Property June 20198
NEWS
Stay at home or travel abroad? Page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Control your home - the smart way!
PAGE 4
How Help-to-Buy ISA schemes work
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Wimbledon returns to SW19
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Editor’s Letter Welcome to the June issue. Moving into your new home is an exciting time, knowing that you will enjoy many great years and create special memories there. And with any move, you want your new space to feel homely. Inside this issue we give you some tips on how to decorate and put your own stamp on your new home. And with new technology for the home coming out every week, we take a look at how you can control your lighting, heating and appliances all with just an app on your smartphone or your voice assistant. Find out more inside! Turning our minds to strawberries and Pimms, tennis fans are getting excited as the legendary tournament that is Wimbledon returns in July, with what promises to be a highly competitive two weeks of tennis! Read our review on who are the ones to watch in this year’s tournament.
Put your own stamp on your
NEW HOME
Work roomby-room so you don’t give yourself too much work to do
As ever, there is plenty more inside to get you inspired – whether you are buying, selling or simply looking for inspiration for your home. Until next time.
Linda McKeown Editor
Just moved house? Here are some tips on how to decorate and put your own stamp on it. Whether you’ve just bought, or you’re renting and limited to what you can do to a property, these are great ways to add little personal touches and freshen up your home
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Moving into your new home is an exciting time, knowing that you will enjoy many great years and create special memories there. That’s why it’s best to do little bits and bobs when you first move in rather than starting out big! Whether you have moved in, or viewing a property, always look for its potential and what can be achieved with limited time and budget. Work room-by-room so you don’t give yourself too much work to do. Identify rooms in the house which are already decorated to your taste and put them to the bottom of the priority list.
Whether you want to add your personal touch in the lounge, change the old kitchen cupboards or freshen up the bathroom, there are plenty of small jobs you can do to suit a low budget and to give you more time to enjoy your new house.
Kitchen They say a kitchen sells a home, but the potential of a kitchen can have the exact same effect. If you’ve bought a house with a kitchen you want to replace, a short-term solution is to repaint or replace the cupboard doors. You can buy replacement cupboard doors for a fraction of the price of a new kitchen. Alternatively, adding a fresh
As well as focusing on specific rooms, there are also general touch-ups which you can do around the house
gas fire will also help put your creative stamp on the room with little effort.
Bathroom lick of paint to your units can add a new sense of life to the room – and is pocket friendly too! Wash down the doors and sand them down, then you should be ready to add a layer of primer and a couple of coats of paint. You could consider buying new door handles too and changing kitchen taps to help freshen things up.
Living Room Reception rooms can sometimes be the most important room to decorate as this is where you will spend most of your time. If the room is to a neutral taste, a simple quick fix would be to add character to a room using ornaments and feature lamps. You can add a oersonal touch to the walls by hanging photo frames. If you feel that the reception room could do with a splash of updating, painting the walls a neutral colour is a great short-term solution until you re-decorate. Adding a feature wall or installing an electric or
Replacing bathrooms and kitchens can be very expensive and time consuming jobs; something which may not be possible after moving home. However, little touches can have a huge impact. Changing towel rails, toilet roll holders and shower heads will help change the style of the room. Shower screens don’t need to be expensive to replace, while stripping and adding new sealant around the bath, sink, shower and units will give your bathroom that new, recently installed feel. If the grouting between the tiles looks dated, grout reviver is a quick and easy way to restore grout lines to a bright white finish.
Bedroom Adding your own personal touch to your bedroom can be quick and easy if you have a limited budget. Decorating your bed with new linen, cushions and matching throws won’t cost a lot but it can add so much more to the room. You could even make your own headboard with some plywood, fabric and foam – along with some creative flair. Creating your own
decorations is a great way to keep costs down and make everything just how you want it to look! If you have empty space in the bedroom, you could find a secondhand armchair online to decorate with cushions and a throw. Matching these with the curtains will make your bedroom look like a show room in no time!
Touch ups around the house As well as focusing on specific rooms, there are also general touch-ups which you can do around the house. Repainting the skirting boards and internal doors can have a bigger impact than you can imagine. When repainting the doors, you could even change the handles to add more of a personal and unique touch; you could also replace light switches to match your new door handles. If you have big plans for what you want to do to your house, or you aren’t sure what style to go for, creating a ‘blank canvas’ by painting walls white is a great shortterm solution while you plan your renovations. Fill any holes or dents in the wall with filler before repainting to give your home a clean finish. Ripping up old carpets will also rid you of reminders of the previous occupants and give an insight into what lies beneath. You may discover amazing wooden floors that just need a little TLC to bring them up to spec. Either way you’ll be able to put your own spin on the flooring, whether it’s new carpet, tiles, stone or wooden flooring.
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SMART HOME IDEAS Ten years ago, controlling your home appliances with a smartphone was science fiction, but today it is a reality
New technology for the home is coming out every week. You can control your lighting, heating and appliances all with an app on your smartphone or your voice assistant. Keep ahead of the curve and up to date with the latest gadgets available for your home with our handy guide.
Smart lighting
Smart speakers are getting cleverer and have now incorporated video screens such as the Amazon Echo Show and the Google Home Hub�
Smart lighting isn’t the newest gadget in your home; however, it is the most popular. Smart lighting are bulbs which can be controlled from your smartphone, tablet or your voice assistant via a home hub or an app. These bulbs are longer lasting than standard bulbs and can shine in 16 million different colours. They can be dimmed through an app or via voice-control and can even be scheduled to turn on from the other side of the world. Our favourite is the Philips Hue range and the white and colour starter kit is available on Amazon. This starter kit includes 3 bayonet cap smart bulbs and 1 hue bridge. Philips Hue bulbs are the top seller on the market and are constantly being improved. You can sync your Philips Hue
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lights with music and movies through your devices and they have pre-set light settings on the Hue app to help your children to concentrate, for you to re-energize and for your family to read and relax. They have also introduced a new formula to help with sleep. The lights will go to your chosen scene and gently fade out, and you can let them go off or stay on as a nightlight.
