PhD Spring 2014

S P R I N G 2014

THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE & PROPERTY MAGAZINE

Première

W W W. P R O S P E C T. C O . U K

For the finer things...

UK RESIDENTIAL, EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS Import, Export & Storage by Air, Road & Sea

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Founded as a family business Abels has grown into one of the most highly regarded removal companies in the country, holding the Royal Warrant by appointment to Her Majesty The Queen for removals and storage.

Our acclaimed services that include UK Residential Removals and Storage, European Moving and International Relocations, are all part of the service. So, no matter how far you’re going, we’re never too far away to help.

Certificate No. FS23942

Freephone: 0800 626769 E-Mail: enquiries@abels.co.uk www.abels.co.uk

Première Welcome to the Spring edition of Première magazine A strong start to the year hasn’t been dampened by the weather and with the outlook of low interest rates for at least the next 12 months, it is an ideal time to sell your property and maximise the value.

The lack of supply has certainly increased values in recent months and a renewed confidence from buyers has seen many quality properties achieve in excess of pre -recession prices seen at the peak of the market in 2007. Over the next 14 months in the run up to the next General Election, I think we will see the housing market have a sustained period of positivity, meaning the coming months are an excellent time to take advantage and initiate your move.

Our extensive marketing to London buyers is complemented by our 8 local offices, ensuring unrivalled exposure for your property, whether you are looking to sell or let. Uniquely, we only market properties at the higher end of the market and our specialist approach means your property is in safe hands when it comes to service, exposure and attention to detail.

I hope you enjoy the properties and editorial in our publication and should you be considering buying, selling or letting, I look forward to hearing from you.

BRACKNELL

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COVER IMAGE

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from Prospect

SHAUN STEVENS

Director Tel. 0118 979 9005 Mobile. 07970 280830 Email. sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

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Sandhurst

Regents Place Guide Price £750,000

from Prospect

“A beautifully presented, spacious family home, positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.”

prospectphd.co.uk 4

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Contents Editorial...

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DISCOVER WOKINGHAM: PhD give you a guide to this wonderful area.

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O N Y R I A PA L M A R E S : One of the finest Golf course in Europe.

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COMPETITION Win a 6-piece set of Zwilling Chef grade quality professional knives.

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L U X U R Y WA T C H E S : A look in to the world of buying luxury timepieces.

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MERIDIAN DSP DSP LOUDSPEAKER: On the 25th anniversary of its 1st digital loudspeaker, Meridian launches a new ground-breaking audio product.

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BEDROOMS: Take a look at some of the most stylish beds around.

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T H E A M A L F I C O A S T: We explore a sailing route taking you through some of the most beautiful parts of this famous Italian coastline.

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P O R S C H E 9 1 1 TA R G A 4 A N D 4 S The all new Targa is a modern classic reborn, we look at the innovation in this new supercar.

Augmented Reality: T H I S M A G A Z I N E I S A U G M E N T E D R E A L I T Y R E A D Y. A U G M E N T E D R E A L I T Y I S T H E E X C I T I N G N E W T E C H N O L O G Y T H AT B R I N G S PA G E S T O L I F E .

WHERE YOU SEE THIS ICON

O N A PA G E , U S E Y O U R S M A R T P H O N E A N D TA B L E T

T O U N L O C K E X T R A C O N T E N T A B O U T T H E P R O P E R T Y. F O L L O W T H E S I M P L E I N S T R U C T I O N S B E L O W T O A C T I VA T E .

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5

Finchampstead

Fleet Hill Guide Price ÂŁ900,000

prospectphd.co.uk 6

from Prospect

“A detached home positioned on a splendid, private plot in the region of ½ acre, with accommodation in excess of 2600 sq ft.”

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 7

Finchampstead

Longwater Lane £995,000

from Prospect

“An executive detached residence, in excess of 3300 sq ft, positioned on a plot approaching ¼ of an acre.”

prospectphd.co.uk 8

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

The past, the present and the future...

