LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
APRIL 2021
KITCHEN GADGET GUIDE MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR KITCHEN THIS YEAR EARTH DAY 2021 MAKE YOUR HOME GREENER
HALF TERM IDEAS KEEP YOUR CHILDREN BUSY THIS HALF TERM
SPRING CLEAN GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
SHED DIY CONVERT YOUR SHED THIS SPRING
CONTENTS COVER STORY
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Kitchen Gadget Guide Create stunning, restaurant quality dishes with the latest kitchen aids
PROPERTY
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16 24
Get your house Spring ready Now is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in your house
6 8
Holiday activities Help the kids get creative in the garden and with their wet weather gear Earth Day 2021 Tips to make your home more climate clean this Earth Day
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April gardening tips Time to roll up your sleeves and put in the groundwork
Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
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World Book Day Reading is perhaps one of best commodities we have
About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
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Shed DIY The humble outbuilding can be put to a number of uses
FOOD
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LIFESTYLE
Springtime salads Check out some of our best Spring salad recipes that are sure to make your body smile
SPORT
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Golf European Tour We look ahead at what’s to play for, and who might be in with a chance of winning
WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE!
W
e’re into the fourth month of the year. The clocks have changed, the weather is warming up and the world is opening again! This Spring promises a lot and in this month’s magazine so do we! On pages 2 and 3 we go in-depth looking at the best ways to get your home Spring ready, and if that’s not enough, continuing inside the home, we also have a fantastic kitchen gadgets guide ready to create the Spring salad recipes from page 15. On the 22nd April we are celebrating Earth Day, so we have put together a guide to make your home more environmentally friendly. Moving outside, on pages
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PROPERTY NEWS
10 and 11 we have your April gardening guide and well as some ideas of how to turn your shed into a office/bar/sauna.
START FROM THE BEDROOM
What better place to start, than in the room where you spend more time than any other? Let’s start with the bedding. If you’ve opted for rich, dark colours over the winter months, then throw these away in exchange for neutral green or sky blue colours, accompanied with added pops of colour. Or if you want to make the extra effort in the season of Spring, then select some sheets with floral patterns. If you’ve been used to covering your bed with blankets and throws to keep warm, then switch to lightweight sheets and pillowcases. This will help to add some brightness to your room, and more importantly, stop you from feeling overheated as the weather warms up. And if you’ve made these changes, and still want to go further, then replace your pillows altogether! Swapping your pillows not only aids a more comfortable night’s sleep, but can simultaneously make your bedroom look completely different.
DECLUTTER
This may sound very obvious, but giving your house a good, old-fashioned Spring clean can go a long way to revitalising your home. First, start with cleaning from top to bottom. It can be a laborious job, but will benefit your home in the long run by adding freshness to every space. Next, move on to removing things that you no longer need. For instance, root through your
Finally, we have some fantastic ways to keep busy during the Easter holidays, a feature about World Book Day and a preview of the Men’s European Golf Tour. We’re all excited that the world is starting up again, and are all hopeful for the summer, however, for now, stay safe and take care of yourselves. For now, make yourself a cuppa, pull up a chair in the garden and enjoy! Jonathan Wheatley Editor
Once the tidying is done, turn your attention to adding items which freshen up your home
SPRING INTO ACTION fridges and cupboards, and throw out expired products that didn’t make it onto your plate over the winter period. And when rearranging the foodstuffs, do so in a way as to categorise everything, and make different items much easier to locate. If you have a garage, then organising it can prove a very satisfying project to get your teeth stuck into. Group all of your winter items into boxes, label them, and then place into the garage. This will make things much easier when it comes round to retrieving them again. And while you’re at it, look to declutter your garage. Throw out items you don’t need, and aim to create as much space as you can. Doing this will not only help you feel that your possessions are organised, but will allow you to think of the garage as a space other than just one of storage!
SEARCH FOR SCENTS
Once the tidying is done, turn your attention to adding items which freshen up your home. Spring is associated with the smells of nature, so lean into this tradition with some citrus, rose, lavender, or other floral scented candles or wax melts. These will help to air out the house, and will match the aromas of the outside world. And don’t neglect fauna. As well as bringing in natural, fresh scents into your home, displaying a set of flowers will also help to fill your room with colour, and will complete any kitchen or living room.
FOCUS ON FLOORING
Another great way to completely transform your home, heading into the summer, is to focus on the backbone of any interior. If your carpets have seen better days, then get round to getting them professionally cleaned. As well as making any room look brand new, removing any stains will really brighten up your home. Or, if you feel like a complete makeover, change your flooring completely. Tiling is very resistant for wear and tear, and so is a great option for a room which is likely to be used a lot, such as a kitchen or conservatory. Or, if you love the unmistakable aromas and textures that come with hardwood flooring, then opt for this.
PRIORITISE LIGHT
If there’s something missing from your ideal Spring home, then consider whether you’ve done all you can to take advantage of maximising the amount of natural light in any space. Replace your dark, thick curtains with light ones, or if the room permits, do away with curtains altogether. Without requiring much effort, this will completely transform any room in time for Summer. And also consider changing bulbs. With the greater amounts of light that come with this time of year, switch to darker lights, to create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings, and let natural light do the rest!
