Spence Willard Property Magazine | Edition 9 | 2021-22

PROPERTIES FOR SALE LETTINGS LAND AND DEVELOPMENT CHARITY AND COMMUNITY KNIGHT FRANK THE LONDON OFFICE MEET THE OWNERS DESIGN SERVICES PORTRAITS OF ISLAND LIFE

B A Y L I S S

B O O T H

Relaxed Country Luxe MID-CENTURY SCANDI FRENCH CHATEAU VINTAGE FINDS INSPIRATION

@baylissandbooth

01983 528600 B AY L I S S A N D B O O T H . C O . U K

LUSHINGTON HILL WOOTTON PO33 4RD

21/22 LI N TOE RVI O RES

Hello & Welcome

Property has always been a valued asset, however with the global events of the last 18 months, we are now more than ever realising the importance of home.

In this edition we bring you some of the finest coastal & country property the Isle of Wight has to offer, along with insight from Charles Spence, Duncan Willard & their Associate Directors on the current sales and lettings market.

To say the past year has been somewhat tumultuous is an understatement; having experienced a temporary closure of the property market during Lockdown 1.0, to then some of the busiest months on record with many purchasers pushing to make their move prior to the end of the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday.

We speak with a local surveyor, an architect, and a builder for their views on land and development across the Island, as well as two of the UK’s top interior designers who share simple tips on how to inject some fresh interior styling into your property, whether that be in order to increase saleability or put your stamp on your new home.

Enjoy our popular Meet the Owners & Portraits of Island Life features, where we hear from those that have made the Island their home and see what diverse opportunities the Island has to offer.

As an independent estate agency, we are a team that all live, work and play on the Island and are therefore confident we are best placed to highlight all it has to offer, along with our global connections to ensure your property is seen in the right places, by the right people.

Whether you are reading this with a curiosity as to how much your property is worth, a view to upgrading your main home, to have a second home to enjoy with the recent restrictions on travel, or something else; there is one thing you can be certain of - Spence Willard will provide you with an unrivalled client experience; giving honest advice and a wealth of knowledge and expertise, all whilst acting with integrity and professionalism.

COVER IMAGE ADRIFT VISUALS EDITORIAL AMBER BEARD PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORIAL STEPHANIE MACKRILL DRONE PROCAM FILMS PROPERTY THEARLE PHOTOGRAPHY

⃝ Head of Marketing F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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06 Welcome Edition Nine 12 ⃝ Restoration to Originality Anna Stewart Interiors

20 ⃝ Make your move with Spence Willard

26

⃝ Spence Willard Design Services SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

⃝ A Review of 2020 and where we are for 2021

28

⃝ Land and development

52

⃝ Portraits of Island Life

54 ⃝ Dark Skies

58 ⃝ Destination Tapnell Farm

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

C O WES £2 , 75 0, 000 An exceptional contemporary house occupying a prime waterfront position adjacent to the Royal Yacht Squadron and with unrivalled views of The Solent. EPC B

Accommodation extends to approx. 3,850 sq.ft with balconies at three levels

VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 2 008 8 0 F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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⃝ Charles Spence

THE CURRENT MARKET

Looking at 2021 & beyond…

The past year has been unprecedented, a word which has been made more use of than perhaps any other of late.

And unprecedented in many ways.

Not just with the advent of a global pandemic which lasted way beyond any of our predictions, but with the boom in housing sales, particularly in places such as the Isle of Wight, where people were (and still are!), looking to relocate. When we reviewed the market last year for our 2020 edition, there was a quiet optimism that the property market would begin to pick up, but not quite at the exponential rate we have experienced.

Now, a year later, here are some thoughts on the market as it stands and a few, positive but cautious words.

⃝ Duncan Willard SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

© Paul Wyeth

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

What are your feelings on the state of the housing market here on the Isle of Wight?

DW. There’s been a run on property, especially good quality houses which have been selling quickly and for high prices. Whilst we have a reasonable amount of new instructions coming to the market, they’re being snapped up predominantly by mainland buyers with many people moving here as permanent residents. The increase in the flexibility to work from home has encouraged buyers looking for properties that allow them to do that such as spare offices/outbuildings etc.

The government’s decision to turbocharge the residential sales market with a SDLT break, coupled with buyers continuing to reassess the need to live in more densely populated areas, has led to insatiable demand for quality housing in sought-after parts of the country. Areas such as the Cotswolds, South Hams, New Forest, South Downs, with the Isle of Wight having gained a place on the ‘top list’ – arguably, for the first time.

We have witnessed demand outstripping supply on our sales instructions over the past 15 months leading to record high prices being set.

JS. In the Freshwater area we’re also seeing more mainland buyers coming over, which I think is fuelled by people looking at the Island as a ‘safe haven’. Now with work opportunities changing, it’s giving people the ability to move to locations they previously only dreamt of and still carry on with life, thus creating a countrywide lifestyle revolution with outlying areas seeing booms in property sales. The market at the upper end is buoyant and there are of course plans and policies in place to build more homes to boost the affordable part of the market, therefore helping to increase supply and keep the market moving.

Are you seeing a different demographic moving here?

DW. There are definitely younger people moving here and the retirement age now seems to be lower with many of the houses going to people retiring in their early fifties. People are making a lifestyle choice to move here and increasingly are people without any previous connection to the Island, and who simply fall in love with the Isle of Wight. For those who are still working, especially part time, the Island is still commutable to London. And of course, those buyers are bringing money to the Island which is a huge positive for the local economy.

SB. In the East Wight, as properties are coming onto the books, we are selling them almost immediately. What used to be mostly holiday home purchasers have since become young retirees and families looking to make a new life here. You also have people upgrading their second homes here, in order to spend more time on the Island than where they were previously.

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What are Spence Willard doing to help smooth the way during this busy sale period?

SB. We’ve been extremely fortunate with all of the relationships that we’ve built with both buyers and sellers over the past years, and so we have a good idea of what people are looking to buy.

Generally, these relationships and the confidence clients have in us, means both vendors and purchasers will see the transaction through to completion - which is the common goal! It’s all about customer relations, having a list of interested buyers and sellers and knowing your marketplace; that’s what we pride ourselves on.

These relationships also save what can be the long build-up of a house sale or purchase as those relationships are already in place.

LH. We work very closely with all of the sales team and this last year has been no exception. We’ve been well placed to be able to help vendors with no onward purchase find a rental property, or investment buyers to have a tenant lined up and ready to move in when their purchase completes.

⃝ Laura Homes

If people moving to the Island would rather rent, how is that marketplace?

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

LH. We’ve been incredibly busy on the rental front with a similar trend to the buying one with an exceptionally high level of demand and I think that’s been born out of two things : people wanting to move and rent here for the same reasons as those buying – quality of life, somewhere nice to be if we have another lockdown and the option to work from home when previously this maybe hadn’t been possible.

What makes Spence Willard different?

JS. We invest time in relationships with our clients – having a good rapport with our sellers and getting to know our searching applicants well, means there is an open and honest dialogue when it comes to the property transaction.

You can be reassured we value people not just properties.

LH. Honesty is so important. Being decent is too, as is transparency. We all live, work and school our children in the areas that we’re working in and so can speak from genuine experience.

CS. We are proud of our positive working relationships with industry professionals, which all help to ensure that our clients experience a seamless buying/selling process. Our connection with Knight Frank & The London Office and its affiliate agencies across the country, mean our clients are provided with a wide and varied database of quality applicants, as well as access to marketing across a broad spectrum.

