NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories

David Starkey’s Burghley lecture

TV HISTORIAN WILL THIS MONTH DELIVER A LECTURE ON WILLIAM CECIL

STAMFORD TV historian David Starkey visits Stamford this month as part of celebrations for this year’s 500th anniversary of the birth of William Cecil. Burghley, one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age, was built and mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587. His life as the most powerful man in the court of Elizabeth I was both eventful and effective, and helped to shape the history of the British Isles. His lasting legacy reaches far beyond the building of Burghley House to the magnificent collection of works of art gathered by his ancestors. The TV historian, constitutional expert and presenter of series including Monarchy and The Churchills will deliver a lecture entitled Renaissance, Reformation and the Renewal of England, giving historical context to successive generations of the Cecil family. Accompanying

the first of seven lectures throughout 2020 will be the exhibition The Age of William Cecil: Builder of Burghley in the property’s Treasure Gallery, plus a series of workshops, costume dramas and craft activities. n For a full programme of events see www.burghley.co.uk.

New Ranges for Sophie LOCAL DESIGNER SOPHIE ALLPORT HAS BUTTERFLIES OVER NEW SPRING RANGE...

BOURNE Allport is pleased to announce the launch of her brand new Butterflies range, which is part of the firm’s Spring/Summer 2020 collections due to launch at the end of February. Sophie’s latest design features a variety of beautiful butterflies which have spread their wings and are fluttering gracefully against a soft neutral background. Inspired by the butterflies in Sophie’s country garden, these delicate insects showcase intricate distinctive colours. From kitchenware and home furnishings to gift Local designer Sophie inspiration and accessories, there is plenty to choose from for butterfly enthusiasts. There are 48 products in the new collection with prices starting from £8 for a folding shopper bag to £49 for a knitted cushion. New products include plant pots, small notebooks and a rucksack. Sophie was born in Potterhanworth and founded her company in 2004 alongside her brother Jem in the town of Bourne. n The collection will be available to purchase from sophieallport.com or by calling 01778 560256 from the end of February 2020.

What’s Cooking? TV’S JAMIE & JIMMY VISIT RAF WITTERING

WITTERING TV chefs Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty joined the RAF’s No3 Mobile Catering Squadron in Wittering to film an episode of their Friday Night Feast show, broadcast last month. “The two assisted during Exercise Summer Hearne, designed to challenge chefs in a field kitchen, so Jamie and Jimmy really got to see what we do!” says Squadron Leader

Daz Purchase. The chefs cooked at Patrol Base Centurion - a facsimile of a military checkpoint, used for training. The two celebrity chefs cooked for military personnel but worked from military ration packs! “It was a bit surreal, having the cameras on us, but we had a great time and Jamie and Jimmy are both really talented chefs!” n

Garden Award for Nicola HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? QUITE WELL IF YOU’VE SOUGHT THE HELP OF NICOLA

Oakham School is ‘Excellent,’ say the ISI’s Inspectors...

OAKHAM Oakham School has been given ‘top marks’ in its latest inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, with the quality of education at Oakham being rated ‘Excellent’ – the highest rating that can be given. “I am delighted with the two headline judgements of ‘Excellent’ for pupils’ achievements and personal development,” says Head Henry Price. The inspectors also acknowledged the ‘excellence’ in the quality of pupils’ personal development and praised the pupils’ high levels of selfconfidence and self-esteem. n See www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk. UFFINGTON’S Colin Ward, owner of Truckfest, Live Promotions and a Welland Lodge spokesperson, was able to present a cheque for £500 to Carole Hughes recently for her charity, Anna’s Hope, the leading children’s brain tumour charity in the East of England. Carole founded the charity after losing her own daughter to a tumour. n

RUTLAND Rutland-based garden designer, Nicola Oakey, 29, has won an award recognising her as one of the up-and-coming designers in the country under the age of 30.

A protegé of BBC Gardener’s World presenter Adam Frost who worked alongside Geoff Hamilton to found Barnsdale gardens, Nicola was presented with the award at a ceremony held in Surrey. The 30 Under 30 awards, founded by ProLandscaper magazine in 2015, aims to celebrate the future stars in the horticultural industry. Every year 30 young people are recognised for their work and future potential. n

£500 Donation

LOCAL NEWS In Brief

STAMFORD BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS NOMINATES ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials has announced that its Charity of the Year for 2020 is Alzheimer’s Research UK. The charity’s mission is to make breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and cure of such a prevalent condition; one in two people in the UK knows someone living with dementia. “Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials feels privileged to be able to support such a ground-breaking charity in Alzheimer’s Research UK and we very much look forward to working with them this year,” says Land Rover Burghley Event Director, Elizabeth Inman. The 2020 event takes place from 2nd to 6th September.