Smart heating Smart thermostats have never been more affordable. One of the original smart home gadgets, they have come a long way since the original product. Smart thermostats can be operated from your phone or computer and will learn temperature settings you enjoy applying and when. Some can even work out who is at home and how that individual prefers their heating settings! One of the most popular smart thermostats on the market is the third generation Nest Learning Thermostat. Nest were one of the first companies to release smart heating and they have been leading the way ever since with their sleek and stylish design and ease of use. The 3rd generation Nest Learning Thermostat will monitor your habits and learn from them to control the heating. It will learn what time you go to bed when you wake up and adjust the heating, saving you money.
Smart voice control assistants Smart voice control assistants have never been more popular. The Amazon Echo kicked it all off a few years ago however, there are now four top voice assistants – Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Google’s Google Assistant and Microsoft’s Cortana. These voice assistants appear in a range of smart speakers, ranging from entry level speakers available
for under £30 to top of the range speakers costing over £300. All smart speakers do the basics; you can link up your music streaming to play at your voice command, you can check the weather, you can get recipes and you can control other gadgets around your home such as smart heating and smart lighting. Smart speakers are getting cleverer and have now incorporated video screens such as the Amazon Echo Show and the Google Home Hub. You can use the screen for video calling, checking who’s at your door
incredible 32 bags of shopping! It has a huge touch screen built into the door and lets you and your family communicate through hand-written notes, calendars and the ability to post photos. You can also stream music and TV while you cook. Smart washing machines are also proving to be more than just a smart fad. Once connected to your WiFi the smart washing machine can be controlled from an app and lets you turn the machine on or off, receive notifications when a load has finished and be notified about any internal issues with the machine itself.
Smart lawn mowers, like clever robots, know when they have reached their battery limit and will take themselves back to recharge before carrying on.”
(with a linked up smart doorbell) and for watching your favourite shows and YouTube. Competition is fierce and each smart speaker has its own positives and negatives. Ultimately, it is a personal choice so before you buy, we would recommend trialling each in a store.
Smart appliances Have you ever wanted to listen to Ice Ice Baby coming from your fridge, well now you can! Smart fridges are on the rise, and one of the most popular is the Samsung Family Hub, which can hold an
Smart lawn mowers take away one of the most arduous tasks at home. Robotic lawnmowers move around your garden cutting your grass to an even length. Smart lawn mowers, like clever robots, know when they have reached their battery limit and will take themselves back to recharge before carrying on. All while you relax and sit back in the sun. With technology always moving forward, who knows what smart appliances will be the norm in 2025.
HelptoBuy ISA schemes:
what they are, how they work, how they help
The Help to Buy ISA is a type of individual savings account which is designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder
EARN UP TO
We all know it’s no easy rise climbing onto the property ladder, but schemes such as Help to Buy ISAs are there to help with the footing. However, new customers only have until the end of November, so attention all first-time buyers!
What is a Help-to-Buy ISA scheme? It is a privileged time to be a first-time buyer in the UK. The stamp duty fee was recently abolished for properties worth up to £300,000 for first-time buyers, meaning the first-time buyer could end up saving up to £5,000 on stamp duty alone. For properties costing ADD up to £500,000, the first-time buyer will pay no stamp duty on the first £300,000. Furthermore, a first-time buyer is usually more desirable to a seller as they do not TO SAVINGS need to sell a property, and as such will not involve a housing chain.
25% 6
£3,000
First-time buyers are MAXIMUM advantaged in such ways for good reason. It’s an expensive journey buying and moving into your first property. There are all sorts of fees to cover, furniture and appliances to purchase and to be fitted, removal costs and, of course, saving up for the mortgage deposit. The deposit is usually 10% of the property’s overall value, but this percentage can vary.
To help first-time buyers get themselves onto the property ladder, back in 2013 the government introduced a scheme to try and help. The Help to Buy ISA is a type of individual savings account which is designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder by helping them save money for a mortgage deposit. The government adds 25% to your savings, up to a maximum of £3,000 on savings of £12,000.
Important facts to remember Help to Buy ISAs are only available until 30th November 2019. After this date, they won’t be available to new customers. If you opened your Help to Buy ISA before then, you can continue saving into that account after the above date. You must claim your government bonus by 1 December 2030.
OP E N
AC
NT WITH DEPOS I C OU
T
You can use a Help to Buy ISA to buy any home worth up to £250,000 (or up to £450,000 in London). In order to be applicable for a Help to Buy ISA scheme, the minimum amount you will need to save is £1,600, which will thus be complemented by a £400 bonus by the government (25% of the total amount).
NTH
Help to Buy ISAs are available to each firsttime buyer, not each home. So, if you’re buying a property with your partner, for SAVE EACH M example, and you are both first-time O buyers, you’ll be able to get up to £6,000 towards your deposit. This will only work, however, if you each have a Help to Buy ISA, not if you’re both sharing/ using one Help to Buy ISA. If you’re both using and contributing into the same Help to Buy ISA, the value allocation will not be doubled.
