LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
OCTOBER 2020
CREATING YOUR HOME OFFICE WITH GROWING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WORKING FROM HOME, IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET THE ENVIRONMENT JUST RIGHT HALF-TERM DAYS OUT A LOOK AT FAMILY DAYS OUT THIS AUTUMN
STYLISH WALLPAPER IDEAS THE HOTTEST HOME DECOR TRENDS THIS YEAR
SPORTING EVENTS EXPLOSIVE SPORTS ACTION THIS MONTH
HALLOWEEN RECIPES ENJOY THESE GHOULISHLY GREAT, SPOOKY TREATS
LIFESTYLE
COVER STORY
4
Creating your home office It is important to create the right home-working environment for you
PROPERTY
8
Stylish wallpaper ideas The hottest home decor trends this year
16
Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
22
About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
TRAVEL
2
Spooky places to visit this year Our guide to 5 of the spookiest locations in and around the UK
6
How to carve a pumpkin Here are some hints and tips to help you out
7
Half-term days out We take a look at some of the family days out available
10
Halloween party at home A great guide to make it a special celebration at home
13
Power women at the box office These leading ladies are set to take over the box office
SPORT
12
October Sporting Events Let’s have a look at some of the biggest events this month
FOOD
14
Halloween recipes A selection of recipes to ensure your spooky night goes well
5
TOP
CONTENTS
SPOOKY PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK THIS YEAR
It’s that time of year where we are all looking for a good scare and where better to start than some of the most terrifying places around the UK…
O
n the build-up to Halloween, some of us get comfy on the sofa with a good horror film, while others are more adventurous. If you are the thrillseeker type, check out our guide to 5 of the spookiest locations in and around the UK.
BUCKLAND ABBEY, DEVON
WELCOME TO THE OCTOBER ISSUE!
S
ummer seems a distant memory already! We have been blessed with warm weather throughout which has been a great benefit in these strange times.
experienced before we have helped create a guide to throwing the perfect Halloween party at home including how to carve a pumpkin, some great games and some spooky recipes too.
With the property market thriving, if you’re thinking about moving but haven’t started the process, we have put safety guidelines in place to ensure your safety. And with our expert local knowledge, we have all the tools you need to get you moving – including a FREE personalised website for you to share on social media.
How is it nearly half-term? Never fear though, we have a selection of great half-term, family days out as well as a guide to the top 5 spooky places to visit in the UK. And finally, we take a look at the Power-Women taking over at the box office this month.
This month’s issue provides you with a wide range of articles including the most stylish wallpaper trends for 2021, how to create the perfect home office and the biggest sporting events this month. It’s Halloween month, and knowing it’ll be a Halloween like we’ve never
2
PROPERTY NEWS
Please note, we are doing our best to be accurate, but in these strange times, all the dates and availability at attractions may change, however, were correct at the time of writing.
We’ll start with a celebrity ghost. We all learned about Sir Francis Drake in school. In life, he was a national hero, a sea captain, naval officer and explorer who was famed for his circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition from 1577 to 1580. Buckland Abbey was sold to Sir Francis Drake in 1580 after the expedition and he made it his home. However, many locals feared the intrepid, and recently Knighted explorer, believing he had supernatural powers. Some even said he had made a pact with the Devil which was how he had defeated the Spanish Armada. In death, his ghost is now believed to haunt Buckland Abbey and ride across Dartmoor in a black coach driven by headless horses led by goblins and pursued by barking dogs. Buckland Abbey is run by the National Trust and you can visit it all year round.
Till next time… Jonathan Wheatley Editor
Spooky fact: It has been suggested that the ghost story even inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write The Hound of the Baskervilles.
CROFT CASTLE, WEST MIDLANDS
TREASURER’S HOUSE,YORK
The Croft family, where the castle got its name, are descendants of the famous Welshman, who is believed to haunt the castle as a seven-foot figure clad in a leather jerkin. Members of staff at the castle have also reported the cries of a wailing baby and a spectral figure wearing a grey doublet. In one of the windows, a woman has been seen wearing a crinoline (a stiff petticoat) who is believed to be a member of the Croft family.
An 18-year old engineer, who later became a policeman, named Henry Martindale has the best-known account of the spooky goings-on in the house. One day, when Martindale was installing a boiler in the cellars, he heard the sound of a trumpet and saw a soldier’s helmet emerge from the wall he was working. As he watched, around 20 further spectral soldiers emerged armed with lances, short swords and round shields.
Croft Castle is also run by the National Trust and you can visit all year round.
Treasurer’s House is also run by the National Trust and you can visit all year round.
Croft Castle is said to be ‘The most haunted house in the Midlands,’ and amongst the seven spectres, it also has a famous resident, Welsh freedom fighter, Owain Glyndwr. Glyndwr was a Welsh leader born in 1359 who instigated a fierce war of independence against the English and was the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.
Spooky fact: Members of staff have reported hearing their names being called when no one is around.
