HH The View 2013

With seven regional offices, an office on St James's Place London and a dedicated team with exceptional market knowledge, Howkins & Harrison is perfectly placed to help you with your next property decision.

the view.

The magazine from Howkins & Harrison

Atherstone 01827 718021 atherstone@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Daventry 01327 316880 davproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Henley-in-Arden 01564 793137 pat.phillips@howkinsandharrison.co.uk London 020 7839 0888 enquiries@tlo.co.uk Lutterworth 01455 559203 lutterworthproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Northampton 01604 823456 northproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Rugby 01788 564666 property@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Staunton Harold 01332 695087 staunton@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Exceptional service complete peace of mind

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Residential | Commercial | Rural

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Exceptional service complete peace of mind Founded in 1888 Howkins & Harrison is an established firm of property advisers committed to helping our clients in the residential, commercial and rural sectors. With a regional network of offices we provide a comprehensive service which encompasses the whole of the Midlands along with quality coverage from our London Office.

Our areas of speciality are as commercial, residential and rural chartered surveyors, estate agents, auctioneers, valuers, planning and development consultants, residential letting agents and property consultants. Experienced members of staff advise clients ranging from individual property owners and buyers, to national developers and investors looking to maximise their property portfolios.

Our qualified professionals are members of numerous professional bodies, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RPTI), the Institute of Chartered Secretaries (ICSA) and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). They are backed up by specialist teams who are on hand with their excellent local knowledge to assist you with your enquiry.

We are in an unrivalled position to offer our clients comprehensive and multi-disciplinary advice. Utilising our market knowledge, local expertise, multi office coverage and specialist departments, we offer an individual professional service which is tailored to meet your particular needs.

Residential | Commercial | Rural

FAWSLEY HALL HOTEL & SPA, FAWSLEY, NR DAVENTRY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NN11 3BA TELEPHONE 01327 892000

Contents.

02 04 06 08 10 12 18 20 22 24 26 29 32 34

Welcome 125 years of exceptional service Our history strengthens your future The Air Ambulance Service A day in the life of an Air Ambulance Pilot Residential 125 years of auctions Rural Rural sales An auction from an auctioneer’s perspective Events Options and Promotional Agreements The London Office Commercial

36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 55 56 58 62

Lettings Planning Rural services The Rural Scene then and now Penny Bell, 50 years at Howkins & Harrison The CLA Game Fair Desert Island Discs Recipes Spoilt for choice, house styles Classic English Style Fawsley Hall The Changing Face of Residential Estate Agency Directory What our clients say

04

125 years of exceptional service

10

A day in the life of an Air Ambulance Pilot

26

48

It’s been a busy year!

Guilty pleasures or true classics. Our team select their Desert Island Discs

32

62

The London Office

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

58 Directory of regional businesses

What our clients say

the view.

[1]

Welcome.

Welcome to Howkins & Harrison’s ‘The View’. This magazine has been produced to celebrate our 125th anniversary. We are very aware that the roots of our business are firmly embedded in the agricultural community; back in 1888 a young Jinks Howkins auctioned his first fat beast, sheep, calves and pigs at the Rugby Cattle Market. Building upon these sound foundations we are now, 125 years on, an established firm of property advisers committed to helping our clients in the residential, commercial and rural sectors. With a regional network of offices we provide a comprehensive service which encompasses the whole of the Midlands along with quality coverage from our London office.

Our areas of speciality are as commercial, residential and rural chartered surveyors, estate agents, auctioneers, valuers, planning and development consultants, residential letting agents and property consultants.

Experienced members of staff advise clients, ranging from individual property owners and buyers to national developers and investors looking to maximise their property portfolios.

You have received a copy of this publication because you are a long standing client of the firm, somebody who has bought or sold through us, a professional person or a landlord or tenant of a property that we manage. We very much hope that by reading through these pages you will get a further flavour of the firm that we are.

Our reputation for maintaining a constant dialogue with our clients, of being trustworthy, honest and professional is why our clients come back to Howkins & Harrison time and time again; in some cases since the very beginning.

Within recent years we have demonstrated an ability to adapt to the ever changing economic and fiscal climate; we would like to think that diversity is our strength.

To mark our 125th anniversary we will be holding a number of special events throughout the year in support of the Air Ambulance service. This well known charity provides a vital life-saving service to the local area and we hope to raise as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause.

[2]

John Hall

Robert Eyton-Jones

Senior Partner

Managing Partner

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

HISTORY HERITAGE Since 1888 we have offered exceptional service and complete peace of mind to all our clients

Here's to the next 125 years! ............................

Residential | Commercial | Rural howkinsandharrison.co.uk

125 years of exceptional service - how it all began...

According to the front page of the Rugby Advertiser from the late 1800s a young Jinks Howkins from Lilbourne auctioned his first fat beast, sheep, calves and pigs at the Rugby Cattle Market on Monday 3rd September 1888.

Jinks then joined forces with Arthur Mason to auction farm stock in 1888 – this firm was known as Howkins & Sons.

The Harrison side of Howkins & Harrison began in 1861 when Nixon Toone began working as an auctioneer – also selling farm stock. Six years later, Joshua Harrison (great grandfather of Anthony Harrison) joined the firm – this went on to become Nixon Toone & Harrison in 1896.

Joshua then took his son James into the firm, who in turn took his son James (most remember him as Jim) into the firm in 1926.

For many years Howkins & Sons rivalled Nixon Toone & Harrison and both would display on the front page of the Rugby Advertiser the listings of the animals they would be selling that week.

Harrison LLP. There is one employee still working with us from that merger, Penny Bell, who started work for Howkins & Sons in 1963 as a secretary to the senior partner. Having worked in every department in the new firm, she still works for us today helping out in the residential estate agency offices.

A former partner, Anthony Harrison, who retired from the firm in 2006, was the fourth generation of Harrisons to have sold at the market.

Today, the firm has clients from Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in the south to north Derbyshire and Staffordshire/Cheshire borders in the north. We employ over 80 full and part time staff in our seven offices and continue to grow in both geographical coverage and in the services we can offer.

On 1st June 1970, James Harrison & Sons merged with Howkins & Sons to form what we now know as Howkins & [4]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

We won’t pull the wool over your eyes With experts and professionals working across the rural sector offering services such as sales, management, auctions, planning and development, valuations, renewables and compensation work, our expert advice is based on 125 years of experience We'll leave the woolly stuff on the sheep! ............................

Residential | Commercial | Rural howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Victoria was Queen and we were led by a Conservative Government with Lord Salisbury as the Prime Minister

Our history strengthens your future

The National Geographic Society was founded The British & Irish Lions went on their first rugby tour to the southern hemisphere.

They were then known as the Shaw & Shrewsbury Team after the promoter of the tour Arthur Shrewsbury with a squad of 21 players playing 35 matches!

1888 was where it all started for us, but it appeared to be quite a busy year generally. You can see photos of our first bank book showing the first transactions carried out as well as the first sale advert in the Rugby Advertiser. But here we look back at some of the other things going on in the world that year!

William McGregor called a meeting to discuss the establishment of the Football League, as well as the first ‘Old Firm’ game between Celtic and Rangers - Celtic won 5-2 Jack the Ripper started his notorious killing spree

The first ‘Kodak’ roll film went into production

John Boyd Dunlop patented the pneumatic bicycle tyre Van Gogh cut his ear off

[6]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Are you affected by HS2?

We can help Maximising Compensation / Property valuation / Ownership advice / Exceptional Hardship Scheme / Blight Notices / Mitigation measures / Accommodation works Whether you are likely to have land taken, or live close to the route, we can advise on all aspects of the scheme.

James Collier BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV T 01827 721385

For all the advice you need on HS2, contact Howkins & Harrison.

Rugby 01788 564680 Email rugrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Jeremy Watson FRICS FAAV

Atherstone 01827 721380 Email atherstone@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

T 01788 564740

Residential | Commercial | Rural Atherstone Daventry Henley-in-Arden London Lutterworth Northampton Rugby Staunton Harold

The Air Ambulance Service.

A passion for saving lives and a dedication to keeping families together.

The Air Ambulance Service aims to make sure that where possible, they're there when your friends, relatives and loved ones need them.

TAAS is an umbrella organisation that provides three separate services; Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) and The Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA).

WNAA operating from Coventry Airport and DLRAA based at East Midlands airport, attend, on average, four missions every single day per helicopter. From road traffic collisions to house fires; fallen horse riders to industrial accidents. DLRAA regularly attends any incident that is life-threatening, where access by land is limited, or where the patient's quality of life would be affected by undue delay. We have the fastest and most technologically advanced civilian helicopter available taking our highly trained medical team to the scene of any incident within minutes, giving our patients the best possible chance of recovery.

The Children's Air Ambulance (TCAA) will transfer critically ill children from general hospitals to Paediatric Intensive Care Units across England and Wales, or help move specialist paediatric teams to enable children to receive the lifesaving, specialist treatment and care that they need as soon as possible, cutting transfer times.

[8]

• In 2012 we rescued approximately 900 people attending a huge variety of rescues, from road traffic accidents to house fires; fallen horse riders to industrial accidents.

• Our main aim is to prevent loss of life, improve clinical outcomes and react quickly and efficiently to emergencies.

• Receiving no Government or National Lottery funding; our Charity provides an outstanding service entirely through the generous donations received from the public and vital support from corporate sponsors.

• We do not see the lack of Government funding as a financial burden but instead enjoy the freedom it gives us to be completely patient focussed.

• Our mission is to provide, expand, and where appropriate, create leading nationally-recognised clinical services across England.

To find our more or help support please call 08454 130999 or email enquiries@theairambulanceservice.org.uk

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Howkins & Harrison are proud to celebrate 125 years of exceptional service across all property services, giving our clients complete peace of mind. A year of celebrations are planned and we are delighted to be supporting The Air Ambulance Service.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk Residential | Commercial | Rural

the view.

A day in the life of an Air Ambulance Pilot.

“We really do never know what to expect from one moment to the other.”

Name Joe Moore Role Senior Line Pilot for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance

Why did you choose to work for TAAS? Before joining TAAS I was a private helicopter pilot, and although it was great to fly celebrities around, I really enjoy working somewhere where I am helping people.

The opportunity to work with a close knit, professional group of people while making a real difference to people’s lives was way too good to pass up!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

A great thing is the excitement of not knowing what’s coming and then when it comes in, working out how we can best help the patient.

I also check the crew composition for currency and for weight.

