. I absolutely loved the fashion at the photoshoot and can’t wait to dress up and attend Investec Derby Day on Saturday 4 June!” Epsom Downs Racecourse has been a venue for the sport of horse racing since the 17th Century, with the first running of The Oaks taking place in 1779 and The Derby a year later. Since that time the Investec Derby has developed into the World’s Greatest Flat Race and is now part of the unique and vibrant Investec Derby Festival. 2016 will see 10 fantastic race days including the Investec Derby Festival, An evening at the races with The Corrs and the London Gatwick Family Fun Day.
Renowned as the world’s greatest flat race and one of the biggest social events in the British calendar
T
he Investec Derby Festival has announced the first of their 2016 Ambassadors, 2015 Investec Derby winner and Britain’s best-loved champion jockey, Frankie Dettori MBE. Golden Horn and Frankie Dettori came out on top in the 236th running of the Investec Derby, Britain’s richest horse race. Frankie produced a wonderful ride on the favourite to beat his John Gosden-trained stablemate Jack Hobbs by three-and-a-half lengths. Golden Horn became the first horse since Sea the Stars to follow up his Derby success by winning the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park and then went on to light up Longchamp when winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in devastating fashion. Renowned as the world’s greatest flat race and one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, this year’s Derby Festival takes place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June and is estimated to attract over 125,000 visitors. Frankie Dettori commented; “The Investec Derby is the greatest flat race in the world. It’s the one every jockey wants to win, so to have achieved this twice is something I am very proud of. ” Reminiscing about last year’s Investec Derby he said; “Racing at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Derby Day is a unique feeling. In my 28 years of riding, that last furlong, I have never felt that kind of emotion” The second of their 2016 Ambassador line-up is the
24 MARCH 2016
3-4 june 2016
THE DETAILS Ladies Day tickets start from £13.50 and Derby Day tickets start from £15.00. For further information on the enclosures and to book tickets please visit www.epsomderby.co.uk or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0844 579 3004.
LOVE LOC AL
COLOR VIBE UK TO BLAST WINDSOR BEAUTIFUL
P
aint the town red? Why not go all out and paint the town multi-coloured at Color Vibe 5k which is coming to Windsor for Easter weekend, Sunday March 27th. Color Vibe is a colour blast 5k that is all about having fun and getting covered from top to toe with splashes of vibrant pandemonium. Appealing to people of all ages and abilities, Royal Windsor Racecourse will be transformed to host the most colourful 5km fun run ever, designed to be a fantastic introduction for Visit: anyone thinking about getting into fitness or uk.thecolorvibe.com those just looking to have a seriously good and use code: time. Hundreds of people dressed in white PROMOTE will come together to share in music, fitness, fun and of course A LOT of paint. You will be your own colour canvas and you will be blasted at every colour zone throughout the course. Walk it, run it or most likely laugh your way around the 5km distance, you and your friends and family can go crazy with colour and once you’ve finished you’ll be a vivid walking masterpiece. The festival vibe doesn’t stop once the race ends as singer and rising star Kelli Leigh, featured on tracks such as Duke Dumont’s Melt, will well and truly get the party started with her dynamic vocals! Joining her will be talented DJ, Krystal Roxx, who has previously toured with the likes of Taio Cruz - she’ll be turning up the bass and getting you moving all afternoon. Commenting on the event, UK Race Director Dean Newman, says: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Color Vibe 5k to the people of Windsor, we’re encouraging everyone from the local area and further afield to come along and embrace the colour THE DETAILS craze. We’ll be creating a real party feel with live performances, delicious food, fun, fitness and did we Make sure your Easter Weekend is filled with fun at mention the colour! an event that is perfect for all the family. Sign up now So come join the wonderful, rainbow cloud of to receive 25% discount on all tickets.Visit: http:// colour we’re creating and get healthy and happy at the uk.thecolorvibe.com/ and use code: PROMOTE. All same time.” colour is 100% safe, biodegradable and beautiful.
SAVE 25%
26 MARCH 2016
LOVE LOC AL
The Land
Awakening During the darkest days of winter, committed volunteers have been out in the Surrey countryside performing vital conservation tasks.
T
he health of many of the region’s green spaces and river networks depends on the goodwill of amateurs and experts willing to give their time and skills. Watching a large group working away in communityowned nature reserve Teazle Wood, it is striking to observe the extraordinary teamwork and camaraderie. A storm kettle threatens tea, a bonfire is alight, and snippets of fascinating conversations are interwoven with birdsong. There are discussions about nearby medieval sites,
28 MARCH 2016
an abandoned Victorian house and brickyard, an unsolved murder in 1834, King Alfred’s missing minster church. The atmosphere is magical – as tortured hawthorns, neglected for more than a century, are gently freed by hand and bow saw, it is easy to drift into thoughts of Tolkien and Beowulf. People have worked this land for millennia, and here we are, people, working this land today. We are probably not so different from our ancestors. As we stop for a break, we are joined by a robin, and a heron flies low and slowly over our heads. Wildlife
is all around, and it seems grateful, as if it knows that help is here. This winter work is about sensitively letting light back in to dank and choked woodland, encouraging greater biodiversity and enhancing habitats. It is crucial to do this kind of work outside bird nesting season, and noone seems to be complaining about the odd cloudburst or the heavy clay underfoot. They are a resourceful lot – up goes a tarpaulin between trees, and everyone stays warm and dry. A new awareness of each tree is gained as we clear away the dead brushwood. Guesses are made at the age of some, and questions are asked about why one species dominates a particular area, and why most of the trees in this part of the wood lean away from the light. Ivy strangles
‘Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.’ - Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam
The whole life cycle becomes evident – for every vast dead tree rotting down, there are new saplings vying for the light. one tree quite dramatically, like the mace round a nutmeg. The whole life cycle becomes evident – for every vast dead tree rotting down, there are new saplings vying for the light. It still feels like winter, but spring is in evidence. With last year’s crab apples still carpeting the ground, the first shoots of Allium ursinum (the stunning and pungent wild garlic) are nonetheless pushing through, and a vast bank of emerging primroses delights those volunteers who cleared this neighbouring patch from its black tangle of overgrowth last year. No-one wants to leave, but once the embers are made safe, and the white sun casts its last light over the newlyexposed ground, we head for home, already turning our thoughts to the botanical surveys of spring flowers and the summer’s work with butterflies.
‘The same leaves over and over again! They fall from giving shade above To make one texture of faded brown And fit the earth like a leather glove. Before the leaves can mount again To fill the trees with another shade, They must go down past things coming up. They must go down into the dark decayed. They must be pierced by flowers and put Beneath the feet of dancing flowers. However it is in some other world I know that this is way in ours.’ - Robert Frost, In Hardwood Groves
THE DETAILS To find out more about the work of the Teazle Wood Trust and its partners, email lucyquinnell@aol.com, visit www.teazlewood.org.uk or follow the story on facebook: Friends of Teazle Wood. MARCH 2016 29
LOVE LOC AL
Spring Plant Fair at RHS Garden Wisley
P
ick up inspiration and advice: Welcome the arrival of spring by visiting the Spring Plant Fair at Wisley (18 – 20 March). Meet specialist nurseries and choose from a wide range of quality plants. Begin with instant impact from colourful shrubs, early displays include Daphnes, Corylopsis, Spirea, Chaenomeles and Ribes. Or start your summer of colour by choosing bulbs and annual seeds for scent, such as lilies, Freesia, Matthiola, sweet williams, and sweet peas. The wide variety of nurseries brings together specialists and unusual plants to tempt even the seasoned gardener. Whether you’re interested in picking up seeds and propagating, choosing from the best quality plants or browsing for accessories there’s something for every plant lover. The Plant Fair offers a large selection of plants including summer bulbs, roses, woodland and alpines, cacti and tropical, perennials and climbers plus herbs and vegetables. The Plant Fair will also feature some rare and heritage
18-20 march 2016
30 MARCH 2016
plants that you will not find elsewhere. During the weekend catch a glimpse of the pretty nodding petals of the snake’s head fritillary and learn more about a range of these intricate spring flowers as the Fritillaria Society puts on a show on Sunday 20 March. THE DETAILS Open every day except Christmas day Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9am – 6pm ••••• Garden entrance prices www.rhs.org.uk/wisley. Buy garden entry online and save 10% (RHS Members go free). ••••• Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/WisleyGarden
HOUSE h ous e && GARDEN HOUSE ga GARDEN rden
MARCH 2016 31
LOVE LOC AL
The crystal Grotto at Painshill is one of the finest grottoes in Europe and a sparkling centrepiece within the historic landscape garden
T
he crystal Grotto at Painshill 18th century landscape garden in Surrey has won one of the prestigious 2016 Hudson’s Heritage Awards which were announced on Tuesday 1 March. Painshill picked up the award for the unique historic folly in the category of Best Hidden Gem, sponsored by Smith & Williamson. Established in 2011, the awards are an independently judged, annual, national scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites and celebrate the very best visitor experiences. The crystal Grotto at Painshill is one of the finest grottoes in Europe and a sparkling centrepiece within the historic landscape garden, originally created by the Honourable Charles Hamilton between 1738 and 1773. This historic folly has been completely restored using hundreds of thousands of crystals, including originals recovered from archaeological works, to re-create the dazzling stalactite effect of the original folly. The historic tour, featuring the fully restored crystal
32 MARCH 2016
Grotto, is now available for individual bookings. Learn all about how the Grotto was created and experience the dazzling stalactites. Discover more about the other magical follies and the historic plantings. Find out more about Charles Hamilton who was a painter, plantsman and brilliantly imaginative designer. You will experience a series of beautiful scenes which continually change and surprise you. In 1981, Painshill Park Trust, a registered charity was formed to restore the 18th century landscape garden which was originally created by the Honourable Charles Hamilton between 1738 and 1773. Painshill was granted Grade I listing and in 1998 the rare Europa Nostra Medal was awarded to Painshill for its exemplary restoration. Over 80,000 visitors a year now visit Painshill. His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, Royal Patron of Painshill Park Trust also visits Painshill to view the on-going restoration of the 18th century landscape and its iconic follies.
Painshill
crystal Grotto
Wins Best Hidden Gem award 2016 Hudson’s Heritage Awards
Painshill Park Trust is supported by volunteers and in 2011 this dedicated team received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Painshill has been awarded full collection status for the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs by Plant Heritage (NCCPG). The story of the collection is told in the beautiful Walled Garden at Painshill. The Hon. Charles Hamilton’s Amphitheatre which featured shrubs and trees in varying sizes, textures and shades of green to construct the six-tiered arena, has been recreated and is pruned by hand once a year. The Chinese Bridge Peninsula features trees and shrubs which form part of the John Bartram Heritage Collection. The trees and shrubs flower from May to August and then put on a spectacular display of colour in the autumn. Flowering shrubs at the Elysian Plains give a heady show of scent and bloom in the summer, while flowerbeds mix the types of perennials and annuals once planted by the Hon. Charles Hamilton.
