St Albans Life January 2012

ST ALBANS LIFE

ST ALBANS LIFE

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W I T H D E S I R A B L E A R E A S A C R O S S B E A U T I F U L H E RT F O R D S H I R E

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Q U A L I T Y

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AUBERGE DU LAC WINE CLUB

LORD OF THE MANOR

HISTORY OF WROTHAM PARK

BOTOX BEAUTIFUL PLUS

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OLYMPIC SPECIAL

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2012

PITT PLAYS THE

LONG BALL

HE’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST STARS ON THE PLANET BUT BRAD PITT HAS ANNOUNCED HE’S GOING TO RETIRE IN THREE YEARS TIME AT THE AGE OF 50

LOCAL LIFE | HISTORY | EVENTS | BEAUTY | HOME & GARDEN | PROPERTY

REDISCOVER YOUR WORLD AT THE NEW BANG & OLUFSEN OF WINCHMORE HILL

GRAND RE-OPENING EVENT Please join us from 7.30pm on Wednesday 25th January 2012 for the Grand Re-opening of our new, bigger and better showroom, just two doors down from our previous premises.

Re-discover our passion for providing stunning audio and visual experiences, and let us help you to explore the wonderful world that new technology has to offer.

Be amazed and mesmerised with our magician whilst you enjoy a glass of wine and delicious canapés.

From a single television to a fully automated system, we offer a tailored and professional service to take your home entertainment to the next level.

Space is strictly limited for this event, so please RSVP at your earliest convenience.

Call us on 020 8360 5088 or email winchmorehill@bang-olufsen.co.uk

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Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill 727 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, London N21 3RX Tel. 020 8360 5088 winchmorehill@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/winchmorehill

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Welcome to our January issue We take a look at the royal barge that will carry the Queen down the River Thames during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year. The vessel will lead a 1,000-strong flotilla along the river on the 3rd June, as the monarch marks 60 years on the throne.

Our local history piece this month takes us to the beautiful Wrotham Park, a Palladian Mansion set in the heart of a 2,500 acre estate located just 17 miles from Hyde Park Corner, was designed by Isaac Ware in 1754 and built by Admiral John Byng, the fourth son of Admiral Sir George Byng.

Flooring and Carpets

New Year’s resolutions are sometimes hard to keep especially if a new gym regime is involved, however at Hanbury Manor’s Spa we have some great treats to help you cheat away those extra pounds, boost your complexion and make you feel revitalised and fighting fit for 2012.

When you arrive at St Michael’s Manor Hotel it’s obvious why it is Hertfordshire’s most popular wedding venue. The convenience and peacefulness of the five acre garden and the classical building flowing with sympathetic contemporary design simply sells itself.

This gives you just a small taste of exciting events and articles featured in this month’s issue...

FAYE MANNING EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, THE RIDINGS, WOODFIELD LANE, ESSENDON, HERTS , AL9 6JJ.

0844 800 8439 www.lifemagazines.com

Editor Faye Manning Editor Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Alex Lux Fashion Editor Hazel Englander Education Development Manager Corinne Sugar Design & Production Toni Perry Account Managers Helen Chenery, Rachel Goude Sales James Marshall Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

Installation Restoration Maintenance 111 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1AS. 01992 509361 www.hertfordflooring.com

EVENTS LonDon evenTs

The Jewel in the

This is the first image of the royal barge that will carry the Queen down the River Thames during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year.

Crown T

he vessel will lead a 1,000-strong flotilla along the river on 3rd June, as the monarch marks 60 years on the throne. She will be joined by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and other members of the Royal Family.

The barge will be adorned with flowers from the Queen’s gardens. The monarch and her husband will be seated on ornate chairs under a gold canopy as the vessel, the Spirit of Chartwell, cruises down the Thames.

nA ua 6 12 J A jNaU Rr Yy22001122

In a nod to the richly decorated royal barges of the 17th and 18th centuries, the sides of the craft will be decorated with red drapes, while the Queen’s cipher and a crown will be displayed on the bow.

The floral displays will feature a red, gold and purple colour scheme and will be created by horticulturist Rachel de Thame, who appears on BBC Two show Gardeners’ World.

The project to transform

the Spirit of Chartwell into the royal barge is being led by designer Joseph Bennett.

Donated for the occasion by owner Philip Morrell, the vessel is 64 metres long and has a top speed of 11 knots.

Mr Morrell said: “As the Spirit of Chartwell evolved, I knew we had built something special - ideal, I thought, for the carriage of royalty, but little did I even vaguely suspect that in the course of one short year we should be graced with such an honour.”

The barge will lead 1,000 other craft east along the Thames from Battersea to Tower Bridge.

Adrian Evans, pageant master for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, said “The royal barge must be a jewel - the most magnificent vessel in the flotilla.

“Joseph and Rachel have come up with a truly inspiring design, one that references the coronation, the Commonwealth, the gold state coach and all the traditions of royal barges on the Thames, while creating something

The barge will lead 1,000 oTher crafT easT along The Thames from baTTersea To Tower bridge. that is distinct and modern.”

The organisers of the event are assessing all the entries that applied to join the pageant and those who are successful would have been told by the end of 2011.

Antique & Modern Jewellery

Thursday 19th January

Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches

Monday 23rd January

A Victorian diamond riviere necklace, circa 1870.

Estimated total diamond weight 20cts.

Estimate £10,000 - £15,000 A Victorian diamond and ruby brooch, circa 1870.

Estimated total diamond weight 11.31cts.

Estimate £12,000 - £18,000

Pocket Watches & Accessories

Monday 13th February

A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic Cartier Roadster bracelet watch. With box and papers.

Estimate £1,600 - £2,200 A gentleman’s bi-metal automatic chronograph Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona bracelet watch circa 2011.

With box and papers.

Estimate £6,200 - £7,200 A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic chronograph Breitling Chronomat B01 bracelet watch. With box and papers.

Estimate £1,800 - £2,200

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue

Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

EVENTS

H D - SUNDAY 5T THURSDAY 2N 12, EARLS COURT FEBRUARY 20

Destinations The Times presents

T H E H O L I D AY & T R AV E L S H O W

D

estinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, will celebrate its 18th birthday with even more events, incredible choice of exhibitors, expert advice and exclusive offers, and is your chance to find the perfect destination for your next trip.

There will be over 72 hours of entertainment over four days, so what better way to escape a grey February day in London without actually getting on a plane? Wander around the Show and find the perfect trip for you by talking to hundreds of leading and independent travel companies, many of which are offering exclusive travel offers only available at the Show. It’s simply a great chance to get one-on-one expert advice.

There will be two theatres playing host to travel personalities, celebrities and experts, who will share their travel experiences with you.

Speakers include distinguished broadcaster and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, Marine Biologist and TV presenter Monty Halls, broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble, Bang Goes

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the Theory’s Liz Bonnin, Historians and Father & Son TV presenter duo Peter & Dan Snow, Architectural Historian and TV presenter Dan Cruickshank and worldrecord breaking adventurer Dave Cornthwaite. There will also be expert panel sessions with a host of industry experts on Travel Writing, Responsible Travel, Career Breaks, Going Solo and Gap Year Breaks.

For the first time, there will also be a new feature for all photo enthusiasts - the Amateur Photographer Travel Photography Theatre, which will cover all aspects of

travel photography. Join the experts for free masterclasses and advice on essential equipment and accessories that should definitely be in your hand luggage.

Don’t forget to visit the World Entertainment Stage, where you can enjoy some spectacular entertainment from around the globe. You can not only see some fantastic performances, but also join in.

Learn to dance like a Ballroom star, play a range of cultural instruments or learn the steps to a famous Bollywood number.

Be inspired by Indonesian dance, Japanese Taiko drums or Argentine Tango.

What would the show be without a chance to actually TASTE some of the delicacies and drinks from the seven continents? Watch the entertaining entrepreneur and celebrity chef Levi Roots demonstrate his passionate Caribbean cookery skills, enjoy wine from local vineyards and taste the East with mouth watering Thai food.

If that’s not enough, we have a special area for all animal lovers - Tropical Inc Ltd., the UK’s largest educational animal

company will be exhibiting a wide range of exotic animals from snakes and creepy crawlies to parrots and meerkats.

The official Show charity, Stuff your Rucksack (www. stuffyourrucksack.com) is a UK based charitable website conceptualised by broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble. It helps responsible travellers to make a practical difference to the lives of under-privileged people in developing countries and there will be a feature wall where you can find out what small things you can take on your 2012 travels to do your part.

And if you would like to do more for charity, please bring your old mobile phone to Destinations and volunteer organisation, Camara, will recycle it and raise money to promote education in African communities. So you are not just doing something good, but you will also have a chance to win a holiday, courtesy of On the Go Tours.

For further information on the Show, please visit www.destinationsshow.com Follow the Show on Twitter: @Destinationshow

A Garden Room For All Seasons...

SPECIALISING IN BESPOKE GARDEN ROOMS BESPOKE TIMBER GARAGES BESPOKE TIMBER STABLES LANDSCAPING LIGHTING Tel 01491 612 820 Email enquiries@crownpavilions.com www.crownpavilions.com

Whatever your dream scheme for the perfect garden building, the experienced designers at Crown Pavilions can put it all together to create the ultimate outdoor room.

Bring your ideas to life at www.crownpavilions.com or call 01491 612820

EVENTS

PRIMROSE HILL

Vintage Fashion Fair RY 2012

JANUA SUNDAY 22ND

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY

O

ver the past ten years Britain has developed a passion for vintage fashion thanks to the likes of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Sex and the City stylists who’ve whetted our appetite for a variety of vintage fashion.

One of the best ways to find a large selection of vintage fashion is to visit a Vintage Fashion Fair - and to satisfy this popular demand there are a number of vintage fairs throughout the year.

Vintage Fashion Fair are again organising the Primrose Hill fairs at the great Cecil Sharp House venue. The fairs are small and friendly, a total of 28 stands, and have the best choice of vintage you could wish for.

Vintage clothing, hats, handbags, gloves, shoes, jewellery and textiles from 1800’s - 1980’s will be on show. You can spend a leisurely Sunday browsing

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and buying from the many stalls at this exclusive venue in Primrose Hill.

You will be able to find very wearable vintage pieces at affordable prices and also designer labels if you are looking for something extra special.

There is a selection of delicious home made

food and refreshments at very reasonable prices.

Due the growing popularity of vintage fashion and our fairs we are looking for new stall holders to satisfy this demand. If you have a range of quality vintage fashion, clothes, accessories and textiles please get in touch ● Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents

Park Road, London NW1 7AY ● Opening Hours - Doors Open 11am and close at 5pm ● Entry - £3 on the door PURCHASE ONE TICKET & RECEIVE ANOTHER FREE, VIA THE WEBSITE FROM MONDAY 9TH JANUARY! www.vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk

1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 7BQ Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 Fax: +44(0)1923 896098 Email: celia@moneyhillinteriors.com www.moneyhillinteriors.com

EVENTS

NUARY 24TH-29TH JA A PARK, 2012 BATTERSE4NJ LONDON SW11

THE DECORATIVE ANTIQUES & TEXTILES FAIR

Winter Edition Period interior design and decoration at its most inspirational...

Fiona McDonald Pair of 1950s Italian chairs attributed to Paolo Buffa (new upholstery). £1850

Holly Johnson An early Piero Fornasetti magazine rack. “Acquedotto Architectura”.

Lithographically printed on metal and brass.

Applied label. Italy.

Mid-1950s. £2500

W

ith more than 140 exhibitors from the UK and Europe, the Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair offers interior designers and private buyers an inspirational opportunity to purchase antiques, 20th century design, works of art and pictures, decorative accessories and collectors’ items from the 17th century to the present day.

The Decorative Fair is renowned as a source of unusual and practical furniture, from fine Georgian English and quality Continental for connoisseurs, to painted pieces and country chic for relaxed living areas; fabulous lighting and mirrors; textiles and upholstered chairs, sofas and seating of all kinds; and for original vintage glass and ceramics as well as highly collectable named designer furniture of the 20th century.

Exhibiting dealers carefully select stock with stylish looks, all original, one-off designs that help create an individual look in a design scheme. Their displays provide inspiration for the visitor, and much of the furnishing stock is offered at very reasonable prices, comparable with high street designer home stores.

Anyone who loves beautiful design will appreciate the wide variety of smaller and very affordable decorative items available from many

Superb Regency painted chair back settee, laurels & flowers detail on back rail. English, circa 1825 £2450

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dealers at the Fair. It is easy to find a treat to take home at well under £100. Cushions created from antique textiles, vintage monogrammed French linens, glassware such as goblets, decanters, vases and sculptural works from the C18th to mid-C20th, treen bowls and decorated boxes, carved wood fragments and panels, ceramics of all periods including creamware jugs for the kitchen and entire porcelain services for the dining table to elegant art deco vases and studio pots, metalware from cast iron Victorian door-stops to Regency brass candlesticks, silver cutlery or dressing table items, vintage toys...

For an affordable treat, one might find a variety of antique and vintage wine glasses and goblets at prices from as little as £25. Midcentury modern Scandinavian ceramics and glass can be found from well under £50.

A group of Victorian green glass ‘dumps’, stippled with flecks and bubbles of air, mixed with patterned paperweights, priced perhaps from under £30 to around £100, make a beautiful, light-catching display.

Mirror-backed or mercurylined glass is not too expensive, and the wonderful shapes (and sometimes various colours) of these Continental bottles and candlesticks add sparkle to a mantelpiece or coffee table.

Vintage soda syphons come in various colours, shapes and sizes, some with patterned wire covers. Antique glass finials, or even carved wood ones, would group nicely. The fun is in finding a favourite type of object to start your decorative collection, then visiting the Fair to search out a new item to add to it. The Decorative Fair runs three times a year in January, April and October, sufficiently often to build up a collection quite quickly!

For more details, please visit www.decorativefair.com

Our winter sale is now on with up to 50% off Fishpools has grown over the last 112 years and today we are the largest quality furniture store in the south east. Our 60,000 square feet showrooms feature over 200 room sets from classic to contemporary, minimal to vintage and rustic to romantic all designed to help you make your home unique. There are over 200 sofa collections, 120 dining ranges, 100’s of beds, 75 bedroom ranges, and a large carpets & rugs department. Choose from a wide range of linens, softs, pictures and mirrors plus cookware and gifts from our Home Accessories department.

If it’s big name brands you’re after, we stock Stressless, Ercol, Natuzzi, G Plan, Duresta, Collins & Hayes, Nolte, Vi Spring, Tempur and many more.

As a family-run retailer our commitment to great service begins as soon as you enter the store to be greeted by our well trained, knowledgeable people, who will assist you on all aspects of your purchase until it is safely delivered to your home. So pop in, we have ample customer parking, an in-store coffee shop and we look forward to making your acquaintance.

Our solid oiled oak Mammoth range is available in bespoke sizes Just one of over 150 dining styles in our range Visit our website to see all our ranges

High Street Waltham Cross . 01992 63 64 65 . www.fishpools.co.uk

CHALFONT INTERIORS Ayasofya Ltd

n ON O w o W d ced eu N c d O u e e d l R e N a d S LE nd dWW r e o oodoR m A m n uER S C S ppeet taa r r a a C T iinn

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SPECIALIST ORIENTAL RUG CLEANING AND RESTORATION UNDERTAKEN WIDE SELECTION OF CARPETS & CURTAINS 01494 764059 ~ info@ayasofyarugs.co.uk ~ www.ayasofyarugs.com ~ www.chalfontinteriors.com 2 NIGHTINGALE CORNER LITTLE CHALFONT AMERSHAM HP7 9PY

F

or Spring 2012 the National Wedding Show has been given a makeover and unveils a fresh new look. There is an exciting newly designed website to tie in with the launch of inspirational new areas within the National Wedding Show.

In keeping with the growing vintage trend, there is a new area within the show compromising of a collection of authentic vintage and vintage inspired suppliers covering every aspect of weddings from fashion and accessories to stationery and venue styling. This will culminate in a central vintage café area where visitors can relax with a quintessentially British cup of tea and a delicious array of cakes.

Event Director, Alejandra Campos comments: ‘The Vintage area at the show is a reflection of the huge trend for vintage-style weddings that has been so popular in recent years. The National Wedding Show is consistently responsive to the needs of the visitors and exhibitors: brides are always turning their thoughts to the past when it comes to styling their weddings, and we felt that in keeping with the demands of our clientele a dedicated Vintage space at the show would be the best way to

National Wedding Show

HAS A SPRING MAKEOVER FOR 2012 24-26TH FEBRUARY 2012, LONDON KENSINGTON OLYMPIA

present this. The addition of bridal bloggers Rock My Wedding to the Autumn shows proved immensely popular with visitors, so the RMW team are set to return once more with their insightful seminars on wedding planning and styling. ‘ The cream of the show’s bridal wear designers will be showcased in a stunning catwalk fashion show, where wedding dresses, groomswear, bridesmaid and mother-ofthe-bride looks from some of the country’s leading bridal retailers will take to the stage. Sponsored by Wedding magazine, the inspirational show will take place five times daily, with reserved seating for press and VIP ticket holders.

The fantastically popular How to Look Good Show will return, bringing back its expert big day beauty advice from former Clothes Show host Caryn Franklin and Jane Galpin, producer of How To Look Good Naked. With live step-by-step makeovers it’s not to be missed!

Former Britain’s Next Top Model judge Michele Paradise will be in house with her essential Bridal Coaching which includes indispensible guidance such as how to keep your cool on the big day, how to work the camera and how to walk in wedding heels!

The Designer Flower Zone will once again see some of the UK’s best florists displaying their creative talents, while the ever popular Chambord & Champagne Bar is sure to be a hive of activity, the best way to relax at the end of a long day’s shopping!

TICKET GIVEAWAY FOR LIFE READERS!

We have five pairs of tickets available for Friday & Sunday only – please email competitions@ nationalweddingshow. co.uk to be in with a chance of winning!

Tickets are now on sale 0844 581 1404 1 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

flowers by Wedding of my Dreams, cake by Cotton & Crumbs, dress by Vintage Wedding Dress Company at White Mischief, bridesmaid’s dress by Little Bevan

WEDDINGS

Manor Oak

TM

Quality Hand-crafted Solid Oak Furniture

New bar table & stools

Painted finishes available Products shown: 0135 Medium Sideboard, 0821 Dorchester Chairs, 0565 Small Extending Table

Huge collection of products

Buy direct from the designers at our new Hoddesdon showroom Choose from our renowned Manor Oak range or have your own bespoke pieces designed and produced especially for you TM

Call us now on

25

Wide range of upholstery

% OFF

01992 463 637

Call us to receive a 25% discount off our Manor Oak range of hand-crafted solid oak furniture when purchased at our showroom.

DISCOUNT CODE:

Call us before 31st January 2012 to register your voucher and receive a discount code for use on a single purchase. Voucher valid until 31st December 2012. Unregistered vouchers will not be accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Does not apply to bespoke pieces. Opening hours are MonFri 9:30am-5:00pm, weekends by appointment. Manor OakTM is a registered trade-mark of Bower House Design Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bower House Design Ltd, Unit 49 Hoddesdon Industrial Centre, off Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0FF Tel: 01992 463 637 Email: sales@bowerhousedesign.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Your perfect day at St Michael’s Manor When you arrive at St Michael’s Manor Hotel it’s obvious why it is Hertfordshire’s most popular wedding venue. The convenience and peacefulness of the five acre garden and the classical building flowing with sympathetic contemporary design simply sells itself.....

St. Michaels Manor understands that each couple is individual and has their own unique tastes and needs and therefore is dedicated to offering the flexibility and personal attention needed to achieve a perfect day. It’s not only the beautiful venue on offer but also the professionalism and experience of its staff that make it a pleasure to walk through the step by step planning of a wedding. The ultimate aim is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, leaving couples and their guests free to enjoy their day.

With panoramic views over its grounds and lake and comfortably seating up to 130 guests (even more buffet style) the hotel is contemporary, yet traditional, and elegant. It’s just the perfect setting to host a ceremony as well; in one of its four licenced areas, including lakeside in the summerhouse.

Testament indeed to its popularity, quality and reputation as a first class wedding venue is the number of event and wedding planners who hold their own marriages and 1 8 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

receptions here. This is not just down to the intimacy, convenience and tranquillity of the place but also the flexibility and personal attention given to ensuring each wedding is as unique and memorable as possible - no wedding is too elaborate or minimalistic. Often the room does

each week with 2012 being a record year and hosting over 90 weddings but the independent and ‘family run’ aspect promotes a ‘one-bride-only’ policy; evidence this is not a wedding factory.

“It’s such a pleasure to work here.

A testament to St Michael’s Manors’ quality and reputation as a first class wedding venue is the amount of events, and the number wedding planners who hold their own marriages and receptions here... the talking, whichever function room it may be, with little effort having to be made on ‘dressing up’ things up.