SB. We have a selection of the 'best buyers'– the best buyers being those that will work with you and see the purchase through to completion.

⃝ Jason Siviter

How do you see the market evolving over the next 12 months?

DW. Increasing inflation, and any subsequent upward adjustment in interest rates may influence matters, so I anticipate a slight cooling off over coming months, but expect the popularity of this wonderful Island to remain.

CS. Nobody could have predicted the last 2 years, so it is of course difficult to ever be certain, but I envisage that the market will remain steadfast here on the Island. Whilst we are hopeful the intensity of the pandemic will subside; many people remain focused on achieving a work:life balance which the Island offers so well. ⃝ Sam Branston

What’s great about living on the Island?

SB. Having coffee on the beach before work regardless of where you live, the beach isn’t far away. I don’t think my son wears shoes pretty much all summer and is a pro at crabbing.

DW. The beach, sailing, and the open countryside – it’s just a great place to be.

JS. Bringing up children here. It’s a lovely environment with less of the issues that you may find in more urban settings, combined with the benefit of far less traffic!

CS. There is so much on offer regardless of age or interests. From the usual popular outdoor pursuits to foraging and festivals, there is really something for everyone - and without having to travel great distances.

LH. The sense of community the Island has is very special and it’s there for those who want to get involved. The past year has certainly demonstrated how small communities can come together to help one another and I think that’s something to be really proud of.

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

Ch ar l e s S pe nc e – Manag i ng Di r e ctor Dunc an Wi l l ar d – Di r e c to r Jas o n S i v i te r – As s o c i ate Di r e c tor S am Br ans to n – As s o c i ate Di r e c t or L aur a Ho me s – As s o c i ate Di r e c tor 2020/ 21 E D I T I O N — 1 1

Bath Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QN 01983 281414 www.kendallsfineart.co.uk

Splash Light Oil on canvas 120cm x 120cm

LD SO

COWE S £ 1 , 200, 000 A charming, Grade II Listed house occupying a prime position on the seafront, with sensational views of The Solent.

LE ED SA RE AG

VENTNOR £825,000 An elegant home providing uninterrupted views of the English Channel, the Marina and the popular Ventnor Bay. The substantial accommodation is set across three floors with a two storey, one bedroom annex, which has the option of being self-contained. EPC E

S ANDOWN £ 385 , 000 A luxurious cliff top apartment with unobstructed far reaching sea views, situated within a private gated development with underground parking. EPC B VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 873000

Coastal Retreats F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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Restoration to Originality MEET THE OWNER

House hunting from their leafy suburb of South West London led Petersfield born Anna Stewart and her husband Jonny to Bonchurch where they moved to in 2014, taking on a Coach House dated from the 1800’s, a former holiday let which needed complete refurbishment. The result is a beautifully designed and decorated family home which has been restored beyond its former glory.

‘We came to the Island at Christmas 2014.

We’re from South West London and it’s probably the usual story – we’ve got two children and my daughter Evie was getting to the age where we were considering secondary schools for her. Evie is creative, our son Sam is sporty, and we wanted them to be somewhere where there would be opportunity for them to experience more and also, because creative subjects are just as important to us as academic ones, we started thinking about where that somewhere needed to be’.

Because both Anna and her husband needed to be in reach of London for work, they began thinking about areas that would work for them both as well as for them as a family. Anna is originally from Petersfield and so knowing the South Coast brought Jonny to the Island where, as a schoolgirl she’d come to play sports matches against Island teams and had day trips as a child. ‘There are always lots of amazing properties that come up for sale and we found our house in Bonchurch which was a quite different project to anything that we’d done before which were mostly Victorian houses. It had last been unsympathetically renovated in the eighties and latterly used as a holiday house and had been adapted in a very eighties’ way: reducing ceiling heights to avoid heating costs whilst windows had been concealed. The house is built into the rock and is two storeys at the front but one at the back, when we began to take out the lower ground floor ceilings, we found that the original ceilings were actually at rear ground level and taller than we had expected giving the house far more space SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

and light. We reconfigured the whole house and replaced all of the plumbing and electrics and it’s taken us the best part of five years to get to where we are, but we wanted to make it right, restore originality back into the house whilst adding modern touches and hopefully it’ll go on for another hundred years’.

The Island offers us a hugely different lifestyle as a family to the one we had With a degree in Interior Design from Chelsea College of Art and Design and extensive experience designing not just residential properties but also hotels and offices, the house proved an interesting challenge for Anna. ‘We’ve completed the building works in four phases, I now have an amazing team of local people that I work with. My creative strengths are in spatial planning, joinery design, electrical layouts and specifying kitchens, bathrooms, finishes and lighting: the early stages of a project. So, for me, it’s about finding those right people, especially expert joiners with whom I can optimise the available space with good joinery design. That was my niche in London. You’re normally looking at very minimal spaces there and trying to maximise the layout – it’s about creating spaces that work harder and make for an easier life so my clients are living in a considered environment making their everyday life simpler. As an example, we’ve put all of the laundry equipment upstairs a lesson learnt from American lifestyle design – everything comes straight from the bedrooms to the laundry area and so we never see it downstairs. It’s the small considerations that make a big difference’.

‘The Island offers us a hugely different lifestyle as a family to the one we had – I’m originally a country girl but we’ve both always wanted to live near the beach. We’re not sailors, I guess that’s what drew us to the Bonchurch side of the Island as well as its stunning landscape, you simply can’t beat walks with the dogs, pubs with open fires, going to the festivals and doing all of the things that we can do as a family as well as it being a place to let the kids have their freedom.

Our friends visit and it’s wonderful for them to have somewhere to stay. There’s an amazing food scene here, real farm to table and it’s getting better and better here on the Island all the time.

Whilst we still enjoy going up to London, it’s great to have the contrast that Island life can give us’.

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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BON C H U R C H £1,6 00, 000 A stunning and substantial Victorian villa occupying a secluded, elevated position with far-reaching southerly sea views within this highly sought-after coastal village.

VIEWI NG: 0 1983 2 008 8 0

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL For boys and girls from Nursery to 18 years Round Square, PSB and IB World School Excellent exam results for GCSE, IB and A Level Three academic options for Sixth Form - A Levels, IB Diploma and IB Career-related programmes Scholarships and bursaries available Wide extra-curricular programme including competitive sailing Full, weekly and flexi boarding options School buses daily from West Wight, Bembridge and Cowes

FOR OPEN MORNINGS OR TO VISIT: www.rydeschool.org.uk/open-days-and-visits FOR MORE INFORMATION Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE

Our Community There is a uniqueness to be found on the Island in the real sense of community that is valued by so many, something people often don’t realise until they come here and experience it for themselves.

After keeping your head down on the tube and bustling to get to work, it is a welcome change to walk along the street and be greeted with a friendly hello and willingness by others to help if you are ever in need.

At Spence Willard we appreciate and enjoy everything that the Island has to offer, from the expanse of green spaces to the beautiful seas we are surrounded by, and as such are proud sponsors of the Spence Willard Wednesday Evening Racing Series at the Royal Solent Yacht Club, the annual Yarmouth Sandcastle Competition, Brading Haven Yacht Club Youth Sailing as well as their community paddle boarding lessons, and the Isle of Wight Literary Festival to name but a few.

This year we welcome Freshwater Bay Golf Club & Ryde School Sailing to our list of clubs and events that we are proud to support.

