Maddisons Residential 2024

At Home

Welcome to the second edition of our At Home Magazine.

We are thrilled to be producing this magazine once again which recognises and highlights some of the amazing local businesses that we are lucky enough to work with, introduces you to the Maddisons’ team, showcases some of our beautiful property instructions, and gives you some (hopefully!) interesting content to consider. We do hope that it is enjoyable.

2023 was a big year for Maddisons. We celebrated our 10th birthday and braced ourselves for another changing property climate. Back in 2013, when we established Maddisons, we could never have forecast the ever-changing climate that lay ahead, and indeed which would become our norm. We have worked through a BREXIT vote, and then, just as the BREXIT uncertainty was resolved and we felt the “Boris Bounce” of early 2020, enter stage left, a pandemic. The most unsettling time that many of us will have ever experienced, but resulting in the most buoyant market ever seen, as sellers re-evaluated their sense of home. And just as we were starting to return to normal, so Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in inflationary pressures and a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation soared, mortgage interest rates followed suit, and so a far more challenging property market began.

However, through these times I have learnt that people will always need to move home. Life’s rich circle sees us marry, divorce, start families, find new jobs, and so on. We live in a beautiful part of the world, with excellent schools, transport links and architecture, and who would not want to live here? There is a definite sense of renewed optimism in the air for 2024, with inflation falling, reductions predicted for mortgage rates, and far less negative media commentary. Everyone here at the Maddisons’ family is poised and ready to help as many people as possible make the move so that our lovely town and its surrounding areas becomes, home.

DEBORAH RICHARDS Managing Partner

Partner

Deborah Richards Managing Partner

One of the biggest compliments that anyone ever pays me, is when they tell me I am not like a typical estate agent. Maybe that is because my career did not take the usual estate agency route. Indeed I started off my working life in banking, working for large brands such as Barclays and Coutts. Time raced quickly, and so, when at the age of 40 I realised I had let many years drift in an industry that I had only ever joined from university because I did not know what else to do, it was time to make a change.

My passion had always been property: I was a serial renovator, loving the process of turning tired and sad properties into much loved and desirable homes, and long before the advent of property programmes such as Property Ladder, and Location, Location, Location. But equally, throughout all my banking roles, I had loved the most those that involved helping people. Feeling a new career in estate agency beckon, I did not want to join an established agent to “learn the ropes”. My past experiences had fluctuated from bad to mediocre, and so I did not want to become tarnished with a sense of “how things were done”. Instead, I wanted to do things differently, and do them better. Combine my many years of delivering a first class customer service, with proactive, honest, caring advice on how to achieve a client’s home moving dreams ... and Maddisons was borne.

Those early days saw me taking a huge sheet of paper and brain-storming all the areas that had niggled or annoyed me whenever I had been transacting with an agent. The list is probably not surprising: a lack of communication, not feeling like my property sale was valued once I had signed on the dotted line, never receiving honest advice on

what was holding my property sale back, buying into the valuer who saw my property first, and then never hearing from them again as my sale was passed to randoms in the office, and so on and so on. My agency would address all of these concerns, and more. I would build an agency that ultimately cared deeply and passionately about doing the job right, being effective, and in a way that made our clients truly delighted with the service they had received.

The early years were tough. I fought for every scrap of potential business that was thrown my way. Gradually though, our reputation of being the agent that you went to when things went wrong, saw our presence in the town grow. 11 years later, I never take for granted the agency that Maddisons has now become. Through hard work, determination, and unwavering sense of doing the right thing, the Maddisons’ team has achieved amazing results. We are now one of the most dominant agents in the town (and there are over 30!), we have a clutch of awards and accolades and consistent 5 star Google reviews, and continue to win most of our business from recommendation and returning clients.

In any market, a good agent will always add value, but in truth, my preference is a tough market. I have grown a business in predominately challenging conditions, and the joy of making a difference in people’s property journey is what keeps me loving the intense, fraught, thrilling, exciting industry that I entered 11 years ago. I refuse to bend to the usual mould of estate agency, and still strive to do things better. This magazine celebrates a similar ethos from all of our supporters. For all of us, quite simply, as our strapline states, “Excellence is not a skill set. It’s an attitude”.

James Richards Partner

Tunbridge Wells has been my ‘home’ since 1974 when my parents moved a short distance down the A21 from Westerham to Bidborough. I feel it a real privilege to live in this area and absolutely love all that it has to offer. Whilst having spent periods of time living in other parts of the country, it was where I came back to so that my children could enjoy the same benefits and joys as me, and so has also been the case with many friends I grew up with –watching our sons and daughters treading a similar path of schools and then pubs .. who says life doesn’t go in circles? And still awaiting the first pint to be bought by them!

Whilst my parental home hasn’t changed since 1974, I have moved around Tunbridge Wells over the years, buying homes in the ‘village’ area, then St Johns before Warwick Park. Deborah and I had always wanted to find a plot so that we could build our own home and in 2019, set off on a slightly nomadic journey, moving into a fabulous rental in Rusthall, finding our plot (a bungalow on the south side of town), living in the property over the pandemic and then back into a rental whilst this was pulled down and a new home reborn. As I type, labour (metaphorical and literal) is still on going and in summer 2023, we hope to move in. There are therefore not many angles of ‘property life’ in Tunbridge Wells that Deborah and I haven’t experienced first hand and therefore are able to share with clients and prospective buyers alike.

Prior to joining Maddisons, I spent 25 years working in the Banking sector, predominantly in Wealth Management. I opened the Coutts Bank branch for Tunbridge Wells in 1999 before being drawn back into London and working for a French Investment bank. It was in 2017, after our

youngest daughter was born, that I decided to transfer skills and join Deborah at Maddisons and set roots in further establishing the ‘family business’. The experience that we each bring from having worked in different sectors and with broadened client groups has certainly helped in differentiating our approach and the service offered to buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.