Despite being St Albans best kept secret St Michael’s Manor receives around 70 enquiries

During the last 45 years we must have hosted more than 2,000 weddings, including the owners’ themselves (Newling Ward’s) in 1970, their daughter in 2002, as well as a few celebrity events thrown in... not to mentioned plenty of famous

guests attending various weddings.” stated Freddie Cox, hotel Wedding & Event Planner. “In April 2011 we finished the orangery-restaurant and it’s had fantastic feedback.

The views are always a talking point and the room itself needs no imagination to realise its potential for ceremonies or receptions.”

Lauren Biffen, Sales Manager, added: “Our events team is always happy to talk though any queries or draw up approximate quotes based on individual requirements. We pride ourselves on our transparency with our costs, so no surprise fees. We are also child friendly with many lawn games and a children’s menu, even use of the Cedar Suite with its flat screen TV as room where they can watch films etc in close proximity to their parents. We also cater for any musical entertainment – we’ve had everything from a 10 piece band to a solo harpist.”

Since St Michael’s Manor is not just a beautiful wedding venue it is a beautiful hotel, Exclusive hire is a very popular option. Where else can offer the whole building and grounds for private use? Not only does that mean the luxury of all 30 bedrooms but two private function rooms, the lounge, the bar, the patio, plenty of parking and, of course, the wonderful orangery-restaurant. At St Michael’s Manor hotel you can definitely write the script for your own dream day.

Stay 2 nights & Dine For Free Two nights price reduction, free wine and dine a la carte Available until 4th April 2012 When booking please quote re: StAL2012Q1

Terms and conditions · One dinner or lunch per person, per stay · Half bottle of house wine per person, per stay · Lunch or dinner subject to availability · Dinner not available Saturday nights · Includes full English breakfast · Cannot be used in conjunction with any other hotel offer, discounted rate, functions or weddings · Not available 11th-15th Feb or 18th March 2012 · Full dining price charged if second night cancelled · For reduced room prices, call us or visit our website St Michael’s Manor, Fishpool Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4RY T: 01727 818 961 • reservations@stmichaelsmanor.com • www.stmichaelsmanor.com StMM_StA_Life_AW-12-1-12.indd 1

12/01/2012 11:01

The Wellington at Welwyn

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD YOUR WEDDING DREAMS AT HANBURY MANOR

Village Eating, Drinking and Sleeping...

Great British food with a twist Delicious d’Arenberg Wines Indulgent Afternoon Tea Glorious Sun Terrace Bring this advert with you to The Wellington and receive a free bottle of d'Arenberg Stump Jump wine when you have dinner or stay the night!

Hanbury Manor has three specially designed packages starting from £119 per person available through 2012.

Consider a Winter Wonderland Wedding at Hanbury Manor A truly enchanting setting this time of year with our special packages that includes all your wedding requirements to capture the perfect day.

Available in Poles Hall, Thundridge or Garden Court from 1st November 2012 until 31st March 2013.

1 High Street, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9LZ 01438 714036, www.wellingtonatwelwyn.co.uk

For further information please contact one of our Wedding Organisers on: 01920 487 722 Terms & Conditions apply.

Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD Telephone: 01920 487 722; Website: MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

FOOD DRINK

Auberge du Lac is proud to announce the launch of their new Wine Club!

et deep in the Hertfordshire countryside, Auberge du Lac sits on one of England’s most beautiful country estates, and is unrivalled in its setting. Positioned waterside, with magnificent views over a tranquil lake, extensive parkland and the prestigious Brocket Hall, views from the restaurant’s terrace are captivating, as is the innovative cuisine from Executive Chef Phil Thompson, who retained his first Michelin Star for a fourth year running in 2011, and whose talents appear to be on the continual

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rise. Phil, who has transformed BENEFITS Hertfordshire’s flagship restaurant since taking on the role of Executive Complimentary consultation Chef in 2005, adds the accolade – the with sommelier most coveted honour for fine cuisine Complimentary bottle to take away – to the string of awards he and the Ability to purchase wine from the restaurant have already garnered.

Exclusive Members Wine List Brokerage service ‘If you can’t The Auberge du Lac wine club find it- we’ll find it for you’ opened its doors in January and aims 20% Discounted rates on wine to provide a dedicated wine service purchases from Auberge du Lac to their members. With a series of when dining benefits listed below and an exclusive Priority booking for events wine cellar with over 800 bins, this through the year could well be the perfect membership Discounted room hire rates for to enhance your love of wine!

Private Dining

Wine Auctions £25 Voucher to spend in the restaurant upon joining

Price

£185 Single Membership £250 Couple Membership Valid for 12 months.

For more information about Auberge du Lac, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG call 01707 368888 or email aubergeevents@ brocket-hall.co.uk or visit the website at www.brocket-hall.co.uk

Valentines Dinner at

Brocket Hall

Friday 10th February 2012 Champagne reception at 6.30pm

The Ultimate Valentine’s Experience

Tickets include…       

Dinner in the magnificent Ballroom on tables of 2 or 4 Champagne on arrival A selection of Chefs Canapés 4-Course menu created by Phil Thompson, Hertfordshire’s only Michelin-starred Chef Matching wines with each course chosen by our Sommelier Tea, coffees & hand– made petit fours Live musical entertainment

£250 per couple Dress Code: Lounge Suits

To book, please contact Lauren Caisley on 01707 368 731 or email lauren.caisley@brocket-hall.co.uk Places are limited. Brocket Hall, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL8 7XG

FOOD DRINK

AQUA is BELLISSIMA Bookings now be taken for Valentines night 2 2 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

FOOD DRINK

A sample from the menu to wet your appetite...

Starters Carpaccio pan seared beef fillet served rare, topped with a lemon, mustard, black garlic and parsley dressing If you’re searching for authentic Italian fare, look no further than Aqua Ristorante.

Aqua is a family-run Italian restaurant owned by the Mazzarella family. With an already established restaurant in Old Welwyn High Street the family were looking to build on their reputation for freshly cooked authentic Italian food and excellent customer service so when Bluecoat Restaurant in Fore Street closed its doors they took advantage of the opportunity to bring a little bit of Italy to Hertford.

The building has been stylishly refurbished, simple and intimate; a small extension to the kitchen was added to enable the addition of a pizza oven for their pizza chef who has landed in Hertford from Naples to join the team.

Aqua’s modern yet understated elegance provides the perfect setting in which to enjoy the inventive tastes and flavours.

Chef Filippo Mazzarella has orchestrated a menu packed with regional, Italian dishes, authentic yet creative and offers both traditional and contemporary food using only the finest ingredients imported directly from Italy. The menu incorporates many different

mouth-watering flavours and introduces black garlic a simple food with a wonderfully complex flavour where sweet meets savoury, a perfect mix of molasses-like richness and tangy garlic undertones. It has a tender, almost jelly-like texture with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency similar to a soft dried fruit.

The fare of Aqua is more than just pizza and pasta there are also tasty starters, fish and

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meat dishes. Try the ‘Di Pollo’ with chicken,spinach, black garlic cooked in white wine and truffle oil or for seafood lovers ‘Linguine del Porto’ with squid and prawns, black garlic and white wine it’s as delicious as it is unique or ‘Red Mullet in a sauce of peppers, cappers, sunblush tomatoes, shallots white wine There is plenty of competition in Hertford when it comes other other restaurants but only in the form of high street chains.

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Black garlic a simple food with a wonderfully complex flavour where sweet meets savoury, a perfect mix of molasses-like richness and tangy garlic undertones.

It has a tender, almost jelly-like texture with a melt-inyour-mouth consistency similar to a soft dried fruit...

Portobello baked musroom topped with goats cheese and drizzled with balsamic syrup Prosciutto con asparagi parma ham,asparagus in melted herb Butter Scallops Prosecco served with shallots, Portobello, black garlic in a Prosecco cream sauce

Mains Linguine del porto with squid and prawns, black garlic and white wine D’Aqua tiger prawns, rocket, parmesan in chilli & olive oil Pizza Salsiccie pepperoni, spinach and dolcelatte cheese Bucco roasted vegetables, goats cheese & caramellised onions with a centre of leafy salad Limoncello chicken wrapped in Parmaham with a limoncello & black garlic sauce Filetto fillet topped with melted dolcelatte & cherry tomatoes Fillet of Cod wrapped in Parma ham, oven baked and topped with an asparagus and frangelico sauce Seabass grilled and served with a fresh salsetta of mixed peppers and red onions J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 2 3

LOCAL INTERVIEW

lord of the

manor LORD ROB, BORN ROBERT JONATHAN WALTERS, WAS BORN ON THE 13TH SEPTEMBER 1982 IN NORTH LONDON, MAKING HIM A VIRGO, A VERY ACCURATE STAR SIGN FOR HIM, AS HE IS A COMPLETE PERFECTIONIST IN ALL AREAS OF HIS LIFE. HE HAS REMAINED A NORTH LONDON BOY AND HAS LIVED IN STANMORE ALL HIS LIFE.

Robert’s prestigious Lordship title, a title originally stemming from Henry VIII himself, was passed down through the generations and bestowed upon Robert. Master Robert then became Lord Robert Jonathan Walters as he is known now. Yet, throughout his childhood the family decided to keep this a secret to allow him a normal upbringing where he was treated no differently to others. It was not until April 2009 when he joined dance sensation ‘Here Come the Boys,’ on their sell-out National Tour that he came out about his title when his Manager decided it would help promote him in the show and in turn forward his career.

Which it certainly did when he was voted the most popular, number one and favorite in the show.

Lord Robert Walters stemmed from an elite sporting background and business world too. His father was an International World class athlete who represented England over 40 times in the 400 meters, and later made his fortune as an entrepreneur.

One grandfather played for Queens Park Rangers Football Club, whilst the other was a heavyweight boxer 2 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

whilst owning the chain of London department stores ‘Walter’s.’ Therefore, it was written in his genetics that Robert would be a good all round sportsman, and success in business too.

His life seemed mapped to take one of these two routes. However, despite an obvious talent for racket sport Robert knew he would be making his own route in life, combining his love for sport and fitness and a passion for film and comedy helped him choose a career in modeling, acting, and entertaining at a very young age.

Robert knew he was not to enter the family business of commercial property, but the entertainment industry and he has left a path of success behind him.

Of course those sporting genetics and hard-working business ethic have given him the ability to achieve that World-class physique, that gave him a great head start, and has kept him on top of the modeling industry. To date Robert is the most shot fitness model, and has graced the most magazine covers out of any male model, such as ‘Men’s Fitness,’ and other top sport and fitness magazines such as ‘Healthy for Men,’ as well as featuring in numerous articles for ‘Men’s Health’. Robert has also written many articles in his time for top men’s magazines with tips and instructions on to achieve the model health and physique. Yet, it’s not only the fitness world he’s taken by storm.

Robert’s also had great success being

LOCAL INTERVIEW This is the beauty of Robert, he clearly has versatility and realizes his many talents of being an entertainer.

So, instead of reaching and settling for being top of his game in one field as you can see he’s always striving, branching out to new things, and bigger achievements, which is why he has successfully raise his profile so much in the last few years, and is aiming to even further in 2012.

Whatever the future holds for Robert we know it will be bright. His talents, charm, drive and ability to succeed will take him to wherever he wants to be. Furthermore, Robert is always searching for new challenges to conquer and has great ambition. a full time fashion and editorial model and was featured in all Next stores worldwide as the face and body of their underwear campaign.

The perfect look for underwear modeling has also seen him front other top underwear campaigns with Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Yet, it’s not only the modeling world Robert has conquered, he branched out into presenting, working alongside names such as Vernon Kay and June Sarpong at the Smash hits awards, and also presented solely for Majestic television on a series of shows about life in the Costa del Sol. Robert once again combined his love of fitness and his presenting skills when he signed a deal in 2011 with Sky TV channel 184 for a weekly fitness show called ‘The Fitness Suite.’ In the show we saw Rob giving the viewer a step-by-step guide on how to get a great body and start, achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which he wrote and presented himself.

Following the success of The Fitness Suite, which not only saw Rob giving out fitness and health instructions, but also lifestyle advice, the shows directors realized Rob had a great ability to give others sound advice and encourage them to make the right choices and changes for a happier lifestyle and sense of well-being, and as a result offered him a new life coaching show “Lord Knows.”

Rob also has a passion for comedy which has landed him roles in numerous sketch comedy shows such as Harry Enfield, The Kevin Bishop Show and Little Britain, whilst being a firm favorite of Harry Hill’s on his TV Burp show. Finally his enthusiasm for comedy has

been rewarded and 2012 seems to be Rob’s year with talks of his own documentary show with a comic

Which is why 2012 sees Rob taking his fitness and health knowledge and cover model body from our screens

2012 sees Rob taking his fitness and health knowledge and cover model body from our screens to pass on to and help the public in person in his new equipped private personal training studio ‘Fitness Studio 82’ in Stanmore... twist… so watch this space.

Yet, to date his acting abilities helped him land his biggest role when he was whisked off to Morocco for 5months of filming in Greenzone, alongside A-list Hollywood actor Matt Damon.

to pass on to and help the public in person in his new equipped private

personal training studio ‘Fitness Studio 82’ in Stanmore.

So putting his show business opportunities to one side, Rob has decided to bring his expertise in fitness and training to Stanmore and is launching his exclusive Personal Training business. “ I know I have the expertise to help people achieve literally any goal in their health and fitness and being very competitive by nature, I will be very determined to reach the goals that my clients are aiming for. Every single person has a different genetic structure and they deal with training and diet in a different way, my knowledge and experience allows me to define the individual’s unique qualities and be able to create a programme that will achieve exactly what they need. These relationships are very personal and there is nothing more satisfying than working together as a team to get them in great shape. Every single day when I am training in the gym I get approached by people and even personal trainers themselves asking for help and advice, because of my training expertise, it is a very exciting challenge for me and I am very excited about whipping my Stanmore clients into shape, with a little comedy thrown in to keep them laughing!”

Lord Rob will be officially launching “Fitness Studio 82” on the 31st January 2012, and is taking bookings now! But spaces are strictly limited!!!! So call or email for a free consultation fitnessstudio82@hotmail. com Tel: 0208 954 1778 You can also follow Rob on twitter @lordrobwalters

In 2011 Rob also starred in the massive hit E4 TV show ‘Dirty Sexy Things’! A reality show about the entwining lives of 8 successful London models. The show aired on 4th July 2011, This really was the role that has cemented Rob’s modeling career after he was headhunted from thousands of top models to land the role. Although as yet, there are no immediate plans for a season 2, due to the success and massive cult following of ‘Dirty Sexy Things’, it is still being repeated currently on both Channel 4, E4 and 4music.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 2 5

LOCAL HISTORY

THE ENCHANTING HISTORY OF WROTHAM PARK 2 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

THE BATHROOM

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LOCAL HISTORY

Wrotham Park, a Palladian Mansion set in the heart of a 2,500 acre estate located just 17 miles from Hyde Park Corner, was designed by Isaac Ware in 1754 and built by Admiral John Byng, the fourth son of Admiral Sir George Byng.

It is doubtful whether the Admiral ever lived at Wrotham. Following

2 8 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

the failure of his inadequately equipped expedition to relieve Minorca from the French, the Government sought a scapegoat to assuage the public outcry. He was tried by Court Martial which acquitted him of cowardice and disaffection but finding that he had made an error of judgment convicted him of negligence for which there was a mandatory death sentence

under the Twelfth Article of War.

top of the house. The combined efforts of four London fire Although he was recommended brigades could not prevent the for mercy he was executed in fire from spreading, their pumps 1757, thus providing the occasion having insufficient power to for Voltaire’s famous quip “In throw water any higher than this country it pays well, from the portico and by evening the time to time, to kill an Admiral house was gutted. Fortunately, to encourage the others”. all contents of any importance were saved and the interior of In 1883 a fire broke out at the the house was rebuilt using

LOCAL HISTORY

the same design as before, but incorporating the solidity of Victorian building technique.

Indeed if Admiral Byng could stand today on the terrace of Wrotham he would notice surprisingly few changes, the house is finished and larger than he planned, the oaks are now mature and there is a lake at the

bottom of the park. However, as he gazed westwards thorough the trees, the distant rumble of a train might puzzle him, but he would be delighted in the knowledge that as we crossed the end of another century into the next, Wrotham is still the home of his family.

The Admiral never married and left the house to the eldest son

of his brother Robert (who had already died in Barbados where he was Governor) and from him it descended to the present Robert Byng who lives in the house and has managed the estate since 1991.

Wrotham Park has been used as a film location in a number of Feature Films and Television productions. The house and estate

have much to offer including a production office, make-up room and hard-standing unit base.

For more information contact Wrotham Park, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 4SB England or call 020 8441 0755 alternatively visit the website at www.wrothampark.com

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 2 9

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OLympics speciaL

The london 2012 SUMMER OlymPic GameS are here in London from 27th July – 12th august 2012 paralympic Games 29th august – 9th september 2012

l

ondon will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948 London was selected as the host city during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris. The successful bid was headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe

The Olympics has prompted a redevelopment of many of areas of London. The Games will make use of many venues which were already in place before the bid, including Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena, Wimbledon All England Club, Lord’s Cricket Ground, The O2 Arena, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and the Excel Centre J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 3 1

The SporTS The London 2012 Olympic Games will feature 26 sports, which break down into 39 disciplines Aquatics Diving swimming syncronised swimming ✱ Archery ✱ Athletics ✱ Badminton ✱ Basketball ✱ Beach Volleyball ✱ Boxing ✱ canoeing sprint ✱ canoe slalom ✱ Water polo ✱ cycling - BMX ✱ cycling Mountain biking ✱ cycling - road ✱ cycling - Track ✱ equestrian - Dressage ✱ equestrian - eventing ✱ equestrian - Jumping ✱ Fencing ✱ hockey ✱ Football ✱ Gymnastics ✱ Artistic Gymnastics ✱ rhythmic Gymnastics ✱ Trampoline * ✱ handball ✱ Judo ✱ Modern pentathlon ✱ rowing ✱ sailing ✱ shooting ✱ Table tennis ✱ Taekwondo ✱ Tennis ✱ Triathlon ✱ Volleyball ✱ Weightlifting * Wrestling ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

3 2 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

PArAlyMPic sPorTs There are 20 sports in the Paralympic programme for the london 2012 Games.

Paralympic cycling breaks down into two disciplines: ✱ road and Track ✱ Paralympic Archery ✱ Paralympic Athletics ✱ Boccia ✱ Paralympic cycling - road ✱ Paralympic cycling - Track ✱ Paralympic equestrian ✱ Football 5-a-side ✱ Football 7-a-side ✱ Goalball ✱ Paralympic Judo ✱ Powerlifting ✱ Paralympic rowing ✱ Paralympic sailing ✱ Paralympic shooting ✱ Paralympic swimming ✱ Paralympic Table Tennis ✱ sitting Volleyball ✱ Wheelchair Basketball ✱ Wheelchair Fencing ✱ Wheelchair rugby ✱ Wheelchair Tennis

VenueS of The 2012 Summer olympicS and ParalymPicS The AquATics cenTre

The Aquatics Centre will be the venue for Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and the Aquatics discipline of the Modern Pentathlon. Location: South-east corner of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 192. It will be the ‘gateway’ to the Olympic Park, with more than twothirds of spectators expected to enter the Olympic Park over a vast bridge that runs over the top of part of the venue.

After the Games, The Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. The two temporary wings will be removed, although it will be possible to increase the capacity for major competitions. The Aquatics Centre will also have a creche, family-friendly changing facilities and a cafe, alongside a new public plaza in front of the building.

OLympics speciaL

eTon Dorney, Berkshire

Eton Dorney will be the venue for Rowing, Paralympic Rowing, and Canoe Sprint events, during the London 2012 Games. Eton Dorney Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake, is a world-class venue near Windsor Castle. Number of events:30.

The venue is a 2,200m, eight-lane rowing course with a separate return lane constructed to international standards.

It is set in a 400-acre park with a nature conservation area.

In 2006, it hosted the Rowing World Championships, with high praise from both competitors and spectators.

The BAskeTBAll ArenA

The Basketball Arena will host Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and the final stages of the Handball competition. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 7. It is one of the largestever temporary venues built for any Games. Parts of it are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK. The BMX TrAck

The BMX Track will host the Olympic BMX competition during the London 2012 Games. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 2. The 400-metre circuit is located next to the Velodrome. After the Games, the temporary seating will be removed and the BMX Track reconfigured to make it suitable for community use.

BrAnDs hATch

During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Road Cycling discipline will be held at Brands Hatch, home of numerous international racing events. Both the Road Race and Time Trial events will be held at the venue. The riders will race round a course that passes through the Kent county and the district of Sevenoaks.