As the days get longer, and the weather begins to brighten, now is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in your house
Sp ring INTO ACTION
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Stand out from the crowd and create stunning, restaurant quality dishes with the latest kitchen aids
INSPECT THE
GADGETS
Instant Pot Duo V2 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Breville HeatSoft VFM021
I
t is an inescapable fact that the kitchen is the heart of the home. More than just a collection of units, it is the place where memories are forged and culinary disasters are celebrated as much as the triumphs; the venue for gathering at either end of the day, where the aroma of freshly-ground coffee cuts through the lingering whiff of curry from the night before. It is also a place of work, a hive of experimentation. And key to that creative process are the tools of the trade, either a worktop full of the tried, tested and much loved, or an ever-changing procession of ‘must-haves’ which are casually discarded when the next big thing appears.
Russell Hobbs Sous Vide Slow Cooker
Sage The Smoking Gun
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PROPERTY NEWS
Something which falls in the latter category but could soon become the former is the Instant Pot Duo V2 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. It doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue but what it does will keep the tongue very happy. America’s home-chefs blew a fuse over this little multi-cooker and its not difficult to see why – it’s an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker, saute pan and a warming pot, which is easy to use and clean.
Devotees of programmes such as MasterChef and The Great British Menu will be familiar with the waterbath and the sous vide process, where food is placed inside a sealed pouch and cooked at an accurately-regulated temperature. It helps meat and vegetables retain their flavour, vitamins and keeps prep-time low. Described as ‘a Michelinstarred chef’s worst-kept secret’, the waterbath can now adorn your kitchen in the form of the easily-affordable Russell Hobbs Sous Vide Slow Cooker. And if you really want to go for drama with your fine dining, get Sage The Smoking Gun. Using cold smoke, it lets you infuse a range of food and KitchenAid Food drinks with a natural Processor smoky flavour, while the dual speed helps increase the intensity of the smoke. Best of all, it is sold with, or without, a glass cloche to cover your dish and heighten the effect. If you are in the market for a hand mixer, take a look
De’Longhi Magnifica Illycaffe 6636 Francis
Santoku 180mm Blade Knife at the Breville HeatSoft VFM021 and wave goodbye to that time-consuming wait for the butter to soften. This handy tool warms butter up to 12 times faster than just leaving it in the mixing bowl, although it can also be used without the heating function. It also comes with an attachable clear case, so the attachments don’t go wandering. An even more flexible bit of kit is the KitchenAid Food Processor which can chop, shred, puree and slice food. It comes with an easy to install reversible medium shred/slice and thick slice blades as well as a dough blade should you want to knead bread or pasta dough. And it comes in a rather fetching Empire Red finish. There’s nothing that sets the smoke alarm off quite like burnt toast, so the Magimix Vision Toaster could be the best thing you’ll ever invest in. A see-through panel allows you to see how your breakfast is doing, ensuring ideal results every time. Possibly the best thing since, well, sliced bread. On the subject of breakfast, let’s talk coffee. We’re not all barista maestro-standard but machines such as the De’Longhi Magnifica help paper over the cracks. With seven adjustable coarseness levels within
an integrated grinder, the Magnifica can customise the type of coffee you want… plus it has a dual cup option. For eye-catching looks, the Illycaffe 6636 Francis is a bit of a head-turner while the Sage Oracle Touch Fully Automated Coffee Machine is the business. However, you’ll need something a bit stronger than an espresso when you see the price tag. No kitchen is complete without a decent set of knives or a pro-standard knife (singular). The Santoku 180mm Blade Knife, from Blenheim Forge, isn’t cheap but will last for years. Made with a Japanese Blue Paper Steel Core with folded iron cladding, it comes with a walnut handle and solid copper ferrule for added strength. Finally, they say baking is all about precision, so that means you’ll need a decent set of kitchen scales. Salter’s Heston Blumental Precision Scales have a dual platform – one for measuring up to 10kg in 1g increments and the other for measuring up to 200g in 0.1g increments. There’s an add- and-weigh feature and also an aquatronic feature for measuring liquids, just to help you get ‘weigh’ ahead of your competitive friends.
Sage Oracle Touch Fully Automated Coffee Machine
Magimix Vision Toaster
Salter’s Heston Blumental Precision Scales
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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JUST BOOT-IFUL
Help the kids get creative in the garden and with their wet weather gear
A
pril, as the saying goes, is the month for showers. And not only does it bring May’s flowers, it can also provide inspiration for some great craft activities for kids and adults alike. It’s the time where it’s always best to have boots and a brolly close at hand. And there’s no better way of making a splash in those quick-to-appear springtime puddles than in customised wellies.
your favourite anymore, tie brightly coloured ribbon about halfway up and gently bend the brolly support wires outwards.
Insert a block of florists’ oasis for water and support then add the flowers so they are peeping over the top. Freshly-cut tulips, with their bold colourful petals, are ideal and will last for a few days but for a longer lasting display, try artificial blooms. And then hang from your door knocker – or insert spike down in the garden - for an eye-catching display that should make any passer-by smile.
Boots are very much a blank canvas and you can really let your imagination run riot, creating colourful and simple yet effective flower patterns, rockets and scenes from outer space for the kids – who also might want a jazzy take on their initials - or graffiti-led slogans for the not so young who might be missing their Glastonbury fix again this year.
So, if they are not getting wet, kids love nothing better than getting their hands dirty… literally. So, put them to good use by designating an area of the garden for them to cultivate with summer-blooming wild flowers or, particularly as the weather is likely to be indifferent, by planting a herb garden inside. Its an easy way to get the younger members of the family hooked on planting, It’s the time where nurturing and tasting what it’s always best to they have grown in their meals, have boots and a and is a little more advanced brolly close at hand and not as smelly as growing cress seeds on blotting paper!