Tunbridge Wells town centre has changed enormously over the years that I have lived here, but the one constant has been the warmth of the locals and want to make this the best possible place to live. At Maddisons, we are passionate about supporting this and ensuring that the ‘community’ is always front and centre. We seek to support a diversity of local causes – supporting local schools either through sponsorship of fetes or donating laptops, from the Langton Divas girls football team to the Local and Live music event. We have also raised money for local charities such as West Kent Mind, Pickering Drop-In Cancer Centre, Hospices of Hope and Taylor Made Dreams. It was honour for me to recently serve as Co-Chair of the West Kent Lords Taverners’, raising much needed funds to help local disadvantaged and disabled children. The generosity of those we live with around us never ceases to amaze and inspire.

When not working, Deborah and I have 3 wonderful children to spend time with – Archie, Isabella and Esmé. When the weather allows, we love to get out and walk in the fantastic countryside surrounding with the family dog, Brea. Rugby is another passion, having spent a few years at TWRFC, as well as skiing – the Three Valleys is a ‘happy place’ for the family.

Meet the rest of the Maddisons Team

Karen Galpin Sales Director

Karen joined Maddisons in 2022, having worked at a senior level in Estate Agency for over 20 years in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding villages. Her local market knowledge and experience is second to none and she is passionate about providing the best possible service which is, of course, entirely in line with the Maddisons offering. When not working, Karen enjoys spending time in the local countryside with her husband and step children, working on their allotment, as well as eating out, cooking and entertaining and going to live music gigs whenever possible. Karen also enjoys horse riding and is keen to get back into dancing tango.

Emma Bennett Operations Director

Emma grew up in Singapore and moved from London to Tunbridge Wells in 2012, joining Maddisons in 2019 after over 20 years in property search and acquisition, property specific recruitment and Estate Agency. Her wealth of experience within the industry ensures she is perfectly suited to her role at Maddisons as she manages the operational side of the business as well as overseeing the marketing of Maddisons’ available stock. Emma is married with two daughters and the family adore their border terrier, Mabel. Emma loves entertaining and spending time with friends and family.

Milly Stedman

Sales Progression Manager

Milly grew up in London before moving to Tunbridge Wells in 2015, joining Maddisons in 2016 after several years working as a PA for a multi-national events company. Milly works closely with Deborah, bringing our new properties to market at the beginning of the process and overseeing the steps needed to move a sale from offer to exchange and completion once an offer has been negotiated and accepted - her strong organisational skills are essential. Milly is a hugely talented artist, specialising in painting murals in children’s rooms and loves to spend quality family time with her husband and two young children.

Jane Lewis Sales Progression Manager

Jane joined Maddisons in 2017, after an illustrious career in retail buying. Jane is an integral member of the team and works with Karen, bringing our new properties to market at the beginning of the process and overseeing the steps needed to move a sale from offer to exchange and completion once an offer has been negotiated and accepted. Jane is incredibly efficient and calm - just what we need as it can get a little hectic at times! Jane is married with two sons and in her spare time she plays tennis, skis and enjoys socialising with friends and family.

Angela Mulgrew Business Development Manager

Born in Scotland, Angela moved to Tunbridge Wells in 2015 having spent several years living in Australia with her family. Angela’s career began with many years in the airline industry before joining Maddisons in 2022. Her passion for customer service serves her well in her role within the Property Marketing Coordinating Team. Hugely efficient and with a great sense of humour, Angela lives in Pembury with her husband, 2 teenagers and Paddy the Labrador whom they all adore walking in our beautiful countryside.

Lora Grogan Property Marketing Coordinator

Lora joined Maddisons in 2024 and brought with her a genuine interest in people and property. Her background in family law has given her a wealth of experience in managing client expectations, navigating tricky conversations and balancing a heavy workload - all essential skills in the world of residential property! She lives with her husband and daughter in Southborough and when she is not working, she enjoys travelling and going to the theatre, but can most commonly be found at the gym or driving her daughter around as a fully fledged “dance mum”!

Caroline Banes

Property Manager/Lettings Coordinator

Caroline joined Maddisons in 2023 after a long career in hospitality, wedding and event management. Her attention to detail, organisational and client communication skills are second to none and Caroline takes real pride in providing outstanding customer service, ensuring every detail is taken care of to a high standard. Having spent most of her life in the area Caroline is very fond of Tunbridge Wells and has recently moved to Hawkenbury with her two teenage sons. Sundays are well spent watching them play football and cooking up a feast. She also enjoys long walks with pit stops, photography, and being on or by or in the water!

Vicky Monaghan

Client Partner

Vicky worked for over 15 years in London in B2B events, followed by a number of years working as a personal stylist. She joined Maddisons in 2020 and enjoys meeting buyers at viewings and sellers at market appraisals. Having moved to Tunbridge Wells from London in 2006, Vicky enjoys spending her free time with her husband, two teenage sons, as well as her extended family and friends. Eating out and enjoying the fabulous countryside on our doorstep are particular favourites!

Lisa Lidgey Client Partner

Lisa joined Maddisons in 2022 having moved with her husband and 2 young sons from London to Tunbridge Wells in 2021. Originally from a Nordic background, Lisa has a passion for people, cultures and interiors. With 15 years in global marketing, she is keen now to showcase the best in our sellers’ homes, providing styling advice as well as conducting viewings. In her spare time, she loves exploring the Kent and Sussex coast, Zumba dancing, reading and absorbing anything to do with interior design, cooking and socialising.