THE DETAILS Cost (includes entry to Painshill) Adult £10 (members £5) Child £7 (members £3) Under-fives free ••••• Next Tour Date 9th and 10th March 2016 Time: 11am – 12.30pm ••••• Advanced booking required: Please book online or call 01932 868113 ••••• Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk
MARCH 2016 33
LOVE LOC AL
34 MARCH 2016
LOVE LOC AL
36 MARCH 2016
Get Your Body Summer-Ready Using the best selection of non-surgical fat reduction treatments in the world, our Doctors put together bespoke treatment, diet and exercise plans to help make your body goals a reality. Book a consultation today to find out how the Light Touch Clinic can help you!
01932 849552
Book now on e:info@lighttouchclinic.co.uk
Light Touch Clinic, 50 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8DS www.lighttouchclinic.co.uk Discreetly situated with a private car park
LOVE LOC AL
HMQ90
Celebration on the Long Walk
BALLOT OPENS FOR TICKETS TO THE CELEBRATION ON THE LONG WALK FOR THE QUEENS 90TH BIRTHDAY
M
embers of the public have the opportunity to enter a ballot of 5,000 free tickets for The Celebration on The Long Walk on Sunday 15th May, 2016. This is a part of The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration to be held from 12th – 15th May in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The ballot will close on Monday 14th March. Tickets to The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration were snapped up by the public within hours of going on sale in November, 2015. For all those who missed out on tickets, the ballot for The Celebration on The Long Walk offers the opportunity to be involved in a pre-performance party on the final night of the event and watch a live-screening of the ITV broadcast from the iconic Long Walk. The exciting celebratory Show tells the remarkable story of The Queen’s life encompassing a reign spanning more than 60 years, starting from when she was born in 1926, through World War Two, to The Coronation in 1953. Performers and displays will include The Oman Royal Cavalry, Chilean Huasos, The New Zealand Army Band, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Azerbaijan Cossack Riders, State Carriages from The Royal Mews, The South Australian Police Band, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Fijian Army Dancers and Band, 100 Military and Commonwealth Pipers and The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The Long Walk evening is expected to have a great party atmosphere for the 5,000 ticket holders with food stands,
38 MARCH 2016
picnicking opportunities and entertainment to enjoy against the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle. Applications for the ballot can be completed online by filling out a short form, which can be found at www.hmq90.com or they can be applied for in writing to: Celebration on The Long Walk, The Old Booking Hall, Windsor Royal Shopping, Thames St, Windsor SL4 1PJ. For more information and T&Cs please visit www.hmq90.com.
DRESS
TO IMPRESS
Image: Hairquarters Hair Salon
HEALTH
& BEAUTY
HhEALTH & ga BEAUTY ous e & rden
Uplifting Results Thread Lifting at the Light Touch Clinic Perfect for rejuvenating cheeks, jowls and the neck, the Thread Facelift is one of the most popular treatments at the Light Touch Clinic.
42 MARCH 2016
How Does It Work?
Thread Lifting, sometimes called a Thread Facelift, is a minimally invasive procedure whereby our Doctors use fine PDO (Polydioxanone) surgical threads to lift and support sagging facial skin. Made from the same material as PDO surgical stitches, these threads have an excellent safety record and have been in regular surgical use for 25 years. PDO is both biocompatible and biodegradable, making it very safe. There are two main types of PDO threads. Some have tiny cogs along the length of the thread; these grip sagging tissues and are responsible for providing a tightening and lifting effect. These are mainly used in the cheeks, jowls and neck. The second type of threads are smooth, without cogs. These do not lift but instead create a matrix of tissue support and collagen stimulation. Often both types of thread are used in combination to achieve the most effective outcome. Both threads slowly dissolve and are fully absorbed by the body after 6 - 9 months, leaving new collagen bands in place for a rejuvenated look which should last up to 2 years.
Dr Peter Forrester’s Experience
“I truly believe that PDO Thread Lifting is the most effective non-surgical rejuvenation technique introduced in recent years. I was sufficiently impressed by the PDO thread lift concept that in September 2015 I underwent a thread lift to my cheeks and jawline. I was surprised by the speed of my recovery and how little discomfort the procedure entailed. I had hardly any bruising and most of the swelling had subsided within two days. Obviously this will vary from person to person. I am pleased with the result and have received numerous favourable comments.”
FAQ
Q: How long before I see results? A: There will be an immediate lifting and firming effect but the maximum result may take up to 3 months to develop fully.
BEFORE
Q: Does the treatment hurt? A: Local anaesthetic cream ensures that discomfort is minimal. Q: What will my skin look like immediately afterwards? A: The treated area may look a little red and puffy. This usually settles within a day or two. Bruising is a possibility, but usually only of a minor degree.
AFTER
THE DETAILS
Why Light Touch Clinic?
• Unrivalled expertise with a team of 5 cosmetic doctors, one of which is also a plastic surgeon, and 2 highly-trained aestheticians. • Multi-award winning clinic • CQC-registered • Industry-leading results • Award-winning treatments
Light Touch Clinic, 50 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8DS ••••• www.lighttouchclinic.co.uk info@lighttouchclinic.co.uk 01932 849552
MARCH 2016 43
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Help for PCOS
P
olycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects the functioning of women’s ovaries. As the name suggests, it is common for women suffering from PCOS to grow cysts on their ovaries. These cysts, though harmless may lead to a change in hormones – which can alter a woman’s physical characteristics as well as affecting her menstruation. The first evident symptom of PCOS is often an irregular period or the absence of a period. Some women may also experience visible changes in their physical characteristics such as excessive hair growth, typically on the face, chest and abdomen. Usually the ovaries produce a tiny amount of male sex hormone known as “androgens”, however, people suffering from PCOS typically produce higher levels of androgens and it is this hormone which can lead to darker, thicker hair growth. Women with PCOS are likely to experience an increase in oil production and may suffer from acne. The most common areas for breakouts are the face, chest, shoulders and back.
44 MARCH 2016
Another symptom of PCOS can be unwanted weight gain. It’s common for women to gain extra weight on their hips, thighs and tummy. Any of these symptoms can be emotionally taxing for a woman. Although lifestyle changes such as dietary improvements can help in some cases there are also skincare treatments available that can help to alleviate some of the symptoms. A popular treatment for reducing excess hair growth is Laser Hair Removal. The ProSkin clinics which are located across the UK use the latest Cynosure Elite & Elite+ lasers. The laser light inhibits hair growth, making it the most long-term hair removal method available. TheraClear is a state-of-the-art treatment for acne. The ‘Light and Vacuum’ treatment is extremely effective for treating mild to moderate breakouts. This treatment delivers fast results and has reported a 90% success rate for inflammatory and cystic acne. ProSkin clinics also offer 3D Lipo. The 3D Lipo machine helps reduce unwanted fat and cellulite as well as tightening the skin. These treatments are broken down into 4 options; Cavitation, Cryolipolysis for fat reduction, Radio Frequency for skin tightening and Dermology for cellulite reduction. It is a non-invasive, painless alternative to liposuction and the results are amazing, especially when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. If you suspect you may be suffering from PCOS please speak to your GP who will be able to recommend suitable treatment options. THE DETAILS To find out more about the range of treatments available at ProSkin clinics please visit: www.proskinclinics.com
HhEALTH & ga BEAUTY ous e & rden
7 spring beauty trends to try now It’s rare that this happens, but almost every beauty trend that surfaced from the spring/summer fashion shows was summed up by the models at Marc Jacobs. By Katie Wright, Press Association
D
amp, dishevelled hair pinned precariously with a barrette; a hint of blue in the corner of the eye; purposely clumpy mascara and ‘bitten’ lips - it was all there. Sounds kind of a mess, though, doesn’t it? But, examined in isolation, there were some very appealing elements at work on Jacobs’ mussed-up maidens, and techniques that you can - and should - try at home. This season, unleash your rebellious streak and run wild with pretty-punk abandon...
1. GET THE BLUES The Lancome Anthony Vaccarello Hypnose Eyeshadow Palette in Blue Mania, available from lancome.co.uk
Every season has a dominant colour, this time around make-up artists made a beeline for blue, mainly on the eyes. Missoni’s models had opaque cyan eyelids and Issey Miyake’s were daubed with aquatic splatters. Jonathan Saunders opted for smudged Yves Klein eyeliner, while at Chanel an eye mask of powdery shadow was buffed on. TRY IT NOW: Lancome Anthony Vaccarello Hypnose Eyeshadow Palette in Blue Mania, £38, offers a trio of blue hues to play with (www.lancome.co.uk).
2. ALL DOLLED UP
Wide-eyed porcelain dolls were the inspiration for many a beauty look, but these dolls weren’t smiling. Ice-blue lashes made Mary Katrantzou’s models look frozen, 46 MARCH 2016
while at Marni, the hyper-extended falsies were meant to emulate “a girl who went too far with eyelash extensions”, according to make-up artist Tom Pecheux. The deranged doll manifested elsewhere, with tons of under-eye smudge paired with the palest of pink lips. TRY IT NOW: Start with a couple of coats of MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash, £19, then add a couple more (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).
3. HERE COMES THE BRAID
Forget pigtails and fishtails, the spring catwalks took braiding to a whole new level. At Kristian Aadnevik, stylist Antonio Corral Calero designed an elaborate but artfully undone halfupdo inspired by a “wild and rural” garden; Herve Leger’s girls were adorned with long French plaits that started at one temple, while at Roksanda, hair was tightly braided then loosened to give a soft-focus crimped effect. TRY IT NOW: Grip and volume are essential to master a catwalk-worthy braid, so start with Moroccanoil Root Boost, £18.85 (FeelUnique.com).
4. PARTY LIKE IT’S 1990
It looks like we’ve reached Peak Nineties in terms of fashion, and make-up artists have followed suit, with Tom Pecheux declaring “a supermodel from the Nineties” his muse at Moschino, and grunge inspiring the barefaced look at Emilio Pucci. That means heavy lipliner, brown lipstick, big brows and gleaming skin all round. TRY IT NOW: Use MAC Lip Pencil in Oak, £12.50, alone or with a slick of clear gloss on top (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).
Burberry Kisses Lip Velvet in Oxblood, available from burberry.com
5. WINE STAINS
With all those doe-eyed dolls around, lips mostly took a backseat in the make-up department this season, but there were a handful of notable exceptions. Anna Sui, Givenchy and Burberry all showed gorgeously dense burgundy pouts, chiming with that going-against-the-grain spring spirit. Does your skin start to flake at the first sign of Left: Models backstage at Marc Jacobs SS16. See PA Feature TRY IT NOW: Make it matte a cold snap? Rather than switching to a heavier BEAUTY Spring Trends. (PA Photo/NARS); above: A model wearing with Burberry Kisses Lip moisturiser, a creamier serum could make all the the Burberry Kisses Lip Velvet in Oxblood, available from burberry. com. All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout. Velvet in Oxblood, £26 difference. Erborian Elixir Au Ginseng, £80, (www.burberry.com). is a light and milky liquid that, applied after 7. REBEL REBEL cleansing and before moisturising, gives a Flying the flag for 6. WETTER THE BETTER double dose of hydration individualism, lots of designers Marc Jacobs’ wasn’t the only show (www.erborian.com). abandoned the identikit model where models sported decidedly approach this season, casting dewy complexions. At Prabal Gurung crop-haired beauties alongside the and Simone Rocha, foundation was ditched usual Rapunzel-esque girls. New hair icon altogether in favour of moisturiser and concealer Ruth Bell and two other buzz cut babes walked at to let the skin shine through, and ‘strobing’ cream products Acne, Christopher Kane’s models had super-short fringes were spotted in many make-up kits. chopped in, and Alexander Wang’s girls had boyish bowl Hair stylists got in on the act too, with slicked back, almost cuts. If you’ve been thinking about a drastic restyle, there’s dripping wet locks at Julien Macdonald, and saturated hair never been a better time to do it. curled into an updo at Sophia Webster. TRY IT NOW: We wouldn’t recommend grabbing the TRY IT NOW: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible clippers yourself, you’re going to need a trip to the salon Oil Primer, £20.50, gives ample shine without the weight for this one.. (www.bumbleandbumble.co.uk).