Then I go and do my daily check of the aircraft and help the crew load our gear on board.

We do a crew briefing where the team discuss things that will affect our day. Weather, amount of fuel we’re carrying, and any medical equipment issues we have so that we are all aware of any issues. This then speeds up any decision making that we may have to make later in the day when we are under pressure.

We constantly have to think ahead, for example - where are we going to land? Can we close that motorway? Where are we going to take the patient? No two incidents are ever the same.

The very best thing is when we get to meet the patient once they are recovered or on the mend, as that’s when we get to see the real difference that we have made.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I’ve got 2 very active children so horse riding, swimming, dancing etc. is a big part of our family life. But I’m also a biker and ex-motocrosser so I still play with motorbikes when I have time. [ 10 ]

My day: The first 10 minutes is administrative work. I read the handover diary for any notes left for me from the previous day’s Pilot, check the weather and Notams (notices published by the National Air Traffic Service that tell us about flying displays, parachute jumps, flypasts etc.) in our area.

Then we wait for the 999 phone to ring… it could be anytime and take us anywhere.

When the phone rings a paramedic will answer it and get the approximate location – I then go and get the helicopter started so that as soon as the paramedics have the relevant information, we are ready to go.

Our helicopter is one of the faster civilian helicopters available and

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

can reach 185mph so as you can imagine I have to look quite a few miles ahead!

Usually our calls are in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, but we can be called further afield and we stagger our shifts with Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance so that during the summer months all five counties have Air Ambulance cover during daylight hours.

Once we’re getting close to the scene of the accident, I will look for the best place to land. Obviously we want to be as close as possible to the incident, but we also have to ensure that it is safe to land for both ourselves and people that are on the ground near the accident.

We can land in incredibly small spaces – the smallest space we can land in is 26 metres by 26, double the span of the helicopter’s propellers. I’ve landed in some interesting places; from motorways, to school playing fields, to the middle of nowhere in the countryside.

recently with a bad accident on the M1.Once the patient is safely on the Air Ambulance, it’s time for me to take off again and fly the casualty to the hospital that is most appropriate for their treatment. Usually we take the casualty to major trauma centres so I regularly land at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. However, sometimes we may have to venture further afield if the casualty requires specialist treatment not available at a local hospital.

Then it’s back to our Airbase at Coventry airport to await the next call. We respond to an average of four calls a day however, it can be more! Sometimes we may get called from one accident to another.

We really do never know what to expect from one moment to the other.

Once the shift is over, we complete some end of day paperwork and ensure the aircraft is prepared for the next day. Then it is home time for a hug with the kids!

Then it’s time for the paramedics and doctors to do their job treating the casualty and if necessary getting them ready for flight.

I assist where possible and when requested to. Sometimes it may be necessary for me to relocate the helicopter, or fly to collect other medical staff and bring them to the scene, as was the case howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 11 ]

Residential.

As we turned into our 125th year the local housing market reflected the climate; cold and with a bleak outlook. We took the view that whilst activity levels were low, it was time to stock the larder with tempting properties ready for the thaw.

Martin Broadbent Head of Residential

This we combined with a positive attitude, knowing that the right house at the right price will sell in any climate.

The sun appeared, bringing with it renewed optimism and an influx of eager buyers.

Fortunately our larders were well stocked so we could meet demand, the second quarter of 2013 being particularly rewarding.

“How is the market?” To this we can answer: “It’s good,” and if the questioning continues as to whether it is sustainable, then we quickly add: “We sincerely hope so!”

So many indicators, from the media, journalists, surveyors and market commentators, are

[ 12 ]

hinting at price increases by the year end. Ever the optimists, we would just hope to see 12 months of good solid trading, with transaction levels similar to the heady days of 2007.

If it’s an experienced estate agent with an optimistic outlook that you need, then come and talk to the professionals at Howkins & Harrison.

There are many enduring reasons for moving; new job, family, divorce, financial pressure, and these create property transactions whatever the financial climate. However, 2013 has reintroduced social moving... upsizing, downsizing, town to village, village into town, people choosing to move rather than circumstance dictating.

This increases transaction volumes, drives the market forward, and in most cases provides a pleasurable outcome.

You would think at Howkins & Harrison we have seen it all... but the last six years have been like no other period in our history. We can only hope we are now a little wiser and in better shape!

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk Residential | Commercial | Rural

Kilsby

Guide price £399,950

Rugby

Guide price £625,000

With a large double garage and a triple car length workshop (Ideal for the classic car enthusiast or home business), this beautiful period cottage offers an unusual package of well proportioned accommodation, very good sized gardens and multi purpose outbuildings.

A handsome, individual family home circa 1928 occupying a prime southerly facing plot in this well regarded area.

Beautiful gardens and many original features combin to give an air of exclusivity.

• Four Bedroom Detached

• Three Reception Rooms

• Thatched Period Cottage

• Two Attic Rooms

• Beautiful Gardens

• Conservatory

• Practical Living Space

• Double Garage

• Many Original features

• Energy Rating – D

• Three Bedrooms

• Beautiful Gardens

Princethorpe

Guide price £650,000

Rugby

Guide price £649,950

A fine example of a period barn conversion offering versatile family living accommodation over two floors, in excellent order and set in grounds of approximately 0.616 acres.

Attractive period house with self contained annexe/staff accommodation. Stable block with useful range of outbuildings set on 0.6 acres overlooking open countryside.

• Five Bedrooms

• Double Garage

• Four Bedroom Detached

• 0.616 Acres

• Landscaped Gardens

• Countryside Views

• Energy Rating – D

7-11 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2RX

Cottage

• Paddock • Energy Rating – E

• Approximately 0.6 Acres • Self Contained Annexe

01788 564666 property@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk Residential | Commercial | Rural

Bentley

Guide price £650,000

Stoke Golding

Guide price £1,295,000

Superb detached character cottage offering spacious accommodation throughout, landscaped gardens with open views.

A magnificent five bedroom Victorian lodge refurbished and extended to create a beautiful family home of great quality and style.

• Impressive Family Home

• Bespoke Breakfast Kitchen

• Five Bedroom Victorian

• Landscaped Gardens

• Five Bedrooms

• Open Views

• Energy Rating – E

Lodge

• Standing In 1.44 Acre

• Four Garages & Workshop • Leisure Suite & Tennis Court

Stretton en le Field

Guide price £950,000

• Smallbone Bespoke Kitchen

Odstone

Grounds • Energy Rating – E

Guide price £895,000

The Mill House is an imposing and distinctive Grade II listed former Mill situated on the edge of the pleasant hamlet of Stretton en le Field.

An impressive detached house, sympathetically renovated and extended, finished to an extremely high specification with open views.

• Traditional Converted

• Three Acre Paddock

Mill House • Spacious Family

Accommodation • Additional Annexe

• Separate Two/Three

Bedroom Cottage • Outbuildings, Indoor &

Outdoor Swimming Pools

• Bespoke Breakfast Kitchen • Stunning Lounge

• Ponds and Grounds

Including Woodland

12 Church Street, Atherstone CV9 1RN

• Five Bedrooms & Three

En Suites • Triple Garage, Workshop • Energy Rating – C

& Orchard

01827 718021 atherstone@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Kilsby

Guide price £1,250,000

Charwelton

Prices on Application

A stunning thatched Grade II listed period property with a wealth of quality and character features in combination with a former 40 cover restaurant building, four luxury en suite letting rooms, four thatched outhouses and extensive parking.

An exclusive development of nine properties comprising three impressive town houses, four characterful cottages in a barn conversion style and two splendid detached stone properties.

• Stunning Thatched Property

• Local Builder of High Repute

• Luxury Letting Rooms

• 40 Cover Restaurant

• Detached Garage Block

• Extensive Parking and

• Grounds Extending to

Outbuildings

Braunston

• Accommodation of approx

3000 sq ft • Large Attic Room

• Ten Year NHBC Guarantees

• High Quality Fixtures

& Fittings • Built to an Exacting Standard • Pleasant Village Location

3/4 Acre

Guide price £575,000

A substantial five bedroom detached family home sitting on a mature plot approaching half an acre complete with heated outdoor swimming pool.

• Three Reception Rooms

• Exclusive Development

• Gated Entrance to

Large Driveway • Double Garage and Off

Road Parking • Energy Rating – F

27 Market Square, Daventry NN11 4BH

Grimscote

Guide price £499,950

A beautifully presented detached cottage believed to be formerly three properties and constructed of local stone.

Features include low, deep silled windows, ‘Clearview’ multi-fuel stove set in inglenook fireplace and enclosed cottage gardens.

• Constructed of Local Stone

• En Suite to Master

• Four Reception Rooms

• Off-Road Parking

• Four Bedrooms

• Energy Rating – D

01327 316880 davproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk Residential | Commercial | Rural

Copston Magna

Guide price £899,995

Lutterworth

Guide price £590,000

A magnificent red brick period property under a slate roof dating back to 1843. The property offers spacious and versatile family living accommodation over three floors. The property nestles in this popular Warwickshire village and occupies formal gardens with an attached paddock.

An attractive period Grade II listed town house with a wealth of character features offering versatile accommodation over three floors and good sized family gardens. Potential building plot/development opportunity within the gardens subject to the necessary consent.

• Five Reception Rooms

• Seven Bedrooms

• Seven Bedrooms • Master Bedroom With

En Suite & Dressing Room

• Approx 1.39 Acres

of Grounds • Detached Timber • Energy Rating – E

Double Garage

Swinford

Guide price £520,000

The Old Manor Swinford is a Grade II listed brick built property under a tiled roof. This handsome property is situated in the heart of this popular village and offers spacious and versatile family living accommodation over three floors. The property has been much improved by its current owners over the 30 years of their tenure.

• Three Reception Rooms

• Sauna

• Five Bedrooms

• Garage & Carport

• Master Bedroom With

• Energy Rating – C

• Three Reception Rooms • Well Tended & Established

Gardens

• Kitchen/Breakfast Room

& Cellar • Garage & Loose Boxes • Energy Rating – F

Elmesthorpe

Guide price £795,000

A substantial five bedroom equestrian property of character.

The property is quietly situated on a private road, offering an unusual mixture of outstanding accommodation, sought after location and comprehensive equestrian facilities.