Sinead McCurry Client Partner

Sinead grew up in Belfast and spent many years utilising her French and Business Degree, living and working in France and then Bulgaria. She has happily lived in Tunbridge Wells for 17 years and is married with twin boys. Sinead has been with Maddisons since 2020 and brings detailed knowledge of the local area which is very useful at viewings for people new to the area. Friendly and helpful, Sinead loves meeting new people, hearing their stories and matching them to fabulous properties.

Muge Turner Client Partner

Muge moved from her home country of Turkey to the UK in 2013 and moved from London to Tunbridge Wells in 2015. Her experience of working closely with people within the events and the hospitality industry enables her to understand and manage expectations and develop relationships with clients. Muge has always been passionate about property and interiors and is delighted now to be working in the industry. She prides herself on her friendly, professional client service and when not working can often be found in local parks, walking her beloved Labrador, Berry, with her husband and their daughter.

Jo Donelan Client Partner

Jo grew up in Tunbridge Wells and so has very strong knowledge of the town. She joined Maddisons in 2024 and puts the expertise she honed during her 25 years in the recruitment industry to excellent use, as building long standing client relationships and coaching, advising and supporting candidates, are all hugely valuable transferrable skills. When not working, Jo enjoys theatre, local amateur dramatics, reading, running very slowly (sometimes after her dog!) and wild swimming, and spends much of her free time as a taxi driver to her children.

A hardworking and caring estate agent. Kind words

“I have now had the pleasure of buying and selling twice with Maddisons and I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are looking for a professional, efficient, knowledgeable, hardworking and caring estate agent then look no further. From start to finish the attention to detail is second to none. Each member of staff has their own role within the company, therefore, at each stage the process is seamless and handled with complete competence. Maddisons think outside of the box, are adaptable and are, without doubt, truly brilliant! An absolute pleasure to deal with. Thank you to the WHOLE team from start to finish.”

Tiny C (Buyer & Seller)

“Deborah and her team are dedicated and highly professional. They provided an outstanding service selling my house.”

Helen H (Seller)

High level of expertise.

“From start to finish, Maddisons delivered an exemplary level of service on our recent house sale, providing a high level of expertise, along with honest opinions, and advice.”

M Walsh (Seller)

Excellent service from start to finish.

“I have never come across an estate agency that I have been truly happy with until now. Maddisons went above and beyond what was required and I can’t recommend them enough.”

Duncan W (Buyer)

Seamless service.

“Simon at Maddisons is professional, knowledgeable and has helped me from start to finish get into my rental property. It ran through seamlessly and when I went in to the branch to sign papers, I found all the staff very friendly and welcoming. I cannot recommend Maddisons and Simon enough.”

Zinny K (Renter)

Friendly great service...

“My husband and I purchased our beautiful home through Maddisons last month. All the way along Maddisons were a delight to deal with, not something I had ever expected to say about an estate agent –especially when being the purchaser! They were competent at keeping the deal moving at a good rate and sent all parties a copy of the progress report each Friday. They also sent us a useful check list for moving from my own flat that I sold. Something I certainly didn’t have from my own estate agents! I would very much recommend Maddisons as an estate agent and I fail to see how they could have acted any better.”

Caroline F (Buyer)

How all estate agents should be.

“The team were fantastic every step of the way. Having worked as an estate agent in the past, I know the industry well, and can truly say hand on heart you beat them all.”

Rupert E (Buyer)

Magical Maddisons.

“Deborah and her team were amazing from day one, with their highly personal service, honest feedback about our property and experienced guidance on marketing and pricing. Not only did they achieve a successful sale (unlike our previous estate agents), but they provided great communications throughout, introduced us to helpful partners (for removals, storage etc.) and even provided tips for our onward search for another property. A five star service deserves a five star review!”

Ashley D (Seller)

Incredible personal service with attention to detail.

“Deborah at Maddisons is a truly dedicated estate agent with her client’s best interests at the forefront of all she does. Extremely energetic, friendly and experienced, she ensured the whole “sales process” was made easy. She assessed the house, advised a sensible price I was happy with, advised on how to present the house in the best possible light, and ensured the viewings were efficiently conducted to a sensible group of potential buyers. I believe she is the best estate agent in the south-east.”

Mark W (Seller)

Our London Presence

How we reach ‘The London Buyer’ is a question we are often asked. Statistically, we sell as many properties to ‘The London Buyer’ as our larger corporate friends in the town as the majority of buyers registered with us recognise the value of our expert, local knowledge and the quality of our instructions.

Furthermore, they search for their dream home just like any other buyer, turning to the dominant property portals such as Rightmove, On The Market and Zoopla, on which we advertise all our properties.

However, in order to ensure we are reaching the small, but relevant percentage of buyers who have yet to consider a move to our lovely area and register with local agents directly, we are affiliated with Mayfair Office. This provides:

• National and international presence through a network of over 320 independent Estate Agents in the UK and a further 150 offices worldwide in which to advertise our client’s properties, as well as in the Mayfair Office itself.

• Unrivalled PR and national advertising opportunities at a significantly discounted rate in publications such as The Times, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard and County Life.

Guiding you in the right direction

www.relocationagentnetwork.co.uk

Our National Presence

Maddisons are proud members of the Relocation Agent Network (RAN) to further expand our offering to our sellers and our buyers.

Established in 1994, RAN is now one of the most trusted names in property sales and new home purchase services, connecting buyers and sellers with over 650 uniquely qualified, carefully selected, independent and market-leading Estate Agents.

RAN’s strict criteria for appointing agents ensures that only the best agents are part of the Network. The stringent selection process includes an in depth analysis of an agent’s experience, market knowledge and presence, as well as their customer service and feedback.

This ensures that RAN’s selected agents are completely trusted to handle the complex and demanding requirements of individual buyers and sellers, corporate clients and blue chip relocation clients.

For sellers, each RAN member agent works with fellow member agents to help relocating families move across the UK. RAN members have access to buyers who are moving into towns and cities nationwide - giving the seller an additional channel to sell or rent their home.

