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
20
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
Toddington
£335,000
This detached and very quirky character cottage ‘tucked away’ but right in the middle of this very attractive village centre. Modern open plan feel to the heart of it yet retaining a private living room. Master bedroom and ensuite on the 1st floor. 2nd bedroom/office and bathroom on the ground floor. Great external space, large sliding electrical privacy gates open up to the block paved plot which could be divided up/landscaped to give an enclosed garden and secure parking.
Tebworth
£280,000
Located in the village of Tebworth with lovely countryside views. Nestled in a private courtyard, this is one of six properties and would suit a buyer looking for a quiet village location. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, open plan living/dining room, fitted kitchen and conservatory. On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. There is a private rear garden, single garage and parking space.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION Luton
£290,000
Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought after Bushmead area of Luton is this three bedroom semi-detached family home.This well presented home comprises of an entrance hall, spacious living room, open plan kitchen/dining room and a conservatory. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally there is generous parking for up to 3 cars and a enclosed rear garden. Other benefits include gas central heating and double glazing.
UP
PE NO R C H AI N
Flitwick
An extended family home is located in ‘Old Flitwick’ and is situated in the quiet road Orchard Way. Flitwick moors is a short walk away, there is also easy access to the mainline Train Station, schools and local amenities. The deceptive accommodation includes a porch, hallway, cloakroom, kitchen, dining room, 26ft long living room, office and playroom. Four bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a private south westerly garden, set back single garage and parking for up to five vehicles.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
Toddington
UP
PE NO R C H AI N
£253,000
This two bedroom end of terrace home is just a few minutes walk on the village centre and Offered with NO UPPER CHAIN. The extended properties accommodation includes a fitted kitchen, living room, conservatory, two bedrooms and a first floor refitted shower room. The garden is fully paved and is ideal for someone looking for low maintenance outside space. There is also the benefit of a parking space.
Toddington
TO SC EX OPE TE N D
£345,000
Extended & well presented semi detached home with a private south facing garden. Huge improvements over the years with a rear extension really enhancing the living space and creating an office. Additionally they have converted the garage to give storage at the front, a lobby and a really useful shower room. We really like the flow of the kitchen & breakfast room, it’s great for family living and opens onto the deck and garden making it ideal for entertaining. 3 bedrooms & family bathroom.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION Toddington
ÂŁ355,000
An extended semi detached home with an entrance hall, living room, sitting room/dining area, kitchen, utility/cloakroom and work room. On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. The garage has planning passed for a conversion and full application number is CB/19/00102/FULL. The plot extends to the front and rear, with ample off road parking and a private rear garden.
Toddington
ÂŁ485,000
A stylish detached home in a great setting. Entrance hall, cloakroom, 18ft living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and a conservatory. On the first floor are four bedrooms, the master has a shower ensuite and there is a refitted family bathroom. The plot extends to the front and rear, with a paved front driveway providing parking and access to the integral garage and an enclosed rear garden.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
Luton
IM P PR TO ERF O E VE MA CT M K EN E TS TO
ÂŁ259,500
This semi-detached home is located in the Leagrave area of Luton and has been a family home for many years. There is a hallway, living room, large open plan kitchen/dining room, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Front garden with off road parking on the driveway. The rear garden is great feature of this home and is generously sized.
Toddington
H
W O OR M K E FR O O FF M IC E
ÂŁ289,995
This terraced family home is superbly presented and immaculate throughout. If you work from home this could be perfect as it has a self contained cabin in the rear garden with heating, water and light. he accommodation includes a entrance hall, living room, dining room, fitted kitchen and a downstairs shower room. Three bedrooms and a bathroom. Gardens to the front and rear plus a garage in a block nearby.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION Luton
ÂŁ318,000
This detached bungalow in a no through road in Flitwick. Designed and built as a one off, it works very well for a buyer looking for a non estate yet conveniently located home. With the facility of a ramped entrance, wide doorways, sensibly planned kitchen and bathroom with a separate shower this really does lend itself to a buyer who wants to plan for limited mobility. Entrance hall, living room opening to the conservatory which is heated for year round use and two DOUBLE bedrooms.
Toddington
ÂŁ335,000
An impressive three bedroom semi detached home offers excellent family living. Entrance hall, living room, refitted open plan kitchen/dining room ,conservatory, utility area and cloakroom. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a refitted family bathroom. To the front there is ample off road parking for 2/3 cars. The large rear garden is fabulous and a major feature of this home with plenty of space and further scope to extend subject to planning consent.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
Toddington
ÂŁ345,000
Well presented and sensibly priced is this established semi detached home offering good sized accommodation. Gorgeous open plan kitchen & dining room and a luxury bathroom. In addition to these rooms is the living room, conservatory, external storage and three bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes. Great outside space then the garden will really appeal with an extensive lawn, 2 patios and a play area. The frontage has a driveway for further parking.