David Lindsay, Marketing Director at Freshwater Bay Golf Club has said: 'We are proud to have Spence Willard as our ‘Headline Sponsor’ and look forward to an exciting partnership over the coming months and years.

The impressive new welcome board at the entrance to the course has been funded by them, along with a navy blue buggy featuring their company logo.

We feel sure that our members will appreciate the importance of local business involvement and that visitors will recognise that they are the premier estate agent on the Island.

The post Covid period has seen a resurgence of interest in golf with membership rising and a realisation that this outdoor activity can offer not only a healthy lifestyle but an increase in social activity with the local community at its heart!'

At Ryde we hold a firm belief that sailing builds resilience, independence and confidence in our young people. Our proximity to the heart of the UK sailing scene and the contacts and partnerships that affords, ensures our pupils have access to unrivalled opportunities. ⃝ Claudia Manser, Ryde School Director of Sailing F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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Make your move with Spence Willard At Spence Willard, we believe good quality marketing is essential, ensuring your property is seen in the right places, by the right people and at its very best

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY A picture is worth a thousand words and that is why here at Spence Willard we use an experienced, professional property & garden photographer to capture the many attributes of your home.

In some cases, we will complement this with professional drone photography to highlight your property’s location to potential purchasers.

These images are primarily used on websites where the majority of applicants begin their search. Clients often have a wide search radius across the south coast and so it is important your property stands out. Images will also be used on our social media channels, window displays both on the Island & in our London office and for online & printed brochures, as well as any wider advertising.

Even the most beautiful homes can be overlooked if they are not marketed to their full potential SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

SALES PARTICULARS Are bespoke to your property, but as standard will always include written details about your property, the local area, a floorplan and a range of internal and external images. They will be available both online and as printed copies, on recycled paperstock.

ONLINE Your property would be featured on our website that receives a good number of quality visits daily from across the globe, as well as leading property websites Rightmove, On The Market & Zoopla.

Investing into various marketing opportunities, we ensure that we reach the widest possible range of potential purchasers, by directing further traffic to our website and the properties we have for sale, often reaching people that were not specifically searching for a property on the Island and so reach an audience that other agents may well not have access to.

Whilst so much of our life is now digital, we appreciate there is still a need to feature in printed publications. We have succeeded in featuring articles and advertisements in a range of these such as, The Times, The Telegraph, Hampshire Life, Country Life, Coast, Abode 2, The Week and the Evening Standard. @SPENCEWILLARDIW SPENCE WILLARD SPENCE WILLARD SPENCE WILLARD WWW.SPENCEWILLARD.CO.UK

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VIEWINGS As well as our office-based staff that conduct viewings, we are complemented by our mobile viewings team who cover designated areas across the Island and will be fully acquainted with your property. We pride ourselves on knowing all there is to know about the locality; the best walks, local restaurants or village pub – those hidden gems are all important details when selling your home.

All applicants wishing to view are of course, fully vetted with viewings strictly by appointment and accompanied by a member of our staff. Subject to your permission, we are able to conduct viewings seven days a week and can be flexible on timings to suit both you and the viewer as we appreciate that office hours are not always covenient. We value feedback as much as you do, so once viewings have taken place, we aim to deliver feedback to you within 24 hours, allowing the applicant time to give due consideration.

SHHHHH...DESIRE FOR DISCRETION? We can offer a discreet marketing option - if we feel an applicant is the perfect fit for your property, we would be pleased to liaise with you to arrange an off-market viewing.

We understand that purchasers are not simply buying a property, but a lifestyle

B E H I N D T H E SCEN ES STAT I ST I CS

ACROSS ALL OF OUR OFFICES APPROXIMATELY 78% OF OUR BUYERS ARE MAINLAND-BASED

£600k+

WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY SOLD MORE PROPERTIES AT THE £600K+ MARKET THAN ALL OTHER ISLAND AGENTS COMBINED*

*data taken from Rightmove

20 21

132% INCREASE IN COMPLETED SALES VS THIS TIME LAST YEAR

2020

202 1

44% INCREASE IN REGISTERED APPLICANTS LOOKING FOR PROPERTY WITH SPENCE WILLARD

2020

57 % IN CRE AS E IN VIEW IN GS V S TH IS TIME LAST YEA R

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THE

London Office

There is no doubt that there has been a seismic shift in the number of applicants looking to relocate from London to the country. The 39% increase in London based applicants registering to move out of the Capital we reported last year has hardly stemmed.

The pandemic has turned so many lives upside down and, for some, the city which they had loved has suddenly felt dangerous and claustrophobic. It has brought into sharp focus their living arrangements, such as lack of gardens and overcrowding prompting them to reassess their priorities during Lockdown and now want, or need to live in a different space, or location. While Covid -19 has affected businesses, livelihoods, and family life, there have undoubtedly been moments when taking a break from the usual hectic schedules has been beneficial – spending some time recharging the batteries and taking stock of the important things in our lives.

Relocating out of big towns or cities and the long-held notion of ‘moving to the country’ has been given a rather powerful nudge. Leaving behind a frantic, fast-paced lifestyle frees up time to prioritise the things one really cares about. As someone who recently moved out said 'walking the dog on the beach at sunrise, now that makes me smile'.

There has also been a noticeable increase in people wanting to return to where they grew up, to be nearer to family. In addition to the scenery, climate and coastlines of the Isle of Wight, many people are being attracted to what the Island offers on the sporting side; horse riding, walking, cycling, sailing, as well as other water-based sports.

They want to live near to their leisure activity and they will either set up to work from home or have decided to base their business from home.

I see this trend continuing for the forseeable future.

Demand in many of the most popular areas is substantially exceeding supply and is split evenly between those looking for a principal home and a bolt hole although there has been a noticeable shift. In the past, those who had a principal home in London and a smaller weekend property are now wanting the reverse. This increased demand, buoyed by the stamp duty holiday, is across the price range but is more noticeable in the middle to higher of the market reflecting the need for larger properties and space.

Despite the stampede from London, the demand for London properties has remained strong, in particular for Houses and Flats with outside space. This has led to prices being higher than at the beginning of the pandemic and has been driven by low stock levels, the stamp duty holiday and low interest rates. As travel corridors re-open, we expect competition from overseas buyers to heat up. Notwithstanding the uncertainity around Brexit, as well as the pandemic, London has lost none of its lustre and it remains one of the world’s most attractive cities to live and work in.

At our office located in the heart of St James’s, we are in a unique position to harness these potential buyers as their offices and shops open up following lockdown. They can discuss their requirements with our professional, qualified staff, who can answer questions about prices, market conditions and schools. We can then search the database for them and give out brochures of suitable properties being marketed by the local offices.

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

⃝ Bob Bickersteth

⃝ Katinka Stampa Orwin

⃝ George Clarendon

Knight Frank The partnership Knight Frank enjoys with Spence Willard is unrivalled on the Island and it gives access to the best buyers locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Our past track record demonstrates this and we look forward to continuing to work together.

It would be fair to say we are experiencing market conditions that have not been seen before due to the lockdown to control Coronavirus.

Prior to lockdown, market conditions were improving constantly following the conclusion to Brexit, and I am pleased to report that since lockdown restrictions have eased, there has been an overwhelming amount of activity.

This is being fuelled by the pent-up demand of buyers and a surge in the number of enquiries from buyers looking to relocate to the country from London.