For buyers, the local RAN member agent will introduce them to a RAN member affiliate in the buyer’s destination location, who can then help them understand the area they plan to move to.

Our membership with RAN is yet another reason to choose Maddisons Residential as a seller, or indeed as a buyer.

Put simply, we have a nationwide presence that challenges and exceeds the corporate agents.

Raising the Bar in

Property Asset Management

The approach our Lettings department takes is fundamentally different to those of our competitors, and this stems largely from my background in Wealth Management. It is also based on my experience of owning investment properties for over 20 years, and then further enhanced from having previously, and recently, been a tenant myself.

We asked James Richards, Partner and Head of our Lettings service to comment on this thriving side to our business.

We fully appreciate that everyone is different and therefore that the advice and guidance required varies across our owners (landlords). For example, you may be what is often referred to as an ‘accidental landlord’ and the rental of your property is through circumstance as opposed to planned. Or you may be more established and specifically set off down the path of additional property ownership. We tailor our service accordingly and regard what we do as Asset Management – your property is a valuable investment from which you are seeking both the correct level of income, as well as capital preservation at a minimum, ideally capital appreciation. Prices and values fluctuate and it is our responsibility to manage and advise you on these accordingly. Just as Deborah and I did when in the Bank and helping our clients with their investment portfolios.

We attach equal importance to all the residents (tenants) that we are responsible for – seeking to ensure that they are safe and happy in the homes which they rent. We have an established and regular contact programme with them to ensure that any issues are swiftly resolved and therefore not developing into a larger and potentially more costly problem. The very deliberate different language that we use is a direct result of our recent experience of being a tenant, when we were often made to feel a nuisance. A happy tenant will stay longer, reducing costly void periods for our landlords and ensuring their valuable asset is well cared for.

The greatest advocates however are our existing clients... do please read what our owners and our residents have to say about us at https://www.viewagents.com/estateagent/Tunbridge-Wells/Maddisons-Residential/22276

Maddisons Residential

has achieved an ‘Exceptional Reputation’ award from View Agents, the trusted review platform helping sellers and landlords search over 19,000 estate agents with 270,000+ reviews.

My parents and I had multiple property sales on the go at the same time with Maddisons. Despite the heavy multitasking required, the team managed superbly. They are very joined up and responsive communication and discussions on pricing and offer strategy is about as good as it can get. They are all really nice to deal with also which makes the whole experience a breeze. Results are the acid test and our results with Maddisons were terrific. This is a first class agency and we’d recommend them to anyone.

M Edwards, Seller

GASTRONOMIC GETAWAY

Three Michelin stars. Three pubs. One Gastronomic Getaway.

Tom Kerridge’s

“Guests can experience some of the signature dishes the pub is renowned for.”

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge’s Gastronomic Getaway Is the perfect stay for food lovers everywhere. Guests can dine at each of his three pubs in Marlow; The Hand & Flowers (two Michelin stars), The Coach (one Michelin star) and The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, gastro breaks don’t get much better than this.

The two-night stay is available on Tuesdays & Wednesdays and Wednesdays & Thursdays only, the Gastronomic Getaway package is £1,300* per couple and includes two nights at The Hand & Flowers with a three-course à la carte dinner. Led by Head Chef Tom De Keyser, the only two Michelin starred pub in the UK and an accolade the pub has held for over 10 years, guests can experience some of the signature dishes the pub is renowned for such as the Glazed Omelette of Smoked Haddock and

Parmesan or 30 Day Dry Aged Fillet of Beef with Potato Buttermilk Waffle and Crème Fraiche & Chive Butter and Sauce Bordelaise. A bottle of The Hand & Flowers English sparkling wine will be in your room on arrival alongside a signed copy of The Hand & Flowers cookbook.

The next morning, after breakfast at The Hand & Flowers, guests can enjoy the many river walks and boutique shops of Marlow, before popping into The Butcher’s Tap & Grill headed up by Chef and Butcher Executive Jamie May (previously Head Chef of The Hand & Flowers) for a bite to eat from the counter-to-grill menu. The butcher’s counter features some of the finest British cuts from Dovecote Park beef to Blythburgh pork, simply choose your cut and how you would like it cooked and the team will prepare it for you or enjoy one of the signature burgers or hotdogs from

“Guests can relax and enjoy one of the beautifully appointed rooms.”

the menu. For those worried about squeezing in supper, a Butcher’s Tap & Grill voucher for £50 per couple is available to spend at the counter as an alternative to lunch.

Come evening, guests can enjoy a selection of four dishes per person from Head Chef Sarah Hayward at The Coach (one Michelin star) and Michelin Young Chef of The Year, with cleverly curated small plates such as Mussels Marinière with Warm Stout and Brown Bread or The Coach Burger with Raclette, Pulled Pork and Dill Pickle.

Guests can relax and enjoy one of the beautifully appointed rooms, some with luxury, free-standing roll top baths and a selection of sweet treats in the room.

Available on Tuesdays & Wednesdays and Wednesdays & Thursdays only, subject to availability.

To book please call 01628 482277. T&Cs apply.

The Hand & Flowers 126 West Street, Marlow, SL7 2BP

Contact: contact@thehandandflowers.co.uk or 01628 482277

Twitter: @HandFMarlow Instagram: @handfmarlow www.thehandandflowers.co.uk

*includes service, excludes drinks and sides.

Presenting your home for sale

Our top tip when it comes to selling your home is to make it as attractive and appealing to buyers as possible. To do that, you need to let them picture themselves and their belongings in all the rooms and spaces, inside and out. People often think that this means it needs to be made as neutral as possible, but that is not strictly true. The very best staging sees a property made seductive and alluring to a buyer, reflecting current trends. However, if funds are tight, then de-personalising your property, making it clean and fresh are great starting points.