Buy it now
Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Primer, available from bumbleandbumble.co.uk.
Tried & tested
After making a splash as a beauty newbie, Micellar water looks set to stay. Our testers put three formulas to the test... Sothys Micellar Cleansing Water
4/5
“Gentle enough to be used on both the eye area and skin, this fragrance-free cleansing water is a great multitasker. Perfect for sensitive skins, it removes make-up, dirt and debris without ever stripping skin and leaving it feeling parched. It does take a few attempts with a cotton pad to clean skin thoroughly, though.” £23, available in Sothys salons and spas nationwide (www.sothys-uk.co.uk).
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution
“I’m rather susceptible to waking up with panda eyes, but since being introduced to this product, those black smudges have ceased. The silky water-like liquid cleans off my clunky old mascara and kohl eyeliner in no time, leaving my rather sensitive skin feeling clean and calm, with absolutely no redness or irritation.” £10.50 (Escentual.com)
5/5
4/5 Le Couvent de Minimes 3-in-1 Micellar Water “Fresh, fragrant and gentle, not only does this come in a pretty bottle, it’s as clear and light as water. A little goes a long way and leaves skin soft and smelling sweetly of cornflowers, without being sickly. Ideal after a grimy cycle ride home from work.” £16 (www.lecouventdesminimes.co.uk)
MARCH 2016 47
H EALTH & BEAUTY
The Other Academy Awards!
K
arine Jackson was the host and compere for the second Academy Hair & Beauty Salon Awards, which recognised and celebrated the individual achievements of the group’s salons and team. The evening held at Henry’s, Esher included a stunning hair show inspired and created by Karine Jackson and assisted by Sarah Biss and Amy O’Halleran using Balmain Paris Hair Couture with clothes styling from Ellu Amour, Hampton Court. Karine said, “The evening is about the Academy Salon’s success not just cutting hair but the total client journey. From front of house and consultation, cutting, colour and beauty. Also the amazing Academy team.” There were 6 Business Awards including Best Client Retention and Record Average Takings which created a highly competitive but fun atmosphere and also 13 Creative Awards. Salon of the Year went to Hersham and Meryl Thompson scooped Hairdresser of the Year for the second year in a row. Managing Director, Salv Mulé congratulated the winners on their hard work and contribution to the success of the salons. He said, “It’s evenings like this that just make me so proud of my team and even more passionate about this fantastic industry that we are all part of.” THE DETAILS
Photography: Tim Fox: PortfolioPhotography.co.uk
48 MARCH 2016
10 The Green, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL T: 01932 252 464 ••••• 42 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EB T: 01932 864 929 ••••• 105 Hare Lane, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0QX T: 01372 462 724 ••••• 91 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9QA T: 01372 466 400 ••••• www.academysalons.com
Premium Personal Training - Group Fitness Classes - Online Training “With weekly food diary reviews, customised home and gym workouts, working together on short and long term goals… Marek’s training is simply...better!” - Lucia, 43, Guildford
“Marek gives me inspiration, confidence and staying power – meaning much better results!” - Jenny, 39, Guildford
“With Marek I’ve made more progress in 6 months than in the last 4 years.” - Ryan, 34, Guildford
If you want to CHANGE YOUR BODY,
First you need to CHANGE YOUR MIND
Call us now to book your FREE Consultation.
tel. 07912 172349 www.mareksfitness.com
H EALTH & BEAUTY
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Spring is just around the corner, and with it a summer of special occasions is on the horizon. Weddings, Proms, Ascot, Henley – whatever the occasion, Victor Pajak from award-winning Headquarters Hair Salon in Kingston has some tips on how to dress to impress when it comes to special-occasion hair.
A
t this time of the year we have many brides-to-be in the salon, planning their wedding hairstyles. After the dress itself, the bridal hair decision is often one hardest to make. You want something on trend, but also want something timeless so that looking back on wedding photographs in the distant future doesn’t make you cringe! But many of the tips that we give to brides-to-be are just as valid if you’re a bridesmaid this summer, or a special guest at a wedding, or whether it’s your prom, a christening, or a trip to Ascot that you’re looking forward to.
we usually advise brides not to change who they are. You’ll feel far more comfortable with a variation of your normal style – and no-one wants to see a bride who’s unrecognisable on the day! GHDs are our best friends when it comes to creating occasion hair. Whether you want formal or relaxed, loose waves or more pronounced curls – they can do it all. But, again, a trial is vital, to ensure you’re happy with the size and volume of curl – and also to test how long your curls last, too. The last thing you want is for your curls to have dropped out before the day is over! The updo – maybe with braiding woven into it – is also a popular choice. But, of course, even the casual updo that looks like it’s been gathered and pinned up in 5 minutes, has in reality taken far longer! And there are numerous variations – formal, relaxed, volume at the nape,
The key to having the perfect hairstyle for your special occasion is to build a relationship with your hairdresser The key to having the perfect hairstyle for your special occasion is to build a relationship with your hairdresser. For brides it’s essential to have at least one trial appointment before the Big Day, so that we can get to know your hair-type, get to know your dress, and get to know how long your style is going to take to create on the day itself. A trial appointment takes all the nerves out of the day itself – so you can relax with a glass of bubbly, confident that your hair will go exactly according to plan. It also means that, as well as planning your hairstyle, we can also plan a conditioning regime to ensure that your hair looks shiny and beautifully healthy for the Big Day. The big-decision is often – should I go for an updo? Or leave it down? The style and neckline of your dress, for example, is a very important factor in this decision - so bring a picture of your dress to your trial hair appointment – along with your any hair accessories. We’ve even had full-length veils in the salon! Going to Ascot? Then bring your hat in with you. However, if you always wear your long hair down, then 50 MARCH 2016
or higher up. We always recommend you photograph your end-result up-do at your trial, when you’re happy with it. Bridal hair doesn’t have to be long, however. Shoulderlength bobs also look fabulous with a soft wave – and there are many stylish ways to dress up short styles. If you really want to add a little length, or volume, there are fantastic clip-in hairpieces that can do that. The important thing is to come in for a chat well in advance, and we can put together a bespoke plan that really works for you, your hair-type, and the setting of your special occasion. Above: Victor Pajak, Headquarters Kingston upon Thames
THE DETAILS Headquarters Hair Salon, 39-40 Market Place, Kingston, KT1 1JQ ••••• Tel: 0208 549 0078 www.hqsalon.com
The Look of Luxe Hair by Headquarters Artistic team Styling Bernard Connolly Makeup James O’Reilly Photography John Rawson
Treat Yourself to Beautiful Hair Headquarters Hair Salon Award-winning Colour Specialist Salon
39-40 Market Place, Kingston KT1 1JQ 0208 549 0078 www.hqsalon.com
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Straighten your teeth in weeks
for less than £100 per month !! A smile is one of the most emotive and powerful gestures at a person’s disposal and has been proven to have a positive effect on people around you.
A
t dentalessence we pride ourselves in creating healthier, straighter smiles. Teeth straightening has become the most popular treatment that patients seek from their dentist over recent years. Dr Anand and the team at dentalessence use a system called Quick Straight teeth to achieve desirable results for patients which can take as little as 16 weeks for some cases.
Principal partner Dr Anand says ‘Due to its remarkable affordability, the treatments are becoming very popular with patients who are delighted with such great results in such a short period of time. We offer free, no obligation consultations to our patients to establish if they are suitable, and provide a written treatment plan so patients can take their time and make an informed decision.’ Quick straight teeth involves the use of either fixed white braces or clear, removable braces to move teeth gradually and painlessly thus avoiding the need for traditional unattractive, metal ‘train tracks’ and several months to years of treatment.
White fixed braces
All cases are carried out without extractions and with minimal discomfort. We provide complementary teeth whitening for all patients at the end of their orthodontic treatment so they can enjoy the benefits of a brighter whiter smile as well as straighter teeth - both treatments which have proved to increase patients’ confidence and overall well-being . Our dental practice boasts a warm and friendly environment where even the most nervous of patients are quickly put at ease. We have a team of experienced and highly skilled staff who will make your dental journey as pleasant and comfortable as possible. If you would like to arrange your complementary consultation with one of our quick straight teeth accredited dentists please call us today and you too could be well on your way to a straighter, whiter smile.
BEFORE AFTER
Our dental practice boasts a warm and friendly environment where even the most nervous of patients are quickly put at ease
THE DETAILS
Clear braces
52 MARCH 2016
dentalessence @ weybridge 39 St Mary’s Road, Weybridge, Surrey kt13 9pt ••••• 01932 857 998 www.dentalessence.co.uk
Embrace the freedom of dental implants
dentalessence … gentle dental care
COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Do you lack confidence due to a missing tooth or teeth? Have you had enough of uncomfortable dentures? Are you having to watch what you eat or are embarrassed to eat in public? we could have an affordable, simple and pain free solution for you. speak to our team about dental implants.
Discover the benefits of short-term braces You could have straight teeth in just 16 weeks! From £999 or just £80 per month with finance FREE CONSULTATION
Are you embarrassed of crooked teeth? Are you always covering your mouth in photos? Are you worried about not having been for years and are very nervous?
01932 857 998 39 St Marys Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9PT www.dentalessence.co.uk
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Time to Make a Change?
I
Mr Shashi Irukulla
54 MARCH 2016
f you have tried other ways to lose weight, but have not been successful, weight loss surgery may be the solution for you. Our expert bariatric surgeons offer a range of weight loss surgery (also known as obesity surgery or bariatric surgery) in the form of gastric bypass, gastric balloon, gastric sleeve, gastric banding and revision bariatric surgery (band to bypass or sleeve). Spire Clare Park Hospital offers safe and effective weight loss surgery. Spire Healthcare has been helping more and more men and women throughout the UK lose weight through surgery and transform the lives of over 2,000 patients every year. Bariatric surgery helps to improve your quality of life. It helps you lose weight and achieve remission or cure for diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, infertility and high cholesterol. Experienced bariatric surgeon, Mr Shashi Irukulla, offers regular monthly free mini consultation evenings for weight loss surgery, offering an introduction, information and advice about our wide range of treatment options. Dedicated before and after care teams look after you throughout your weight loss journey, from making that first decision, to providing ongoing weight loss support and advice long after surgery, with comprehensive full 2 year follow up programme, to fully support your weight loss journey and provide that extra peace of mind. Our weight loss surgery teams are headed up by consultant bariatric surgeons, all registered with the General Medical Council, and include specialist weight loss surgery nurses, physicians and dieticians.