25% of any contributions you make into your Help to Buy ISA will be added by the government Just like any other ISA, the savings will be tax free. The key difference with this ISA is that the government will contribute to it as well. But there are more conditions and things you’ll need to know if you’re a prospective first-time buyer and are interested in such a scheme, so read on.
How do they work and what are the conditions? The Help to Buy ISA scheme is available from a range of banks, building societies and credit unions. 25% of any contributions you make into your Help to Buy ISA will be added to by the government. For example, for every £200 you put away, the government will add £50. There is a contribution limit of £12,000 for the Help to Buy ISA, which means you can earn a maximum of £3,000 from the government.
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It is very important to remember not to apply for your government bonus too late too. After your offer has been accepted, that is the optimal time to instruct your solicitor or conveyancer to apply for your government bonus. If you wait until completion of the whole process, it will be too late. The bonus won’t be received until you have exchanged, then it will be added to the rest of the money you’re putting towards your first home. The bonus cannot be used for the deposit due at the exchange of contracts, to pay for solicitor’s or DEADLINE estate agent’s fees, or any other indirect costs associated with buying a home.
ECE
IVE BONUS
£
30.11.19 TO APPLY
So, to recap. To open a Help to Buy ISA you can deposit up to £1,200. Whatever you save, 25% will be added by the government. If you have saved less than £1,600, you will not qualify for the government bonus. The maximum amount of money you can deposit into the scheme is £12,000, which equates to a maximum of £3,000 from the government.
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The hidden history of Toy Story! With the third sequel out this month, let’s look back at the history of the ground-breaking first film, which was released 24 years ago! The film, which first introduced us to Woody, Buzz and the gang, was the highest grossing film of 1995. And, because of its success, we have the likes of Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and many more, well-loved animated films. Toy Story 4 will follow the adventures of the gang as they go on a road trip with Bonnie, meeting new characters on the way such as Duke Caboom and Forky. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are joined by A-listers such as Jordan Peele, Christina Hendricks, Timothy Dalton and Keanu Reeves, with Randy Newman on music duty again. The first film made history as the first ever full-length computergenerated film. Steve Jobs, of Apple fame, owned Pixar. And, the success of a collaboration between Disney and Tim Burton on ‘A Nightmare before Christmas’ prompted Disney to take a chance with a partnership with Pixar, who were doing things with animation which had never been done before. However, Pixar didn’t want to make a fairy-tale or a musical, opting instead for a film based around the relationship of its two main characters. At one point, on a test
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screening, Disney pulled the plug on the film, when it turned out that Woody wasn’t a likeable hero, (he was a sarcastic bully!) The original film also had a different title, ‘You are a Toy,’ and Buzz Lightyear was called Tempest, and wore a bright red spacesuit. Pixar carried on regardless, making a couple of changes and taking on a young scriptwriter by the name of Joss Whedon to fix the script. Whedon would later write and direct hits such as Avengers Assemble, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity and Justice League. The idea was to put the story before the art and create a film with a big heart. Disney came back on board and they released Toy Story in 1995. Upon release, Toy Story was a massive success with grown-ups and children alike and stayed top of the charts for three weeks. Toy Story 2 follow four years later and brought in over half a billion dollars and 11 years later Toy Story 3 was released and grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Disney would later buy Pixar from Steve Jobs for $7.4 billion; not bad considering he paid only $10 million for the company!
TOY STORY FUN FACTS Tom Hanks’ brother, Jim, voices Woody for computer games
Tony Hale, who plays Forky is best known as Buster in Arrested Development
Bo-Peep is back and voiced by the same actress as in the 1995 original
Woody was a ventriloquist’s dummy in original artwork
The Pizza Planet truck has appeared in every Pixar film, except The Incredibles
Wimbledon 2019 Wimbledon starts on July 1st with the ladies’ final on 13th July and men’s final on 14th July respectively
Tennis fans are getting excited as Wimbledon, the legendary tournament, returns to SW19 in July, with what promises to be a highly competitive two weeks of tennis!
Last year’s winners Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber will both be returning to the famous All England Club to defend their 2018 titles. Novak Djokovic has already defeated World Number 2 in the final of the Australian Open back in January. British number one Kyle Edmund, who is ranked 29 in the world, will be Britain’s best hope of claiming the coveted trophy. The 24-yearold was knocked out of last year’s tournament in the round of 32 to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. Fellow Brit Andy Murray, who has won Wimbledon twice, has already ruled himself out of competing in the singles. However, he recently said he was “pretty certain” he could compete in the doubles after seeing American doubles player Bob Bryan return from the same injury. The Scotsman has been out of action since January after a major hip operation earlier in the year. The 31-year-old was forced to pull out on the eve of last year’s
tournament as he continued his recovery from his hip injury.
Bautista Agut will be amongst the contenders for the men’s title.
Swiss Roger Federer claimed his 100th singles titles in Dubai earlier this year, Federer’s illustrious career is in its 21st year and the 37-year-old doesn’t seem to be ready to call it quits just yet. With eight record wins under his belt, no one has ever won Wimbledon as many times as he has, which is why he said Wimbledon “stands out” as the perfect place for him to bow out of the sport.
2019’s tournament will also see the brand new retractable roof for the Court No. 1, the second largest court at SW19. The retractable roof is part of a multi-million pound redevelopment which will mean Centre Court and the Court No. 1 will see play whatever the weather. The All England Club revealed their intentions to build the retractable roof back in 2013, and the roof was unveiled in May with a star-studded ceremony which included Paloma Faith and players including Venus Williams, Pat Cash and John McEnroe.