What is staging?

Staging means you create a blank canvas for potential buyers. It’s important to get your home looking in its best shape before you have any estate agent photos completed – with the dominance of the property portals, such as Rightmove, a buyer needs to be grabbed by the internet listing – they will decide whether to look at your property in more detail in just 3 seconds! The viewings then obviously need to seal the deal, so presentation really is key. What makes your home your home is all the personal touches – photos, personal hand-picked items – and these may need to be stripped back a little to allow potential buyers to imagine their own personal effects in situ. Staging does that – as well as added extra touches and features to make the rooms look even more inviting. But don’t strip back too much – you want it to feel like a welcoming home. There are professional staging companies who can do this for you, including hiring items such as soft furnishings, lamps, mirrors, that they feel will enhance the property’s features. Or there are certain things you can do yourself that will really boost your home’s appeal.

1. Clean, clean, clean

It might sound obvious, but a really good clean can make all the difference. Sparkly windows, shiny taps, dust-free skirting boards, no cobwebs from the light fittings… you’d be amazed the little things that people notice so it’s worth going round with a super critical eye and leaving no surface uncleaned! A clean house sends a message to a buyer that you have cared and loved your property.

2. Declutter

Moving is a great opportunity for a clear out – be ruthless! Sort bags for the bin and the charity shop, and box up things you want to keep but that can be stored away out of sight. Do a room at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Then you can add small but noticeable details, such as fresh houseplants and flowers, or attractive books on a coffee table.

3. Define spaces

Make it easy for buyers by presenting each room with a single purpose – keep bedrooms as bedrooms with no working from home desk squeezed in the corner, and sort out any junk rooms into an office or den, for example.

4. Light it up

There isn’t much you can do when it comes to adding more natural light to your home but you can enhance what you have. Warm ceiling and floor lights add real ambience, and mirrors in notoriously narrow hallways can add depth and light to the space.

5. Attractive aromas

You may have heard that fresh coffee and baking bread smells make a house smell inviting – but you can be more subtle than that and simply use scents that create a pleasant, underlying aroma. Fresh citrus scents are lovely, as are warm vanilla and cinnamon and woody pine and basil. Be subtle with your scents by using a few drops of essential oil or natural candles - plug in synthetic air fresheners can be overpowering.

6. Neutralise the walls

We’re not suggesting you redecorate the entire house, but it’s worth toning down any strong colours as neutrals will allow buyers to imagine their own belongings in place as well as making rooms look brighter and more sizable. However, if your strong colours are very “on trend” (so at time of writing that would be deep green!) do keep them.

7. All-important kerb appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing any buyer will see so make sure you make a great first impression. Clear away any leaves, tidy up borders and lawns and even add some new potted plants around the doorway. Cleaning your front door and downstairs windows will make a huge difference too. And don’t forget back gardens – tidy away toys or garden furniture or set up the space as a fabulous entertaining spot.

Individually, these tips will make a difference to the appearance of your home. But when used together, you can really enhance the features and appeal of every room. You’ll probably find you actually really enjoy living in such a tidy, well-maintained space too!

Bayhall Road, Tunbridge Wells

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,100,000 2/3 4 2

A delightful and historic property set in an elevated and private position in the heart of the town. Beautifully presented throughout with spacious accommodation across both floors as well as a good number of outbuildings and wonderful large rear garden. The house is in a superb location, minutes away from the town centre, and in close proximity to many schools and all the town’s amenities.

• 4 bedrooms

• 2 bathrooms

• Open plan kitchen/dining room

• 2/3 reception rooms

• Flexible basement space

• Large south-facing rear garden plus outbuildings

• Off street parking with EV point

• Beautifully presented throughout

• EPC: C

Tender Meads, Fordcombe

GUIDE PRICE

£1,150,000

2 5 2

This charming 16th century Grade II Listed cottage is a real gem of a property, situated in the heart of the popular village of Fordcombe. The current owners, who have lived at the property for almost 20 years, have completed an extensive renovation project, and accordingly the property is now beautifully presented, successful combining a wealth of period features with contemporary additions.

• Charming Grade II Listed period farmhouse

• Abundance of period features

• Dine kitchen and 2 additional reception rooms

• 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

• Wrap around gardens

• Ample driveway parking and planning permission granted for a garage

• Popular edge of village location

• No onward chain

• EPC: Exempt

Buckingham Road, Tunbridge Wells

SUCCESS STORIES

This gorgeous property on Buckingham Road was always one that was going to be popular. The road itself is characterised by terraced properties, highly desirable, thanks to its “village” location in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, and aspect over The Grove. Grove End sits at the end of the road, tall and proud, larger than all the others, with a gorgeous garden and the potential for off-road parking, but it was a definite project. With few other close comparables, it was always difficult to know exactly what it might

achieve. So we priced it at a realistic “Offers in Excess of £1m”. The phone lines almost melted when we launched it to the market, and we had to withdraw it after just 12 hours, unable to cope with the demand. Multiple viewings and the most frantic sealed bids process follows, with 23 offers! It achieved well in excess of the list price, to buyers in an excellent position, and from having so many bids we were able to ensure that the expected concerns raised in the survey were not an issue.

Which area

is right for you?

From our beautiful premises on the iconic Pantiles, Maddisons is fiercely independent and proudly local, representing some of the best property sales and lettings in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding villages. The differing quarters of the town and villages are distinctly unique, each with their own special charm and amenities. We hope this short summary is of use.

The Village

Positioned just in and around the High Street, this highly desirable neighbourhood has a fully cross generational demographic, appealing to commuters, families and retirees alike, thanks to its proximity to the station, parks and Claremont Primary School as well as all of the amenities of the town. Its architecture features some of the most beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings you will ever find and combined with popular parks results in some of the highest prices per square foot in the town.