How surgery treats obesity
Weight loss surgery helps to reduce the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and some weight loss procedures also change the digestive system so that fewer calories are absorbed from the food you eat. This makes it likely that you end up with a shortage of calories over what is needed as fuel for day-to-day activity. To compensate for this deficit, the body begins to use stores of fat that have built up over the years as a source of energy. As this fat is burnt up, your weight begins to fall.
Why chose Spire Clare Park?
• Qualified and experienced weight loss surgeons • Multi-disciplinary weight loss support team • Personal consultation with your individual surgeon – and extensive assessment • Range of procedures to meet your needs • With you all the way – from your first appointment until long after your surgery • Finance Options available to help spread the cost • Free mini weight loss events with the surgeon • Full two year follow up package included THE DETAILS
For more information call 01252 895 490 or visit www.spireclarepark.com Spire Clare Park Hospital, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 5XX.
HhEALTH & ga BEAUTY ous e & rden
The fast and
the fabulous THINKING FAST
“Elemis excellence and expertise in a fraction of the time,” is how Noella Gabriel, co-founder and creator of Elemis Therapies describes the dedicated Speed Spa, where treatments last as little as 15 minutes.These condensed methods don’t shy away from innovative techniques: the 30-minute Firm Favourite, £45, uses microcurrent pulses to help lift sagging skin, while the Eye Do, also £45, combines microcurrents with oxygen infusion to plump out lines in that most delicate of areas. The Speed Spa is exclusive to the House of Elemis in London but other 15 and 30-minute treatments are available nationwide (www.elemis.com/spa-locator)
RAISING THE BAR
“A
facial used to be considered a luxury but as society has become more knowledgeable about the impact of environmental aggressors on our complexions, the consumer is seeking faster treatments with quick-fix results,” says Emma Schulz, national education manager for Darphin. “To address this shift, we’ve developed new 30-minute facial treatments that focus on immediate benefits.” In fact, almost every major spa brand now offers a selection of sub one-hour appointments for face and body, perfect for lunch-break pop-ins. These are the speedy treatments that will give you that post-spa glow in minutes...
HALF-HOUR POWER
Concentrating the power of its signature facials into a 30-minute blast, Darphin offers a menu of six skinboosting options, including the Instant Illuminating Facial, for £35, at select locations. “The facials use the same signature Darphin protocols and products as our 60 and 90 minute treatments, but in an express format,” explains Schulz. “Products are applied with our unique Digitopressure technique to restore energy, balance skin and increase penetration of high performing skincare serums. Our Deep Massage facial technique is reduced, but there is no compromise on the sense of luxury and you will still see immediate benefits.” Treatments available in salons nationwide (www. darphin.co.uk) 56 MARCH 2016
Clarins BeautyBARs - described as the ‘stylish little sister’ to the Clarins Skin Spa, and located in the Bradford, Liverpool and London John Lewis stores - were developed in response to customer demand for shorter, but no less effective, treatments. “For the past two years, we have been working hard to create the perfect solution, developing ways to condense all the effective massage techniques you’d expect from a Clarins Spa Treatment, but in double quick time,” says Clarins UK managing director Debbie Lewis. Need a really zippy skin fix? Try the SOS Facial, which combines expert analysis and laser-like focus to home in on your needs. All treatments last 30-minutes and cost £25 each (www.clarins.co.uk)
A day spent cocooned in a fluffy robe being preened and pampered in the plush surrounds of a spa is one of life’s great luxuries.Your complexion - and stress levels - are never better than after a thorough blitz, but sadly, there isn’t always t ime for top-to-toe treatments
Buy it now
By Katie Wright, Press Association
MASSAGE IN MINUTES
The same way a beautician uses steam to open your pores at the start of a facial, Origins’ new first of its kind mask primer provides a blast of moisture, making skin more receptive to the actives that follow. Spritz Maskimizer, £18.50, over your face to boost the benefits of your usual weekly skin treat (www.origins.co.uk).
Escape to the tranquil oasis of a Hilton Hotel Eforea Spa for one of three targeted express massages that blend Eastern and Western techniques to send you to relaxation heaven in no time. Available at the Bournemouth, Liverpool or Southampton hotels, choose from the Indian and Thai-inspired head and face massage; the Chineseinfluenced shoulder, neck and scalp massage; or a thorough foot massage, which draws from Egyptian reflexology. Each £45 treatment lasts 25 minutes, so combine two to double your blissfulness and still scrape the onehour mark (www.hilton.com)
MICRO MIRACLES
Got a sudden spot breakout? Has a cold snap left you with parched patches or a new product caused a bad reaction? Then a Dermalogica MicroZone treatment, £35, is just what you need. Each 20-minute session focuses on a pressing concern, from acne to dullness to irritation, starting with speedy diagnosis and finishing with immediate relief from whatever’s bugging you. Treatments available in salons nationwide (www.dermalogica.co.uk)
THE DE-STRESS EXPRESS
Introduced to coincide with the new Aurabsolu range, the Decleor Glow Power Boost facial is a 30-minute miracle that uses an innovative oil-in-gel mask to rejuvenate even the most flagging of faces. And for the boys, there’s
the Express Energising Face Treatment, which focuses on exfoliation and massage to soothe stressed out complexions. Half-hour treatments, available at various locations, start from £30 (www.decleor.co.uk)
EASY ON THE EYES
Too many late nights and early starts take their toll on peepers, but the Carita Precious Diamond for Eyes treatment, from £60, will restore that much-needed sparkle. Available in 30 or 45-minute slots, the gentle but powerful treatment will put paid to puffiness and diminish dark circles, thanks to a highly concentrated elixir - the beauty equivalent of a power nap. Treatments available in salons nationwide (www.carita.co.uk/locations)
Tried & tested
Are face oils really worth the hype? Our testers try three slick new contenders...
“Pleasantly scented, this very intense nourishing oil really coats the skin in a luxurious, oily veil, so is best used at night. Because it’s so rich, it took time to sink in with gentle massaging movements. It felt like it was hydrating my thirsty skin, and handily, the leftover doubles up as a nail oil for my cuticles.” £19.50 (www.sanctuary.com)
4/5
L’Occitane Shea Face Comforting Oil
“Packed with shea and marula oils, this left my skin soft, supple and silky smooth, without any sticky or shiny residue. I only needed a couple of drops at a time, warming it up in my hands before applying to my face. You can use it before your regular moisturiser but the oil is so nourishing, I didn’t bother with my usual cream.” £29 (www.loccitane.com)
5/5
Sond Replenishing Face Oil
“To begin with, the recommended three or four drops wasn’t nearly enough for my dry skin, but once I’d tripled that dose, it really worked. Extremely light, the oil soaks right in and doesn’t feel at all greasy, and over time has made my winter-ravaged skin feel more moisturised, especially when used overnight.” £34 (www.sondskin.com)
All images courtesy of PA/Handout
Sanctuary Spa Overnight Miracle Oil
4/5
MARCH 2016 57
kitchen & bathroom guide
A collection of Surrey and Berkshire’s finest kitchen and bathroom companies
Bathroom by West One Bathrooms www.westonebathrooms.com
property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS
Eat your heart out
Northern lighting acorn grey pendant, 285, available from Cloudberry Living
The Chichester kitchen, from 8,000, available from Neptune
Tiverton Slate solid oak kitchen, with a deep grey finish, from 3,400, based on eight unit example, available from Wickes
By Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association
T
here’s no doubt kitchens are the centre of our homes, but although they’re the area we choose to spend the most time, either eating or socialising, it seems all too few of us have our ‘dream’ space. Around 65% of Brits feel their current kitchen is far from ideal - with its inadequacies most exposed during the pressure-cooker stress of Christmas - and around a quarter struggle with a cramped or awkward shaped room, while 25% bemoan a lack of work surfaces, according recent research by Wickes. Aside from the benefits of enjoying this space more - and potentially being able to cook up a storm - it could be worth reconsidering a refit on financial grounds alone, as it’s the most popular way to add value to a property, estimated by experts at around 15%. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose a kitchen,” says Daniele Brutto of Hub Kitchens, specialists in Italian-inspired design. “ There are so many materials, colours and finishes in the market at the moment, but what’s important is focusing on what will work for you
6 0MM 2 AA RR CC H H2 02 10 61 6
and your space. Pick something you like, which could be a particular wall colour, a floor tile or work surface texture and work outwards from there. Keeping one element at the heart of your design will make the whole process much more straightforward.” Take comfort from the fact that size isn’t everything, according to Brutto, who says small spaces can still look stylish if a scheme is kept simple and every inch of space is exploited. “Custom-made cabinets can conceal day-to-day appliances when they’re not in use, while it’s also possible to maximise preparation areas by using worktops which cover sinks or extend. “It’s all about marrying imagination with innovative design and creating a calm, relaxed environment, where it’s a pleasure to work and play.” See what’s on the menu for kitchens this year, and choose your own individual style recipe...
MODERN MENU
Shades of grey or cool blue will give a kitchen an ultramodern look and can be enlivened with either a colourful
Copper white wall clock, 55, available from Rigby and Mac
splashback, or add a warming glow with copper metallic accessories. “The general trend still continues for the kitchen to literally be the heart of the home, and grey is still a massive colour trend, whether it’s used for unit fronts or even grey grouting in between tiles,” says Wickes design consultant, Simon Burton. “A kitchen has to be a practical, user-friendly space, but is also regarded as an area to socialise, so open-plan designs, incorporating a kitchen and dining/living area, are still a top choice. One great way to enhance a social feel is to have built-in music speakers.”
All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout
The Suffolk kitchen, in navy, from 9,000, available from Neptune
WALK IN THE WOODS
Natural materials rule in decor, and showcasing rich wood grain and stunning stone worktops - marble through to slate - brings personality and ultimate luxury to a room. “The real trend at the moment for finishes is subtle, textural differences to give real depth, which will break up the monotone nature of surfaces. We’re going to see more use of natural exotic stones such as marble, slate and granite,” says Brutto. “We’ll see an even greater emphasis on the use of natural timbers, and there are some amazing timber veneers coming onto the market, which give cabinetry a rich, warm feel. The trend for mixing and matching veneers with harsher surrounds, such as concrete, steel and iron, will also feature strongly this year.”
“It’s all about marrying imagination with innovative design and creating a calm, relaxed environment, where it’s a pleasure to work and play.”
