The Kent Commuter October 2017 issue

AN ESSENTIAL MONTHLY PROPERTY GUIDE FOR ANYONE MOVING OUT OF LONDON – FROM TIMES LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

P EEK U FRPIC

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OC T OBER Ed i t i on

Enjoy the golden years in style and comfort If you relish the idea of being closer to your family or grandchildren why not consider investing in a specialist retirement property?

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an Byers, Regional Management Director South East at Churchill Retirement Living (pictured below) explains the enefits of uying a retirement home.

“Twenty years ago the range of housing choices available to older people was limited, but that has all changed. etirees of today expect far more choice and greater quality, and hurchill etirement Living specialises in meeting these expectations, providing purpose built apartments designed with our customers in mind.

The new retirement communities we create are tailor made for those looking to live an independent, comforta le and fulfilling lifestyle in their retirement. Our owners get the most up to See page 2 for more on specialist retirement living >>

‘THERE IS A STRONG DEMAND FOR MORE SPECIALIST RETIREMENT HOUSING’

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HOT PROPERTY NEWS

oney t al ks British households are enduring the longest fall in their disposable incomes for six years as they grapple with rampant in ati n and a k ustre wage gr wth igures r m the fi e r ati na ta tistics showed real household disposable income per head dropped in the se nd uar ter of this year, underscoring the pressure n nsumers

D o you r r es ear c h state gent e has und that nsumers risk getting a ad dea when h sing an estate agent because they’re not paying attenti n t a ts and figures he resear h found that although sellers claiming fees and performance were the most important factors when choosing an agent, very few a tua t k the time to access this information r er

F am i l y t i es Two thirds of young people expecting support from the ank mum and dad’ to get on the property ladder feel guilty about relying on their family, a report has und me t ear ds ex e ting finan ia he r m ami mem ers t u their first h me ee this sense gui t a rding t the findings r m rkshire ui ding iet

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date design and build, the latest safety and security features, and a dedicated Lodge Manager who can help them settle in, take care of their needs, organise sociable activities and help them really get the most out of their new home.

‘WITHOUT MORE SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT IT WILL TAKE A LOT LONGER TO DELIVER THE HOMES OUR OLDER POPULATION NEEDS’ Research shows that private retirement housing accounts for just 0.6% of the UK’s housing stock. If current trends continue, it’s predicted that there will be a shortage of 160,000 retirement housing units by 2030.

And by 2050 that could grow to 376,000. So there is a strong demand for more specialist retirement housing and more choices for

October 2017

those who want to downsize.

We’ve been calling for some time for more Government incentives to help older people downsi e, such as a one-off exemption from Stamp Duty. The Government needs to recognise the huge social enefits of helping older people to live an independent, healthy lifestyle for longer, and how much it can save the NHS and social care services. Without more support from Government it will take a lot longer to deliver the homes our older population need.”

Churchill Retirement Living has specialised in the provision of purpose built apartments designed for older people, since 1998. It was voted ‘Housebuilder of the Year’ at the 2016 WhatHouse? Awards, and ‘Most Outstanding Retirement Operator’ for the 8th consecutive year in 2016 by the UK Over 50s Housing Awards. The company has also received the maximum five-star rating in the independent Customer Satisfaction Survey 2017.

FAMILY TIME Downsize your home and worries

Unlocking the secret to easy living at Keyes Lodge FRIENDS REUNITED Enjoy coffee in the café

DINE IN STYLE Residents enjoy a good social life

Churchill Retirement Living has we med its first wners at Keyes Lodge, in Dartford, where a thriving community is starting to take shape.

The age exclusive development, on King Edward Avenue, which comprises 68 brand new one and two bedroom apartments, has seen the first wa e owners move into their new homes, including 83-year old June Cock.

June moved into Keyes Lodge earlier this summer from her home nearby. She said: “The Lodge is close to everything that I need and has een finished t an ex e ent ua it s e ifi ation so I didn’t hesitate when I reserved my apartment. I can’t fault anything – it’s just like permanently staying in a fi e star h te June Pope is another owner enjoying the fantastic lifestyle on offer at the development. She said: “It’s a lovely Lodge with a very friendly atmosphere. The sales process was made very straightforward and the

sales team were great. Since moving in, I’ve settled into my new home well and all of my neighbours are very kind.

Having Mark, the resident Lodge Manager, on site is also great – if you need any assistance with anything, he is a wa s there The apartments at Keyes Lodge boast spacious rooms throughout, which have been considerately designed with the over 60s in mind he u fitted st ish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. the r erties enefit from easy-turn lever taps in both the kitchen and bathroom and illuminated light switches for added convenience. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted amera entr s stem for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system.

A Lodge Manager oversees the day-to-day running of the development and Owners can take advantage of

the h st ther enefits n offer, including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events in the Owners’ Lounge.

The development is set in landscaped grounds in a central location, just a short distance from public transport links, shops and all the local amenities on offer in Dartford.

As well as quick links into central London, the town a s enefits r m designated areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as Dartford Heath. Scenic locations include the 26-acre Central ark r iding g ri us ral displays and walks along the Darent riverside and the smaller Hesketh Park, with sport facilities.

For further information on the apartments available at Keyes Lodge, visit the new show complex, open daily from 10am to 5pm, call 01322 771660 or visit www. churchillretirement.co.uk.

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The View From The Estate Agent Every month the Kent Commuter asks a sales specialist their advice about moving to Kent. In this issue we speak to Jill Hatch, pictured right, of Leaders in Sevenoaks…

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h en i t c om es t o bu yi ng a p r op er t y i n K ent w h at d o you t h i nk t h os e l i v i ng i n L ond on ar e l ooki ng f or ?

People buying a property in Kent are generally attracted by the abundance of open spaces and beautiful countryside, the choice of good schools and the lower cost of living than ondon can offer ut still e within easy reach of the capital. o o ose o i o e c ap i t al t end t o keep h ol d of t h ei r p r op er t y i n L ond on or c om p l et el y sell o e i o e e ost people from ondon sell first to uy in Kent, sometimes renting whilst investigating the area and deciding where to live permanently. Property prices are fairly high here, so most people find they have to sell their ondon property first.

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h at w ou l d you l i s t as t h e t h r ee ai n r eas ons f or bu yi ng a p r op er t y i n K ent ?