BeauxArts.02

SieMatic Dealers; Retail and Contract: Alderley Edge (01625) 581313 Barnsley (01226) 248766 Birmingham (0121) 744 3953 Bristol (0117) 968 0800 Chester (01244) 345414 Dorset (01425) 279525 Edinburgh (0131) 220 2662 Elgin (01343) 552202 Glasgow (0141) 552 4514 Guernsey (01481) 234000 Hadleigh, Essex (01702) 552868 Ilkley (01943) 602147 Jersey (01534) 870167 Kendal (01539) 728513 Lancaster (01524) 63273 London East (0207) 739 4644 London NW3 (0207) 431 7722 London NW10 (0208) 963 5841 London SW7 (0207) 808 0340 Manchester (0161) 798 4800 Manchester, Trafford Park (contract specific) (01204) 707000 Northampton (01604) 777520 Oakham (01572) 755444 Preston (01772) 204004 Putney (0208) 780 2441 Stratford upon Avon (01789) 267 001 Surrey (01252) 781187 Truro (01326) 378751 Winchester (01962) 600700 Worcester (01905) 621038

SieMatic UK Ltd 0161 2466010 www.siematic.co.uk 9

Cookham

Terrys Lane OIRO ÂŁ4,000,000

prospectphd.co.uk 10

from Prospect

“A delightful country home set in 11.5 acres with stunning views of the River Thames and beyond.�

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 11

AROUND TOWN

Discovering the finer things in wonderful Wokingham prospectphd.co.uk 12

Opposite page: Around wonderful Wokingham. Above, clockwise from top left: Wick Hill Lane – Sold £1,100,000, Murdoch Road – Sold £1,650,000, Lower Sandhurst Road – Available £1,450,000, Bearwood Road – Sold £1,650,000, Longwater Lane – Available £995,000.

The leafy market town of Wokingham has been described as one of the best places in Britain to live. The town's busy shopping area offers an excellent choice of High Street names, as well as smaller boutiques, along with modern bars, cafes and a wide range of restaurants to satisfy the discerning palate.

A superb variety of homes are to be found in the area ranging from the oldest property in Wokingham on The Terrace, to fabulous country residences that can be found on the outskirts of this well regarded town. There is also a plethora of leisure facilities in the area, such as Nirvana Spa and Bearwood Lakes Golf Club whilst Ascot, Henley and Windsor are all within striking distance, providing further outdoor pursuits and entertainment for all ages.

This wonderful location offers a number of excellent schooling options, including Wellington and Bearwood College on the outskirts of Wokingham, which complement the reputable state schools that are a key factor to the popularity of Wokingham for relocating purchasers and also local people looking to stay within the area.

PhD's success is highly evident in the area with a number of quality homes being sold and let in the last 24 months.

The extensive marketing and advertising has been key as Shaun Stevens, Director explains "We only deal with the higher echelons of the market meaning that your property receives the focus and attention it requires to achieve the best price.

Our marketing includes all of the normal local mediums, but it is complemented by national magazines and broadsheets.

With Wokingham and the surrounds being such a splendid area for schooling and access to London and Heathrow, we have found a large number of buyers coming from The City and abroad.

Our access to the these buyers through our extensive connections with relocation companies, the web, our publication advertising and the specialised Mayfair Office marketing is unrivalled."

Shaun continues "A great example of a recent successful sale is Woodhewers, Murdoch Road, the last property on this renowned road with the original plot of one acre. We were marketing the

property at £1,650,000 and agreed a sale in just over a week. It was the first time in over thirty years that the property had come to the market and it was a pleasure to deal with from start to finish.

I grew up in Wokingham and whilst the town has changed a lot over the years, it still holds a charm and character that is ideal for the development of a growing family and enjoyment of all other walks of life. I hope that our success in the area continues and we deal with more sales such as Woodhewers in the future" For further details of our specialist estate agency services in Wokingham and the surrounding areas, please contact Premier Homes of Distinction on 0118 979 9005 or email PhD at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

from Prospect

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Camberley

Pine Avenue £1,495,000

from Prospect

“An immaculate detached residence nestled on a premier tree-lined road with extensive accommodation approaching 5600 sq ft.”

prospectphd.co.uk 14

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

From cool to comfortable at the touch of a button Our new spring collection including the new Madison sofa (featured), is now available in-store.

Come and explore all our stunning new ranges and remember if you are looking for creative inspiration you can book our free interior design service available from our team of professional interior designers in-store.