Shaker kitchen design in oak, starts from 5,186, available from Betta Living
A PERFECT BALANCE
Series7 bar stool, inspired by Arne Jacobsen design, in laminated plywood and beech, 212, available from Voga
Mixing modern and old-style materials, and using accents of black and charcoal to add definition, achieves a chic look which suits a country ‘kick off your wellies’ setting, just as much as an edgy industrial-style urban loft. “We believe a successful kitchen should feel like an organic part of a home, not a bolt-on or trend-conscious space. Instead, it should be a zone in harmony with our style and taste, and designed to totally suit our lifestyle. Contrast in colour or texture is particularly effective, for instance, rough brick set against a plaster wall, or a tiled effect below an open raftered ceiling,” says John Sims-Hilditch, managing director at Neptune. “This timeless look has enduring appeal, never goes out of fashion and looks better as it ages. Breaking up a run of wall cupboards with open shelving or glass-fronted upper cabinets is a useful design option, creating fluidity and an impression of more space.”
Undated Handout Photo of the Horizon kitchen, in anthracite, from 4,899, available from Betta Living
MARCH 2016 3
KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property
A style to suit you In general – colour, textures and light are all important in creating the period bathrooms below – they all help create the right feel and atmosphere as well as choosing the right sanitary ware designs… feet made from cast iron are true to the age, as are paint effects such as faux marbling. Washbasins are often set on a washstand and w/c’s are high-up, in iconic Victorian fashion. The colour palette is made up of forest colours such as reds, blues and greens with lots of art nouveau patterns.’
Art deco bathrooms – Art decorative
Georgian bathrooms
‘Georgian Bathrooms tend to have high ceilings and big windows with lots of light flooding in. Grand and prominent features work well, for example, eye catching freestanding baths or exposed brassware fittings in the shower, or taps. You may also want to introduce bold colours, whether it’s a painted bath, or window dressing, it’s typical of this era to include dark reds, sage greens and cloudy blues. Elegant bathroom sanitaryware works best to create an authentic look, however, if you’re feeling daring very contemporary bathrooms designs can look amazing in these spaces too. Lighting is very important, as Georgian bathrooms often have high ceilings, which can be dressed with a statement chandelier. The tiling should be kept simple, natural stone works very well, so can the new style plank porcelain tiles which replicate an original wooden floor without the worry of water damage. If it is possible, retain the original features, for example fireplaces can look great behind a freestanding bath, this is the same for a huge Georgian window as there is often a low sill height. Heating is also important, big chunky styles like Bard & Brazier Baronial towel warmers work well with the drama of the space, smaller features would be lost.’
‘As the name implies, this look is rich in decoration with influence from the far east, using dramatic colours and textures. Blacks are often used and highlighted by golds and rich jade colours with chrome plating and lots of mirrors. Tiling is often patterned with geometric shape, as travel seeps through to the design of everyday household items, such as Belle Aire, the aeroplane taps by Lefroy Brooks. The sanitaryware is often stronger in shape, with a cubism influence, but also more natural. Lighting is very important to add Hollywood-esque glamour, with reflective mirrors and crystal lighting. Freestanding baths add glamour, in polished silver, but on plinth, not ball & claw feet. Black and white chequered floors are prevelant for art deco bathrooms as are marble surfaces.
Victorian bathrooms
‘Victorian bathrooms, like Georgian, tend to have high ceilings, but narrower and smaller windows. They also tend to have more fussy features and a more eclectic mix of design, colour and texture. Victorian bathroom floors are still very popular and we are seeing a resurgence lately with a slightly more Aztec twist, for example Domus Azulej. Textured wallpapers give a very authentic Victorian feel, which goes hand in hand with decadent sanitaryware items, with gothic or oriental feel. Roll top baths and claw
4 MARCH 2016
THE DETAILS West One Bathrooms Ltd, 1 High Street Oxshott, Surrey KT22 0JN ••••• 01372 841 730 www.westonebathrooms.com
KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property
BATHED IN STYLE
Surrey based Miscellanea of Churt, established in 1980, offers an unrivalled spectrum of interiors from authentic traditional through to cutting edge contemporary.
F
rom humble beginnings, Miscellanea has become a place of pilgrimage for anyone seeking to create unique and individual surroundings. Initially, and still, specialising in Bathrooms, their repertoire has extended into a full Interior Design Service to include Kitchens, Bedrooms, Libraries, Studies etc. or simply single items of Bespoke Furniture, all of which have organically grown to satisfy an ever increasing demand from their discerning clientele. Whatever your design requirement a trip to Miscellanea’s recently extended, and magnificently refurbished showroom, is a must. Here you will find influences gathered from around the globe reflecting the eclectic mix of today’s modern lifestyle. Whilst fashion understandably dictates trends, Miscellanea pride themselves on their ability to capture each clients’ individual ethos enabling them to provide unique Interiors of true distinction. This is a Showroom where every style is celebrated – from 14th Century Medieval to 21st Century Hi-Tech – all in settings that surprise and test the
6 MARCH 2016
imagination – a truly inspirational space. Colour too is rejoiced, and grey, beige and cream are harnessed to pave the way for more dramatic schemes providing a visual feast for each and everyone who visits. Interwoven into the Interior settings are unique works of art, sculpture, mirrors and a plethora of home accessories, all chosen to compliment, and enhance the settings on display. At Miscellanea they are pleased to inspire and demonstrate to you the best methods of successfully using your space to its fullest potential, whilst always keeping your ideas at the forefront of their design work. Originality, creativity and passion, characterise their designs – all of which are hand drafted for each and every individual client, all underpinned by a quality, precise and professional service from start to finish. Miscellanea has to be a 2016 destination for anyone wanting to create an Interior of true originality or those who are simply looking to purchase a quirky single item to complete their existing room. THE DETAILS Crossways Churt, Churt GU10 2JA ••••• 01428 714014 www.miscellanea.co.uk
property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS
C
Tile with style
hoosing the right tiles for your bathroom needs some careful consideration. With so many varieties on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choice on offer. Choose from ceramic, slate, glass and metal tiles, plain or patterned, large and small, smooth or textured. The options are seemingly endless. So, to help you through the decision process, we’ve put together some practical tips, making finding the perfect tiles for you bathroom, a breeze CERAMIC OR NATURAL STONE TILES? Ceramic tiles are the most popular by a long way. They’re durable, their glazed surface makes them highly resistant to harbouring germs, they’re usually very easy to keep clean, and come in styles to suit every taste. If you opt for ceramics, the most important thing to be aware of is that they do tend to vary from lot to lot, so make sure all the boxes you buy are stamped with the same lot number. But if you’d rather try something different... Glazed terracotta tiles are hugely popular right now with the trend for Mediterranean style bathrooms. Good quality terracotta is not only gorgeously rustic, it’ll last virtually forever, but can be hard to find. So the cheapest option might not be the best. Natural stone tiles like granite, slate, marble and even terrazzo (composed of marble chips imbedded in concrete and polished smooth) are beautiful, distinctive, and luxurious. They’ll cost you though. And these materials tend to be porous, so you may need to apply a seal to stop the tiles absorbing water. Make sure you discuss this with the supplier before you buy. Glass, metal, and porcelain tiles look brilliant if installed properly – but that’s easier said than done. Unless you’re really a dab hand at DIY you might want to leave the fitting of these to the experts. ADD TEXTURE AND INTEREST WITH BATHROOM TILES With the majority of bathroom suites being sleek and white, tiles are a
8 MARCH 2016
great way to add texture and interest into a room that can otherwise, look fairly clinical. If you’re talking floor tiles, texture is a must. It sounds like common sense, but many buyers are still seduced by lovely shiny tiles and then end up skidding all over the place every time the floor’s wet. Generally, the rougher the texture, the less slippery the tile when wet. When it comes to wall tiles, shiny tiles look chic and sleek and reflect light, making them a good option when in small or dark spaces. On the other hand, embossed tiles can be a smart way of adding interest to your walls and reducing starkness, especially if your tiles are in only one or two colours. CONSIDER COLOURFUL OR PATTERNED BATHROOM TILES It goes without saying that white is by far the most popular colour choice for bathroom tiles. White tiles are fresh-looking, classic, and reflect light to give the illusion of a more spacious, lighter room. If you’re worried about the room looking too stark add dark or patterned towels and other accessories to introduce splashes of colour while retaining the clean minimalist look. Colourful or patterned tiles can be used to add detail here and there, or make a bold statement when used to cover the entire wall. They tend to look best contrasted with simpler bathroom fixtures. SMALLER BATHROOMS LOOK BETTER WITH SMALLER TILES Generally, the more compact the bathroom the smaller the tiles should be, especially if there’s not much space between your sink, toilet, and tub. Smaller tiles will also require less cutting to fit around objects and make for a more flowing feel. If you’re lucky enough to have a big bathroom, large tiles give a sleek look with less exposed grouting in between. Borders or panels of smaller tiles can look fantastic in complimentary or contrasting colours.
KITCHENS & BeATHROOMS h ous HOUSE & ga GARDEN rden
Relax, Renew and Refresh
We love bathrooms, especially beautiful and spa-like ones where we can create our own little oasis at home.Whether you have your own bathroom retreat or are looking to create a new one, you’re just a few ideas, products, and steps away from the bathroom of your dreams.
B
athroom design has come a long way in the last 20 years. Whilst the importance of functionality remains; many more homeowners are now spending time and money to ensure striking aesthetics within their bathroom. Designer bathrooms are a common site in many homes and such a project can add real value to the property. If you are seeking to create a modern designer bathroom look in your home then the tips below will help you achieve that goal.
A STYLISH BATH The first bathroom suite item to deal with is the bathtub. This is the piece of furniture that you will get the most enjoyment from and it is important to ensure that it provides comfort to the user. However, going for a practical model doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style and there is a vast range of bathroom models, from twin baths that allow two people to bathe side by side, to corner baths that serve to maximise available space. If you prefer the more traditional rectangle shaped bath, there are still options available that provide that designer feel. Going for a separate tap installation also serves to create a unique look. THE SHOWER OPTION Whether you have enough space to install both a bathtub and a shower, or prefer to just have the latter in your bathroom; your choice of design will have a huge impact on the room. Quadrant shower enclosures that fit into the corner of the room with an arc shaped glass enclosing the two sides, give an elegant finishing look to the suite. If you are planning to splurge on your bathroom and you have the space, you might like to consider a walk-in shower enclosure. Walk-ins give you greater mobility and access, and look grand as well as plenty of space to
really relax and unwind. It is a good idea to have glass on as many sides of the shower enclosure as the bathroom allows. This will greatly help to increase the light in the room, which will in turn give the illusion of spaciousness. AN APPEALING BASIN Although you probably consider the bath or shower as being the most important of furniture in your bathroom, it is also the basin that acts as a central item in designer bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it will almost always have a mirror placed above it, which immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. As such it is important to install a basin that looks fantastic. One option is to fit a vanity unit, with the basin sunk in so that it is flush with the surface. Alternatively you could add to the aesthetics by mounting the basin on top of the vanity unit and go for an unusual design, such as a funnel shaped basin. However, if you are going for an ultra-modern look and want to keep furniture down to a minimum, then a vanity unit may not be the right choice for you. In such instances a hovering sink with hidden pipes is a good option. If you have a big enough bathroom and enough wall space, you could even decide to go for the double sink, which not only look great, but are also useful in a busy household. LUXURY TOUCHES Carefully coordinate your towels with the colour of the walls and bathroom suite. Add a stylish looking towel rail electric element to heat up the towels for added luxury, which also comes with an added advantage of warming up your bathroom. Decanting your soap and shower products into matching bottles is a simple way to create a stylish look in your bathroom. Coordinate other accessories such as the toilet roll holder and toothbrush holder. Get a sleek and stylish cabinet or matching boxes to hide away less attractive products or those you don’t want to show. A well-chosen bathroom rug, a potted plant in the corner, or a framed picture hung on an empty wall; small pieces which can completely revamp the look of your suite. Strike a balance by picking just a few significant pieces of bathroom furniture which will contain a certain colour. Offset it by choosing a neutral or contrasting colour in other accessories. By ensuring that your accessories are attractive and functional, along with some good, soft lighting, you can create a calm and relaxing retreat, right inside your home. MARCH 2016 13
Kitchens of distinction‌
Showrooms: 78 & 82 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8DL Telephone: 01932 856850 • www.whw.co.uk
property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS
Dear reader,
Time to Relax, Indulge, Think and Escape When choosing a new bathroom and you need inspiration, Walton Bathrooms is the showroom to visit.