Last year’s finalist Serena Williams, who lost to Kerber, started her 2019 campaign strongly after only returning last year from having a baby, but was forced to retire in both the Indian Wells and Miami Open in March. Other female stars to watch in this year’s competition include Karolina Pliskova, Kiki Bertens, Simona Halep and Number One Naomi Osaka. Meanwhile Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Kevin Anderson and
Wimbledon starts on July 1st with the ladies’ final on 13th July and men’s final on 14th July respectively; you can watch coverage on the BBC. A limited number of tickets are available at the gate, but you may need to camp overnight to be in with a chance of getting one!
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Staycation VS Holiday Abroad Whether it is a city break or a beach holiday, the question is, do you stay at home or travel abroad? We look into the benefits of both to help you make your decision‌ IN THE RED CORNER: IT’S THE STAYCATION With breath-taking scenery and plenty to do, there are many positives to holidaying in the UK rather than jetting off abroad. Whatever type of holiday you and your family enjoy, whether it be a beach holiday, a city break, or a country retreat off the beaten track, the UK has it all. There are popular seaside destinations up and down the country, from Whitby in the North to Brighton in the South. Britain has a variety of beaches, all offering stunning scenery from traditional sandy beaches, to secluded rocky coves. The UK also has its own wealth of picturesque cities, each offering its own diverse culture and unique attractions. Plus, with none of the stresses that come with travelling abroad, is there any reason to go anywhere else?
With breath-taking scenery and plenty to do, there are many positives to holidaying in the UK
Staying at home really can suit all budgets; whether you can afford an adults only 5* luxury hotel, something a little more family friendly, such as a holiday to Butlins or if you have a more spontaneous streak and want to just pack up your tent and go. In addition, there is the advantage of being able to take as many pairs of shoes as you like, with no luggage restrictions or the stresses of keeping your passport and boarding passes constantly in sight!
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For the pet lovers amongst us, staying at home can come at a huge advantage as you can simply take them with you, instead of forking out for expensive kennel fees or the cost of a pet passport. There is also the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where they are and who they are with.
IN THE BLUE CORNER: IT’S THE HOLIDAY ABROAD If you are after guaranteed sun, then it is a pretty easy decision to make; a holiday abroad wins hands down. Travelling abroad on your holidays offers a warmer climate, clearer oceans and sandier beaches, so it is no surprise many will opt for leaving the UK. If the warm air hitting your face as soon as you step off the plane doesn’t entice you enough, then the prospect of your money going further might. There are loads of great deals to be had, with destinations such as Turkey offering warm weather, sandy beaches and cultural cities to explore, all for a reasonable and affordable price. The biggest draw of jetting off, travelling further afield than good old Blighty is being able to take in diverse cultures, to experience different foods and a whole new way of life (most of which you cannot fully experience in the UK). All places around the world have their own unique and interesting landscape and architecture to explore. All of which offer a wide variety of experiences and whatever your interests there is bound to be something that will appeal to you and your family. Whether that be lazing on a sandy beach on a tropical island, wandering the streets of a historic city in Europe or visiting the temples of Asia, travelling abroad can offer you this and much more.
Travelling abroad, even if it is only for a few weeks, can help to recharge your batteries and allow you to immerse yourself in a totally different way of life, escape everyday stresses and return home feeling relaxed and ready for anything (including the suitcase full of washing). Holidays abroad tend to be more of an event and something which the whole family can get excited about. Besides, is there anything more exciting that waking up at 3am, making your way through the airport and waiting to board the plane knowing that in a few hours you will be arriving in a different country? So, whichever corner you’re backing, whether staying in the UK or travel abroad, it’s apparent that both have a lot to offer. Plus, a holiday anywhere is always something to look forward to!
Travelling abroad on your holidays offers a warmer climate, clearer oceans and sandier beaches
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packing perfection achieve
If the thought of packing fills you with dread, then fear not; we’ve got some handy tips to ensure you don’t have to rely on someone to sit on your case so you can zip it up!
Plan your outfits In order to ensure that you don’t end up taking your whole wardrobe on holiday with you, plan ahead! Try and pick items of clothing that you can mix and match – so you can have double the outfits for half the space in your suitcase. Also bear in mind that you are more than likely to wear the same item of clothing more than once too.
Roll up your clothes
Pick items of clothing that you can mix and match – so you can have double the outfits for half the space in your suitcase
It might sound like a strange thing to suggest but it really does work! Rolling your clothes saves space in your suitcase as you can easily fit them in lots of gaps in your packing. Make the most of saving space by folding tops first and then rolling them up like a sausage roll!
place to stuff your socks and hold your smaller items that don’t fit anywhere else. If you’re travelling with kids, put their shoes inside yours to save even more room.
Pack your glasses case Grab an old glasses case – it’ll come in handy to fit in small items such as your tweezers, hair bobbles, cotton buds, plasters and any medication which you may need.
Pack wisely Remember to put heavy items – such as shoes and toiletries – at the bottom of your suitcase. This will help avoid your bag tipping forward.
Utilise space
Protect against breakables and leaks
Pop socks and underwear into small spaces around the edges of your suitcase – or pop them into the space inside your shoes. They are the perfect
No-one wants to arrive at their destination and unpack to find anything broken. Help protect any breakables you may be taking, such as perfume bottles,
Travel guidelines for hand luggage Grab an old glasses case – it’ll come in handy to fit in small items”
There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your luggage that you check in. Remember to always check with your airline about how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you. Liquids include: • all drinks, including water • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants • pastes, including toothpaste • gels, including hair and shower gel • contact lens solution • any other solutions and items of similar consistency
by placing them into socks before popping them into your case. Likewise, there is nothing worse than discovering your suncream or shampoo has exploded mid-travel, leaving your clothes in a sticky mess. A great tip here is to squeeze any air out of the bottle before re-closing the lid and then taping it shut. For extra precaution, place shampoo, shower gels and suncream into a plastic bag before packing.