BoConcept Guildford 89 Woodbridge Road GU1 4QD, Kingston 20 Eden Street KT1 1EP www.boconcept.co.uk

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Barkham

School Road Guide Price £850,000

from Prospect

“A substantial detached property, located on a tree lined road on the outskirts of Wokingham, occupying a stunning plot approaching 0.6 of an acre.”

prospectphd.co.uk 16

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Ascot

Locks Ride Guide Price £800,000

from Prospect

“A detached residence, located on a tree lined road on the outskirts of Ascot, approaching 2800 sq ft.”

prospectphd.co.uk

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 17

T R AV E L

Watch the birdies ONE OF THE FINEST GOLFING EXPERIENCES IN EUROPE, O N Y R I A PA L M A R E S W I L L D E L I G H T V I S I T O R S W I T H A C O U R S E T H AT I S D E S I G N E D T O E M B R A C E I T S L U S H S U R R O U N D I N G S .

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For more than 25 years, Onyria has offered some of the finest resorts to cater for holidaymakers.

The likes of Hotel Quinta Da Marinha, in Cascais, have satisfied golfers’ thirst for testing themselves on the local links.

However, it is with the opening of the Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort, in the Algarve city of Largos, that the company has created a destination of which golf devotees have dreamt.

Opened in 2011 to instant acclaim, the par-72 course is located at the end of on the Meia-Praia Beach at the Alvor estuary. The Ria de Alvor is one of the most important coastal wetlands in southern Portugal. This rich estuarine ecosystem supports a diverse flora and fauna, and creates a wonderful habitat for birdlife.

The Ria De Alvor River adjoins the Palmares and its unique ecology was recognised by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands. The natural shape of the land enables both views of the sea and the estuary from all over the course.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr II, who has designed over

270 courses worldwide – including the remodelling of Celtic Manor (home of the 2010 Ryder Cup), the 27-hole links is made of three sets of nine.

It has already been bestowed with numerous accolades, entering the Top 100 European courses (as judged by Golf World magazine) at number No.26 in its first year.

However, the opening of the course is just one of the big milestones for the resort. Next year, the five-star Onyria Palmares Hotel will open, a luxurious complex whose highlights include fine dining restaurants, a spa and wellness centre, tennis courts and leisure facilities, a beach club and every room in the hotel benefiting from stunning seas views.

Furthermore, the golf course also includes numerous available plots on which privately owned villas will be constructed.

For more information on the Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf resort visit www.onyriapalmares.com, to see other Onyria resorts visit www.onyriaresorts.com

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CP Law Solicitors has during the last 30 years gained a wealth of experience in the following areas of law: • • • • • • •

Residential Conveyancing Family Law Dispute Resolution Wills & Probate Commercial Property Company Law Employment

CP Law Solicitors has been established in Wokingham for 30 years and recently opened a new office in Sunningdale.

CP Law adopts modern practices whilst still retaining personal contact which enables CP Law to provide excellent service and advice to the local business community and private clients.

www.cplaw.co.uk

Wokingham | Sunningdale | 0845 241 3100 CP Law Solicitors is the trading name of Charles Platel and Partners (Solicitors) Limited

WI N

A ZWILLING PRO 6-PIECE KNIFE BLOCK.

TO WIN THIS FA N TA S T I C P R I Z E P L E A S E A N S W E R THE FOLLOWING QUESTION Zwilling have been making exceptional knives since a) 1931 b) 1831 c) 1731 Send your answer on an email titled ‘Zwilling Comp’ to premieremag@ pelusa.co.uk

PhD Première has teamed up with master knife makers ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS to give one lucky reader a Zwilling Pro 6-piece knife block.

A modern company with a long tradition, the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS story began on June 13, 1731.

It was on that day that knife-maker Peter Henckels, from Solingen, Germany, registered the “Twin” symbol as his trademark with the Cutlers' Guild of Solingen. This symbol, which is now

known globally, is one of the oldest trademarks in the world.

Today’s name ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS was given to the company by a descendant of Peter Henckels, Johann Abraham Henckels.

Today, the company's products are recognised across the world as a symbol for the highest possible quality and workmanship.

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS is a modern company that has always used

innovative technology to manufacture products and services of the highest possible quality. Its leading principle?

Our customers' satisfaction is our success – everybody is a customer.