Many people suggest sanding down the area you intend to decorate as this creates a smoother surface and allows the paint to make a stronger bond. As for your decorating agent, acrylic paint is easily available and straightforward to use, particularly if you are going for a funky, bright and intricate design. Waterproof marker pens are also handy for applying finer details, while if a broad sweep of colour is required, rubber spray paint will do the job. And although the paints will dry to a good finish, applying a layer of hairspray will also help your colours stick. Continuing the wet weather theme, how about sprucing up your front door with an extension of the Christmas wreath: a brolly brimming with spring flowers? Younger members of the family can do the backbending stuff by picking the flowers while all you have to do is select an umbrella that’s not
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PROPERTY NEWS
The easiest – and probably the most useful herbs to grow are parsley, basil, coriander, chives and dill, and all you will need are peat-free, multi-purpose compost; small pots (such as yoghurt) or a used plastic tray from a Chinese takeaway … and an array of helping hands. Making sure the containers have been pierced to guard against over-enthusiastic watering, fill with the compost and tamp down gently to remove the air pockets. Water and allow to drain before scattering the seeds sparingly over the surface before covering with a thin layer of compost. Ideally the pots can be covered with a clear plastic bag to recreate a mini greenhouse and speed the growth process, before placing
April is the month for showers, it can also provide inspiration for some great craft activities
on a windowsill. Once germinated, remove the plastic and water at least once a week before potting outside in late May. A further way to enrich a child’s understanding of the garden is to construct a bug mansion out of discarded pallets and log the varieties of creepy crawlies who come to stay. Some insects like cool, damp conditions, while others like the sun, so try to site the home where it will get a bit of both, under a hedge or tree. Give it a firm base and start stacking, filling the gaps with dead wood and loose bark, straw, dry leaves, and corrugated cardboard which, when stuffed into a plastic bottle with its top removed, creates a nice nest for lacewings. And if you plant some nectar-producing flowers around the outside you can bring in winged guests, such as butterflies and bees.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Join in with millions of people around the world and make your home more climate clean this Earth Day
EARTH DAY 2021
HOW TO MAKE
YOUR HOME MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
T
his year celebrates the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Originally conceived in 1970 by peace activist John McConnell as a day of education about how to look after our Earth, in 1990, Earth Day went International and has been celebrated ever since in all four corners of the world. It is one of the few holidays that transcends all national borders and religions, yet preserves all geographical integrities and brings people together all over the world. It is quite simply devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology. There are hundreds of ways of making your home more environmentally friendly, big and small. Here, in celebration of Earth Day, are our top tips.
WASH YOUR CLOTHES IN COLD WATER
90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating water. By skipping the heating and using your washing machine on the cold water setting, you will reduce carbon dioxide emission as well as keeping your clothes in top condition for longer, as hot water can deteriorate your clothes and make colours less vibrant.
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PROPERTY NEWS
DIY INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW
DIY isn’t only a truly great skill to have, but it helps towards creating an environmentally friendly home as opposed to buying new. With just a few tools and a little time, you can crack-on with all sorts of projects. You could tile your kitchen yourself, build home-made planters for the garden or even lay your own flooring.
SWAP YOUR LIGHT BULBS
Invest in the right energy-efficient light bulbs and you won’t only be helping the Earth, but you’ll be saving money too. LED bulbs are the best alternative to regular light bulbs and as well as lasting longer, they are eco-friendly. They are readily available in most shops and you can even get dimmable ones and colour-change ones.
USE YOUR RECYCLING BIN AND GET A COMPOST BIN
We are all well-versed of the importance of recycling by now, so use your recycling bin and you are truly helping towards our world’s future, and if you find yourself with an excess of normal waste, buy a compost bin, which will not only help you get rid of the excess waste but will give you free fertiliser for your garden.
PLANT HERBS AND VEG
Ah, what to do with all that free fertiliser? How about growing your own herbs and vegetables? Not only will you always have wonderful, better-tasting food, but you will massively cut down on plastic used in shop-bought veg and herbs. Some of the most popular are basil, oregano and peppers and tomatoes.
TURN OLD PALLETS INTO PLANTERS
But where do I plant these herbs and veg? Simple, don’t ditch any wood or pallets you have lying around, get creative instead. With just a few screws and a drill, you can make home-made planters for your garden or windowsills. Just measure four pieces of wood to equal lengths, screw together and line with bubble wrap.
22nd April 202 1 www.earthday.org DITCH THE COFFEE PODS
Coffee pod machines have been around for a while now, however, did you know the plastic capsules aren’t usually recyclable? For better tasting and more environmentally friendly coffee, invest in a good-quality espresso machine that takes freshly ground coffee. You can also sprinkle the used ground coffee onto your compost to keep bugs away.
INSULATE YOUR PIPES
Not the quickest or flashiest jobs, but by insulating the pipes that run from your boiler throughout your house can make a huge difference. Your best bet is to use felt or wool pipe insulation that is pre-cut into sleeves and then use some good-quality pipe wrap insulation tape.