Pack a backpack with essentials If you’re going on a long journey, ensure you pack something to keep your mind occupied on the flight, such as a book, notebook and pen or puzzle book. And if you’re travelling with children, pop in some of their favourite small toys to take their mind off the long journey. There are lots of travel games available which will fit perfectly into your back pack, such as Travel Scrabble. Or use your notebook and pen for a traditional game of Hangman!
Top Tip! Don’t leave your packing to the last minute. Always try to pack at least a week before you travel so you don’t end up overpacking in a panic!
If you do take liquids in your hand luggage: • containers must hold no more than 100ml • containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm • contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed • the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top • you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person • you must show the bag at the airport security point Exemptions You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes, are for special dietary requirements or contain baby food or baby milk. You can find more information at www.gov.uk/handluggage-restrictions
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Time
to get
seasonal!
Make the most of fruit and vegetables that are in season to create tantalisingly tasty dishes. Strawberries are summer’s stand-out fruit and are always a hit. But they’re not just for tennis fans!
Eton mess cheesecake Ingredients
FOR THE CHEESECAKE
• 250g/9oz digestive biscuits, crushed • 100g/31/2 oz unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing • 300ml/10fl oz double cream • 100g/31/2 oz icing sugar • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste • 600g/1lb 5oz full-fat cream cheese • 18g/1/2 oz freeze-dried strawberry pieces FOR THE SAUCE • 200g/7oz strawberries, hulled • 15g/3/4 oz icing sugar • 1 tsp lemon juice Method 1. Grease a loose-bottomed 23cm/9in round cake tin and line with baking paper. 2. For the base, put the crushed biscuits into a bowl with the melted butter and mix together. Pour into the cake tin and pack tightly using the back of a spoon. Cover and place in the fridge for 15 minutes. 3. Pour the cream into a large bowl, add the icing sugar and vanilla and whisk into soft peaks. Put the cream cheese into another bowl and stir to slacken. 4. Add the cream mixture and the freezedried strawberry pieces to the cream cheese and fold gently. Spoon on to the chilled base and level off. Put the cheesecake back into the fridge. 5. For the strawberry sauce, put the strawberries, icing sugar and lemon juice into a food processor and pulse to a purée. Transfer to a bowl and pop in the fridge. 6. To make the mini meringues, preheat the oven to 120C/100C Fan/Gas. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Fit a piping bag with a 11/2 cm/ 1/2 in star-tip nozzle and turn inside out. Stand it in a tall glass or jug until you need it. 7. Put the egg whites into a large clean, glass bowl and whisk with an electric whisk or stand
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PREP: 1-2 hours COOKING TIME: over 2 hours SERVES: 10–12
FOR THE MINI MERINGUES • 50g/13/4 oz free-range egg whites • 100g/31/2 oz caster sugar • red food colouring TO DECORATE • 15 strawberries • 100g/31/2 oz white chocolate, broken into pieces • 10 dehydrated strawberry slices, dusted with gold lustre dust (optional)
mixer. After 2 minutes the mixture should be frothy and increased in volume. Start adding the sugar a little at a time. Once all the sugar is added, keep whisking until you have stiff peaks. 8. Using a brush and red food colouring, paint the inside of the piping bag with red stripes, starting with the tip and painting only as far as you will fill the bag. Fill the bag with the meringue mixture and pipe little kisses on to the tray. 9. Bake the meringues for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and leave the door open, leaving the meringues in the oven for another hour. Then remove from oven and take off the paper. 10. For the white chocolate-dipped strawberries, gently melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water.) Using the same tray you made the meringues on, flip the paper over. Hold the strawberries by the stalk and dip them into the white chocolate to come threequarters of the way up. Place on the tray to set. 11. Take the cheesecake out of the fridge, remove from the tin and place on a serving board. Just before serving, pour over enough sauce to just cover the top. Top with the dipped strawberries, meringues and lustred dehydrated strawberry slices.
Recipe created by Nadiya Hussain from Nadiya’s British Food Adventure You can find this recipe (and more) at www.bbc.com/food/recipes/eton_mess_cheesecake_58338
Preparing for a house inspection
As a tenant, the words general inspection may bring dread. However, with these simple tips we will help you relax and be prepared When we come around for a property inspection, we are more concerned about the health and safety of the property, than anything else. We will check the fire alarms, the carbon monoxide detector and for any other hazardous problems. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a thorough clean of the property though. Here is what we recommend…
AVOID REPAIRING WEAR AND TEAR If you have scuffs or marks on the walls don’t, no matter how tempting, try to touch these up yourself; instead you can try to clean any easy to remove stains. Marks on walls are counted as fair wear and tear, especially if there are children in the house. If it is considered excessive wear and tear however, we may deduct these from your deposit at the end of your tenancy, but the costs will be less than re-painting an entire room.
TAKE CARE OF APPLIANCES As one of the most used appliances in the home, your oven is one of the first appliances that we will check. The cost to replace a broken oven due to mis-use is expensive. Therefore, we recommend cleaning your oven once every three months. An Oven Pride kit will do the job and will save any charges at the end of a tenancy for a professional clean.