Looking ahead, it is very difficult to predict what the property market will do. Economic factors will have a huge bearing, particularly employment, when the furlough period is over and companies start to look at restructuring their businesses. One can, therefore, only look at what is happening today and with this in mind, if you are considering marketing your property this year, it may be advisable to do so sooner rather than later.

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How to decorate your Island home inside & out

BY ALICE BARRINGTON-WELLS, SPENCE WILLARD DESIGN SERVICES

Whether you’re looking to redesign your existing home, decorate a holiday house or needing to update your home, we have spent some time looking into fresh interior design ideas for houses on the Isle of Wight. For people who want to embrace Island life but not go too nautical; we think we have found some winning ideas.

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

Just because the house is next to or near the sea doesn’t mean one has to automatically find fish-patterned prints and boats for your shelves. Playing on references to the coast and the sea can be done with a sophisticated edge.

I have spoken to two of the UKs top interior designers to get their tips. From their wealth of experience and knowledge of what’s out there these nuggets of advice will really help. And with their own experiences helping home owners with houses near the sea, it is good to know that they think its great to reference the water and surrounding area with plenty of ideas to keep it chic!

With first class, elegant and stylish ideas from designers who really know what’s best, we think these pearls of wisdom will really stand the test of time.

Award winning Salvesen Graham are one of the UK’s favourite interior designers and H&G Top 100. They have recently completed a stunning stately home in Cornwall.

So they know a thing or two about period properties and how to bring them into the 21st century. Their Cornish project is near the sea and in an area that is synonymous with marine life so they know how to inject some playful but chic references to the sea and the coast.

I asked Mary Graham what she would do if she were asked to help decorate a period house on the Isle of Wight: Add some colour and pattern.

A nautical themed home can feel flat and quite two dimensional, and actually rather cold on a chilly day.

By introducing some multi-coloured textiles like an antique suzani, a paisley throw, or a gathered lampshade you’re immediately adding interest and paving the way to introducing lots more colours into the room.

What would you suggest to make an entertaining space feel cosy and stylish?

We love to use rugs outdoors and our scallop rug with Jennifer Manners is available in her repurposed fibre, which is made from recycled plastic bottles meaning not only is it a sustainable choice but it’s also an incredibly practical solution for coastal living. Plenty of blankets and cushions are also essential for cosy outdoor entertaining. So often being outside feels hard and uncomfortable but is doesn’t have to. There are fantastic weatherproof fabrics on the market now, but our preference tends to be to use your favourite indoor cushions and just remember to bring them back in at the end of the night!

And finally any chic coastal products?

If you’re committed to the nautical theme then our navy blue or off-white bamboo lamp would add a touch of sophistication to a classic coastal interior: Keeping with the theme of bamboo, the chic salad servers from Rebecca Udall would enhance any al fresco meal!

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

I then spoke to Saskia Blyth from Blyth Collinson interiors who has very recently completed a gorgeous, 18th century home on the coast in Kent.

She was given the opportunity to be playful with the coastal inspiration and found some really lovely ideas; whilst all the while retaining chic schemes with the use of colour.

So what would you do to update a room in an Island houme?

The wall colours are the first port of call - these have huge impact and low cost. Choosing the right colours can be daunting so it is definitely worth speaking to the experts at places like Farrow & Ball or a good local decorator.

Also giving some of your favourite pieces of furniture a fresh lick of paint – be bold and choose beautiful greens and blues.

Adding lovely accessories is a speedy way to bring about some new colours and patterns: this can be table cloths, or cushions or reframing art, etc.

How do you enhance and style your dining spaces, either indoors or outside?

Comfortable seating and a beautifully dressed table. Remember a jug or vase of flowers on your garden table. Beautifully patterned linen and colourful murano glasses.

Share with us two chic pieces for a coastal home.

Cashmere blankets for guests to sit outside with even when the sun goes behind the clouds. Also something from Linda Fenwick who creates stunning chic pieces using shells to decorate.

They are a wonderful way to reference the sea without being too obvious.

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INTRODUC E | IN SPIRE | INN OVATE | INI TIATE

IS

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TOP H

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We can deliver

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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU PURCHASE A HOUSE THROUGH SPENCE WILLARD Like S penc e Willard, we are proud sponsors of the

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ADGE S TONE £ 1 , 400, 000

A high quality, modern country house with stable yard, paddocks and woodland totalling 9 acres. EPC C

Occupying an exceptionally serene position with spectacular views

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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J.R.Buckett

Sons Ltd

BUILDING CONTRACTORS SINCE 1881

J.R.Buckett and Sons Ltd has an excellent reputation for professionalism and creativity, offering a personal service to all our clients. The Company has adapted and evolved but never lost sight our traditional principles. Every design and build process is unique. We bring together inspiration, traditional craft, and modern techniques to meet your individual needs and aspirations. We have the experience to manage a diverse range of architectural projects, from large and small, from repairs and renovations to refurbishments, extensions and new builds, we will transform your visions into a reality.

New Road, Brighstone, Isle of Wight, PO30 4BW Tel: 01983 740262 info@jrbuckettandsons.com www.jrbuckettandsons.com

C O WES £1 , 5 00, 000 A substantial house of around 3052 square feet occupying a quiet, elevated position with excellent views and ample parking, (formerly comprising two townhouses that have been combined). EPC C

An elevated position affording excellent views over Cowes Harbour and The Solent VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 2 008 8 0 F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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Land & Development ⃝ Lindsay Mattinson Architect Lindsay has lived and worked on the Island for the past fifteen years having previously been in London as Design Director for a practice specialising in large commercial buildings for blue chip companies all over the world. A native Zimbabwean, she studied architecture in Cape Town before beginning her career in South East Asia.

‘I went straight from university in Cape Town to Kuala Lumpur during the early 90’s building boom to a large local commercial practice and was thrown in at the deep end. My first project was lead architect designing thirteen theatres for the University Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu. It was a big ask of someone straight out of university, but I think it made me what I am today: no architectural challenge is insurmountable if I set my mind to it.’

Here on the Isle of Wight the practice gets involved in feasibility studies and master planning which are popular given the buoyant property market, concentrating on commercial ⃝ Sketch by Lindsay Mattinson developments and reimagining facilities for charities or helping those looking to develop We are all about good design and making sure a parcel of land. A good portion of our work is remodelling and extending to create modern the architecture is relative to its context while contemporary lifestyle homes out of historic pushing the boundaries of creativity to create listed buildings or dated and unimaginative buildings. Bespoke ‘show stopping’ new builds unique pieces of architecture. Our clients often have become popular commissions affording say we ‘magically create what they don’t yet know us the opportunity to create some really special they need and can’t articulate’. buildings in amazing locations.

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

⃝ Colin Hibberd – Company Director JR Buckett and Sons Ltd Trading since 1881, JR Buckett and Sons have become well known for their high-quality workmanship. This has allowed us to undertake an array of building opportunities. These include speculative builds, heritage work, unique oneoff house builds, alterations and extensions, whilst not forgetting the smaller works, which we appreciate are the lifeline of any business.

Not only do we offer a friendly yet professional service to prospective clients, but we also thrive on collaboration and teamwork, meaning that everyone shares a tremendous sense of pride upon the completion of a project.

Due to the uncertainty presented by Covid-19 and for the safety of our employees, we closed the business on 26th March 2020. In line with government guidelines, we reopened in May, confident that our sites were Covid compliant and the workforce returned, grateful of the conscientious efforts made to provide a safe working environment.