C
elebrating their 30th year, Walton Bathrooms recently refurbished showrooms offer stunning displays of new products including the latest trends as well as timeless classics. Situated in The Hersham Centre, Hersham, Surrey, the immaculate showrooms are a perfect place for customers to see the extent of sophistication and luxury. Over 60 displays include the new Amadea Royal from Villeroy & Boch with its opulent and classically glamorous splendor whereas the Soho Collection brings together a combination of simple, stylish products which can be easily tailored to suit most bathrooms. The choice is endless with further displays from Keuco, Hansgrohe and Zucchetti plus so much more. Whilst some of Walton Bathrooms displays are styled with space and grandeur in mind, they also offer a number of compact solutions. Burgbad’s Guest ranges offer the styling of the main ranges but in compact versions to suit a small cloakroom or en suite. There is a dedicated tile studio showing both wall and floor tiles. The comprehensive range of tiles are used in conjunction with ceramic colours and brassware to co-ordinate different schemes along with samples of many different material finishes, from quartz, marble and granite to Corian and glass. Individual samples can be lifted to put next to your tiles or furniture choices to assure a perfect look for your complete new bathroom concept, making the process of selection a tactile experience. Having chosen your bathroom, you need to be sure that installation will be trouble-free. Walton Bathrooms offer a complete service, via one of their approved bathroom installation teams. With over 17 years’ experience working in private houses, they know how important it is to give
16 MARCH 2016
continuity of work and provide a full service to valued clients. If you are looking for premier products, with service to match, this is the one place you must visit.
THE DETAILS Walton Bathrooms Ltd, The Hersham Centre, The Green, Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL. ••••• Showroom tel: 01932 224 784. Contract sales tel: 0208 481 7970. e-mail: sales@waltonbathrooms.co.uk ••••• Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (easy parking next to Waitrose). Alternatively you can buy on-line at www.waltonbathrooms.co.uk where many ranges are on special offer.
property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS
KITCHENS ARE THE NEW LIVING ROOMS
On average, people spend from £8,000 to a massive £20,000 on a new kitchen. It is about creating a dream space…so depending on the price range, what can that buy you?
78 1 6 MARCH 2016
Choosing A Theme For Your Kitchen
classic shaker style kitchen. The floor plan in a shaker kitchen is open, with cabinets often lining the sides of the kitchen. An island in the middle can make an attractive and very useful addition and can be created for you in classic shaker styling. This dignified, elegant kitchen is never excessive but nevertheless stunning to look at and work in.
Contemporary kitchens
The sleek look that comes hand in hand with a contemporary kitchen will provide instant gratification. The practical use of space allows for more movement in the kitchen and provides easier access to storage areas and necessary equipment as you prepare those mouth-watering dishes. Also, contemporary colours provide a more open feeling which adds into the functional atmosphere of the space. That is, in essence, one of the great benefits of contemporary custom kitchen designs; the array of options available. No matter what your exact tastes and preferences, there is a contemporary kitchen design that will meet all your specific needs.
French country kitchen
This look combines rustic country charm with a grand, chateau-like sophistication. Opt for units in an aged shade of parchment or dove grey featuring beautifully-turned, bevelled detailing. Team with natural stone or slate on the floor, black or cream enamel Aga, chunky wooden worktops and tiled splashbacks in earthy shades. This also works well with freestanding features, so choose an antique-style armoire for displaying tableware and an island unit with matching hood as a focal point. Hang copper pans on a black wrought iron pot hanger and accessorise the room with rustic oil bottles and richly coloured earthenware.
Shaker Style kitchen
The clean lines and rustic feel of a shaker kitchen means they appeal to those who adore both contemporary design and a classic look and feel. The round knobs, pillow-fronted doors and beautiful woods are features that epitomise the
Retro Kitchen
A retro kitchen is styled in a way that includes elements that imitate kitchen trends of the past. You might find psychedelic colours that hark back to the 1970s, or even appliances based on those found in American households of the 1950’s. Adding a touch of retro fun to your new kitchen can be a great way to give character to the space, and is sure to provide a few nostalgic talking points.
LAYOUT
Your kitchen should be designed for whatever you are likely to want to do in it. There are people who want to frame pictures, wash dogs, even do keep fit in their kitchens. If you’re remodelling from scratch and have a large space, think open plan and multi-purpose – somewhere to eat, work, cook and relax. Kitchen experts John Lewis of Hungerford advise thinking hard about your lifestyle. “The vivacious party animal” needs a U-shaped kitchen with island in the middle and open ended for social gathering, for example. “The Good Life fans” prefers a big L-shaped layout with a range-style cooker, large fridge and freezer and large farmhouse table. “The London weekday bolthole” needs galley-style layout with plenty of wall storage cabinets because most of the below surface cupboards are filled with appliances and gadgets. Meanwhile the “pony club set” loves a free-standing pantry offset to a wrap-around kitchen with peninsula and, of course, an Aga.
CABINETS
Cabinets are the workhorse of your kitchen, so always push your budget as far as possible. Think practically as well as aesthetically when it comes to the finish (highly
MARCH 2016 19
KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property
Top tips for: 5 choosing bathroom taps By Julia Gray, Press Association
theme
The different elements of your bathroom should go together, so if you have a period-style room, you need classic taps to suit, and if the look is modern, contemporary taps work best. Try the taps with the bathroom suite to check they’re the right style and size. It’s especially important that the basin tap is in proportion to the basin and won’t project water over the lip. Most bathroom taps are chrome these days, but other finishes are available. And don’t forget ease of use, especially for the youngest and oldest members of the family, who may have difficulty operating some types of tap.
home system
There’s nothing worse than a tap that produces little more than a dribble, so consider your home’s water system before you buy - something many of us forget to do. “This tends to be more important if you have a low-pressure water system,” says Browning. “If the tap isn’t suitable and the water flow is poor, it will take a long time to fill a bath.”
budget
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get good taps, but it can be a false economy to buy cheap ones because a tap has working parts and they can fail if they’re poor quality. If you soon end up having to get the taps repaired or replaced, you’ll wish you’d spent more on a product designed to last. “The quality of the materials and finishing of a tap is very important when it comes to good water flow, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and long-term
20 MARCH 2016
value,” says Simon Browning of Mira Showers (www.mirashowers. co.uk), which has its own range of taps - Aspects. “You can judge the quality of a tap by the warranty that comes with it, as well as aesthetic values: look for perfect symmetry and flat lines on the edges of the tap.”
mixer taps
Mixer taps, which have one spout, are a popular choice because they make it easy to get water at the desired temperature. They mix hot and cold water before it comes out of the spout, but some people prefer separate hot and cold taps - your bathroom basin will either have two holes for separate taps or one for a mixer. If your bath has two tap holes, you don’t have to have separate taps - most bath mixers are designed for two holes. However, not all baths come pre-drilled with tap holes - to avoid drilling them, go for wall-mounted taps, or floor-standing taps, which are often used with freestanding baths.
water pressure
Good water pressure is especially important for bathshower mixer taps. These taps are a cost-effective way to have an over-bath shower because you need bath taps anyway, so why not pay a bit more for taps that connect to a shower head and hose? Bath-shower mixers are useful for washing you, your hair, the dog and the bath itself, but good water pressure is needed for a satisfactory showering experience, so they can’t always be used instead of a separate shower.
KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property
5 Top tips for: kitchens INITIAL DESIGN
By Julia Gray, Press Association
You can, of course, design your new kitchen yourself, but expert advice is hard to beat. A good kitchen designer will probably think of things you haven’t, and should know their products inside out. B&Q, for example, will design your kitchen free of charge and give you access to its Spaces 3D planning tool so you can have a go yourself. Working out what you do and don’t like about your current kitchen, and what you do and don’t want from your new one, is a good place to start.
USING THE SPACE
If you’re having an extension built to accommodate the kitchen, deciding how to divide up the space into cooking, dining and living areas should be done before designing the kitchen itself. It’s a good idea to wait until the shell of the extension is up because seeing it may change how you want to use the space.
DELIVERY
Waiting for the kitchen to be delivered can take longer than you think. Some ranges are available off the shelf, such as B&Q’s IT range - many items can be bought in store, but some are only available from the B&Q website, www.diy.com. Some kitchens take weeks, or even months, to arrive, which can seem like an eternity if you’re managing without one. And don’t forget to find a good kitchen fitter in advance and let them know when the kitchen is due to arrive to avoid unnecessary delays. Recent research from B&Q, which coincided with its Homefit installation service (www. diy.com/diy/homefit) being endorsed by the Which? Trusted Traders scheme, revealed that we spend more time choosing the colour of our kitchen than finding the right person to fit it.
DURING INSTALLATION
Cooking meals is the biggest challenge if you have to cope without a kitchen for long, especially if you have a family to feed. However, there are plenty of small appliances that make life easier - Russell Hobbs has a good selection, including a Mini Hob (£34.99, www.uk.russellhobbs.com) and MultiCooker (£89.99, www.uk.russellhobbs.com). George Foreman Fat Reducing Grills are great for cooking all sorts of things, but the new George Foreman Evolve Grill (currently reduced to £99.99 from £149.99, www.georgeforeman. co.uk) is like having a hob, oven and grill in one compact gadget. Another surprisingly versatile gadget is the De’Longhi Multifry (from RRP £159.99), which can be used to cook meals such as risottos and stews, as well as crisp chips.
WOOD CARE
If you’ve opted for wooden worktops, leave enough time to oil them thoroughly before installation to protect them from marks and warping. The worktops must be stored and oiled flat, so they do take up a lot of room. Once they’re fitted, remember to oil any cutouts, especially the one for the
22 MARCH 2016
sink, and keep oiling the worktops in situ - once a day for a week, once a week for a month and once a month for a year, a builder told me recently. The worktops need to be oiled on all sides, but especially the top, and it’s essential to use a good wood oil, such as low-odour Sadolin Worktop Oil (£15.99 for 500ml, Homebase). This isn’t the cheapest oil, but it’s definitely worth paying a bit more to give your worktops proper protection - inexpensive oils often aren’t up to the job. The Sadolin oil takes a while to soak in - leave for 24 hours before re-coating - but it repels water well and gives a lovely natural look.