PLUCKLEY, KENT
Pluckley in Kent is in the Guinness Book of Records as the ‘Most haunted village in Britain.’ This quaint village is reputed to have between 12-14 ghosts including the spectre of a highwayman in a tree, the ghost of a gipsy woman who drowned in a nearby stream, a phantom coach and horse, the old miller on Mill Hill, the hanging body of a schoolmaster, a colonel, a man smothered in clay, the Lady of Rose Court, the White Lady and the Red Lady. One of the most famous haunted spots is the pub, The Blacksmith’s Arms, which was previously called The Spectre’s Arms and the Ghost’s Arms because of the number of hauntings and strange occurences. The pub is not haunted by just one, but three ghosts: A Tudor maid, a coachman and a Cavalier. Pluckley, Kent, is a village like any other with two pubs, however, to get the full spooky experience you can book a ghost walk with London Walking Tours
Spooky fact: Nearby, the aptly named Screaming Woods, is a real tourist trap with brave tourists choosing to camp overnight.
Treasurer’s House, nestled in the centre of York, has over 2000-years of history running through its veins. Renovated by Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist and passionate collector, Treasure’s House was used to showcase his collections including antique furniture, art and textiles.
Spooky fact: It was revealed that 18-inches below the current cellar floor, archaeologists revealed evidence of an ancient Roman road.
CANNOCK CHASE FOREST, STAFFORDSHIRE
Cannock Chase forest is a natural beauty spot in Staffordshire, however, it also has a horrid history including murder and chilling sightings of a spectre known locally as ‘The Black Eyed Child.’ First spotted over 30-years ago, the sightings have restarted over the past decade. Recent descriptions of the spectre are eerily similar to those in the 80s, where a child, with coal-black pits for eye sockets, haunts the woods. It is a hot-spot for paranormal investigators who have also heard stories around the world regarding other children with the same eerie eyes, however, only in Cannock Chase do the sightings consistently happen during the daytime. Often the sightings will happen after hearing screams. The child will appear with her hands over her eyes, before revealing her ghastly form. Cannock Chase Forest is run by Forestry England and boasts a children’s play area, orienteering trails and Go Ape.
Spooky fact: During the 1960s three young girls were murdered in what became known as ‘The Cannock Chase Murders.’
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
3
CREATING THE PERFECT
HOME OFFICE SPACE With growing numbers of people regularly working from home, it’s important to get the environment just right
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPACE
With an ever-growing number of Brits now working from home each week, especially those whom after Covid-19 may not be going back to the office, it is important to create the right working environment. With the benefits from homeworking ranging from saving money on the commute to being in for deliveries and the school run, it is easy to see why so many people have jumped at the chance. But what should you consider when converting a room into a home office?
4
PROPERTY NEWS
Choosing the right space is the first important decision to make. It’s not just about fitting into any space; you will, after all, be spending most of your working day in there! If you’re able, choose a room that has some natural light coming in and that will be big enough to accommodate a desk, chair and storage – depending on your needs, of course. Once in, decide the best layout. For some, a view into the garden is nice, for others, however, it can be a distraction. It is worthwhile trying out a few different layouts before settling on one.
CREATE THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT
As you will be spending a good deal of time working in your chosen room, it’s vital that you create the perfect environment so that your productivity isn’t impacted. An uncomfortable and incorrectly positioned chair can lead to repeated shuffling to get comfortable, leading to distraction and a lack of desire to lock yourself away in your office and get the job done. Likewise, try to remove other distractions such as TVs. The same ethos applies to your desk. Work out how much space you need. Is it just a laptop you need the space for, or will you be using it to organise paperwork? Perhaps you need two screens? Whatever your needs, ensure you have a desk that is up for the job. When it comes to decorating your room, go for it. A simple, plain room may look like your office back at work, but now you are at home you can install some of your own personality into it. Why not get some printed wallpaper to give the impression of a library or go for your favourite calming colour.
KIT IT OUT
OK, so you know what you need, now it’s time to kit out your office. With internet shopping, you no longer need to rely on a trip to Ikea to get the office furniture you need. It’s always a good starting point but why not try the likes of www.wayfair.co.uk, www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk or www. ryman.co.uk to name but a few. Of course, you can always stay local with second-hand furniture shops or even Facebook Marketplace for everything you need. Again, work out what you need before you buy so you don’t end up buying more than you need. Another handy tip is to invest in some shelves. These are great space savers and also create a really nice,
stylish backdrop for Zoom and Skype meetings when full of books.
STORAGE DELIGHTS
Keep it tidy and keep it simple! There are plenty of storage solutions out there for your home office space. And if floor space is limited, utilise wall space instead with bookcases or wall storage. Buying a desk with storage drawers and cupboards can also be highly beneficial. Also, try to keep your office stuff in your new office. You don’t want to be rushing all over the house looking for stationery equipment or paperwork in the middle of a busy task you need to concentrate on. Folders, units, shelves and drawers are a necessity now that you are working from home to keep organised.
GET CONNECTED If your broadband speed isn’t up to scratch it can be frustrating. Employers are likely to call you back into the office if your speed can’t handle the work you need to do. Alternatively, if you use Skype for business, a poor broadband speed could seriously hinder any meetings you have planned.
As you will be spending a good deal of time working in your chosen room, it’s vital that you create the perfect environment so that your productivity isn’t impacted.