Faced still with the challenges of both Brexit and Covid, Buckett’s success moving forward is ultimately dependent on being able to maintain a team of local skilled craftsmen

⃝ Paul Tombleson MSc (Hist.Bld.Cons), ACABE, AssocRICS – Building Surveyor Tombleson Associates Ltd We’re Island surveyors, but we also serve the southern counties providing Building Surveys and valuations for the majority of forms of construction and with over forty years of combined experience can advise on all eras of property from listed buildings, Historic, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings to post war and modern. Specialising in Listed and historic buildings, we also provide services for owners of those buildings to effect repairs and deal with Listed building consent.

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

and evolving with the changing times. I am supported by a strong management team and site managers, all of whom are highly motivated and understand the importance of maintaining the high standards promoted here at Buckett’s. We are also committed to training young people, in the hope that they become the future of the firm.

As well as our surveying experience, we have over forty years of hands-on construction experience and practice so are well positioned to deal with Contractors for Clients and regularly assist them in all forms of construction including appointing Contractors, Project Management, Contracting Administration, or even assisting with disputes and defect analysis.

Property purchase surveys and selling is a hugely busy area for us at the moment and we’re also dealing with the management of loft conversions, extensions and new builds. Covid-19 has made the market apprehensive and so we’re adapting our business accordingly to deal with all of the various issues that have come up as a result. There’s been a definite upturn in the market, with people looking to relocate to the Island or change their circumstances, but there are also others who are happy to stay where they are and extend and renovate what they’ve got. I think that the pandemic has put things into perspective for many people regarding working from home and so, many are looking to maximise the space that they already have without moving and this is an area that we can also assist with. Please feel free to contact us for a no obligation fee quotation or to discuss your proposals or requirements. We’re happy to help wherever we can.

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The Curlew COWE S £ P OA A stunning new detached three storey home being built to a high specification set just back from the seafront on the incline of Egypt Hill with wonderful panoramic views over The Solent.

VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 200880

Shearwater COWES £POA A substantial and impressive new home in a select development occupying a prime position close to the seafront and benefiting from panoramic views over The Solent.

V IE W IN G : 0 19 8 3 2 0 0 8 8 0

Land & Dev SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

Headon Reach VI EW I NG : 0 19 8 3 75 6 5 75

R YD E £6 5 0, 000

TOTL AND BAY FROM £ 85 0, 000 An outstanding collection of just seven well designed, contemporary detached houses creating a striking contrast against the rugged landscape, each enjoying South facing gardens and glorious views across Tennyson Down.

An opportunity to purchase a contemporary new four bedroom family home with open plan living space, eco-friendly technologies, garaging and west facing gardens in a sought-after location.

VI EW I NG : 0 19 8 3 8 73000

Orchard Lodge

velopment F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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award winning architects

new and

buildings | renovating and historic design | design

(01983) 840953 @mattinsonassociates

remodelling existing buildings | consultancy for buyers and

interior sellers

design | conservation | feasibility studies

enquiries@mattinsonassociates.com www.mattinsonassociates.com

RY DE £ 1 , 1 00, 000 An opportunity to purchase a luxurious new family home comprising five bedrooms, open plan reception rooms, garaging and substantial and private south facing gardens in a sought after, tucked away yet convenient location for mainland ferry links and schools.

Montpelier House VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 873000

BR IGHS TONE £ P OA Two contemporary detached houses situated in a sought-after location with both panoramic coastal and downland views.

Brighstone House & Limerstone House VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 2 00880

COLWE L L BAY £ 6 85 , 000 A stylish brand new detached five bedroom home on this exceptional coastal development of three, four and five bedroom properties situated on the outskirts of Freshwater, located within a few hundred yards walk of a sandy beach and very popular restaurant, The Hut, in Colwell Bay.

Meadows Way VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 75 6 5 75 RY DE £ P OA Comprising a range of luxurious new homes, built in an idyllic setting overlooking Ryde Golf Course. An exclusive development of homes including two, three and four bedroom houses, set in 2 acres bordering stunning woodland. The development benefits from being in a sought-after location close to the beach and a short walk to Ryde School via Spencer Road.

Spencer Park VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 873000 F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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B EMB R I D G E

WROXAL L

NI TON

S EAV I EW

S HAL FL E E T

S HORWE LL

WOOT T ON B R I D G E

THORL E Y

YARMOUTH

B R I GH S T ONE

F RE S HWATE R BAY

GURNARD

B ONC H U R C H

RY DE

S T HE L E NS

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

BROOK

COWE S

CAL BOURN E

G AT C OMB E

FI S HBOURNE

S T L AWREN CE

QUARR

S TE E P HI L L COVE

COWE S

F R E S H WAT ER B AY

C A R I S B R OOKE F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

Sold & VE NTNOR

FRE S HWATER

Sale Agreed 2020/ 21 ED I T I O N — 39

NE WCHUCH £ 1 , 75 0, 000

VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 200880 SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

A delightful, Grade II Listed, period farmhouse with an excellent range of barns and outbuildings including ancillary accommodation set in 6.5 acres in an attractive rural location.

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 2020/ 21 E D I T I O N — 41

COWE S £ 39 9 , 9 5 0 A four storey building occupying a prime position comprising a let retail unit, in addition to a three storey apartment overlooking the Yacht Haven, capable of producing an attractive rental income. EPC D VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 2 00880

VENTNOR £795,000 A handsome period house run as a guest house, providing extensive accommodation over four floors and with truly panoramic southerly sea views. EPC C V IE W IN G : 0 19 8 3 2 0 0 8 8 0

YARMOUTH £ 1 25 , 000 A rare opportunity to acquire a three bedroom two storey cottage at the exclusive West Bay Club, offering views, with holiday letting opportunity. EPC C VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 76 1 005

Properties with an Income F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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WH I T WELL £1 , 9 75 , 000 A magnificent, refurbished country house situated in an elevated rural position in just over 11 acres. EPC C

VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 76 1 005 F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

A significant landmark property surrounded by attractive rolling countryside 2020/ 21 ED I T I O N — 45

LD SO

We are proud to offer a diverse selection of properties across the Island...

From Coast COLWELL B AY £1,45 0, 000 This Grade II Listed penthouse offers truly magnificent and panoramic views over the western approaches to The Solent and Needles Lighthouse - some of the most vibrant coastline in the country.

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COWES £ 1, 15 0 , 0 0 0 An exceptional waterfront house in a prime position with well-presented accommodation, unobstructed sea views and off-road parking.

EPC B V IE W IN G : 0 198 3 2 0 0 8 8 0

to Country BRI GHS TONE £ 785 , 000 An attractive detached four/five bedroom house with ample parking and garage, set in over an acre of wonderful parkland style gardens, enjoying an extensive pond and woodland area. EPC C VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 75 6 5 75 F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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A SMALL ISLAND BUSINESS, SPECIALISING IN IMPROVING THE LANDSCAPE AROUND YOU

Our work takes us all over the island and occasionally to the mainland. We are lucky enough to work at some beautiful properties and locations, planting hedgerows and trees and managing houses, small estates and woodlands, as well as large and small landscaping projects.

The relationship we form with you is very important. By listening, understanding and working with you, we hope that it will become a long term relationship as we have with many of our existing clients.

If you are thinking about improving the landscape around you or would like it cared for, please contact us for an informal visit and chat.