• Four Reception Rooms

• Sits In Approximately 3 Acres

• Garage With Annexe/

• Stables & Gardens

Office Over

• Energy Rating – D

• Swimming Pool

En Suite

12a Market Street, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4EH

01455 559203 lutterworthproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Spratton

Guide price £895,000

Creaton

Guide price £599,950

Olde House Farm with separate annexe is a handsome stone fronted farmhouse with origins dating back to the 17th Century.

An attractive stone detached property offered in very good order in a delightful setting within the desirable village of Creaton.

• Three Reception Rooms

• Substantial Detached

• Five Bedrooms • Two Further Large

Attic Rooms

• Triple Garage, 35ft • Energy rating – F

Studio/Office Over

Property

Two En Suites

• Annexe Potential

• Plot of 0.5 Acre &

• Two/Three Reception Rooms

Annexe (Energy rating – D)

Guide price £975,000

A rarely available rural property comprising a farmhouse set in pleasant gardens together with a range of modern farm buildings with an established commercial kennels and separate livery business.

• For sale as a whole or in

two lots.

Swimming Pool • Energy Rating – E

• Superb Self Contained

Boughton

• Four/Five Bedrooms &

• Farmyard with Commercial

Buildings & 10.06 Acres

• Lot 1: Guide price: £775,000

• Lot 2: Guide price: £200,000

• Farmhouse, Double Garage,

• 19.73 Acres of Pasture Land

Lower Harlestone

Guide price £800,000

A charming detached Northamptonshire stone built former farmhouse located in the picturesque surroundings of Lower Harlestone.

• Stone Built Former

• Integral Garage &

Farmhouse

Double Garage

• Four Reception Rooms • Five Bedrooms

• Overall Plot of Approx

0.5 acre • Energy Rating – E

Gardens

14 Bridge Street, Northampton NN1 1NW

01604 823456 northproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

125 years of auctions.

Here we look back at some of the photos from our archives. Many of them are from the very early days - but they give you a sense of the history and importance of Rugby Cattle Market to the town and its customers over the last 125 years.

1

2

5

9

[ 18 ]

6

10

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

1

Red Cross Sale at Rugby 22 July 1940

5

Martinmas Cattle Fair 1956

2

Red Cross Sale at Rugby December 1917

6

Prize winning beast 1959

10 Dairy Show 1980s

3

Christmas Show 1956

7

11 Ram Fair 1986

4

General view of the market 1957

(A young) Anthony Harrison selling lambs 1977

8

New handling and grading system 1957

3

(A young) John Hall selling lambs 1977

12 Stuart Long selling the last beast through the old market ring

4

7

8

11

12

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

9

the view.

[ 19 ]

Rural.

Like many departments and businesses, the Rural Team have had to adapt over the last few years – but perhaps in a different way to others. Whilst many property assets and companies were dwindling in size and value in challenging times, agricultural land was going in the opposite direction.

Tim Howard Joint Head of Rural

Demand has never been higher for land and farms – and is showing no sign of relenting. This now applies not only for those keen to buy, but also those wishing to rent. We’ve seen bare land in our area make well over £10,000 per acre and rents for good quality bare arable land achieving in excess of £200 per acre.

Ian large Joint Head of Rural

The reason for this is simple land is a finite resource.

A beneficial tax regime and relatively good economic conditions in agriculture have strengthened the market at a time when other sectors were suffering.

It is helped by the fact that the planning system seems to be going through what some might call ‘open season’, with land not previously considered to have any potential suddenly being ready for a large scale planning application. This has bumped up demand for any agricultural land that becomes available.

We’ve been involved in many large option and promotion agreements, planning applications and the sale

[ 20 ]

of development sites. Senior partner John Hall has recently brought to the market a site for 107 homes in Northamptonshire, the result of several years’ hard work to get a planning approval.

We work closely with the majority of the high street banks and they all say how busy they are – refinancing and lending money for purchases or new projects. This can only be a good thing for the industry as a whole.

Renewable energy continues to show signs of growth with new technologies appearing all the time. Now may be a good time to consider diversification or investment – banks are happy to lend on this type of project and it could provide a valuable annual income stream.

It is perhaps those living further afield who don’t appreciate what their rights are and what they should be doing now.

In the Rural department our workflow comes not only from the topics mentioned above but from all aspects of professional property advice – whether it be complex valuations, end of tenancy work, stocktaking valuations or just a chat about the next generation, we’ve been able to help.

Our department, its team of professionals and geographical coverage, is continuing to grow and we hope that our clients and their objectives and aspirations will grow with us.

HS2 continues to dominate many forums and discussions.

The route is all but agreed and those who live along the route will know all too well how it will affect them, and we continue to advise many people in this position.

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk Residential |Commercial | Rural

Queens Oak Farm, Towcester

Guide price £1,145,000

Whitehouse Farm, Warwickshire

Guide price £1,950,000

A residential pasture farm comprising:- A three/four bedroom bungalow which has been recently refurbished to a high standard situated in a rural location with a range of agricultural buildings (12,100 sq ft).

A superb country house positioned in the middle of its own land.

For sale as a whole or in three lots

• Master bedroom suite with kitchenette

• Lot 1 Bungalow, buildings (9,200 sq ft) and approx 21.08 acres of pasture land

• Lot 2 Steel portal frame building (2,900 sq ft) and pasture land extending to approximately 23.51 acres • Lot 3 Two Telecom masts, currently let within 0.61acres

Lower Fosse Farm, Combrook

Guide price £1,300,000

• Main house 6,600 sq ft / 613 sq m

• Three further guest bedroom suites

• Mature gardens and grounds • Numerous outbuildings, stables, commercial barn • Two lakes, paddocks and pastureland • In all about 72 acres

• Separate annexe and cottage

Tree House Farm, Fulready

Guide price £3,150,000

A compact, picturesque and productive residential pasture farm with a farm house suitable for renovation and a large stone and tile building surrounded by its own pasture land.

Currently a dairy farm with principal 5/6 bedroom farmhouse, EPC C (subject to AOC), secondary 4/5 bedroom house under construction (subject to AOC)

• Extending to 72.95 acres

• Large stone building

• Approximately 50,000 sq ft of

• Elevated position

• Close to M40 and London

• Four bedrooms

7-11 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2RX

modern galvanised portal framed buildings, with potential for alternative uses

• 196.79 acres (79.68 hectares) of pasture and arable land

01788 564680 rugrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Rural.

Farm Dispersal Sales, Rugby & District Machinery Sales, Produce & Fodder Sales, Grasskeep Sales.

We have a long established reputation for running highly successful on-farm dispersal sales of agricultural machinery, equipment and livestock throughout the Midlands.

Stuart Long heads up a friendly and efficient team and conducts about 25 auctions across the region every year. The sales always attract a huge following of people keen to sniff out a bargain.

A man with more than 30 years' auctioneering experience to his name, Stuart Long joined Howkins & Harrison in 1980 and has specialised in machinery and livestock sales as well as being principal auctioneer at Rugby Cattle Market until its closure in 2008.

Also part of the team are Shaun Barron, who assists with setting up sales and auctioneering together with other professional work, and Chloe Gowling, who works both at the sales and in the office organising all aspects of the dispersal sale process.

The sales are not always on farms – Stuart and his team have sold the contents of many garden centres, restaurants, engineering businesses and craftsmen's workshops, and there is something quirky that captures bidders' imagination at every event – a special item at a recent farm sale was a pair of Second World War trench coats found in an old barn!

“We have an excellent team and can quite comfortably sell 1,000 lots a day of anything from a chainsaw to a combine,” said Stuart Long.

If you would like to receive details of forthcoming sales, call Chloe on 01788 564749 and she will add your name to the mailing list.

[ 22 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Stuart Long

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

Chloe Gowling

Shaun Barron

[ 23 ]

An auction from an auctioneer’s perspective...

Jeff Paybody I have been with Howkins & Harrison for 15 years and used to assist former rural partner Tim Ball at property auctions. He was very much at home as an auctioneer and would continually say to me: ‘One day you’ll have to do this!’ Eventually that day came.

I am still very nervous before an auction. I don’t get much sleep at night for worrying about what might happen at the sale – the nightmare thought of offering eight properties at auction and not getting a single bid for any of them, or that a legal problem forces the withdrawal of one of the properties.

Public Conveniences, Daventry Guide price £5,000 - £10,000 Sold for £55,000

The Highlands, Hopsford, Shilton Guide price £250,000 to £275,000 Sold for £274,000

On the day of the sale I get up quite early and go through the auction catalogue. This is in preparation for my morning’s work – I will take a complete tour of all the properties being sold that day to pick up any last minute details, and to check things that might have only just come to light such as a right of way that prospective buyers will need to know about before they start bidding.

This final inspection of the properties also helps me to give a fresh and honest description of the property on the night, and to be ready to answer any questions from prospective buyers before the floor is opened to bidding. There can sometimes be someone who will try to put others off bidding by asking really awkward questions on the night.

Following the inspections, I return to the office and phone all the vendors to agree a reserve price for their property. This is the lowest price they're prepared to take and will be an amount within the 'guide price' range that we quote during the marketing period – this figure has to be confirmed in writing before the sale.

[ 24 ]

I will also talk tactics with the vendors, discussing how we should handle the sale on the night in light of the level of interest we've had in the property and market conditions, as well as mentioning any further information which may have a bearing on the sale price.

At this late stage I read all the contracts and any special conditions of sale, making any necessary amendments and notifying vendors of any changes prior to auction. Changes to the contract can be made at any point right up to the last minute before the auction starts and are available for inspection at the sale venue.

I always like to be at the auction an hour before time, to make sure the room is set out correctly and that all queries from interested parties have been answered. All the vendors’ solicitors will be in attendance to deal with the contract paperwork and deposit monies.

On a few occasions we have had to delay the start of the auction if the seller is stuck in traffic, which does nothing for my nerves, and it tends to make potential buyers even more apprehensive and jittery!

But as soon as the auction starts, all my nerves disappear and adrenalin kicks in! What will be the bidders’ and vendors’ destiny?

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Auctions should never be considered as a last resort for a sale – for the right property it should be the first.

Nervous buyers who haven’t attended an auction before look on as bids escalate, wondering whether to get involved or to wait a little longer. As the bids shoot up – hopefully beyond the vendor’s reserve price – towards the end, the increments of bidding reduce from what might have begun in tens of thousands of pounds, down to single thousands, to 500s, even to 100s as I try to draw the last penny from each buyer to maximise the vendor’s return.