Slow broadband speed is a big turn off. Luckily rural countryside areas are finally catching up with inner-city speeds. Comparison websites such as Uswitch and Compare the Market will show you the best deals and estimated speeds in your area in minutes. Not only do you need a fast broadband speed, but you also want one that is consistently good from morning to evening. So check reviews on websites in regards to reliability and not just speed.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
5
HOW TO CARVE
A PUMPKIN
THIS HALLOWEEN
With Halloween coming up, there is nothing that symbolizes this holiday better than a carved pumpkin…
W
hether you want to create a simple jack-o-lantern or something a little more artistic, here are some hints and tips that will help you out. As anyone who has ever carved a pumpkin already knows, it can be a messy job and tougher than first expected.
USE THE RIGHT PUMPKIN
When picking a pumpkin make sure you get to the shops early and pick one that is fresh, unbruised and has both a sturdy stem and a flat bottom. You’ll want the flat bottom, especially so that it stays stable when carving and doesn’t roll when you have finished and put it on show.
CUT FROM THE BOTTOM
Yes, you read that right, when making your first cut, choose to create the lid at the bottom of the pumpkin. This will help stop your pumpkin from caving in at the sides and you will also avoid the fiddliness of putting the lid back on after it has been cut.
SCOOP OUT THE PULP AND THIN THE WALLS
Ensure when you are inside the pumpkin that you scoop out all the pulp and seeds. You can get a special
6
PROPERTY NEWS
‘pumpkin’ claw for this job, alternatively, a great tool most people have at home already for this job is an ice cream scoop. When scooping out also thin down the inner wall of the ‘face’ area so it will be easier to cut.
When making your first cut, choose to create the lid at the bottom of the pumpkin
SKETCH OUT YOUR DESIGN
On a piece of A-4 paper, sketch out your spooky design. Ideally do this to the size of the pumpkin, covering the whole piece of paper so when the time comes you can tape the sketch onto the ‘face’ of the pumpkin. You will then be able to use this as a guide when it comes to actually cutting out the pumpkin.
MAKE ROUGH CUTS FIRST
Holding the pumpkin in your lap for stability, start by making the largest,
OTHER HINTS AND TIPS Use the scraps of the pumpkin to make a tongue, hair accessories etc, for the pumpkin. Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture and keep your jack-o-lantern fresh. Create a chimney. When you first light a candle inside, let it burn for a few minutes and then check where it has blackened. Then simply create a small hole in that area to act as a chimney.
simplest rough cuts using a serrated kitchen knife. By getting the bigger pieces out of the way, you can then go back and neaten up the edges and details later using a small saw or sharp non-serrated knife.
AUTUMN HALF-TERM DAYS OUT With half-term already approaching, we thought we’d take a look at some of the awesome family days out available this year
Treat the little-ones this half term, especially after starting school and the craziest of the past 6-months, with a day out at Legoland, Windsor. Legoland is the ultimate experience for kids of all ages, and let’s face it, what child doesn’t love Lego!
The York Dungeon is a journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history, bringing together iconic characters, immersive sets and thrilling special-effects in a unique actor-led experience. While there you will meet characters such as the Black Jester, Jorvik and Guy Fawkes, and visit locations such as the Torture Chamber and the Courtroom.
The theme park offers day passes and annual passes as well as mini-staycations and short breaks which are great for half term and getting away. They have also introduced new attractions such as the World’s First DUPLO Coaster, DUPLO Playtown, The Frog Prince at the DUPLO Valley Theatre alongside favourites like LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, Miniland, Viking River Splash and expect there to be spooky goings-on throughout the park in October.
Aimed at older children, the York Dungeon is a great and informative day out, while educational at the same time (just don’t tell the kids) and fits in nicely with Halloween coming up. In all, there are 9 live actor shows, specially designed sets and gripping storytelling from a professional cast. Tickets need to be booked online and cost £11.95 for children (aged 5-15 years) and £15.10 for adults. The Dungeons also offer similar attractions in London, Edinburgh and Blackpool.
incredible underwater world as part of their mission to inspire a love for the ocean and its creatures.
There are a dozen Sealife centres in and around the UK and they are some of the most beloved and well-visited attractions in the UK. Each year, they welcome over 20 million explorers into their
Each centre offers expert daily talks, self-guided tours and workshops and multimedia experiences like Shark Mission and Art Aquarium alongside all your favourite sea creatures including sharks, seahorses, penguins, turtles, clownfish, jellyfish, rockpool creatures and rays. You will need to book online for tickets and they offer general admission, adult and child tickets, annual passes and the Merlin Annual Pass which gets you into other great attractions too.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
7
STYLISH WALLPAPER IDEAS AND TRENDS
Looking at decorating a living room, home office or bedroom this year? Let’s take a look at some of the hottest trends!
S
tylish and trendy wallpapers have never been more popular. A few years ago, the trend was for neutral shades of paint etc, however, times have changed and, as such, so has interior design, with modern design now leaning towards expressions of individuality. And there is no better way to show your individuality than with printed wallpaper.
