May 2019
Property NEWS Exploring the beautiful South of France PAGE 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Handy tips to help with your move
PAGE 4
Transform your walls with wallpaper
PAGE 6
Security options for your home
PAGE 10
Editor’s Letter Welcome to the May issue. Summer is just around the corner and, generally considered to be the busiest time of the year for gardeners, preparing your garden for the warmer months is vital. So take a look inside to find out what you should be focusing on to get your garden summer ready! Moving inside the home, if you’re thinking of updating your décor, we feature some of our favourite wallpaper trends that are sure to liven up your walls. Also, inside this issue are our handy tips to help you with your move. Any move to a new home can be a stressful experience, but this is especially true when you are moving to a new area too. Take a look inside to see what you can do to make the transition smoother. As ever, there is plenty inside this issue to keep you reading; from security tips to keep your home secure, to our travel guide to the South of France. Until next time. Linda McKeown Editor
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best garden HOW
TO PREPARE YOUR
THIS SUMMER
Summer is just around the corner and, generally considered to be the busiest time of the year for gardeners, preparing your garden for the warmer months is vital if you want to get the most out of it and make it shine!
Prepare the patio, outside furniture, flower beds and borders During winter, there probably wouldn’t have been much opportunity to sit outside or dine alfresco. So, at the very least, your patio or decking areas may need a sweep to eliminate loose leaves and foliage that may have gathered around your garden. If you have any outside furniture, it would also be wise to tidy them up, especially if they had been moved into a more secluded spot during the colder months. Another step in the right direction would be to give any paving stones a blast with a pressure washer to lift up any dirt or moss.
Make the most of water butts One of the most economical things you can do as a gardener is to install a water butt. Water butts collect large quantities of rainwater, which you can then use to water your lawn, plants and flowers, instead of using tap water. Ensure your water butt collects rainwater as much as possible in advance of the summertime because if there’s ever any likelihood of no rain for long spells at a time, it will be during the summer season! As well as water butts being essential for environmentally friendly gardening, rainfall also happens to be the best type of water for plants. This is because tap water is often slightly alkaline. When positioning your water butt, it’s best to place it underneath a downpipe, to ensure as much rainwater gets collected as possible.
Clean and sharpen your tools Your gardening tools should be the backbone of your gardening duties. Without them, you’re as defenceless as a garden enduring a summer’s heat with no rain for weeks on end! Just like a garden needs rain, love and attention, you, the gardener, need your tools. And you need them fully functional and able to do their job effectively. Give your tools a thorough clean and sharpening to maintain their quality, especially since the most important season of the year for your garden is just around the corner! As well as helping you to avoid replacing them in the future, maintaining your tools can help prevent the spread of disease too. Dirty secateurs, for example, are notorious for introducing bacteria and fungi to fresh pruning wounds.
Clear away any dead leaves and rubbish from your flower beds and borders which have gathered over the previous months too. Tidy up your borders by trimming the edges and turn your soil to cultivate it and help plants thrive.
Eliminate weeds and pests Now, this is where your newly-cleaned and sharpened garden tools come into play! Weeding is one of those garden jobs which few gardeners relish. However, the results of doing so are plentiful, and it’s an essential part of maintaining your garden to a healthy and attractive standard (particularly those which grow from the cracks in between paving slabs, therefore ruining the appearance of your patio area). Getting the weeding done before summer is crucial if you want to prevent weeds from stealing the nutrients from the soil that your plants sorely require. Another requirement for any good garden is to make sure it’s free of pests, particularly since flower beds are all too often the victim of their detrimental trespassing! A good tip if you want to be environmentally friendly is to cover your flower beds with crushed egg shells, rather than using toxic pesticides. Doing so will help repel pests such as slugs, who love flower beds.
Best summerflowering bulbs to plant now
Oriental lilies. There are numerous varieties available of this extravagant flower, with a broad range of colours and heights to choose from. Note that the blossoms will become heavy once developed, so they will need extra support.
Crocosmia. These tend to reach approximately three feet in height, and their sword-like foliage becomes bright green. Stalks of arching flowers extend above the leaves in the middle of summer, and the most common flower colours are red, orange, and yellow, depending on the variety.