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS has consistently set out to supply customers with the best possible products and services. Based on this, Peter Henckels established his company 280 years ago and today it still considers itself bound by the same commitment.

Entry closes at 11.59pm on 31st Mar 2014. Promoter: Pelusa Ltd, London, SE19 1TS. Full terms and conditions available on request.

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Finchampstead

Lower Sandhurst Road ÂŁ1,450,000

prospectphd.co.uk 22

from Prospect

“A family home with equestrian facilities and land approaching 9 acres backing on to an area of outstanding natural beauty.�

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 23

FA S H I O N

Tick the box WA T C H F I N D E R & C O . ' S ANDREW MORGAN I N V E S T I G AT E S H O W T O A P P R O A C H BUYING INTO THE WORLD O F L U X U R Y WA T C H E S

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It's hard to say what turns someone towards buying a luxury watch. Perhaps it's a form of personal growth, much like the palate warming to fine wines or the ears to high-end audio equipment.

Most likely, it boils down to a little something like this: hand-crafted beauty, staggering micro engineering and rich, prosperous heritage.

A mechanical watch is a celebration of romantic nostalgia, an era of steel and stone that disappeared under the weight of a plastic, disposable generation. Unlike a £10 digital watch, a mechanical timepiece is for life.

Setting your heart on a luxury watch is one thing, but choosing one is another.

There are many brands, catering for any budget imaginable, so the first, and most obvious, thing to do is set a price limit.

The next entirely depends on what kind of a person you are – some prefer to buy what appeals to them aesthetically, whereas others prefer to dig a little deeper, There's no problem with doing either. For those who enjoy researching before they spend, the internet is packed

full of enough information and history to whet any enthusiast's appetite.

However, even if you set a budget, it doesn't automatically mean you have to spend all of it. There are many brands (Longines, Hamilton and Baume et Mercier to name a few) that offer many of the benefits of their costly brethren for a much more affordable price.

That's the key to buying a watch: choose what you want, not what other people tell you to want. Luxury breeds snobbery and it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of one-upmanship that will ultimately lead to dissatisfaction.

If you want a Rolex, buy a Rolex.

If you want a Bell & Ross, that's the one for you. Perhaps you're interested in a fully in-house movement and perhaps you're not. The choice is yours.

Another consideration is the purchase of something pre-owned. Mechanical watches aren't like fridges or washing machines – they're built to last (with care and servicing) and continue to have appeal as they get older, sometimes even gaining value.

In the short term, a watch is more affordable pre-owned, and in the long term, a vintage watch offers a portal to a previous lifetime. For many, horology isn't about the latest releases, it's about the journey of a technology that has leapt from the old millennium to the new.

Some might say watch buying is a minefield, that every step is taken with eyes scrunched up, fingers in ears, but that's wrong. The journey is yours to take however you like. So long as you research your retailers wisely – independent review sites are a good start – there's nothing else needs doing, save choosing the watch that best suits you. Remember, sometimes the destination isn't the only good bit: often the journey is just as enjoyable.

Andrew Morgan is editor of Watchfinder & Co.'s digital horological publication, The Watch Magazine. It can be downloaded from the App Store and viewed at www.thewatchmagazine. com. For more information about buying watches, please visit www.watchfinder. co.uk or call 0843 249 7855.

Opening page: Omega Seamaster 600 ‘PloProf’, £4,500.

Above, clockwise from top left: Officine Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00026, £7,000; IWC Grand Complication 3770, £70,000; (foreground) Rolex Submariner 16610 LV, £5,500 and (background) Rolex Submariner 116610 LN, £6,000.

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ZWILLING. Passion for the best.

Since 1731.

Discover exceptional kitchen knives and contemporary stainless steel cookware from Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

Shop online at www.zwilling.co.uk

Arborfield

Swallowfield Road Guide Price ÂŁ2,350,000

prospectphd.co.uk 28

from Prospect

“A stunning barn conversion with accommodation approaching 7000 sq ft on a plot in excess of 2 acres.�

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 29

TECHNOLOGY

‘Happy Birthday’ never sounded so good 2014 MARKS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUNCH OF MERIDIAN’S F I R S T D I G I TA L L O U D S P E A K E R A N D T H E C O M PA N Y I S C E L E B R AT I N G WITH SOME VERY SPECIAL PRESENTS.