ABSTRACT WALLPAPER PATTERNS In a digital world, it is no surprise to see geometric, abstract patterns coming to the forefront of interior design. They offer a futuristic, yet stylish dĂŠcor for home offices and bedrooms. Check out this design from www.iwantwallpaper. co.uk by Debona.
8
PROPERTY NEWS
ORIGINAL PRINTS With day-to-day life more stressful than ever, designers are advising not to bring the stress home with you. Fill your home, especially your living room, with original wallpaper prints offering custom designs, unexpected colours and unusual textures. Here’s one we think you’ll love from www. contrado.co.uk
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL We’re all trying to do our bit for the environment, so why not try an eco-friendly wallpaper. Naturalism works really well with eco wallpapers and they work perfectly in rooms which receive ample sunlight. www.farrow-ball.com offer some great, naturalist, ecofriendly wallpapers with their handcrafted ‘greener’ options.
LUXURY WALLPAPER Luxury, designer wallpaper is a sure-fire way to add some flair to your home. The wallpaper will immediately turn any room into a sophisticated one. Again, geometric patterns are in favour for the future with lots of golds and dark greens. Head over to www.grahambrown.com to find a huge selection of some of the most stylish luxury wallpaper available anywhere.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
9
HALLOWEEN PARTY AT HOME H
Halloween will, like most of 2020, be a different experience this year, however, we have a great guide to make it special at home‌
alloween has always been about Trick-or-Treat, pumpkins and decorating your house, however, this year, with Trick-or-Treating all but off the schedule, we thought we would look at the ways to have a great Halloween party at home with your immediate family.
DECORATIONS First things first, you will need to get a whole lot of decorations. Budget shops such as Poundstretcher and B&M are great places to pick up one-off decorations for your house. To make it a family affair, why not make DIY decorations. This is a great way to keep children entertained and build excitement for Halloween this year. Glow in the dark paint and stickers are great to stick onto black paper and then cut off to make dangling decorations such as skeletons, ghosts and witches which look great hanging from doors, in windows and in the centre of the room.
10
PROPERTY NEWS
Start putting the decorations up early to create a build-up to the event itself which will help get the kids excited and forget about the potential lack of Trick-or-Treating this year‌
TRICK-OR-TREATING With Trick-or-Treating probably off the menu this year due to social-distancing, why not create an Easter-style egg hunt around your home with a spooky candy hunt? You can set up clues that lead around the house with spooky goings-on around the home, almost like Scooby-Doo. Kids will love finding sweets and treats amidst all the spooky decorations.
FAMILY PARTY GAMES After the Trick-or-Treat hunt, why not have some fun and games as a family, while enjoying those sweet treats.
BEAN BAG TOSS This game is really simple and utilises carved pumpkins and Trick-or-Treat buckets. Each player has three shots to get their bean bags into either the buckets or carved pumpkins for a certain amount of points. And even better, once you have finished, you can add a tealight and put the pumpkin on show!
EYEBALL PONG Similar to beer pong for adults, paint spooky eyes on table tennis balls and take it in turns to bounce the eyeballs on a table and into a cup. Have a prize for the most balls in a cup each turn – obviously not beer if you’re playing with the kids!
GHOST AND PUMPKIN BOWLING Dependant on whether a new toilet roll shortage has started again, paint ghoulish faces onto 10 toilet rolls and stack them in a pyramid. Then, using a pumpkin with a spooky face painted on and with the stalk cut off, see how many toilet rolls you can knock over each go.
PARTY TIME Now is the time for some classic fun and games. Turn the family-friendly, spooky music loud and dance around the house. You can incorporate musical statues at any time, stopping the music and watching who freezes like a ghost! See who can dance like a zombie or a mummy the best and let the kids go crazy working off the sweets in their systems.
CHILLOUT TIME After all that fun and excitement, now is the time to chill. There are a huge number of familyfriendly spooky films on Sky, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Some of the classics include Casper the Friendly Ghost, The Haunted Mansion and The Witches. Perfect for a family cuddle on the sofa under a blanket whilst eating all those sweet treats, including some of the fabulous recipes on pages 14&15. It may not be the same as going out in the local community and Trick-or-Treating with friends, however, with the current, ongoing situation, we hope some of these ideas will help you celebrate Halloween and create a fun evening for the kids this year!
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
11
OCTOBER SPORTING EVENTS With the emergence of Autumn and a busy sports calendar now reopen, let’s have a look at some of the biggest events this month…
LONDON MARATHON
NATIONS LEAGUE
Virgin Money, who host the event, has set up a virtual event this year taking place on the same day. General entries are now closed, however, you can still enter by running for a charity. Entrants will have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the 26.2 miles by walking, jogging or running.
England were drawn against Belgium, Denmark and Iceland who they will play both home and away, with the four group winners qualifying for the UEFA Nations League Finals which feature semi-finals, a third-place match and the final. At the end, the ten group winners advance directly to the World Cup finals for 2022.
The 2020 London Marathon will be a marathon like no other due to Covid-19. This year, only elite athletes will run the 26.2-mile course through the capital. The course will be spectator free and follow a different course from the usual one. However, non-elite athletes will still have a chance to compete in the 40th race.