COLLECT YOUR RAINWATER
Finally, what is more natural than rainwater? Exactly. If you could collect and store all the rainwater that falls on your property throughout a year and use it around the home, you would see a huge drop in your water bills. Okay, so a full-blown rainwater collection servicing your house is a huge job, but start small with a water butt and you can at least water your herbs and veg without touching a tap. Earth Day is on Thursday the 22nd of April and you can find out more by visiting www.earthday.org
It is one of the few holidays that transcends all national borders and religions, yet preserves all geographical integrities
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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&REAP
WEED IT Time to roll up your sleeves and put in the groundwork
A
nd so here we are. April, the great transitional month where we’ve not quite shaken off winter’s icy grip, but with brighter evenings and significantly warmer days, its hold is definitely weakening. For gardeners, this is where the hard work starts; this month’s input dictates output for the rest of the year. The four-day Easter holiday weekend gives us time to prepare the ground, assessing and repairing the damage inflicted by a particularly harsh start to the year, taking the time to restake trees, secure climbing shrubs, and clear any lingering storm damage, particularly checking fences for damage to panels, support posts and slats. And then you can get on your hands and knees for some serious weeding, gently turning over ground flattened by heavy rain and snow, and clearing away any remaining dead leaves, twigs and winter debris, as well as dead-heading daffodils,
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tulips and late-flowing crocuses, and trimming frost-damaged shoots from evergreens. Once cleared, nourish the soil with compost or well-rotted manure which will add beneficial micro-organisms to the soil, making it richer and encouraging the right kind of insect activity. The wrong kind – slugs, snails and aphids – may be found loitering around the crowns of perennials preparing to wreak havoc so it’s best to deal with them now. Early infestations of aphids can be pinched out by hand but pests such as vine weevil will need chemical or biological intervention to keep under control. Your lawn will need the most attention early in the early growing season. If you’ve not already done so, now’s the time for that initial cut, taking the top off the winter growth before the first decisive crop. Once that’s done, apply a high nitrogen spring lawn fertiliser to encourage good, strong growth and if
moss has become a problem, choose a combined moss killer/fertiliser and lightly rake out the dead a couple of weeks after application.
There are also many warm-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which can be moved outdoors
If you discover some bumps and hollows, peel back the turf and remove or add soil as necessary before replacing the grass, while any bare patches can be prepared for reseeding: if the ground is still wet and cold, though, the germination will be poor so it might be better to postpone this until early May. And, while we’re at it, don’t forget the lawn edges. Using a spade or a half-moon edging iron, create a gutter of around
three inches to prevent the grass creeping back into your borders. It is also important to prune trees and deciduous shrubs, removing dead and sickly-looking leaves or branches to stimulate new growth and spring flowering. Also add fertiliser while a good organic mulch, laid in a circle around the trunk, will not only provide moisture for good growth but will also conserve moisture and encourage strong, drought-resistant roots, something worth bearing in mind for the likes of rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias where flowering can be severely impaired if allowed to dry out. Otherwise, a good balanced fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) can be sprinkled over the root area around ornamental trees, shrubs and hedges before hoeing in, particularly beneficial for young, weak or damaged plants. Once the warmer days are set in and the risk of a late sharp frost has gone, plant out
the flower seedlings you’ve been cultivating since March, and if you haven’t, you can still sow petunias, zinnias, marigolds, purple cornflowers and other seasonals you might fancy in your flowerbeds. Summerflowering bulbs should also be going in, ensuring the likes of anemone tubers have well-drained soil. Containers can also be planned, topped up with fresh compost and planted – an alpine trough can be particularly attractive as many are starting to look their best - while you may be able to start on your hanging baskets in the latter stages of the month if you’re in a temperate part of the country. Otherwise, pot-on plants that are showing signs of becoming pot-bound or generally just look a bit forlorn. There are also many warm-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which can be moved outdoors while radishes, carrots, peas and lettuce can also be planted, along with your favourite annual herbs.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WORLD BOOK DAY
– WHY IT WILL
SHINE ON
Reading is perhaps one of best, if not the very best, commodities and widely accessible resources we have as a people, and therefore so is World Book Day
M
ental health and the recognition of its facets and depth has never been as prevalent as now, so when you consider how strong the scientific research is in favour of how reading can help mental wellbeing – by reducing your heart rate and thus stress levels, easing muscle tension, and wholly altering your state of mind – World Book Day this year is surely a campaign more important than ever before. World Book Day annually takes place on 23rd April. This is because the Spanish
writer Vicente Clavel Andrés wanted to call for a day which would recognize the life and career of one of his greatest heroes, fellow Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, who still is widely regarded as the greatest ever writer of the Spanish language. Cervantes death date was 23rd April, which also marks many other great writers’ birth and death dates, including William Shakespeare who passed away on exactly the same day as Cervantes, 23rd April 1616.
World Book Day this year is surely a campaign more important than ever before
The first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995 and has been going strong ever since. It’s a day to celebrate all things books, especially your favourites! One of my personal favourite novels is The Shining by Stephen King. King has always been associated with horror, and I suppose that’s justified. But many people overlook (pun intended) the fact that much of King’s stories contain some real character depth and interpersonal relationships, which can often be extremely intense and moving. The Shining, for instance,
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PROPERTY NEWS
for me, isn’t necessarily primarily a horror. It could be considered a psychological thriller or drama about what happens when an alcoholic becomes victim to cabin fever. The paranormal presence in the hotel is an effective way to convey this cabin fever process Jack Torrance undertakes, but I suspect many readers agree that a good argument can be made that the paranormal activity can merely be considered a metaphor for Jack’s psychological transformation into illness. Indeed he knows he’s becoming unhealthy at the behest of cabin fever, as there is a point near the end of the novel where he tries to cry out from underneath his new, murderous exterior to tell his would-be murdered son to leave before it’s too late. Why I talk about this book in particularly is because cabin fever is something many of us have had to endure over the past many months, and, more troubling still, domestic abuse, so it’s an interesting insight into cabin fever and the effects it can have on relationships, especially if alcoholism is involved. The Shining is an example of a great novel, and certainly one to celebrate, as the book often gets inaccurately judged by its better-known cover, that of the film by Stanley Kubrick, which told a rather different story. Jonathan Wheatley, British Author
If a home-working space is the objective, you will need to insulate, drywall and think about heating
SHED YOUR
INHIBITIONS T
o paraphrase rock giants Motorhead, a shed used to be a place of spades. Or lawnmowers. Or half-empty tins of paint and discarded outdoor toys. A handy little store, generally made of glorified fencing panels, that gets a coat of creosote when you remember but generally sits, unloved, at the end of the garden waiting to be battered by the next named storm. Times and lifestyles, however, change, and now the humble structure has become the fashionable ‘must-have’, graduating from the often-outlandish man caves and she-sheds to offices, studios, outside bars and even saunas and cinema rooms. If the prospect of turning your forlorn shed into a rustic home extension appeals, there are some things to bear in mind, not least checking with the local authority to see if you need permission for change of use. Then see how structurally sound it is or whether you might be
better off biting the bullet and getting a new summerhouse or log cabin, depending on size of budget, garden… and ambition.