Brands Hatch will be the base of approximately half of the course, including the start and finish. After the Games, Brands Hatch will

revert to its role as one of Europe’s leading motor racing venues. ciTy oF coVenTry sTADiuM

The Stadium is home to Championship club Coventry City. It is ideally located in the centre of England, in a city which already has strong links with London 2012. The stadium will play host to 12 Football matches, including the women’s bronze medal match. After the Games, the stadium will continue to host Coventry City matches eArls courT

During 2012, Earls Court will be transformed into a spectacular Volleyball arena ready for the Games. The Volleyball competition will have 288 athletes taking part, with the action beginning on 28th July. Earls Court is close to the Victoria and Albert, Science & Natural History Museums. After the Games, the venue will continue as one of London’s best exhibition and event spaces. eTon MAnor

The sporting facilities at Eton Manor will be the venue for Wheelchair Tennis. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 6.

Eton Manor will have temporary training pools for participants J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 3 3

in Aquatics events. It will have three 50m pools for swimmers, and smaller pools for synchronized swimmers and Water Polo players.

It will then host Wheelchair Tennis during the Paralympic Games, and remain a training facility for Aquatics competitors.

After the Games, It is intended that Eton Manor will be transformed into a unique mix of sporting facilities for local and regional communities, including a tennis centre with four indoor and six outdoor courts (four of which will be used for Wheelchair Tennis during the Games), a hockey centre with two competition pitches and five-a-side football pitches. The facilities will be able to accommodate elite hockey events for up to 15,000 spectators. eXcel

With it’s five arenas, ExCeL will host a total of 143 sessions across a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic sports including: Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Boccia Paralympic Table Tennis, Paralympic Judo, Paralympic Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Fencing, Location: ExCeL is situated near London City Airport in east London’s Royal Victoria Dock.

After the Games, ExCeL will revert to its role as one of Europe’s largest and most versatile exhibition spaces.

hAMPDen PArk, scoTlAnD

Hampden Park is Scotland’s national football stadium. It recently underwent a £70m refurbishment and is situated a few miles to the south of Glasgow in Scotland. Number of events: 2.The stadium will host a total of eight Olympic Football matches, with action in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The hAnDBAll ArenA

The Handball Arena will be the venue for Handball, Goalball and the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon.

Location: In the west of the Olympic Park. The Handball Arena will host the preliminary rounds and quarter-finals of the Handball competition. It will also be the venue for the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon. In the Paralympic Games it will be the venue for Goalball. After the Games, the Handball Arena will be adapted to become a multi-use sports centre for community use, athlete training and small to medium-sized events. It will be able to cater for a wide range of indoor sports, including basketball, handball, badminton, boxing, martial arts, netball, table tennis, wheelchair rugby and volleyball. It will also include a health and fitness club with changing facilities and a cafe for use by the local community.

GreenWich PArk

Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, dating back to 1433. Within the Park is The Royal Observatory and the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian competitions, plus the combined running and shooting event, of the Modern Pentathlon. Greenwich Park is on the south bank of the River Thames, in south east London. Number of events: 19. The temporary structures will be taken down after the Games. hADleiGh FArM, esseX

A new Mountain Bike course will be provided in Hadleigh Farm, Essex, with temporary grandstands and facilities to be built in the run-up to the 2012 Games. Number of events: 2.

Hadleigh Farm is owned by the Salvation Army. The venue covers a 550-acre site including beautiful grassland and woodland.

It also includes the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park. Spectators will be able to watch the action along a course winding through woods and parkland.

hAMPTon courT PAlAce, surrey

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Cycling Time Trial will take place on the roads around the stunning Hampton Court Palace, formerly home to many famous monarchs. Hampton Court is located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Hampton Court will host the start and finish of the men’s and women’s Time Trials in the Road Cycling competition. Both the men’s and women’s Time Trials are free events. Number of events: 2. hockey cenTre

The temporary Hockey Centre located in the Olympic Park will have two separate pitches, one with spectator seating. The facility will also be used for Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.Number of events: 4. The Hockey Centre will have two pitches, one with spectator seating and one for use as a warm-up area. As well as the Olympic Hockey competition, the facility will host Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.

After the Games the Hockey Centre will move to the north of the Olympic Park, joining a group of facilities in the area known as Eton Manor. It will have 3,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase to up to 15,000 for major events.

3 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

OLympics speciaL

horse GuArDs PArADe

The Beach Volleyball competition will take place on the Prime Minister’s doorstep at Horse Guards Parade, at the heart of Whitehall, the political centre of the UK. It is close to Downing Street and across St James’s Park from Buckingham Palace. A temporary arena will be built in 2012, with sand brought in to create London’s very own ‘beach’. Number of events: 2. Not surprisingly, the temporary facilities will be taken down after the Games! hyDe PArk

The largest of London’s Royal Parks, Hyde Park has been open to the public since 1637. It will host the Marathon Swimming and Triathlon events.

Spectators will enjoy a grandstand view of the finishing area for the London 2012 Triathlon, with many thousands more able to watch as the athletes swim, cycle and run on the course. The park is also expected to be home to the music, theatre, film and cultural events that will take place throughout the summer of 2012. Hyde Park lies within London’s West End, within easy walking distance of top class accommodation and shops. Number of events: 4.

After the Games, the grandstand and course will be removed.

The lee VAlley WhiTe WATer cenTre, herTForDshire

Located in Hertfordshire, it will host the Canoe Slalom competition. Located on the edge of the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park, part of the 26-mile long, 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park in Hertfordshire. Number of events: 4. Two new canoe slalom courses are being built for the Games: a 300m competition course and a 160m intermediate/training course. A new 10,000sqm lake is also being constructed. After the Games, the two courses and the

facilities building will remain and the Centre will become a venue for canoeing and kayaking for the local community and visitors, and be suitable for beginners to elite athletes. It will also be a major leisure attraction for white water rafting. lorD’s crickeT GrounD

Lord’s Cricket Ground has been home to cricket since 1814 and will host the Olympic Archery competition. Lord’s is in St John’s Wood, near Regent’s Park. Comparatively little preparation will be needed to get this world-class venue ready. An Archery range will be created on the outfield of the main ground and the Nursery ground. Number of events: 4. After the Games, Lord’s will return to its traditional role as the home of cricket, providing a base for the Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex County Cricket Club. Archery equipment from the training, warm up and competition venues will be given to clubs and schools across the country.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 3 5

The MAll

During the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Marathons and the Olympic Cycling Road Races will start and finish in The Mall - an iconic location in the heart of London.

Following the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and birthday in 2012, there will be a period of 36 days in which to erect the required temporary seating, scoreboards, video boards, tents, cabins and generators. The Marathons are free events, but spectators can apply for tickets to some viewing areas. The same applies to the Race Walks and Road Cycling races. Number of events: 11. After the Games, all the temporary structures will be dismantled and The Mall returned to its usual state.

WeMBley sTADiuM

Wembley is the biggest of the six stadiums staging the London 2012 Olympic Games Football competition. It will host the gold medal events in both the Men’s and Women’s competition.

It was announced in November 2011 that both the men’s and women’s Great Britain teams will play group matches at the stadium. The new stadium’s arch soars over 130m into the sky, more than four times the height of the towers of the old Wembley Stadium. Each seat has an unrestricted view of the pitch and plenty of leg room. Number of events: 2

The MillenniuM sTADiuM, cArDiFF

The Millennium Stadium is located on the banks of the River Taff, right in the heart of the Welsh capital, Cardiff.

The Millennium Stadium has the honour of hosting the very first event of the Olympic Games, with women’s Football matches starting on 25th July. It will also host the men’s bronze medal match. It was announced in November 2011 that both the men’s and women’s Great Britain teams will play group matches at the stadium. Number of events: 2. After the Games, the venue will continue to be used as the home of the Welsh football and rugby teams. norTh GreenWich ArenA

Originally built for the Millennium celebrations, North Greenwich Arena has been transformed into a sports and entertainment arena with shops, restaurants and more. North Greenwich Arena will host Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics and the Basketball finals during the Olympic Games and then, a few weeks later, Wheelchair Basketball during the Paralympic Games. North Greenwich Arena sits on the point of the Greenwich peninsula, right on the Meridian Line. Number of events: 20. When the London 2012 Games are over, the North Greenwich Arena will revert to being a multi-faceted music,sports and entertainment venue. olD TrAFForD, MAnchesTer

One of the most famous football grounds in the world, the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is home to Manchester United Football Club. Old Trafford will host nine Football matches during the Olympic Games, including a semi-final in both the men’s and women’s competitions. It was announced in November 2011 that the men’s Great Britain team will play a group match at the stadium. Number of events: 2 olyMPic AnD PArAlyMPic VillAGe

The vibrant Olympic and Paralympic Village will be located in the Olympic Park. It will comprise residential apartments for around 17,000 athletes and officials, along with shops, restaurants, medical, media and leisure facilities and large areas of open space. Athletes will have easy access to the travel and leisure facilities of the adjacent Stratford City complex, and the High Speed 1 Javelin® shuttle service will link the Village to central London in just seven minutes. After the Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Village will be a lasting legacy of essential new housing for east London. It will be transformed into 2,800 new homes, including 1,379 affordable homes. The communities that develop in the area after the Games will be supported by new parks, open space, transport links, and community 3 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

facilities including Chobham Academy – a world-class new education campus with 1,800 places for students aged 3-19. olyMPic sTADiuM

The Olympic Stadium will host the Athletics and Paralympic Athletics events, as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Number of events: 208. The Stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 during the Games: 25,000 permanent seats in its permanent lower tier, and a temporary lightweight steel and concrete upper tier holding a further 55,000 spectators that can be removed after the Games. The Stadium is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate a number of different requirements and capacities in legacy.

Itwill continue to be a venue for sport and athletics, as well as cultural and community events - leaving a lasting legacy.

The royAl ArTillery BArrAcks

The Royal Artillery Barracks will be the venue for Shooting, Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery. Location: On the edge of Woolwich Common in south east London. Number of events: 36. The London port of Woolwich has a long military history and the construction of the current Royal Artillery Barracks buildings began in 1776. Four temporary indoor ranges for Pistol and Rifle Shooting will be built together with outdoor shotgun ranges for Trap and Skeet events. After the

OLympics speciaL

WATer Polo ArenA

The temporary Water Polo Arena on the Olympic Park will host both the men’s and women’s Water Polo competitions. It will contain a warm-up pool and a competition pool. The Aquatics Centre and Water Polo Arena will be adjacent to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. The Water Polo Arena will be taken down after the Games. Elements of the venue are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK. WeMBley ArenA

Wembley Arena will host the Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics events. Number of events: 7. The Badminton World Championships took place at the venue in August 2011, acting as a test event for the Games. Around 6,000 spectators will be able to enjoy the action during the Olympic Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions.

WiMBleDon

Wimbledon is the home of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and the setting for the famous Wimbledon tennis tournament since 1877. The London 2012 Olympic Games Tennis competition will take place just three weeks after the end of the annual grand slam tournament. Wimbledon is in south west London, near Richmond Park and the World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens. Number of events: 5 WeyMouTh & PorTlAnD, DorseT

Games, London 2012 is working with the Government and other key parties to identify opportunities where elements of the venue and sports equipment could be reused after the Games. sT JAMes’s PArk, neWcAsTle

Home of Newcastle United football club, St James’ Park has hosted many exciting matches, and has a great atmosphere created by fans - so it is well prepared for what’s to come in 2012. St James’ Park will host a total of nine matches, including a quarter-final in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions.

Location: Dorset, on the south coast of England. Number of events: 13. Weymouth and Portland provides some of the best natural sailing waters in the UK, with facilities on land to match.

Weymouth and Portland Bay is a natural amphitheatre and there are several vantage points to watch the Sailing events from if you do not have a ticket. The Local Authority will be also providing a big screen to watch the Games coverage on Weymouth beach, and putting on a range of free sporting and cultural activities. There is no seated ticketing for the Sailing event, so spectators will be sitting on the ground or standing.. After the Games, The National Sailing Academy will benefit from the improved facilities that the Games will leave behind, providing a state-of-the-art facility for elite training, competition and local community use.

VeloDroMe

The Velodrome will host Track Cycling and Paralympic Track Cycling. The Velodrome’s concrete lower tier will have 3,500 seats located around the track. A further 2,500 seats will be suspended in two upper tiers within the two curves of the venue’s roof. In between the lower and upper tiers there will be a glass wall, giving spectators a 360-degree view across the Olympic Park and allowing people outside the venue to see the sporting action taking place inside.

The back-of-house area - including broadcast, catering and security facilities - will be shared with the Basketball Arena to make efficient use of space.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 3 7

TEAM GB

although we are waiting for the Team GB squad to be officially confirmed, there are some stars we are pinning our hopes on to take us to Olympic gold!

The lonDon 2012 olyMPic MeDAls

In 2010, it was announced that the Royal Mint would produce the medals for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.The medals are 7mm thick and weigh between 375400g. Each medal will have the sport and the discipline engraved on the rim. Like the last few Olympic medal designs the front will once again have the Greek goddess of victory, Nike stepping from Parthenon.The reverse side has the Games logo, and a ribbon depicting the River Thames with a grid symbolising pulling together and radiating energy. The medals will have a purple ribbon attached to them which symbolises Royalty and protocol.

3 8 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

Mo FArAh LONG DISTANCE With World Championship gold for the 5,000m and silver for 10,000m plus setting two new British records last year, this man is fast!

richArD WhiTeheAD - PARALYMPIC MARATHON & 200M. Richard is a congenital double amputee, and is World Record Holder for 400m, 200m and Marathon.

sir chris hoy CYCLING The first Briton for a century to win three gold at one Olympics (Beijing, 2008). He now boasts four Olympic and 10 world titles.

DAi Green 400 METRE HURDLES The 25 year old was one of just two British athletes to celebrate a win at the 2011 World Championships, and is already European and Commonwealth Champion. Hopefully we will be jumping for joy when he jumps for glory

AlAsTAir & Jonny BroWnlee TRIATHLON The brothers came first and second in the 2011 World Championships.

So between them, we hope they can achieve gold and silver!

ToM DAley DIVING Britain’s youngest-ever world champion in an Olympic sport when he won gold on the 10m platform in 2009, at just 15. Now at 17, we hope he will do it again.

JessicA ennis HEPTATHLON She is former world heptathlon champion and current world indoor pentathlon champion.

Hugely talented.

BeTh TWeeDle GYMNASTICS With three world titles and six European gold medals there are high hopes for Beth.

BEN AINSLIE SAILING The most successful British yachtsman in history, so hopefully it will be plain sailing all the way for Ben!

OLympics speciaL

lonDon 2012 FesTiVAl

MArk cAVenDish ROAD RACE CYCLING The 2011 Road World Champion was Britain’s first world road race champion for 46 years, and is favourite to win gold for GB.

shelly WooDs PARALYMPIC WHEELCHAIR RACING Shelly Woods is one of Britain’s top wheelchair racers, and she currently holds the British records in the 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m and marathon.

VICTORIA PENDLETON CYCLING Victoria won gold in Beijing and received an MBE for her sporting achievements.

reBeccA ADlinGTon SWIMMING At 22, she is the first British swimmer to win two gold medals since 1908, and is Britain’s most successful swimmer in over 100 years.

sTeFAnie reiD PARALYMPIC LONG-JUMP AND SPRINT Achieved bronze in Beijing & 2011 World Championships, and is 2010 Long Jump World Record holder. She has a great sense of humour and has legs for every occasion - including a water leg, a high-heel leg, an everyday leg, a general sports leg and a cheetah leg, which she wears for competition.

ANDY MURRAY TENNIS Let’s hope the Scot can play an ace and clinch a gold for Britain.

The biggest festival the UK has ever seen! Leading artists from all over the world will come together with a chance for everyone to get into the spirit of London 2012 through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation and leave a lasting legacy for the arts in the UK. The London 2012 Festival will open on 21st June 2012 and run until 9th September 2012 - the last day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. A series of countdown events from January 2012 will give you a taster of what’s to come.

In total, the festival features more than 1,000 events, with 10 million free opportunities to get involved. Some of the events are ticketed and the majority are free to attend.

Many have already been announced, with more to come over the coming months.

Please see www. london2012festival. co.uk for more details.

We welcome millions of people to London and the UK for an unforgettable experience...The London 2012 Olympics.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 3 9

F E AT U R E

Chocolate

IN SEARCH OF THE ULTIMATE In Search Of The VALENTINE’S GIFT...

UlTImaTe GIfT

luxury

W

hat do you do if you really want something special and just can’t find it? When all you yearn for is just the best of its kind in the world - and no-one seems to have produced it; at least not to the standard you desire?

If you are Roy and Tracey Jones you initially scour the earth for a key ingredient and, when you have finally tracked it down, you create what you were looking for in the first place - the world’s finest luxury chocolate experience.

“I wanted to buy a very special present for a very special person on a very special day - her 40th birthday,” explains Tracey. “Like me she is a chocoholic! I went to the top-end departments stores and even some of the little luxury chocolate boutiques but just could not find what I wanted.

There is a lot of nice chocolate about, of course, but, I don’t know, there was always something missing. It was very frustrating and in the end I bought her something else entirely.”That was the beginning but by no means the end of a two year journey which has reached a triumphant conclusion with the launch of ‘the Chocolate’ Roy and Tracey’s new business dedicated to producing ‘the best luxury chocolate experience in the world.’

What is it?

In its simplest form we are talking about an amazing ‘experience’.

Handmade truffles using an award winning, secret recipe Italian chocolate, filled with champagne, flaked with edible 24-carat gold all enclosed within a bespoke handcrafted boutique box encrusted with more than 450 Swarovski Crystals inside and out. Also made by hand no two of these boxes will ever be the same. The chocolate itself is 63% Toscano Black sourced from a tiny artisan chocolate maker based just outside historic Pisa. The cocoa beans are refined using a traditional granite stone mill and the result has been judged by the Academy of Chocolate as officially the best in the world.

What experts call the ganache - basically the mixture of cocoa, cream and a variety of other ingredients to form em 4 74 0 Jn AoNvU A bReYr220011 21

what consumers think of as, well, the chocolate - that forms ‘the Chocolate’ is a closely guarded secret but Roy and Tracey are happy to confirm that there are several glasses of champagne added to the normal recipe. “As we make everything ourselves we can, of course, produce ‘the Chocolate’ without alcohol if required,” commented Tracey.

You Eat thE Gold?

It’s the world’s most expensive foodstuff and has been eaten for millennia. Although the Ancient Egyptians believed it gave them immortality no such claims are made for ‘the Chocolate.’ (yet). However other authorities do claim that gold has many attributes when eaten, including generating a higher IQ, managing rheumatoid arthritis, developing mystic power and contributing to a long and healthy life.

More seriously it is authorised for use in food products in both Europe and the USA. High quality chocolate also has its enthusiasts. They claim that chocolate with over 60% cocoa content (‘the Chocolate’ has 63%) reduces blood pressure, decreases the chance of both diabetes and heart attack, improves the memory and even eases a persistent cough amongst a plethora of other attributes.

Be that as it may the fact remains that ‘the Chocolate’ has a fantastic taste that will exceed the expectations of the wildest choccie enthusiast.

And the memory of the experience will last and last. thE Products:

Available online at the-chocolate.com and exclusively at Harrods, the Boutique Box contains 15 chocolates minimum and a weight of 200 grammes. It retails at £190 including postage and packing. Delivery of this unique hand-made product is within five days or can be expressed for specific delivery date. The Bambina is a one chocolate box experience, which retails at £50 including postage and packing.

Available online and exclusively at Harrods For more information on the Chocolate visit: www.the-chocolate.com

Mayfair

the heart of

c o c k ta i l b a r

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lounge

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r e s ta u r a n t

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chef’s dining room

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art gallery

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la cave

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HOLLYWOOD INTERVIEW

long ball Pitt plays the

He’s one of tHe biggest stars on tHe planet but brad pitt Has announced He’s going to retire in tHree years time at tHe age of 50. by susan griffin

W

hen you say you’re off to see Brad Pitt in person there’s one request that will inevitably be made by men and women alike: ‘Tell me what he looks like in the flesh.’

That’s because Pitt is so famous he’s almost taken on an otherworldly status.

The truth is the actor, voted ‘sexiest man alive’ countless times during his career, doesn’t disappoint when he casually strides out onto the terrace of a Mexican hotel for a photocall to promote his new baseball movie Moneyball.

He’s tall (a rarity among Hollywood’s elite) and broad, having spent the last few months in training for the film World War Z, a postapocalyptic horror, which has seen Pitt, his partner Angelina Jolie and their brood of six reside in Glasgow, London and Cornwall during filming.

His dark blonde hair is grown out and tucked behind his ears, his stubble is salt-andpepper grey and, despite the balmy temperatures, he’s wearing a long-sleeved top.

He may be an A-lister, but he’s rarely spotted on the red carpet these days, and while he smiles for the assorted cameras and cracks jokes with 4 2 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

co-star Jonah Hill, his eyes remain hidden behind aviator sunglasses and his hands stay tucked into the pockets of cream linen trousers.

Given the theme of his new film, baseball is the name of the game later that day when, in a quiet, shady spot, Pitt reveals that while he likes to play ball with his kids, his own relationship with the all-American sport has been traumatic.

“I knew very little about baseball besides taking one in the face when I was in junior high,” laughs Pitt, 47.