1) Accessibility: As well as the proximity to good motorway links and the Channel tunnel, you can get into London quicker from West Kent than you can journey from North London to East London 2) Quality of life: West Kent has it all beautiful countryside, good employment levels and great leisure facilities 3) Schools: an excellent choice of good state and private schools

now they have children they are looking for a more family orientated lifestyle.

of mortgage deals available, including very low fixed-rate mortgages.

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o o i is i l o i l i es w h o ar e m ov i ng ou t of t h e c ap i t al or i s i t a br oad er m i x of p eop l e?

The people we see coming from London are mostly young couples who enjoyed the buzz of London before they had a family, but

I s t h e c u r r ent h ou s i ng m ar ket i n a g ood p os i t i on w h en i t c om es t o g ood d eal s on m or t g ag es and i nt er es t r at es ?

Yes, interest rates remain at an all-time low, despite a potential small increase being mooted, and there is an abundance

To find out more visit www.leaders.co.uk

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h i c h ar eas d o you d eem t o be t h e c u r r ent h ot s p ot s f or bu yi ng a p r op er t y i n K ent ?

All areas which have easy commuter links to London are hotspots. Sevenoaks and West Malling are particular favourites, but all the towns and villages along the high speed rail link might be considered hotspots and we expect them to increase in popularity.

h at el s e at t r ac t s bu yer s h er e? ent offers great opportunities for uyto-let investors as the rental market here is exceptionally buoyant. There is high demand for all types of properties to rent and yields are good, particularly compared with the low interest available on savings and the volatility of the stock market. Recent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) shows that demand for rental accommodation is set to increase, with the proportion of UK homes in the private rented sector expected to rise from 21 per cent in 2016 to 28 per cent in 2027.

INDUSTRY BODY SAYS IT’S NOW BOOM TIME FOR NEW BUILD BUSINESSES The number of housing planning permissions being granted across England has reached its highest level in over a decade, according t industr figures The Home Builders Federation (HBF) said that, driven by strong demand on the back of the Help to Buy scheme, permission for 321,982 new homes was granted in the ear t une This was the highest total for a 12-month period since 2006, when the HBF and construction

analysts Glenigan started the h using i e ine re rts he said the findings dem nstrate ui ders nfiden e as first time u ers ntinue t use Help to Buy to get on the h using adder It said the future of the scheme needs t e arified with investment decisions on land, training and supply chains increasingly needing to factor in whether the scheme will still be su rting sa es

The HBF said there are also concerns that while the number of houses granted permission is rising, the number of sites they are on continues to fall - indicating that bigger sites are increasingly eing a ated he said the industry needs to see a mix of site sizes, which would also help sma er ui ders Allan Wilen, economics director at Glenigan, said: “The residential development pipeline continues t strengthen

“The number of new homes securing planning approval during the first ha was u n a ear ag Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the HBF, said: “These record planning permission figures are a ear indi ati n that house builders are committed to in reasing h using ut ut e e seen gr wth in output over the last three years and these figures indi ate that r gress an ntinue he findings were released as a separate report, from NAEA (National Association of Estate

Agents) Propertymark, found that the number of house hunters registered at estate agents across the UK fell to a 12-month low in August, at 343 per branch on a erage Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark, said house hunters tend to put their plans on hold over the summer months whi e the ri ritise h ida s Mr Hayward said: “We shouldn’t take August’s decline as a sign of things to come - we’ll see the market bounce back in September and ramp up towards the end of the year as house buyers desperately try to complete transa ti ns e re hristmas

E d i t or Eileen Leahy eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A r t D i r ec t or Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com Pr od u c t i on Daniella Gavin

dgavin@markerstudy.com

m er c i al D i r ec t or Nick Moore nmoore@markerstudy.com Com

Cont ac t s al es : 0 1 8 9 2 7 7 4 7 8 1

jrose@markerstudy.com jreville@markerstudy.com

ONE MEDIA AND CREATIVE UK LTD 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU 01892 779 650 • www.one-media.co

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October 2017

Money and Mortgage Matters Securing the best interest deals and mortgage terms can be very daunting but The Kent Commuter is here to take the stress out of selling – and buying – a property. Ch r i s t i ne Toner from industry experts HomeOwners lliance offers an overview of what’s happening in the world of uying trends and money matters this month

number of additional requirements for the sale of these loans.” The consultation period for this proposal will last for two months.

Watch this space.

Th e l ong and t h e s h or t of i t While the mortgage industry may be looking towards lifelong loans it seems borrowers are certainly up for taking out mortgages for longer. According to a report in the aily irror, one in four first time uyers are taking out a mortgage that will last 35 years or more.

The newspaper says 28.1% of mortgages taken out y first-time uyers in were for a term of years or longer. In the first quarter of that figure has risen further to , up from ust . in , according to figures released following a Freedom of Information to the FCA. S av e a l i t t l e h ar d er f or bi g r ew ar d s For most people looking to buy a house raising the deposit is the biggest hurdle to get over. o there’ll e plenty of would e uyers who’ll re oice at the news that the num er T loans on offer is approaching an all-time high. Financial data firm oneyfacts says the num er of mortgage products on offer increased y in eptem er to , with mortgages availa le at T , up from last month.

‘RETIREMENT INTEREST-ONLY MORTGAGES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT RISKS ’

L i f et i m e l oans A mortgage is for life, not just for Christmas may not have the same ring to it as the famous pet campaign but lifelong loans may well be becoming a reality. In its quarterly consultation paper the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposes bringing back retirement interest only mortgages which

would essentially mean borrowers could have a mortgage for life and just pay the interest, with the capital repaid when they die or move into care. The move, says the regulator, will offer a solution to those orrowers stuck with interest-only mortgages approaching the end of their term who don’t want to take on an expensive equity release

plan (known as a lifetime mortgage).

“Retirement interest-only mortgages have significantly different risks compared to lifetime mortgages,” says the consultation paper. “In particular, they do not feature the roll-up of interest, meaning that consumers are not at risk of rapid equity erosion and the subsequent reduction of funds available for a bequest.

Consumers are also more likely to be familiar with the product features of a mortgage involving interest payments.

However, we do consider that there are some risks associated with lending with no fixed term and we are proposing to add a small

The current record for high T loans is ust products higher at which was achieved in pril .

We’re unlikely to see the same num er of 95% mortgages that we saw before the financial crisis however as this month saw a slight downturn in the T tier, with the number of mortgages available falling y six on a monthly asis to .

Rachel Springall of Moneyfacts says: “The rates on offer for those with a deposit versus those with just a 5% deposit couldn’t e more different. y raising an extra , orrowers will find it opens the door to more choice of cost-effective deals. As the number of deals in this market hit a post-crisis high, it’s clear to see how lenders are competing in this area, which was previously seen as a much more risky.”