Asiatic Lilies. Unlike their Oriental cousins mentioned above, Asiatic lilies bloom sooner, are fragrance-free, and are brighter coloured. Their flowers are not typically as large as Oriental lilies and their stems are sturdier, so they don’t require 3 extra support.
TO A NEW AREA ...
Moving to a new house can be a stressful experience, especially when you are moving to a new area too. We’ve put together a few handy tips to help with your move
Get to know the area Relocating to a new area can be daunting, but if the move is well planned out in advance, the process can be much easier. Before moving to your new home, if possible, it’s a good idea to spend some time exploring and getting to know the local area. Spend as much time as you can driving around local villages and towns. Prepare a checklist of your essential facilities and then objectively look at what each place has to offer in terms of local amenities and find out what, if any, local clubs and organisations you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and really get to know your new surroundings.
If the move is well planned out in advance, the process can be much easier”
Also, spend time talking to those already living in your chosen location. Finding out from the locals where the best parks, pubs, and even the best take-aways are, can save you a lot of time researching and help you feel more at home. If you are already a member of any national organisations, they will be able to put you in touch with similar groups in the new area and you will soon find others with the same interests. If moving due to employment, it is advisable to investigate the best commuter routes to and from work. Find out how long your daily journey will take and run tests around the same time you will be making the trip, as the same journey could take a lot longer at busier times of the day. Speaking to local residents could also give you information about alternative routes.
TALK TO US NOW ABOUT HOW WE CAN GET YOU MOVING!
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If moving with children, find out where the best schools and nurseries are located and what school catchment area your new home falls in. You can find the Ofsted reports for possible schools, nurseries, and childminders, on the local government website. Organise a visit and taster days to potential schools, so that both you and the kids feel more prepared before the move.
unnecessary gifts and causing your guests expense, ask that they instead bring a card listing their three favourite things about the area. A fun way to make friends and to find out a little more about the place you now live! Try and stick to the same routine as much as you possibly can, especially if you have children. Keeping to the same routine will help to make the transition go a little smoother and disrupt your normal day to day life a little less.
Get out and about Once the unpacking has been done, the house has been organised and you have introduced yourself to the neighbours, get out and about.
Settling into your new home Once you’ve taken the big leap and moved, it might take a little time to adjust to your new life and surroundings. However, there are many ways to make settling into your new home a little easier. If moving with children, it might be a good idea to sort out their rooms as soon as possible. Having familiar things around them will help them to settle into their new rooms better. Unpack their favourite books and toys first to help distract them whilst the rest of the boxes are being unpacked. It is a good idea to ensure that these things are either put into the removal van last, so they will be taken off first, or are put in the car with them. Host a housewarming party to get to know your new neighbours and other residents on your street! You could also invite new work colleagues and parents you’ve met on the school playground. People often feel obligated to bring something along, so instead of accepting
Explore the surrounding villages and towns, visit your local pub, nearest parks and play areas; this will help you (and your children if you have them) become much more familiar with the area. Get involved with the local community too. Why not join local groups or activities, such as gym classes, book clubs or drama groups. You could also join the neighbourhood watch. The school your children attend might have groups or organisations you can get involved with, such as the PTA and after school clubs. Any group or organisation you can get involved with will massively help to integrate yourself into your new area.
If moving with children, find out where the best schools and nurseries are located and what school catchment area your new home falls in
But no matter how far the move is, it is always important to get out there and really embrace everything that your new surroundings have to offer. This might take a little while but be patient; you will start to feel at home in no time.
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Ipanema Heritage Wallpaper Go for a touch of the exotic with this line drawn design featuring toucans and lush, tropical foliage. £35 www.johnlewis.com
Apex Geometric Trellis Wallpaper Add a spectacular shine to your home with this funky geometric design in metallic silver with a stone background. Perfect to make a bold statement in your home. £7.99 www.worldofwallpaper.com
Lundby Wallpaper, Citrine Be inspired by the natural forests of Scandinavia with this simple, yet graphic, wallpaper. £25 www.johnlewis.com
WALLtoWALL Forget about simply painting those walls – add an instant splash of colour and design using wallpaper. Here we feature some of our favourite finds…
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All prices correct at time of going to print
Safari Kids Map Mural Wallpaper This sweet pastel toned world map is perfect for your little one’s nursery or bedroom, featuring illustrated animals from all over the world in a cute and educational style. £36 www.muralswallpaper.co.uk
This on trend wallpaper has a matt finish and multicoloured rainbow print design which repeats every 53cm.