PRIORY COURT, GEDDINGTON - OIEO £725,000

In the very heart of the attractive village of Geddington, just three miles from Kettering, stands a very handsome, Grade ll listed property in mellow yellow stone, originally part of the Priory next door. Dating back to 1618, the property has exceptionally high ceilings and large windows shedding a vast amount of light into all the rooms, which is very unusual for a building of such an age. The property offers comfortable accommodation with an entrance reception hall, drawing room with feature stone fireplace, bespoke kitchen / breakfast room and three double bedrooms, one with an en-suite. The enclosed garden is mainly laid to lawn and bordered with many evergreen shrubs and topiary. Passed the attached garage and store you will find the gravelled, walled garden – a perfect place for summer barbecue. The position of the property is fantastic for a family with young children as the little primary school with very good Ofsted reports is almost directly opposite. Many towns in the area are within very easy reach: Kettering and Corby are less than a ten minute drive, whilst Oundle with its public school is about a twenty minute drive.

HUSKISSONS YARD, KINGS CLIFFE - The Stables – Guide Price £695,000 The Granary – Guide Price £745,000 The Dairy – Guide Price £935,000 Huskissons View – Guide Price £1,350,000

Although already restored the barns currently offer the potential buyer a rare opportunity to participate in the final stages of the renovation, allowing them to create a unique dream home bespoke to them. Situated just outside the popular village of Kings Cliffe in a picturesque valley with views onto open meadows and rolling countryside, Huskissons Yard is a prestigious development combining former agricultural buildings and 21st century luxury living. The Barns have recently undergone a total refurbishment which has painstakingly preserved the architectural structure and style of the original stone buildings with features including exposed original beams, cornerstones and lintels, vaulted ceilings and high barn-door windows. Thoughtful glazing throughout the living areas make the most of the wonderful views, increase the feeling of space and light and allow an easy flow between inside and out, whilst the semi-open plan design of the main living areas is well suited to contemporary life.

Langham £995,000

An executive contemporary 5 bedroom home set on a brand new, exclusive, gated development of only 3 dwellings set in a highly regarded village close to Oakham and enjoying open countryside views to the rear. The property is finished to a demanding specification and offers spacious, energy efficient family accommodation which benefits from air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating to the ground floor and bathrooms and LED lighting throughout. Energy Rating: TBC.

Laxton £575,000

Stunning stone-built detached character cottage occupying exceptionally large grounds and enjoying views over the adjacent Laxton parkland. The property has a valid Planning Permission for an extension to provide an additional bedroom and garage. 2 Rec. Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, Utility, 3 Dbl Bedrooms, Shower Room, Bathroom; delightful Gardens. Energy Rating: F.

NEW

Gretton Prices from £525,000

Welland Heights is a new gated development of just five substantial detached dwellings sitting in an elevated position adjacent to the Gretton Conservation Area and enjoys views over the Welland Valley and surrounding countryside. The properties on the development have been thoughtfully designed to offer spacious family accommodation and are being constructed to a demanding specification by a long established local building firm. Energy Rating: TBC.

NEW

Cottesmore £395,000

Stunning new-built detached stone cottage under thatched roof appointed to an exceptional standard and occupying an attractive plot enjoying views over open countryside to the front and village church to the rear. Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm/WC, 3 Bedrooms, En-suite Wet Room, Family Bathroom; 2 Parking Spaces, south-facing rear Garden. Energy Rating: B.

Wymondham £475,000

Substantial stone-built terraced house offering spacious family accommodation appointed to a high standard throughout and extending to approx. 2,300 sq ft. over three storeys. 2 Reception Rooms, Dining Kitchen, Utility. Cloakroom/WC, 5 Double Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms; single Garage, Parking, private landscaped Garden. Energy Rating: C.

Uppingham £390,000

Beautiful Victorian townhouse providing elegant, stylishly appointed accommodation arranged over three floors and retaining many original features. Open-plan Sitting Room and Dining Area, Breakfast Kitchen, Clkrm/Utility, 5 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, separate small Shower Room; walled, hard-landscaped rear Garden with summerhouse. Energy Rating: F.