Having checked the damp-proofing, if the roof is watertight, walls are in good condition and doors and windows fit properly, clear the shed out and look for signs of mould, damp, wood rot or pest infestation around the floor. Once satisfied, the big decision now is whether it’s a DIY project or needs to be turned over to an expert, as you would be advised to do for a sauna. If you’re going it alone, the first job will be to get the outside treated or painted to make it weatherproof, then think about sealing any cracks you may have discovered with caulk or weatherstripping to help prevent draughts, bugs and any other undesirables. Depending how you plan to use the shed, you might want to pop in a skylight window, particularly if you’ve got the professionals in and
The humble outbuilding can be put to a number of uses
you’re designing an office. If a home-working space is the objective, you will need to insulate, drywall and think about heating for those slightly less-than idyllic days. Heating means power and while it may be tempting to connect to the supply from your home, don’t rule out solar panels, which provide a simpler, cheaper and energy efficient solution. If it’s a bar you’re after, you’ll need plumbing too. For flooring, think durable coverings such as cork, tile and carpet - a wood floor might be attractive but may not be practical. After that, it’s all about preferences: LED or halogen lights for an office, a string of novelty lights for your personal pub; shelves and versatile cabinets for work, a good service area and racks to attach the optics for the bar. And finally, make sure you’ve got some good locks.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE
EUROPEAN TOUR IN APRIL As this year’s European Tour begins to crank up, we look ahead at what’s to play for, and who might be in with a chance of winning
WHAT’S HAPPENED SO FAR?
The 2021 European Tour began in January, when it was announced that at least fortytwo events would be played in twenty-four different countries, including eighteen which were either postponed or cancelled in 2020.
The first tournament of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, was won by Englishman Tyrell Hatton. Since then, fellow countryman Paul Casey and American Dustin Johnson have walked away with the other two titles.
WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?
The month of April includes four of the forty-two European tour events. On the 15th, Golf’s biggest names travel to Spain, to take part in the Tenerife Open. From there, they make the short journey for the Gran Canaria open, beginning on the 22nd, highlighting this year’s focus on reducing travelling where possible. And finally, the 29th April marks the beginning of the Portugal Masters.
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PROPERTY NEWS
But of course, the main event of the month is right at the beginning. On April 8th, all eyes will turn to Augusta, Georgia, for the 2021 Masters. The first of the four ‘majors’ of the year, this tournament is steeped in tradition, with every winner since 1949 receiving an iconic green jacket. Last year, the imperious Dustin Johnson won by five-shots, whilst simultaneously breaking the course record, in a tournament which was pushed back several months due to the pandemic. But fortunately, this year’s competition will go ahead as planned, and is set to be as equally enthralling as any other instalment.
The first tournament of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, was won by Englishman Tyrell Hatton
WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?
As already mentioned, Johnson won the tournament by a landslide last year, and still sits at the head of the world rankings, and so cannot be written off. Otherwise, world numbers two Jon Rahm and world number three Justin Thomas have nine European Tour victories between them, and so will both feel confident come April 8th. And for a slight outsider, consider Bryson DeChambeau’s chances. The big-hitting American, currently ranked inside the world’s top ten, hasn’t enjoyed much success at Augusta thus far in his career. However, his analytical approach in gaining significant muscle in 2020 has made him the longest driver of the ball on the PGA Tour, which may stand him in good stead when battling the famously difficult course in Georgia.
SPRING INTO LIFE
Put a spring in your step with these wonderful, healthy salads perfect for Springtime
O
ne of the best things about Spring is the chance to create wonderful, healthy salads with some of the finest and freshest veg available at this time of the year. So, without delay, check out some of our best Spring salad recipes that are sure to make your body smile. Salad leaves – mixed Vine tomatoes Red onion Feta cheese Olive oil Lemon Salt and pepper Fresh oregano
GREEK SALAD Wash and rinse the salad leaves and chop the vine tomatoes in half (depending on their size) and slice the red onion so you have wonderful whole onion circles. Toss the tomatoes, salad leaves and onion together in a bowl ensuring it’s all mixed. Then mix the olive oil, the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil mix to the salad bowl, toss again before finally adding the crumbled feta on top. To finish garnish with the fresh oregano and another pinch of pepper.