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Escape to a castle, the countryside or coast if you want a great day out in Kent Our county is full of distinctive, contrasting attractions that are just waiting to be explored…

Image courtesy of VisitBritain Pete Seaward

HEVER CASTLE

HEVER CASTLE

Be inspired to come and visit this thirteenth century romantic castle - once the childhood home of nne oleyn. et in magnificent gardens from the majestic formal Italian Garden and topiary, to the informal meanderings of the lakeside and Sunday Walk. The Water Maze on Sixteen Acre Island and the Yew Maze challenges both adults and children alike!

TURNER CONTEMPORARY

This is the South East’s major art gallery, presenting contemporary and historical art in a stunning seaside setting. Inspired by Britain’s best-loved painter JMW Turner, the gallery offers a space for everyone to discover different ways of seeing, thinking and learning. Situated on Margate seafront, on the same site where Turner stayed when visiting the town, Turner Contemporary presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities which make intriguing links between art from 1750 to the present day.

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral’s history began in 597AD when Augustine, a monk sent by Pope Gregory the Great, arrived as a missionary and established his seat (or ‘cathedra’) in Canterbury. Here you can witness the stunning centuries old architecture and stand on the exact spot where, in 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered, making the site one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage centres, as told most famously in eoffrey haucer’s anter ury Tales. As part of your visit why not take in the tranquil ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church as they form one of Britain’s few World Heritage Sites.

LEEDS CASTLE

Rising majestically from the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is without doubt one of the most beautiful venues in Kent. Coined ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’, it is the perfect place for a great TURNER CONTEMPORARY

From romantic castles and historic houses full of treasures, to secret gardens and preserved wartime hideways, our county boasts some of the most famous sites in the world, each with a different story to tell. With half-term happening this month it’s the perfect time to explore Kent – not only for its huge array of interesting historic and cultural places of interest ut to discover all the enefits you can en oy y living in a county with so much going on. The Kent Commuter asked tourism experts Visit Kent to share their top iconic attractions, so you can start planning your next big day out or a potential move. There are so many destinations to discover so to get you started here are the top picks they suggest so you can start your adventure…

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Howletts is a breeding sanctuary for some of the most rare and endangered species in the world. With over 450 animals and over 50 individual species, plus plenty of new births and arrivals, including adorable baby lack rhino, asungu - the first lack rhino to be born at the park.

DOVER CASTLE

DOVER CASTLE

CHATHAM HISTORIC DOCKYARD

Images courtesy of Visit Kent

day out with the family or a romantic date.

Each year brings a new daily programme of activities and events. Whether you’re passionate about porcelain, eager to discover the parkland wildlife or just looking for old fashioned fun, you’ll find it here. very ticket to Leeds Castle is valid for one year, so you can visit the castle and grounds as many times as you like.

CHATHAM HISTORIC DOCKYARD

Command of the Oceans is a permanent gallery, opened in 2016, that reveals the full dockyard story for the first time - in a way never told or seen before courtesy of state of the art audio visuals and interactives.

You also have the chance to step aboard the Three Historic Warships and discover over 100 years of life at sea. Don’t miss the Victorian Naval Sloop HMS Gannet, Second World War Destroyer HMS Cavalier, and Cold War Submarine Ocelot. All tickets are valid for a year, giving visitors 12 months to enjoy the fantastic array of attractions found at this amazing 80 acre estate.

THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER

There can e no dou t that the White liffs of Dover are one of this country’s most spectacular natural features. They are an official icon of ritain and have een a sign of hope and freedom for centuries.

You can appreciate their beauty and enjoy their special appeal through the seasons by taking one of the dramatic cliff-top walks offering unrivalled views of the usy nglish Channel and the French coast. While you’re here, learn more about the fascinating military and penal history of the White

liffs and savour the rare ora and fauna that can only be found across this chalk grassland.

over astle has een in our nation’s first line of defence for centuries, guarding our shores from invasion for 20 centuries. Step into the dazzling medieval royal palace in the Great Tower, where you can immerse yourself into the King’s court life; meet the first of many of the lifelike pro ected figures guiding you round the sumptuously furnished chambers, and meet the costumed characters welcoming you to life at Dover Castle during the reign of King Henry II. Or head underground and explore the darkly atmospheric Secret Wartime Tunnels where vivid recreations tell the story of the Dunkirk evacuation, complete with dramatic pro ections of swooping pitfires and real film footage.

HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK

Set in 100 acres of historic parkland, Howletts Wild Animal Park is Kent’s most successful and multi award winning animal park. There are wooded walkways and pathways to explore and fun, fact filled animal talks taking place at various times throughout the year, so there’s plenty for visitors of all ages to discover and enjoy.

HOWLETTS ZOO

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Research and you’ll reap the rewards

When it comes to buying a house there is so much more than considering school catchment areas and good rail links. Knowing if there are any environmental hazards nearby is just as crucial says Ch r i s L oar i ng , Head of Consultancy at Landmark Information With its diverse economy, rich heritage, numerous nature reserves, beautiful coastlines and strong commuter links, Kent is a desirable county for those looking to relocate out of London but when moving to a new location, before completing on any house purchase, it pays to do your homework into the area that you’re considering.

You may have narrowed down your search criteria by town, researched into commuter links, school catchments and local amenities; however it is important to also learn about the local environment and, in particular, any potential risks that may be present that have the potential to impact your future enjoyment or even the value of the property.

Whilst environmental hazards may not be visually apparent when visiting a new area, today we have access to more data than ever efore regarding risks such as ooding, ground stability, land contamination and more.

You only have to look through recent headlines and see that homes in Tunbridge Wells were recently hit y summer ooding after heavy down pours, while sinkholes have created problems in Broadstairs, Swanley and even on a stretch of the M2 between Faversham and Sittingbourne.

Working with your conveyancing solicitor is a great starting point as they have access

to a wide range of detailed insight reports, which provide intelligence related to a given address. But what type of environmental risks should be researched as part of your conveyancing due diligence? We recommend the following:

‘TODAY WE HAVE ACCESS TO MORE DATA THAN EVER BEFORE REGARDING RISKS SUCH AS FLOODING, GROUND STABILITY, LAND CONTAMINATION’ L and Cont am i nat i on There is a wealth of data regarding historic land use, planning history, pollution incidents, details of closed landfill sites, and site-specific reports outlining investigations and remedial actions, all of which provide a clear picture concerning any risks that may have been (or may still be) present.