Arthouse Scandi Triangle Wallpaper - Yellow A pretty geometric design of repeating triangle and diamond shapes in pale pastel colours.
£11.20 www.dunelm.com
£12.99 www.very.co.uk
Boutique Alice Duck egg blue Leaf Metallic effect Wallpaper Ideal for use in bedrooms, hallways and living areas, this beautiful wallpaper can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove marks caused by everyday life. Perfect!
Paste The Wall Hexagonal 3D Wallpaper Next’s Paste-The-Wall wallpaper uses a special backing paper, so the paper does not expand or contract when wet. You can simply paste the wall, and hang the paper dry! We just love this design. £20 www.next.co.uk
Dunelm Rainbow Print Design White, Red, Pink and Blue Over The Wallpaper
£18 www.diy.com
Urban Walls Ripped Poster Wallpaper Hundreds of ripped posters come together to create this edgy wallpaper featuring bright hues and bold texts. £18 www.next.co.uk
Protect Your Home Your home is the most expensive thing you will ever own, so it makes sense to look after it and keep it secure. Here are our top security tips. Between January and December 2018 there were 380,517 reported burglaries in the UK*. The impact of burglary is severe; taking 8 months* for the average person to feel secure again in their own home, and even then, less than half ever feel completely secure.
Security cameras are inexpensive and easy to install, with wireless and wired options available
For 1 in 10 people*, it can be a reason to move home. The trauma can be especially severe for children and can be carried on into adulthood. Almost 40 per cent of adults, whose homes were broken into when they were younger, are still bothered by their experience*
So, what can you do to secure your home? Outside Burglars don’t arrive with their own tools, they prefer to use tools they pick up from unlocked sheds, garages or side passages. Keep your sheds and garages locked, and if you have a side passage, deadbolt and padlock it. You can stop would-be thieves from getting close to your garage or shed by installing motion activated lights. Once installed, these lights will turn on when they detect movement, stopping would-be burglars in their tracks. You can pick up single battery powered units for about £20 each or solar powered units for approx. £30 each. Security cameras are inexpensive and easy to install, with wireless and wired options available. The wireless options are popular but remember to check the battery regularly. As with TV’s, the higher the resolution the better the picture quality, so you will want something 1080p or above to get crystal clear images. You will also want to ensure that the camera has a good night-vision mode, offering 100ft of vision or more.
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Your home is the most expensive thing you will ever own, so it makes sense to look after it and keep it secure
Other top tips for keeping your home safe: »»
Keep your keyholes clear from dust; burglars can tell you don’t use your deadlock if it’s full of dust and debris.
»»
Don’t leave your keys in your door; burglars can poke through the keyhole, knock them down and use tools to pick them up from the floor through a letter-box.
»»
Save posting your holiday snaps to social media for when you are home; burglars monitoring social media can tell when a home has been left alone and it will make yours a target.
»»
Close windows in the evening and when you leave the house; open windows are an easy chance for an opportunist burglar.
»»
Change the locks. It may sound crazy but how do you know no one else has a set of your keys; what about the previous owner?
»»
Ask someone to remove the post and put your bins out while you are away, to give the impression of someone being home.
A car on your driveway will deter any potential burglars, as will appliances on timer switches. When you’re on holiday, why not ask your neighbour to park on your drive to deter burglars. You can set timer switches to come on at set certain times of the day. Lights are standard but won’t necessarily deter a burglar as much as if a TV or radio is on. Setting a timer to turn your TV or radio on when you’re out is a smart idea and is simple to set up using the built-in sleep timers found in the main menu of most smart TV’s. Still leaving your keys under the front doormat? Burglars know the most common places where people leave their keys. Get an outdoor key lock-box mounted in a secure location, with a four-digit pin that only you and trusted friends or family know; or leave a spare key with your neighbours. This key will come in handy if you are away, as a letter-box full of post will be a sure sign to a burglar that you’re not in. Inside If a burglar gets past your outdoor security, don’t let him get past your alarm system. Window and door sensors are musthaves to complete your home security. They are simple, yet effective. A switch and a magnet attach to the window frame and the pane of glass. If the window stays closed, the circuit is complete; when the window or door is opened, the circuit breaks which signals the control panel, triggering the alarm. Most sets offer different modes, including; chime, silent and alarm mode and can send notifications to your smart device. To complete your home security, you can now get smart systems which allow you to control your security from your phone. These systems connect to your Wi-Fi and, through an app, you can customise what happens when a window is broken, or motion is detected. Entry-level systems include door and window sensors, a motion detector and a hub. These systems are available as full set-ups or separate components which you can add on to build a bespoke system.