“Eighteen stitches was the result of that incident. This scar here,” he says pointing to the side of his head. It takes iron will not to lean in for a closer inspection.

Moneyball is based on the controversial 2003 book Moneyball: The Art Of Winning An Unfair Game in which the author Michael Lewis wrote about the exploits of Billy Beane (Pitt), a former baseball player turned general manager of Oakland A’s baseball team.

Beane revolutionised the way the baseball industry assessed its players by employing a statistical analysis that showed the qualities historically used to value players were outdated.

HOLLYWOOD INTERVIEW

He then bought players who’d been ignored by larger, more lucrative teams, but who would help his team to victory.

“The film didn’t fall into convention and it was a difficult one to get made,” admits Pitt, looking a little shiny-faced despite the shade (so the man is a mere mortal then.) “We’re in tough economic times and people start betting on safer, more tried-and tested brands,” he says, before adding that while he’s never spent a lot of time watching baseball, he became obsessed by the book.

“Billy Beane’s team had a

ran a truck company, and his mum Jane, a school guidance counsellor, Pitt was studying for a journalism degree when he decided to give acting a whirl. Like thousands of other goodlooking hopefuls, he travelled to Los Angeles where he subsidised his acting classes with odd jobs, including dressing as a chicken, before earning his big break in Ridley Scott’s 1991 movie Thelma & Louise. His screen time totalled less than 15 minutes but when the film was released everyone was asking who the man who seduces Geena Davis was, and it led to parts

“I knew very little about baseball besides taking one in the face when I was in junior high” $40 million payroll and they were trying to compete with teams with $240 million payrolls. It forced these guys to back up and say: ‘We can’t fight how the other guys fight. We have to search for new baseball knowledge.

We have to re-examine the sport and where we place value’.”

Through that process they discovered great inefficiencies on how people were judged, and Pitt says: “The film is ultimately about how we place value on people and how society informs how we value ourselves.

“These themes are universal.

And the ideas these guys employed have now permeated other sports, like football, various arms of business even the film industry.”

Raised with his brother Doug and sister Julie in Missouri by his dad Bill, who

in Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It and the dark thriller Kalifornia.

Pitt says it was only when Legends Of The Fall was released in 1994 “that celebrity hit me”. “You get no warning and you’re kind of overwhelmed. I didn’t understand all the attention,” says Pitt, before returning to the recurring theme of value. “The attention doesn’t come from a place of real value. People want to get near you but it has nothing to do with you as a person.

It has more to do with something those people are missing in themselves.”

In the 20 years since his scene-stealing performance in Thelma & Louise, Pitt’s managed to keep the audience guessing his next move. He’s depicted death in Meet Joe

Black, an incoherent Irish brawler in Snatch, a Nazi killer in Inglourious Basterds and aged backwards in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. “Film-making is about longevity,” says Pitt.

“Is it a quality picture? Is it a quality story? Is there something original about it?”

These are the questions Pitt asks himself before embarking on a project today but admits he may have lost focus for a while and the result was The Mexican (2001), Spy Game (2001), Troy (2004) and Mr & Mrs Smith (2005).

The latter remains a personal favourite though, as it was the film on which he met Jolie, with whom has adopted children Maddox, 10, Pax, seven, and Zahara, six, and biological children Shiloh, five, and twins Knox and Vivienne, three.

Today he’s less concerned about a film making money. “There’s such a thing as the quiet victory, the personal victory that only you and you alone experience.

And that’s enough,” he explains.

“Films that I’ve loved [making], like The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford and The Tree Of Life, they’re ‘fine wine’ pictures - they’ll age well.”

Pitt recently announced he’s looking to retire at around 50, and as the producer of 20 titles perhaps he’ll spend the autumn years of life behind the scenes. “It’s just about getting stories across that may have a more difficult time seeing the light of day,” he says. “That’s all I want, to see movies get made that I believe should be made.

And if my name, whatever it may or may not be worth, can help that process, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 4 3

HEALTH H EEAAULTTYH B BEAUTY

GET YOUR BEST LOOK FOR 2012 WITH

DR. ARIEL HAUS London’s Most Talked About Brazilian Doctor Before

After

O

ne of London’s most celebrated Harley Street dermatologists is Dr Ariel Haus. Brazilian Dr Ariel Haus is passionate about skin. Helping his patients to feel positive and confident about their skin, is what he does and this year should be the year that all Londoners with increasingly busy schedules do not neglect their skin.

Here is your checklist to get your best look with Dr Haus:

Area

Solution

Sun Damaged Skin

Skin peel

Wrinkles & Frown Lines

Botulinum Toxin

Facial lines and lack of volume

Dermal fillers

Lack of rejuvenation

Ablative and non-ablative lasers

Scars

Dermaroller

Dark under eye circles

Carboxytherapy

Dr Haus also offers a selection of non-invasive body treatments including semi-permanent laser hair removal and VelaShape to eliminate cellulite.

FOCUS ON: DERMAL FILLERS (FOR THE FACE/LIPS/HANDS)

Dermal Fillers are used for volume replacement and facial EM 4 42 J D AENCU A BREYR220011 21

remodelling to counter the effects of aging. As a woman ages the reduced amount of collagen in her skin means that the skin in the cheeks, chin, jawline and nose will start to lose its structure and sag. This can lead to the appearance of deep lines that are not reversible by the use of other treatments such as botulinum or skin peels. The appearance of the lips will also change as a woman ages, due to the thinning of vermillion and the loss of collagen in the lips. Smoking, alcohol consumption and sun damage all worsen this situation. Through the use of quality dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvaderm, Dr. Haus can safely add volume to the face and lips to reverse these effects of aging.

The actual treatment that Dr. Haus recommends will depend on the individual circumstances of the patient and the area to be treated, but in each case, the results will be visible immediately.

In Dr. Haus’ experience dermal fillers will achieve excellent results when used to add volume to the lips, the area between the nose and corners of the mouth (nasogenal) and the cheekbones (malar).

Dermal fillers such as Restylane consist of sterile gels that comprise stabilised non-animal based hyaluronic acid.

The products are injected into the skin using a thin needle to correct lines, wrinkles and folds in the face, to sculpt lips and form facial contours. Whilst patients are able to resume their normal activities after treatment with dermal fillers there are some precautions that must be taken and Dr. Haus will advise his patients on the precautions they should take in the 24 hours following treatment.

Time for your best look with Dr Ariel Haus. www.drhausdermatology.com, 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF Tel: +44 207 467 1525 Em Portugues/In Portuguese: 07796 235 603

Dr Haus has regular columns in UK magazines and is often consulted by manufacturers of leading skin products and brands to offer insight and his opinion owing to his extensive experience.

HEALTH BEAUTY

5 Top

NEW YEAR bEAuTY REsoluTioNs

by Levanah Reyes-WainWRight

I WILL cLeanse, moIsturIse and use a serum

If you are craving a healthy, dewy complexion for 2012 then you really need to uphold a daily skincare regime.

Without removing the day’s dirt and grime you simply create the perfect environment for spots and bacteria to multiply. Double cleanse to remove all impurities using cosmeceutical grade effective skincare with biologically active ingredients. Use a moisturiser with an added SPF to protect you during the day, and a restorative night cream to repair. Finally, don’t forget to use a targeted serum before moisturiser. Serums are special boosters for the skin, packed with higher concentrations of ingredients that can penetrate rapidly into the top layers of the skin to help feed the skin with nutrients and delay onset of ageing.

Try: Vitage revitalising Daily Cleanse (£24,cosmeceuticals. co.uk), Clinique youth Surge Day SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer (£39,clinique. co.uk), Tara Walker’s 4 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

regenerating Dream Night Creme (£69,tarawalkersdream. com), Functionalab Eye Contour Serum (£49, Harrods) I WILL Look after my haIr

2012 is when you will get your hair mojo back, I promise.

Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks and ditch the two-in-one shampoo & conditioner! Shampoo and Conditioner are made up of different molecules - one is foamy, the other is silky. Get yourself haircare tailored to you, such as Aussie Miracle Moist shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Then use an Aussie Volume Conditioner and comb it through your hair whilst it’s on using a brilliant hair tool called Tangle Teezer to minimise knots, then rinse off. I can’t stress this enough - only put it on the ends of your hair or your scalp will get greasy quicker. Finally consider a radical cut - a fringe, a pixie cut or layers to change up your style for the better. Try: Tangle Teezer (£10.20, Boots), Aussie Big Size (£5.99, available nationwide)

I WILL sprIng cLean my skIncare and detox my make-up bag and brushes.

According to research by retailer Debenhams, the average British woman’s make-up is out of date by a staggering four years! A regular make-up and skincare detox is essential, throw out old or broken make up and any skincare that smells funny, has changed colour or separated (mascaras should be thrown out after four months). And don’t forget to clean your make-up brushes every fortnight, this doesn’t take long and can prevent the constant build-up of any new bacteria. Wash them in warm water in a little shampoo, and leave to air dry.

I WILL take care of my body

This is the year when you stop making excuses and start exercising, getting fit and toning up. I recommend starting to take a beauty supplement to nourish your skin with active ingredients from the inside out to achieve long-lasting results beneficial to nutrition and your health. Also, exfoliate your body at least twice a week and don’t forget to moisturise with a super moisturiser like Lanolips Lovely Lanolin(tm) Golden Ointment for silky smooth and radiant skin.

Try: Functionalab Beauty Dose Hair, Skin and Nails (£26, Harvey Nichols), Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish (£6.64, Boots), Lanolips Lovely Lanolin(tm) Golden Ointment (£17.99, victoriahealth.com) I WILL try somethIng neW!

If you are stuck in a make-up rut, break it in 2012. Dare to wear that bright pink lipstick you lust after, paint on neon or dark nail polish if you’ve never been brave enough and don those false lashes to flutter. It can give you a real confidence boost and completely transform your look. Even better is that if you don’t like it you can take it off, that’s the beauty of it!

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HEALTH BEAUTY

HAPPY NEW YOU words

Carolina Brennan he New Year is the ideal time to boost your self esteem by working on self-improvement. Take the opportunity to look and feel younger and you’ll get 2012 off to a great start.

1 ADD COLOUR TO YOUR WARDROBE Add colour to your wardrobe and you will instantly feel better and look younger. Choosing the right colours to wear near your face is a great way to gain instant extra compliments from your friends and family.

Colour will add radiance to your complexion and deflect away dark circles and sallow skin, lighting up your whole face and giving you a healthy glow.

To find out what colours will light up your life book a professional colour analysis consultation with the House of Colour, it’s money well spent.

4 8 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN THERE IS NOT MUCH HAPPENING AFTER CHRISTMAS AND YOU FEEL AS GREY AS THE WEATHER. FEAR NOT, THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. skin looking dull. Gentle peels are Nutritionist for more information. great for stimulating skin repair by exfoliating the dead skin and revealing 6 CLEANSE, CLEANSE AND CLEANSE SOME MORE The skin needs a boost particularly the new younger skin beneath. during the winter months Make sure you see your It may seem obvious, but and serums contain active professional therapist to choose insufficient or poor cleansing ingredients that will penetrate the correct peel to suit your skin is a common mistake that can the deeper layers of your skin type as there are several types and leave your skin with blocked faster than creams. Serums will strengths available and using the pores, generating free radicals turbo boost your cell turnover wrong one can harm your skin. that can lead to collagen break leaving your skin glowing. Give Choose from Lactic, Glycolic down. The best way to cleanse your skin an extra exfoliating or Jessner peels for real results. is to massage in your cleanser boost with serums that contain thoroughly and remove with a soft 10% Vitamin C or Retinol.

5 BE SUPPLEMENT SMART sponge. Wipe over afterwards with a toning lotion to double 3 SLEEP LIKE A PRINCESS When it comes to anti-ageing, cleanse the skin which removes taking a nutritional supplement any residue left behind and leaves Sleep on a silk pillowcase instead every day will help to slow the skin nice and damp ready of a cotton one. It may sound down the causes of ageing. for your serum and moisturiser. fancy but if you regularly get Nutrient levels deplete with creases on your skin from cotton age so it is important to give pillowcases then switching to something back to your body. silk will ensure you wake up unmarked and wrinkle free.

For more information on how Look for supplements that to look great this year, please contain antioxidants such as 4 LOVE A SKIN PEEL contact The Anti Ageing Clinic Vitamin C, Hyalauronic acid and on 01727 874507 or email collagen or have a professional Over the winter months, dead theantiageingclinic@yahoo.co.uk. consultation with an Anti Ageing skin cells build up leaving your 2 ADD SERUMS TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

before

after

HEALTH BEAUTY THE PROBLEM More and more people are becoming overweight as the calories they consume are not used up through exercise and everyday life. These unused calories are stored in our body as fat.

Many overweight people will find it difficult to exercise or even to move around normally, and their everyday life will be affected by their weight. In the long term, being overweight can increase the chances of developing serious conditions such as type II diabetes, heart conditions and hypertension. It can also affect people’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

We offer a structured year-long programme to help patients safely lose the maximum amount of weight and cope with any problems along the way.

BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LOSS There is increasing evidence that losing excess weight can offer long-term health benefits to seriously overweight people. These include Many overweight patients with diabetes find this improves after surgery and weight loss Improvements in conditions such as high blood pressure and sleep problems The majority of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who lost weight after surgery saw an improvement in their condition - or in some cases the condition disappeared A reduction in the chances of getting weight related health problems such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes

Many people are advised to lose weight by their GP but find this difficult, even if they diet or try to exercise more. Weight loss surgery may be an option for some of them.

WHO CAN BENEFIT? Weight loss surgery - also known as bariatric surgery - can help many people but it is not recommended for every one. It is a lifelong - and often life-changing - decision.

However, there is increasing evidence that it can lead to health benefits including improvements or even reversal of some conditions, such as type II diabetes.

RAMSAY HEALTHCARE’S PREMIUM CARE Patients who choose to have weight loss surgery with us receive the highest quality care in all aspects of their treatment.

Rapid access to expert opinion and treatment Appointment times to suit No long wait for treatment Single bedded rooms with ensuite bathroom and flat screen TV Everything needed to make their stay as comfortable as possible such as a daily newspaper and welcome pack

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends patients should be considered for bariatric surgery if their body mass index is 40kg/m2 or more or if it is over 35kg/m2 with a significant disease which could be improved by weight loss (body mass is calculated by looking at weight and height). They must have tried non-surgical methods to lose weight without much success for at least six months. Patients must also receive intensive specialist weight management, be fit for anaesthesia and surgery, and commit to the need for long-term follow up.

HOW TO ACCESS TREATMENT

Contact Rivers Hospital on 01279 602644 to book an appointment or for more information. Treatment may be covered by medical insurance and self pay packages are available on request.

WHAT SORT OF WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURES ARE AVAILABLE? Rivers Hospital offers:

Gastric banding

A ring is placed around the stomach which slows the passage of food and creates a feeling of fullness.

Gastric balloon

This does not involve surgery; instead a balloon is inserted 5 0 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

into the stomach and inflated with saline. This is removed after six months but patients feel full and want to eat less.

All of these procedures are carried out by experienced consultants

supported by a specialist team.

Our care does not end with the operation. Patients will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of dieticians, clinical behaviourists and physiotherapists.

Alternatively, why not come along to our free seminar on the evening of the 31st January 2012 at 7.30pm. To book a place please call 01279 602644

™

Personal Weight Loss Service

New Me, New Life My weight was affecting my health, so I chose Ramsay Healthcare personal weight loss service, now...

Before

...I look good and feel great Weight Loss Surgery Seminar 31st January 2012 from 7.30pm Our weight loss service benefits include:

• Gastric banding and gastric balloon options

• Highly qualified friendly staff

• Convenient appointment times with a consultant

• Choice of appointment and short waiting times

• Priority access through our fast track service

• One year aftercare programme

• Nutritional support

• Multidisciplinary team of nutritionist, clinical

• Your own private room with en-suite and

behaviourists and physiotherapists

flat screen TV

01279 602 644

www.rivers-hospital.co.uk/events Rivers Hospital, High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 OHH

HEALTH BEAUTY

NEW YEAR NEW YOU 2012 N ew Year’s resolutions are sometimes hard to keep especially if a new gym regime is involved, however at Hanbury Manor’s Spa we have some great treats to help you cheat away those extra pounds, boost your complexion and make you feel revitalised and fighting fit for 2012.

Hanbury Manor based in Ware, Hertfordshire has recently had its spa area revived and ready for your arrival this coming 2012. Set in 200 acres of stunning parkland, historic Jacobean-style Manor House offers a truly relaxing environment to allow you to give yourself a dose of detoxification this New Year and beat the winter blues.

Wrap up this January with a Decleor Detox Envelopment for only £40 (Usually £67.00); a creamy coat with plant extracts will be applied to your body and act like a heated blanket offering you a delightful massage. Dependant on your body requirements you can opt for three types of Envelopment’s including a stimulating Anti-fatigue (Flow); that boosts and energises with plant powder combined with active essential oils of Cypress, Angelica and Pepper. Drain those toxins with a Silhouette (Detox) including ghassoul clay, marine algae and active essential oils of Basil, Grapefruit and Hyssop. Shape up 5 2 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

with Intense Firming (Tonic) with influencing radiance into your life. mango butter and active essential oils of Immortelle, lemon and frankincense. The vital ingredient sourced from Madagascan Sara Essential Oil Don’t starve yourself slim, offers anti-viral, antibacterial and satisfy yourself slender with our anti inflammatory properties along Aromessence Slim Effect range with prebiotics that are typically including the Slim Effect Draining consumed as a yoghurt type drink Contouring Serum, 100ml bottle to help promote good bacteria has for £43.00, to tone, stimulate and now been embedded into Decleor’s decongest, Slim Effect - Draining Life Radiance skincare products Massage Balm, 50ml Jar for £42.00 from £45 to help rebalance the skin. allows you to sleep yourself slim as it works through the night with its This fabulous new product has landed rich formulation to tone, stimulate in Ware, Hertfordshire at Hanbury and decongest or Slim Effect Manor’s spa. The ritual of this facial Contouring Gel-Cream, 200ml starts with the applying the gel tube for £39.50, a rapid working formula that initially energises and absorbent gel acts as a powerful illuminates the skin followed by the localised treatment on cellulite cream formula for an extra booster to restore the skin’s elasticity and effect. Decleor claims, ‘it makes firmness. These products are buy one your face appear 12 years younger.’ get one free through January 2012.

With the lack of sunshine through It is said that the key to happiness January give yourself an instant boost is a healthy lifestyle that illuminates with the St.Tropez tanning range to the surface of our skin. When with either the cream application our skin is beautiful it suggests that that includes a full body exfoliation our mind, body and soul is also. followed by a cream finish of St We would all love to be beaming Tropez tan from £53.50 or opt for with beauty however with everyday the St. Tropez Spray Tan from £38. stresses and environmental factors, our skin is often left feeling flat.

Finally get a brand new style to instantly boost your confidence and Feast your face back to life with a get ready to gain a truly big head with new wonder product that is rich the millions of compliments you will in natural essential oils and plant receive on the brand new you. With prebiotic that is paraben-free the fully qualified team of stylists at the

Hanbury Manor salon who are happy to offer advice and tips for maintaining beautiful hair with prices starting from £25, and late night openings on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If you fancy a complete day including fitness and fabulous treatments, revive yourself with our special 2-4-1 New Year, New You Spa Day for £230. This spa day includes full use of facilities including swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and gym throughout the day, two course lunch and two treatments including the Decleor Envelopment Wrap and a Decleor Mini Facial. Available Sunday to Monday only.

For further information or to make a booking on any of the treatments please call the Health Club Reception on 01920 885 010 and please quote: Detox on any treatments mentioned.

Terms & Conditions apply on all treatments. Subject to availability

Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD Telephone: 01920 487 722 www. MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

HEALTH BEAUTY anuary is the perfect time of year to start focusing on you. It is the time of year that encourages you to think about the changes you want to make to your life, for the better. This year, commit to yourself, and everything else will follow. If you are feeling great, then all other areas of your life will reflect this, resulting in a successful 2012.

Your health and beauty routine will always be placed high up on a list of priorities, as when you look great on the outside, you will instantly feel good on the inside. While you focus on making yourself look and feel great, you should always choose the best quality products and treatments that will only have positive effects on your body. Your hands and nails are an essential part of your beauty regime, and must not be neglected.

Unlike your legs and bodies that go into hiding in the colder winter months, your hands are constantly on show, so they must always look their best. While looking their best, you must ensure that you are caring for your nails in the long term, it is important to choose a nail treatment that will not only look great but will

care for and nurture your natural nails.

NEW YEAR

Bio Sculpture provides the perfect beauty treatment that will strengthen and condition you natural nails whilst ensuring that they look great for up to 3 weeks. Bio Sculpture Gel is a nail treatment applied as a coating onto your own nails to strengthen and condition them with no damage.

Your nails will be transformed to their exceptional potential. Gel dries instantly under a UVA Curing Lamp in a choice of over 140 different colours, French or natural finish. The gel is easily removed without any damage to your natural nails. No more chipped nail polish as your gel nail colour will be long wearing and chip proof and your nails will keep their well manicured look long after application.