DON’T LET STAINS BE A PAIN Replacing carpets can be very expensive. If the property came with new or nearly new carpets, ensure they are in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. Clean marks or stains as soon as they happen with 1001 spray or hire a Rug Doctor for excessive stains. This will be cheaper than a professional clean at the end of your tenancy.
BAG IT UP! If you have a large family, you may have more rubbish than average to dispose of. Bin bags in the garden or side alleys aren’t a pleasant sight and can lead to vermin problems. If you don’t have bins available, make a trip to your local tip before the inspection.
GET AIRY Open the windows and let some air through the property. This will rid the property of any smells which, although natural, may give the appearance of being dirty or unlooked after.
BE PRESENT On the day of the inspection, make sure you are there to show us around. This is your chance to report any problems you may have with the property. If you haven’t reported an issue during your tenancy and it comes up on the end of tenancy inspection, you may become liable for any costs to rectify.
The key to remember is that presentation is key. And if there is anything that you need our help with, please feel free to ask one of our friendly members of the team.
15
Walton on Thames
01932 222266
45a High Street, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 1DH CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Meet the team WALTON ON THAMES
Steve Turner Director Steve has worked as an estate agent in the local area since 1990. Steve also grew up in Walton and Hersham and attended Rydens School, therefore not only has great property knowledge, but he knows the local area inside out too.
Peter Brown Director Peter began his career in property as a negotiator in 1994 and worked for two local estate agents before opening HTB in 2003. Peter now lives in Effingham with his wife, two daughters and Baxter the labradoodle!
Linda Gyton Property Manager
Austin Hewett Negotiator
Linda grew up in Walton on Thames. From school Linda worked in banking before moving out of the area where she not only worked for a local letting agent but also built up her own portfolio of property. With over 10 years’ experience in property management, Linda has now returned to Walton and we are delighted she has joined the team at HTB. As a mum of two Linda leads a very busy life, however she still finds time to visit the gym and regularly swims before work! Keeping with the HTB tradition, Linda loves dogs and has a lovely Labrador, Maisy.
Austin is the newest member to the HTB family and joined early 2019 at the Walton on Thames branch. Austin has already learnt a great deal about the local property market and is enjoying working within both the sales and lettings teams. He is a bubbly character and is a hard worker who enjoys meeting new people and is building solid relationships with many of our clients. Previously, Austin was studying Carpentry at Brooklands College but, with most of his family already in the estate agency business, the move to HTB felt like a natural step.
Charlotte Dover Property Manager
Monique Alexander Negotiator
Charlotte is a big asset to us and joined the team in 2013 as Property Manager. Prior to this, Charlotte worked within the Repossession Department for an established Asset Management company. Originally from Buckinghamshire, Charlotte moved to Surrey and studied locally at Rydens School, Brooklands College and attended the University of Surrey, where she studied Business and Marketing. Charlotte lives locally with her boyfriend and their Bulldog puppy, ‘Frank’.
Monique recently joined the Harmes Turner Brown team as a negotiator. She grew up in West London, living there most of her life until 2013, when she moved to Walton–On–Thames in search of a better quality of life for her young family. Until recently, Monique worked in London commuting by train and bicycle 5 days a week. Her children are now both at Ashley school and since giving up her full time London job has become a beekeeper at school and a part-time member of the HTB Team.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Harmes Turner Brown Oak Lodge Close, Hersham Village £745,000 Freehold
A beautifully presented family home located in Hersham village in a quiet private cul de sac. The property has been skilfully extended and has been updated to a particularly high standard. The accommodation briefly includes bay fronted living room, modern kitchen and generous through lounge/dining room. Upstairs has two double bedrooms, modern family bathroom and a modern ensuite. The second floor has been professionally converted to provide two further bedrooms. Externally the pretty rear garden measures approximately 80’ in length and is mainly laid to lawn.
Garrick Close, Walton on Thames £1,035,000 Freehold
Garrick Close is a tree lined cul-de-sac and one of Walton on Thames most favoured locations, close to Walton on Thames station. This family home has been extended to include a drawing room, utility room, study area, ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower and open plan kitchen/living/dining space. Upstairs has three further double bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally there is a private driveway, while the rear garden is a wonderful feature, measuring approximately 180ft in length with a timber built summer house.
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01932 222266 Molesey 0208 001 8385 Walton on Thames
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Belgrave Close, Walton on Thames ÂŁ539,999 Freehold
Beautifully presented three bedroom home which has been updated to a particularly high standard. Enjoying a courtyard setting in the ever popular Belgrave Close, these properties are rarely available. The immaculate accommodation includes a living room with under floor heating and open archway to the modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room. The first floor has three bedrooms and the recently refitted bathroom. Externally the sunny rear garden enjoys a private patio with path leading down the south easterly facing garden. There is also a garage in nearby block.
Regency Gardens, Walton on Thames ÂŁ750,000 Freehold
This beautifully presented five bedroom family home has been maintained to a particularly high standard. Located in the ever popular Regency Gardens and quietly tucked away in a quiet cul de sac overlooking the Queen Elizabeth reservoir. The immaculate accommodation includes lounge with feature fireplace, separate dining room, and kitchen/breakfast room. The garage has been converted to provide a reception room. Upstairs includes modern family bathroom, bay fronted master with en-suite plus four further bedrooms. Externally the beautifully landscaped rear garden is mainly laid to lawn.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Harmes Turner Brown
Don’t just take our word for it...
“
TRUST, COMMUNICATION AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NEEDS The level of service from Harmes Turner Brown was fantastic and they delivered everything we needed. Letting your home can be daunting, we trusted HTB to find the right tenants for us within our timeframe and they did. They are very personal, you’re not just a sale - they are realistic, listen to your requirements, and go above and beyond to ensure they are met. I’ve recommended HTB to a few friends now and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again after the service we have just received.
Adeline Van den aardweg Landlord
“
COMMUNICATION WAS FANTASTIC
We originally met Harnes Turner Brown as they have a prominent location within the High Street, so when we were looking for a property we said hello to the guys! The communication with Harmes Turner Brown was fantastic. They handled the process between the buyer and the seller fantastically.
“
Anish Sabherwal Seller
IT’S JUST AN EASY PROCESS The level of service I’ve received from Harmes Turner Brown, for me personally, has been excellent. It’s really nice to be able to talk to the girls in the office. They are very friendly, doing everything you ask them to do and it’s just an easy process.
Karen Obeney Landlord
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Molesey 0208
001 8385
45 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0DP CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Meet the team MOLESEY
Richard Harmes Director
Sherrie Edwards Senior Negotiator
Julie Mellish Senior Negotiator
Having worked in real estate in Australia, Sherrie did a little travelling before settling in Walton on Thames in 2010. Sherrie joined HTB in 2012 originally at the Walton on Thames office, and in that time has gained valuable experience and knowledge of not only the UK housing market, but the local area too. Sherrie is now a valuable member of the team at the East Molesey office and is now involved in both sales & lettings. In her spare time, Sherrie enjoys time with her partner James and their beautiful daughter, Ella.
Julie has recently joined our new office in East Molesey. Having had 22 years’ experience as an estate agent in the local area, Julie is keen to assist with making our new branch in Molesey as successful as our office in Walton – we have no doubt she will be a huge success. Julie has lived most of her life in the area and currently lives in Walton with her husband, two children and their Labrador puppy, Lottie.
Karen Glands Negotiator
Pam Stringer Negotiator
Karen has lived locally all of her life, growing up in Teddington and moving to Hersham in 1990 when she purchased her first bungalow. Karen then travelled the world, and lived in New Zealand for two years before returning to Walton. She currently lives in Walton with her husband and two teenage children. Both of her children attended primary school in Walton, and now keep her busy with their social schedules.
Pam enjoyed an extensive career as part of the senior management team with Camelot, the founder and operator of the U.K. National Lottery, before her career took her towards property. Pam has a keen interest in property having renovated many houses over the last 20 years. Pam lives locally in West Molesey where she is currently busy revamping her latest house whilst also managing her recently acquired allotment. Pam also has two young grandchildren and a very active black Labrador, so just as well she loves being busy!
Richard began his career in property at just 18 years of age in 1988 and by the age of 21 he had worked his way up to become branch manager. Working with large national corporate estate agencies has given Richard the skills needed in the industry, whilst working with independent market leaders has given him the passion, drive and winning mentality that has helped him succeed in today’s market. Richard grew up locally in Lower Sunbury and bought his first house in Walton on Thames at the age of 21. He now lives in Weybridge, where he and his wife, two children and their Golden Retriever, Wilson, have lived for the past 18 years.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Harmes Turner Brown Wolsey Road, East Molesey ÂŁ2,300,000 Freehold
The property is situated within a short distance of Hampton Court Palace, train station and all of the local amenities of Bridge Road. The ground floor includes drawing room, a dining room and large kitchen breakfast room. On the first floor there are five double bedrooms, two with en-suites as well as the family bathroom. On the second floor there is another spacious room and bathroom. Externally there is a South facing rear garden, off street parking and garage.
Ember Court Road, Thames Ditton ÂŁ1,150,000 Freehold
Attractive detached family home situated on a bold corner plot, within half a mile of Thames Ditton train station and approximately one mile of Esher mainline station. This four bedroom property provides generous size accommodation including reception with an extended reception room at the rear, separate dining room and an L shaped kitchen. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms and the family bathroom. Externally the rear garden includes a paved patio, whilst there is a driveway for up to eight vehicles with the addition of the garage space.
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01932 222266 Molesey 0208 001 8385 Walton on Thames
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Windsor Avenue, West Molesey ÂŁ700,000 Freehold
Attractive 1930s built semi-detached family home situated within a popular tree lined road, close to the River Thames, Hurst Park school and Hampton Court train station. The extended accommodation is divided over three floors and includes a lounge, an extended separate living area at the rear with an open plan modern kitchen. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. From the first floor landing there is a turning staircase leading to the loft room with eaves and Velux windows. Externally there is a sunny West facing rear garden mainly laid to lawn with paved patio, whilst to the front there is an enclosed garden and a gravel driveway leading to the attached garage with power and light.
St Peters Road, West Molesey ÂŁ550,000 Freehold
Harmes Turner Brown are pleased to offer this extended two bedroom end of terrace period home situated in a tucked away, no through road location. The well planned accommodation is divided over two floors and briefly comprises three reception rooms that include a large open plan kitchen and living area at the rear which also provides access to the beautiful, secluded south west facing garden. On the first floor the master bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes whilst the second bedroom is also a double room. The bathroom is fitted with a white suite with chrome furnishings and neutral decoration. Externally to the front of the property there is a patio garden with a private paved driveway providing off street parking for two vehicles.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Our Community
THREE RIVERS ACADEMY ‘Bringing out the best’ One year on……… One year ago, on a somewhat chilly February morning, the students and staff of Three Rivers Academy stepped through the glass doors of their brand new, purpose-built school building that would become home. Under one roof, the school now offers a firstclass learning environment with state-of-theart facilities for a 21st century education. Practical and academic classrooms are light and airy and run alongside an awe inspiring 200 metre mall offering windows into the creative arts, science and design and technology. The main faculty subjects are represented by vivid colours making navigation around the school easy. The vast sports hall, ‘Multi Use Games Area’ and outdoor space mean that there are multiple sports for everyone to enjoy plus a huge dance studio, bespoke drama studio and music suite. As a school for the local community, the majority of the facilities are available for hire and numerous clubs have made Three Rivers Academy their home. As amazing as the new building is, Three Rivers Academy started its journey of school improvement in September 2016 when it joined The Howard Partnership Trust as a Partner school, benefiting from a wealth of expertise and additional support to help achieve its aims. The school remains committed to ‘bringing out the best’ in its students so they are happy and successful young people, maximising their lifechances.
So, one year on from moving into this fabulous new building it is timely for the school to reflect on its journey to date and celebrate some of the key achievements which include: • Improved public examination results with students working towards aspirational targets • Increased numbers on roll (both main school and Sixth Form) • Improved attendance to be in line with national average • New building with outstanding specialist facilities (February 2018) • Increased community engagement through a growing lettings programme • Recruitment and retention rates of specialist staff including ‘in shortage’ areas • 100% of staff agree that they are proud to be a member of staff at the school and that the school is well led and managed (November 2018) • Students feel safe and respected in the school (Student voice – Autumn 2018) • 96% of parents agree that their child is happy in school (Academic year 2017/18) • 94% of parents agree that their child is well taught (Academic year 2017/18) Headteacher Anne-Louise Payne said “We are all so very proud of our achievements to date and we welcome feedback from all members of our school community, please do share this with us via feedback@ threerivers.thpt.org.uk”
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Please contact the school office if you would like to arrange a tour to see the school in action. For more information and to see the latest video of the new school building visit www.threeriversacademy.org. uk and follow daily life via Facebook: Three Rivers Academy and Twitter: @3RiversSurrey #oneyearon
01932 222266 Molesey 0208 001 8385 Walton on Thames
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Thinking of letting your property? Find out more from our expert teams at HTB. BY LE HT T B
I
f you are considering letting
your home, why not contact our Lettings team to find out more
about the outstanding service we offer. From full management, rent collection or our standard intro service, we offer
exceptional advice at a competitive fee. We have a large database of private &
corporate tenants looking for both long term and short term lets.
People become Landlords for many
reasons and regardless of your reason, you need a letting agent you can trust.
Trust to give you accurate advice, clear
guidance on the process, legislation and tax, find you a reliable tenant and look after your property.
You need to know your investment is in safe hands. And you can rest assured with Harmes Turner Brown you and
your property are in safe hands with us. We have a dedicated team of experts at both our branches, for further details contact:
Lettings, Walton on Thames 01932 222266 (option 2) Lettings, East Molesey 0208 001 8385 (option 2)
Silverdale Avenue, Ashley Park LET IN WALTON ON THAMES A beautifully presented five bedroom family home situated on a fantastic westerly backing plot within the confines of the highly prestigious Ashley Park private estate.The double aspect lounge opens onto the family room with views to the rear garden. The kitchen/breakfast room is well appointed and open to a utility area. A notable feature on the ground floor is the annex which comprises of a good size double bedroom, en suite, dressing area and door to the garage. On the first floor you will find the master suite which includes a vast range of fitted wardrobes and en suite shower room. There are three further bedrooms on the first floor and another luxury shower room.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Harmes Turner Brown Lettings
T LE HTB BY
Rosemary Avenue, West Molesey LET IN WEST MOLESEY
BY LE HT T B
Annaleigh Place, Hersham LET IN HERSHAM
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Ashley Road, Walton on Thames LET IN WALTON ON THAMES
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Exclusively At Harmes Turner Brown
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
I’m marketing my property with Harmes Turner Brown How long have you lived there? 11 Years
Why did you buy the house? Because of it’s location near the school
What is the best feature? The open-plan kitchen dining space great for entertaining
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Whether you’re looking to sell or put your property up for rental, when you choose to market your property with Harmes Turner Brown, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Selling your property A leading independent agent covering Walton on Thames, Hersham, Weybridge, East Molesey, West Moseley and Esher, the name Harmes Turner Brown 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.
on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display.
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 Harmes Turner Brown 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, insurance-based Rent Guarantee and Legal cover policies. As with selling, when you choose to let through us, your property will be advertised
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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 Harmes Turner Brown in our area. 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. 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.
High street window display
Print marketing: Property brochure, photography and floorplans COMMON MARKETING
Accompanied viewings (Drones, 360 tours)
Want to find out more about our range of exclusive services?
Portals and websites
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.
Video microsite on our website
Rightmove featured property advertising* Feature in our monthly magazine
UNIQUE with Harmes Turner Brown
When you choose to market your property with Harmes Turner Brown, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly
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ACTIVATE
2
RECEIVE YOUR VERY OWN
EXCLUSIVE
PERSONALISED
SHARE
PROPERTY WEBSITE
SOLD
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SELL Feature on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Property video
All our applicants receive your property on their own search for a home website
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DELIVERING YOU THE RESULTS TO WIN
Game.
Set.
Match.
Exclusive innovative
A FREE personalised
A personal service
marketing products
website for your property
that gets results
WE’VE GOT THE ADVANTAGE WHEN IT COMES TO MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY. We will give you a FREE personalised property website for your property showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property brochure.
Contact us today to find out more! Tel. Walton 01932 222266 | Molesey 0208 001 8385 Email. sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com | Web. htbproperty.com