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Thanks to its array of transport links across the country and nearby towns, Nice is a great place to be if you want to explore the wider area
Ooh la la ! With the annual Cannes Film Festival just around the corner, we’ve explored the beauty of a holiday in the glorious South of France
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The South of France is an easy choice when deciding your next holiday destination. With a selection of different resorts and cities, the only hard decision you’ll have to make, is where in the South of France you want to go. Home to a region of rich culture, sun, sea, fine wine and food, the South of France can host your perfect getaway!
Cannes Famed for its annual film festival and glamourous celebrity lifestyle, Cannes is the superstar of the French Riviera. Its dazzling promenade, golden sandy beaches and year-round Mediterranean climate create the perfect backdrop for a wonderful holiday. The famous Film Festival might take place each May, but Cannes is bustling all year long. The city, placed on France’s sparkling Riviera, has many fascinating cultural attractions as well as some great places where you can relax, indulge and watch how the other half live. The Old Port of Cannes is an interesting mix of traditional charm and immense wealth. It’s a great place to watch huge yachts arrive into town while having a drink in one of the bars that line the water’s edge. Like many of the towns in this region, Cannes is steeped in culture and history where you can enjoy museums, castles and churches.
Nice The grand city of Nice is where everyone thinks of when they think of the South of France. It is a grand city of long esplanades and spacious squares, it’s also the fifth largest city in France so you won’t be struggling to find things to do. Nice is home to a perfect beach life, a stunning medieval old town and some delicious French food! If you are looking for a relaxed holiday in the South of France, Nice is where you need to be! Thanks to its array of transport links across the country and nearby towns, Nice is a great place if you want to explore the wider area, or even enjoy a day trip to Monaco.
Avignon Places like Avignon in the South of France are evidence that there’s much more than just beaches and film festivals in the South of France. Avignon is packed with history and fascinating architecture, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing. Pont d’Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst the Palais des Papes, art museums and gorgeous town squares are also popular places to visit
in this city. The River Rhone is one of the focal points of Avignon, and it has played a big part in the city’s history. There are companies who offer lunchtime and dinnertime cruises across the Rhone, letting you enjoy some fantastic views of the famous landmarks of Avignon. Avignon was also home to Van Gogh, so art lovers can enjoy learning about the history of the famous artist.
Marseille Marseille is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of France’s Mediterranean coastline. The rocky hills of Provence look down onto the ancient port and the thousands of boats docked in its clear blue waters. Thanks to the new Eurostar South of France service, which launched a few years ago, you can get from London to Marseille in just a few hours. Marseille is a city that is changing fast but has still retained that edge that makes it stand out from the rest of the towns along the French Riviera. It’s also a great base for exploring the azure blue Calanques, so why not hop on the train and make a holiday out of this great city. France’s second city has all you could ask for; beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, thriving artists and a diverse and dynamic nightlife.
Things to do in the South of France For food and wine lovers, a trip to a local vineyard is a must. Many vineyards offer tours of their vines followed by wine-tasting and a delicious lunch with French cuisine. A day trip to Monaco should also be on your list of things to do, whether you are travelling by boat, car or train, you can enjoy the stunning port with its array of high-end yachts. There are also lots of golf courses and local shops where you can stock up on gourmet cheese; however, the South of France can also accommodate kids too. Thanks to its beautiful Mediterranean climate and fantastic French countryside, the whole family can enjoy serious adventures. There are plenty of cycle hire firms around the area, as well as Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum where you can get up close and personal with baby sharks. Placed near Montagnac is The Meze Dinosaur Museum which features scale replicas of the Jurassic creatures. However, to top it all off, amongst the underground hiking, baby shark stroking, hot-air balloon rides, wine tasting and delicious food, there is nothing better than a day at the beach. The South of France offers a fantastic range of beaches to enjoy, with pristine white beaches and crystal clear water, all under a blue sky with lots of sunshine.