MARATHON & VIRTUAL EVENT
The Nations League kicks off again this month. It is the second edition of UEFA’s newest national-team competition. 55 teams have been split into four leagues according to their position in the 20/21 UEFA Nations League Access List and the teams were then split again into four pots in each league.
FIXTURES
Virgin Money London Marathon 4th October 2020.
England V Belgium 11th October 2020 @ 17:00
CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT
England V Denmark 14th October 2020 @ 19:45
12
PROPERTY NEWS
FORMULA 1
The Formula 1 season is in full swing and is showing no let-down in October, with three races over the month. As it stands, Lewis Hamilton is top of the driver standings closely followed by Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen, while Mercedes are top of the Team Standing ahead of rivals Red Bull. First up this month is the Eifel Grand Prix on the 9th to the 11th October. The race will be held at the Nürburgring this year. After this, we have the Portugal Grand Prix which will be held on the 23rd to the 25th October at Portimao. Before finishing with the Italian Grand Prix on the 31st October till the 1st November in Imola.
RACE LIST Eifel Grand Prix. 11th October 2020. Nürburgring. Portugal Grand Prix. 25th October 2020. Portimao. Italian Grand Prix. 1st November 2020. Imola.
POWER WOMEN AT THE BOX OFFICE October is the month where some of the most powerful women in the world are taking over at the Box Office.
I
t’s been a strange year, especially for cinema where most movies stopped production during the Covid-19 pandemic. With cinemas now open, studios are finally ready to unleash their big guns. And there are none bigger than the following leading ladies.
WONDER WOMAN 1984
First up is the long-awaited Wonder Woman sequel, Wonder Woman 1984. Patty Jenkin’s sequel has been delayed due to Covid-19 more times than anyone cares to remember, but as of writing, it is due to be released this month. Wonder Woman 1984 will pick up in the 1980s, where she will be united with Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor from the first film. When released it will be the second DC film of the year after February’s other girl-power blockbuster Birds of Prey
starring Margot Robbie. This time, Diana Prince, aka, Wonder Woman will be facing off against Pedro Pascal, from Game of Thrones fame, as Max Lord, and Kristen Wiig, from Bridesmaids, as Cheetah. Gal Gadot is back as Woman Woman after her previous outings in the first Wonder Woman, Justice League and Batman V Superman. Warner Bros is hoping the sequel will do similar business as the original which took $822 million worldwide in 2017.
BLACK WIDOW
Next up is Marvel’s Black Widow. Scarlett Johansson has played the character since she was first introduced in Iron Man 2 way back in 2010. Since then she has appeared in 8 further MCU movies, where we have had clues to her background, but nothing
concrete. Black Widow promises to change that with an in-depth look into Natasha Romanoff’s background. For the movie, we are going back in time, for obvious reasons, (spoiler alert) to the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War from 2016. New characters are going to be introduced including David Harbour, Stranger Things, Rachel Weisz, The Mummy, and Florence Pugh, Little Women. Originally due to be released in May, the official release date now is the 28th of October. The bad guy has already been announced as Taskmaster, a character more famous from the comics as he has yet to be seen on the big screen. He can mimic any physical movement he sees, except anything supernatural. But who is the actor behind the mask? That is a question that is still yet to be answered.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
13
Make the most of your Halloween party this year with these ghoulishly great, spooky recipes.
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN RECIPES
N
o Halloween party is complete without a scary selection of creepy cupcakes, candy apples and devilish dinners. Here we have put together the best selection of recipes to ensure your spooky night goes off without a hitch.
70g butter 50g peanut butter 150g golden caster sugar 1 medium egg 1tsp vanilla extract 180g plain flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 20 peanut butter cups, Maltesers or Rolos 100g milk chocolate Icing sugar 8 red apples 400g caster sugar 1tsp lemon juice 4tbsp golden syrup 8 sticks, chopsticks and lolly sticks
SPIDER BISCUITS Preheat oven to 180c/160c fan and line two baking sheets with parchment. Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar together until fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Once combined, stir in the flour, bicarb and ¼ tsp salt. Scoop 20 tbsps of the mixture onto the trays leaving enough space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm at the edges but soft in the middle. Leave to cool before topping each biscuit with a peanut butter cup, Malteser or Rolo. Melt the milk chocolate before scraping into a piping bag and then add the legs onto each spider before finally adding icing eyes.
CANDY APPLES Remove the stalks from the apples and put them in a heatproof bowl. Pour over boiling water and cover and leave for 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry. Push the sharpest end of each stick into the stalk-end of each apple. Tip the sugar into a large saucepan, add the lemon juice and 100ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Add the golden syrup and simmer again. Test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water, if it doesn’t harden immediately and become brittle when removed, it’s not ready yet. Dip each apple into the toffee. Lift out and allow any excess to drip off before placing on baking parchment to set.
