Fisks Gateway issue 80

The property & lifestyle magazine brought to you by FISKS / Issue 80

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Upcycling your furniture Incredible Essex walks Latest changes to COVID-19 restrictions Coming very soon!

Benfleet new builds This month’s properties

CONTENTS UPCYCLING YOUR FURNITURE It’s time to give your tired looking furniture a makeover.

INCREDIBLE ESSEX WALKS Now the sun is shining, there’s never been a better time to explore Essex.

LATEST CHANGES TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS We catch you up on the latest restrictions easing.

COMING VERY SOON! BENFLEET NEW BUILDS In case you missed them last month, discover a beautiful collection of spacious one and twobedroom family apartments on the edge of Benfleet.

THIS MONTH’S PROPERTIES As always, we have some amazing properties for you to take a look at this month.

Welcome to our

magazine As we prepare to come out of the final government restrictions on the 19th of July, I would just like to reassure our customers that Fisks will still be wearing our face masks and will continue to protect you in every way we can. Covid-19 is still a danger, and the safety of our customers will always be THE most important thing to us. If you have any concerns then please do not hesitate to contact us regarding our safety measures.

In this issue of Gateway, we give you some tips on how to upcycle your old furniture, suggest some Essex walks for you, and also catch you up on the latest restrictions easing.

John Pring FNAEA(Honoured) & MARLA | Director

Upcycling your furniture...

It’s time to give your tired looking furniture a makeover.

Upcycling furniture is a great way of taking unused and unloved items of furniture and making them look like new again. It is also a great way of making old furniture compliment your new interior décor, while allowing you to save money in the process. You can upcycle pretty much everything - chairs, cabinets, vintage suitcases, lamps and tables are the most often used items but anything with a firm structure or shell can be used with a bit of imagination.

CHOOSING YOUR FURNITURE PIECE Before you begin upcycling, you must decide what you want to upcycle and why you want to do it. Do you want a new focal point for your living room? Or do you simply want to give a fresh look to your chairs? It’s best to start upcycling the furniture you already have rather than buying new items at the local boot sale - this is about saving money after all.

WHERE CAN I FIND INSPIRATION? Like most things in today’s digital world, a simple online search or social media search will give you inspiration aplenty. Social media has become a haven for finding inspiration for pretty much everything nowadays, and upcycling is no different. There are complete social media pages out there dedicated to the subject.

MAKING SURE YOU DO A GOOD JOB Like most things in life, preparation is key. Write down or (if you’re good at it) draw what your end goal will look like, then work out the steps to get there. There is no point in rushing, making a mistake, then having to start over again from the beginning.

GIVE YOUR FURNITURE A NEW LICK OF PAINT It comes as no surprise that the easiest way to make something look new again is by giving it a new lick of paint, but you’ll be surprised at how many people forget to do it properly. You should always wipe down the piece of furniture and give it a sand, always paint using enough layers, and never forgot the importance of varnish.

GETTING THAT DISTRESSED LOOK Getting the distressed look is easier than it seems. Sand down your chosen piece of furniture before applying paint, then, once you have applied the paint, go over it once again with sand paper to get that distressed look. It really is as easy as it sounds but looks stunning when done correctly.

UPHOLSTERING You can’t mention upcycling without mentioning upholstering.

Surprisingly, you don’t have to go out and buy expensive fabric, if you have old curtains or sheets sitting around your house gathering dust then why not use those to upholstery with? Grab yourself a staple gun and get started today.

Meet the team...

John Pring Director

Simon Pring Director

Ian Carey Sales Manager

Harriet Plampton Sales & Lettings Consultant

Penny Ash Property Manager

Nicola Rattenberry Director’s P.A.

Leanne Wright Administration Manager

Albie Poole Junior Estate Agent

Tina Webster Management Accountant

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We cover the whole of South Essex.

Contact us for a free valuation on 01268 565555

Kerrie Watts Property Consultant

Ben Nelson Junior Estate Agent

Our Vision & Strategy The residential estate agency market is increasingly populated by large corporations; nevertheless, our independent family-run estate agency continues to succeed and grow a loyal client base, due to our core values, ethos and flexible approach to clients’ requirements.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

DOROTHY GARDENS, THUNDERSLEY £350,000 Three Bedroom Semi Detached Property Sought After Area Front Garden Offering Large Amounts Of Land In Need Of Modernisation Garage With Power Close Proximity To Thundersley Village

CALL 01268 565555

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CLARE ROAD, BENFLEET £235,000 Two Bedroom First Floor Apartment Allocated Parking Space Located Close To Shops, Schools & A13 & A127 Access Roads Private External Entrance Door Immaculate Condition Throughout

CALL 01268 565555

FEATURED PROPERTIES

CHURCH ROAD, BENFLEET £450,000 Four Bedroom Detached Property Modernized Throughout Ground Floor Cloakroom Four Good sized Bedrooms Family Bathroom Garage And Private Driveway Catchment To Good Schools

CALL 01268 565555

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DALWOOD GARDENS, BENFLEET £440,000 Stunning, Two Bedroom Semi Detached Original, Workers Cottage Dating From The Late 1800’S Extended Modern Kitchen Good Sized Master Bedroom Family Bathroom On The First Floor Driveway With Parking

CALL 01268 565555

Incredible Essex walks...