The Ministry Building, Bourton Guide price £165,000-£175,00 Sold for £180,000

Corner Cottage, Priors Hardwick Guide price £225,000 to £250,000 Sold for £300,000

When we feel we have reached the end the price is repeated three times, asking any under bidders if they wish to have another one. Often they do and the sale gets a new lease of life as the price continues to rise, but when that hammer does fall the sale is legally binding. The buyer pays 10 per cent deposit on the night and the sale completes usually 28 days after the auction.

On average we probably sell 70-80% of lots offered at auction.

In some circumstances a property can be sold before the auction, but only if a bid substantially higher than the guide price is agreed and contracts are signed before the auction date.

Some properties are better sold at public auction than by private treaty. These can be properties which stir up a lot of interest when they go on the market or are difficult to value, such as building plots, water towers, canalside properties, redundant agricultural buildings with planning consent for conversion, derelict cottages, pony paddocks, odd bits of land, houses for renovation, or old craft workshops – the list can go on and on! howkinsandharrison.co.uk

One auction that truly fitted that bill was for the former public toilets in Daventry town centre, which turned out to be one of the most exciting sales I have had! We offered the old loos at a guide price of £5,000 and got a huge amount of interest on the night – the bidding was brisk and I eventually brought the hammer down at an amazing £50,000. This was one of those times when the public auction yielded a far higher price than a private treaty sale could have achieved.

There is nothing to beat the atmosphere and tension of a public auction, but Howkins & Harrison does move with the times, so we are currently investigating the possibilities of setting up a system of internet bidding for properties. Watch this space.

Jeff Paybody and his auction team can be contacted on 01788 564680. The Atherstone team can be contacted on 01827 721380.

the view.

[ 25 ]

Events.

It has been a busy year but we have still found time to support local charities and sporting events.

1

7

2 6

3

5 1 2 A rugby match against the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt in aid of Cancer Research 3 Pre-auction nerves at our Kilworth auction 4 Our mighty team in the Balfour Beatty Charity Sports Day at Staunton Harold Hall

[ 26 ]

5 6 Throughout the summer we kept country show goers hydrated with our never ending supply of Pimms 7 Peter Bennett on King Freddy at the Atherstone Point to Point 4

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

8

8 125 year drinks party at Rugby School 9 Hollowell Steam Rally

9

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 27 ]

Whatever your priorities.

For 85 years the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation has been providing specialist finance to British Agriculture.

Helping farm businesses to grow, modernise and become more productive. Whatever your plans, speak to your local AMC agent.

Jeremy Watson FRICS FAAV T 07808 909 377

Howkins & Harrison 7 - 11 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2RX Telephone: 01788 564680

howkinsandharrison.co.uk Residential | Commercial | Rural Atherstone Daventry Henley-in-Arden London Lutterworth Northampton Rugby Staunton Harold

The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation PLC Registered office: Charlton Place, Charlton Road, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1RE. Registered in England and Wales No. 234742. The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation PLC is part of the Lloyds Banking Group. The Lloyds Banking Group includes Lloyds TSB Bank PLC and a number of other companies using brands including Lloyds TSB, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, and their associated companies. Secured loans available for business purposes only. Minimum AMC standard loan ÂŁ25,001. Minimum Flexible Facility ÂŁ30,000. In some cases, to meet customer requirements, lending criteria will vary. Lending is subject to status.

Turn Hope into Value.

Options and Promotional Agreements

With all the large house development firms having access to funds and the relative shortage of development sites, interest in sites with planning permission for residential development is buoyant just at the moment.

The problem for landowners is the complex and expensive process of obtaining planning permission for residential development on land that currently has only the possibility of obtaining planning permission, which would put it in the category of having hope only status.

The costs and time associated with obtaining planning permission under the present system is such that landowners feel inhibited in trying to obtain planning permission themselves and therefore often involve a developer to minimise the risks and spread the cost.

The basis of entering into an agreement with a developer via an Option or Promotional Agreement is to incentivise all parties financially to obtain a planning permission.

Both methods of promotion of a client’s land involve the developer taking an interest in the property and committing to spend relatively large sums of money

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

on promoting the site through the planning process which involves expensive experts and consultants in order to compile an application.

The mechanics of the agreements provide an incentive for the developer at the end of the successful planning process and if no planning permission is obtained, the client will retain the initial capital sum paid by the developer to enter into this form of agreement.

Howkins & Harrison have arranged many such agreements and has also guided the parties through the process to enable the obtaining of planning permission to be as smooth a process as possible.

Good advice is required at all stages of this process and should you require further information on land that you feel may have development potential, please do not hesitate to contact Peter Bennett or John Hall.

the view.

[ 29 ]

Braesteads Farm Helvellyn The Lake District Tim Howard June 2013

[ 30 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 31 ]

The London Office.

Based in the heart of central London, on St James's Place, The London Office is ideally located to place properties in front of both national and international buyers.

There is much to buffet the residential property market this way and that in the turbulent financial and political scene but the market, beyond our own anecdotal evidence, continues to ride the waves with buoyancy. Despite the spectre of further property taxes, the downgrade of our AAA rating, the cap on bankers’ bonuses the central London property market has continued to out perform other regions. Demand for property continues to outstrip supply leading to prices rising at a level not seen since May 2007. Indeed, according to Hometrack, demand has grown by 15% and supply has fallen by 0.6% in the last six months.

Traditionally what happens in London ripples out across the country and we are seeing an increasing amount of applicants looking to move out of London. Some, frustrated with the lack of choice and being out bid by overseas money, are once again turning their attention to the country; others are taking advantage of the substantial price differential between the Capital and the country. With their buying power, they are able to purchase a property with the required outside space and in some cases pay off their mortgage and still have equity to put in the bank. These buyers however, are not willing to offer over the market value despite the over inflated expectations of some vendors. As roads, railways and communications have improved in the Midlands we are seeing an increasing level of potential buyers wishing to relocate there; some for work, some because of friends and family, others because of the beautiful rural countryside. Modern mobile technology has enabled greater flexibility to work from home, either part or full time, which has diminished the need to commute daily. This has brought in areas which traditionally would have been off the search radar for those moving from London.

Demand has grown by 15% and supply has fallen by 0.6% in the last six months.

Hometrack

It is clear that as travel within London becomes more congested more people are realising that commuting from the country can take less time than from their existing London base. The average commuter now spends up to 40 days a year travelling to and from work with bus speeds that rival a horse drawn carriage – meaning the journey to work may be taking longer than 100 years ago. For example the 4.1 mile trip from Hammersmith Broadway to Piccadilly Circus takes 37 minutes on a No 9 bus.

In 1906 it took 28 minutes on a petrol motor bus and 38 minutes on a horse-drawn bus.

We are in a unique position to attract these buyers from our office on St James’s Place and introduce them to the properties being marketed by the local offices. Our large prominent window displays showing properties from the regions are a magnet to passers-by who stop and browse. Potential purchasers are able to discuss their requirements with professionally qualified staff who can answer questions about prices, market conditions, commuting times and schools – and even decent local pubs.

We can also search our extensive database and give out printed brochures of suitable properties. Whether you are looking to buy, considering selling, contemplating renting or simply requiring general property advice, we would be delighted to help.

Bob Bickersteth

[ 32 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

The Air Ambulance Service.

A passion for saving lives and a dedication to keeping families together.

Be SeenService in London.

The Air Ambulance aims to make sure that where possible, they're there your friends, relatives loved ones Office, need them.

Acquire, thewhen biannual magazine fromand The London showcasing the best in Country, Town and Overseas Property

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 33 ]

Commercial.

After the global recession took hold in late 2008, the commercial property market suffered some serious casualties with both rental and capital values falling significantly.

In some sectors values fell by as much as 40%, leaving property investors in a very difficult position and with demand low and banks either unwilling or reluctant to lend on commercial property transactions, nothing moved.

Thankfully these times appear to be behind us! Since the start of 2013 demand for commercial property has increased significantly and the market is now starting to flow again.

[ 34 ]

the ‘green shoots’ of recovery in the market and expect values to gradually increase over the next five years.

In particular we have noted that our professional valuation work has more than doubled since 2012 – a good sign that banks are now willing to lend on commercial property.

In particular the office and retail sectors, which were two of the worst hit in the recession, have shown a good comeback. The majority of our office stock has now either been let or sold and we are now finding there is better demand for retail premises.

Although values do not appear to have significantly increased since the recession we are seeing what appears to be

Bearing this in mind, we would suggest that now would be a good time to acquire a commercial property, either as

the view.

an occupier or an investor to take advantage of relatively low prices, safe in the knowledge we are through the worst.

Nigel Underwood Commercial Manager

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Expert advice in the sale, letting and management of all types of commercial property.

Sales / Lettings / Lease renewals / Rent reviews / Valuations Management / Investments / Auctions Industrial units, offices, shops, investment and land of all shapes and sizes are urgently required for the increasing number of enquiries to our six regional offices covering the Midlands plus London.

There has been more optimism so far this year and it appears the recovery is gathering pace.

At Howkins & Harrison we are on course for our best six months for some years with more deals completed and completions hotting up for realistically priced properties currently on the market. As a result we are now short of choice in the industrial sector. We would

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

therefore be delighted to hear from any individual or company who may wish to sell or let their factory or warehouse.

Howkins & Harrison provide professional services for many clients and is experienced in agency, rent reviews, lease renewals, planning, serving of Notices, valuations and property management.

We have built an enviable reputation over many years with our trusted no nonsense approach for commercial property advice and our team with over 50 years combined experience would welcome your enquiry.

the view.

[ 35 ]

Lettings.

In becoming a prospective landlord, you have made a sound decision – after all, there are few better investments than bricks and mortar. Achieving capital growth within a few short years is a realistic possibility.

Regardless of whether you are a first-time landlord, or have more experience, you will still have questions. What sort of property should you buy to achieve your objectives?

Where are the best locations?

What financial yield can you expect and how soon?

At Howkins & Harrison we are in an excellent position to advise you because we have unparalleled experience, qualified expertise and detailed knowledge of the regional market.

Our managers can talk in comprehensive detail. They know the best types of property in which to invest and will help you assess factors such as occupancy rates and what sort of percentage return you are likely to receive.

We are able to help with every aspect of promoting and maintaining your property portfolio, from marketing to

price negotiation, as well as engaging the services of our trusted, long-standing contacts in the legal profession.

Our marketing packages are bespoke and designed to attract the kind of tenants you are seeking. Your property is assigned a dedicated lettings negotiator, who will work proactively in order to let your property to suitable tenants.