14
PROPERTY NEWS
135g pack of lime jelly 700ml apple juice 300ml lemonade 435g can lychees in syrup 10 cocktail cherries 10 raisins
EYEBALL COCKTAIL Make the jelly following the pack instructions and chill until set. Combine the apple juice with the lemonade in a large jug and chill. Drain the lychees and poke a hole in each cherry with one of the cocktail sticks. Put the cherry inside the lychee, then push the raisin into the cherry. These are your eyes. Press each one onto the end of a cocktail stick and set aside. When the jelly has set, use a whisk to break it into small chunks. Spoon the cocktail into glasses and tup up with the apple and lemonade mix. Put an eyeball into each glass before serving.
TO DECORATE:
HAUNTED GRAVEYARD CAKE
1 egg white 50g icing sugar 200ml single cream 200g dark chocolate 125g rich tea finger biscuits 100g double chocolate cookies 25g white chocolate silver balls to decorate
Preheat the oven to 110c/90c fan. Whip the egg whites in a bowl until stiff
FOR THE CAKE:
Turn the oven up to 180c/160c fan. Tip the cocoa powder, self-raising flour
85g cocoa powder 200g self-raising flour 375g light brown muscovado sugar 4 eggs 200ml milk 175ml vegetable oil
peaks form. Whisk in the sugar a tbsp at a time and keep whisking until the mixture is thick and resembles shaving foam. Spoon the mixture into a large freezer bag and cut a 1.5cm hole in one of the corners. Cover a baking sheet with some baking parchment and carefully squeeze a small circle of whipped egg white out of the bag, pulling upwards as you do to make a ghost shape. Repeat until you run out of the mixture. Bake for 1 ½ hours until crisp. and sugar into a large bowl, breaking up any sugar clumps. Mix together the eggs, milk and oil in a bowl then pour over the dry ingredients and stir evenly until smooth. Grease and line a deep baking dish with parchment and then pour the mixture in and bake for 30 minutes. Leave to cool and turn out onto a serving plate. Heat cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Place the dark chocolate in a large bowl and pour over the hot cream. Stir until melted, then use a clean brush to paint a layer over 7 rich tea finger biscuits, then set aside to cool. Pour the remaining chocolate over the cake and smooth over with a knife. Whizz or bash the chocolate cookies until small crumbs form and then sprinkle over the cake. Place the white chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Once melted, spoon into a freezer bag and wait for 10 minutes until it is no longer runny. Put a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and pipe two blobs onto each ghost and place a silver ball onto each to make eyes. Write on the gravestones, leave to set and then push the biscuit gravestones into the cake.
All recipes are from the www.bbcgoodfood.com website Images for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
15
High Street, Hunsdon
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this STUNNING PERIOD FOUR BEDROOM CHARACTER HOME located in the pretty village of Hunsdon. The property benefits from an extended Kitchen/Dining room, Utility room and Cloakroom, four bedrooms, ensuite and family bathroom. The property is positioned within the heart of this award winning village and an internal viewing is highly recommended.
Thele Avenue, Stanstead Abbotts
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased offer this truly superb FOUR BEDROOM family home. The property has been the subject of vast improvements by the current owners and must been viewed to fully appreciate its immaculate condition. Please call 01920 411090 to arrange your viewing.
ÂŁ499,995
ÂŁ700,000
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Ware 01920 411 090 Buntingford 01763 272 727 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Buryfield Maltings, Ware
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this stunning Maltings conversion located on the fringe of Ware’s town centre. The property offers SPACIOUS ROOMS arranged over three floors with FOUR/FIVE BEDROOMS and three bathrooms. The property is offered in immaculate condition throughout and features PARKING FOR 3 CARS. An internal viewing is strongly advised. Please call 01920 411090.
Gilpin Road, Ware
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this well presented two bedroom semi-detached home located just a short walk from the town centre and station on Ware’s Southside. The property offers a refitted bathroom with shower, two double bedrooms and south facing gardens with workshop/home office with light and power.
£550,000
£415,000
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Hempstalls Close, Hunsdon
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this beautifully presented FOUR BEDROOM VILLAGE HOME benefitting from great viewing across open farmland. The property offers two reception rooms, ground floor cloakroom, good size Kitchen/breakfast room and ensuite to master bedroom. Adjoining the south facing landscaped gardens is a garage and driveway for 2 cars.
Bluecoat Yard, Hertford
CHAIN FREE - JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this Grade II Listed home set in one of Ware’s most historic and prestigious locations. Bluecoat Yard is perfectly positioned for easy access to Ware’s town centre and train line to London. The property offers great charm and character with a stunning INGLENOOK FIREPLACE with inset wood burner, two large bedrooms, useful basement and WEST FACING COURTYARD GARDENS.
£625,000
£465,000
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Ware 01920 411 090 Buntingford 01763 272 727 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Yearling Close, Great Amwell
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this FOUR DOUBLE BEDROOM DETACHED FAMILY HOME WITH STUNNING OPEN PLAN KITCHEN EXTENSION, located in the sought after turning of Yearling close. The village of Great Amwell lies in the Lee Valley with lovely riverside walks close at hand, Great Amwell Nature Reserve, local pub and church and St Margarets Rail Station serving London Liverpool St. The house is also within the catchment for Presdales ‘All Girls’ school in Ware.