Now the sun is shining, there’s never been a better time to explore Essex.

Essex is full of beautiful and wonderful sights, from Canvey Island to Hatfield Forest, Essex really does have it all if you’re willing to have a closer look.

BELL WHARF BEACH, LEIGH UP TO THORPE BAY, AND BEYOND… If you’re a local then there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of the delightful little beaches of Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff Bay, etc. And now that the weather is changing for the better, it’s time to pay a little revisit by doing the full stretch from Bell Wharf Beach to Thorpe Bay Yacht Club. This is perfect for a sunny afternoon and should take you just over 1 hour and 30 minutes.

CIRCUMNAVIGATE MERSEA ISLAND If you’re looking for some incredible waterfront scenery then look no further. Coming in at just over 13 miles, this is one of the larger walks we have suggested so it’s perhaps best if you set aside the whole day for this one. The plus side to this walk is that it is a circular one, which means you will be back at the place you started. You can start at any point but we suggest choosing either Cudmore Grove or down by the West Mersea pontoon for the best experience. Also, don’t forget to check the tides, as at some points it can cover the beach where you’ll be walking.

CANVEY ISLAND You can’t mention Essex walks without mentioning the great Canvey Island. If you’re unfamiliar with Canvey Island (and why would you be?), there is something quite magnificent when you first step up to the sea wall and look over - seeing the wide expanse of water of the Thames, and the views of the Kent coast across the water, which you can see from the beach, is nothing short of stunning on a sunny day. Follow the seawall and you’ll see a mixture of tired British seaside fronts and stunning natural beauty.

HATFIELD FOREST This beautiful forest in Bishop’s Stortford has been created from years of cultivation. The forest is now a perfect habitat for thousands of species of wildlife and is the perfect place to have a wander amongst the trees. This is also a great place to bring the kids and let them burn off some energy.

BENFLEET TO LEIGH At first glance this is a barren and bleak walk, but you couldn’t be me wrong. This five and a half mile walk from Benfleet to Leigh will get you exploring tidal creeks, salt marches and mudflats on the edge of the estuary. This is a great walk if you’re looking to mix up your days out.

Why use FISKS? The industry has changed hugely with the development of digital technology - this has created two different styles of agency, the traditional high street agency, and the modern online agency. At Fisks, we believe that the best solution is to be both.

Fisks still do the traditional marketing

Our Ethos & Values

methods that you are comfortable with, such as high street shop locations with

We focus on our clients’ requirements

window displays, applicant mailing lists,

and instructions rather than just doing

text and email facilities, linked offices,

what’s quickest and easiest for us.

portals such as Rightmove, leaflet drops, floor plans, boards and branded cars.

Our comprehensive training program ensures that our staff channels their

These marketing tools have been tried

entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm

and tested for many years, but with the

for the benefit of our clients, whilst

ongoing digital revolution we have also

maintaining the professionalism and

embraced change. These new marketing

customer service associated with our

methods come in the form of a digital

brand.

property lifestyle magazine that’s produced in house and emailed to over eight thousand people a month, targeted social media campaigns across all the major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, 4k video tours of your property for our successful YouTube channel, enhanced portal marketing, and from a customer service point of view, we have vendor log-ins so you can see viewers feedback and offers on your home at any time.

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Latest changes to COVID-19 restrictions...

We catch you up on the latest restrictions easing.

After a four week pause, step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown will begin on the 19th of July. At step 4, the Government will remove outstanding legal restrictions on social contact, life events, and open the remaining closed settings. Please note, as you will read, even though masks and other safety measures will be lifted from the 19th of July, Fisks will still be wearing our masks and making sure you are safe every step of the way when dealing with us.

CHANGES IN STEP 4 FROM THE 19TH OF JULY. • All remaining limits on social contact will be removed and there will be no more restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting, indoors or outdoors.

• All settings will be able to open, including nightclubs and other large events, such as music concerts and sporting events.

• All restrictions on life events such as weddings, funerals, bar/bat mitzvahs and baptisms will be removed.

• COVID-status certification will not be required in law as a condition of entry for visitors to any setting. In case it is needed, the Government is providing a way for individuals to easily demonstrate their COVID-status by completion of a full vaccine course, a recent negative test, or proof of natural immunity - through the NHS COVID Pass on the NHS app.

• The legal requirements to wear a face covering will be lifted in all settings. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, published guidance will advise that wearing a face covering will reduce your risk and the risk to others.