So, make 2012 your year by making choices that will benefit you on the inside and out.

For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners or experienced nail technicians: Tel: 0845 331 2347 www.biosculpture.co.uk

Ask for Bio Sculpture Gel the original everlasting manicure tried, tested and proven system adding strength and durability to natural nails

Bio Sculpture Gel is the original must have nail care product. Unlike varnish that chips and peels, this durable Gel is applied as an overlay onto natural nails by a qualified nail technician. The Gel is set under a UV Lamp giving it that strong, flexible, glossy finish which lasts for three weeks.

Easy removal without damage to nails.

For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians, call 0845 331 2347.

New Design Gel Pots Coming Soon

www.biosculpture.co.uk

HOW TO FIND YOUR COLOUR OF THE YEAR WORDS LISA HAYNES

Welcome to the year of Tangerine Tango. The global authority on colour, Pantone, has designated the reddish orange as its colour of the year in succession to Honeysuckle pink. The vibrant shade is now being touted as a go-to in cosmetics because of its versatility. It’s exotic but in a friendly, non-threatening way, according to the Pantone colour gurus. But whether you dance to the tune of Tangerine Tango for your lips, nails or even eyes, it’s clear the 2012 tone won’t be for everyone. When refreshing your 5 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

make-up bag for January, the key to finding your own colour of the year lies in your hair and complexion.

“Understanding your colouring is the next step in helping you to achieve a perfect make-up look,” explains Pat Henshaw, co-author of new book Colour Me Beautiful Makeup Manual. “The aim is to create balance and harmony between your natural colouring and the colours of clothes and make-up you wear.” By wearing your own bespoke brand of make-up shades, Henshaw believes

you will not only feel good but look younger, healthier and fitter.

Here’s how to discover your colour palette for 2012 and beyond...

LIGHT Your overall look is pale and delicate.

The undertone of your colouring can be warm, with golden tints to your hair and a few freckles on your skin, or cool, with ash tones to your hair and a slight pinkish tint to your skin.

LIGHT CELEBRITIES UMA THURMAN, GWYNETH PALTROW, MERYL STREEP.

MAKE-UP MANTRA It’s all about adding subtle definition to your Light features. “Give a hint of colour to eyebrows and eyelashes - a warm brown mascara will be more flattering than black,” Henshaw advises. “Try not to overpower your delicate colouring with strong shades of eye shadow or lipstick, even when it comes to more glamorous make-up. Instead, use

HEALTH BEAUTY the right colours from your palette and apply them in different ways.”

WARM CELEBRITIES CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, SUSAN SARANDON, FLORENCE WELCH

MAKE-UP MANTRA To enhance your warm and rich colouring, your make-up should always have yellow undertones.

Henshaw advises: “Brown eye pencils and mascara flatter more than black for both day and night.

“Choose a blush powder with a warm undertone and simply apply with a bit more depth depending on the time of day or occasion.

Whether you want subtle lip colour or more dramatic lips, keep your lip colour warm with lovely, golden earthy tones.”

PALETTE Medium grey, light navy, cocoa and taupe for neutrals. Pastel pink, geranium, sky blue and apple green for accents.

DEEP Your skin can be porcelain to black but all your features - hair, eyebrows, eyes and lashes - are dark and defined so your make-up should be similarly deep and rich in tone.

DEEP CELEBRITIES HALLE BERRY, PENELOPE CRUZ, AUDREY TAUTOU

Palette: Bronze, olive, pewter and camel for neutrals. Apricot, primrose, terracotta and lime for accents.

MAKE-UP MANTRA Your features have a lot of depth to them and stand out on their own. “Accentuate your look by complementing it with dark, rich colours, even when it comes to more subtle daytime looks,” Henshaw suggests. “Blushers will add some depth to balance your colouring. Lipsticks in rich shades will look fantastic on you. However, if you prefer softer colours, you will need to ensure that your face is balanced with strong make-up.”

of what look you are trying to achieve. Take your barely-there make-up up a notch by defining the eye area and do so with grey, blue and lilac shades of eye shadows and eye pencils.”

PALETTE Charcoal, dark navy, spruce and purple for neutrals. Light teal, rose pink, cornflower and blue red for accents.

COOL CELEBRITIES JAMIE LEE CURTIS, DAME HELEN MIRREN, DAME JUDI DENCH

MAKE-UP MANTRA Make the most of your distinctive colouring by wearing make-up colours with a cool or blue undertone. “Most cools have a striking look, so don’t be afraid to use brighter shades of lipstick and colours that will define your eyes,” says Henshaw.

PALETTE Black, aubergine, chocolate and pine for neutrals. Royal purple, scarlet, emerald green and true blue for accents.

WARM You’re the golden girl of complexions with skin tone ranging from porcelain with freckles to golden brown. Auburn hair tones go as light as strawberry blonde to dark rich red.

“Cool, blue-based tones of eye shadows, blush and lipstick will always look best on you regardless

BROWS LIFT FORCLINIQUE.CO.UK INSTANT W. CLINIQUEBLONDE, £13 WW FT IN SO

You may have found a little of yourself in each of the previous colouring types, but didn’t fit exactly. You have medium depth of skin tone, blonde to dark brown eyebrows and mousy blonde to light brown hair - often with highlights.

SOFT CELEBRITIES BEYONCE, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, KIM CATTRALL

CLEAR Your most outstanding features are your eyes, which are highlighted because of the contrast to your dark hair. They will have a clear, jewel-like quality to them.

CLEAR CELEBRITIES CARLA BRUNI, KATE MIDDLETON, MILA KUNIS.

COOL You have blue, grey or cool brown eyes and ash tones to your hair, be it blonde, white, grey, salt and pepper, dark brown or black. Your colouring may have become cooler as you’ve aged.

SOFT

MAKE-UP MANTRA Your eye make-up shades should always enhance and not detract from your eye colour. “As a Clear, you can have the choice of making a feature of your eye make-up or your lipstick but not both,” warns Henshaw.

“Forget the rules about matching your eye shadow to your eye colour - it will only make your eyes blend in with your look and you really should make them pop.

Bright colours are great during the day, whereas an aubergine pencil with purple eye shadow will be more glamorous for evenings.”

PALETTE Black, black brown, royal blue and soft white for neutrals.

Blush pink, ruby, Chinese blue and evergreen for accents.

ER IN WAT K .U RNING URA BU MURA.CO SHU UEM9 WWW.SHUUE R FO E, £3 WKW TT LE PA

MAKE-UP MANTRA The gentle combination of your hair, skin and eyes means that your make-up needs to be soft and subtle - but you still need colour and definition. Henshaw advises: “Your Soft colouring needs to be complemented with muted tones. Anything that is too bright or dark will detract from your face.

“Your eyebrows should always be defined with a blonde eyebrow pencil, while your eyes need to be lined with soft browns or mossy shades, not black.”

PALETTE Rose brown, charcoal, charcoal blue and stone for neutrals. Claret, sage, soft violet and lavender for accents.

Henshaw’s money saving tip...

“Once you understand your colouring type and your best make-up shades, you can limit the cosmetics that you buy, investing only in those that will make you look fabulous.”

Colour Me Beautiful Make-up Manual by Pat Henshaw and Audrey Hanna is published by Hamlyn, priced £12.99. Available now

L PARIS L’OREAL COLE CHERY D EDITION LIMITE RICHE COLOR K IN RED LIPSTICN, £8.16 PASSIO BOOTS

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BENHAMS

£39

WN AL BRO 50 6.

T BADG BENEFI MASCARA, £1 .UK CO S. IC ET M EFITCOS WWW.BEN

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 5 5

HEALTH BEAUTY

STAR STYLE

MAKING A RESOLUTION DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ALL ABOUT QUITTING. WHETHER IT’S STOCKING UP THE BEAUTY CABINET OR ADDING TO YOUR WARDROBE, OVERINDULGE YOUR FAVOURITE HABITS INSTEAD AND MAKE 2012 YOUR MOST WORDS LISA HAYNES BEAUTIFUL YEAR YET...

RESOLUTIONS If you’re stuck for good intention inspiration, these celebrities have their New Year goals sussed.

Here are some resolutions you’ll surely want to keep...

FACIAL FINESSE Coleen Rooney “I already cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and night, but I’d love to get a facial every six weeks. I like the natural look, so fresh, clean skin is key.”

E ntrepreneurial WAG Coleen’s latest fragrance Butterflies (from £25) is available at Selfridges REGULAR REJUVENATION Liv Tyler “I aim to use a mask on a weekly basis. I don’t get enough sleep being a mum, working and

5 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

travelling, so masks are important - I resolution is to set aside at least use Givenchy Black For Light Mask an hour a week for some much (£59.50) to instantly brighten my skin.” needed pampering. You forget how great it makes you feel and Actress Liv Tyler is the with my busy schedule, I never get face of Givenchy enough time to indulge in it.”

FASHIONABLY FIT

The TV stylist’s pampering range Gorgeous by Gok is available from Boots

Davina McCall “Post-workout, I love easy-to-wear pieces such as slouchy tops that fall off the shoulder. LIGHTEN UP But when I’m working out, I want to wear something a bit wow and Sadie Frost “My New Year’s zingy - I really like bright colours.” fashion resolution is to wear more colour - I wear far too much black.

Presenter Davina has teamed I also need to stop living in my yoga up with Next to design a new clothes for business meetings.”

fitness range, out spring 2012

ME-TIME TREAT Gok Wan: “My beauty New Year’s

ashion designer Sadie Frost F is co-founder of Floozie

by Frost French lingerie, available at Debenhams

HEAVENLY HAIR Louise Redknapp “I’m all about hair for 2012. It’s much easier to keep my new darker shade looking healthy and shiny, so I may experiment with the style a little now. It’s always nice to have a change.”

V presenter Louise Redknapp T is the face (and hair) of Schwarzkopf ’s LIVE Salon Style range, available from Boots WARDROBE DETOX Lynda Bellingham “I will be getting rid of any clothes I haven’t worn for more than six months and making sure that everything I have is a wardrobe staple that I’ll wear time and time again.”

HEALTH BEAUTY Actress Lynda Bellingham is style CHILL OUT ambassador for ladies fashion retailer Isme (www.isme.com) Matthew Williamson: “My ANGELIC ROUTINE Lauren Goodger “To always remember to take off my make-up before going to bed.

I also aim to drink more water and start taking vitamins.”

T OWIE’s Lauren is founder of Lauren’s Way beauty range (www.laurensway.com) SKIN-KIND DIET Pearl Lowe “My New Year beauty resolution is going to be cutting out dairy, wheat and sugar - I find it’s so much better for my skin.”

Fashion designer Pearl Lowe has collaborated with DP London to design a limited edition candle collection (www.dplondon.com) CROWD PLEASER Jade Thompson “I’m going to try and stand out in 2012 by making bold outfit choices that showcase my individuality at red carpet events. I want to make a statement through fashion.”

odel Jade Thompson is the M winner of Britain’s Next Top Model 2011 and face of Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupe MORE PAMPERING Fearne Cotton “My New Year’s resolution is probably just to relax a bit more - to chill out and be a bit less hyperactive!”

D J and TV Presenter Fearne Cotton has a clothing range at online retailer Very (www.very.co.uk)

wish for 2012 is to try and allow myself some time off from work and look for fashion inspiration outside the studio.”

F ashion designer Matthew Williamson is behind Debenhams’ Butterfly range HEALTHY HYDRATION Grace Woodward: “Drink more water. I hate drinking water but it’s great for your skin. I also plan to go to bikram yoga weekly, not monthly!”

V stylist Grace Woodward T is Wella Professional’s fashion ambassador CLEAN LIVING Jamelia “My beauty resolution is to begin a healthier routine, but my birthday is on January 11 so my New Year resolutions always start on the 12th, not the 1st!”

Singer Jamelia is backing the music industry’s Parental Advisory scheme SADDLE UP Anna Ryder Richardson “For 2012, I’d really like to focus on expanding my equestrian look. Everything from leather riding boots, vintage pocket squares and even a button front cape and scarf. Fabulous!”

V presenter Anna Ryder T Richardson is a style consultant for Magnet Kitchens EFFORTLESS TRESSES

Lauren Pope “To finally achieve Sarah Jessica Parker-style ombre MASSAGE MISSION hair, my hairdresser has been taking my roots darker for the Emma Willis “Sleep more, drink last few months. 2012 is all about more water, and have more massages. low maintenance, effortless style Also, I want to have a facial because and ombre hair means I’ll never I’ve never had one before.” have to get my roots done.”

T V presenter Emma Willis is the celebrity ambassador of Regis Hair Salons

OWIE’s Lauren recently T DJ’d for Glam Rock Watches at boutique.Goldsmiths J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 5 7

HEALTH BEAUTY

IN A

CLASS OF THEIR OWN THE DEFINATIVE GUIDE TO EXERCISE CLASSES

L

ooking for a new way to keep fit for 2012? You have made the decision to get in better shape through exercise and like the idea of doing so in a group environment or fitness class. The camaraderie of a fitness class – along with the motivation, instruction and expertise of the instructor – can help to ensure you get the most out of your workout.

Here is a guide to the fitness class - which one is for you?

ZumBa

Zumba is the new fitness craze! Originating from Latin dance styles, Zumba is a cardiovascular and aerobic exercise routine that infuses exercise with dance and choreography. The workout is alternates between fast-paced and slow-paced dance moves which are practiced in time to Latin rhythms. Among the dance form’s influences are salsa, hip-hop and rumba.

This South American workout tones the body through its use of resistance exercises which effectively amount to interval training due to the varying speeds at which they are carried out. Zumba has gradually gained in popularity in the last decade, and is now at an all time high! aeroBiCs

Aerobics has come a long way since Jane Fonda first donned her legwarmers! The basic premise remains, however: aerobics involves exercising to music, using repetitive patterns of movement to work the cardiovascular system and burn calories.

Many aerobics classes have moved more towards dance recently – and so aren’t the best choice for the choreographically challenged – but there is also a move back towards more simple movement patterns, where the focus is on getting a 5 8 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

good workout rather than learning moves you can take to the dancefloor. Aerobics can be ‘high impact’ or ‘low impact’: ‘High impact’ aerobics simply means that the impact is greater, because moves in which both feet are off the floor simultaneously are involved – such as star jumps and jogging on the spot.‘ Low impact’ aerobics means that one foot is always in contact with the floor during a movement – such as when you’re marching on the spot, rather than jogging. steP aeroBiCs

Step aerobics has fluctuated in popularity since its introduction in 1989, but it never goes away. As with aerobics, step classes can range from an athletic but simple routine – involving various ways and combinations of stepping up and down onto an adjustable platform – to practically dancing over a step. The simple act of stepping up and down forms a solid aerobic workout that focuses on the muscle conditioning of the legs and bum. The step is also often used as a base for floor exercises at the end of the class.

The names of the different types of step classes give a clue to their content – for example, ‘athletic step’ or ‘power step’ will involve more jumps and power moves, while ‘step ‘n tone’ is likely to focus more on the muscular endurance side of things, and may involve hand weights for upper body conditioning.

aQua aeroBiCs

Aqua aerobics is an umbrella term for all kinds of fitness classes that take place in water. Aqua aerobics have got a bit of a reputation as being only suitable for pregnant women and old ladies – but this is far from the case. While the water does provide a supportive environment and minimises the impact of exercise on the joints, it also provides resistance to every move you make – so even marching on the spot in water is harder than it would be on land. Aqua aerobics is also a good option for those returning to fitness after an injury, Some aqua classes take the standard aerobics format and use music, while others are more akin to circuit training classes, where you move from one exercise to another with a short rest period between each BodY Conditioning

The focus of a body conditioning class – variations of which include ‘sculpt’, ‘legs’, ‘body tone’ and so on – is to improve muscular endurance rather than burn lots of calories. Set to music,

HEALTH BEAUTY

the moves in a body conditioning class tend to be simple, slow and controlled, and will probably use tools such as resistance bands or light hand weights. Most body conditioning classes start with standing moves and then move on to the floor.

While this type of class will improve muscular endurance, it won’t really build much strength, as the weights used simply aren’t heavy enough. It’s best to combine body conditioning with aerobic exercise if your goal is to lose weight.

CirCuit training

Circuit training involves a number of exercises – or ‘stations’ – which are performed one after the other, with a short rest in between. The whole exercise circuit is usually repeated a few times. Exercises vary, but tend to include aerobic exercises such as shuttle runs, star jumps and burpees, along with strength moves such as push-ups, squats and lunges.

The nature of a circuit training class means that, rather than raising your heart rate and keeping it high for the duration of the class, it gives you more of an ‘interval training’ effect, where you mix intense bursts of activity with recovery periods.

It is a very effective way of improving aerobic fitness.

BoxerCise/KiCKBoxerCise

Boxercise and kickboxercise are derivatives of boxing and kickboxing and use the drills and techniques of their respective sports in a non-contact setting, usually in the form of a circuit.

For example, you might find yourself shadowboxing, skipping, using punch bags or teaming up with a partner to punch or kick focus pads. Both are considered one of the best all-round high intensity exercise classes to get you in great shape.

One study found that people felt more calm, more focused and less anxious after a kickboxing class. Taking out all that aggression on a punch bag can therefore be a great stress reliever!

Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise which works on restoring correct posture and alignment (which are under constant attack from our seated, sedentary lifestyles), strengthening the muscles that stabilise the joints, and working particularly strongly on the abdominals and back.

Pilates is named after Joseph Pilates, who developed a series of exercises to help dancers with injuries and muscle imbalances and weaknesses in the 1930s. The movement exercises are very precise, focused and controlled, and performed on an exercise mat in a class context.

Yoga

Yoga strengthens muscles, improves joint flexibility, and enhances balance, coordination and posture through a series of diverse poses (or ‘asanas’).

There are many types of yoga.

For example, ashtanga yoga is more energetic than viniyoga.

Yoga works on the whole body without favouring one side (unlike daily life!), and includes forward and backward bending, twists, balances and inversions.

Movements are coordinated with the breath. Different types of yoga have very different focuses and approaches – so it’s best to watch a class or speak to the instructor before you take part.

PumP/BodY PumP

The concept of a group strength training class using adjustable barbells and set to music has now diversified, and you may find classes with other similar names. Traditionally, ‘pump’ is pre-choreographed and set to music – so you might do lower body moves to one track, chest moves to another track, and a set of exercises for the arms to yet another different track.

The good thing about pump class is that the weights available are heavy enough to invoke a strength training response (unlike body conditioning classes) – which is a good way of introducing yourself to the whole concept of strength training without having to set foot in the gym! The fact that you do so many repetitions of each exercise, and that you move swiftly from one muscle group to another, also gives each pump class a reasonable aerobic element. tai Chi

Tai Chi has been described as ‘meditation in motion’ – and one look at a Tai Chi class in action will tell you why. It is a slow, flowing sequence of movements, known as ‘the form’, which has been practised in China for centuries. There is a strong focus on how to breathe, and the movements are very precise.

Well known for being a good stress reliever, research has shown that Tai Chi can help to lower blood pressure, improve the body’s immunity and alleviate back pain.

FitBall/swiss Ball

Seen those oversized ‘beachballs’ knocking around at your gym? These are fitballs – also known as ‘Swiss balls’ – which were originally utilised in a physiotherapy environment for rehabilitation but are now widely used to improve people’s core stability, posture and muscle conditioning.

A fitball class will typically begin with a standard aerobicsstyle warm-up, using the ball as an accessory – but the main focus of the class will be on slower, more controlled bodyconditioning moves, such as squats, push-ups, sit-ups and back extensions. The theory is that exercising on such an unstable surface will make your core stabilising muscles work overtime. danCe

While it’s not strictly a fitness class, dance has permeated onto so many gym studios and fitness timetables that it cannot be ignored!

The common factor of dance-based fitness classes is that they are derived from the pure form rather than being a lesson in it. In other words, ballet sculpt class won’t teach you to be a ballerina, and salsaerobics won’t give you the necessary skills to take to the floor like a dance champion!

What they will do, though, is give you a taste of the benefits of dance and appeal of the ‘real thing’.

Dance classes are a lot of fun and tend to be very sociable – plus the high concentration factor means you’ll hardly be aware that you are doing a ‘workout’. On the downside, though, you won’t actually get much of a workout if you spend half the class trying to figure out which way to spin or how to shimmy.

That said, there are so many different types of dance to try that you are sure to get the hang of one of them.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 5 9

HEALTH BEAUTY

The 2012 formula for

the perfect body

BY LEVANAH REYES-WAINWRIGHT

A TASTY YET HEALTH SNACK

Something high in fibre, 100% wholegrain and less than 100 calories per pack can’t possibly taste good can it? Think again! Propercorn, the newly launched gourmet, British, popcorn brand is ready to show the nation how popcorn is done properly and is already the snack of choice in work places including Google. Following secret recipes that use only the most authentic

ingredients, the freshly popped butterfly corn is a delicious, guilt-free snack. They come in four delicious flavours: Fiery Worcester Sauce & Sun Dried Tomato, Sweet & Salty, Sour Cream & Chive, and Lightly Sea Salted - with more exciting flavours to follow soon. Propercorn (95p, available from various London eateries, cafés and restaurants including Benugo’s and Leon).

