Fisks Gateway issue 50

inside this issue

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY FILLS ANT’S SHOES 9 SIMPLE THINGS TO MAKE YOU HAPPIER AT HOME PROTECT PIPES FROM BURSTING THIS WINTER PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 50

Contents Holly Willoughby fills Ant’s shoes Holly takes over Ant’s role in jungle show “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here.”

9 simple things to make you happier at home A few simple tricks can vastly improve your homelife and unlock the secret to happiness.

Protect pipes from bursting this winter The cold is on its way, and it’s time to protect your home!

Our properties Last, but certainly not least, you can find all of this month’s feature properties throughout the magazine. Enjoy!

© iceberg-digital.co.uk; Tel +44 (0) 1992 766 637; Web: www.iceberg-digital.co.uk This magazine is published by iceberg-digital.co.uk, hereinafter referred to as “the publisher”. The publisher retains the right to all ‘work’, hereinafter defined as such work is wholly the property of the publisher and may not be copied, quoted or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this work, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise there from. The publisher reserves the right to revise or reject, in whole or in part, any advertisement or submission without notice and for any reason. All advertisers agree to release the representations of any advertisement herein, including, but not limited to any claim arising from any negligence and/or fault on the part of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for the condition or for the performance of any services advertised in the magazine. All rights are reserved.

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Welcome to our

magazine...

Welcome to the October edition of our Gateway magazine.

Autumn has now arrived with the leaves turning on the trees to a golden colour and misty damp mornings reminding us that our lovely summer has now ended. In this edition some practicable hints to prepare your home for the winter which is just around the corner. On a lighter note the article on habits and routines that make your life happier is an interesting read even though it is written by an American.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

Up to now the political uncertainty over leaving the European Union has not affected the number of new enquiries received by our offices. The motivation to find a new home remains. It may be downsizing or the family needs to add an additional bedroom or a job move. There are always people in the market looking for a new home. Nor should you believe the news indicating a price collapse, so do not be put off by these negative headlines.

Have a look at some of our properties in this edition offering good value and remember it is possible to move and be in your home before Christmas.

For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our November Gateway magazine or for further advice, please contact your local Fisks branch.

fisks.co.uk

Meet our

Benfleet Team Our centrally located estate and letting agency branch offers a professional sales, lettings and property management service for Benfleet and the surrounding areas benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ESTATE AGENTS BUT ONLY ONE FISKS “We gave our property to Fisks when we decided to move as Ian seemed the most professional of the three agents who we asked to value our property. Boy are we glad we did house sold to the first viewers in 36 hours from instructing Fisk’s. We were kept up to date with regular calls and nothing was too much trouble. Now we have moved Ian is collecting post from our old address for us and calling for us to collect from the office. Beyond the call of duty Great service thanks again Martin and Melanie Bagnall “

Located some 30 miles east of the City of London on the north bank of the Thames Estuary, Benfleet is primarily based around three historically separate settlements; South Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh. which gradually merged during the 20th century. The residential areas are now said to have the highest proportion of owner occupancy in the country which speaks volumes for the quality of life here!

The mainland station in South Benfleet services the entire area and is the busiest commuting station on the Fenchurch Street C2C line.

AWARD WINNING

2016

Fisks 146 London Road, Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T 01268 565555 F 01268 566291 E benfleet@fisks.co.uk

fisks.co.uk

LOCAL

GRANVILLE CLOSE, BENFLEET ÂŁ650,000 Spectacular five/six bedroom detached property split over four levels. The ground floor houses the double garage with electric doors and a storage room while the first and second floors offer a dining room, double sized bedroom, fitted kitchen/diner with garden access, a further two double bedrooms plus a second lounge. The 30ft master bedroom with four piece en-suite and main lounge are on the third floor that also benefits from a rear and side balcony. Outside there are two gardens, one to the rear that has a patio area plus a lawn with trees and shrubs, while the other is a side garden mainly laid to lawn. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

CHURCH ROAD, BENFLEET £425,000-£450,000 This lovely semi-detached home has been recently refurbished to a high standard and offers a good sized lounge/diner, modern kitchen,downstairs shower room plus two bedrooms to the ground floor, while upstairs there are a further three bedrooms and the family bathroom. Outside there is a landscaped rear garden, garage and off street parking. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 565555

LANGHAM DRIVE, RAYLEIGH £239,995 Recently redecorated semidetached property featuring a refitted kitchen, lounge, double bedroom and a family bathroom.

Outside there is a front garden plus two private parking spaces.

Located close to local schools, shops and transport routes, this property is ideal for first time buyers or buy to let investors.

Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 565555

fisks.co.uk

LONDON ROAD, BENFLEET £325,000-£350,000 This distinctive Scandinavian style semi-detached home offers a vast amount of living accommodation throughout.

The unique lounge overlooks the kitchen and dining area, and the property also boasts a refitted bathroom, integral garage, three good sized bedrooms and an unoverlooked garden. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

MANDEVILLE WAY, BENFLEET £289,995 This three bedroom midterraced property has been modernised throughout and offers a refitted kitchen with integral appliances, a fantastic sized lounge/diner, a family bathroom and three bedrooms.

The property also has the added benefit of a garage in a block and communal parking bays to the front. Energy Band – C.

CALL 01268 565555

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY FILLS ANT’S SHOES

Holly Willoughby fills Ant’s shoes Holly to take to the jungle as it’s confirmed she’s going to stand alongside Dec in “I’m a celebrity”

Image credit: Featureflash Photo Agency

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY FILLS ANT’S SHOES

Dec’s usual co-host Ant stepped down from TV commitments earlier this year and recently confirmed he would not be back on TV until 2019. It’s now been confirmed that Holly Willoughby will be keeping Ant McPartlin’s shoes warm, taking his presenting spot alongside Declan Donnelly for this year’s I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out Of Here!.

ITV announced the news at the end of August, with Holly saying that she “couldn’t be more excited” as she is a “a huge fan” of the show.

As a close friend of Ant’s, she also offered her well-wishes.

“I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery,” Holly said.

She added: “Honestly, I’m a huge fan of I’m A Celebrity and actually feel like I’ve won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show! When is it a good time to tell Dec I’m scared of everything that moves?”

Dec added: “I am hugely grateful to Holly for agreeing to accompany me to Australia this year.

She was at the top of my list and I’m thrilled she said yes. It will be a different kind of series but we will try our best to ensure it is no less fun and eventful for our loyal viewers. I am also pleased to hear Holly is scared of everything. I am almost stupidly excited at the thought of watching her during the eating trials.”

ITV’s Director of Television, Kevin Lygo commented:

“Holly is a brilliant presenter with a wicked sense of humour who has always enjoyed a great friendship and rapport with Ant and Dec – I have no doubt she will take to Jungle life, if not the critters, really quickly.”

The bubbly blonde hostess has been working hard for over a decade and a half, with an impressive career under her belt. From S Club TV in 2000, to CD:UK, and Dancing on Ice, her TV personality has always shined through to make us all fall in love with the presenter.

The madcap mayhem of presenting children’s television shows was probably a good training ground for Holly to deal with the juvenile antics of Keith Lemon in Celebrity Juice. Holly served as a team captain on the bonkers late night game show with best friend Fearne Cotton championing her opposing team.

As well as delighting late night viewers, 2009 saw Holly enter the weekday TV format as she started hosting This Morning with Philip Schofield.

Fans of the pair have seen their friendship blossom on screen as they still present together to this day – and have helped the magazine entertainment show scoop NTA, TRIC, TV Choice, and Freesat Awards along the way.

We can’t think of a better person to fill such big shoes in the jungle, and we’re excited to watch as she brings life and laughter to the Saturday night show. n

Image credit: Featureflash Photo Agency

Meet our

Canvey Team Our office located at the heart of Canvey Town Centre offers a sales, lettings and property management service for Canvey Island and the surrounding areas and benefits from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

GREAT PROFESSIONAL YET FRIENDLY AGENT “Gemma North & the Fisks team were incredibly easy to work with .....even from 3000 miles away in Canada. .Gemma was always available, polite ,freindly & returned calls swiftly . .The whole transaction went smoothly with many excellent recommendations for other professionals ie solicitors, inspectors etc We would not hesitate to recommend or use Fisks in the future. Thank you so much for all your hard work !!!!�

AWARD WINNING

With excellent rail connections into the City from neighbouring Benfleet station, Canvey is today permanently connected to the mainland via two road bridges, offering fast access to the M25 and East Anglia via the A12 trunk road. However the island still manages to preserve an independent character and a vibrant community spirit all its own.

Thanks to development in recent years, Canvey offers a wide range of exceptionally reasonably-priced property, from first time buyer apartments to detached executive homes - many with stunning views across to the wooded Hadleigh Downs, and along the estuary towards Southend.

2016

Fisks 85 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7AY T 01268 510510 F 01268 697126 E canvey@fisks.co.uk

fisks.co.uk

LOCAL

GRIFFIN AVENUE, CANVEY £241,995 This detached conversion bungalow is a great size with a very large 17ft lounge, two double bedrooms and a decent 10ft x 8ft kitchen. Located in a nothrough road and situated on a good sized plot with space for off street parking. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

NORTON AVENUE, CANVEY £260,000 This well-presented detached bungalow offers a fitted kitchen, nice sized lounge, two bedrooms and a bathroom plus a high quality conservatory to the rear. Outside the rear garden is mainly laid to lawn with a patio area and there is off street parking to the front. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

LINCOLN WAY, CANVEY £270,000 This lovely mid-terraced house offers a good sized lounge/diner, large conservatory, well-decorated kitchen, two double bedrooms and a single bedroom. The off street parking at the front of the property can easily fit two/three cars and the property also features a garage. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

HARROW ROAD, CANVEY £280,000 This semi-detached house is a wonderful family home in a fantastic location. Internally the property benefits from a good sized lounge, fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom and bedroom to the ground floor, while upstairs there are a further three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally there is a large rear garden mainly laid to lawn with a paved area. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

fisks.co.uk

ST. JOHNS CRESCENT, CANVEY £234,995 This well-maintained mid-terraced property benefits from a lovely 25ft lounge/diner with patio doors leading onto the garden and a good sized fitted kitchen to the ground floor. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, the largest two both including built-in storage space, as well as a modern family bathroom. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

CRESCENT ROAD, CANVEY £350,000 This beautiful and well-maintained three/four bedroom detached property boasts a large lounge and equally large kitchen, a downstairs shower room and a separate dining room with patio doors leading to the low maintenance rear garden. Energy Band – E.

CALL 01268 510510

BEACH ROAD, CANVEY £435,000 This four bedroom detached home has been refurbished to the highest standard and integrated with all the latest home technologies. The property boasts a large lounge, conservatory and en-suite bathroom, plus a barbecue area and a swimming pool in the garden. Energy Band - Awaiting.

CALL 01268 510510

9 SIMPLE THINGS TO MAKE YOU HAPPIER AT HOME It’s amazing how a few tweaks to our daily habits can become a catalyst for meaningful, positive change. There are a few simple things you can do every day to feel happier at home…4

9 SIMPLE THINGS TO MAKE YOU HAPPIER AT HOME

Image credit: g-stockstudio

9 SIMPLE THINGS TO MAKE YOU HAPPIER AT HOME

Our homes are an extension of who we are: what we

Otherwise, get into doing the dishes. Feel the soothing

do within the walls of our abodes shapes our mood,

warm water on your hands. Enjoy the tickle of the tiny

affects our productivity, and influences our outlook on

bubbles. Crank your favourite album at an unusually loud

life. Scientific studies have shown that we can have

volume, and pretend you love it.

an impact on our happiness by adjusting the tiny little habits and routines that constitute our daily lives.

Here’re just a few of those:

6. Before you get up each morning, set an intent for the day

1. Make your bed

In The Art of Happiness, the Dali Lama says “Every day,

Gretchen Rubin, New York Times best-selling author of

think as you wake up: today I am fortunate to be alive, I

The Happiness Project, explains that this three minute task

have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.”

is one of the simplest habits you can adopt to positively

Setting a daily intent makes a huge difference. Your daily

impact your happiness.

intent could be something like “be productive” or “enjoy today’s delicious moments” or it could be something more

2. Bring every room back to “ready”

specific like “say thank you to my loved ones today.”

It’s a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take

7. Do small favours for your housemates, expecting

about three minutes to bring each room back to “ready”

nothing in return

before you depart it. (Unless you have a toddler, or a

That’s right, I said it: Nothing! Not even a thank you! Mow

partner who likes to simulate earthquakes, three minutes

the lawn for your husband, but don’t expect him to pat you

should be sufficient.)

on the back. Make the bed for your wife, but don’t try to get bonus points for it.

3. Display sentimental items around your home One reason that experiences (and memories of those

Take the bins out for your roommate, just because. The

experiences) make us happier than material things is

ability to cultivate strong, healthy relationships is one of the

due to the entire cycle of enjoyment that experiences

biggest contributors to health and happiness, but when you

provide: planning the experience, looking forward

start to keep score, the benefit is lost. It’s a well-known fact:

to the experience, enjoying the experience, and then

When you do good, you feel good.

remembering the experience. Make your home a gallery of positive memories.

8. Call at least one friend or family member a day

4. Start a one-line-a-day gratitude journal

or while you walk the dog. Texts and emails do not count!

Before bed, simply jot down one happy memory from

Make an actual phone call to a loved one, just to chat

that day. (If you have kids, you can ask them, “What was

and catch up. We humans are social beings and studies

the best part of today?”) Reflection is an important part of

show that even when we don’t feel like it, even if we are

happiness, and pausing to reflect on a positive event from

naturally introverted, socialising with our loved ones makes

each day cultivates gratitude.

us feel better.

5. If you can’t get out of it, get into it

9. Spend money on things that cultivate experiences at home

This tip comes from The Happiness Project. I love the

Save money for a new grill for parties or a new DVD for

message: The dishes are not going to clean themselves, so

family movie night — something that will encourage you to

you will do it, and you will like it. (Unless, of course, you

have people over and entertain. Plan a summer barbeque,

can outsource this job, in which case I say: Nice work!)

invite your closest friends, kick back and relax n

You can do this while you clean, while you make the bed,

Image credit: TORWAISTUDIO

Image credit: Evgeny Atamanenko

Meet our

Docklands Team Located at South Quay, at the foot of the pedestrian bridge to Canary Wharf, our Docklands office offers sales, lettings and property management services for the Docklands and Royal Docks area benefitting from ARLA and NAEA qualified staff.

GOOD PROMT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE “Fisks have found 3 good tenants for me over 5 years, each time they handled the transaction with high professionalism, promptness and doing more than their job description to get the deal done. All details were accurate and checked thoroughly. Good team support.

Happy landlord, happy tenant. “

The London Docklands area has been transformed into one of the most exciting commercial and residential environments in the world.

Alongside the glittering office towers of Canary Wharf, a rich mix of developments, purpose-built luxury apartment blocks and warehouse conversions full of period character all making the maximum use of the spectacular waterside setting - have helped to make today’s Docklands the last word in sophisticated urban living.

Transport links with the City via the Docklands Light Railway and the West End via the Jubilee Line are first class.

AWARD WINNING

2016

Benfleet & Canvey

Canary Wharf, Docklands & Royal Docks

Fisks Docklands Suite 2 Parker House, Admirals Way, Marsh Wall, London, E14 9UQ T 0207 517 8810 F 0207 517 7902 E docklands@fisks.co.uk

fisks.co.uk

GOUGH WALK, E14 £425,000-£450,000 Leasehold - Beautifully presented ground floor maisonette benefiting from an open plan kitchen and reception, three bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate lavatory. An appealing feature is a good sized south facing terrace accessed via French doors from the living room.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

KINGFISHER HEIGHTS, E16 £485,000-£500,000 Leasehold – Furnished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment featuring a good sized balcony with views of the Thames and the dramatic Thames Barrier. Conveniently located for Pontoon Dock DLR providing access to Canary Wharf. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

MILLHARBOUR, E14 £650,000 Leasehold - Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment featuring direct dock views from all the principal rooms. The internal accommodation includes an open plan living area with access to a good sized balcony. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

GAINSBOROUGH HOUSE, E14 £346 pw Lovely one bedroom apartment that comes fully furnished with a large separate fitted kitchen. Located only moments from South Quay DLR and Canary Wharf tube station providing excellent transport links to the City and West End. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

THE GRAINSTORE, E16 £355 pw Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom apartment including a high specification kitchen, guest bathroom and en-suite shower room. Occupants will enjoy use of a large private courtyard garden and concierge service. Located moments from Royal Victoria DLR. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

MILLHARBOUR, E14 £346 pw One bedroom, one bathroom apartment furnished to a high standard, benefiting from an open plan lounge/kitchen, an extra WC and wooden flooring throughout.

Located just a short walk to Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line). Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

fisks.co.uk

WESTGATE APARTMENTS, E16 £355 pw Recently refurbished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment that includes an ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom and a separate kitchen. Located moments from the Excel Exhibition Centre and a short walk from Royal Victoria DLR providing easy access to Canary Wharf and The West End. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

LANDMARK WEST TOWER, E14 £475 pw Large one bedroom luxury apartment that comes un-furnished but can be offered to the market with furnishings for a small premium. Internally the property includes: floor to ceiling glazing, a kitchen with granite finishes and a bathroom with marble finishes. Energy Band – B.

CALL 0207 517 8810

TAEPING STREET, E14 £375 pw Two bedroom flat with oblique dock views.

The property comes fully furnished and has ample storage available plus use of a private off street parking bay. Located close to Mudchute DLR providing access to Greenwich, Canary Wharf and connections to the Jubilee Line. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

Image credit: Monkey Business Images

Protect pipes from bursting this winter What will cause your pipes to freeze?4

PROTECT PIPES FROM BURSTING THIS WINTER

PROTECT PIPES FROM BURSTING THIS WINTER

There are many reasons why your pipes can freeze during winter months: • Poor insulation.

• Exposure due to cracks or gaps (where the pipe enters your home).

• Pipes located inside cupboards.

(Warm air may not reach these pipes if your cupboard doors are usually closed.)

What Causes Them To Burst?

1. Water freezes and then expands inside your pipes.

2. Freezing and expansion of water causes pressure to build up between the ice and the faucet.

3. As a result of repeated pressure, the pipe eventually bursts.

How To Prevent Freezing: Insulation

Insulate your loft and the sides of your water tanks. Prevent your pipes from bursting by wrapping them in lagging (a foam material that insulates and reinforces them).

Keep out the cold Most modern boilers have frost protection, which switches the boiler on if the temperature drops to a level that could cause your pipes to freeze.

It is also a good idea to open your loft hatch and any sink cupboards to let in heat.

In very cold weather, you’ll need to leave your heating on a low setting (or set it to come on a couple of times a day), especially if you’re going on holiday for longer than a day or two.

Check pipes regularly If you’re going on holiday, ask

someone to check your home at regular intervals to make sure that your pipes haven’t burst or frozen.

Maintenance Make sure to re-washer any dripping taps; if they freeze, they’ll block your pipes. If you’re a landlord and unfortunate enough to have an empty property during winter months, you may want to consider “draining down” the water system - ask your plumber for more details.

Locate your stopcock Make sure you know where your stopcock is. Check frequently that this can be switched off quickly in an emergency.

By taking precautions you can ensure your home is protected from the frost of winter when it comes to your pipes n

Image credit: Antonio Guillem

2016

Benfleet Fisks Ltd 146 London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 565555 F: 01268 566291 E: benfleet@fisks.co.uk

Why use Fisks?

Canvey Fisks Ltd 85 Furtherwick Road Canvey Island Essex, SS8 7AY

Members of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) and ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents).

T: 01268 510510 F: 01268 697126 E: canvey@fisks.co.uk

Audited clients account

Docklands Fisk Docklands Ltd Suite 2 Parker House Admirals Way Marsh Wall London, E14 9UQ

Free rent guarantee insurance with management plus Option to spread payments over the length of lease (subject to Terms of Business) Three levels of service offered: Let Only, Management and Management Plus

T: 0207 517 8810 F: 0207 517 7902 E: docklands@fisks.co.uk Head Office 146a London Road Benfleet Essex, SS7 5SQ T: 01268 750000 F: 01268 758921 E: office@fisks.co.uk Property Management: 0207 517 8811

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To experience our service, put us to the test! Contact your local branch at Benfleet, Canvey or Docklands