T. 01983 760011 | M. 07966 292334 | tony@landscapetherapy.co.uk landscapetherapy.co.uk

COWES £ 7 9 9, 95 0 A stunning waterfront house with light contemporary accommodation with exceptional views, ample parking and a south facing garden. EPC D

V IE W IN G : 0 19 8 3 2 0 0 8 8 0

COWE S £ 825 , 000 Occupying an excellent elevated position, resulting in wonderful sea views. With extensive accommodation and an unusually good provision of parking along with a garage and garden. EPC C

AG SA R LE EE D

VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 2 00880

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

FRE S HWATE R £ 49 5 , 000 A beautifully presented three bedroom barn conversion benefitting from two side by side garages en bloc, parking and various private gardens including a copse with large pond.

EPC C

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TOMBLESON ASSOCIATES ‘the foundation of property advice’

01983 200442 SURVEYORS • VALUERS • BUILDING ENGINEERS

Building Surveys

Historic Building Advice

HomeBuyer Surveys

Listed Building Advice

Brief Condition Inspections

Party Wall Matters

Valuations

Construction Advice

Project Management

General Property Advice

Call for a FREE initial consultation

01983 200442

info@taiow.com

www.tomblesonassociates.com Marinus, Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7XF

SO LD

BE MBRI DGE £ 1 , 39 5 , 000 An impressive and superbly wellappointed family home with private and very pretty gardens, a courtyard and self-contained annex. EPC C

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

2020/ 21 E D I T I O N — 5 1

Isle of Wight based architect with worldwide experience

Award winning design Grand Designs - Super Home featured in Build It Magazine

Fully qualified architects service • Planning consultancy Budget advice • Measured surveys • Feasibility studies High quality period refurbishments • Stunning energy efficient new build solutions • Property transforming extensions & additions Studios & ancillary accommodation solutions • Free consultation

07835 920760 will@alchemyarchitectsltd.com www.alchemyarchitectsltd.com

QU A R R £1 , 75 0, 000 A stunning period house that provides extensive, light accommodation. Totalling around 6,763 square feet it has beautifully proportioned rooms and is set within mature grounds. EPC D VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 2 008 8 0

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Portraits o

⃝ James Blackwood Front End Developer – Cleats and Code

An avid paddle boarder and sailing a 1950’s Bembridge Scow, for James and his wife, coming back to the Isle of Wight after fifteen years in London couldn’t have been a better move.

'We’re truly lucky to be where we live on Wootton Creek and as a big fan of water sports, all of this is available from my back garden which, when the sun is out, makes it very difficult to work from home! We spent over ten years living in the Square Mile in London which is great for culture and food but every weekend SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

we found we were coming back to the Isle of Wight, where I’m originally from, and we moved here permanently seven years ago to start our business.

My company Isitmeanttodothat.io is mostly web and app based but we also deliver photography and product design and we’ve had diverse projects for example designing kitchen equipment for one of our favourite restaurants in London, having it fabricated here and sending it up to them. We work with an eclectic client base from Aston Martin, one of our first clients, to producing connected health platforms for the NHS for Type 1 Diabetics currently. One thing we do have here, which is paramount if

you’re thinking of starting a business on the Island, is a stable internet connection but the best work / life balance thing that you can achieve is being on the water within half an hour of leaving home, wherever you choose on the Island which is wonderful at the end of a day’s work and the perfect way of disconnecting. For a small Island there’s plenty to find, lots of history and there’s always something new around the corner waiting to be discovered, not least the wonderful local produce and foraging opportunities.'

of Island life ⃝ Sam Morris & Alice Greenfield Photographers and videographers

For photographers and film makers Alice and Sam, the Island has become a natural extension of their business Adrift Visuals. Both freelancers, they decided to combine their skills and set their company up in September 2020.

‘We wanted to bring our work outdoors and focus on outdoor brands and events, particularly those that want to promote green, eco-friendly and planet positive products. Being by the coast, living simply and creating amazing pictures, videos and images of people having positive experiences

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outside was the ethos behind the company and a passion for us both’.

The name of the business Adrift, came from the notion of moving around and being fluid. As filmmakers, they are constantly on the move and this is reflected in their website which uses the colours of sand, sea and sky and imagery to promote not just themselves but also the Isle of Wight which is a big focus for both Sam, an Island native, and Alice.

‘We look to work with brands and companies that have the same vision as we do – protecting the climate, environment and the oceans and that’s where we’re looking to use our skills: to build awareness of environmental

issues, capture beautiful landscapes and show those landscapes to the world because we feel that people are more inspired to protect what they see, even when it’s through the small world of Instagram. Our work is our canvas, and we are both at our happiest when we’re outside, in the sea and in nature and we can see the sun rise and the sun set, and we have all of this right here on our doorstep. There is also a strong community spirit here on the Island, local businesses have been very supportive towards us and we’ve been lucky to work with great brands like Mermaid Gin and Rapanui. People are proud to be on the Isle of Wight and have what we have here’.

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⃝ Molly Linton My Funky Bags - Owner

Born in Australia and moving to the UK as a child when her parents bought a Cotswolds pub, Molly Linton has had a fascinating journey to the Isle of Wight following years of living and working in Asia.

In my late teens I went back to Australia for a holiday and didn’t come back, ending up with a variety of jobs across media and marketing with companies from Christian Dior to Virgin - helping set up a media group in Bangkok for Sir Richard Branson and launching Virgin Radio. I met my husband Eren and we decided to take a year out from our corporate lives and travel; we came to the UK and the Isle

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of Wight as my brother had a holiday house in Cowes and arrived during Cowes Week. We loved the busyness, the people and the Island itself and Eren turned to me and said, ‘wouldn’t this be a great place to live.’

So, we finished our travels and then had to decide what we would do in the UK on the Isle of Wight. We’d been working with a family in Asia who recycled plastic bottles which they turned into a tape which was then repurposed into bags and baskets. We had about 500 bags and baskets made, shipped them here, bought a house in Cowes and decided to do a pop up at the Cowes Week regatta and sold out in a few days. They’re called My Funky Bags and everyone on the Island loves them because they’re made out of

recycled materials, they’re unique and I think that’s what’s made our company stand out from the crowd. Although our products don’t originate here, the people who buy them, buy them on the Island from our beautiful shops in Yarmouth and Cowes.

This is home, and we have our two rescue dogs from Bangkok with us as well. My parents now also live in Cowes and my brother is now here full time, so it’s become a real family home.

The whole of the Island has so many different aspects and after living in Asia and big cities as ex pats it’s such a change. It’s safe, clean with beautiful walks, fresh air and the people are friendly and helpful. It’s a little bit unique to anywhere else in the world and I love it.

⃝ Robert Thompson Chef and UBChef Owner

The midst of a pandemic changed hospitality as we knew it and for Chef Robert Thompson, meant that his eponymous restaurant had to close.

Undeterred, he began a restaurant meal delivery service UBChef, firstly just for the Isle of Wight before launching it UK wide in September 2020.

'The support of my Island customers has been enormous and has enabled me to not just carry on a business but to expand into something new. There is a great sense of community on the Isle of Wight and that’s just one of the reasons why I love living and working here. I work in a manic environment, which is

F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

the kitchen, with fantastic ingredients and a great team but at the end of the day I can walk out of the door into a peaceful, tranquil environment with fantastic scenery. I love the sea and find it relaxing and thought provoking and now couldn’t imagine not being near it and living here and foraging along the shoreline and cliffs for sea herbs and samphire.