Westoning
ÂŁ399,500
Extended FOUR BEDROOM period home in a great village setting. There is a separate dining room, living room, attractive kitchen, refitted ground floor family bathroom, study/sitting room and a fourth bedroom. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a shower room. Set well back from the road there is ample off road parking to the front for 3-4 cars plus a DOUBLE WIDTH GARAGE FACILITY to the rear, our client now uses it as storage. Court yard patio and further garden.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION Toddington
£248,000
C
B O O AC UN N KS T TR O YS ID E
Superbly presented and immaculate throughout. Tucked at the end of a sought after cul de sac in the lovely village of Toddington. The accommodation includes a living room, fitted kitchen/dining room and on the first floor are two bedrooms and the refitted bathroom. There is a private rear garden and an allocated parking space. This is an ideal first time buyer or investment purchase. Please call the team at Local Agent Network on 01525 876600 to book your appointment to view.
Toddington £450,000
Toddington £535,000
The property has benefited from many improvements over the past few years and has a lovely flow to the ground floor space and four bedrooms with two bathrooms up on the first floor. There a four bedrooms, ensuite shower room and family bathroom. The smart frontage has a driveway, garage and lawn. Out the back is a well designed and enclosed garden.
Over the years our clients have invested much into creating a very comfortable home, the garage was converted a few years ago to provide a further reception room and it works really well as a work from home facility. The stylish kitchen offers a sociable space to cook and dine and the flow of the living room into the dining room and then the conservatory gives the feeling of being open plan but you can close the doors off if preferred.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
Meet the team We asked our staff... 1. What three traits define you? 2. What makes you happy? 3. How long have you lived in the area? 4. Tell us something unique about you? 5. If you could learn do anything, what would it be? 6. What would your last supper be? 7. What’s the one thing you can’t resist? 8. What three words would you use to describe Local Agent Network? 9. What’s your favourite thing about working at Local Agent Network? 10. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Sally Aitken
Carol Rutherford
?
1. Proactive, kind & helpful 2. Yoga & walking
3. Nearly 40 years
4. I’m a brain tumour survivor and have raised over £16,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity through events and awareness talks 5. Speak another language 6. Chilli con carne 7. Chocolate
8. Unique, positive & reliable 9. Working with our lovely clients and helping them realise their property dreams 10. Live for today 1. Problem solver, driven & excitable 2. My amazing family, our beautiful dog and cooking for friends and family 3. My whole life
Karen Porter
1. Positive, confident, hardworking 2. Family & friends
4. I once sang on stage with The Commitments
3. All my life
5. Sing really well and play the sax
4. I always wanted to be a gymnast but managed to break more bones than records so gave it up!
6. It’s got to be a roast with all the trimmings
5. Run the marathon
7. Curling up on the couch with a good read and a glass of wine!!
6. Crab
8. Successful, friendly & honest
7. Wine
9. My hand picked team and our collective attitude to “Making It Happen” literally makes me beam with pride
8. Transparent, driven & friendly 9. We built it from scratch and its run properly & honestly
10. Don’t sweat the small stuff
10. Live each day as if it’s your last
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Linda Clarke
Shannon Higgs
1. Sassy, detailed and confident 2. Socialising with family and friends, music festivals and cooking 3. All my life 4. I had an unplanned ride in an air ambulance 5. Speak other languages 6. A great big roast dinner – with everything on it! 7. Haribo sweets 8. Hybrid, personable & proactive 9. Helping people realise their dream home and handing over the keys at the end 10. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all
1. Honest, caring & bubbly 2. Fun times with my family 3. All my life
Stuart Yates
4. I have 7 grandchildren! 5. Learn to be a hairdresser
1. Dependable, determined & honest 2. A bacon sarnie, old cars, our dogs & family – not always in that order 3. 15 years
6. A big yummy roll, crisps and wine (I’m always on a diet!)
4. I once auditioned for ‘The Apprentice’ 5. Play the drums
7. Chocolate
6. Pie, chips & mushy peas
8. Honest, hardworking and a great team
7. Ebay
9. Our team spirit
8. Professional, experienced and straight forward
10. Don’t get angry, just smile
9. Feeling the pride in what we do and how we do it 10. You’re never too old to try something new
localagentnetwork.co.uk
Meet the team
Here’s what our customers think... Rose & Tom There are two things that really come to mind with Local Agent Network that make them different from other estate agents; one is that there’s a real team ethic; everyone has their role but they all come together and work as a team for the benefit of their clients, and that’s very clear to see. We would definitely recommend LAN to friends and family.
Helen : I bought and sold with Local Agent
Network and it was a great experience.
Sue Local Agent Network kept me updated and fitted in with my requirements.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Ros The whole team was very good and very supportive, every time we phoned we got a response or they would phone back within a very short time. I would definitely use Local Agent Network again, they were very knowledgeable of the area and the situation.
Katie I get on well with all the team at Local Agent Network, I’ve dealt with them all and found them all to be more than helpful and would have no problems with dealing with any of them. I would definitely recommend Local Agent Network if you were buying, selling or indeed letting a property. I find their way of working really efficient, really friendly and they are happy to hold your hand and they leave you with a feeling of positivity.
John The team handled everything perfectly; there was no problem and they always knew the status of the negotiation which I found very, very effective, so really it was a great team effort.
John Local Agent came into our house, made us feel welcome and didn’t feel like they needed to push us on anything at all.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
The recipe for SUCCESS?
It’s having a great agent. And when it comes to property, we have all the right ingredients you need to help get you moving.
localagentnetwork.co.uk 01525 876600 | info@localagentnetwork.co.uk