Data assessed by Landmark, of Kent ocal uthorities, identified that . of residential properties in the Dartford Borough Council area are considered to be at some form of land contamination risk. This is followed y . in wale orough ouncil and . in Ton ridge

and Malling Borough Council.

Conveyancing reports such as RiskView Residential research hazards of this nature and provide professional guidance on ‘next steps’ should any risks e identified.

F l ood R i s k With extreme weather conditions seemingly becoming ever more prevalent, the ability to accurately assess associated ood risk is increasingly important. After all, just because a property is not located close to a river or the sea doesn’t necessarily mean it is not at risk – there are other types of ooding, such as surface water or groundwater that could instead affect the home. ver of residential properties in the Canterbury City Council local authority are considered to e located within a ood risk one or relating to river or sea ooding only , compared to in ravesham orough ouncil and ust . in Tun ridge Wells Borough Council. omecheck lood offers a complete analysis of ood risk, with lood olutions onsult offering even more detailed assessment, should further analysis be required.

G r ou nd S t abi l i t y, S i nkh ol es and M i ni ng Some areas of land may be prone to

ground instability and subsidence as a result of the natural underlying geology.

Infilled land can also e suscepti le to settling so houses built in these areas could experience stability problems or subsidence, resulting in damage.

In addition, while ground collapse in the UK is rare, sinkholes can and do occur, while past mining activities have the potential to present a ground stability risk.

It is highly recommended to access a Homecheck Mining and Subsidence report for the Kent region. Nine out of ten residential properties located in Swale Borough Council, Thanet District Council and Canterbury City Council local authorities areas are considered to be located within m of potential ground sta ility risks.

Other areas including Dartford Borough ouncil, hepway istrict ouncil, ravesham Borough Council and Medway Council follow with at least in the same risk bracket.

There are a lot of free tools and calculators out there that can help you with your own research, however I would urge you to speak with your conveyancer in the first instance, as together you can agree what information should be gathered up front, in order to provide the insight or reassurance you are looking for.

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Kent’s Top Hot Spots

The arden of ngland as ent is affectionately known is rimming with eautiful villages, cool coastlines and smart, socia le towns. ere are a few places which are proving popular right now 5.57am; last train home: 00.22 Annual season ticket: £4,208.

L oc at i on: Mereworth enjoys a convenient setting. Just seven miles from Maidstone and approximately 15 and 20 minutes from Ton ridge and Tun ridge Wells respectively it’s well connected to the area’s main towns ut has that appealing country charm courtesy of its rural feel, especially evident towards the ack part of the village which is far quieter.

Mereworth’s close proximity to near y Seven Mile Lane means that links to the some of the county’s main motorways are not far.

Com m u t e: Bromley South, 18 minutes (peak). Frequency of trains: 8 per hour (peak). First train: 5.50am; last train home: 00.37 Annual season ticket: £1,712. Commuters could also use the near y stations at rpington and helsfield if they wanted to travel into Charing Cross.

L oc at i on: Downe is located just 3 miles south west of rpington and approximately 15 miles from Central London. Surrounded in gorgeous countryside visiting Downe is like stepping ack in time as the actual village itself

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Mereworth M

er ew or t h : This charming small village near Maidstone possesses all the hallmarks of a pleasant country dwelling thanks to its attractive offering of oth cute cottages and larger impressive houses, as well as a well-regarded primary school and the historic Medieval church St Lawrence’s.

Com m u t e: West Malling to London Victoria, 51 minutes (peak). Frequency of trains: 3 per hour (peak). First train:

h y p i c k M er w or t h : It is a very pretty spot with plenty of green space surrounding it yet is within very easy access of London and the coast thanks to its good road, us and rail links.

Mereworth (pronounced Merryworth) has a charming church, St Lawrence’s (pictured), which is uilt in the alladian style. There are also a num er of good pu s and eateries near y including The oody are and wan on the Green. There are a many other pretty villages located close y to explore including West eckham, Watering ury and alding and plenty of good walks around the near y scenic spots which include fruit and hop farms.

D ow ne: If you want to e within easy reach of ondon ut still en oy all the tranquil trappings of a countryside existence then the eautiful historic village of Downe is the place for you. With a centre that oasts two pu s and an Indian restaurant as well as wealth of gorgeous cottages and smart residences owne is definitely ‘up’ there when it comes to achieving the perfect lend of country living.

Downe

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remains relatively unchanged. The two pu s, The ueen’s ead and The George and Dragon are still successfully trading ut owne’s original post office and garage are now private houses. There are however plenty of local amenities near y at arn orough and Green St Green. The word Downe originates from the Anglosaxon word doon, latterly down, hence the South and North Downs. h y p i c k D ow ne: If you don’t want a long and expensive commute into ondon ut still want to feel like you can escape to the country every night after work then this is the place for you. nce you have meandered through the pleasant lanes that wind themselves up from near y romley and rpington the heart of owne reveals itself to e an a solute delight. lustered with period and int uildings owne has a lively social scene. Then of course you have its most famous resident and 19th Century naturalist Charles Darwin’s home to discover – Down ouse pictured) – which is now run y nglish eritage.

There are plenty of walks and horseriding excursions to enjoy too and also two large scouting camps located here also.

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Images visit Kent

October 2017

Dungeness

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Com m u t e: Rye via Ashford into London St Pancras 1 hour 6 minutes. Frequency of trains: 2-3 per hour (peak).

First train: 5.45am; last train home: 21.37. Annual season ticket: £4,668.

L oc at i on: Overlooking the Channel, Dungeness is often referred to as ‘England’s desert’ due to its solitary, barren landscape. It is located equidistant between the seaside towns of Hastings and Folkestone and inland is not too far from the pretty towns of Rye, Battle and Tenterden. Dungeness encompasses a world renowned nature reserve with a third of Britain’s plant species found in this one area.

D u ng enes s : Perched on one of the Kentish coastline’s few headlands, Dungeness also boasts one of the largest expanses of shingle beach in Europe. It is a place of contrasts - famed most noticeably for its diverse landmarks which include a nuclear power station, rustic fisherman’s huts, lighthouses and an amazing wildlife reserve.

h y p i c k D u ng enes s : Dungeness attracts plenty of creative types including artists, film makers and nature lovers thanks to its dramatic and diverse landscape. The Guardian nicknamed it a ‘sort of Hamptons for Hipsters’ thanks to the num er of old fishing huts that have been regenerated into stylish contemporary boltholes. Most of Dungeness’ most interesting properties for sale are those situated nearer the shingle headland. The late filmmaker erek Jarman famously designed and tended the highly acclaimed garden at Prospect Cottage and The Pilot Inn comes highly recommended for its fish and chips. ear y ydd and ew omney are alternative options to put down roots.