No new tenants will be presented to you until we have obtained references and completed extensive background checks. Then our legal team will draw up a detailed, in-depth tenancy agreement that protects yours and your tenants' interests.

Once the tenants move in, our commitment doesn't end. We also provide a full property management service.

Mark Manning Head of Lettings

[ 36 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Tailor Made Service.

Our ‘new’ Tailor Made Service gives you the flexibility to pick and choose the type of service you require to suit your property or portfolio. Just choose one or more of the following, let us know and we can package a service to suit you!

1

Full Tenant Referencing

2

Inventory and Schedule of Condition

3

Producing the Tenancy Agreements

4

Deposit Registration

5

Regular Property Visits/Inspections

6

Renewal of Tenancy Paperwork

7

Annual Rent Increase Service

8

Yearly Sales Valuation Updates

9

Gas Certification Notification

10

Check Out Service All the above are headline service levels. Please contact your local office for further information.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 37 ]

Planning.

The Planning and Development team at Howkins & Harrison have their focus set firmly on maximising value and opportunity for clients. It is work that can require patience in great quantities as it’s all about enhancing the value of land or buildings, often before marketing the property for sale.

This can involve obtaining planning consent for development of a property, getting old planning restrictions lifted, or even more long-term is looking at creating a development site which can take years. The largest and most prominent development that Howkins & Harrison has ever dealt with was at DIRFT, the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal at Junction 18 of the M1, where consent was obtained for four million square feet of large warehouse developments.

Howkins & Harrison were the marketing agents and Senior Partner John Hall and Nina Bayliss were based on site at Crick for 10 years.

John Hall said: “It is a really interesting part of the job in the creation of something from scratch. It was very long-term and involved almost constant contact through the Development Plan process over long periods of time”.

A DIRFT sized project doesn’t come along very often, but the Planning and Development team have built a reputation for their success in adding value to all types of property.

John Clarke, a qualified Town Planner, plays a key role within the department.

One of the properties the team handled recently was a courtyard of redundant traditional brick barns standing on green belt land at Wolvey, Warwickshire.

“I was brought in to see if I could improve the value of the property by securing planning permission for a residential conversion and we agreed a strategy with the landowners at the outset on how we would achieve this. “I project-managed the application so I had to get together a team of people including an architect, highway consultant, structural engineer and an ecologist in order to gather evidence for a water tight case to submit to Rugby Borough Council”.

“The parish council at Wolvey had objected on grounds of green belt and traffic generation but we were able to overcome their objections to ensure the plan was recommended for approval by the planning officer at the council meeting and it was voted through”.

[ 38 ]

“We had increased the value from being a group of redundant buildings with agricultural value to barns with detailed planning permission for conversion to five dwellings, and our rural property team then went on to subsequently sell the barns well on the strength of that”.

A similar scenario occurred with a disused barn known as The Ministry Building at Bourton on Dunsmore, but this one wasn’t quite so quaint and stood in the middle of a field in open countryside. The likelihood of obtaining planning consent for conversion didn’t look that promising.

“We set about developing a strategy to ensure success,” said John Clarke, who appointed an architect and they worked together on a detailed planning application for conversion to a timber-clad three bedroom bungalow.

“ An old barn in the middle of a field suddenly became a saleable proposition, waiting to offer someone a new home in a countryside setting. The Ministry Building sold at our collective property auction on 30th October for £180,000”.

One thing which can affect a planning application involving an agricultural building is the presence of bats, a protected species, and an ecologist usually has to be brought in to carry out a survey.

John explains: “If evidence of bats is found by the ecologist then you have to cater for them by designing an area into the conversion that the bats can continue to use”.

Nine times out of ten bats are found in an old agricultural building, but not this time. The application went smoothly and Rugby planning committee granted permission for conversion on 25th July this year.

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

“ The clients were pleased. They went from having redundant church buildings that were in reality a liability on their hands to having a building plot for three houses, which was genuinely a serious increase in value”.

An old barn in the middle of a field suddenly became a saleable proposition, waiting to offer someone a new home in a countryside setting. The Ministry Building sold at the collective property auction on 30th October for £180,000.

John Clarke emphasises that enhancing value is not confined to rural properties. In 2011 Howkins & Harrison was approached by the Rugby and Daventry Methodist Circuit about what to do with redundant Methodist church buildings in Hillmorton, Rugby.

There was a chapel, a community hall and an associated car parking area. “The trustees needed the best value to dispose of the building and we advised them we needed to see if we could get residential planning permission,” said John.

“However, when we spoke to Rugby Council planning office they said that because the buildings had been in community use we must market the property for 12 months as it stood, to see if other community organisations might be interested”.

“Our Commercial department put the church on the market for sale and rent but there was no serious interest. We were then able to make an application for demolition of the church buildings and for outline planning permission for the construction of three detached houses on the site”.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

“This was to establish the principle of being able to develop the site, which was granted by Rugby Borough Council in April this year. The property was then put on the market and sold with the benefit of planning consent.“The clients were pleased. They went from having redundant church buildings that were in reality a liability on their hands to having a building plot for three houses, which was genuinely a serious increase in value”.

Members of the Planning and Development department have to have a long term view of working, as it can be many years before they see the fruits of their labours.

“We had been working for 10 to 12 years on some development sites that we sold last year and this year, and there is a real job satisfaction in seeing such long term projects finally come to fruition,” confirms John Hall.

John Clarke

Nigel Brotherton

Planner

Planner

the view.

[ 39 ]

Rural services.

We can advise on all aspects of your property whether it be a 2 acre paddock, a 10,000 acre estate, land with development potential or a commercial property. The map below describes a number of different services which we offer.

Energy Renewable Energy continues to be a growth market. We act for numerous land owners with regard to solar and wind energy.

We can help with gaining planning permission, gaining finance, selling sites and letting sites.

Planning Obtaining and removal of Agricultural Occupancy Conditions.

New agricultural buildings, conversions and new builds.

Single Farm Payment We can offer a full range of expertise with regard to land based grant schemes.

For example: CAP Reform / Single Farm Payment / Entry Level Stewardship / Catchment Sensitive Farming / Cross Compliance / Woodland Grant Schemes

Estate Management We manage a wide range of diverse estates across the country. This includes purchase, sale, rental, planning and land management.

[ 40 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Finance We are agents for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and we work closely with a number of High Street banks to find funding solutions for our clients.

Option and Promotion Agreements From promoting a site via the Strategic Housing Availability Assessment to tendering and negotiating terms for promotion and option agreements.

Compensation and Compulsory Purchase Negotiation of entry and compensation matters, for pipelines, wayleaves, highway schemes and HS2.

Valuation We produce RICS Red Book Valuations for a wide range of property types for all purposes, including: Loan security / Matrimonial /Purchase / Taxation / Compensation / Court / Probate

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 41 ]

The Rural Scene then and now Google can be a fantastic tool for many of us – unfortunately when trying to find out information from 1888 – it’s not quite so helpful.

We’ve had to rely on the old fashioned methods of libraries, newspaper cuttings and history books.

The most useful piece of information we have found from that era is a copy of the Horse and Hound – which was available to purchase for Two Pence! It is quoted as a ‘journal of sport and agriculture’.

In the hunt section, it notes that ‘the Northampton meeting is quite one of the pleasantest on the Midland circuit, and taking place as it does at the close of the hunting season, is well patronised by the county families and their friends. Melton, Leicester and Harborough also furnish strong contingents; whilst the train service to London is simply perfect’. Has anything really changed today?!

The Horse and Hound record that wheat averaged 36s 11d per quarter, barley averaged 31s 10d and oats 19s 5d. Quoting “therefore it is not surprising farmers are losing heart” they recorded a sale of wheat weighing 62lbs per bushel selling for 35s.

(We think!) that when worked out this was about £148 per tonne of wheat! More interesting though is the equivalent figure today – taking account of inflation would mean farmers were getting the equivalent of about £800 per tonne!

It also notes that the Atherstone Hunt held their annual Red Coat race, for ‘subscribers to the hounds, or their sons, minimum weight 12st, hunting costume and red coat; if black coat, a distinctive band must be worn’ again – has anything really changed apart from the entry requirements?!

The great football event of the year was the challenge cup game between the crack team Queens Park (Scottish amateur one, not the London rabble) and Blackburn Rovers.

The agricultural section stated how dry it had been, allowing farmers good service – especially those dwelling on clay soils, enabling them to proceed with spring sowings.

It simply states ‘those who do not sow in good season cannot hope to reap’ the author then goes on to say “the absence of frost has been a serious drawback to the heavy lands, which require mellowing, and in many places break up in great clods but these the first good shower will break to pieces, and I am a great believer in the golden rule of not meddling with such soils in spring until they are thoroughly dry”. Finally he notes that 15th March is the recognised time for sowing spring barley, ‘but it is a better policy to delay even until mid-April than sow barley without good tilth’. [ 42 ]

Prices are even harder to find – Farmers Weekly interactive doesn’t go back that far!

The RFU met to discuss the abolition of ‘mauls in goal’.

Everyone was apparently reluctant to chronicle the reluctance of the measure. Three options were put forward One if the runner was held in goal, a try was awarded from where he crossed the line Two a try scored but in the place where he was held, or; Three a scrummage from 5 yards out from where the line was crossed!

Nothing was agreed at the meeting and the chairman said “one element of roughness in a game which even its warmest admirers admit degenerates sometimes into over roughness was not eliminated when opportunity offered”. Was this the first step on the road to TMOs?

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Take the bull by the horns With a proactive approach to all our work we are able to advise our clients on all aspects of property management and ownership to take advantage of new legislation and schemes whenever they arise.

We'll take the bull by the horns and let the others try and catch him!

............................

Residential | Commercial | Rural howkinsandharrison.co.uk

50

YEARS AT HOWKINS & HARRISON

Penny Bell is certainly a key part of Howkins & Harrison’s history, being a member of the team for 50 years before her recent retirement.

She has been revisiting a wealth of memories of her time with the company and reflecting on all the changes in work practices she experienced and witnessed over the years.

Penny, who began her working life with the company in November 1963, writes: “The office of what was then known as Howkins & Sons was just a stone’s throw away from the current head office in Albert Street, Rugby.

There were oak display boards half way up the front window and from the outside the place looked more like a funeral parlour than an estate agency”.

were spent typing letters, sales details and very long reports – often having to decipher dubious handwriting or transcribing from shorthand. She remembers many a time when the boss decided to alter, amend or shorten the first page of a lengthy report, which then meant the entire document had to be typed out again – and had to catch that evening’s post of course!