My recipes are often inspired by living on the Island – I’m almost forced to focus on and search out those amazing ingredients that grow here and include them in the repertoire of dishes that I create, because when you focus more on those ingredients, it hones your recipes and how you use those ingredients. I love the spring

when the wild garlic starts to shoot up – that really signifies the beginning of the growing year and then that goes right on through the year with mushrooms and sea herbs and then the first Isle of Wight cherry tomatoes come onto the scene which moves through to heritage tomatoes in all of their different colours. Then there are local strawberries and of course asparagus, which is on pretty much every menu when it’s in season, moving on to squashes and game in autumn – a local larder which is a joy to any chef.

2020/ 21 E D I T I O N — 5 7

Reach for the

Skies Look up at the sky at night and what do you see?

In a city, not much apart from the odd passing aeroplane and the reflections of the lights coming from the streets and properties, even on a clear night. Here on the Isle of Wight it’s a different story and you can get to know your Orion from your Cassiopeia and your Plough from your Milky Way very easily as we have some of the darkest skies in the country.

So, what is a ‘dark sky’? Joel Bateman from the AONB explains,

Dark Skies are special areas where there are low levels of light pollution. When there is an absence of light pollution thousands of stars are revealed at night, this is beneficial to the wildlife and tranquillity of an area. We are lucky that much of the Isle of Wight has a high quality of night sky and this is especially apparent within Wight AONB which is important for nocturnal animals and insects as light pollution confuses them so that they cannot feed or find a mate.

Currently, the AONB, Vectis Astronomical Society, and Campaign to Protect Rural England are seeking international dark skies status for the Island because, apart from the benefits to wildlife and the general tranquillity of life here, it will also provide an out of season boost for tourism with stargazers coming during the winter months to look upwards. Currently there are sixty four Dark Sky areas around the world, including in this country, the Channel Island of Sark, the Brecon Beacons National Park and Dumfries and Galloway Dark Sky Reserve. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) is the recognised authority on light pollution and was the first organisation to call attention to the hazards of light pollution and awards different grades of Dark Sky Status to areas of land that are recognised as having exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. Dark Sky Status helps to protect these areas for scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and public enjoyment.

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

But there’s a fun side to our dark skies too and everyone can join in. For maximising your stargazing experience, you need to get as far away from bright street and property lights as possible and there are some great places on the Isle of Wight to study the cosmos. You can stop in any of the car parks dotted along the along the Military Road in the West Wight and enjoy the stars from Whale Chine, Brook Chine and Compton Bay. You could also stop at Freshwater Bay or if you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of Culver Down or Tennyson Down and see what you can see. Take some warm clothes, a torch to see your way, binoculars or a telescope and make sure that you’ve chosen a clear night. You could also practise your photography skills on stars and meteor showers which occur during the year.

We are charged with looking after our Island and the Dark Skies initiative is just one way that we can continue to protect and enhance our local environment. Our status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is something that we can be proud of and if we can add Dark Skies Status to that title, then that will make the Isle of Wight one of the most special, tranquil and important places to live and visit not just in the UK, but the world. And wouldn’t that be a wonderful legacy for generations to come.

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Diversifi’cow’tion As they say at Tapnell

High up on the hill on the Middle Road between Newport and Yarmouth you’ll spot not just the iconic cow but also the Tapnell Farm eco pods and you’ll know that you’ve reached one of the most popular places on the Isle of Wight for great food, miles of things to do for the kids and eco friendly accommodation for families, friends, or cosy couples. But this was originally a working farm and Tom Turney explains the ethos and ideas behind the vast regeneration.

‘Our family lived and grew up here and are fortunate to call Tapnell Farm our home. Originally it was very much purely a dairy farm, with grazing cows, daily milking and seasonal harvest.

In 2012 when I moved back to the Island having finished university and living in London for a time, I looked at diversification (or diversifi’cow’tion, as we now call it) and so it began with a glamping enterprise with five safari tents. We wanted to create a unique and welcoming destination SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

where people who were living an urban life could come and experience the farm in the way that we always had as children. The fresh air, views, freedom, and space to explore. There was never a grand plan to make Tapnell anything like it is now but more a change to give people a taste of the rural life we’d been so fortunate to lead. This was something I’d so missed in London and knew people would love and appreciate it, especially the kids!’

From that beginning, the project grew organically, and visitors loved the area and offering. So bit by bit Tom and his family and colleagues came up with more ideas for something special that would not just attract those visitors but have them returning year on year. ‘Lead by my brother-inlaw, also Tom (to keep things easy), we next opened a little play barn for families in one of the redundant barns. The families loved it, and we knew we were onto something special, that people were crying out for. We’ve tried to keep everything rustic and in keeping - there are no big rides and it’s all based around natural play. There’s no gadgets and gizmos, just lots for children and big kids to do. From pedal go-karts and bouncy pillows to cuddly animals, wallabies and great coffees, there is something for everyone. We’re also fortunate to be up on a hill with great views, so it is easy to keep that feel of natural freedom with lots of space. While always encouraging us to plan more expansion keeping in line with our ethos and local desires.’

A restaurant, The Cow, was added along with further accommodation and a lake with an aqua park was the latest addition to provide entertainment for adults and children alike. This summer there is a new football golf course, so there is always something fun to do at Tapnell. We also inherited Seaview Wildlife Centre’s many and various animals when the centre closed down and these have proved hugely popular at Tapnell Farm Park and the barns which had previously been used for farming was just the place to set up our animal encounters zone, which has become one of the most loved parts of the Park. ‘We thought that it would be a nice idea to rehome the animals, so they could stay on the Island and we added in our own mix of play and food with a café. By doing all of this, we set up a new kind of rural farm destination which up until that point, there hadn’t been on the Island. From the feedback we’ve received we are excited about whats been created and the future we have in this wonderful Island community, environment and destination. We don’t just want people to visit the Island, we want people to love the Island.’

And why does he think that The Isle of Wight is perfect for visitors?

‘The ferry creates a divide which makes you feel separated in your own location away from the mainland – a location with its own identity. There’s also a way of life: a way of people being more friendly, more loyal, more welcoming and there’s a wonderful sense of community whether you’ve moved here or are just visiting. If you want to come here, be part of the Island, be by the sea and the countryside then you’ll be embraced by the community and that’s certainly reflected around the whole of the Island’.

We don't just want people to visit the Island, we want people to love the Island F I NE C OAS TAL & C OUN TRY PROPERTIES

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B E M B RI DGE £ 5 8 5 , 000 A charming period cottage benefitting from recent modernisation and extension, boasting four bedrooms, enclosed landscaped gardens and garaging. EPC D V IE W ING: 0 198 3 873000

C O WES £1 , 1 00, 000 Situated on Cowes Waterfront, adjacent to the Royal Yacht Squadron, this property is one of 14 luxury apartments, offering spectacular Solent views, whilst being a short stroll to Cowes town centre and its array of amenities. EPC B

VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 2 008 8 0

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Q&A Lettings

The past year has brought an unprecedented demand for rental properties on the Isle of Wight and our Lettings team, covering the entire Island from the designated department in our Yarmouth office, continue to deal with a demand that far outstrips supply. With this in mind, now is an ideal time for any prospective Landlords to bring their property to the rental market and we at Spence Willard are well placed to help you do this.

Legislation around the renting of property has seen various significant changes in recent years and the process of becoming a Landlord and renting out a property can seem daunting if you are unfamiliar with these changes; Our dedicated Lettings team, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, can guide you through the process from start to finish and offer a range of service levels tailored to best suit your individual needs as a Landlord, depending on how much (or little) involvement you would like to have with any tenancy agreed.