S i s s i ng h u r s t : Originally named Milkhouse Street, Sissinghurst is a small and very picturesque village which could easily double up as a location for a period drama. Having changed its name in the late 1850s it comes under the civil parish of Cranbrook and if you are after an aesthetically pleasing place to live with a good selection of amenities, gastro pub and places of interest nearby then you just found it!

Com m u t e: Staplehurst to London terminals, 1 hour 2 minutes. Frequency of trains: 2 per hour. First train: 5.20am; last train home: 23.40 Annual season ticket: £4,816.

L oc at i on: Sissinghurst enjoys a wonderful rural location and can be found between the other picture postcard villages of Cranbrook to the south, Goudhurst to the west, Tenterden to the east and Staplehurst to the north. It is conveniently located near the A229 and A21 roads which provide easy access to the coast and capital.

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h y p i c k S i s s i ng h u r s t : Kent is blessed with plenty of chocolate box style villages but Sissinghurst has to e one of its finest. With an array of period character cottages, a selection of tasteful new builds on the outskirts and plenty of grander dwellings, it offers a

good selection of properties to choose from but it has so much more. Great pubs which include the excellent Milkhouse, specialist produce shops and of course the renowned Sissinghurst Castle - the former home of Vita Sackville West and now part of the ational Trust (below) - are just some of the additional attractions to enjoy. The village is a short drive to nearby Tunbridge Wells which offers lots of good shopping, restaurants and culture courtesy of its theatres and music venues, as well as an array of excellent state, grammar and independent schools.

Sissinghurst

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The price of making a new house a home Following the news that Britons spend an average of just over £15,000 transforming a new house into a home The Kent Commuter spoke to interior designer Ellie Roseff of Alexander James Interior Design about how you can transform a new build into a cosy home with character

Move and improve

“WHEN looking at designing a property, it is important to get the balance right so that you create a homely, lived in environment that you can imagine yourself living in.

When buying a new build, you can pick up tips from referring to the show home and looking at the use of space, colour palettes and creative tricks. This in turn can mean you are not just buying a blank canvas, you already have ideas of how the spaces work and what will work well.

For example, the use of creative art walls often receives good feedback as this is a point of interest, and it is easy to recreate. You can be as creative as you

like, using different media, contrasting finishes and a mixture of frames. This can quickly create an eclectic look that conveys personality.

When looking around a show home, it can give you a fresh perspective on space. What once may have looked like a large room that you are lost on ideas on how to furnish, you can see suddenly how you can create independent spaces that ow seamlessly from one another.

Likewise, once empty houses or apartments are furnished with appropriate furniture and styled with a mixture of textures and tones, they can suddenly feel larger with more purposeful space.

The enefit of purchasing a property

that has had previous input by a designer is that you can move into a space that immediately has style and an identity. This is perfect for those who don’t have the vision to make the most out of their property, and those who do not have the time to spend thinking about the interiors of their home. Even making use of design features such as feature walls that have been installed can immediately give depth and character to a room.”

E l l i ei s Pad d oc Cr ou c h i nf or m

c u r r ent l y d es i g ni ng k by B r ookw or t h H , K ent ( p i c t u r ed ) . F at i on s ee w w w . aj i . c

Th om or o. u

e es i n m or e k

Home owners typically spend £15,419 putting their wn stam n a r ert a ter the first move into it, a recent survey from property expert Sarah Beeny’s estate agent Tepilo.com has found. he i ing r m is m st ike t e ta k ed first after moving in, followed by the kitchen and main bedroom, according to the research.

On average, it takes people three-and-a-half months to unpack all of their belongings after moving in.

It typically takes four months for a new house to feel like a home, the research among more than 2,000 people found. he first fi e s e e are m st ike t immediately tackle after moving in are sorting out the broadband, TV and phone, cleaning, putting the bed up, calling utility suppliers and putting up blinds and curtains.

Beeny said: “Good decor, new kitchens and bathrooms and well-designed layouts and extensions all add to the value of a property, so ta k ing these s rits are reating h mes they love whilst adding value too.” he said sa et re ated s su h as he king locks and sorting smoke alarms, should be a ri rit when e e first m e in hen it mes t arger s a e h me im r ement r e ts de rating getting new ar ets and ring and transforming the garden are key priorities for home buyers. The survey also revealed: n A quarter (25%) of people change the locks straight away after moving in. n More than a quarter (28%) of those surveyed put in a new bathroom, while 25% rip out the existing kitchen and 20% invest in new windows. n ear ne in fi e a s did s mething to change the layout of their home, while one in eight (12%) extended to create extra space.

October 2017

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October 2017

“Successful students need to apply a creative approach to learning” Using our imagination is key to unlocking a generation of future innovators says Toby Payne-Cook, Head of Science, at Marlborough House, an independent school in Hawkhurst In 1988 the Rolling Stones celebrated their silver anniversary. When interviewed about his 25 years in the band, Charlie Watts said, “Well I’ve spent five years playing the drums and the other twenty hanging around!” I can identify with Mr Watts’ words when I consider my 17 years as an industrial scientist: about two years of science, two years of applying maths, two years applying English and the rest drinking coffee! The coffee drinking was the most important part as it was when I got share, quash and develop new ideas and learn from the experience of others. I learnt the importance of collaboration, curiosity and creativity in successful product development, and that when you dedicate more time to developing the imagination and creativity in the workplace, innovative ideas are born and problems can be solved.

Creativity underpins innovation in product, building or vehicle design; it underpins discovery in science, smart improvements to existing products, processes or organisations and it underpins invention – creating something new, something never made before. Ultimately, creativity underpins problem-solving – identifying the root causes of a problem and drawing upon numerous perspectives and ideas to develop a lasting solution. In just the last 30 years, computers have advanced

exponentially, with infinitely superior processing capacity to our own and although it can seem as though the Internet and social media have taken over our world, they have enabled us to share more ideas,

‘MORE CROSS-CURRICULAR LEARNING WILL HELP DEVELOP THEIR PROBLEMSOLVING SKILLS’ with more people, more often than ever before. Imagine what the next thirty years will bring. Industry, Science and Business need the most nimble thinkers to navigate the complex ethics and technologies in this fast changing world, and as paths to careers become less linear and the workplace demands increasingly broader skillsets, I believe only the most creative, adaptable and resilient will thrive.