“There was nothing informal about working for an estate agency in the 1960s. The staff addressed the firm’s partners as “Sir”, and no-one in the office was on first name terms. Male members of staff were called by their surnames and women at least were given a Mrs or Miss in front of theirs”.

“The telephone system was a large wooden cabinet with mischievous ‘eyes’ that buzzed and winked every time you were to be summoned to the partner’s office or required to dial an outside call on their behalf. It was a long way from speed dialling!”

“Howkins & Sons advertised mainly in the Rugby Advertiser, which had the printing works in Castle Street where Wetherspoons is now. In the early days the property page was the front page of the paper, but readers had to use their imagination about the houses as there wasn’t a single photograph.

Howkins & Sons occupied the ground floor of number 12 Albert Street and the upper rooms were used by the staff of their sister company, Rugby Livestock Sales. All the administrative staff worked in the front office, including Penny Bell, who was taken on as secretary to the residential valuer (coincidently, also a P. Bell).

Always smiling and happy to help, Penny quickly became well-known and well-liked among visiting clients. Her days [ 44 ]

“This then progressed to include pictures and preparation of the weekly Howkins’ advert was quite a Blue Peter experience with bits of paper and photographs fitting together like a jigsaw puzzle. All part of the job!”

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

“

Present day secretaries would be highly amused at the office equipment used in those days – manual Imperial typewriters with the jaunty “ting” of the bell when you reached the end of the line!

”

Over the years Penny worked in every department within the business and saw many changes, not least in property prices. She remembers a time when you could buy a house for well under £1,000 and a three bedroom semi could be yours for £2,500! In the 1980s, with the continued success of the business, Howkins & Harrison moved into their current head office on the corner of Bank Street and Albert Street. These were exciting and busy times. The property market was booming – with all agents fighting to get each property on the market and all sales staff eager to sell to ready and able purchasers – particularly to gain advantage before the end of the double tax relief on mortgages. “Those were the days!”

it and want it!’ Sale done! And they still live at the property today”.

Penny has kept in touch with many of the past and present members of the Howkins & Harrison staff, meeting up for coffee and a catch-up. She has been one of the most well-loved members of the team, as well as being well regarded by clients and we are pleased to say she’s enjoying an active and well-earned retirement (when she is not working with us).

One of the most memorable and speedy sales Penny remembers was of a magnificent £1.5 million residence near Shipston on Stour. It was a large, stunning property with surrounding paddocks and cottage, stabling and gardens. The young lady viewer entered the hall, then the drawing room and then asked if she could phone her husband.

Penny said: “Her conversation went: ‘Hello darling – just ringing to say I got the appointment to view the property and I’m here now, and the other thing is I love

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 45 ]

“ If you love the countryside, you will love the CLA Game Fair – it’s a great celebration of all that rural Britain has to offer and we really want people to get involved and have a memorable day”.

The CLA Game Fair took place at Ragley Hall on 19th – 21st July 2013.

With an estimated 129,000 visitors attending, it was another successful year offering an action-packed programme to give visitors the chance not only to watch the best country sportsmen and women in their field but also to try out activities themselves.

The event provided a huge range of activities for visitors to sample geared towards adults and children of all ages, ensuring the whole family had a memorable day. Have a go opportunities included fishing, clay-shooting, 4x4 off-road driving, falconry, field archery, airgun practice and target shooting.

CLA Game Fair Director Andrew Crawford said: “The chance to take part in a whole range of activities and receive advice and tuition from leading experts is a unique aspect of the CLA Game Fair and one of which we are very proud”.

Beginners and experts alike rolled up their sleeves to compete in a new contest in the fishing area called Fish for a Fortune with the chance to land a £10,000 cash prize. The winner was Andrew Dann from Jersey who has subsequently donated his prize fund to Holidays for Heroes and Fishing for Heroes.

On the 4x4 track, Land Rover gave visitors an exciting opportunity to sit with an experienced driver and experience 4x4 driving over the rough terrain of a challenging course including a dunking in the lake.

The target shooting stands, organised by the National Target Shooting Association (NTSA), are often the starting point for visitors wanting an introduction to shooting.

[ 46 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

“ e chance to take part in a whole range of activities and receive advice and tuition from leading experts is a unique aspect of the CLA Game Fair and one of which we are very proud”. ANDREW CRAWFORD

In the clay lines, beginners have the chance to try shooting for the first time, while for those who already shoot, expert advice and tips will be readily available. All equipment, including gun, is provided.

Always a popular attraction for the amateur dog handler, a full programme of gundog events included Scurry, Pick Up and Scramble. The programme also included a Working Dog Test in which visitors could take part with their own dog.

The exciting and interactive Active Countryside area highlighted some of the many new outdoor activities that are now readily available in the countryside for all age groups and all abilities and was extremely popular with families on a day out.

Next year for the fifth time in its history the CLA Game Fair will be returning to Blenheim Palace from 18th-20th July 2014. We look forward to seeing you there!

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

[ 47 ]

Desert Island Discs.

Sometimes odd, sometimes quirky, sometimes too cool, always interesting. Get to know the Howkins & Harrison team a little better by reading their desert island selections.

Mark Manning Partner Book Bradley Wiggins My Time

Book V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic

3 Favourite Records Richard Ashcroft New York Dean Martin Amore Jamie Cullum All at Sea

3 Favourite Records Beyonce Crazy in Love James Blunt You’re Beautiful Tiesto Adagio for Strings

Favourite Film James Bond Casino Royale

Favourite Film The Holiday

Favourite Meal Proper Sunday Roast Beef

Favourite Meal Steak and chips

Ideal Dinner Guest Bear Grylls

Ideal Dinner Guest Peter Kay

Luxury Item Key for a DB9

Luxury Item Running Trainers

Sarah French Daventry Residential Lettings Manager

[ 48 ]

Sally Finney IT Manager

Alex Clarke Associate Partner

Book Enid Blyton The Magic Far Away Tree

Book Sebastian Faulks Birdsong

3 Favourite Records Force MD's Tender Love Westlife Angels Sounds of Blackness Optimistic

3 Favourite Records David Bowie Kooks Maria Callas Ave Maria Nina Simone My Baby just cares for me

Favourite Film Meet Joe Black

Favourite Film It’s a wonderful life

Favourite Meal Stew and Dumplings

Favourite Meal Tuscany Beef

Ideal Dinner Guest Alan Sugar

Ideal Dinner Guest Winston Churchill

Luxury Item Lipstick

Luxury Item Motocross bike

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Favourite Book

Favourite Records

Favourite Film

Favourite Meal

Ideal dinner guests

Chloe Gowling Farm Sales Assistant

Luxury Item

Rachel Bromfield Moore Residential Sales

Book Claire Balding My Animals and Other Family

Book The curious incident of the dog in the night-time

3 Favourite Records Amazed Lonestar / Bruno Mars Treasure The Wurzels Combine Harvester – not really but too appropriate not to mention!

Favourite Record Model of Decorum – from Chess

Favourite Film The Holiday

Favourite Film The Sweeney

Favourite Meal Lasagne

Favourite Meal Curry and Naan Bread

Ideal Dinner Guest Prince William

Ideal Dinner Guest Bear Grylls

Luxury Item My iPhone

Luxury Item Albion K2 Jump Ultima Saddle

Tim Howard Rural Surveyor & Department Manager

John Clarke Senior Planner

Book Engage The fall and rise of Matt Hampson

Book Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code

3 Favourite Records Wonderwall Oasis Sex on Fire Kings of Leon Local Hero Mark Knoffler

3 Favourite Records Otis Reading Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay Jason Mraz I won't Give Up Abba Dancing Queen

Favourite Film Cool Runnings

Favourite Film Shawshank Redemption

Favourite Meal Spaghetti Carbonara

Favourite Meal Chicken tikka masala & basmati rice

Ideal Dinner Guest Sir Bobby Robson

Ideal Dinner Guest My wife, Lucy

Luxury Item Mountain Bike

Luxury Item Big bar of Cadbury's dairy milk

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 49 ]

Pan-Fried Venison with Blueberry and Orange Sauce ....................................................

15g butter 1 tbsp oil 6 venison steaks

Sauce 225g blueberries 150ml dry white wine 10ml (2 sp) caster sugar or to taste 60ml (4 tbsp) freshly squeezed orange juice 15ml (1 tbsp) wine vinegar Salt and pepper 25g unsalted butter diced Orange slices to garnish ....................................................

To make the sauce, put three quarters of the blueberries in a heavy based pan with the wine and sugar. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 10 mins until soft, stirring occasionally.

Let it cool slightly, then press through a sieve and return to the pan. Add the orange juice, vinegar and seasoning to taste. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring, until reduced and thickened slightly. Whisk in the unsalted butter a piece at a time.

Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan and pan-fry the venison steaks over a high heat for 3-4 minutes each side, until cooked to your liking. Add the sauce and reserved blueberries to the venison and heat through. Serve garnished with orange slices.

[ 50 ]

the view.

.................................................................................................................................................................

From the kitchen

Chocolate Fudge Pudding ....................................................

3oz self raising flour 2 level tablespoons cocoa powder Pinch of salt 4oz butter 2 eggs lightly mixed 4oz caster sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence 1-2 tablespoons milk to mix

Sauce 4oz soft brown sugar 2 level tablespoons cocoa powder 1/2 pt hot water ....................................................

Sift flour, cocoa powder and salt together and set aside. Cream butter and sugar till light and fluy and gradually beat in eggs, vanilla essence, adding a little flour mixture with last few additions then fold in remaining flour and enough milk to mix to medium consistency. Spoon mixture into well greased pie dish (2 pint size) spread evenly. î “e Mixture should half fill dish. Mix together sauce ingredients. Pour over cake mixture and place just above centre of hot oven for 40 mins. Turn down heat and cook for further 20 mins.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

From the kitchen

Pot Roast Pheasant ....................................................

15g/1⁄2oz butter 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 pheasants 1 chopped onion 3 crushed garlic cloves 500g/1lb 2 oz carrots (batons) 4 sprigs fresh tarragon 150ml/5fl oz dry white wine 2 tbsp Sherry 100ml/31⁄2fl oz double cream Salt and freshly ground black pepper ....................................................

For the pot roast, place a casserole dish (needs to hold pheasants and carrots) over a high heat.

Add the butter and the oil and melt together.

Add the pheasants and fry until browned, then remove from the dish and set aside.

Reduce the heat, then stir the onion and garlic into the fat and fry gently for 3-4 minutes, or until soft. en add the carrots and tarragon and stir around for a further 4-5 minutes. Return the pheasants to the pot.

Add the sherry and reduce slightly, before adding the white wine and then season to taste. Bring up to the boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and turn the heat down low and leave to cook gently for one hour, turning the pheasants half way through.

To finish the pot roast, check that the pheasant meat is tender and cooked through, then lift out.

Add the cream to the casserole and simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes. Season, to taste.

Spoon the sauce around the pheasants.

...........................................................................................................

Sloe Gin ....................................................

450g/1lb sloes 25g/8oz caster sugar 1 litre/13⁄4 pint gin ....................................................

Prick the tough skin of the sloes all over with a clean needle and put in a large sterilised jar. Pour in the sugar and the gin, seal tightly and shake well.

Store in a cool, dark cupboard and shake every other day for a week. en shake once a week for at least two months. Strain the sloe gin through muslin into a sterilised bottle.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 51 ]

Spoilt for choice.

Britain boasts a wealth of period house styles and design, but what is the history behind them? Here we look at some of the most common architectural styles seen in the UK today.

Tudor

Georgian

We think of the black and white striped constructions of the 16th century when talking about architecture of the Tudor period (1485–1603) but this striking style was actually a latecomer to the era - following the Perpendicular style, the final period of English Gothic architecture popular from the late 14th century to the mid 1500s.

The Georgian and Regency period covers the time that George I became king in 1714 to the death of George IV in 1830. Georgian architecture is most recognisable by the grand tall houses with their symmetrical façades and box sash windows giving a real display of wealth and power.

The classical motifs and columns were heavily influenced

by Palladian architecture from ancient Rome and Greece.

Among the important architectural features introduced during the Tudor period was the chimney stack. Enclosed hearths spelt the end of the great hall based around an open hearth, a style typical of earlier medieval construction.

In domestic architecture, buildings began to be used to display status and wealth. Large and elaborate Tudor chimney-pieces drew attention to the owner's adoption of this new technology.

The Georgian era still holds an enduring place in the hearts of the British public with its elegance and simplicity of design.

Proportion is key, with houses of the period following strict rules in terms of size and position of windows and doors, roof pitches and so on.

Industrialisation towards the end of the 18th century brought a need for housing in town and city centres, and Georgian design began to be adapted to smaller houses and became more standardised, being the first mass-manufactured housing.

The brick or stone built town house most characterised the Georgian period.

Towards the end of the era, Regency design – named after George IV, the Prince Regent – saw Georgian architecture take on more ornate styles, with fancier detailing and taller, narrower windows — the kind you still see today on houses in Regency towns such as Leamington Spa.

[ 52 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Queen Anne

Victorian

The Queen Anne style in Britain means either the English Baroque architectural style roughly of the reign of Queen Anne (1702-14), or a revived form that was popular in the last quarter of the 19th century and early decades of the 20th century. But how did a queen of England become the name of an entire period of architecture that took place almost 200 years after her death?

Although distinctly British and internationally identifiable, Victorian architecture took huge influence from structures in the Middle East and Asia, combining the strong decorative elements of this region’s architecture with the strict symmetry prevalent in Palladian architecture.

The name of the architectural era was coined by Richard Norman Shaw, an important 19th century British architect, who wanted to revolutionise British architectural style. He and his Aesthetic Movement reformers went back to the time of ‘Good Queen Anne’ as an example of a time period where simple craftsmanship was more important than superficial details - and her name kind of stuck!

The Queen Anne style has been described as elaborate and eccentric, as well as romantic and feminine. Bay windows, balconies, stained glass, turrets, porches, and an abundance of decorative details combine in unexpected ways, and not just in this country. The style became very popular the United States and Australia.

Housing booms during the Industrial Revolution resulted in the building of millions of Victorian houses, which are now a defining feature of most British towns and cities.

Early in the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901) house construction was still influenced by the classicism of regency styles, but as affluence increased in the 1850s the Italianate style influenced domestic architecture. Domestic buildings also gave more than a nod to the gothic revival, incorporating features such as pointed, projecting porches, bay windows and grey slate roofs.

In the 1850s, the abolition of tax on glass and bricks made these items cheaper and the coming of the railway allowed them to be manufactured elsewhere and brought to site. Slate was mainly quarried in Wales and carried by rail.

Themes common in Victorian housing included: • Sanitation: regulations were introduced progressively from the 1850s to raise sanitation levels.

• Hot and cold water: even at the start of the Victorian era some houses had running tap water and a boiler for hot water.

• A basement with a cellar for the storage of coal for open fires.

• Sash windows but with larger panes of glass.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 53 ]

Classic English Style

Elaine Penhaul’s purchase and subsequent transformation of a house she bought through Howkins & Harrison in 2010 inspired her to set up her own interiors design company.

Today Lemon and Lime Interiors offers a unique home design consultancy which focuses on building strong client relationships to ensure that whatever the project, it not only creates a beautiful home but also adds to the value.

Elaine tells The View how it all started: “About three years ago Howkins & Harrison helped me sell my home and buy another one.

“I then lived through – not for the first time or probably the last – the creation of a stunning, practical home around a family of four children!”

“The house had fabulous views but from rooms which were quite formal living space, not the way we live as a family.”

“My challenge was to ‘turn the house around’ so that the major rooms, and especially the kitchen, faced the view.”

“Project managing this alongside my career coaching senior leaders in business gave me the inspiration to combine my love of houses with my love of meeting new people and helping them to achieve their goals.”

“Maximise your space and create a style that has appeal to buyers.”

At Lemon and Lime, Elaine works with clients who have made a new exciting house purchase and are daunted by the reality of starting to create their vision.

At the other end of the scale she helps people prepare their homes for sale, saying there is often a real gap between the value of a house and its saleability.

“Making a few simple changes as the house comes onto the market can make a tremendous difference to what a buyer will notice and fall in love with,” said Elaine, who has been persuaded to share a few ‘selling secrets’ with readers of The View.

[ 54 ]

She says: “Decluttering is so hard but potential buyers often can’t visualise your home without the clutter of your possessions.

Taking an objective look at your clutter will help you to consign it to three piles – skip, store, and show.”

“Also, a home which has been lovingly looked after and is presented for sale with pride is much more likely to attract a buyer quickly at the best price possible. It can make a real difference if you can remove all evidence of untidy children, as well as cleaning the Aga, the dogs and the wellies by the door.”

Success in dressing houses for sale pulls in endless compliments for Elaine, with phrases such as ‘miracle worker’, and ‘stunning job’ repeated by clients time and again.

.. .. ... .. ... .. .... .. ... .. .... .. .... .. .... . .... . .. . ... ... . .. . .. . .. . ... .... ... ... .

You can call Elaine at Lemon and Lime Interiors on 07967 636718 or elaine@lemonandlimeinteriors.co.uk

.. .. ... .. ... .. .... .. ... .. .... .. .... .. .... . .... . .. . ... ... . .. . .. . .. . ... .... ... ... .

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Fawsley Hall.

Relax, Stay and Dine Fawsley Hall is one of England’s finest country house hotels; a place where elegance, luxury and history all come together. Throughout its 700 year history, it has developed a reputation for the highest standards of hospitality and its historic rooms have been graced by many notable guests including Elizabeth I.

Surrounded by formal gardens and extensive grounds landscaped by Capability Brown in the 1760s, this stunning setting provides the ultimate rural escape. Steeped in tradition, Fawsley effortlessly blends the unique ambiance of its past with a rare opportunity to enjoy all the finer things contemporary life has to offer – excellent food, relaxing spa treatments, stylish comfortable rooms and of course, attentive service.

An award-winning hotel, Fawsley is renowned for its high standards including 4 AA Red Stars (given to the very best hotels in the country) and 3 AA Rosettes (for outstanding restaurants that demand recognition well beyond their local area). Fawsley is the ideal destination for guests wishing to relax or explore some of England’s most beautiful and historic regions and counties, including Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds.Throughout the year Fawsley’s grounds and surrounding country estate are home to a diverse variety of wildlife. We have a selection of short and longer walks from the Hall which will ensure you get the best out of your visit.

Relax

Dine

The award-winning Grayshott Studio Spa is the perfect health and fitness environment. Located in the Old Coach House in the grounds of the main hotel, it offers six en-suite spa bedrooms for guests wishing to extend their experience and a secluded private garden for relaxation and enjoyment. The exclusive spa, which is open to hotel guests and members, also has a wealth of other facilities including a relaxation room, thermal rooms, juice bar, indoor swimming pool, outdoor hydro pool and cuttingedge Nautilus gymnasium.

Diners can enjoy a taste of rural England in a truly glorious setting. With a reputation for fine food, guests can enjoy ‘casual dining’ in the simple-styled Bess's Brasserie or indulge in ‘divine dining’ in the Equilibrium restaurant, as well as private dining in one of the many banqueting rooms. Of course, a delicious afternoon tea taken in the magnificent Great Hall or in the grounds throughout the summer, is an experience not to missed.

Stay The classic yet contemporary bedrooms have been individually styled to offer guests the right balance of elegance and comfort.

Each has its own individual character, from the stylish sleek Spa bedrooms through to the beautifully furnished luxury rooms which are spread across the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian wings of the main house. There is a choice of rooms to suit individual tastes and requirements, including junior suites for families.

Located in the heartland of Howkins & Harrison territory, Fawsley Hall offers newcomers to the area a welcome retreat from the hurly-burly of a day's house hunting.

Fawsley Hall Fawsley Near Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 3BA T 01327 892000 W www.fawsleyhall.com

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

[ 55 ]

The Changing Face of Residential Estate Agency.

Howkins & Harrison have moved with the times but we are still proud of our heritage. It is not uncommon for us to have acted for generations of the same families.

Here at Howkins & Harrison we do, of course, have our own website and also use many other websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location to ensure national marketing for every property we offer for sale or rent.

The writer of this article joined the profession in 1965 – 48 years ago, when estate agency hadn’t changed much since the turn of the 20th century.

Before the Second World War fewer than five percent of people owned their own homes and the term ‘estate agent’ was an accurate description as agents mostly dealt with property management and lettings.

Our virtual marketplace is open 24 hours a day, which has affected our office opening hours too. We are now open until 6pm six days a week.