53-57 High Street Cobham Surrey - KT11 3DP T: 01932 584940 www.adaptations.uk.com
Adaptations Ltd
Make yourself at ome Make yourself at ome You know how some rooms just make you feel instantly at ease? Our Chichester kitchen hand-painted in Shingle: from £10,000, Suffolk 1200mm Potboard hand-painted in Shale: from £925,
You know how some rooms just make you feel instantly at ease? Suffolk Chopping Block: from £895, and Ashcroft soft basket: from £40.
Our Chichester kitchen hand-painted in Shingle: from £10,000, Suffolk 1200mm Potboard hand-painted in Shale: from £925, Suffolk Chopping Block: from £895, and Ashcroft soft basket: from £40.
Create Create your your own own designs designs at at neptuneweybridge.com neptune.com Neptune Weybridge, 10 Church Street, KT13 8DX, 01932 901234, Info@neptuneweybridge.com Create your own designs at neptune.com Neptune Weybridge, 10 Church Street, KT13 8DX, 01932 901234, Info@neptuneweybridge.com
HOUSE
& GARDEN
Image: Origin Leisure
A collection of Surrey and Berkshire’s finest interior companies
H Ouse OUSE & garden GARDEN
When is a door not a door? It is strange how we can often remember old jokes that our school friends and parents told us… particularly the bad ones!
T
hat said, in this energy conservation age, thermally efficiency wise, a door in practical terms is not actually a door (in the energy saving sense) when it is a-jar, as obviously when open a door lets out all the energy that has been generated by the property’s heating system. A door is also not a door when it is a-jar in the security
84 MARCH 2016
sense either, as it is designed to provide access and egress for the owners of the property, along with their friends, family and visitors. Nowadays you don’t find many UK householders who leave their front and/or back doors unlocked at night! Some old fashioned folk, still choose to risk leaving them open during the day, but if they were to be burgled their insurance company would not pay them anything, in the same way if an unlocked car is stolen. In today’s modern society, most insurance companies insist on multi-point locking for front and back doors, and sometimes require an additional deadlock, and unless when you leave your property you do lock both locks (i.e. both the yale lock and the mortice lock) its contents simply will not be insured, despite the fact you have paid a premium! Doors are a common cause of draughts and leaks in most homes, so fitting replacement double glazed or even triple glazed residential doors is a sure way to reduce the amount of heat your property is losing as a result of retaining old inefficient doors. The added bonus is that multi-locking comes as standard on virtually every aluminium, composite and UPVC double glazed front door in the UK marketplace. By
…when its a-jar? raising the door handles vertically on these high security doors, one not only activates the locking mechanisms, but also engages the gaskets around the door frame, which
or aluminium replacement doors, but when it comes to saving energy, the security of your home and fantastic aesthetic appearance, do you really want to compromise
Aluminium double glazed residential doors are excellent replacement doors in terms of added energy efficiency and security creates a seal, keeping out the cold, reducing draughts and keeping expensive heat inside. A door is neither a container (i.e. a jar!) when it is open or shut, but when open it does let the cold outside in and the warmth stored inside out. Thermally efficiency wise, your property will greatly benefit by fitting it with high quality double glazed doors, and obviously will benefit even more if you install a triple glazed UPVC front door, back door or a set of triple glazed French doors. Aluminium double glazed residential doors are excellent replacement doors in terms of added energy efficiency and security, however the most thermally efficient and secure doors are the top of the range composite front doors, and composite French doors that are available in the UK. The downside is that high quality double glazed composite front doors, do cost more than UPVC
and settle for second or third best? Even though Hazlemere’s composite door ranges are the most expensive types of replacement doors in their High Wycombe doors showroom (although still far less than the cost of double glazed solid hardwood front doors), they are still Hazlemere’s best-selling front doors, a fact which rather tells its own story. That said, when it comes to replacement back doors, kitchen doors or French doors opening into the garden or onto the patio, most owners in the South of England are more than happy to install UPVC or aluminium doors as their back door or kitchen door, given these areas are usually more secure in the first place, and the double glazed replacement aluminium or UPVC doors are a dramatic improvement both security wise and thermally wise on the old leaky and draughty doors. So when is a door not a door? …When it is not double or triple glazed… and securely shut! THE DETAILS If you would like more information or a free no obligation quote on Hazlemere Windows thermally efficient insulated bespoke residential doors in aluminium or composite or PVCu, call us on 01344 989938 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk MARCH 2016 85
H Ouse & garden
New Colours I
n celebration of their seventieth year, Farrow & Ball are excited to announce the launch of nine new paint colours. From soft naturals and muted pastels, to strong brights and rich dark tones, the new additions celebrate the timeless Farrow & Ball look and add new accents to their iconic colour palette. The colours have been skilfully created by a small team of experts over the past three years and every hue is intriguingly named with its own unique backstory – another Farrow & Ball tradition. Taken from the soft tone created when whites are covered in deep shade, Shadow White is a lighter version of their ever popular Shaded White. With none of the perceived yellow of Slipper Satin or overt grey of Ammonite, it is an utterly useable and understated neutral. It works beautifully with the slightly darker Drop Cloth, named in honour of all the painters and decorators who work with Farrow & Ball paints every day. These new coloured whites are a welcome addition to theirmuch-loved neutral families, with Shadow White, Drop Cloth and Shadow White creating a relaxed, effortless feel when used together, Continuing this calm, tranquil feel are their new muted pastels, which turn homes in places of sanctuary and escape. Named after the floaty garment worn by ladies while brushing their hair in the mid-20th century, Peignoir is wonderfully romantic pink which is tempered by a big dose of grey, making it feel very traditional while still being totally on trend. Conjuring images of swirling mists and named after the Scottish estuary often referenced in the Shipping Forecast, Cromarty brings a delicate softness to any room. A lighter
86 MARCH 2016
version of Mizzle, another of their weather-inspired colours, Cromarty works beautifully when paired with Light Blue, or grouped with Blue Gray and Pigeon. For devotees of their grey-based Easy Neutrals family, Worsted is stronger in tone than its counterpart Purbeck Stone, but lighter than Mole’s Breath. The colour brings to mind city suits made from the flat woven Worsted fabric and named after the Norfolk village where the yarn was originally spun. Honouring Farrow & Ball’s roots, their new muted drabs provide a rich, dramatic backdrop to the home. Salon Drab evokes a classic 19th century feel while remaining the perfect go-to ‘chocolate’ for modern homes. Meanwhile the indefinable Inchyra Blue, which can read more grey, blue or even green depending on the light, is the perfect alternative to charcoal in super contemporary spaces. Their final two new colours create vibrant, optimistic interiors that truly lift the spirits. Lush, verdant Yeabridge Green is the cleanest and most uncomplicated of their greens and is particularly inspiring when paired with handsome Stiffkey Blue. Similarly, Vardo is colour full of life and joy. The rich teal, named after a traditional Romany wagon, looks fantastically elegant when paired with reds such as Radicchio and super sultry with the dark grey of Down Pipe. THE DETAILS Find out more about the inspiration behind the new colours and choose your favourite by visiting www.farrow-ball.com ••••• NEW SHOWROOM 15 High Street Esher, Surrey KT10 9RL
H Ouse & garden
From Show home to your home D esigning and imagining how you want your home to look is often a daunting prospect for many people. Have you ever walked into a show home and wondered where and how to buy the products on display? A new innovative answer to this problem is located in Kingswood, one of the finest areas of Surrey, ‘Hugo Ridge Luxury Interiors & Lifestyle”. Hugo Ridge specialise in designing and furnishing luxury show homes with their own showroom on the A217 – just 5 minutes from the M25 where developers, private clients and the general public can view and buy the products they display and sell. Staff at Hugo Ridge have a wide and varied knowledge of the products sourced from all over the world. Delivery times are fast and reliable. The showroom in Kingswood shows a number of room layouts exactly like a show house, showing a wide range of luxury furniture, mirrors, lighting and lifestyle accessories. Hugo Ridge is a Luxury High End Interior Design Service providing a vast range of services. The expanding team at Hugo Ridge specialise in many different areas of design including the dressing of luxury show homes, bespoke interior design including architectural design, window dressings, kitchens, bathrooms, interior decoration and furnishings offering the complete package here in the UK and overseas. The friendly staff can provide mood boards, drawings quotes and advice to suit every individual
The friendly staff can provide mood boards, drawings quotes and advice to suit every individual clients requirement clients requirement taking the headache out of making wrong or costly mistakes. They offer furnishing solutions to landlords and developers via a range of low, medium and high end furnishing packages including electrical and white goods. Hugo Ridge is very much a one stop shop for landlords and developers. They can advise on decoration, tiles, flooring and furnishings with the ability to work to a wide range of budgets. Quotations can be given from a simple floor plan or a meeting and site viewing. Hugo Ridge continue to source furniture from a wide range of countries to ensure a wide range of furniture and accessories to suit every taste – their bespoke upholstery and furniture making service offers an even wider range of choices. If you can think it, they can make it! Hugo Ridge hold various specialist social open evenings inviting clients and members of the public to preview their new styles and ranges of furniture, artwork, lighting and luxury accessories. Developers and Estate Agents often use these events as networking events. To be included in their next open evening please email design@hugoridge.co.uk. 88 MARCH 2016
THE DETAILS Private appointments can be arranged during the day or evening. General Public Showroom & Shop opening hours are Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm Saturday & Sunday 12.00pm – 4.00pm ••••• Hugo Ridge Ltd, Ilkley House, Brighton Road, Lower Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6SU 01737 832118 www.hugoridge.co.uk
H Ouse & garden
Guide to the
ultimate home improvement
T
ransforming your home with a bespoke pool house is a luxurious and life-enhancing choice. Designing and building a pool house is quite unlike any other building project and requires more than just finding a competent builder. Gary Taylor of Origin Leisure, the UK’s oldest established, multiaward winning pool company with more than 30 years’ experience, gives his advice on how to go about the ultimate home improvement.
building project is to have one single company responsible for all aspects of the design and build of your dream pool house. Of course it is possible to work with individual contractors but they will require more management by you, and the success of your project depends heavily on how well they work with each other. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of a blame game and have the headache of multiple people to deal with.
Specialist design
Bringing your dream to life has some distinct stages. At Origin Leisure we work through four key stages to create the perfect bespoke indoor pool. 1. Plan. This involves comprehensive feasibility studies and designs, from initial concepts, through to architectural drawings, and 3D CAD and colour visuals. This stage will also cover your planning applications. 2. Design. Our structural engineers and technical team work through the details of every design aspect, from specialist heating, dehumidification and ventilation design to the detail of the materials used, lighting, interior design and even energy source. Your pool house can also include green energy options, such as solar or air/ground source heat pumps
It’s important to understand that indoor pools require specialist design in three major areas: the pool chamber, the building structure and the management of the pool building environment (heating, dehumidification and ventilation). All of these specialisms should be integrated into a consolidated design from the start, to avoid disruptive, complicated and potentially costly alterations after your pool house has been built.