In the classroom, children can be at their most curious and courageous, always asking questions and often sufficiently confident to try out new ideas with no or very little fear of failure. This is the perfect environment to unlock their creative potential and in doing so, help them to start developing life skills and abilities that will stand the test of time. Primary school age

Testing times ahead

Kent is one of the only counties in the UK to still include grammar schools. If you’d like your child to attend one then read on to find out what you’ll need to do…

Education is always high up on the list of priorities when families are considering a move and if you are thinking of upping sticks and relocating to Kent then you’ll be pleased to hear that it has a wealth of excellent schools to choose from.

Impressive independent and Oftsed outstanding non-selective options are widely available as are grammar schools due to the fact that Kent, along with just a handful of other counties in the UK including Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and North Yorkshire, still offers selective schooling.

In order for your child to attend a grammar they will have to sit the Kent Test, also known as the 11 plus exam. This is to assess if a selective education is the correct one for them. There are 38 grammar schools in the county of Kent.

Kent County Council (KCC) organises the test which has been designed and written by experts in order to see how your child performs academically using different types of reasoning skills. It also tests their ability in English and maths.

‘THERE ARE 38 GRAMMAR SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTY OF KENT ’ Parents can apply for their child to sit the test when KCC open the admissions list, usually in June. It is open for one month and the exam is sat during the first week of the new academic year in September when pupils are starting Year 6.

The papers are marked and results pub-

ALL FIRED UP Imagination equals innovation

children are a long way from developing the specific skills and understanding of concepts they may need to succeed in the workplace but by nurturing a learning environment where creativity has time and space to grow, children won’t have to wait for a good day at the ‘office’ to understand the scope of what can be achieved through collaborative working, or the association between risk-taking and generating an original idea.

More art, more drama, more cross-curricular learning and encouraging children to

connect and fuse their creative and scientific (imaginative and logical) minds, will not only help develop their problem-solving skills across ALL subjects, but their resilience, confidence, decision-making and adaptability – essential characteristics we need to turn a world of change into a world of opportunity. When we give children more time to imagine, wonder, explore, experiment, play, build and question, I believe we can help to sow the seeds of our future innovators before they reach the age of 12.

lished one month later. According to the latest information published on the KCC website children need to get a total score of 320 or more, with no single score lower than 106 to be considered for a grammar

school place. The lowest possible score is 69 and the highest is 141 on each test. The highest possible total score is 423.

For more information see www.kent.gov.uk

October 2017 | Advertising Feature

successful take-off for new development Pentland Homes’ Hollow Lane new builds in Canterbury are off to a ying start with a fantastic opening weekend With more than 40 visitors to their show home and marketing suite over their opening weekend, Pentland Homes were delighted to take their first two reservations just a couple of weeks after launching.

Pentland Homes Sales Director Julia Price said “we are over the moon with the level of interest that our fantastic new development is achieving, and it really does demonstrate the demand for quality new homes in this hugely popular location.”

The Observatory is a development of contemporary three and four bedroom homes, mainly detached with stunning layouts, garages and additional parking making them very unique in this popular area of Canterbury. There

are nine different house-types to choose from, all with the hallmark Pentland Homes high-specification and attention to detail.

‘WE DO NOT STAND STILL WITH THE DESIGNS OF OUR HOMES’ In addition to all the popular Pentland touches such as open plan, light and spacious accommodation, they have added in stunning polished granite entrances and bespoke designed roof lights to some of their properties that allow you to watch the night skies go by from your bedroom. In fact, they tell us that this is where their marketing

name of The Observatory comes from, as well as their house type names such as Grove, Brecon and Snowden which are all named after the dark Night Skies of Britain.

Julia Price added: “We do not stand still with the designs of our homes and believe that customers interested in New Homes today are extremely discerning and looking for something extra special. We continually review all our homes and are proud to be able to launch this limited edition range, which is currently only be available at Hollow Lane,’ F or details of all P entland H omes current develop ments visit www.p entland homes.co.uk

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October 2017

John Bullock: Design

Making good choices…

From time to time, we receive letters from readers asking for advice with smaller, more specific questions that are too short for one column. This month, we are taking three of our readers’ varied questions and offering advice on each one

iving through a ma or uilding project is not for the faint-hearted. ne uilder recently descri ed a uilding pro ect as ‘open heart surgery on a house’. owever, there are plenty of homeowners who do, and with the right, considerate uilder and a degree of patience and, most importantly, lots of trust, it can e achieved successfully.

The first thing never to underestimate is the amount of dust a uilding pro ect produces, and with young children this is not to e overlooked.

It doesn’t matter how much tape a uilder puts around a door to seal it, or how careful he is, ultimately the dust will find its way

into all those places you would have never expected.

We would always recommend decluttering and packing up as many possessions as you can. This will make cleaning that thin layer of dust away at the end of each day as straightforward and quick as possi le.

The success of any uilding pro ect comes down to T T. Trust in your uilder is key, and therefore careful selection is crucial. uilding pro ect can e stressful. There will e a point where you will see your home, your pride and oy, eing ripped apart and the funds in your ank alance quickly dwindling. It is an emotional time, and having the right uilding team in place is so important to help you navigate through this process. very dear client once recommended that anyone undertaking a uilding pro ect should first watch the 1948 ary rant film ‘ r. landings uilds is ream ouse’.

We always recommend that a shortlist

ro ect anager will e your eyes and ears on the site and will assist with communication etween client and uilder.

There aren’t really any downsides to using this kind of service, ut it will come at a cost. our will likely want to set the works up on a T oint ontracts Tri unal small works contract, which ties the uilder and employer into an agreement with start and end dates, a fixed scope of works and the contract value.

The T is a standard industry form of contract which offers a ‘line in the sand’ for the works to e undertaken. ny deviation from the scope of works and costs will e recorded y your in order that you, the client, always has a running total and timeline for completion of the pro ect.

The T contract usually ties in a scope of works and a set of detailed drawings. It is also important to ensure that the works comply with the necessary uilding regulations, and an application needs to e su mitted to the uilding Inspector.

We would always recommend a ‘nut and olt’ specification itemising as much as possi le from uilding foundations to door

handles this way the price you receive is more likely to e fixed. owever, it is always important to uild in a contingency in case unforeseen works are found or, as is quite usual, the specifications change.