Nevill Park/Hungershall Park

Recently voted as the two most expensive and prestigious roads to live on in the town, these two quiet roads are perfect for people who have a generous budget and want a close proximity to the town, combined with a semi-rural outlook. Some of the original early Victorian houses have been converted into large and spacious flats, whilst there are still some highly impressive single residences enjoying far reaching, open-countryside views.

St James/Camden Road

This popular residential area sits to the east of the town and is typified by large early Victorian villas, Victorian semi-detached properties and a large 1960’s development, offering excellent value for money. Its proximity to excellent primary schooling and the secondary grammar system, mean that it is very popular with families and commuters. Camden Road has developed a very strong identity and is typified by independent retailers and cafes.

St Johns

Popular with families thanks to St Johns Primary School and numerous secondary schools, including the coveted grammar schools, this neighbourhood is well positioned for access to the A21 and High Brooms train station. Popular mini supermarkets sit comfortably with small independent shops and access to the town centre is easily achievable by foot, car or bus. Green spaces are in plentiful supply with both woodland and parkland.

Above: Southborough Common Below: Dunorlan Park

Above: Box above the Village

Culverden Down

A residential area of Tunbridge Wells sitting to the west of the town centre, typified by large, picturesque, Edwardian properties, many of which remain as single dwellings. Its easy access to the renowned grammar schools make it very popular with families of older children, whilst commuters still find that the station is within walking distance.

Southborough

A busy neighbourhood with a healthy combination of independent shops and restaurants. Southborough is home to a popular primary school and is also within close proximity of the secondary schools in nearby St Johns. It is seen as a great choice for anyone needing to travel, due to its easy access to Tonbridge mainline station and the A21. The Common at Southborough is popular for cricket and the woods great for dog walking.

Hawkenbury

Sitting to the south of the town, this densely residential area is typified by Victorian semi-detached properties and later 1960’s additions. Its proximity to St Peters CEP school make it very popular with families, and the large Berkeley Homes development, on which the school has now moved to, will ensure that it remains so for many years to come.

Langton Green

Located just outside Tunbridge Wells, to the west of the town, Langton Green is a pretty village with a thriving community, all centred around the village green and popular local pub – The Hare. The village is also served by several small independent shops and restaurants, including a very good Indian restaurant, Blue India. The village is popular with families and Langton Green Primary School is a very well regarded school. Rusthall with its more extensive amenities is in close proximity, and Tunbridge Wells itself is a short drive away.

Speldhurst

An exceedingly pretty village rising high above Tunbridge Wells, sitting in beautiful countryside and with a very strong sense of community. The village school is excellent and the residents arrange a host of events throughout the year to bring together their beloved community (the scarecrow competition each year is excellent!). A very well regarded pub also draws people in from further afield. For commuters, Hildenborough station is a short drive away.

Above: The Pantiles Below: Toad Rock, Rusthall

Above: The Parks

Bidborough

Renowned for its incredible views across the Weald from Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough is a popular village in part due to its successful primary school and good pub but also for its easy access to Tonbridge mainline station for its fast links to London, the A21, as well as Tunbridge Wells itself.

Pembury

A large village situated to the north of Tunbridge Wells, just across the A21 which heads to the south of the county, Pembury is popular with families, those who work at the nearby Tunbridge Wells hospital and those who want the best of both worlds: close proximity to the town and beautiful countryside. The local garden centre is more like a department store and has a very well regarded café, serving refreshments throughout the day.

Rusthall

This thriving village is a testament to how a village can survive when it is so well supported by the local residents. The bustling High Street features small supermarkets, a charity shop and fabulous hardware store, to name just a few. It also remains within walking distance of the town if you want to access more amenities, and the walk to get there is very lovely across commons and woodland.

Penshurst

This beautifully picturesque village sits to the north west of Tunbridge Wells in an Area of Outstanding Beauty and has historical significance oozing from every pore, thanks to the impressive Penshurst Place that sits at its heart. The thriving community has a variety of events throughout the year, including the superb Christmas fairs.

Groombridge

Located just past Langton Green this quintessentially pretty village is served well by local amenities including the popular farm shop but is also well positioned for Tunbridge Wells. Groombridge St Thomas primary school is very well regarded and the community in Groombridge is focussed around the school. The Ashdown Forest is within easy striking distance if you fancy some great walking.

Above: Wellington Rocks

Racing Ahead

Aston Martin unveils the new DB12 Volante, combining Super Tourer performance with the sensory thrills of roof-down driving.

DB12 Volante is the stablemate to the recently introduced DB12 Coupe, the world’s first Super Tourer, which was unveiled by Lance and Fernando at a glittering event ahead of this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Continuing Aston Martin’s illustrious tradition of highperformance convertibles, DB12 Volante combines timeless style and craftsmanship with advanced technologies, state-ofthe-art engineering and an unrivalled open top driving experience as we continue to celebrate the 110th anniversary of our iconic marque.

“Creating open-air performance machines for drivers has always held a special place in hearts across Aston Martin, dating back to 1965, with our introduction of the first Volante model, the legendary Short Chassis. It has been, and always will be, a design beacon for us,” said Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman.

“The new DB12 Volante is again another emotional Aston Martin design form with a desire to be driven. We’ve sculpted a graceful, muscular exterior shape that reflects its immense capabilities, set atop very advanced structural elements, with a clean, contemporary interior. Crafted through performance design for those who share our joy and happiness for adventuring in cars in the open air, new DB12 Volante is certainly exhilarating to experience and one that adds to our distinctive history.”

A potent hand-built 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine gives formidable performance and a rapturous soundtrack to the DB12 Volante. Tuned by Aston Martin engineers, the engine delivers a class-leading 671bhp at 6,000rpm and 590 lb ft of torque between 2,750 and 6,000 rpm. Power is fed through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that culminates in a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 202mph.