Orange juice Lemon juice Honey Salt and pepper Olive oil Mixed carrots Radishes Celery Small beet Fresh mint leaves Small oranges
Mixed salad leaves Dried apricots White wine vinegar Shallot Dijon mustard Olive oil Feta Cucumber Dill
SHAVED CARROT AND RADISH SALAD Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper to your taste, before adding olive oil. Peel and then shave the carrots lengthways and finely slice the radishes before peeling the oranges and slicing them into half-moons. Then thinly slice the celery and small beet. Mix together in a large bowl before adding the olive oil mix. Serve with the freshly chopped mint leaves on top.
SPRING SALAD WITH APRICOT VINAIGRETTE Place the apricots in a bowl while bringing the white wine vinegar to a simmer. Once simmering, pour over the apricots and leave for ten minutes. Finely slice the shallot, then add to a bowl with some Dijon mustard before then adding the apricots to the mustard mixture. Add a little white wine vinegar to taste and then mix in the olive oil. In a large bowl, toss together the salad leaves, cucumber and apricot mixture. To serve, crumble the feta cheese over the top before adding the fresh dill.
Images for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Improved and extended four-bedroom semi-detached house within walking distance to the City Centre £580,000
GAINSBOROUGH CRESCENT, CHELMSFORD – A TRULY SUPERB CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED, EXTENDED, and ENLARGED four-bedroom semi-detached house which MUST be internally viewed to be fully appreciated! It is conveniently situated within walking distance of the City centre and station hence could well suit a commuting buyer. The well-presented accommodation comprises an entrance hall, good size lounge with bay window to the front, cloakroom, excellent part vaulted rear kitchen / dining / family room with full width bi-folding doors, 3 first floor bedrooms and family bathroom and a SUPERB loft conversion main bedroom with luxurious en-suite bath / shower room. There is a most pleasant rear garden and zoned permit parking. EARLY VIEWING ADVISED!
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621
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Spacious three-bedroom family property with a good sized rear garden and situated within walking distance to local amenities £320,000
COTSWOLD CRESCENT – A good size semi-detached family property with three bedrooms, refitted shower room and ground floor cloakroom located within walking distance of local schools and supermarket. The property enjoys a good size rear garden with generous sideway access, is convenient for the City centre and is offered for sale with no onward chain!
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Top floor two-bedroom apartment in an ideal location and no onward chain £220,000
OASIS COURT, SPRINGFIELD – Located at the top of Springfield Road giving excellent access for Chelmsford’s A12 bypass and bus routes to Chelmsford City centre is this nicely presented top floor two-bedroom purpose-built apartment, the property has the added benefit of being offered for sale with no onward chain and has well maintained communal grounds.
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Spacious four-bedroom detached family home in ideal location for schools and access to Chelmsford City Centre £575,000
TROTWOOD CLOSE, CHELMSFORD – A deceptively spacious detached family home with four good size bedrooms and ground floor extensions which have been thoughtfully added creating four separate reception rooms in addition to a kitchen/breakfast room, including a stunning dining/living space with large roof lantern. The property is conveniently located for local schools and supermarket with good access to Chelmsford City centre with its multiple shopping facilities and mainline train station.
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Well-presented and extended semidetached bungalow located in a highly sought after established road £400,000
AUBREY CLOSE – Rarely available semi-detached bungalow in this highly sought after established road and offering extremely well presented, improved, and EXTENDED accommodation which needs to be internally viewed to be fully appreciated. The bungalow is offered for sale with no onward chain and comprises an entrance hall, lounge / dining room, kitchen / breakfast room, two bedrooms and bath / shower room. The bungalow stands centrally on a good size plot and has an attached carport to the side. Local bus services and shopping parade are close by, and Chelmsford City centre and station are within easy reach.
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Recently built two-bedroom first floor apartment with parking located on a small development near The Vineyards £280,000
ARMSTRONG GIBBS COURT, GREAT BADDOW – This recently built two-bedroom first floor apartment is located on the small “Heron Gate” development one of only 53 apartments literally on the doorstep of the Vineyards shopping centre in Great Baddow and within easy reach of Chelmsford City centre. It was built by Weston Homes only a few years ago is situated in “The Aspen” part of the complex and benefits from a security entry phone system, gas fired heating by radiators, lounge open to a well fitted and equipped kitchen, the main bedroom has a “walk in” wardrobe cupboard and an en-suite shower room, there is a good size second bedroom, bathroom and two allocated parking spaces one of which is under cover. It has an excellent internal specification with designer fixtures and really needs to be internally viewed to be fully appreciated.
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Immaculate four-bedroom extended detached family home £530,000
LONGSHOTS CLOSE, CHELMSFORD - An immaculate four-bedroom family home with ample parking to the front and stunning views across farmland to the rear. The property has been recently decorated and benefits from a rear extension creating a large kitchen/ family dining area in addition to a good size lounge, four bedrooms to the first floor, ensuite shower, and family bathroom. The location being to the North of Chelmsford City centre is a short distance from Broomfield Hospital and yet provides easy access to the City centre with mainline station and multiple shopping facilities.
Grade II Listed Period Cottage located in the historic village of Pleshey Guide Price £400,000
LITTLE MOAT COTTAGE, PLESHEY – A rare opportunity to purchase a GRADE II LISTED PERIOD COTTAGE delightfully located in the historic Village of Pleshey about 6 miles North West of Chelmsford. The cottage is thought to date back many hundreds of years and had a two-story extension added in the 1980s to greatly enlarge the original cottage. It is located literally on the doorstep of where Pleshey Castle once stood and where Pleshey Mount Viewpoint is and has the local Village Public House across the road!
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Good sized three-bedroom property with garden looking on to open fields £315,000
AVON ROAD – Conveniently located three-bedroom property with larger than average garden and views across open fields to the rear. The property is offered with no onward chain, has three good size bedrooms, lounge, spacious kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom, separate w.c, and is located within walking distance of local shops.