• Social distancing rules will be lifted. You should continue to consider the risks of close contact with others, particularly if you are clinically extremely vulnerable or not yet fully vaccinated.

• It is no longer necessary for Government to instruct people to work from home.

Employers can start to plan a return to workplaces.

• Regulations that place COVID-secure requirements on businesses, including table service, and distancing between tables, will be lifted.

• Businesses will be encouraged to display QR codes for customers to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app, to support NHS Test and Trace, although it will no longer be a legal requirement.

• The Government will change the controls that apply in early years, schools, colleges and higher education institutions to maintain a baseline of protective measures while maximising attendance and minimising disruption to children and young people’s education. The Government’s intention is that children will no longer need to be in consistent groups (‘bubbles’), and early years settings, schools or colleges will not be required to routinely carry out contact tracing, which will help to minimise the number of children isolating.

• The Government also intends to exempt under 18s who are close contacts of a positive case from the requirement to self-isolate, in line with the approach for those who are fully vaccinated. Further detail will be published in due course and the changes are likely to come into effect later in the summer. There will be no restrictions on in-person teaching and learning in universities.

• In care homes, the Government will lift restrictions that limit each resident to five named visitors. Specific guidance will advise how visits should be conducted to keep care homes safe whilst also making visits as normal as possible.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

CLEVELAND ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £850,000 Luxury 5 Double Bedroom Family Home Recently Remodelled And Refurbished To The Highest Standards 20ft Lounge 25ft Kitchen 13ft Conservatory Double Garage With Large Multi Car Drive 2 Ensuites Plus Family Bathroom And Cloak Room

CALL 01268 510510

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HAVEN ROAD, CANVEY ISLAND £250,000 Two Bedroom Terraced House Two Double Bedrooms Kitchen/Diner Close To Sea Wall Easy Access Off Of Canvey No Onward Chain Ideal First Time Buy Or Buy To Let Investment

CALL 01268 510510

FEATURED PROPERTIES

ORSETT ROAD, HORNDON-ON-THE-HILL £500,000 Cottage Style Bungalow 3 Double Bedrooms 19ft Kitchen Wet Room Well Presented Throughout Seperate Garage Off Street Parking

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KINGS PARK HOMES, CANVEY ISLAND £140,000 Two Bedroom Single Width Park Home Located On The Popular Kings Park Beautifully Kept Open Plan Lounge/Dining Area Airy Lounge Great Sized Kitchen

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

HOVEFIELDS DRIVE, WICKFORD £500,000 Over 2 Acres Of Land Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow Large L Shaped Lounge Double Conservatory Newly Fitted Bathroom Separate Annexe Ample Off Street Parking

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EDITH CLOSE, CANVEY ISLAND £375,000 Open To Offers Four Bedroom Link Detached House Spacious 16ft Lounge Modern Fitetd Kitchen And Seperate Dining Room Three Double Bedrooms And A Smaller Fourth

CALL 01268 510510

Coming very soon!

Benfleet new builds...

Discover a beautiful collection of spacious one and two-bedroom family apartments on the edge of Benfleet.

Benfleet new builds.

As Benfleet’s leading local property experts, Fisks are proud to be the sole agent of the Forest View development.

Fisks has been helping individuals and families find a place to call home in the area for over 50 years.

Forest View is unlike any new-build development you’ve seen before. Built over five floors, the development contains 24 distinctive one and twobedroom apartments. Each one of these spacious new family homes has a completely individual layout. So, while the finish is uniformly excellent throughout, every apartment comes with its own unique charm. Which one will become your future home?

With bright and modern open-plan living areas, high-end Beko kitchens, modern bathrooms, plenty of storage and landscaped communal areas, Forest View is so much more than a collection of apartments; it’s a place to call home.

Located just off Bread and Cheese Hill and within touching distance of South Benfleet’s excellent amenities, Forest View boasts an enviable position. It’s perfect for commuters, first-time buyers, new families or anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city and find a place to call their own.

OVERVIEW Forest View is a privately managed collection of 24 desirable modern apartments located just outside of Benfleet. The development has been thoughtfully designed to maximise space, built to the highest standards and is complemented by immaculately landscaped communal areas.

Each apartment comes with a 10-year warranty and a 199-year lease.

Ground rent is charged at £150 per annum for one-bed apartments and £200 for two-bed apartments, and is subject to a 25-year review based on RPI.

A SPECIFICATION FOR MODERN LIVING We’ve chosen a finish that suits everyone’s tastes and ensures that every apartment is light, airy and ready for you to infuse your personality. Quality is guaranteed at Forest View, and to that end, your new home will benefit from things such as modern, spacious living areas with carpets throughout, high-end kitchen complete with Beko appliances, quartz worktops, Celsius bathroom with a 15-year warranty finished with Italian porcelain tiles and versatile storage space.

To register your interest in the Forest View development please contact Fisks today. Head on over to www.fisks.co.uk to view the full brochure.