Bragbury Lane, Bragbury End
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer the rare chance to purchase this unique four bedroom, five reception room Grade II listed detached farmhouse in Bragbury End. Viewing highly recommended. The property benefits from a wealth of period features dating back to the 17th century throughout; including 2 Inglenook fireplaces and large exposed beams. The exterior provides fantastic outdoor living with private landscaped rear gardens, a private driveway with parking for up to five cars with a DOUBLE GARAGE.
£785,000
£1,050,000
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Amwell House, London Road
JONATHAN HUNT welcome you to AMWELL HOUSE, a landmark conversion which has been sympathetically restored to an exceptional specification. Offering a distinctive and unique collection of one and two bedroom apartments with breath-taking original features, to include elegant fireplaces, columns and wood panelling with private allocated parking and gardens. Circa 1750, AMWELL HOUSE excels in delivering the perfect combination of luxurious living whilst being located within this highly desirable market town within easy access to London Liverpool Street.
Meadow Walk, Standon
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this well presented four bedroom detached home located within this small cul de sac. The property offers two reception rooms, bathroom and shower room, garage and south facing rear gardens.
ÂŁP.O.A.
ÂŁ550,000
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Ware 01920 411 090 Buntingford 01763 272 727 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Heron Drive, Stanstead Abbotts
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this fabulous four bedroom detached RIVERSIDE HOME located within a small private cul de sac just a few minutes walk from St Margarets train station. The property offers stunning views over the River Lea and occupies a corner plot with parking for several vehicles. Internally the property boasts FOUR RECEPTION ROOMS, cloakroom and Ensuite shower room to the master bedroom. Viewing is advised to appreciate the position and outlook of the property. CHAIN FREE
Wicklands Road, Hunsdon
JONATHAN HUNT are pleased to offer this FOUR BEDROOM, SEMI-DETACHED family home, situated in this delightful residential street. Further benefiting from TWO/THREE RECEPTION ROOMS, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bathroom, lovely rear garden, private driveway and DOUBLE GARAGE. Hunsdon is an award winning Hertfordshire village, with local amenities within walking distance such as paper shop, two pubs/ restaurants, and a fantastic primary school. The property must be viewed internally to be fully appreciated.
£785,000
£575,000
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
MEET THE TEAM Daniel Carter MANAGING DIRECTOR Daniel has been an estate agent in the Ware and Hertford area for over 25 years and became Managing Director of Jonathan Hunt in 2006. He is driven by the core aim to provide a bespoke approach to each and every one of his clients. Having been born and brought up in the area, he has an extensive knowledge of the local property market and maintains a loyal and substantial client base. Daniel lives with his wife and two children in Hunsdon. He is a keen supporter of Ware Cricket and Rugby Clubs and is proud to be sponsors of both.
Simon Hill
MANAGING DIRECTOR
In 2007 Simon Hill opened the residential lettings business within the Jonathan Hunt brand. Since its inception, the business has grown to be one of Ware’s most prolific and recommended lettings agencies. Simon’s aim has always been to provide unsurpassed service to both landlords and tenants. Simon lives with his wife and two children in Ware.
Jake Shropshire BUNTINGFORD DIRECTOR
Jake and his family have lived and worked in East Hertfordshire for over four generations. With 20 years experience in the local property market and financial services, he offers our clients a clear and concise service while buying and selling property in the local area.
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Ware 01920 411 090 Buntingford 01763 272 727 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Matthew Syme SENIOR NEGOTIATOR
Matthew is the new fresh face of Jonathan Hunt. Having joined us from another local agency, he is keen to assist in the future development of our growing business. He is an excellent Negotiator and is determined to give his clients the very best service.
Carol Wootton OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Carol is the calming voice at the end of the phone whose attention to detail ensures that your transaction runs smoothly from instruction to completion.
Kate Carter
MARKETING AND SALES NEGOTIATOR
Kate is passionate about providing each of our properties with the best possible exposure and promotion.
Ingrid Bagg LETTINGS MANAGER A key member of the team whose 17 years experience and professionalism is at the very heart of Jonathan Hunt Lettings success. Ingrid is committed to providing the very best service to our landlords and tenants.
Lorraine Knowles SALES NEGOTIATOR
Having raised her family in Buntingford, Lorraine has a love of the town and a very useful insight into the local schools and community.
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Don’t just take our word for it... Mr & Mrs Martin Sellers
We received a really high level of service from Jonathan Hunt. Communication was always answered, even if it was the last thing in the evening just to confirm what had happened that day; so we were never left hanging around or not knowing what was going on. They allowed me to think about what I wanted to do, I felt they were very honest in their approach.
Mr Elsom Landlord
They do the job for you, they take all the stress out of it and to my mind, you couldn’t get anybody better. I feel that Jonathan Hunt are so friendly, you are in fact part of the family.
Mrs Shelby Seller
I would definitely recommend Jonathan Hunt to family and friends because they did go over and above what I would expect, and they look after you.
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
Ware 01920 411 090 Buntingford 01763 272 727 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Mr Walker Landlord
They get back very quickly if you have any queries, they always try and problem solve and they have a great attitude to making the whole journey as seamless as possible.
Mr Maclean Seller
You aren’t paying for just an estate agency; you’re paying for knowledge and staff with an ability to deal with issues.