SMART DRINK

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Having previously been put off exercise due to a bad back, neck and painful hips, I’ve finally found a solution - Pure Sports Medicine (PSM). PSM is the first full-service specialist sports injury practice in the UK bringing a network of the best sports medicine specialists together, under one roof.

PSM is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems; using state of the art equipment. Just because you 6 0 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

might not practice sport it’s not a problem - of the entire case load of patients the clinicians treat at PSM, a third is non-sports related.

The focused and empathetic quality patient care that I received made it clear why PSM has become the number one choice for professional athletes, non-exercising individuals and sports clubs alike.

Pure Sports Medicine is open 7 days a week and based in the City, Canary Wharf, Raynes Park and Kensington: 0844 770 0800 www.PureSportsMed.com

Pledge to swap those naughty fizzy drinks and switch to the healthy alternative Vita Coco 100% natural coconut water.

Vita Coco has zero fat or cholesterol and is jammed packed full of potassium and naturally electrolytes making it the perfect post workout drink. Vita Coco is a great tasting, low calorie way to ensure you look and feel your best inside and out.

Available in pure, and four fruity flavours, the natural hydration and nutritional properties have won the brand a loyal following from celebrities including Halle Berry, Jay-Z, and fitness queen Madonna!

Vita Coco (from £1.49 available in three sizes 330ml, 500ml and 1litre at leading retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Harvey Nichols)

CELEBRITY FITNESS INSTRUCTOR = THE PERFECT BODY IN 2012

When Gwyneth Paltrow wants to get in shape for her next movie, she calls on her best buddy and fitness trainer Tracy Anderson. Tracy’s method teaches her celeb clientele a combination of dance cardio and muscular structure work to transform their body.

Transform yourself by getting hold of Tracy’s fitness DVD’s.

She is constantly developing new moves, routines, and techniques to ensure that her method stays fresh. www.tracyandersonmethod.com (UK DVD available on Amazon UK)

CELLULITE BUSTING HOTPANTS!

Maximise your workout (and your time) and shift that post-Christmas bulge with new Zaggora Hotpants™, whether just doing housework or at the gym.

These must-have fitness shorts are the latest in high impact fitness clothing which have specially engineered Celu-Lite™ technology that encourages perspiration by up to 80%. You’ll be sweating off the calories, and breaking down toxins, zapping your body fat and reducing the visible appearance of cellulite all-in-one. Not to mention you can also lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks, when the Hotpants™ are worn for 30 minutes a day under normal clothes. Get buying! Zaggora Hotpants™ (RRP £44.99, www.zaggora.com).

HEALTH BEAUTY

recoVer from the festiVe season with

THE UK’S LEADING DETOX PROGRAMME B

egin 2012 feeling cleansed and rejuvenated. The Lemon Detox is retaining its position as the UK’s leading detox concept and is known as much for its A-list following as its far-reaching benefits.

The Lemon Detox programmes vary length and intensity and can be altered specifically to suit every need and lifestyle, from a five to 10 day fast to more relaxed food combining variations.

Each programme delivers immediate results including weight loss, reduced stress, clearer skin, boosted energy levels and improved sleep.

Longer term benefits include improved dietary and lifestyle habits and subsequently a healthier body and mind.

Sold in some 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia and America and enjoying high profile support from stars such as Beyonce, Gwyneth and Naomi, Lemon Detox provides an ideal way to

The Lemon Detox is one of the worlds most popular and talked about detox programmes.

eliminate wastes and toxins.

The detox is also an ideal way to prepare the body for a longer-term weight loss programme as it instantly sheds unwanted pounds, which in turn boosts motivation and retrains the appetite, preventing the desire to binge.

Lemon Detox is fully endorsed by leading medical

experts including Jan de Vries, acclaimed naturopath, nutritionist and author, Amanda Griggs, leading nutritionist from the prestigious Balance Clinic in London, Doctor Sarah Brewer, eminent nutrition expert and health journalist and Suzi Grant, nutritionist and acclaimed author.

Made up of pure water, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper or ground ginger and Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup, it is this last ingredient that gives the body the essential nutrients it needs to sustain optimum performance and vitality throughout the duration of the programme.

The Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup was formulated in the eighties by an impressive specialist team led by, among others, Dr. Meywald (GP & Homeopath) and Dr. Raabe (GP & ayurvedic doctor). Both organic and fair trade, the syrup consists of four different South East Asian palm syrups rich in essential minerals and nutrients such as manganese, zinc, potassium and calcium.

Five years and thousands of tests later, the result was a finely balanced mixture meeting all the mineral and nutrient requirements for the Lemon Detox. This syrup now sells more than half a million litres each year to 33 countries worldwide. the heaLth anD Beauty Benefits of Lemon Detox incLuDe: ✱ Cleansed body and mind ✱ Weight loss ✱ An ideal way to prepare

Lemon Detox enjoys high profiLe support from stars such as Beyonce, gwyneth anD naomi

the body for a diet ✱ A way to normalise the appetite ✱ Improved complexion ✱ Thicker, more shiny hair ✱ Stronger, whiter nails ✱ Time to detox!

For stockist details and more information consult www.lemondetox.com or call 0845 370 1012

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 6 1

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rigin Leisure has been at the top of the swimming pool industr y ffor or thirty years. To celebrate this milestone the company has rebranded their entire look, with a bright new logo, an all-new website, and redesigned vans.

But the ethic of the company remains unchanged. They are still adopting their programme of constant improvement, and their products are more adventurous, ous, mor m e imaginatively designed and more perfectly built than ever.

Reflecting on the early daayys, when the company started out liffee as Leisureland, d,, the directors searched the archives for photographic evidence of the pool houses they were building in the eighties.

Simplicity seemed to be the keyword in those distant daays - when a simple pine building housed a small heated swimming pool. In further research they ffound ound tthat the majority of these buildings are still in daily use toda oday, giving new generations the pleasure of swimming at home

ER MY B 2E 0R1220 1 1 6 27 4J ADNEUC A

throughout the year.

Many of these early masterpieces have been refurbished by the Origin maintenance team, to bring the look and the pool technology up to date.

To celebrate this burst of nostalgia, nostalgia, the directors also gathered a collection of early advertisements and brochures,, and ffeatur eatured them in the Origin newsletter NewsW Wave. Also featur featur ea ed is an article on Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brightest swimming talent Fr Francesca Halsall. Origin is delighted to be one of Fr Franâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsors, especially as she has just clocked a world-leading time in the 100 metres fr f reestyle!

Generally the buildings have become bigger, better, far more complex and far more stylish over the years - you can see the evidence of this in the photographs on these pages.

Lovely pool houses that are

designed to co-ordinate with their surroundings,, to actually improve the vista fr f rom the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, and match in with the materials and fabrics of the existing building.

Constancy has been iginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a key ffeatur eature in Originâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development. The client alwaays meets a representative at director level, el, and has the opportunity to discuss his ideas and requirements with someone who has a total understanding of the swimming pool world. The architects and designers are seasoned plaayyers in their fields,, and bring a wealth of experience to ever y aspect of this complex and demanding business. Even the teams who build the final pool houses are eminently proffessional,, many having been involved since the ver y early daayys of the company.

Within Originâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of expertise is a long standing commitment to the supply of hydrotherapy pools. Realising

the benefits of swimming as a health giving pursuit as well as for for pure fun, the company has made sure it has become recognised as the most important nt plaayyer in this exacting field.

It was accepted as a natural progression to build outdoor pools too. The level of skill and the company â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique understanding of pool technology stood them in good stead to become one of the countr y â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for fooremost outdoor pool providers. A pool house is a beautiful and sttyylish addition to your family liffe, but ffor or pure aesthetics an outdoor pool twinkling welcomingly in an English garden cannot be beaten!

A question that is asked again and again is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you do the whole project yourself?â&#x20AC;?

The answer is a resounding yes. F Frrom the ver y first sketch,, maybe produced whilst standing in the client â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden,, to standing in that same garden admiring the pure crafftsmanship, no other company apart ffrrom Origin has been involved. F Frrom architectural design, gn,, through the rigours of planning consent,, to the creation of the pool,, the building, the heating, the glazing, it is a complete job, monitored and run by a team of committed experts. nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Origin is Britain longest established pool company. And the new look and logo underlines that fact. The strapline reads â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; The original indoor & outdoor pool company.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And that just about saayys it all.

Origin Leisure H Har arrefield Middlesex UB9 6T TH T H For a coppyy off our pool book, newsletterr, to subscribe to Origin eN Neews or iff you would like a complimenttary arry coppyy of the Origin 2012 calendar lendarr, phone us on 01895 823366 or email inffo@or o@originleisure..com www.originleisurre.com

ARTESIO

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www.poggenpohl.com EXCLUSIVE POGGENPOHL DESIGN CENTRES: Ascot, 65 High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7HP T - 01344 624829 | New Barnet, 22 Greenhill Parade, New Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 1EU T - 020 8441 3477 | London NW3, 477-481 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6HS T - 020 7794 7801 | London SW3, 172 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1HW T - 020 7838 0588 | London SW1, 107 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PH T - 020 7730 7927 | London SW11, 190-192 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 5TQ T - 020 7223 2026 | London SE1, Arch 213C, Newnham Terrace, Hercules Road, London, SE1 7DR T - 020 7902 5243 | London W1, 118 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3RT T - 020 7224 1986 | Harrods (2nd Floor), 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL T - 020 7173 6421 | St Albans, 100 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NX T - 01727 738111 For a brochure or details of your nearest studio please call 0800 612 8669 or visit our website www.poggenpohl.com

HOUSE GARDEN

A ROOM FOR ALL SEASONS Y You want to move.! You need to move! You need more space for living, relaxing, entertaining. But moving is expensive and uncertain, and you have lavished a lot of time and money on your house and garden. Fortunately there are many ways to extend your property, from creating rooms in your loft, building a conservatory, to adding a garden room. All of these options create space and add value. Much has been written about loft conversions and conservatories, but garden rooms are still a largely undiscovered way of providing flexibility and fun.

When most people think of outside structures in the garden they think of gazebos and summerhouses.

But these days the range of options is staggering. Given our British climate, rooms open to the elements might seem a risk.

6 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

How many days a year would you use it? What would you use it for?

How would it fit into my garden?

Luke Dejahang, Managing Director of Crown Pavilions, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of garden

of open gazebos any more. Our garden gazebos are for all year use. They have durable canvas side panels that can be rolled down in the winter. The blinds come with zips and PVC windows as well as highly effective infrared heaters.

A garden room should be an extension of your house, and you can put it wherever you want. You can landscape around the garden room to create an integral part of your garden... rooms, provides some of the answers. All these features mean the gazebos can be used all through the year.

“Times have changed” he said, But you can also think about “and the design of garden rooms outdoor kitchens, sitting rooms with has developed to meet people’s plasma screens, studies with storage changing needs. Don’t think only and internet connection, screens to

When you are looking at extending your house, a garden room could be the answer that you are looking for...

protect you from the weather, mood lighting for evening entertainment, heating, hot tubs. These days we can provide a wide range of buildings for a variety of requirements, all designed around the needs of the families we build them for”.

A garden room should be an extension of your house, and you can put it wherever you want. You can landscape around the garden room to create an integral part of your garden.

Luke explained, “When we install a garden room we are especially mindful of the landscaping around it. Our sister company, Crown Gardens, will look after every aspect of planting and creating a beautiful setting which fits in with your existing garden. After all, the garden

HOUSE GARDEN

room should be a sanctuary that reflects your house and enhances your garden. The lighting and heating are also important, especially if you want to entertain in the evening. We take care of all that too. We make sure that all parts of the structure work together in harmony, whether you are just relaxing or whether you are entertaining guests.”

can subject it too; fade and insect-resistant in the summer and mould-resistant in the rain.

Luke Dejahang Managing Director of Crown Pavilions

The possibilities are endless.

Whether your garden is large or small, or merely a paved courtyard you will find a garden room to suit your taste.

Luke comments “People want to enhance their homes and gardens Of course, these days we also have and create spaces which to be especially careful about our are flexible for family life green credentials. The beauty and entertaining friends. of a garden room created by a Garden rooms extend company such as Crown Pavilions, the scope of how you use is that you can be sure that the your house and garden, timber is ethically sourced as well create exciting and beautiful as deigned for easy maintenance focal points, potentially with a quality and natural finish. increase the value of your The structure must be sturdy and property, and they are fun”. the soft furnishings need to be resistant to everything our climate www.crownpavilions.com J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 6 5

HOUSE GARDEN

TITCHMARSH

WORKS

TOWARDS

HIS IDEAL

GARDEN WORDS HANNAH STEPHENSON

AS THE IDEAL GARDENS AMBASSADOR FOR THIS YEAR’S IDEAL HOME SHOW, TV GARDENING EXPERT ALAN TITCHMARSH NEEDS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE TIMES. Keeping a keen eye on gardening trends, landscaping designs and what the public will be growing in 2012 and beyond, he predicts that the ‘grow your own’ campaign will be as strong as ever this year.

“Growing your own will still be popular,” he says, “and veg can be fitted into pockets on the flower border as well as on a dedicated veg patch. “Climbers on house walls are set to make a resurgence - who needs to look at boring brickwork?

Just make sure that adequate wire or trellis supports are provided.

“And repeat-flowering roses should be in every garden - in and among border perennials and shrubs dedicated rose beds are now out,” he says.

Despite heavy TV commitments, Titchmarsh will be out in his 6 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

Hampshire garden this winter, preparing it for spring and beyond.

“Getting my garden ready for spring is something that, like everybody else, I try to fit in around work. But it’s vital and my garden is my safety valve as well as my canvas.

billowing banks of perennials, shrubs and roses. “I also have a wild flower meadow and a wildlife pond, providing great entertainment and a really good way of doing my bit for conservation. My garden is my sanctuary.”

I also have a wild flower meadow and a wildlife pond, providing great entertainment and a really good way of doing my bit for conservation. My garden is my sanctuary...

“My garden has good lines. perspective, proportion and form are every bit as important to me as colour. There is lots of evergreen topiary - clipped box and yew but within the borders there are

Winter offers time for planning new borders and allows gardeners time to do jobs little by little, he says. “The great thing about winter is that things move slowly in the garden and we have a chance to

catch up. It’s not all about tidying, though there is some of that to do - border perennials to cut back (I like to leave some old foliage on in winter to help insects and birds), the last of the leaves to clear up and compost.

“I lightly fork over the earth between plants in early spring, working in a sprinkling of blood, fish and bone and then, among shrubs in particular, I mulch with chipped bark to seal in moisture and keep down weeds.”

Winter is a great time to take a long, hard look at the garden and work out where there are gaps in terms of interest, he reflects.

Deciduous trees and shrubs are best planted now (provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen) to give them a head start in spring, while perennials should be ordered now for planting in early spring so that

HOUSE GARDEN the year can get off to a flying start.

If the ground’s too hard or wet to work on, curl up on a winter’s evening with some seed catalogues and work out what you want to grow this year, making your order quickly for the best selection, he suggests.

If you’re creating a new veg plot, decide what you like eating and how much space such crops will take up. Then work out sowing and harvesting times so that the best use is made of your veg patch.

but good architectural value and some of the upright varieties, such as M. x media ‘Charity’, which bears vivid yellow flower spikes in winter, make good barriers against intruders. Others, such as M. japonica, which grows to 2m (6ft), make useful plants for a woodland edge or shrub border in shade. For a later-flowering variety, try M. aquifolium ‘Apollo’, which bears

Be warned, though, it’s an invasive perennial with deep roots that regrow when they’re broken off and, once established, can be as difficult to get rid of as ground elder. Grow it in a bottomless bucket sunk into the ground with its rim about an inch above the surface so that the roots don’t spread up there and to keep clumps in check.

“Order your seeds early and store them in a shoe-box in order of sowing times,” he advises. “Don’t sow too much of quick-maturing crops such as lettuce and radish at the same time, but make smaller sowings every few weeks to ensure a succession of tender young crops.”

Indoors in January and February, you can sow geranium (pelargonium) seeds early - they take a long while to grow and will flower sooner if they are raised on a warm windowsill. Sprout seed potatoes so that they get off to a flying start when they are planted out later.

At the Ideal Home Show 2012, itchmarsh will be judging the Ideal Young Gardeners of the Year competition in which six colleges go head to head to create sustainable show gardens.

We need to do much more to promote horticulture as a career and to pass on our gardening skills. It is the most rewarding of jobs, tough at times, yes, but one which allows us to do our bit for the future of the planet..

“We need to do much more to promote horticulture as a career and to pass on our gardening skills.

It is the most rewarding of jobs, tough at times, yes, but one which allows us to do our bit for the future of the planet.”

The Ideal Home Show at London’s Earls Court runs from March 16 to April 1. To book tickets, visit www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or call 0844 858 6763.

clusters of scented, acid-yellow flowers in spring. All of the popular varieties are easy to grow and are not BEST OF THE BUNCH - MAHONIA fussy about soil type.

This winter shrub provides interest in both colour and form, with its deep green, glossy, holly-like leaves and clusters of fragrant yellow flowers, followed by purple or black berries. Mahonia will grow happily in shade, providing not only scent

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT HORSERADISH If you’ve loved horseradish with your roast beef this winter, why not try growing your own for an eyepoppingly hot accompaniment?

Only the root of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is used.

Buy plants from specialist herb nurseries, or some seed companies offer roots in their autumn catalogues for planting up in late winter or early spring. Make a hole in the soil with a dibber and push a single root into it, thickest end uppermost, leaving the tip at ground level. Plant three roots about 60cm apart for a good

clump. Let the plants grow for two years before harvesting. Dig up one plant in September or October, using the biggest roots for the kitchen and cutting off one of the thinner roots to replant.

THREE WAYS TO... DISPOSE OF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE 1. R ing your local authority, which may provide a disposal service if you leave the tree out with your recycling bins, or will give you details of local household recycling centres where you can drop off the tree.

2. Invest in a good quality saw, such as Bosch’s new Keo cordless garden saw, and a shredder, to cut up the tree and then shred it into a mulch to place on top of beds and borders.

3. If you bought a container-grown tree, grown for at least one season in its pot and rarely taller than 1m (3ft), it can either be planted out with a very good chance of success or re-potted into a larger pot to continue growing.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK C ontinue to take root cuttings of acanthus, Oriental poppy, phlox and verbascums.

C ontinue to keep bird feeders and troughs topped up with bird food and water.

K eep the strong, whippy shoots of apple tree prunings to support bulbs later in the season.

B ring container-grown shrubs such as viburnum, rose and deutzia into the greenhouse for forcing, maintaining a minimum temperature of 13C (55F).

S ow sweet peas in deep pots under glass.

P rotect hairy-leaved alpines from winter wet with an open-ended cloche.

P lant bare-rooted roses as soon as they are delivered.

F irm down plants which have been lifted by frost.

B ring pots of herbs indoors for use in the kitchen.

C ontinue to harvest parsnips, kale and winter cabbages.

P rotect shrubs of borderline hardiness with layers of fleece or netting if frost threatens.

P lant shallots and Jerusalem artichokes.

S ow celery in a heated propagator.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 6 7

BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS

John Ladbury & Co ESTABLISHED 1978 • OVER 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Tel: 01707 262966 www.johnladbury.co.uk Showroom: Unit 11 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green AL9 7NT

&

HOUSE H O USE GARDEN G ARD EN

KIDS LOVE SWEET SHOPS, ADULTS LOVE

CHAPLINS

SIMON CHAPLIN J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 6 9

HOUSE GARDEN

SINCE CHAPLINS OPENED IT’S DOORS ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO IT HAS SHOWCASED AND DELIVERED THE VERY BEST IN STYLE, QUALITY AND SERVICE TO A LONG LIST IF DISCERNING CLIENTELE, INTRODUCING MANY INTERNATIONAL BRANDS TO THE UK MARKET FIRST.

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HOUSE H O U SE GARDEN G AR DE N

to edit collections rather than be dictated to by a single brand as many furniture stores around Europe are. is reflects in the individuality of our displays and crosses over to our client’s homes. At Chaplins we enjoy a freedom to express our love for design and to push boundaries and trends quickly, without having to run through and constantly analyse figures."

If all the fabulous pieces on display in this design heaven proves too much for you, Chaplins also offer a ‘Home Design Service’ as many of their elegant storage systems for bedrooms and offices require an expert level of planning, which naturally they

S

pread over 25’000 square feet, Chaplins scour the international design scene to display over 180 of the biggest and most exciting European furniture and lighting brands including B&B Italia, Cassina, Ligne Roset, Hulsta and Rolf Benz, to name but a few. All these wonderful collections are held under one roof, making it an inspiring one-stop solution for your entire home furnishing needs.