We asked our in-house ro ect anager and lighting designer, Fiona Lee, to explain her role and give her thoughts on the enefits “ y role as ro ect anager at ohn ullock esign requires me to wear many hats on a day-to-day asis, including a hard hat when on site!

“I tend to get involved with projects when planning permission has een granted and the uilding tender process is complete. I review all the tenders and liaise with the various uilders to ensure that we provide the client with a genuine like-for-like price comparison. We find that uilders’ quotes vary hugely, with some uilders providing a detailed reakdown of costs while others provide ust a figure with no reakdown. It takes time to analyse these, ut the tender review process ensures we have an accurate and realistic quote.

Foundation detail

and need to find someone who we can get along with.

What is the est way forward with the selection of a uilder for the project?

M r and M r s D ou g l as M er c er ur nswer

our uestion 1 : S E L E CTI N G TH E R I G H T B U I L D E R ear ent ommuter, We are planning to extend and refur ish our small terraced house in central Tun ridge Wells and would like to find a really good uilder. ur udget is quite small and we would, ideally, like to try and stay in the house while the work is eing undertaken so we don’t have to waste any of our udget on rented accommodation. hoosing the right uilder is going to e key as we are at home a lot with our new a y

our uestion 2 : PR O J E CT M A N A G E R – A W O R TH W H I L E A D D I TI O N A L CO S T? ear ent ommuter, We are undertaking a small uilding pro ect in anuary. It’s a m x m rear extension with some internal refur ishment works to create a larger family kitchen dining space.

We understand that the work falls under permitted development and we have already agreed costs with a local uilder who has previously worked for one of our parents.

We oth work full-time and have never undertaken a uilding pro ect efore, and are considering using the services of a ro ect anager to oversee the works.

What are the pros and cons of using the services of a ro ect anager, and would you recommend using one J am es and E l l i e S m i t h ur nswer sing the services of a ro ect anager can e an invalua le investment, especially if you are short on time. good

of uilders e drawn up. It is important to have first-hand recommendations either from professionals or from friends who have experience of the proposed contractors. nce a shortlist has een defined, then try and visit a pro ect that has een finished and, ideally, also one that is in progress.

The former will give you the opportunity of seeing the quality and level of finish, and the latter how organised and tidy the contractor is during the uild process. on’t ust visit the site, ut engage with the home owners, as they are likely to e open a out their experience of the uilding firm.

While udget is always key to a pro ect, we would never advocate settling for the contractor with the lowest price. Weigh up all the pros and cons of the particular uilding firm, and discuss with them how they would intend working around you, and how long the pro ect would take. It might e worth paying a few per cent higher for the works if you make a connection with a uilder and feel some form of affinity.

“We meet with clients to discuss the quotes and help them choose the right uilder for the o . We prepare a T contract, and then it’s all systems go on-site. I monitor the workmanship, evaluate the work completed, advise on and source products for clients and generally act as a ond etween the clients and uilders to develop trust. “ ro lem-solving, time management, udget control and managing expectations are all part of the role. s pro ects progress elements will change as clients add extras, and this can impact on the uild time. lus every pro ect has its issues. This is when the ecomes invalua le, as we ensure the lines of communication remain open and positive and any pro lems are resolved quickly.

“It is very rewarding to deliver a successful uild and to see a happy client en oying their wonderful new home. s iona says a ove, communication is one of the key components to a successful pro ect, and a will liaise etween the contractor and employer to ensure that any decisions required are made in a timely manner and do not delay the schedule. our will also ensure that all products

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October 2017 such as oor finishes, wall tiles and sanitary ware – to be supplied by the client are onsite in order that works are not delayed.

If you are undertaking a Permitted Development extension, one aspect to carefully consider is the Party Wall Act, and it is worth consulting a specialist surveyor to ensure an agreement isn’t necessary prior to commencement of works.

W

or ks t h at r eq u i r e a not i c e ar e: 1 . New walls (including extensions and garden walls) astride or at the boundary (Section 1); In many instances, owners undertaking extensions want to build astride or at the boundary to maximise the width Your Question 3 : H O W B I G CA N W E B U I L D O U R N E W S H E D ?

Dear Kent Commuter, We live in a detached house in Tunbridge Wells and have a large garden.

We currently have a small shed which isn’t large enough for all the equipment and storage of garden furniture in the winter, so we need more space.

Do we need planning permission for a new shed and are there any restrictions to the size it can be?

J oh n S c ot t Our Answer: Sheds are an important asset to any house, and ensuring that you have enough space for securing tools and overwintering garden furniture is essential. In new developments we always try to design garden storage within the principal building, but if you are installing a shed retrospectively it is likely that it would be deemed permitted development, so long as these rights have not been restricted.

Th e g ov er nm ent ’ s p l anni ng p or t al Rules governing outbuildings apply to sheds, greenhouses and garages as well as other ancillary garden buildings, such as

of the extension. If an adjoining owner agrees, the new wall can be built astride the boundary. This creates a new wall which the adjoining owner can use later (subject to serving notice). If the adjoining owner disagrees, then the new wall must be wholly on the building owner’s land. The actual position of the boundary can be a matter of some hot debate! These works require one month’s notice 2 . Works to existing party walls or structures walls oors separating ad oining dwellings) (Section 2); This gives the building owner proposing the work the right to undertake various works which may affect the party wall or other structure separating

dwellings. The most common examples include raising the party wall (say to create a dormer, undertake a roof conversion) or, rather oddly, to undertake a basement conversion; to demolish/rebuild a party wall; cut away chimney breasts; and/or insert beams into a party wall. These works require two months’ notice 3 . Excavation near to an adjacent building/ structure (Section 6). It surprises many building owners that they must serve a notice on their neighbour even though the hole they plan to dig will be entirely on their own land! The reason is that excavating close to any structure carries a risk that the foundations to the neighbouring prop-

erty/structure may be disturbed. These works require one month’s notice Reference Mark Michel, MSc, MRICS, MMA Chartered Surveyors

swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, enclosures (including tennis courts) and many other kinds of structure for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house.

Other rules relate to the installation of a satellite dish, the erection of a new dwelling or the erection or provision of fuel storage tanks.

Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

ers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres  On designated land**, buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission  Within the curtilage of listed buildings, any outbuilding will require planning permission * T he term ‘ original house’ means the house as it was first built or as it stood on July 1, 1948 (if it was built before that date).

Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so **Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites Pl eas e not e: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:

 Flats and maisonettes view our guidance on ats and maisonettes)  Converted houses or houses created through the permitted development rights to change use (as detailed in our change of use section)  Other buildings  Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights

 No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation n Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof or 3 metres for any other roof n Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within 2 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwelling house  No verandas, balconies or raised platforms  No more than half the area of land around the ‘original house’* would be covered by additions or other buildings  In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites, the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, contain-

Your Project manager should be able to arrange any specialists for party wall and also drainage advice.

Prior to commencement of any building works, especially in the town, we would suggest that a drainage survey be undertaken. Since Southern Water took responsibility for drainage, there are some quite complex arrangements for building over any shared or mains sewers, and this will need to e confirmed prior to uilding works.

F or f u r t h er d et ai l s on p er m i t t ed d ev el op m ent , i nt er ac t i v e g u i d es and p l anni ng ad v i c e, v i s i t t h e Pl anni ng Por t al w ebs i t e: w w w . p l anni ng p or t al . c o. u k F or d es D es w w

ad v i c e on ar c h i t ec t u r al i g n, p l eas e c ont ac t J oh n B u l l oc k i g n on 0 1 8 9 2 5 2 5 7 3 2 or v i s i t w . j oh nbu l l oc kd es i g n. c om a

ACCEPTABILITY An outbuiding projecting a house elevation that is not acceptable. Left: An outbuilding of maximum height that is acceptable

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PROPERTY

FOCUS

East Farleigh & Ashdown Forest

CHARACTER PROPERTY FORMERLY HOME TO A FARMING FAMILY Victorian country house with well-proportioned accommodation and established gardens with coach house

October 2017

FRITH HALL, DEAN STREET, EAST FARLEIGH, KENT

GUIDE PRICE £1,795,000

AT A GLANCE Frith Hall n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Study n Conservatory n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Cellar with two store rooms n Wine store and coal store n Master bedroom with en suite n Five further bedrooms (one with en suite) n Family bathroom n Coach house with extensive garaging for four cars and garden storage n Heated swimming pool n Tennis court n Established gardens n Paddock n Field shelter n Orchard

Available for sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789 700 www.savills.co.uk

homes portfolio: RESIDENTIAL HOUSES AT A GLANCE Romany Cottage n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Boot room n Principal bedroom with en suite n Two further bedrooms n Study/ guest bedroom with en suite n Family bathroom n Detached double garage n Established gardens

SYMPATHETICALLY REFURBISHED WITH A VARIETY OF STYLISH ELEMENTS Family home situated within the Ashdown Forest with cottage style gardens and grounds Available for sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

ROMANY COTTAGE, ASHDOWN FOREST, EAST SUSSEX

GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

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October 2017

AT A GLANCE Rosedale n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Swimming pool with sauna and shower n Principal bedroom with en suite n Guest bedroom with en suite n Four further bedrooms n Two further bathrooms n Spacious driveway n Established gardens

ROSEDALE, BIRLING ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT

PROPERTY

£1,495,000

FOCUS

Tunbridge Wells & Ashdown Forest

UPDATED FAMILY HOME LESS THAN A MILE FROM THE PANTILES Beautifully proportioned detached Edwardian house with fine period features Available for sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

homes portfolio: RESIDENTIAL HOUSES IMMACULATE NEW ENGLAND STYLE PROPERTY IN THE ASHDOWN FOREST Stylishly refurbished country house with light and spacious accommodation Available for sale through Hamptons International 01444 360054 www.hamptons.co.uk

THE WHITE COTTAGE, DUDDLESWELL, ASHDOWN FOREST, EAST SUSSEX

AT A GLANCE

GUIDE PRICE £1,850,000

The White Cottage n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast rom n Study n Utility room n Principal bedroom with en suite bathroom, dressing room and verandah

n Cloakroom n Boot room n Guest room with en suite

shower room n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Landscaped gardens n Heated swimming pool n Pool pavilion n Large timber shed n Just over 0.85 acres

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October 2017

MULBERRY HOUSE DORNDEN DRIVE, LANGTON GREEN

PROPERTY

POA

FOCUS

AT A GLANCE

Langton Green & Sevenoaks

Mulberry House n New build n Kitchen/breakfast area n Utility

n Living room n Dining room n Study n Garage n Master bedroom

FAMILY SET-UP CLOSE TO A VARIETY OF LOCAL AMENITIES New builds set in a highly desirable village location Available for sale through Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

homes portfolio: NEW HOUSES ST CATHERINE’S COURT APARTMENTS 51 BRADBOURNE VALE ROAD, SEVENOAKS

AT A GLANCE

PRICES FROM £295,000

St Catherine’s Court Apartments n Key fob entry system to entrance lobby n Audio entry phone system n Lift to all floors n Solid floor construction n Veneered oak internal doors n Wood effect flooring to hallway, kitchen and living room n Wool mix carpet to bedrooms n 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms n White high gloss kitchen with stone work surfaces

n Under unit LED lighting n Designer polished chrome

door furniture n Bathroom with Roca vanity unit and integrated ceramic basin n Modern designer floor and wall tiling n Chrome towel radiator n Balconies and private gardens to some apartments n Communal landscaped garden n Allocated parking space per apartment and visitor parking n Cycle storage

TRADITIONAL LOOKING PROPERTY WITH ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF A NEW BUILD Contemporary apartments designed with private terrace or balcony and access to communal garden Available for sale through Savills 01732 789740 www.savills.co.uk

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AT A GLANCE

31 | the

Cypress Grove n Link detached house n Spacious living room n Kitchen/breakfast room n 2 bedrooms n Modern bathroom

October 2017

n Garden n Off street parking n Garage

PROPERTY

n Unfurnished n Available immediately

FOCUS Tunbridge Wells

CYPRESS GROVE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WELCOMING AND IMMACULATE HOUSE WITH LANDSCAPED GARDEN

£1,250 PCM

House to let on popular cul-de-sac and set back from the road in quiet location Available for let through Flying Fish Properties Tunbridge Wells 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

homes portfolio: LETTINGS UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£775 PCM

AT A GLANCE Upper Grosvenor Road n Entrance hall with entry phone n Bathroom n Double bedroom n Living room n Kitchen n Courtyard garden with gate to rear n Single off-road parking space

WELL LOCATED APARTMENT WITHIN SHORT WALK OF TOWN Well-presented one bedroom ground floor apartment with private courtyard garden Available for let through Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk