Fisks Gateway issue 30

THE PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FISKS | ISSUE 30

inside this issue

IT’S THE LUCK OF THE IRISH THE HUB OF EVERY HOUSE TRAVEL INSPIRED INTERIORS PLUS ALL OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES

Contents It’s the luck of the Irish He’s one of Ireland’s best rising stars and next month Colin Farrell will star in a legal drama expected to get pulses racing.

The hub of every house Kitchen trends may come and go but there’s one look that never goes out of style and Schmidt have everything you need for a stylish, sleek and space saving space.

Travel inspired interiors Each and every home is a unique destination so infuse yours with character inspired by these brilliant interior styles from around the world.

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 November edition of our Gateway magazine.

Last month I discussed the possibility of interest rates moving upwards. Last Thursday (2nd November) was the day that the Bank of England finally pushed the button and the committee actually voted to increase the minimum lending rate in line with market expectations.

John Pring FNAEA (Honoured) & MARLA | Director

This rise of 0.25% only reversed the previous decision to reduce the historically low 0.5% last year, following the vote to exit from the European Union. This increase is clearly important to the overall economy but in Residential Property market terms, there is no change. Many mortgages are at a fixed rate and money can still be borrowed at very historically low levels.

Looking ahead, the bigger concern will be the actions the Chancellor takes in the November Budget on Wednesday 22nd. Improving the housing market is clearly a Government objective and the Budget will be the first test on the Government’s policies to fix “the broken housing market” – their words, not mine. Clearly there will be a long term strategy coupled with policies that can be implemented in the short term.

There is much talk of a movement in Stamp Duty Land Tax; which would be a policy that could be implemented immediately. An example of longer term planning would be the review of the lettings market and the house buying process.

Finally, we are announcing the release of the second and last phase of the popular Woodlands, Benfleet development, highlighted in this edition.

For an updated Sales or Lettings valuation, to see your property in our December 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

ROMSEY CLOSE, BENFLEET £399,950 Brand new semi-detached property in Benfleet comprising of a good sized lounge, modern kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, family bathroom, en-suite, rear garden, off road parking and four bedrooms on the first floor.

The builder has made sure this property has been finished to a very high standard and will be available in September.

CALL 01268 565555

WOODSIDE AVE, BENFLEET £300,000-£315,00 0 Three bedroom semi-detached property with a garage, four piece bathroom and a south facing garden. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

UPLANDS ROAD BENFLEET £300,000 Fantastic sized three bedroom semidetached property in South Benfleet located close to the train station. This home is being offered for sale with no onward chain and is perfect for a first time buyer or family to come in and put their own stamp on it. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 01268 565555

HIGH ROAD, BENFLEET £510,000 Four bedroom detached property in South Benfleet offering four double bedrooms, ensuite, conservatory, dining room, study, extra wide garage, driveway for up to five vehicles and family bathroom. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 565555

HATLEY GARDENS BENFLEET £280,000 Refurbished two bedroom semi-detached property for sale with utility area, modernised family bathroom and a secluded rear garden. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 565555

fisks.co.uk

WOODLANDS, BENFLEET ÂŁ259,000 Two bedroom brand new apartment featuring fitted kitchen, family bathroom, ensuite shower room and an open plan kitchen/lounge. With a high end finish throughout and 125 year lease, this is perfect for first time buyers and investors.

CALL 01268 565555

WOODLANDS, BENFLEET ÂŁ195,000 A brand new spacious one bedroom executive apartment on the second floor, featuring a family bathroom, good sized bedroom, open plan kitchen/lounge, gas central heating, allocated parking and 125 year lease.

CALL 01268 565555

Image credit: Denis Makarenko | Shutterstock.com

It’s the luck of the Irish

He’s one of Ireland’s best rising stars and next month Colin Farrell will star in a legal drama expected to get pulses racing4

Image credit Helga Esteb | Shutterstock.com

IT’S THE LUCKfavourite OF THE IRISH Britain’s

Colin Farrell is one of Ireland’s best rising stars in Hollywood with roles ranging from an inwardly tortured hit man, to an adventurous explorer, a determined-but-failing writer, and the greatest military leader in history. What’s more his film reel is about to get even bigger.

On 1st December, Roman J Israel, Esq. will be released.

An upcoming legal drama film written and directed by Dan Gilroy, it stars Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo. The film tells the story of a liberal lawyer named Roman J. Israel who has been fighting the good fight while others take the credit. When his partner, the firm’s front man, has a heart attack, Israel suddenly takes on that role. He finds out some unsettling things about what the crusading law firm has done that run afoul of his values of helping the poor and dispossessed, and he finds himself in an existential crisis that leads to extreme action.

It’s hard to believe that 41-year-old Colin first appeared on BBC’s TV drama Ballykissangel in 1998. He then made his film debut, a year later, in The War Zone. After appearing in Tigerland in 2000, he was discovered by Hollywood and the rest they say is history. Colin has since appeared in Phone Booth, Miami Vice and In Bruges, for which he received a Golden Globe Award.

2018 also looks to be a very busy year as Colin has a number of films set for release. Widows, set in contemporary Chicago, amidst a time of turmoil, tells the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. They decide to take fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms. It is also rumoured that there will be a live-action remake of the Disney classic Dumbo starring Colin in 2019.

Image credit Ovidiu Hrubaru | Shutterstock.com

With such a successful career, there have of course been some times, which Colin has found difficult. However rather than struggling with gruelling scripts to learn, it’s the tedious training for roles that he despises. He explained: “I find it the most tedious waste of life. It’s so boring. I’d prefer to be sitting in a pub with a few strangers talking than looking at myself in the mirror running on the treadmill.”

Yet in a world where fame and success can take over, how does Colin stay grounded? “I’m just a true Irish boy at heart.

I’m just myself, I stick by my guns and I treat people the way I think they should be treated, regardless of their status. I just have a laugh.”

“I’m in no hurry to get anywhere. I don’t have any plans.

I don’t have a map. If you did in this business, you would destroy yourself. Hardship tends to unify.”

We think Colin’s outlook on life is something we could all learn from. Catch his latest film from 1st December n

Image credit: Denis Makarenko | Shutterstock.com

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

WAMBURG ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ275,000 This spacious semi-detached bungalow has been decorated to a high standard, offering a good size kitchen with utility area, L-shaped lounge with space for a dining area, two double bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. The rear garden is paved with a raised decked area and there is parking to the front for one car. Energy Band - D.

CALL 01268 510510

BAKERS COURT, CANVEY ISLAND ÂŁ190,000 This beautiful ground floor flat is ideal for a first time buyer and features an open plan kitchen/lounge, two double bedrooms and a communal rear garden. The property also benefits from allocated parking and is close to local transport links. Energy Band - C.

CALL 01268 510510

KINGS PARK, CANVEY ISLAND £190,000 This well-loved two bedroom park home is located on Kings Park Village for the over 50’s, featuring UPVC double glazing, en-suite shower room, utility room, walk in wardrobe, three piece bathroom suite, a bright and airy lounge with wood effect beams, dining area and a good size kitchen.

CALL 01268 510510

CHESTNUT ROAD, PITSEA £120,000 Ideal for the city commuter or for the town centre is this newly redecorated one bedroom studio apartment offered to a buyer with no onward chain.

Internally the home comprises of a lounge with access to a double bedroom and a nice size kitchen. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

fisks.co.uk

WILLOW CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND £330,000 This contemporary three bedroom home is located within walking distance to schools, shops and bus routes, offering an 80ft x 50ft rear garden and modern décor throughout.

Internally the property features a ground floor shower room, generous sized ground floor bedroom, bright and airy lounge/diner with French doors and a lovely fitted kitchen with breakfast bar. Energy Band - E.

CALL 01268 510510

HENSON AVENUE, CANVEY ISLAND £235,000 Situated in the popular Small Gains area is this two double bedroom detached bungalow offered with no onward chain.

Other benefits include a generous size kitchen and lounge, off street parking to the front and mature rear garden with side access. Energy Band – D.

CALL 01268 510510

Image credit: Schmidt

The hub of every house Kitchen trends may come and go but there’s one look that never goes out of style and Schmidt have everything you need for a stylish, sleek and space saving space4

All Image credits: Schmidt

THE HUB OF EVERY HOUSE Britain’s favourite

This November, follow your heart and for a home with no compromises, look no further. Updating your kitchen cannot only improve your property’s appeal but can also add to the value drastically yet knowing where to start can be daunting.

Kitchen trends may come and go but there’s one look that never goes out of style and that’s a wonderful wooden design full of character and charm.

Leading French furniture specialists Schmidt have been working with this natural material for more than 80 years and have a number of ranges that are perfect for your home.

Great for creating a cool, contemporary feel as well as a more traditional touch, timber is timeless. That’s why Schmidt offers almost 600 possibilities in terms of range, colour and finish and with four collections to choose from – Design, Contemporary, Modern and Rustic – there’s something to suit every interior.

Take the Major handless collection with its modern oak panelling and clean-lined look. Available in 16 shades including Pastel Oak, it provides a subtle backdrop for small appliances and accessories in pops of colour.

Alternatively, team with matt black accents for a monochrome feel.

Ideal for modern living, Schmidt’s contemporary wood collection brings nature into the heart of the home with handless door fronts that capture the organic beauty, texture and grain of wood.

In addition to this, Schmidt kitchens are customisable too, as the interior of the cabinets can either complement or contrast with the door fronts.

Whilst kitchen design and colour may be crucial to your property, the key to a successful kitchen scheme lies in careful

planning when it comes to storage. Welldesigned, effective storage solutions enable you to keep everything in its place, leaving worktops free for food prep and having all the kitchen essentials close to hand and quickly accessible when needed. Schmidt knows how hard the kitchen has to work and is an expert in knowing how to help you plan the perfect design.

The Jumbo collection provides practical extra deep units with a depth of 70cm instead of the standard 57.5cm. The worktop is also larger increasing from 62.5cm to a generous 74.5cm depth – ideal for creating extra space for cooking, food prep, serving and storage.

For another clever solution that brings something new to kitchen design, Schmidt also offers Sesame; an ingenious little drop-down area installed at the rear of wall cabinets. This compartment, which is placed in the furniture above, results in a wall unit that is less deep than standard cabinetry yet provides a handy secret compartment space, operated electronically for a discreet, user-friendly solution. This functional furniture addition can also be incorporated into a dining room, living area or open-plan space to help maintain a clutter-free interior.

As well as offering a fantastic range of furniture and cabinetry, Schmidt also provides the latest built-in appliances, feature lighting and more to complete your dream kitchen. Whether you prefer the contemporary kitchen look or a more classic scheme, Schmidt has a huge variety of door finishes, furniture solutions and clever designs to choose from.

Schmidt kitchens start from £10,000 including delivery & fitting. For more information, head to http://www. schmidt-kitchens.com n

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

NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £500,000

CAPITAL WHARF, E1W £760,000

Leasehold – Well-proportioned two bedroom, two bathroom (one en-suite) apartment to include a separate fully fitted kitchen and good size living room. Energy Band – B.

Leasehold – Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartment including a large living room with a good size balcony and an ensuite bathroom. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

BARRIER POINT, E16 £650,000-£675,000

CRAIG TOWER, E3 £470,000-£490,000

Leasehold – Three bedroom apartment offering a living room with a good size patio balcony, a separate kitchen and an en-suite shower room.

Energy Band – Awaiting.

Leasehold - Two bedroom, two bathroom apartment including a high quality open plan kitchen, en-suite to master and access to a large balcony. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

KINGDOM HOUSE, W5 £323 pw

FATHOM COURT, E16 £390 pw

Furnished two bedroom, one bathroom maisonette located just five minutes’ walk from Crossharbour DLR. Benefits include a private rear garden and fitted kitchen. Energy Band – D

Fully furnished two bathroom apartment with two very good size double bedrooms, one of which comes with a modern en-suite. Energy Band – D.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

ANTILLES BAY, E14 £460 pw

WAPPING LANE, E1W £330 pw

Stunning and spacious two bedroom, two bathroom apartment presented in excellent condition and offered fully furnished to a very high standard. Energy Band – C.

Stunning brand new studio furnished to a high specification, offering the ultimate in stylish design. Other benefits include 24 hour concierge. Energy Band – Awaiting.

CALL 0207 517 8810

fisks.co.uk

CALL 0207 517 8810

DUNBAR WHARF, E14 £525 pw

BELGRAVE COURT, E14 £640 pw

Spacious two bedroom, two bathroom 'duplex' apartment with direct river views, offered unfurnished and including a large lounge and a separate kitchen. Energy Band – B.

Beautifully presented fully furnished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment featuring west facing river views from the balcony. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £808 pw

NEW ATLAS WHARF, E14 £550 pw

Three bedroom apartment offering a large roof terrace, two additional balconies, spacious lounge/dining room and separate kitchen with larder/utility area. Energy Band – Awaiting

Newly refurbished three bedroom two bathroom apartment benefiting from direct river views from the living room and two large balconies. Energy Band – C.

CALL 0207 517 8810

CALL 0207 517 8810

Image credit: Peter Cripps | Shutterstock.com

Travel inspired interiors

Each and every home is a unique destination so infuse yours with character inspired by these brilliant interior styles from around the world4

Image credit: Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock.com

Image credit: ArchiVIZ | Shutterstock.com

Image credit: cdrin | Shutterstock.com

Image credit: Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock.com

TRAVEL INSPIRED INTERIORS Britain’s favourite

This winter, bring the Mediterranean to your living room, become enthralled by the Far East and fall in love with far-flung destinations – without even going there.

Indian Inspirations - Take yourself on a healing Zen retreat in India with rich colours such as purple, pink and orange.

Accessorize with deep prints and an abundance of throws and cushions for a true Asian interior. Create a cultural fusion in the home from heavy embroidery and Indian style patterns to burning candles and of course, don’t forget an elephant ornament.

Highland Happiness - Think woollen chunky knits, tartan, wooden slats and a heap load of faux fur. A highland inspired interior works well during winter so make the most of it this season. Opt for a checked sofa accessorised with warm red cushions and a regal green knit throw. Contrary to popular belief, wood doesn’t have to be cold and used to represent Scottish design can provoke a cosy space in any home.

Cool in the City - Exposed brickwork, industrial lighting and stainless steel accessories are characteristics of city living. If you’re lucky enough to live in a converted warehouse then this sleek, stylish way of living will come with ease however if your humble abode is more traditional, greys, blacks and white should be at the centre of your colour palette. Take a look at industrial style accessories such as wire baskets, copper furniture and of course concrete style items.

Safari Feels - With elegant animal prints you can take a journey through the jungle. People are wary of using prints in their home but it’s simple, animal prints should be used how they are in the wild – against natural colours. Be bold and accessorize your sofa with leopard print cushions, invest in gold and brown decorative features and remember you shouldn’t mix too many prints.

Feeling French - Famed for being effortlessly stylish, the French know

a thing or two about creating brilliant room schemes. Keep lines simple yet formal, use regal designs and bold décor.

A chandelier can be incorporated into any room, bringing a luxe and glamour wherever it is installed.

Coastal Dreams - If you haven’t had time to visit the British coast this year then bring it to you. Simple woven rugs in taupe plus wicker baskets, chains of dainty shells and a pale blue palette will instantly add the sound of lapping waves to home life.

Mediterranean Madness – Carry the holiday on all year round with a mix of cool blue tiles, white backgrounds and rustic wooden accessories for unmistakeable Mediterranean flavour.

Combine with nautical accents and bright coloured towels for poolside charm in your very own bathroom.

So, how will you revamp your interior this month? The world is your oyster… n

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

fisks.co.uk

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