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During January’s Consumer Electronics Show, the annual technology innovation exhibition held in Las Vegas, audio pioneers Meridian introduced its Special Edition (SE) loudspeakers. They were produced to mark the 25th anniversary of the company's, and the world's, first digital speaker – the D600.

This year, Meridian will celebrate with the launch of a new Special Edition series of DSP Digital Active loudspeakers.

Very much any audio enthusiast's fantasy, they come packed with notable features including a beryllium domed tweeter, new electronics and driver clamp rings, to deliver the highest-performing Meridian DSP Digital Active around. It is quite simply one of the finest speakers in the world today.

The Special Edition models available will be the DSP8000, DSP7200 and DSP5200.

For more information visit www.meridian.co.uk or take a visit to the new boutique London store on the Kings Road.

Secrets of the DSP loudspeaker Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which Meridian has pioneered and adapted for the home audio market, provides the best results and the clearest sound.

These loudspeakers reproduce the sound of the original performance, almost making you believe the performers are in the room with you.

Explore the features of Meridian’s flagship digital loudspeaker, the DSP8000.

The cabinet is hand-fabricated from a high pressure laminate of birch plywood and aluminium damped with mineral-filled epoxy resin.

A conventional passive speaker would have to be eight times the physical volume to provide the same performance as a Meridian DSP Active loudspeaker.

Each speaker drive unit is powered by its own amplifier and each amplifier is individually controlled by a sophisticated DSP crossover.

The separate head unit, which generates all the subtle musical detail, is decoupled from the bass cabinet on three pin assemblies to reduce colouration.

The soft edges avoid generating unwanted additional high frequency sounds that can blur the image.

The bass system has its six powerful drive units arranged in opposing pairs to help cancel cabinet vibration.

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Sindlesham

Mole Road £775,000

from Prospect

“An immaculate detached residence with accommodation on excess of 2700 sq ft.”

prospectphd.co.uk 32

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Finchampstead

Wick Hill Lane Guide Price £1,195,000

from Prospect

“A substantial detached property positioned at the end of a tree-lined road, occupying a private and secluded plot approaching half an acre.”

prospectphd.co.uk

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 33

Italian design - sheer privilege

logica twin The tradition of the Sauna and the Hammam, the freshness of pure water, natural materials combined in a single exclusive product, all in the very best Italian taste

www.effegibi.it 34

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

BEDROOMS

Sleep tight LIE BACK AND RELAX WITH SOME OF THE MOST STYLISH BEDS AROUND.

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Fir page: Classical White Raffaella – www.sweetpeaandwillow.com This gorgeous traditional French bed is laden with intricate, ornate, botanical carvings, painted and subtly distressed.

It stands on four elegantly etched feet and is upholstered in luxurious taupe Romo Linara fabric.

Le, top to bottom: Bonaldo Thin – www.gomodern.co.uk A masterpiece of minimalism, the Thin bed by prestigious Italian contemporary furniture brand Bonaldo has ultra clean lines and a light, airy look. Perfect if you don’t have much room, the frame adds just 7cm width and 12cm length to the mattress.

Available in several finishes.

Coco – www.loaf.com This beautiful French bed in solid weathered oak is handmade by the graduates of a traditional carving school.

Comes with slightly sprung slats. As there is no footboard at the end, Coco is great for sitting on.

All of the chic but none of the squeak of the original antique version.

6 of the best bedroom essentials Below, clockwise from top left: Defaced Duchess canvas – www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Louis French armchair (Pale Putty) – www.alisonathome.com Amelie Bedside cabinet – www.newtonsfurniture.co.uk Labelled distressed industrial side table – www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

By Nord Deer bed linen, single – www.storynorth.com Willow hanger – www.storynorth.com

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Maidenhead

Chauntry Road Guide Price £900,000

from Prospect

“A detached family home positioned on a private tree-lined plot in excess of ¹⁄³ rd of an acre, with accommodation in excess of 2300 sq ft.”

prospectphd.co.uk 38

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

SAILING

La Dolce Vita...

I M A G I N E S P E N D I N G C A R E F R E E D AY S S A I L I N G F R O M O N E I D Y L L I C L O C A T I O N T O A N O T H E R , F L O A T I N G O N T H E S H I M M E R I N G A Z U R E WA T E R S O F T H E M E D I T E R R A N E A N . A V O YA G E A L O N G T H E A M A L F I C O A S T P R O V I D E S A TRULY LIFE-AFFIRMING EXPERIENCE.

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The Italian west coast is one of the finest sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. There is the extraordinary Portofino, treasure of the Ligurian Sea, or the archipelago of the Pontine Islands laying south of Gaeta. However, nothing can touch the alluring charm and rustic beauty of the Amalfi Coast in the Gulf of Solerno.

The ultimate way to take in its full majesty is by sailing along the coast and dropping anchor at various locations along the way. This is not just the domain of the experienced sailor who wishes to navigate their own vessel, for the less experienced there are plenty of sailing tours offering fantastic experiences.

Many who decide to embark on this trip head off on a popular loop around the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast, which starts and ends at the island of Procida. Here are some of the highlights on the way.

Ischia Situated in the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, this volcanic island is a great place to start your trip. The largest of Italy’s Phlegran island archipelago, Ischia has wide open stretches of forestland. After docking, head out to visit Castello Aragonese a sprawling 15th-century fortress that was once used to protect the island from pirates. At Le Fumarole Beach you can relax on the warm sand, which is heated from a volcanic basin that lies underneath the bay.

Naples Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the largest city in southern Italy. A lively and vibrant city full of historical and artistic treasures within the narrow, winding streets, it is worth spending a few days here. Take in one of the world’s finest collections of Greek and Roman antiques at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, for opera devotees there is the stately San Carlo, which remains a must-visit as the oldest active opera house in Europe. However, there is one thing you must do above all else...you are in the home of the pizza and as such are never far from the delicious aroma emanating from an oven. Beware though – they take pizza seriously in Naples, so much so that in 2004 the Ministry of Agriculture issued regulations outlining how a real Neapolitan pizza should be made... so don’t go asking for stuffed crust.

Amalfi

Dominating its own little bay-within-the-bay, Sorrento's seaside vocation is given historical depth by its wealth of Renaissance palazzi and Romanesque churches. Quaint artisan workshops are packed together within a maze of medieval alleys and there are many worthwhile cultural attractions – such as the Museobottega della Tarisalignea, dedicated to the history of Sorrento’s marquetry work, or the delightful 14th-century cloister of the church of San Francesco.

It’s now time to cruise south away from Sorrento and head to the town of Amalfi on the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Just sailing along this stretch of exquisite coastline will make the entire trip worthwhile. Amalfi is, as one would expect, the village most representative of the Amalfi Coast. The harbour and small colourful village are surrounded by green mountains and there are many sites to discover, such as the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea with its distinctive stripy façade. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants that line the seafront, or for a late evening drink there are a cluster of bars nestled in many wonderful squares. For those who not only like spectacular views but also a bit of a workout, there are walks along the narrow clifftop trails and through the lemon groves to the village of Ravello. Here the must visits are Villa Cimbrone and the “terrace of Infinity”, and Villa Rufolo, with its beautiful gardens that so inspired the composer Wagner. Before leaving, be sure to stop off at La Dolceria dell’Antico Portico for a coffee and pastry.

Pompeii

Positano

When the eruption of Mount Vesuvius started in AD79, it caught the local population utterly unprepared and afterwards the ancient city lay buried for centuries until its rediscovery in the late 15th century. Now a UNESCO-listed archaeological site , you can explore the area at leisure, seeing exquisitely preserved temples to the ancient gods, as well as an amphitheatre, frescoes and Roman baths.

Just a short way along the coast is Positano. It is set in a dramatic vertical panorama of colours; the green of the Monti Lattari, the white, pink and yellow of the Mediterranean houses, the silvery grey of its pebble beaches against the blue of the sea and sky. Although similar to Amalfi with its steep narrow roads, huge fortified walls and numerous watch towers, Positano is a majestic historical town in its own right. It became a chic retreat for the glitterati from the early 20th century after a new road united the town with Sorrento and Naples – Picasso, Steinbeck and Liz Taylor are just some of those that fell hopelessly in love with the landscape and this is reflected by the high-end fashion boutiques dotted throughout the town.