Mr & Mrs Firth Sellers
We’d definitely use Jonathan Hunt again.
Mrs Coates Seller
I would definitely recommend Jonathan Hunt to family and friends, in fact I have. My parents bought and sold, I think my mum even passed onto a friend who sold their house through Jonathan Hunt as well, so absolutely I would definitely recommend.
jonathan-hunt.co.uk
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 Jonathan Hunt, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Selling your property A leading independent agent covering all Ware and Buntingford, the name Jonathan Hunt 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.
on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display.
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 Jonathan Hunt 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
Ware 01920 411090 • Buntingford 01763 272727
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 Jonathan Hunt 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. ION ONLINE
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.
UAT INSTANT VAL
my I’m marketing property with t Jonathan Hun
s
Share with friend
g
Request a viewin Local schools
Value my home
When you choose to market your property with Jonathan Hunt, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly
“
“
View on a map
Video microsite on our website
Feature in our monthly magazine
Comparables of houses SOLD and price guides
COMMON MARKETING
Tech gimic (Drones, 360 tours)
Want to find out more about our range of exclusive services?
1.
UNIQUE with Jonathan Hunt
Print marketing: Property brochure, photography, floorplans and newspapers
ACTIVATE
2.
RECEIVE YOUR VERY OWN
EXCLUSIVE
PERSONALISED
SHARE
PROPERTY WEBSITE
SOLD
3.
SELL
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.
Rightmove featured property advertising*
Feature on our Facebook and Twitter
Property video
www.jonathanhunt.co.uk
All our applicants receive your property on their own search for a home website
FOX & HOUNDS, HUNSDON, HERTFORDSHIRE
The Fox & Hounds, Hunsdon is a family run modern European restaurant and pub set in the Hertfordshire countryside just outside of Ware. It is the only Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in the county and celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2019. Head chef and owner, James Rix, serves imaginative food with rustic Italian and French influences. James previously worked alongside chefs Gary Rhodes and Alastair Little, and was head chef at Tom Conran’s The Cow in Notting Hill. Driven by a desire to open their own restaurant outside London, In 2004 James and his wife, Bianca who runs the front of house, found and fell in love with the Fox & Hounds, lovingly restoring it to create the stylish restaurant and pub you see today.
THE FOX & HOUNDS, 2 High Street, Hunsdon, Ware, SG12 8NH
The Fox & Hounds is stylishly decorated with eclectic furniture, quirky art and shelves full of James’ favourite recipe books. The light and spacious dining room is perfect for private parties from weddings and family gatherings to business events, while the terrace and garden are a peaceful spot to relax in the summer.
@thefoxandhoundshunsdon
The simple but sophisticated menu features creative seasonal food with seasonal ingredients including light dishes like Crab Taco with mango salsa, hand-made spaghetti with clams, Swaledale Lamb Rump and Old Spot
Pork Loin Chop. Ingredients are carefully sourced including rare-breed meat, Cornish Native lobster and local game. Meat and fish is cooked or finished in a Josper charcoal oven that works like an indoor barbecue to give the meat a fantastic flavour while keeping it moist and tender. The mid week ‘Michelin Bib Gourmand’ Set Menu is excellent value at £18.50 2 courses/ £23.50 3 courses.
@TheFoxHunsdon
foxandh
Sunday Lunch is a real family affair and The Fox & Hound’s Sunday lunches have twice been voted by Observer Food Monthly readers as finalists for the Best Sunday Lunch in 2017 and 2018. Chef Owner James Rix James began cooking aged 15, working in the restaurant in his local village and had work experience at Waterside Inn in Bray and La Tante Claire with Pierre Koffmann. In 1994, he started at the Greenhouse with Gary Rhodes. After a brief spell at the Oxo Tower in London, James was offered a junior sous chef position at Alastair Little's Frith Street restaurant in Soho, where he worked for four years working his way to head chef. In 2000, he moved to Tom Conran’s The Cow, where he stayed as head chef for four years before opening the Fox & Hounds. MICHELIN GUIDE 2020 A welcoming high street pub with contemporary styling. The chef's ethos is to let good quality ingredients speak for themselves. Alongside homemade pasta dishes you'll find meats cooked on the Josper grill and plenty of local game. Flavours are pronounced, combinations are classical and portions are hearty. FROM THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2020 This captivating pub is now firmly established as a relaxed neighbourhood eatery, the attractive blue and white façade giving out an air of sophistication that draws you in. The locals seem well aware of what a gem they have on their doorstep, judging by the happy throng. James Rix is a passionate chef, delivering a seasonal repertoire with carefully sourced produce and no little refinement. OLIVE MAGAZINE The Fox & Hounds featured in Olive Magazine 2019 ‘Best party venues for Foodies’
Call us on 01279 843999 for more details.
foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk
YOUR
Adventure
STARTS HERE
Let us help mark the start of your adventure! Move with us and we promise to go above and beyond with exceptional customer service and innovative marketing tools to get you moving today‌ Contact us today for a FREE valuation.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY
jonathan-hunt.co.uk Ware 01920 411 090 Buntingford 01763 272 727