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ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Cricket fans across the world are looking forward to this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup which starts at the end of May and runs until July
As the hosts, England are one of the favourites to win the trophy this year
The ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) takes place every four years, featuring ten teams and is the culmination of a global qualification process that runs over a five to six year period. The top eight teams in the ICC one-day rankings at the given date qualify automatically. The final two teams come from the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier which takes place in the year prior to the Cricket World Cup. This year’s tournament runs from 30th May until the 14th July and will be joint hosted by England and Wales for only the second time in its history. The first two competitions were hosted by England back in 1975 and 1979. The first game of the tournament will take place at The Oval between England and South Africa, and the other venues include Trent Bridge in Nottingham, the Cardiff Stadium, Old Trafford in Manchester, The
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Rose Bowl in Southampton and Lords in London. After a disappointing World Cup four years ago, England’s limitedover side have been working towards 2019’s competition in the hope of winning their first ever World Cup. With the Ashes taking place later in the year, England are hoping May will kick-start a successful year for the Cricket team. The 2015 World Cup saw England crash out at the group stages after Bangladesh claimed a stunning 15run win. It was the third time in five World Cups England had gone out of the group stage. As the hosts, England are one of the favourites to win the trophy this year and they are also Number 1 in the ICC ODI Rankings. There will be pressure on this England side, but with the backing of their home crowd, they feel they can go all the way.
After a successful ODI series against the West Indies, Adil Rashid may prove to be a key factor in an England side filled with an arsenal of batting talent including Eoin Morgan, Jos Butler, Joe Root and Ben Stokes. The leg-spinner, Adil Rashid, was the highest wicket-taker against the West Indies for both sides, and many people will be hoping he will be crucial for his national side this year. India are second in the ODI Rankings and feature a great bowling line-up with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, as well as batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. New Zealand, South Africa and Australia all follow in the rankings and they will be competing in what looks to be an exciting summer of cricket across England and Wales.
The Homes
(Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 What is it and how does it affect you?
Karen Buck’s Homes Act 2018 is an Act to amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. It received Royal Assent on the 20th December 2018. But what does it actually mean? The new Act requires that any property let by a landlord (private or social) is fit for human habitation when a tenancy is granted and remains so for its duration. It extends to England and Wales, but its practical changes are only for England, as Wales has its own fitness-for-humanhabitation consultation.
or disrepair that has been caused by the tenants’ behaviour. A landlord is not obliged to rebuild a destroyed building or carry out works which are the responsibility of a superior landlord, or to maintain or repair anything which the tenant is entitled to remove from the property.
When does it come into force?
Can a landlord or third party inspect the property?
The Act came into force on the 20th March 2019, three months after being enacted and applies to new tenancies of less than seven years, including renewals of existing tenancies. Okay, so what does ‘fit for human habitation’ mean? A property NOT fit for human habitation is a property with a serious defect in one of the following areas: repair, stability, damp, internal arrangement, natural lighting, ventilation, water supply, drainage, facilities for cooking and the disposal of wastewater. But what if I haven’t been told about any defects? The landlord’s liability to the tenant will not start until the landlord has had notice of the defect, and the landlord has had a reasonable amount of time to rectify the unfitness. What if the tenant has caused the defect? The Act covers landlords too. It will not make them responsible for any damage
Yes, landlords will be able to get expert evidence from a surveyor if needed and, if notified that the property is unfit, will still have a reasonable period to put right the defects. What could happen if a landlord is found guilty? Landlords may be brought before the court, where a landlord may be ordered to carry out works, and damages awarded to the tenant. The court could make a finding of unfitness on simple non-expert advice, such as a lack of heating. For responsible landlords, there should be nothing to worry about. However, it is yet to be seen if, like PPI claims, there will be an increase in cases against all landlords. Tenants will be able to claim legal aid and conditional ‘no win no fee’ agreements and as there is no definite guideline for when a court interprets a hazard to exist – and whether it is so defective that the property is unfit – it is a case of waiting to see if there is an increase in future cases.