Local property expert Kate Vincent at Garrington Property Finders explores the changing market conditions and what this means for buyers. PROPERTY MARKET SPRINGS INTO ACTION

Kate Vincent Garrington

After a more than a year of political and economic uncertainty, the property market in 2020 has sprung into life with a vengeance, showing earlier than usual spurts of activity. Most estate agents have reported a promising start to the year with more buyers and homeowners registering the wish to move than in the same period in past years. Indeed, in January a typically sluggish month, one agent reported that he had had the highest number of New Year sign-ups for three years whereas another happily claimed that the total value of new properties he had listed in the first three weeks of the year amounted to 50% of his total sales for 2019. What a difference a few months can make…

An active off-market At the top end of the market, there has been an interesting flurry of activity amongst homes valued over £1.5million with several large period properties being put up for sale having been held in the same hands for many years. Some are being marketed on the open-market, but many are being quietly offered to the best buyers – those that have already sold, cash buyers and professional buying agents such as myself. Such is the pent-up demand from buyers who have bided their time over the last year or so, many of these prime properties are currently changing hands away from the open market. For the unrepresented however, care should be taken to negotiate wisely on these properties as many bullish sellers have gained confidence from the past lack of stock and are asking over-inflated prices – fine if you are willing to take a long-term view, but buyers need to do so with their eyes open. Clients working with Garrington are given comprehensive price comparisons and detailed value assessments. Based on the market conditions and analysis of similar properties previously sold, clients can then be confident that the price they are paying is both realistic and wise in these better but still unpredictable times. Looking beyond the headlines Despite sluggish price growth caused by volatility, locally, in the prime market three substantial properties sold for over £2.6 million despite the uncertainty. This included a gorgeous Stamford townhouse which went under offer within days of being launched and two 6-8 bedroom village properties. A handful of others sold for just under £2 million pounds, all of which indicate that we live in an aspirational location with wealthy buyers who are willing to invest substantial amounts. Checking my notes, I see that most of these properties were bought between 7-16% less than the original asking price, which adds weight to the argument ‘Caveat Emptor’ – buyer beware.

Be prepared

Whichever end of the property market you are looking to buy or sell, placing yourself in the optimum position to act decisively is the best way to achieve a smooth and relatively quick move. For sellers this means ensuring your property is free from obvious defects, a reputable solicitor has been engaged and if you are in a real rush, that you have already completed the property information paperwork. Buyers need to have their finances in place, a clear plan of how quickly they can move out of their current home and a team of advisors at the ready. Those who buy well don’t do so out of luck; they are the ones that are fully prepared, well connected and deeply knowledgeable about the local area and property within. A professional property finder and buyer is all these things and can give a buyer a clear advantage over those who are not represented.

Garrington work for private and/or corporate clients who want to buy, rent or invest in property throughout the UK. They also provide a negotiation only and oversee of sales service. Contact Kate Vincent on 01780 408377 to discuss your requirements and arrange a commitment free initial meeting. Alternatively, email info@garrington.co.uk or visit www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

UNDER OFFER

SOLD

A traditional grade II listed country Manor House with all the grace and elegance one would expect from such a fine country home, thoughtfully blended with stunning modern touches. • Gated private approach on the edge of the village • Well proportioned formal reception rooms • Enviable capacious open-plan living kitchen • Study and cosy snug • Principal bedroom with ensuite & dressing room • Additional six double bedrooms, one with ensuite • Two family bathrooms and games room • Breath-taking countryside vistas • Beautiful landscaped grounds with floodlit tennis court • Copious garaging/outbuildings with studio annex

COLLYWESTON – GUIDE PRICE £1,925,000

An individually designed and impressive modern family home with flexible living space and ample parking options within walking distance of Stamford town centre. • Reception Hall • Drawing Room • Family Room with further separate Study and Hobby Room • Kitchen / Breakfast Room with bi-folding doors to garden • Games Room / Gym • Principal Bedroom with Ensuite and dressing area • 3 further Double Bedrooms and family bathroom • Private west facing rear garden • Private Driveway with Large Double Garage • No onward chain

WOTHORPE – GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

SOLD

SOLD

A rare opportunity within the heart of one of Rutland’s finest villages to acquire and update a substantial unlisted family home not previously marketed for over 60years. • Attractive unlisted period home • Requiring general modernisation • Approaching 4000 sq ft of living accommodation • Private drive with parking • Large private Gardens to rear • Central Village plot of approximately 0.68ac (sts) • Scope to remodel and rework (stp) • Within same ownership for over 60 years • Picturesque rural location • Offered with no onward chain

BRAUNSTON-IN-RUTLAND – GUIDE PRICE £825,000

An opportunity to purchase a large four bedroom home, situated in the ever popular Exeter Gardens close to the heart of Stamford. • Built circa 1965, 2,000 sq ft of living accom • Close to the heart of Stamford & amenities • Four double bedrooms, ensuite, family bathroom • Large, mature garden with large patio and rear vehicular access from Tinwell Road Lane • Breakfast kitchen, pantry, boot room & utility • Separate dining room and drawing room • Reception hall with cloakroom, WC and rear porch • Large single garage with off-road parking for 2-3 other vehicles • Scope to significantly expand property (STP)

STAMFORD – OIEO £750,000