The DB12 Volante driver enjoys dynamic driving modes, adaptive dampers and a stiffer chassis to complement the open-top nature of the Super Tourer. An optional carbonceramic brake system offers increased stopping performance.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Amedeo Felisa, said: “For many of our customers, roof down driving is the greatest pleasure. Aston Martin Volantes have captured that emotion and expressed it in unique style for more than six decades. With the new DB12 Volante we have changed the rules, creating a car that intensifies those feelings by preserving all the purity and exceptional sporting capabilities of the DB12 Coupe. A rare and true sporting convertible in every respect, this is a car to challenge preconceptions and find a new generation of Volante customer.”

Central to the Volante experience is its electrically-operated ‘K-fold’ roof, named due to the two-stage folding procedure to maximise luggage capacity. The roof takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close and can be used at speeds of up to 31mph. Featuring eight layers of insulation, the fabric roof canopy is acoustically enhanced for improved cabin comfort and, when raised, it sits below a hard tonneau cover to create an elegant tail.

There are four exterior hood covers to choose from with black as standard, along with three options – red, blue, and black and silver –ensuring a near-endless choice of body and interior configurations.

Inside, the Volante interior differs from its Coupe counterpart with wood veneer or carbon fibre panels on the seatbacks, matched to the door trim inlay, to create an extra level of visual sumptuousness when the roof is lowered. The DB12’s bespoke Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound hi-fi and bespoke infotainment enhance the experience within the Volante. Those who wish to put their own stamp on the DB12 Volante can access the skills of Q by Aston Martin and embark on a one-off personal journey to tweak every detail of the open-top Super Tourer.

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli said: “Volante possesses all the Super Tourer traits so successfully introduced in the DB12 Coupe. That we have preserved this class-leading performance and handling is testament to the underlying brilliance of the DB12 platform and the work we have done to maintain the advantage of its superb powertrain and chassis in an open-top version. No longer the ‘softer’ option, DB12 Volante offers the stimulation of a true sports car with the unique pleasure and satisfaction that only a convertible Aston Martin can deliver.”

Aston Martin Sevenoaks 114-115 London Road, Riverhead Sevenoaks, TN13 2DN 01732 314071

www.astonmartin.com

35 Hopwood Gardens, Tunbridge Wells

GUIDE PRICE

£900,000 2/3 4 2

This charming 4 bedroom detached house is situated in the heart of the sought-after St Johns. Spacious rooms with high ceilings are flooded with natural light, and the well-equipped kitchen adjacent to the family room extension, make this the perfect family space. There is a secluded and terraced, landscaped garden, plus offroad parking for 2 cars, all set in a prime location near schools, amenities, and transport links.

• Detached family home in the heart of St Johns

• Large, dine in kitchen, plus 2 additional separate reception rooms

• 4 double bedrooms

• Separate utility room

• Secure and private terraced rear garden

• Green and leafy backdrop of mature trees

• Driveway parking for 2 cars

• EPC: D

Sweethaws Lane, Crowborough

SUCCESS STORIES

This Grade II Listed property attracted incredible levels of attention. Many were captivated by its secluded location, its history (it had once been the holiday home to Derk Bogart!) and the definite potential it presented. But this house was not one for the faint hearted and needed a very particular buyer, who was both attracted to the romance of the house, but also had the head and practicality to take on what would undoubtedly be an enormous renovation project. After multiple viewings, the

perfect buyers were found: a retired builder and master carpenter, who had the skills and time to take on the project. We had to sell their existing property to enable the purchase to proceed, and that in itself was not straight-forward, but thanks to extensive communication, the chain held and the house is now in the depths of an extensive refurbishment that will see it returned to its former glory.

5a Sandrock Road, Tunbridge Wells

SUCCESS STORIES

We were utterly thrilled when the owners of this beautiful Victorian house asked us to provide a market valuation for sale. However, on entering the property, the beautiful exterior was sadly not mirrored on the inside, as the house had been rented for the past 9 years to a VERY busy family! We decided that real advice and care was needed to ensure the best possible result, and advised our potential clients that they needed to evict their tenants, and then redress for sale the resulting empty property. Every agent told them

it would easily sell in its current condition, so we were out on a limb with our advice, recognising that there would be lost rental income from the resulting empty property. We were delighted when they appointed us and advised that they would be fully following all of our advice! The tenants left, the house was staged by the wonderful Caroline Pickering of Style My Home, and the interior of this property shone! Multiple offers from strong buyers followed, and we ended up achieving over £100,000 above the highest market valuation.

62 Claremont Road, Tunbridge Wells

GUIDE PRICE

£900,000 1 3 2

This gorgeous 3-bedroom Victorian residence is located in the sought-after Village area of Tunbridge Wells, adjacent to The Grove park, one of the most popular areas of Tunbridge Wells, thanks to its beautiful Victorian and Georgian architecture, close proximity to the High Street, Pantiles and mainline station, and green open spaces. It is also desirable thanks to its coveted catchment primary school, Claremont. The accommodation is very well proportioned and well designed for the family market, with flexible reception spaces, 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a fully enclosed, south facing courtyard garden.

• Deceptively spacious with 2 reception rooms, dine in kitchen and 3 bedrooms

• Beautifully presented throughout

• Situated in the heart of the village, adjacent to the beautiful Grove Park

• Encosed south facing rear garden

• Claremont School catchment for last academic intake

• EPC: D

Why is Tunbridge Wells

so popular for its schooling?

If you have school age children, or are planning to start a family, you will know that Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas are hot spots for families. Here we take a look at why that is and what makes Tunbridge Wells such a mecca for families.