Managing Director, Simon Chaplin is the second generation to take control of what is a family run business.

Simon’s fascination stems back to his youth, “I was fortunate enough to grow up in a furniture family so even though I was not working, I was learning through osmosis!”

Simon’s vision when taking over the Chaplins dynasty was to not only showcase the largest retail space showing high-end contemporary furniture and design in the UK, but to also build a concierge service around it, offering their clients a fully tailored package from the

they are just at home working on a TV room in the quiet suburbs, which surround them.

So what does Simon predict will be the next big trend in contemporary furniture design? “I’d like to think great interiors are timeless. An interior should reflect an individual’s personality and lifestyle more than current trends."

Although Chaplins are very proud of their showroom in Hatch End, Middlesex they also appreciate that buying trends are changing and people are using the internet for both research purposes and to make the occasional purchase. e Chaplins website (www.chalplins.co.uk)

building stage to the finishing touches.

He goes on to explain, “Running a business enables me to build a team that I value who share the same design ethos. Furniture runs in my blood, It is not a business for numbers although they always have to add up! It is a business that has to be led by passion or the end result will reflect this.”

As an independent run store all Chaplins staff have a background in design and are qualified to give you the fullest possible assistance, which is friendly, expert and efficient, taking your personal wishes into account. Simon goes on to say, “e love of design can be seen in every element of our customers’ lives, from the cars they drive to the watches they wear to the houses they live in.

It is our skill of interpretation using these outwards signs which enable us to connect with our client base.”

When asked what makes Chaplins unique to other furniture stores Simon explains “Working with over 150 design houses, it allows us

provide. is includes full floor plans, plus delivery and installation which is always carried out by their own team of fully trained fitters who know how to handle furniture and realise the importance of each piece, protecting and caring for it throughout delivery and installation as if it was their own.

As well as working on projects throughout the UK, Chaplins work all over the world.

Liasing with designers and architects on various sized projects. Recent projects have included a 40 million Euro home in Cap Ferrat, South of France and 68,000 sq ft mansion in Dubai. However

is well worth the visit. As well as stylish furniture and accessories, it features a trend-led section full of inspiring ideas and product news.

Simon finishes up by saying "we have worked with clients in the Surrey area for many years and our delivery teams can be seen as often there as in our own locality! Our furniture is perfectly suited to many of the individual and more contemporary homes in the area" For more information about Chaplins please call 020 8421 1779, email sales@chaplins.co.uk or visit www.chaplins.co.uk J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 7 1

HOUSE GARDEN

YOUR KITCHEN THE ORIGINAL SOCIAL HUB he kitchen has always been recognised as the ‘heart of the home’, but with more emphasis being placed towards current trends and open-plan living, the kitchen has started to influence other spaces in the home too. As a result, we are noticing the benchmark for a kitchen is to create a place for food preparation as well as an inviting social hub. The key to achieving this look is to find the right balance between function, practicality and design.

not dominate the overall interior, just add to it. The kitchen door fronts are available in a vast selection of vibrant coloured high gloss glass to satisfy the progressives among us, or for the natural look, select from the gorgeous stone range that offers a selection of four luxury finishes. Sleek in design, this style of kitchen provides functionality as well as up-to-theminute flair. The Aspen kitchen is perfectly suited to the contemporary lifestyle as it guarantees for fuss free, uncluttered living!

With

confidently say, features that work in either a large or compact space.

The Kinsale painted oak kitchen by Burbidge is ideal for the style savvy homeowner who recognises that a classic design will always outlive the latest fads. Quality materials and time honoured craftsmanship are apparent, made entirely from solid Contemporary, minimalist kitchens oak and finished in are ideal if you are the type of person the gentle honey who eats, sleeps and breathes the tones of natural open-plan lifestyle. With the world oak, Kinsale unable to slow down, it’s right to epitomises all expect the most from each room that is beautiful when you return home after a long and desirable day. To have a place to relax and the world in a high class replenish, cook without restriction and traditional kitchen. unable to slow down, However, for the to of course entertain, has meant the Traditional and kitchen has fast become the epicentre classically styled of it’s right to expect the proportion of the home. Open-plan living lends kitchens are suited traditionalists who most from each room want to add some itself perfectly to this way of life, as to more of a period does the practicality and freedom setting as they elements, when you return home modern of a contemporary kitchen. Vibrant, can enhance the combining high gloss doors can provide not only original aesthetics a high gloss after a long day... impact to an interior but also reflect of the home as worktop or the the light which filters into the kitchen. well as restore latest streamline character that’s been lost over appliance within a traditional kitchen, The advent garde Aspen kitchen by time. Natural woods, hand painted can inject an unexpected design twist Doimo is the perfect example of this, cabinetry and shaker-style detailing from the normal range cooker or making a statement in high gloss red, are just some of the features we have stone solid surface. it shows exactly how you can warm come to expect from traditional up a large expanse of space and still design and from experience In the same breath, note the added 7 2 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

Comments attributable to Chris Reeves Managing Director Glotech Kitchens the high glamour, contemporary light which creates a stunning focal point to the Kinsale kitchen. It is important to consider getting the right blend of ambient and task lighting in a kitchen. Try to combine practical down lighting with a few statement pieces and you will successfully pour light into the room.

This will not only enhance certain design features but also ensure a well lit preparation area. If your kitchen is more of a lifestyle room like the Aspen from Doimo, be sure to provide additional lighting that will create a certain atmosphere. This will add warmth and interest to a large room and also give the option to control the light to suit your mood, time of day or just complement a certain design concept.

On the whole, it is important to have fun with a kitchens interior and with so much choice of cabinetry, design, layout and finish, try to tailor something that is right for you.

Our kitchen designers always like a challenge, so we encourage ‘out of the box’ thinking from you, so that we can take an innovative, design approach which will look to succeed in a bespoke kitchen of your dreams.

For further information please contact Glotech Kitchens, Call 0800 3777 789 or visit www.glotechkitchens. co.uk or email kitchens@glotech.com.

PRESERVE THE CHARACTER OF YOUR HOME WITH BENENDEN™ SLIMLINE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS • Ultra-slim aluminium frames • Fit into original timber sub-frames or direct to brick or stone • Very low maintenance • Superior insulation & security

CONSERVATION BY DESIGN

Showroom at: 15 Gregories Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1HH

01494 730400 www.thwc.co.uk

HOUSE G AORUDSEEN H GARD E N

&

WE DESIGN IT WE INSTALL IT YOU ENJOY IT

O

ver the last twenty years every aspect of the home has been the subject of makeovers and upgrading. We have seen kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories, soft furnishings, gardens, sundecks, swimming pools: the list is endless. Or almost endless. e only area in a home that has not had the usual loving care is the garage: until now that is. After years of abuse, the lowly garage is finally getting a second chance thanks to GarageTek who are the leading garage storage and organisation company in America and have been operating in the UK for five years now. Alastair Broom, the Managing Director in the UK had been researching the options for garages for a number of years because, coming from a property background he could see the enormous potential that has been the garage.

JA 7 746 J A NNUUAARRYY22001122

THE WORLD’S CLEANEST GARAGE

BY GARAGETEK “In many cases the garage is over 10% of the space in a house and yet owners have not had a sensible proposition to do anything with it. ey will happily leave their £50,000 Mercedes on the drive in all weather whilst there is probably £1,000 of odds and ends lying all over the garage floor. is really doesn’t make a lot of sense and I was determined to find a solution,” says Alastair Broom.

“Added to that in a house with a value today of, say £750,000, 10% equates to the garage having a potential value of £75,000. Does it feel like that value to most owners? Why not increase its value and therefore the value of the house as well as making maximum use of the space?”

THE BENEFITS OF GARAGETEK GarageTek will design and install a storage solution that gets everything off the floor and onto the walls in specially designed cabinets, baskets,

racks and hooks. e main benefits are that it is: n n

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n

n

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Easy to keep clean and tidy Gives a bright glossy look thereby increasing light Easy to move and re-organise everything whenever you want Weather-proof and bug-proof

Professionally designed and installed Covered by a 10 year warranty

With options for the walls, floor, ceiling and over 80 different units there is clearly something for everyone. And there is no need to have the whole garage fitted: the system is so flexible that it is possible to have just one wall fitted, maybe with a new floor and the rest can be done at a later stage if that fits the budget better.

THE VALUE OF VERSATILITY e foundation of the GarageTek system is the patented TekPanel, a strong, attractive wall panel on which other system elements are attached. TekPanel is bright, strong and covers the walls of the garage and then a modular system of high performance cabinets, shelves, baskets and activity racks are added to the slotted walls with clip-on brackets. e GarageTek system can easily accommodate storage of various items. For example:

n Sports enthusiasts can select activity racks specifically designed for stowing bicycles, fishing rods and tackle, sailing equipment, canoes, golf clubs and shoes, ski equipment or tennis equipment n Kids will love to have their own private lockers and racks for sports gear n Gardeners can organise their tools handily

HOUSE GHAOR U D ES NE GA RD EN

&

n Brackets, baskets and shelving handle household supplies, while lockable cabinets can keep paints and chemicals safe from young hands.

n Woodworkers or hobby enthusiasts can create a well-organised workshop area with benchs, cabinets, part bins, tip-out bins, tool holders and hooks

If storage needs or hobbies change, the beauty of GarageTek is its adaptability.

Any layout changes are easy: the owner simply lifts and

of colours and patterns to choose from.

CUSTOM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION When a homeowner is interested in a GarageTek system, the first step is a no strings attached free consultation where a GarageTek designer will create a custom rendering of the proposed garage organisation system using the Company’s own GarageVision software. e garage will be measured and designed to the owner’s needs and requirements and a comprehensive colour layout

GarageTek system which will create or enhance a lot of space in their home.”

ENJOY THE GARAGE e final piece in the jigsaw is the enjoyment. It is the most important step. A GarageTek system gives so much more flexibility. Owners can re-configure the accessories anywhere on the walls at any time without the need for tools. If you need more accessories – no problem.

GarageTek have them in stock and they can easily be added to the system at any time.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

slides the item to a new location.

GarageTek also offers a choice of flooring system: an extraordinarily strong, stain resistant and easy to keep clean interlocking tile or a very popular seamless Resin coating that gives the garage a car showroom look. Like the entire GarageTek system, the flooring is custom designed and versatile with a wide range

and price structure is given to homeowners so that they can see exactly how their garage will look.

“Whilst the do-it-yourself on a budget is not our core market we have sold a number of our systems and the owners will do the installation themselves” says Broom. “Our market is the homeowner who understands value and wants the convenience and style of a

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY CUSTOMERS GENUINELY ENJOY USING THEIR GARAGE BECAUSE THEY ARE SUDDENLY A PLEASURE TO BE IN!

Alastair Broom’s vision is for the garage to be considered on the same level of thinking as the rest of the home. “ In a few years I expect to see the GarageTek brand as a part of Estate Agents’ details in much the same way as the quality brands for kitchens are today.”

One thing is clear: homeowners now have a serious and quality option for upgrading their garage to make it a highly usable space be it for storage, recreation or keeping that car in throughout the year. You can learn more about GarageTek and the

World’s Cleanest garage at www.garagetek.co.uk For more information please contact: Alastair Broom at GarageTek on 01491 579 975 info@garagetek.co.uk www.garagetek.co.uk n

NU UA AR JJAAN RY Y 22 0 0 11 22 7775

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the sun still shines on your investment with the new solar PV feed-In tariffs

e

arlier this year the Government announced their first comprehensive review of the Feed-in tariffs for small-scale renewable electricity generation. On the 31st October 2011 they released their second comprehensive review which is considering various aspects of the scheme which include the tariff rates.

Solar PV is still a great investment at the new rate of 21p per kWh. It will give you an average return of 8% to 10% which is still more than any ISA or building society would offer you today.

There have been extensive price reductions in the last 6 months for a solar PV system which enables you to receive great returns on investment.

From the 1st April 2012 any individual wanting to install a solar PV system will also require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to which they must

em 16 J n 76 AoNvU A bReYr220011 21

achieve a minimum of band C energy rating to receive the 21p per kWh tariff. Any properties below band C will need to be brought up to band C by installing energy efficiency measures outlined in the EPC recommendations to be eligible for the high tariff.

Any property below band C after the 1st April 2012 will only receive 9p per kWh until energy efficiency measures are implemented.

BritishEco is an accredited MCS installer able to service The time to act is now to secure the high Feed-In Tariff levels with great returns and savings highlighted below: a Typical 4kw domesTic sysTem could aTTracT:

£720 Feed-In Tariff Payment £223 savings on electricity bill £53 from exporting to the national grid esTimaTed reTurns and savings

Annual saving of £996 10.4% Initial tax-free return on investment Estimated earnings over 25 years £34,396

There have been exTensive price reducTions in The lasT 6 monThs for a solar pv sysTem which enables you To receive greaT reTurns on invesTmenT. your needs whether you are a domestic, commercial or public sector customer. We can supply you with a free desktop survey advising you on the suitability of your property, the cost of the relevant system and the returns in which you can expect. We specialise in the design & install of solar PV panels and other renewable energy systems. Our team of skilled PV solar installers will ensure that the unit is fitted exactly as designed.

Please call us today on 0845 257 0041 or visit www.BritishEco.com for further information.

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T R AV E L

Experience the magic of

Marrakech Riad Hertfordshire couple, Mike Wood and Lucie AndersonWood, began Marrakech Riad as the fulfilment of an ambition to introduce the wonders of the destination to a wider audience at exceptional value for money.

The company offers luxury self-contained accommodation in former traditional merchant houses converted to boutique hotels around the Medina - Old City.

Said Mike: “Many travellers are looking for something different from the usual run of sun, sea and sand destinations. Mysterious and historic Marrakech is the perfect answer, with its magnificent minarets, medieval palaces and beautiful mosques. Our riads offer luxury at an affordable price and with low-cost flights now available from Luton to Marrakech presents a great opportunity for an exceptional break away from it all.”

The company owns and manages three properties, Riad Papillon, Riad Cinnamon and Riad 7 8 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

Dar Habiba which has its own Hammam – a Moroccan Spa. Riad Papillon enjoys a fantastic

features of the property include a ground floor patio with dipping pool. The sitting room is an open “Bhou”, a traditional three-sided

Many travellers are looking for something different from the usual run of sun, sea and sand destinations. Mysterious and historic Marrakech is the perfect answer, with its magnificent minarets, medieval palaces and beautiful mosques... location near the Dar Bashah Palace and is a 10-minute walk from the main square. Special

salon with one side open to cool the house, on the first floor and there is a roof terrace complete with

fountain, barbecue, sun-loungers and an authentic Moroccan tent.

Riad Cinnamon has been beautifully restored and transformed into a luxury boutique hotel.The former merchant’s house is situated in a quiet residential area in the heart of the Medina – Marrakech old town – just to the north of the famous souks and close to the renowned Marrakech Museum. There are five beautiful guest suites and many other facilities including stunning roof terraces, patio and dipping pool.

A fourth, Riad Star, is under development. It features intricately carved plaster decoration and Art Deco-style cedar woodwork in a blend of European and Moroccan architecture and boasts a high quality of craftsmanship.

Like the couple’s other hotels, it is steeped in the history of the central district of the Old City, which houses three of the most important monuments in Marrakech. These are the Almoravid Kouba, believed

T R AV E L provide a first-class boutique hotel experience for our guests.

At the same time we think it is important to ‘give back’ where possible, particularly in support of Moroccan causes.”

Each riad has a small staff, handpicked by Lucie, who go out of their way to make sure guests are properly looked after.

The staff always have time to talk, whether it is for advice about places to visit or a chat about local culture and traditions.

Rooms at the riads are fully equipped and boast modern facilities including airconditioning, satellite TV with English channels, mini-fridges, hairdryers and even iPod docking stations. Beds have specially-chosen mattresses, fine Egyptian cotton bedding, fluffy pillows and lightweight super comfortable duvets.

A delicious Moroccan breakfast is served whenever guests want and since the kitchen shops and cooks to client requirement for every meal, dietary requirements can easily be catered for. A threeto be the oldest building in the course dinner is great value at Medina, the Koranic School or around £20 per person for what Medersa, attached to the Ben Yussef Mosque, and the Marrakech one recent guest described as a “fantastic private chef experience”.

Museum. The museum occupies part of a former palace built in Mike and Lucie have also launched classic Andalusian style and once a series of charity initiatives in owned by the family of the local the Moroccan city of Marrakech pashah, Thami El Glaoui, who as a way of “putting something was at the height of his powers in back” after the success of a holiday the 1940s. Adding to the exotic company they founded there some atmosphere, among guests in five years ago. In Marrakech the palace complex at that time itself, the couple recently helped was the legendary singer and to open the Henna Cafe, a notentertainer Josephine Baker. for-profit project which funds education and development A classic superstar of her day, projects and celebrates the culture she rose rapidly from humble of the peoples of Morocco. beginnings in St Louis, Missouri, to win fame and fortune in Paris in the 1920s and ’30s, later becoming a French national and later distinguishing herself in the French Resistance as well as the American civil rights movement.

Mike and Lucie also have an online bookshop, powered by Amazon.

All play a part in the charity programme, which has grown as the company has developed.

Riad Star is planned to be open for business from the middle of 2012.

Mike went on: “The team at Marrakech Riad are out to

For more information on Mike and Lucie’s venture and booking details, see the website at www.marrakechriad.co.uk or call 07968 063227.

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 7 9

F A M I L Y L AW

A

recent judgment giving 90% of a house to a woman who paid the mortgage on a jointly owned property for 13 years after her partner stopped his payments has redefined the property rights of unmarried couples. Michael Howard, a family solicitor at Taylor Walton, examines the case of Kernott v Jones, which has highlighted the importance of documentation to confirm the intentions of a cohabiting couple in respect of a jointly owned home when their family circumstances change. It only relates to a joint purchase and does not apply to a couple in a marriage or civil partnership or to a sole purchase by one of a cohabiting couple.

The ownership of property by cohabitees is fraught with difficulties as there is no legislation covering couples in a cohabiting relationship.

The phrase ‘common law spouse’ has no legal meaning and anyone who finds themselves in such a situation should ensure their property rights are properly documented.

THE FACTS The facts of the recent case were unusual. Miss Jones and Mr Kernott lived together from 1983. They jointly bought a house for £30,000 in 1985. Miss Jones provided the £6,000 deposit, the rest coming from a joint mortgage. They did not state their entitlement to the eventual sale proceeds. In 1986 they used money from a joint loan to build an extension. Mr Kernott did some of the building work.

Mr Kernott moved out in 1993. In 1995 they surrendered an insurance policy and divided the proceeds. Mr Kernott purchased a property in his sole name. From 1996 Miss Jones paid all the mortgage instalments, endowment premiums and household bills on the joint property.

the true position is unclear, the court has a duty to decide the issue when requested and can indicate (“impute”) what would be fair and appropriate.

5. Each case still depends upon its own facts.

6. Financial dealings between the parties will not necessarily be decisive.

THE PERILS OF COHABITEES PURCHASING A PROPERTY IN JOINT NAMES as joint until Mr Kernott stopped making payments and that Miss Jones should have the subsequent benefit of the property increase.

The court also took into account the value of the separate property purchased by Mr Kernott. His 10% interest in the joint property, plus his own home value, gave him about £20,000 less in total value than Miss Jones. This was approved on the first appeal.

Mr Kernott then appealed to the Court of Appeal. That Court decided, based more on standard property law, that the house remained in joint names and that In 2006, Mr Kernott asked for a the equity should be divided equally. half share of the property value, Miss Jones appealed to the Supreme which had increased significantly.

Miss Jones claimed all the value, the Court, which unanimously restored property then being worth £245,000, the outcome of the original hearing on first appeal. and asked the court to decide matters. Initially the court decided Two Supreme Court Judges she should have 90% of the equity.

The court considered the entitlement commented on the lack of legislation 8 0 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

for cohabiting couples. This decision may be the first step in Judges creating a solution to a common situation for which there is no adequate legislation. However, even this case does not produce a clear outcome which applies universally.

The following principles arise : 1. Unless stated otherwise, joint purchasers are presumed to intend to share the property proceeds equally.

2. This presumption can be altered if a common intention to change this arrangement can be shown, either on purchase or later on.

3. If there is no Trust Deed or similar document, a court can decide (“infer”) the common intention based on the conduct of the parties, by words or actions, in the course of their dealings.

4. If the joint ownership presumption does not apply, but

Often one party contributes more than the other to the purchase price of a joint property, as Miss Jones did. This decision suggests that if a property is purchased in joint names the couple is treated as buying on an equal basis unless there is other documentation to show a different intention. Financial contributions made after the purchase might alter the situation.

It is now essential for couples buying jointly to be clear in their intentions from the outset. If they complete the transfer document to show that they will be beneficial joint tenants, that will apply irrespective of any financial contributions which each may have made. It will also be essential that any change is clearly confirmed in writing, signed and dated by both to verify the position, to avoid very expensive litigation.

Preparation of a Trust Deed, either at the time of the original purchase or later, should clarify matters.

