LUXE LOCAL
PROPERTY WATCH
my local Barry Faulkner is the company director at Norton’s new pizza place, Scrann. With the aim of bringing something new to the table when it comes to Stockton’s foodie scene, this authentic sourdough spot is ticking all the boxes amongst locals and pizza-lovers.
WITH DUNCAN YOUNG
Three good things about living here >> • It’s just nice to walk along the high street; there’s a lovely vibe here and a real sense of community. We’ve got some great venues for eating and drinking in the village. • Norton is in a great location as it has everything you might need in close proximity and is only a short drive to some of the region’s best beaches and National Trust sites such as Roseberry Topping in Great Ayton. • Everything you need in the village is within walking distance - so it’s great for a stroll and ticking off your do-to list. Three places to take visitors >> • For the hungry visitor - pop to Scrann for an authentic sourdough pizza! • Canteen & Cocktails is a must-visit bar serving American smokehouse food and great cocktails. • A wander down to the duck pond and a chill out on the village green if the weather allows. An ‘in-the-know’ secret >> Go to Canteen & Cocktails for a Sunday roast sharing board! They’re amazing. I’d recommend booking in advance as it is very popular amongst the locals.
property: three to choose Gorgeous green The Green is an exquisite, Grade II Listed residence enjoying iconic views over Norton’s duck pond and village green. Conveniently located within the hub of Norton Village and just moments from the bustling, tree-lined high street, this property perfectly combines village life with town-like facilities. Lots of space and country charm, what’s not to love? £350,000 www.roseberry-newhouse.co.uk
Luxe living This bright and spacious four-bedroom detached house on Junction Road makes for a wonderful family home with added elegance. Pleasantly set back along a private driveway, the property boasts a secluded southfacing garden and large living spaces. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is the perfect place to host and entertain guests. £480,000 www.michaelpoole.co.uk
Pastel perfect This charming character property on Norton high street boasts three bedrooms, three comfortable reception rooms and a delightful walled garden. Retaining many of its original features, it makes for a grand and graceful home, to be enjoyed by a growing family who wish to live in an up-and-coming area in the North East. £325,000 www.michaelpoole.co.uk
MAR/APR18
CHANGING THE WAY WE USE OUR HOMES There’s no doubt that since the 2007 financial crisis the idea of buying and selling homes to make a fast buck has gone out of the window! House prices are only now returning to values that they enjoyed in 2006 and 12 years of static or volatile house price levels have, undoubtedly, led to concern throughout the housing market. The beginning of 2018 has been hugely optimistic and very encouraging however. Rightmove recorded their highest ever levels of newly registered applicants in January and February of this year. We are certainly experiencing high levels of enquiries, viewings and offers being agreed. The way we use our houses is undoubtedly changing and one of the main reasons for this is an ageing population living much longer. People want to live in their homes as long as possible and it is not unusual now for people to be living in their own homes until their late 80s and early 90s. Multi-generation living has always been the norm for the Asian population and the appeal of this idea gaining wider appeal. But one of the greatest changes to take place in the last 10-12 years is the increasing number of homes being adapted, not for use as a granny flat but instead for a 20-something occupant. This is the first generation to have been to college and university but who still find themselves unable to afford their first step on the housing ladder. Staying at home is a good option and often they will take on the conversion of the attic, or create independent space from an old garage or studio within the gardens. This flexibility of homes to create multi-generation living is encouraging people to stay in their homes for longer. The use of formal dining rooms also appears to be a dwindling tradition; now they become games rooms or particularly a study for the growing number of people who can work from home. Another change has been the rise of the large family kitchen/breakfast room. Now, the kitchen takes priority amongst all living space and is often the focal point of the home, combining what may have historically been two large entertaining reception rooms. A large family kitchen/breakfast room with seamless glass and an open aspect overlooking the garden has been very desirable for some time; the epitome of contemporary living. Intelligent wiring is also becoming an essential in the home, not just the ability to use Wi-Fi but also the download speed and whether it links to the latest technology, to enable people to work smartly from home. A home’s running costs and energy perfomance is also now a key factor. Ten years ago, the Energy Performance Certificate for a property was never particularly important to prospective buyers. Now people are very keen to see houses being efficient, warm and economical. Running costs for a home can be a significant addition to a monthly mortgage. For those houses that have been well designed, planned or renovated, running costs can be greatly lowered and this is a tremendous attraction to prospective buyers. As we move into the ‘traditional’ best selling period within the housing market, we look forward to the spring weather and beautiful gardens emerging. Gardens continue to be a very major factor within the sale of a property. We are seeing increasing numbers of gardens being professionally lit, particularly mature trees and around the patio terraces, whilst outdoor barbecues are being extended into outdoor fireplaces with log stores and warmer places to congregate in the early evening. We look forward to being able to act in your move, with the sale or rental of your property. Please let me know if myself or my team can assist you in any way.
Duncan G Young Managing Director Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk
www.luxe-magazine.co.uk
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