Now there are 11 Acts of Parliament controlling estate agency and the biggest single change has been in the methods of marketing property for sale, with both vendors and purchasers having high expectations.

It was a different world 40 years ago when we opened our doors at 9am on the dot, closed for lunch for one hour and then shut up shop at 5.30pm, with half a day on Saturdays.

Central London agents didn’t even open at weekends!

The advancement of computer technology and progression of the internet have together revolutionised the way we sell property.

Other things were different then too. Properties were not even registered with the Land Registry and used old original Deeds to convey them. Bank transfers on completion hardly ever happened and bank drafts were hand-delivered by solicitors on the day of completion.

It all sounds so Dickensian now.

It wasn’t that long ago when sales particulars were very basic sheets of information, with a black and white photograph stuck on if you were lucky!

Now all Howkins & Harrison properties have glossy colour brochures with every relevant detail you could wish for, including energy performance graphs, floorplans, high resolution internal and external photographs and site plans in some cases. I couldn’t have foreseen it even 20 years ago let alone 40.

Managing the marketing and sales process has also become more efficient as the sophistication of office equipment has improved immeasurably.

On the other side of the fence, new technology has allowed house hunting to evolve into more of an armchair activity. Most homes have personal computers with an internet connection and while newspaper property advertising still has its place, it has lost its monopoly as people realise their dream home could be just a click away.

[ 56 ]

Howkins & Harrison has moved with the times but we are still proud of our heritage. It is not uncommon for us to have acted for generations of the same families.

We are a rare type of firm that still offers a complete range of services across all disciplines including farms and estate management, planning, commercial (factories, offices, warehouses and shops), professional valuations, auctions as well as residential sales and lettings.

As a company Howkins & Harrison has never been stronger or more up-to-date with an enthusiastic group of professionals who are keen to continue with the ethos of the old firm which has evolved into a vibrant, effective team providing a service rarely found in today’s world.

And we must be doing something right – we have opened three new offices over the last ten years and our lettings department has expanded enormously.

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Hunt House.

While the 125-year-old firm of Howkins & Harrison can boast of selling houses for generations of the same family, it’s true too that some properties have a habit of bouncing back!

On the market with Howkins & Harrison today at a guide price of £1,250,000 is a stunning thatched period property called Hunt House at Kilsby – a property which first fell into the agents’ hands in 1969 when the firm was trading as Howkins & Sons.

the market through Howkins & Harrison at a guide price of £675,000.

Some 44 years on from that Country Life advert, different owners have put their own mark on the old property and it has reached its full potential.

A big selling point at that time for the Tudor residence, built as a hunting lodge in Pytchley and Fernie country, was that this ‘charming stone-built house of great character’ was just one and a half miles from the M1 motorway!

An advert in Country Life went on to give mention to its three reception rooms, domestic offices, five bedrooms, stabling for eight horses, farm buildings and a ‘pleasant’ three-quarteracre garden.

This time Howkins & Harrison are selling Hunt House as a Grade II listed period property which ‘offers huge potential as a business proposition or as a comfortable family home.’

It was in 2001 that Howkins & Harrison once again had the Hunt House on its books. The intervening years had not been the best of times for the property. In 1976 the house was bought as a wreck by a couple keen to save the architectural heritage of Britain.

They turned part of the outbuildings into the very successful Hunt House restaurant and when they retired, put the whole place on

The house comes in combination with a former 40-cover restaurant building complete with professional kitchen, four luxury en suite letting rooms in the former stable block, four thatched outhouses, a large detached garage block, extensive parking and immaculate landscaped cottage gardens – which still extend to three-quarters of an acre.

For more details call the Daventry office on 01327 316880.

Hunt House, Kilsby

Guide price £1,250,000

A stunning thatched Grade II listed period property with a wealth of quality and character features in combination with a former forty cover restaurant building, four luxury ensuite letting rooms, four thatched outhouses and extensive parking.

• • • • • •

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

the view.

Stunning Thatched Property Forty Cover Restaurant Extensive Parking and Outbuildings Luxury Letting Rooms Detached Garage Block Grounds Extending to 3/4 Acre

[ 57 ]

Directory.

Exclusive Entertainment at Holdenby

Entertain your clients in the historic splendour and elegant interiors of Holdenby House; perfect for memorable dinners, luncheons, drinks receptions and parties.

To find out more contact us on 01604 770074, at gilly@holdenby.com or visit www.holdenby.com

[ 58 ]

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Directory.

C E L E B R AT I N

G

4 0 GREAT Y E ARS

2 0 13

Church End • Priors Hardwick Southam • Warwickshire • CV47 7SN

T 01327 260504 F 01327 260502 W www.thebutchersarms.com

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE

3 197

the view.

[ 59 ]

Directory.

The best country clothing for men and women who love the country.

Bridge Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DS. Tel: 01629 812612 Sporting Showroom, The Beeches, Matlock Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1EE. Tel: 01629 816684 Opening hours: 9.00a.m.- 5.00p.m. - Monday - Saturday

www.brocklehursts.com

The best country clothing in the country

H O T E L

E V E N T S

C E N T R E

s

M I D L A N D S

&

T H E A T R E

A house for all seasons

The Time Has Come To Exceed ALL Expectations‌ s (OME OF 7ORLD 2ENOWNED Dallas Burston Polo Club s !DJOINING THE $"0# !LL 7EATHER !CRE SuperArenaŽ s 0ERSON #APACITY

TWITTER @KilworthHouse FACEBOOK Kilworth House Hotel LUTTERWORTH ROAD NORTH KILWORTH LEICESTERSHIRE LE17 6JE TEL 01858 880058 FAX 01858 880349 WEB www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

s ,UXURY "AR AND $INING !REAS s 7RAP !ROUND 4ERRACES

FREE TM

s -ULTI &UNCTIONAL s 3TATE OF THE !RT 4ECHNOLOGY s #ONCERT 3TANDARD 3OUND 3YSTEM s %LEVATED 3TAGE s 3ET IN !CRES OF "REATHTAKING #OUNTRYSIDE s HOUR .ORTH OF ,ONDON MINUTES FROM "IRMINGHAM )NTERNATIONAL MINUTES BY (ELICOPTER FROM ,ONDON OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE:

0OLO 0ITCHES 4HATCHED 2OOF 0UBLIC (OUSE %QUESTRIAN !CCOMMODATION

"EDROOM (OTEL #OMING 3OON

Professional Management s Exclusivity s Service Excellence Unique s Five Star s Cutting Edge s Luxury

DALLAS BURSTON POLO CLUB 3TONEYTHORPE %STATE 3OUTHAM 7ARWICKSHIRE #6 $, T. E. INFO DBPOLOCLUB COM

[ 60 ]

$"0#LUB $ALLAS "URSTON 0#

www.dbpoloclub.com

the london office

marketing country property in London 40 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NS T: 020 7839 0888 E: enquiries@tlo.co.uk www.thelondonoffice.co.uk

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Exciting news for your mouse We are delighted to announce that our new website is now live and ready for you to explore at www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk

............................

Residential | Commercial | Rural howkinsandharrison.co.uk

What our clients say.

Karen and Martin Bain, Oak House Farm, Pebworth, Worcestershire

“

We would recommend Howkins & Harrison without hesitation. Thank you and keep up the good work!

In 2008 we decided to place our Farm which is in the Cotswolds on the market. We invited several national agents and placed it with one of the top three. We all know what happened to the property market at the end of that year, and even after dropping the price considerably we didn’t have any offers. During 2009 - 2011 we changed agents twice (remaining loyal to the nationals), and still couldn’t secure any interest.

We then in January 2012 felt the market was on the turn, and the farm needed a specialist agent – so we contacted Howkins & Harrison’s Rugby office. After dealing with three agents so far we had really lost all confidence in the sector, but had no other choice than to turn to a regional agent who had experience in selling land and farms.

We can honestly say from our first telephone conversation to various meetings, we met a team of professional, conscientious and friendly people, who understood what

[ 62 ]

”

was needed, and in turn produced a no nonsense but professional brochure, and secured numerous viewings, that were conducted by Pat Phillips from the Henley office at all times and days of the week!

Throughout the long process, as we had accepted three offers, which all fell at the last hurdle due to the financial constraints on the market. Howkins & Harrison kept us in the loop at all times with suggested solutions to the problems, communication was without doubt one of their strengths.

We finally accepted an offer in March 2013, which was discussed with us and negotiated quickly, efficiently and professionally. Happily, we completed in July 2013, and would like to say a huge thank you to a super team lead

by Jeff Paybody and would recommend Howkins & Harrison without hesitation. Thank you and keep up the good work!!

the view.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Exceptional service complete peace of mind Founded in 1888 Howkins & Harrison is an established firm of property advisers committed to helping our clients in the residential, commercial and rural sectors. With a regional network of offices we provide a comprehensive service which encompasses the whole of the Midlands along with quality coverage from our London Office.

Our areas of speciality are as commercial, residential and rural chartered surveyors, estate agents, auctioneers, valuers, planning and development consultants, residential letting agents and property consultants. Experienced members of staff advise clients ranging from individual property owners and buyers, to national developers and investors looking to maximise their property portfolios.

Our qualified professionals are members of numerous professional bodies, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RPTI), the Institute of Chartered Secretaries (ICSA) and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). They are backed up by specialist teams who are on hand with their excellent local knowledge to assist you with your enquiry.

We are in an unrivalled position to offer our clients comprehensive and multi-disciplinary advice. Utilising our market knowledge, local expertise, multi office coverage and specialist departments, we offer an individual professional service which is tailored to meet your particular needs.

Residential | Commercial | Rural

FAWSLEY HALL HOTEL & SPA, FAWSLEY, NR DAVENTRY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NN11 3BA TELEPHONE 01327 892000

With seven regional offices, an office on St James's Place London and a dedicated team with exceptional market knowledge, Howkins & Harrison is perfectly placed to help you with your next property decision.

the view.

The magazine from Howkins & Harrison

Atherstone 01827 718021 atherstone@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Daventry 01327 316880 davproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Henley-in-Arden 01564 793137 pat.phillips@howkinsandharrison.co.uk London 020 7839 0888 enquiries@tlo.co.uk Lutterworth 01455 559203 lutterworthproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Northampton 01604 823456 northproperty@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Rugby 01788 564666 property@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Staunton Harold 01332 695087 staunton@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Exceptional service complete peace of mind

howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Residential | Commercial | Rural

howkinsandharrison.co.uk