The town has an excellent mix of prestigious and well-performing state and independent primary and secondary schools, selective grammars and non-selective, single sex and co-ed, as well as those catering for special educational needs. There really is something for everyone! The most important thing to remember is to find the right fit for your child and your personal circumstances.

Primary Schools

There are a wide range of primary schools on offer – indeed 39 in and around the town itself. State schools run from Reception (starting at age 4) to Year Six (age 11) and are all co-ed. Those on the higher achieving end of the scale and with strong Ofsted reports, such as Claremont Primary School, are in high demand and have pushed up house prices in the surrounding areas. There are a mix of church schools and non-denominational, including St John’s C of E, St James’s C of E, Skinner’s Kent and The Wells Free School.

Many parents choose to send their children to independent primary schools with their smaller class sizes, on the basis that the fees are less than at private secondary schools and wanting to do all they can for their child to gain a place at a coveted grammar school. There are a good selection of independent primary schools, many of which go from pre-prep (age 2 or 3) up to Year Six or Year Nine (age 13), including Holmewood House, Rose Hill, Kent College, Somerhill Independent School and The Mead School.

The Grammar System

Kent is one of the counties in the UK that operates the grammar system of secondary education. Every

child is given the option to sit the 11+ exam, or Kent Test, in the first few weeks of Year Six. There are 2 types of grammar schools: the “super-selectives” take the pupils with the highest scores, providing they live in Kent. The “catchment” grammars take all pupils that pass, providing they live within its catchment, which changes slightly each year depending on the quality of the scores achieved.

The super selective grammars include The Skinners’ School, The Judd School and Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls. Other excellent grammar schools are Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls. All grammar schools are single sex until sixth form.

Non-grammar Secondary Schools

For those children not wishing to attend a grammar school or for whom it was not suitable, there remains an excellent choice of non-selective schools. The church schools of Bennett Memorial Diocesan and St Gregory’s Catholic School offer places to religious families, and Skinners’ Kent Academy is a nondenominational option. These are all co-ed from Year Seven.

There are also a wide range of independent secondary schools in the area, if your budget allows!

Best areas for schools?

The schools are well distributed throughout the borough. As mentioned, Claremont is popular and the St John’s area houses five secondary schools and at least as many primary schools, so these are both in demand from families. Both also have good access to transport links to London, another popular factor.

There are also many excellent schools in the towns and villages surrounding Tunbridge Wells, including Wadhurst, Cranbrook, Langton Green, Crowborough and Goudhurst.

We will be happy to help point you in the right direction to find out more about the schools in the area, or take a look at their individual websites or visit www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children

Hastings Road, Lamberhurst

SUCCESS STORIES

This gorgeous home had struggled to sell with other agents, and we felt that if the internal presentation was improved, it would find its buyer easily. Our client fully embraced our recommendations, and so employed the services of professional stagers, Style My Home, to ensure his house looked its very best. A buyer was soon found, but sadly they struggled to sell their house. So, in an unusual sequence of events, we negotiated a property swap, whereby our sellers purchased their buyer’s property. Once

this deal was agreed, it has to be one of the easiest passages to exchange of contracts that we have even seen, which is not uncommon with a property swap: everyone knows each other and are highly motivated to get the deal done.

Chafford Lane, Fordcombe

SUCCESS STORIES

This property had sadly failed to sell with other agents, and the motivated sellers embraced all of our presentation advice with complete commitment, meaning when we re-launched it to market, it found a buyer quickly. However, it soon became apparent that our work was far from done. Unbeknownst to the sellers, who had lived very happily at the house for 13 years, they had no right to park on the parking space to the front of their property, which they had assumed was theirs! Extensive negotiations then

followed to purchase this space from the neighbours, who thought they might actually like to start using it! Very tense times until we simultaneously exchanged on the purchase of the house and the parking space. This one was a real nail-biter!

The Granary, Gibbs Hill

GUIDE PRICE

£1,500,000

This beautiful period property is situated just 1 mile away from the village of Nettlestead in a fabulous rural setting with far-reaching countryside views inside the Green Belt. The house is approached at the end of a long private drive, in a small farm hamlet of just a handful of properties. The Granary sits within 11 acres of its own land, most of which has been arranged as paddocks, and features a spacious main house, separate annexe and outbuildings.

• Late 18th century, unlisted, converted barn

• Main house with dine-in kitchen, 4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2/3 reception rooms

• Additional, beautiful 2-bedroom annexe with separate entrance and independent garden.

• Period features, including exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace with a woodburning stove.

• Spacious double height entrance hall

• Just under 11 acre plot, with rear walled garden and fenced paddocks

• EPC: C

Bedford Terrace, Tunbridge Wells

Bedford Terrace is a charming brick paved pedestrian lane located just off Chapel Place in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, offering a beautiful row of Grade 2 Listed Georgian terraced houses. This particular property in Bedford Terrace is a very fine example of a two/three bedroom property that is presented in excellent order, and comes to the market with the real benefit of no onward chain.

• Beautifully presented Georgian property

• Town centre location just steps away from restaurants, cafes and independent retailers

• 2/3 bedrooms, dine in kitchen and a separate reception room

• Private and secluded south facing courtyard garden

• No onward chain

• EPC: Exempt

Wickhurst Brook, Leigh

A beautiful period property with generous accommodation and open countryside views, situated in a semi-rural position near the popular village of Leigh and just a short drive from neighbouring towns of Sevenoaks and Tonbridge with their mainline rail links and extensive amenities.

• Beautifully presented countryside home

• Extended and renovated by the current owners

• Superb open plan kitchen/living/dining

• Two additional separate reception rooms

• Master bedroom suite with dressing room and ensuite bathroom

• 3 further double bedrooms, one with ensuite and a family bathroom

• Separate single garage and carriageway driveway

• Wrap around gardens overlooking beautiful countryside

• EPC: D