The Act… applies to new tenancies of less than seven years, including renewals of existing tenancies
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Logan Court, Napsbury Park ÂŁ1,295pcm
A VERY WELL MAINTAINED TWO BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT within the popular Napsbury Park development, set amongst well-kept grounds. The property comprises entrance hallway, lounge/diner, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, two bedrooms with one benefiting from ensuite and a separate family bathroom. The property further boasts off street parking, gas central heating. Unfurnished.
Eskdale, London Colney ÂŁ950pcm
SPACIOUS TWO BEDROOM FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT on this popular development just a short walk to comprehensive shopping facilities in the village, and a short drive to major road links (M1/M25). The accommodation, with the benefit of economy electric heating, comprises Entrance Hall, large Living Room, two good size Bedrooms, modern Beech Kitchen with built-in appliances, modern Bathroom. Located in attractive communal grounds with ample parking.
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
Vixen Court, Hatfield ÂŁ1,100pcm
A MODERN AND WELL-PRESENTED TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM ground floor flat in a popular cul-de-sac, close to Hatfield town centre and Hatfield train station. The property includes a large living room, modern kitchen, two spacious double bedrooms, well-presented family bathroom and copious storage. Unfurnished
Seaton Road, London Colney OIEO ÂŁ400,000
A three-bedroom end of terrace Victorian cottage situated in a quiet cul-de-sac location just off the village High Street, within easy reach of convenient transport links and local amenities. Immaculately presented throughout the property provides bright and spacious accommodation, combining modern finishes with character features. The accommodation comprises open plan lounge/diner and modern fitted kitchen on the ground floor. On the first floor there are two good sized bedrooms, study and a luxury bathroom suite. Finally, to the second floor is the 18ft master bedroom. The property further benefits from a well maintained, South East facing rear garden.
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Sleapcross Gardens, Smallford ÂŁ799,950
A substantial FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED family home set on a sizable plot with a rear garden of approximately 30m x 21m. A detached double garage is accessed from the drive and ample off-street parking to the front provides space for several cars. The property is conveniently located within a short drive to St Albans mainline railway station and City Centre, in addition to local amenities, excellent primary and secondary schools. The accommodation comprises a large entrance hall, living room, study, T.V. room, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom and utility room. To the first floor you have four good sized bedrooms, family bathroom and shower room. Available CHAIN FREE.
Shenley Lane, London Colney ÂŁ525,000
THREE BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE offering spacious, well-planned accommodation and FURTHER POTENTIAL FOR EXTENSION. Situated on the borders of St Albans and within easy reach of well-regarded local schools, local amenities and great motorway links. The ground floor accommodation comprises, entrance hall, cloakroom, living room and kitchen/diner, to the first floor you have the master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. The property further benefits from off street parking to the front, a rear garden with rear access, countryside views and is available chain free.
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
Walton Road, Bushey £327,000
WELL PRESENTED TWO BEDROOM TWO BATHROOM first floor apartment located within this modern development built in 2011. The accommodation comprises entrance hall with large storage cupboards, living room with Juliette balcony and open plan Lounge to modern fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, further bedroom and bathroom, gas fired central heating, double glazing, communal gardens, allocated parking space, sought after convenient location within easy reach of Watford Town Centre.
Spooners Drive, Park Street £572,950
A particularly spacious and very well EXTENDED THREE bedroom semi-detached family house, boasting OPEN PLAN accommodation and TWO separate reception rooms, additional benefits include, a GARAGE and OFF STREET PARKING, plus a delightful 90ft rear garden, situated in one of Park Street’s most sought-after residential roads, located within walking distance of How Wood shops, railway station, bus services and schools.
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The Kestrels, Park Street ÂŁ789,000
The Campbell. All four bedrooms in this striking two-storey house are doubles with ample storage and an en suite to the master, but the real heart of this home is the fully open plan living, kitchen, dining room with breakfast bar and bi-fold doors opening up the space to the garden. Visually striking and contemporary in its principles, Lancaster Grange draws from the strength of its historical links to deliver a remarkable development of apartments and houses, incorporating a range of sustainability and design standards to create a community extension to Innovation Park. Ideally situated between Watford and St Albans, amenities and transport connections are superb.