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Spence Willard let a wide variety of properties from town centre apartments to country manor houses.

Any style of property, in any location is suitable for letting as long as it meets the legal requirements and statutory certification required.

Letting a property can seem a daunting prospect with some prospective Landlords fearing the process will be too complicated or risky for them to embark on. We can help you from the very beginning.

Read how with some of our frequently asked questions...

⃝ Laura Homes Head of Lettings

I have a property that I am considering letting but I just don’t know where to start?

We would be delighted to come and meet with you, appraise your property to give you an idea of the rental value and offer advice on any works that may need to be undertaken ahead of the property being let. We can recommend contractors who can attend to carry out the statutory certification such as the Electrical Installations Condition Report (EICR), Gas Safety Certificate and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or can arrange for these to be done of your behalf. At this point we can also give an insight in to the current market situation, prospective tenants actively searching for property along with details of the various service levels we can provide.

Key facts FULL ISLAND WIDE COVERAGE DEDICATED DEPARTMENT WITH A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TENANT FINDING, PART MANAGED OR FULLY MANAGED PACKAGES CLEAR FEE STRUCTURE WITH NO HIDDEN COSTS ISSUING OF STATUTORY DOCUMENTS COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCING PROPERTY INSPECTIONS RENT COLLECTION & MONTHLY ACCOUNTING MEMBER OF REGULATORY BODY PROPERTYMARK MEMBER OF THE RICS CLIENT MONEY PROTECTION SCHEME

Is lots of maintenance work required ahead of letting?

The general rule of thumb is that a property should be in a good, clean condition throughout. Paintwork clean and unmarked with carpets likewise.

Older style bathrooms and kitchens don’t need to be replaced just because they are dated, as long as they are in reasonable condition. Small details like ensuring tiles, grout and sealant are clean and free from mould help make a good impression. Starting a tenancy with the property in good condition sets the standard by which it can be expected tenants should follow.

Professional cleaning ahead of a tenancy starting is always recommended, along with a professional inventory and schedule of condition. Spence Willard arrange all of this on a Landlords’ behalf under our fully managed service level.

Do I need to be involved once a tenancy starts?

Whilst some Landlords are very happy to be involved in the day-to-day management of their tenancies, others prefer not to have the responsibility.

Spence Willard offer three different service levels, all of which can be modified to best suit an individual Landlord’s needs.

TENANT FINDING ONLY

Are There Hidden Costs?

For a one-off fee we will market your property, conduct viewings and oversee the tenant selection process, arrange for all referencing to be carried out and issue all statutory documents fulfil deposit protection duties and issue the tenancy agreement.

There are none! At Spence Willard we pride ourselves on our complete transparency with a straightforward fee structure and no hidden extras. We do not make additional charges to our Fully Managed Landlords for services such as tenancy renewals and routine inspections. For any maintenance or PART MANAGED repair works arranged by us, we will (also known as Rent Collection) not charge a handling fee, nor add a For an agreed monthly fee, we will percentage to the contractor’s invoice, carry out all tenant finding services neither do we ask contractors to pay as above and go on to collect the rent us a percentage for giving them work. each month, accounting across to the Landlord.

FULLY MANAGED Our most comprehensive service; in addition to tenant finding and rent collection, we will carry out routine inspections of the property, arrange for any maintenance issues to be dealt with, ensure all statutory certification is kept up to date and will be the point of contact for the tenant for all matters arising. Landlords using our Fully Managed service have the peace of mind of knowing their ongoing obligations to meet all current Lettings regulations are being met as we closely monitor all changes and issue updates to Landlords as necessary.

⃝ Alice MacNab

⃝ Henrietta McLean

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BEM B R I D G E

£ 1650 P CM YARMOUTH

C OWES

£ 110 0 P CM E AS T COWE S

FR ES H WAT E R

£ 8 25 P CM TOTL AND

Let Agreed SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

£ 1 400 PCM

£ 75 0 PCM

£ 1 000 PCM

Landlords

Checklist

Not only do we work with new Landlords, but frequently with established Landlords looking to appraise the management of their properties, either reviewing their existing agent – or in some cases using an agent for the first time.

If this is you, we would be pleased to discuss with you the services we can offer to ensure that you are compliant and to advise on areas that may need to be updated. Increasingly, selfmanaging Landlords are finding themselves inadvertently failing to comply with current and ever-changing legislation, leaving themselves in a vulnerable position, so we are certain you will benefit from our knowledge & expertise.

A few things to consider if you are currently a Landlord; ARE YOU LICENSED (IF REQUIRED)?

ARE YOUR EPC ASSESSMENTS PROPERLY UPDATED? ARE YOUR GAS & ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFICATES UP TO DATE? ARE ALL TENANT DEPOSITS PROPERLY SECURED? ARE YOUR TENANTS ALL ALLOWED TO RENT IN THE UK? DO YOUR PROPERTIES HAVE BOTH SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE MONITORS INSTALLED? ARE YOU LEGALLY ALLOWED TO LET THE PROPERTY? ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE LAW ON DOING REPAIRS? DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE FOR THE PROPERTY? HAVE YOU GIVEN TENANTS ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION?

If you answered NO to any of the above and would like our advice, please contact our Lettings team today.

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Ted Todd Wood Flooring | Amtico | Karndean | Porcelain + Ceramic Tiles | Carpets | Paint www.longlanecarpetsandflooring.co.uk • info@longlanefloring.co.uk • 01983 716717

WH I T WELL £9 5 0, 000 A truly secluded cottage set within approx. 40 acres with a barn. Enjoying unrivalled tranquillity and wonderful views, for sale as a whole or in two lots. EPC E

VI E WI NG: 0 19 8 3 2 008 8 0

COWE S £ 9 5 0, 000 A substantial waterfront duplex apartment extending to about 2,196 sq feet with additional roof terrace, balcony and waterfront terrace, in a prime location, with an extensive basement, excellent sea views and mooring. EPC C

VI E WI NG: 01 9 83 200880

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The local experts W I T H FA R - R E A C H ING C ONNEC TIONS

COWES 01983 200880 cowes@spencewillard.co.uk

Waterside House 72a High Street Cowes Isle of Wight

BEMBRIDGE 01983 873000 bembridge@spencewillard.co.uk

PO31 7RE

YA R M O U T H

The Square Isle of Wight PO41 0NP

Sherbourne Street Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5SB

F R E S H WAT E R

Yarmouth

01983 761005 cowes@spencewillard.co.uk

Grove House

The Old Bank Tennyson Road

01983 756575 freshwater@spencewillard.co.uk

Freshwater Isle of Wight PO40 9AB

SP E N C EWILLAR D . C O. UK

For our Lettings Department, please press Option 2 when dialling any of our office lines.

Meet the Team

W I T H A PA S S ION FOR P R OP ER TY & THE ISLE OF WIGHT COWES

⃝ Charles Spence

⃝ Tanya Hill

⃝ Zadie Margham

LETTINGS

⃝ Natalie Miley

⃝ Emma Bradley ⃝ Laura Homes

YARMOUTH

⃝ Duncan Willard

⃝ Lesley Samson

⃝ Alice MacNab

⃝ Henrietta McLean

BEMBRIDGE

⃝ Sam Branston

⃝ Lauren Taylor

⃝ Charlotte Branston

⃝ Hannah Cook

⃝ Jane Hadlow

⃝ David Langford

⃝ Sarah Kujawa

FRESHWATER

⃝ Jason Siviter

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