Similarly, couples can enter into a Cohabitation Agreement at any stage during their relationship in which they specify what will happen to any joint assets in the event of them splitting up.

For advice about Cohabitation Agreements or as to the preparation of a Trust Deed, please contact Taylor Walton solicitors.

Michael Howard is a Family Law solicitor at Taylor Walton solicitors, which has offices in Harpenden, Luton and St Albans and provides effective legal solutions to businesses and individuals across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and the South East. Michael can be contacted by telephone on 01582 765111 or michael.howard@taylorwalton.co.uk

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15/2/08 17:42:28

THE PREMIER PROVIDER OF

Bespoke Luxury Homes

Oakbridge Homes have extensive experience in the design and construction of pre-planned or bespoke homes for discerning purchasers. With a small but enthusiastic team of designers, managers and site personnel, Oakbridge Homes have become the company of choice for those seeking to procure a signature new home.

Whether by location or the aspirations and personal taste of the client, Oakbridge Homes have the vision to create quality homes in many styles.

For further information ring Martin Hemmings 01582 794499 www.oakbridgehomes.co.uk

PROPERTY LIFE T H E

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SUNNYRIDGE ELSTREE WD6 A stunning home of 4,500 sq ft finished in a contemporary style with a magnificent floating circular staircase with a stainless steel handrail, glass balustrade, LED stair illumination and a central atrium.

Guide Price ÂŁ1,695,000

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 8 3

RELAS M T AI O NI NE NG

A TRIUMPH FOR STATONS AND TOTTERIDGE

B

ounded by greenbelt countryside, yet only seven miles from Central London, uber local developer Domvs London’s latest project combines the style and splendour of a period property with the benefits of a smart home specification.

Sweep up the carriage driveway to Totteridge Manor and you could be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived at a beautifully restored period house. The imposing Palladian-style stone façade with its handsome portico is visual proof of the first new build apartments on Totteridge Lane, N20. Situated opposite South Herts golf club, a five-minute walk from the village and tube station, the development looks over its own glorious gardens – designed by Chelsea gold-medalwinner Luciano Giubbilei.

Comprising four two bedroom apartments and a three bedroom penthouse, the scheme has been six years in the making. ‘As a company, we are very design driven. Unusually for a small “niche” developer, we have our own architectural departments’, says MD Jon O’Brien, who spent his 8 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

STATONS ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY HAVE SOLD THESE LUXURY APARTMENTS LEAVING JUST ONE AVAILABLE... formative years as an architectural photographer before indulging his ‘passion for creating the real thing’.

A self-confessed perfectionist, his obsession for detail is evident throughout – from the bespoke stone and lead work to the latest iPad controlled smart home system and a motorised glass roof in the penthouse which was flown in from San Francisco.

Echoing the imposing octagonal, triple height entrance hall with its spiral stone staircase and concealed

loggias – and the penthouse, whose glass roofed reception room, master bedroom and guest suites all open onto a large, stone balustrade terrace.

In addition, the penthouse study/ third bedroom and kitchen access two further terraces, where you can breakfast alfresco or retreat beneath the private canopy of trees.

A tip top specification which sees all services housed in the basement, together with two parking spaces per apartment, includes under floor heating and cleverly concealed air conditioning, aluminium kitchens by Bulthaup with Gaggenau appliances, flip up LCD televisions, front doors with biometric entry and number plate recognition cameras at the baroque entrance gates which are monitored by the daytime concierge.

lift, the apartments feature large octagonal lobbies and 2.95m high ceilings in every room. The accommodation is both beautifully proportioned and exceptionally light, with the two ground floor Guide price £1,725,000 apartments enjoying access from the master suite and double reception room to private terraces. These lead onto the south facing Italianate gardens, where a central water feature is flanked by layered planting, clipped trees and hedges. The same For further details please contact our outlook is enjoyed from the first Totteridge Office on 020 8445 3694. floor apartments – each with two

From Cottages to Country Estates OFFICES AT BARNET TOTTERIDGE HADLEY WOOD BROOKMANS PARK RADLETT HADLEY GREEN

ENFIELD

Guide Price £3,000,000

6 reception rooms 6 bedrooms 6 bathrooms gym area car port for 2 cars gardens of approx.

1acre flood lit tennis court heated swimming pool

HADLEY WOOD 020 8440 9797

ELSTREE

£1,250,000

3 reception rooms 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms guest cloakroom bespoke German kitchen parking for numerous cars garage rear garden approx. 108’

RADLETT 01923 604321

NORTHAW

TOTTERIDGE

£2,100,000

4 reception rooms 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms detached leisure complex (pool, gym, sauna, hot tub) rear garden approx. 160’ garage

TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694

OAKLEIGH PARK

£999,950

4 reception rooms 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms guest cloakroom rear garden approx. 145’ driveway providing off street parking garage

HADLEY WOOD

HADLEY WOOD 020 8440 9797

HADLEY HIGHSTONE

£894,950

BROOKMANS PARK 01707 661144

HIGH BARNET

£775,000

2 reception rooms 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms secluded rear garden garage extensively modernised throughout chain free

BARNET 020 8449 3383

BUSHEY

£649,950

1 reception room 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms use of health & fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and gym approx. 100 acres of communal grounds

BARNET 020 8449 3383

TOTTERIDGE WOODSIDE PARK OAKLEIGH PARK WHETSTONE ARKLEY BARNET CUFFLEY NORTHAW ESSENDON RADLETT ELSTREE ALDENHAM MILL HILL

£975,000

3 reception rooms 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms guest cloakroom kitchen and utility room rear garden and terrace private parking unique Grade II listed property

TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694

3 reception rooms 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms guest cloakroom detached garage south facing rear garden with outstanding views (approx. 183’) front garden

£1,675,000

4 reception rooms 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms guest cloakroom Siematic kitchen rear garden triple garage off street parking

RADLETT 01923 604321 HADLEY WOOD WINCHMORE HILL BROOKMANS PARK SHENLEY LETCHMORE HEATH & SURROUNDING AREAS

www.statons.com Associated Offices in Mayfair & Moscow

PROPERTY

CAMLET WAY HADLEY WOOD, HERTFORDSHIRE A

stunning re-built detached home in excess of 7000 sq. ft finished to a very high specification in one of the area’s prime locations with glorious views towards central London.

Situated on the south side of Camlet Way, the property is within easy walking distance of Hadley Wood mainline station (regular services into Moorgate with a journey time of approx. 30 minutes). Cockfosters underground station (Piccadilly Line) is a short drive away, as is junction 24 of the M25 which provides a road link to all major motorways and London’s airports. Education is well catered for and recreational facilities include Hadley Wood’s Golf and Tennis Clubs. Local

8 6 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

shops include a gym, restaurants, hairdresser and convenience store.

ACCOMMODATION ntrance Hall E Kitchen Day Lounge Formal Lounge Study Guest Cloakroom Utility Room Master Bedroom En Suite Bathroom En Suite Dressing Room Bedroom 2 En Suite Bathroom Bedroom 3 Family Shower Room Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5/ Playroom Second Family Shower Room

edroom 6 B Garage/Staff Quarters (easily converted back to garage space) Garden FEATURES INCLUDE utron lighting L HDTV and phone/internet and wiring to all rooms Under floor heating throughout Continental hoover system Solid oak doors with matching architrave Oak flooring throughout Italian Keller kitchen with Italian floor tiles and quartz worktops and splashbacks Comprehensive range of high quality appliances Bi folding doors from drawing room, kitchen and lounge give

access to patio and rear garden Bosch appliances to the utility room High quality bathrooms and shower rooms Secluded southerly aspect rear garden with large patio with corner brick built barbeque First floor balcony with large seating area and glorious views towards central London Very efficient energy rating

Guide price £3,995,000

For further details please contact our Hadley Wood Office on 020 8440 9797

PROPERTY

OCTAGON LAUNCHES IN HERTFORDSHIRE HOTSPOT

14 GILLS HILL RADLETT WD7 8BZ L uxury housebuilder Octagon have returned to their favoured location of Radlett, where they are launching an impressive 5 bedroom detached house.

Radlett is one if the country’s most affluent small market towns which is attracting increasing numbers of migrants from choice North London suburbs seeking the welcoming village-style atmosphere and surrounding countryside.

Additional benefits for growing families include the choice of excellent local schools, and a 22 minute rail service to London St Pancras.

forecourt, and beautifully-landscaped 150’ garden discreetly confirm this is a home of grand proportions.

The entire ground and first floors have underfloor central heating, providing a warm welcome in the generously proportioned tiled entrance hall, kitchen, dining and family zones. High quality carpets are laid in all the major reception and bedrooms, and all four bathroom and the ground floor guest cloakroom have either marble or porcelain tiled floors.

An ivory high gloss SieMatic kitchen has been fitted with solid granite worktops, Miele integrated appliances, including The new home is on the brow of two full size ovens, dishwasher, Gills Hill, a mere 5 minute walk induction hob, compact oven/ down to the High Street and microwave, espresso cappuccino mainline station, and comes complete machine, wine chiller, larder fridge with Octagon’s fabled classic exterior and freezer units, plus the latest detailing and high quality interior must-have Quooker tap, which specification. An integral double provides boiling water at a flick. garage, full house width driveway This large heart of the home has

a designated dining area and generously-sized family den.

However when grown-ups want to escape, they have as sanctuaries, a separate 26’ drawing room with gas fired limestone fireplace, and spacious study/morning room.

A shallow tread staircase leads up to the first floor, and its vast carpeted landing, with thoughtfullylocated laundry room, kitted out with Miele washer and dryer, and four double bedrooms, The Master comes with a sumptuous ensuite bathroom in marble with a built in aquavision TV. The guest bedroom has its own en suite shower room, and bedrooms three and four come with direct door access to bathroom 3. All the bedrooms have purpose built wardrobes and clever hidden storage in the bathrooms.

A further flight of stairs arrives on the second floor, where the open plan landing could easily transform into a study or library, off which is a 25’

9” studio bedroom and bathroom.

Giant rooflights have been installed which channel natural daylight into the centre of the house.

The discreet solar roof panel heats water for the underfloor heating system, backed up by a condensing gas boiler in the plant room. There is a water booster pump which keeps water nicely pressured throughout the house, essential to ensure all bathroom showers and mixers operate smoothly. A surround sound system with speakers has been installed in all the principal reception rooms and Master Suite, with wiring in place for the system to be extended to all the other rooms throughout the rest of the house.

Priced at £2.5m Gills Hill is open for viewing through appointed agents Real Estates telephone 020 8445 6387 www.octagon.co.uk J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2 8 7

FOR THE FINEST HOMES

Hillview Road, Mill Hill, NW7 This is a Unique Opportunity to Acquire a Magnificent Victorian Double Fronted 6-Bedroom Detached Family Home with many of the Original Features. The Property is located in a Semi-Rural position just off of the Ridgeway with Inspiring Views across to Totteridge. The house is very near to Mill Hill Foundation Schools and other well regarded local schools. It is also within easy access of Mill Hill East Underground Station on the Northern Line..

Asking Price ÂŁ1,775,000 Mill Hill 020 8906 3055

Hadar Close, Totteridge. N20 Situated in the Heart of Totteridge (a most prestigious area), this Magnificent and Contemporary 9000 sq ft Detached Home was built by the renowned local construction company Oliver & Saunders approximately ten years ago and includes a self contained annex. Acacia House is conveniently located near to the Golf Course, Cricket Club, Tennis Club, Horse ridding stables, a Selection of Popular Schools, Underground Station, an Impressive Array of Shops, Wonderful Nature Walks, and only a Short Distance back to Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Asking Price ÂŁ4,950,000 Mill Hill 020 8906 3055

www.hetheringtons.co.uk

Associated with

in London since 1872

FOR THE FINEST HOMES

Hillside, New Barnet, EN5 The Coach House is a detached building located within a walled and gated entrance with outbuildings (formerly stable and tack room). The property benefits from approx. 200 foot garden and a large gravelled frontage with garage. There are many features internally including fireplace, stained glass windows, dual aspect rooms, and ‘cottage’ style bedrooms including master bedroom with vaulted ceiling. The buildings and the plot offer potential to extend subject to any necessary planning permissions.

£975,000 Freehold Whetstone 020 8446 5871

Langton Avenue, Whetstone, N20 Character 1920,s built five bedroom halls adjoining property with benefits that include gas central heating,three receptions a 115ft mature rear garden and garage as well as ample off road parking.

Close proximity to Whetstone High Road with shops including M&S, Waitrose and Boots, with bus services to the High Road, and Oakleigh Park and Totteridge stations nearby.

OIEO £1,000,000 Freehold Whetstone 020 8446 5871

www.hetheringtons.co.uk

Associated with

in London since 1872

WINIFRED CLOSE

ARKLEY EN5

GODFREY & BARR E

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MILL HILL OFFICE 59 DAWS LANE, LONDON NW7 4SE

£2,900,000

A stunning large double fronted detached family house (approx. 5500 sq ft ) set behind electronically operated security gates in this exclusive cul de sac of only 5 properties.

This magnificent home was constructed in 2002 and has been meticulously refurbished throughout to a high and exacting standard with superb attention to detail, all of which come together to create a fabulous environment for family living and entertaining on a grand scale. ntrance hall E Drawing room Dining room Cinema room/family room Town and Country conservatory John Ladbury study Chalon kitchen/breakfast room Utility room Guest cloakroom Leisure complex incorporating gymnasium, hydrotherapy spa, Nordic Steam shower and separate wc Courtyard patio Master suite incorporating bedroom, dressing room and luxury en-suite Water Monopoly bathroom 5 further bedrooms 4 further bathrooms (3 en-suite)

ated access to an G extensive sweeping driveway with large frontage Detached double garage Landscaped front garden Beautifully landscaped south facing rear garden Lutron lighting and Creston system throughout Back garden wired for music Market leading Kaleidescope cinema system to conservatory, cinema room, lounge and master bedroom Air conditioning to bedrooms, cinema room and conservatory Bespoke oak and walnut joinery High defnition wiring Mumford and Woods windows

020 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com www.godfreyandbarr.com

SUNNYRIDGE

£1,695,000

ELSTREE WD6

A stunning home of 4,500 sq ft finished in a contemporary style with a magnificent floating circular staircase with a stainless steel handrail, glass balustrade, LED stair illumination and a central atrium.

TO LET £1,650 PCM

cabinet and integral coffee machine.

This home, designed for 21st century living, also features, air conditioning and Domus media sound system control panel and speakers to principal rooms, Lutron lighting controls throughout, 19” Aquavision waterproof TV to master en suite, oak flooring to reception rooms and dining areas, porcelain tiles to kitchen and entrance hall with fitted carpet at first floor level all served by under floor heating.

‘Sunnyridge’, which has a security gated entrance, has been completed to an extremely high specification and is an ideal home for both entertaining and family living with magnificent reception rooms, which inter-connect via a spiral staircase, cinema room, a galleried master bedroom suite and well proportioned bedrooms.

Located within easy reach of Elstree ‘Thameslink’ station which provides a fast train to the City giving a journey time of approximately 20 minutes to Kings Cross thus providing unrivalled access to St Pancras International.

Local shopping centres are close by as are a number of the area’s top schools and the M1 and M25 are just a short drive.

The luxury custom built fitted kitchen breakfast room, with cream high gloss units and granite worktops, is complemented by having both Neff and Bosch appliances which, in addition to all the normal appliances, include an American style fridge freezer, wine chiller

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MILL HILL OFFICE 59 DAWS LANE, LONDON NW7 4SE

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THE REDDINGS

ÂŁ1,195,000

MILL HILL NW7

A stunning newly extended and refurbished detached 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom (approx 2500 Sq ft) family house in this popular turning just off Lawrence Street.

The property is finished to a high specification throughout and features a very large modern open plan reception with full height glass doors opening to a large secluded south west facing garden.

Master suite with en-suite bathroom and dressing area 4 further bedrooms 3 further bathrooms Utility room Very large open plan reception/Dining Room Playroom/Study Guest WC Modern fitted kitchen Underfloor heating Double width driveway Large rear garden

020 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com www.godfreyandbarr.com

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MILL HILL OFFICE 59 DAWS LANE, LONDON NW7 4SE

THE RIDGEWAY A detached chalet bungalow situated on a plot size of about 0.26 of an acre, which is very suitable for redevelopment subject to planning permission. The site would lend itself to the development of a single family house on three floors of about 4500-5000 sq.ft. If one includes a

basement this size would be proportionally increased. Many similar properties in the road have recently been re-built, including the immediately adjacent property and a recent opinion has been sought from a local architect and builder with regard to what type and

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size of property is likely to receive planning consent.

and shower room on the first. With three open plan reception rooms, modern kitchen and utility room, as well as a large The existing chalet bungalow is on two landscaped garden and double garage. floors and has been extended at the rear. There is also a long driveway with ample Offering a master bedroom suite on the off street parking. The property has been ground floor and two further bedrooms well maintained throughout.

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BARHAM AVENUE

ÂŁ2,850,000

ELSTREE WD6

A stunning large newly built family home (6257sq ft) in the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest turning built in 2009 and finished to a very high standard. Accommodation over three floors includes seven bedrooms, five bathroom suites (four en-suite) and two with dressing facilities. Further accommodation includes three reception rooms, a very large contemporary kitchen with a further preparation kitchen.

Particularly stunning features include a magnificent atrium ceiling in the reception hallway with sweeping staircase leading to the first floor and a full width balcony at the rear overlooking the garden. In the most sought after location in Elstree; the property has great transport links to London via Thameslink train services, and excellent schooling is nearby.

7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms (4 en-suite) Stunning triple volume galleried entrance hall Large kitchen/ family room/ diner Preparation / working kitchen Guest cloakroom Drawing room Dining room TV room Double garage Guest room with kitchenette on top floor

020 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com www.godfreyandbarr.com

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MILL HILL OFFICE 59 DAWS LANE, LONDON NW7 4SE

OF SO F LD PL AN

LandWanted for luxury homes & apartments

G IN M ON CO SO

Land is in great demand in prime locations like Weybridge, Walton on Thames, Esher, Cobham, Guildford and Virginia Water.

The Land Office helps land owners negotiate good deals with developers and we can help find the right buyer and work with land owners from the very start.

Free Initial Appraisal and Consultation • Land sold to Developers There are many different approaches to selling your valuable development site each with different merits and pitfalls.

Our initial meeting can focus on the most advantageous strategy for your circumstances.

All matters are respected as confidential and your concerns and time scale are respected throughout.

Call us today and arrange your free land appraisal In many cases, land owners prefer our developer contacts to seek planning at their own expense so you can remain free from costs and planning expenses Lance Trendall

lance@thelandoffice.co.uk EXPERIENCE • INTEGRITY • ENTHUSIASM

01582 461581 www.thelandoffice.co.uk

CMYK 30.72.74.84

CMYK 17.36.47.38

CMYK 00.02.15.03

Established 1981

BARRY ALLSUCH & CO Radlett

Distinctive property set in private grounds

Superbly appointed modern detached 6 bedroom home set within discreet gated frontage and beautifully landscaped 3.2 acre gardens. The accommodation further comprises 5 bathrooms, dining room, drawing room, family room, TV room, morning room, Mark Wilkinson kitchen, guest cloakroom, heated swimming pool & tennis court.

Radlett

Green belt location

A stunning gated 5 bedroom Victorian property, which has been sympathetically refurbished and restored by the current owners to the highest standards.The accommodation comprises 5 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, 4 bathrooms & laundry room. Set in picturesque grounds of approx 1.3 acres and including outdoor swimming pool, stylish Italian water garden, herb garden and potential area for tennis court.

Radlett

Spacious luxury bungalow

A stunning, detached bungalow that has been completely refurbished to the highest standard, offering flexible accommodation. The house comprises 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room leading to dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, garage with loft above and large garden backing onto countryside.

Radlett Office 223 Watling Street, Radlett, Herts, WD7 7AL

Tel: 01923 852333

Email: radlett@barryallsuch.co.uk

Radlett

Unique contemporary design

Designed by leading architects Fraser Brown MacKenna, this property has been featured in leading design journals.The property extends to some 3800sq ft and comprises 4 principle bedrooms, vaulted entrance hall, kitchen, 3 reception areas and grounds which have been landscaped with attractive ponds and decking, as well as formal screened lawns and gardens.

Radlett

Great locationâ&#x20AC;ŚUnbeatable price

An imposing, detached, character house offering generous sized accommodation throughout as well as a stunning garden. The property comprises 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, drawing room, dining room, TV/family room, study, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, stunning rear garden and triple garage.

Radlett

Spacious and well presented

A well presented 5 bedroom detached home located on one of Radlettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious avenues. The spacious accommodation includes 4 bathrooms, split level living/dining room, TV/family room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, study, secluded rear garden, double garage and off street parking.

TO VIEW WEBSITE SCAN QR CODE

Elstree Office 3 High Street, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BY

Tel: 0208 953 1175

Email: elstree@barryallsuch.co.uk

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