The Manfield, The Kestrels ÂŁ650,000
THREE BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE offering spacious, well-planned accommodation and FURTHER POTENTIAL FOR EXTENSION. Situated on the borders of St Albans and within easy reach of well-regarded local schools, local amenities and great motorway links. The ground floor accommodation comprises, entrance hall, cloakroom, living room and kitchen/diner, to the first floor you have the master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. The property further benefits from off street parking to the front, a rear garden with rear access, countryside views and is available chain free.
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
Burchell Court, Bushey £379,950
Well-presented TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR MAISONETTE WITH OWN REAR GARDEN AND THE BENEFIT OF A NEW LEASE ON COMPLETION. The property is ideally located close to Bushey Heath’s shopping facilities, restaurants, places of worship and transport links. The accommodation comprises of entrance hallway, fitted kitchen, lounge/dining room, two bedrooms and bathroom, own private rear garden and garage in block.
Windmill Street, Bushey Heath £415,000
THREE BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE offering spacious, well-planned accommodation and FURTHER POTENTIAL FOR EXTENSION. Situated on the borders of St Albans and within easy reach of well-regarded local schools, local amenities and great motorway links. The ground floor accommodation comprises, entrance hall, cloakroom, living room and kitchen/diner, to the first floor you have the master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. The property further benefits from off street parking to the front, a rear garden with rear access, countryside views and is available chain free.
jwandco.co.uk
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David Smith
Tom Smith
Jack Smith
David is a fully qualified chartered surveyor who has 35 years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of property including sales, lettings and property management. He has worked exclusively In the St Albans area for the last 20 years and has been active in dealing with new developments and conversion schemes for many large financial institutions. He is a keen sportsman and is a single figure handicap golfer. Email: davidsmith@jwandco.co.uk
Tom has had a successful career as a professional footballer and has always had an interest in property. The purchase of two existing businesses with extensive local interests was too tempting to resist. This gives him the opportunity to combine his football career with sales and property management. Tom lives in Berkhamsted with his wife Nina and three children. Email: tomsmith@jwandco.co.uk
Jack is very proud to be involved in this exciting and vibrant Company. He has always had an interest in property and is delighted to be able to transfer his skills from professional football to this new area. “We have a very strong team of employees and I am looking forward to working closely with them”. Jack has played professional football for Swindon, Watford, Millwall and AFC Wimbledon and currently lives with his wife Sophie and beloved dog, Lola in Berkhamsted. Email: jacksmith@jwandco.co.uk
CEO
Chairman
Director
PARK STREET
ST ALBANS
Neil Hughes
Ruth Bearne MNAEA
Lauren King
Lettings Property Manager
Trainee Sales Negotiator
Neil has worked for JW&Co Langleys since 1993 and has been Manager of the Park Street Office since 1995. He has lived in St Albans his whole life and attended Verulam Boys School. Neil has spent most of his working career with us and has become responsible for moving JW&Co Langleys into the 21st Century with the implementation of our modern marketing ideas and technology upgrades. Other responsibilities include training of new staff and assisting developers in acquiring land. Email: neilhughes@jwandco.co.uk
Ruth joined JW&Co Langleys in 2014 as a Trainee and has quickly progressed to a Sales Negotiator at our Park Street branch. Ruth passed her NFOPP exams with flying colours and is now a member of the National Association of Estate Agents; with over 6 years in the property industry, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Ruth’s interests include travelling to new places, cooking and seeing friends and family. Email: ruthbearne@jwandco.co.uk
Lauren joined our company as a trainee in 2011 and has worked her way through the ranks. Lauren quickly became a very valuable member of our team. Lauren is now part of our busy lettings team and is a successful negotiator, and prides herself on being helpful, professional and efficient. As a local, born and raised in St Albans, she is an ideal team member, able to offer insight into the local market and what the area could offer you. Email: laurenking@jwandco.co.uk
Catherine joined the company in September 2018 as a Trainee Sales Negotiator in our St Albans Branch. St Albans born and bred, attendee of some of the top local schools - she has an extensive knowledge of the area and is a strong advocate for living in Hertfordshire. A variety of roles in both corporate companies and experience working abroad, has helped her to cultivate a number of different skills. Her knowledge of the local area, work experience and a penchant for property has resulted in Catherine quickly becoming an active and valuable member of staff. Email: catherinegrimer@jwandco.co.uk
Sales Director
Sales Negotiator
Catherine Grimer
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
LONDON COLNEY
Meet our team
Mark Antony Saville MNAEA
Debbie King
William Calver
Mark joined JW&Co Langleys in 2011 as a Senior Sales Negotiator and quickly progressed to become Sales Director & Office Manager of the St Albans branch. As a member of National Associations of Estate Agents, Mark takes an active part in ensuring that the emphasis on training and the expected high levels of customer service, are being delivered. Mark has worked within the property industry for 13 years, so brings a wealth of experience. He has an excellent knowledge of the St Albans area, and lives locally. In his spare time Mark enjoys travelling, running, going to the gym, watching F1 and dreams of attending the Monaco Grand Prix someday soon.