Four-bedroom semi-detached house with a North Westerly facing rear garden £475,000
ST. MARYS CLOSE, GREAT BADDOW – A considerably improved and enlarged fourbedroom semi-detached house with a superb rear kitchen / dining / family room with bi-folding doors leading to the garden. There is a ground floor cloakroom, front sitting room, three bedrooms and bathroom to the first floor, and a loft conversion to provide a main bedroom with en-suite shower room. There is a shared driveway at the side giving access to a garage, off road parking at the front and a good size North Westerly facing rear garden. Needs to be viewed!
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Improved four-bedroom terraced house with parking for two cars and white gloss fitted kitchen £425,000
GWYN CLOSE CHELMSFORD ESSEX - This end of terrace house is situated in a cul-desac location in the village of Boreham close to a general store. This property has been vastly improved by the current vendors and offers well proportioned four bedrooms, four piece bathroom suite, two good size reception rooms and a modern white gloss fitted kitchen. Parking is provided for two cars to the front.
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Spacious tastefully decorated four-bedroom semi detached home within close proximity to Local Schools £425,000
ROSSENDALE CHELMSFORD ESSEX - Situated South-West of Chelmsford City centre and within close proximity of local schooling is this four bedroom semi detached family home available with no onward chain. In our opinion the property is tastefully decorated throughout and provides a spacious modern feel. On the ground floor there is a good size entrance hall, ground floor shower room, lounge and second reception room/study, and a fitted kitchen/diner with integrated appliances. To the first floor there are four bedrooms and family bathroom with modern white suite. A particular feature is the landscaped rear garden with good size secluded deck. There is artificial lawn for low maintenance with mature shrubs and hedging to borders. To the front there is ample off street parking leading to an integral garage.
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We’re 50!
Adrians celebrates milestone but the core principles remain the same
A vision to revolutionise and revitalise estate agency in the early 1970s snowballed into a thriving company with its eyes on innovation and its roots firmly entrenched in old-style professional customer service. That meeting, between two young men coincidentally named Adrian, took place in 1971 and gave this company its name. And, this year, it’s our 50th birthday!
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Adrians quickly established a reputation for providing excellent service and, although the personnel may have changed, it remains the core objective. As the company grew, Chris Holmes and Bill Lee took over to guide Adrians through the next phase of its development until 2013, when they retired and current directors Nigel Jessup and Ray Cline took over to write the next chapter.
Nigel, who has lived and worked in Chelmsford for 20 years, says: “Adrians have a reputation built on trust and recommendation, and my goal is to continue the traditional core values of good honest estate agency, coupled with new technology and a modern approach.”
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highly-experienced sales team – winners of a national award for excellent reputation – we move confidently into the future. It’s a future where digital platforms are vitally important, and a dedicated marketing company now handles social media output.
The Adrians history and reputation is something we are proud of and will continue to protect and develop
Ray says: “I am really passionate about the industry and truly believe that giving people the right advice and support will get the best results.” He says: “Choosing the right agent is an important decision as you will be working with that agent for at least a couple of months. So, you need to be sure it is an agent that will conduct the day-to-day business in a trustworthy, professional manner. It’s so important to do the job the right way and to a high standard of service, with feedback and communication imperative.
However, we have not forgotten there is no substitute for good old-fashioned client contact, whether it is face-to-face at our refurbished Duke Street office or on the phone. So… it’s happy birthday to us!
“The Adrians history and reputation is something we are proud of and will continue to protect and develop.” Under-pinning that bedrock philosophy is long-standing branch manager Gary Ketley, who has been with the company for more than 35 years and is the perfect example of an agent people can trust – indeed, he has helped some returning customers two or three times over – and his extensive experience puts him in the perfect position to provide accurate, in-depth advice to both sellers and buyers. Meanwhile, Adrians Lettings, born around the time Nigel and Ray took charge, continues to flourish under the stewardship of Tonya Barnard, and, with the enthusiastic and
Contact us today for your FREE valuation Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621
info@adrians-property.co.uk
Nigel Jessup M.N.A.E.A | DIRECTOR Nigel started his agency career in 1986 working for a corporate company in Billericay and after some years’ experience joined a large independent agent in 1993 as a senior negotiator. He was soon promoted to Branch Manager successfully running a large office in Chelmsford until 2013. In 2013, having previously worked together in the same office, he teamed up with his now co director Ray Cline and acquired Adrians from the retiring partners.
“Adrians have a reputation built on trust and recommendation and my goal is to continue the traditional core values of good honest estate agency coupled with new technology and a modern approach.”
Ray Cline M.N.A.E.A | DIRECTOR Ray has been in estate agency for over 30 years, starting his career with a large corporate estate agent. 2013 presented the opportunity to apply all his experience to running his own agency when the previous owners of Adrians retired.
“I have for over 10 years been on the Essex Branch Committee for the National Association of Estate Agents which is our governing body. Choosing the right agent is an important decision; you need to be sure it’s an agent that will conduct their day to day business in a trustworthy, professional manner. The Adrians history and reputation is something we are proud of and will continue to protect and develop.”
Gary Ketley | BRANCH MANAGER Gary has been at Adrians in Chelmsford for 35 years and has had the pleasure of helping people with their move two or three times over, as they have moved home to suit their different needs. This lengthy time working and living locally provides an exceptional knowledge of the area which qualifies Gary to give accurate and in depth advice to sellers and potential buyers. “I am a calm and friendly person driven by my attention to detail in both the contact with my clients and the presentation of our property details - good photography is essential both for the brochure and internet portals. I treat people the way I would like to be treated myself and I am proud of Adrians’ reputation.”