Sorrento

Opening page: Sailing in the Mediterranean.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Marina Piccola on Capri Island; overlooking Capri harbour from the rotunda in Villa San Michele; Positano by night; a cave on the Capri coast – just one of countless beautiful coastal formations to explore in the area.

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Capri

Procida

Cruise northwest and you come to the glamorous island of Capri. Known in Greek mythology as the “isle of the sirens” it was a favoured resort of the Roman emperors. The town of Capri is the most glamorous on this voyage: you’ll find the biggest selection of designer shops, nightclubs and, of course, the famous Piazzetta: the centre of the island’s glitzy social whirl. Anacapri is less crowded and here you will also find Grotta Azzurra – the famous Blue Grotto lagoon – a tiny sea cave at the waters edge that’s illuminated by shards of sunlight entering through cracks below the surface of the water – a magical experience.

The final stage of the loop takes you back up to Procida, the oldest and smallest island in the bay of Naples. Here you can do a final bit of sightseeing: visit Terra Murata – the historical centre of Procida – or Castello d’Avalos, a 16th-century fortress where you can look out over the vibrant Marina Corricella. Film buffs can try to spot locations used in movies such as Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley. As your journey comes to an end what better way to celebrate than in one of the fine local restaurants, such as Ristorante Vivara or Caracale.

Don't forget to pack!

Below, clockwise from top left: Sardine hanky box – www.annabeljames.co.uk Fedora Panama - navy & fuchsia stripe – www.febronie.com Muvi Atom Micro camera bundle – www.red5.co.uk Large Nautical beach bag – www.thenauticalcompany.com Hammam beach towel – www.villeetcampagne.co.uk Lightweight butterfly print scarf – www.lilyandlime.co.uk

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Via Indren, 4 - Zona Ind. Roccapietra - 13019 Varallo (VC) ITALY - Tel +39 0163 560000 - Fax +39 0163 560100 - www.ritmonio.it - info@ritmonio.it

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Crowthorne

New Wokingham Road £875,000

from Prospect

“A substantial detached character property situated on a plot in excess of ¹⁄³ rd of an acre.”

prospectphd.co.uk 44

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

Maidenhead

Islet Park Drive £4795 pcm

from Prospect

“A beautifully presented seven bedroom detached property located in a quiet no through road close to the River Thames.”

prospectphd.co.uk

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact on 0118 979 9005 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk 45

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MOTORING

A modern classic reborn I N T R O D U C I N G T H E A L L N E W P O R S C H E 9 1 1 TA R G A 4 A N D TA R G A 4 S .

For 2014, Porsche has unveiled two new models in the 911 range: the Targa 4 and Targa 4S. These models are the first to combine the classic Targa concept with cutting edge, innovative roof technology.

In homage to the original 911 Targa of 1965, the new models feature the distinctive roof bar, a movable front roof section, a wraparound rear window and exude a retro feel.

The Targa uses a combination of fabric-covered magnesium roof panels with a glass rear window, and at the touch of a button the roof performs a mechanical ballet to fold into a ‘Z’ shape that stows behind the rear seats. This

takes just 19 seconds to complete – the result of three years' innovation and engineering.

A seven-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard and the 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-litre, 350hp (257kW) flat-six engine. Equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch transmission and Sport Chrono package, it can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 175mph. Fuel consumption on the NEDC is between 29.7mpg and 32.5mpg combined.

The top model is the 911 Targa 4S, which delivers 400hp (294 kW) from a displacement of 3.8 litres. This model

reaches a top speed of 184mph and, with the PDK and Sport Chrono package options specified, is able to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. Fuel consumption on the NEDC is between 28.2mpg and 30.7mpg, Both versions are exclusively 4WD, featuring the wider rear track and body, and the Porsche Traction Management.

The wide rear combination coupled with the Targa bar and the wraparound rear window results in an extremely sporty and low-slung profile.

Available to order today, the Targa 4 is priced from £86,281 and the Targa 4S from £93,316, with the first cars in the UK arriving in May.

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WORKING TOGETHER IS WHAT SETS US APART

from Prospect

[ A modern day classic, over 300 years in the making ]

Peaceful

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Inspiring

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Private

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