Achieving harmony
Look for a company that has all this specialist knowledge under one roof. The safest way to achieve harmony in your 90 MARCH 2016
The four steps to success
3. Build. From the moment the first spade hits the ground the entire construction will be project managed by the same team that you have been working with from the outset, right through to liaising with all the utilities companies on your behalf. 4. Maintain. Your pool house is for life, and we understand the maintenance this requires. We also look after this final stage of the process for many of our customers, from routine maintenance to emergency support, winter-proofing your building, and water health checks.
Peace of mind
It’s important you have peace of mind about your chosen pool company, so in addition to speaking to existing customers and seeing examples of work, here is a checklist of things to ensure your chosen pool company offers: • Over 30 years’ experience in indoor pool design and construction • 10 year warranty • Members of the Federation of Master Builders • Accredited members of SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association). The SPATA awards are long established, and are considered the UK’s number one accolades for excellence in the swimming and leisure industry. This year alone Origin Leisure has won four awards for indoor and outdoor pools – two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze
Diving in
Matt and Kerrie Smith chose Origin Leisure to create their indoor swimming pool after being inspired by the 2012 Olympics. They wanted to make a big improvement to
their country retreat that would suit the whole family. “My son has a friend who has an indoor pool and seeing the amount of flexibility it gave to the family was what swayed our decision”, explains Kerrie. “They could have a number of children over at the house, all happily playing in the pool all day. Our kids, aged six, ten and 13, are at the age now where kicking a ball outside isn’t enough to keep them entertained for hours on end.” As with most areas of the house, the children and the adults use the space differently. An indoor swimming pool is no exception - it had to be a space for the whole family to enjoy. “We needed it to tick all the boxes; entertain the children, whilst also
As with most areas of the house, the children and the adults use the space differently. An indoor swimming pool is no exception being a space where the adults could exercise.” Since making the decision to add an indoor swimming pool to their home, Matt and Kerrie haven’t been happier. “A swimming pool is the best thing we’ve done to the house and we wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. We knew we were going to enjoy it, but we absolutely love it. My advice to anyone thinking about investing in a swimming pool is not to think twice. I smile every time I look at the pool and it’s brought so much fun to our home.” THE DETAILS www.originleisure.com 01895 823366 MARCH 2016 91
H Ouse & garden
92 MARCH 2016
H OUSE Ouse & GARDEN garden
94 MARCH 2016
H OUSE Ouse & GARDEN garden
96 MARCH 2016
property ESHER PARK AVENUE ESHER | SURREY
This luxury apartment is situated on one of Esher’s premier roads. The apartment provides security and convenience, blending a classical façade with a modern interior. Available to rent £6,950 pcm unfurnished/furnished
property
belvedere | Surrey A large, distinctive family house, Belvedere features exceptional living space arranged over three floors
B
elvedere is a spectacular, elevated property enjoying distant views to the south. Built in the ‘Arts & Crafts’ style by Runnymede Homes, the property features interesting and generous accommodation of over 8,500 sq ft with a 0.75 acre southwesterly terraced garden. A large, distinctive family house, Belvedere features exceptional living space arranged over three floors. The master suite, in addition to a large walk-in dressing room
and sumptuous en-suite, features a south-facing balcony with outstanding distant views. The property is situated within easy reach of all the local amenities of Oxshott, including the High Street, railway station, woods and both state and private schools. This magnificent house provides a wonderful and versatile family home in a highly desirable village. EPC Rating: B. Guide Price: £3,650,000
For further information or if you would like to arrange an appointment to view please call Knight Frank Cobham on 01932 964156 Property reference: CBM160034 100 MARCH 2016
KnightFrank.co.uk
Princes Drive, Oxshott A magnificent family home constructed by Octagon Developments, meticulously enhanced by the current owners Master bedroom with 2 dressing rooms and 2 bathrooms • 5 further bedrooms • 4 bathroom • 5 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room • utility room • cloakroom • studio/gym with changing room and shower room • triple garage • EPC rating: B. Guide Price: £5,495,000 (CBM150204)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Cobham cobham@knightfrank.com 01932 964156
property
Fairmile Lane Cobham | surrey
T
his very well presented home is situated at the end of a long driveway off Fairmile Lane, and offers privacy and seclusion, yet central to all amenities. A contemporary family house that has been refurbished and extended and now offers ideal accommodation for a modern day family. Leading from the reception hall are the principal reception rooms including the double aspect sitting room with feature fireplace and access onto the rear garden through French doors and a separate dining room. A feature of the property is the superb kitchen/breakfast room, fitted with a range of wall and base units, integrated appliances and granite work surfaces. Leading from the kitchen is the family room with a feature fireplace and bespoke shelving units. To the first floor there is the master bedroom suite with fitted wardrobes and double aspect views, guest suite, three further bedrooms and family bathroom. Further benefits include underfloor heating to the ground floor plus a multimedia system servicing throughout. Externally, the house is set behind a wrought iron fence with a gravel driveway providing parking for a number of cars; plus access to the detached double garage. The beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds feature a large paved
terrace to the rear of the house offering an ideal space for BBQ’s & al fresco dining, whilst providing an ideal area for children to play come rain or shine. A range of mature shrubs, herbaceous borders and trees provide a high level of privacy and seclusion. The picturesque town of Cobham is awash with stylish boutiques, restaurants, cafes, pubs and convenience stores making it a popular choice for families relocating to the area from the UK and overseas alike. It boasts close proximity to Stoke d’Abernon train station with services to London Waterloo in 40 minutes and Guildford in 20 minutes not to mention excellent access to the A3 and M25 motorways providing links to central London and Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Situated close to Cobham are some of the finest State and Private Schools in the Home Counties including the ACS Cobham International School, Parkside, Notre Dame, Feltonfleet and Danes Hill - both of which are co-educational. There are a number of recreational facilities in the area including the prestigious St George’s Hill and Burhill Golf Club, David Lloyd Fitness Centre in Weybridge and Tennis Clubs in Cobham, Oxshott and Esher. EPC rating C. Available to rent £5,750 pcm unfurnished
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
For further information please contact Knight Frank Cobham Lettings on 01932 591606 or email cobhamlettings@knightfrank.com alternatively visit our website www.knightfrank.co.uk/cobham Property reference COQ234039 102 MARCH 2016
KnightFrank.co.uk
Cobham Family home in an excellent commuter location Well-presented detached house located in a small gated development. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast/family room and utility room. To the first floor is the master bedroom suite, 2 guest suites, a further 2 bedrooms with a jack and jill bathroom. Outside there is a double garage and rear garden. EPC rating D.
KnightFrank.co.uk/Cobham cobhamlettings@knightfrank.com 01932 591 606
£6,950 pcm (COQ95603) All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
property
Esher ParkAvenue Esher | surrey
T
his luxury apartment is situated on one of Esher’s premier roads. The apartment provides security and convenience, blending a classical façade with a modern interior and with a range of features including underfloor heating, Lutron lighting, limestone and oak wood floors, fire and CCTV surveillance systems, a fully integrated entertainment system and two private terraces. Located on the ground floor and accessed from the striking communal reception hall. Leading from the reception hall is the elegant double aspect drawing room, luxury kitchen/dining room with two sets of French doors to a private terrace. There is a master bedroom suite with dressing room, two further bedrooms both with access to a private terrace and the bathroom. A delightful feature of the property are the beautifully maintained and
secluded communal gardens that surround Parkhill, with a range of mature shrubs, herbaceous borders, specimen plants and trees, block paved pathways and seating areas. The basement, with heated ramp access from Esher Park Avenue, is accessed via a remote controlled security gate and leads to two allocated secure parking spaces. There are CCTV cameras, a video entry system, a garden store, a dedicated storage locker. Esher is a place with a great range of boutiques, salons and a fine selection of restaurants, bar and pubs. The towns of Kingston upon Thames and Guildford are nearby providing a wide selection of high street names and department stores. An excellent commuter location, Esher’s mainline station provides a fast and regular service to London Waterloo and the A3 is a short drive away giving access to central London, the M25, Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Schooling in the area is superb with the Claremont Fan Court School nearby, the ACS Cobham International School, Danes Hill in Oxshott and Notre Dame in Cobham. EPC rating C. Available to rent £6,950 pcm unfurnished/furnished
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
For further information please contact Knight Frank Esher Lettings on 01372 464009 or email esherlettings@knightfrank.com alternatively visit our website www.knightfrank.co.uk/esher Property reference ESQ230126 104 MARCH 2016
KnightFrank.co.uk
Weybridge Executive house situated in a private estate The property offers excellently family accommodation over three floors. Reception hall with full height glazing, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast/family room, master bedroom suite, 2 further bedroom suites, family bathroom, 2 double bedrooms, a further2 large recreation rooms ideal for games rooms and a garden with a patio area. EPC rating D.
KnightFrank.co.uk/Esher esherlettings@knightfrank.com 01372 464 009
£6,250 pcm (ESQ110058) All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
property
Inspirational homes within the perfect location for buyers at sought-after One Eight Zero The promise of a peaceful and idyllic location, with panoramic views over Langstone Harbour, is driving many of the region’s homebuyers to One Eight Zero in Bedhampton Hill.
F
eaturing an impressive mix of four and five bedroom luxury houses, the exciting new David Wilson Homes development is proving highly sought-after by those wishing to take advantage of its excellent coastal setting, nearby attractions and great transport links. “One Eight Zero is a beautiful new development - and its exquisitely-designed spacious family homes are equallymatched by this wonderful location here next to the sea,” said David Wilson Homes sales director, Michelle Storer. “Those moving in to new homes at One Eight Zero will enjoy close proximity to both countryside and coast, while benefitting from easy access to all local amenities. “They will also be within touching distance of historic Chichester and Winchester - as well as being able to travel just a short distance to enjoy the delights on offer in the popular market town of Petersfield.” Situated within an enviable position, at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the nearby city of Chichester is renowned for its cultural attractions - from the cathedral to theatres, museums and eateries. It is surrounded by a diverse selection of tranquil beaches, beautiful countryside, quaint fishing villages and historical landmarks. “Chichester is an immensely popular destination among visitors to the region - as is Winchester,” added Michelle.
Steeped in history, Winchester was once the capital of England, ruled by the famous King Alfred the Great. The Medieval cathedral city is crammed full of award-winning restaurants and pubs - and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of independent shops on offer. “Nearby Petersfield is also well worth a visit,” said Michelle Storer. “It’s an attractive town, featuring an excellent mix of theatre, music, arts and sports attractions. “The south coast has so much to offer - and Langstone Harbour is no exception. It plays host to numerous sailing regattas and is the perfect choice for anyone keen to take up yachting, canoeing or windsurfing. “And it’s no surprise that One Eight Zero is proving popular among those wishing to move to this beautiful area - thanks to the impressive range of new-build homes featured here.” The energy-efficient new-build homes are covered by a 10 year NHBC guarantee and offer the very highest in specification. “This exciting combination of luxury new-build homes and beautiful location means demand from buyers wishing to settle at One Eight Zero is continuing to rise,” said Michelle. “And I expect this trend to continue over the coming weeks and months.”
For more information about One Eight Zero, please call 0844 5710 385 or visit dwh.co.uk
106 MARCH 2016