Daniel Speak | SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Daniel’s agency career started back in 1996, initially with a local corporate agent. However, he chose to move swiftly into independent agency where he rose through the ranks to management, and finally associate Director level. Now with over 20 years in the industry, Daniel not only has great knowledge of the local areas but also the experience needed to help guide clients with their move.
“I am just as excited about the industry now, as I was when I first started back in the mid 90’s. The need for an educated and approachable estate agent that can guide buyers and sellers through the process is more evident now than ever, and I feel that at Adrians, we are perfectly placed to do so.”
Jodie Truong | BRANCH ADMINISTRATOR Jodie has worked within the estate agency industry for 5 years working as a regional administrator alongside large corporate companies. However, she is not only admin based and will often be found on the phone to tenants and buyers helping them find their new home. Her aim is to always provide the highest levels of customer service and to exceed clients expectations.
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Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Katherine Gardner | SALES CONSULTANT Katherine has over 10 years’ experience within customer service. A very self-motivated and independent performer, able to serve as a communication liaison between different parties of professionals, so the flow of information and stages occur in a timely matter on behalf of the customer.
Toby Austin | TRAINEE NEGOTIATOR Toby has recently joined the team having spent a short time in the Lettings sector. He has recently enrolled on a Level 3 Property Management Course to extend his knowledge in the industry and pursue his career further. Adrian’s has a strong reputation for being customer focussed and providing excellent service to the community. “I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the job particularly building positive customer relations and sharing in their experience”
Tonya Barnard | LETTINGS MANAGER Tonya has over 10 years experience in all areas of lettings and property management. Tonya is ARLA qualified holding an NFOPP Level 3 Award in Residential Letting and Property Management and is an associate member of ARLA. Running her own successful property management company for the past 6 years Tonya has now joined the Adrians Teams to run our in-house lettings department. “I believe in traditional property management and creating long lasting relationships of trust with our clients, myself and my team look after every property as if it were our own”
Ailish Tucker | LETTINGS CONSULTANT Ailish left the media industry in 2015 and since then has been working in property, mainly within lettings and property management. Prior to joining Adrians, she was with a large corporate group where she was responsible for the management of a variety of properties across Essex dealing with all aspects of the tenancies; from the pre-tenancy work through to the deposit negotiations and release. She has always worked in customer focused environments and strongly believes in ensuring an exceptional level of customer service at all times.
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EXCLUSIVELY AT
Giving you peace of mind every time Our innovative approach to marketing, together with our unrivalled customer care, makes us the right choice to market your property and guide you through your move
Whether you’re looking to sell or put your property up for rental, when you choose to market your property with Adrians, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Selling your property A leading independent agent covering all Chelmsford the name Adrians is synonymous with trust, excellence and integrity. With decades of experience, specialising in all aspects of residential property, our friendly, enthusiastic and professional service ensures that our clients continually return to sell and buy through us. We also recognise the importance of marketing, so your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our window display. Exclusively to us in our area, your property will receive its very own FREE microsite showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property
brochure. Sharing your personalised website across the social networks widens the audience for your property, to find the right buyer and increasing the chances of a quicker sale. Our qualified database of home buyers will be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. Quite simply we endeavour to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest possible time, providing you an outstanding service, with a personal and friendly approach.
Letting your property When it comes to letting, as Adrians are members of certified accreditations, you can have peace of mind that your property is in safe hands as we ensure you are fully compliant with your landlord duties. We offer a comprehensive range of services for you to choose from including areas such as Tenant Introduction, Rent Collection, Gas Safety Checks, in-depth Inventory reports, Deposit registration,
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insurance-based Rent Guarantee and Legal cover policies. As with selling, when you choose to let through us, your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display.
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The power of social media Your property will also receive its very own FREE property website showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and property brochures; something that we are proud to say is exclusive to Adrians in our area.
ION INSTANT VALUAT
In addition, our qualified database of tenants will also be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. All our tenants are fully referenced and vetted, making sure the highest of standards are met to find the right tenant for you.
ONLINE I’m selling my home with Adrians
By sharing your personalised websites with family and friends across the social networks you will be widening the audience to find the right buyer or tenant for your property, increasing the chances of a quicker sale or rental.
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Share with friend
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Request a viewi
View on a map
When you choose to market your property with Adrians, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly Value my home
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Local schools
Video microsite on our website
Feature in our monthly magazine
Comparables of houses SOLD and price guides
Print marketing: Property brochure, photography, floorplans and newspapers COMMON MARKETING
Tech gimic (Drones, 360 tours)
1.
ACTIVATE
UNIQUE with Adrians
01484 15029
Rightmove featured property advertising*
2.
RECEIVE YOUR VERY OWN
EXCLUSIVE
PERSONALISED
SHARE
PROPERTY WEBSITE
SOLD
3.
SELL Portals and websites Want to find out more about our range of exclusive services?
Then please feel free to pop in or give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Feature on our Facebook and Twitter
Property video
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All our applicants receive your property on their own search for a home website
STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY
d e d n e t x E 2021
eTO 30 JUN
We are on hand to keep you up to date with professional advice on how to make the most of the Stamp Duty Holiday! So, take advantage and contact us today for your FREE market appraisal.
Sales: 01245 265 303 Lettings: 01245 265 621 W: adrians-property.co.uk E: info@adrians-property.co.uk