Debbie joined JW&Co Langleys in March 2015, having previously worked in St Albans in an accounts-based role. Having lived in and around St Albans all her life, Debbie is very familiar with the local fraternity and also brings valuable accounting and administrative skills to the Company, across our Lettings and Sales businesses. Debbie is also involved in processing all Tenant and Landlord payments for our rental properties. Keeping with the family trend, Debbie’s daughter Lauren is also employed in our St Albans office
Will joined the company in 2016 as a Trainee Sales Negotiator in our Bushey Heath branch after previously working in front of house service for two years. During that time Will developed excellent people skills and a first-rate understanding of customer needs and service. This allowed him to land on his feet when he joined the company as he knew exactly how to supply the exceptional customer service that JW&Co Langleys are renowned for. Since joining the company Will has quickly progressed to the role of Sales Negotiator in our London Colney branch. In his spare time, Will enjoys participating in both individual and team sports, specifically golf, skiing and football.
Tim Griggs
Nick Tidball
Danielle Saville
Tim is Bushey born and bred after attending local schools and still lives in the Bushey area. In 1998 Tim joined JW&Co Langleys. and brings with him his seventeen years’ experience and continues to bring the company forward and develop the business with his initiative and marketing ideas. Whilst Tim currently works in the Bushey Heath office, he has also previously established offices in Bushey and Oxhey village making his knowledge of the surrounding area second to none. Tim goes the extra mile for his clients and builds up great rapport with those he works with. Email: timgriggs@jwandco.co.uk
Nick started his career in estate agency here at JW & Co twelve years ago, working alongside Tim Griggs across multiple offices. Having left the company in 2006 Nick pursued his career in the buoyant London market selling luxurious homes in Hampstead and surrounding areas. Re-joining the team in our Bushey Heath office for 2017, he returns with a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry, keen to help drive the business forward. Born and bred in Bushey, Nick’s extensive local knowledge and history of the area is an asset to building new and existing relationships when both valuing and selling properties. Email: nicktidball@jwandco.co.uk
Having joined the company in 2018 Danielle has already flourished in her role as a Trainee Negotiator bringing an enthusiastic approach to sales in addition to bringing buyers and sellers together. Under the management of Tim Griggs, she hopes to climb the ranks in the company and become a fully-fledged member of the National Association of Estate Agents, helping her bring an unrivalled level of professionalism to her clients. Danielle enjoys spending her spare time with her young family and reading, her favourite author being Deborah Harkness. Email: daniellesaville@jwandco.co.uk
Sales Director
Accounts Manager
Email: debbieking@jwandco.co.uk
Sales Negotiator
Email: williamcalver@jwandco.co.uk
BUSHEY HEATH
Email: marksaville@jwandco.co.uk
Sales Director
Sales Negotiator
jwandco.co.uk
Trainee Sales Negotiator
Celebrating
INSPIRATIONAL DADS
this Fathers ' Day
As a father, you don’t stop working for your family’s future. As an agent we don’t stop working for you. Market your property with us and you’ll receive a FREE valuation. Contact us today.
jwandco.co.uk St Albans T: 01727 844444 E: stalbans@jwandco.co.uk
Park Street T: 01727 875555 E: parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk
London Colney T: 01727 824311 E: londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath T: 020 8950 3434 E: bushey@jwandco.co.uk