October 2019
Property news Get cosy Warm up your home using colour Page 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Prepare your home for autumn
How to enjoy firework celebrations - safely
Page 6
Page 8
Spooktacular things to do with the kids
Page 12
Editor’s letter Welcome to the October issue! The clocks are set to change this month which can only mean one thing – the colder weather is on its way! But fear not; inside this issue is lots of advice to help ensure your property doesn’t fall foul of the cold weather. Now is the time to focus on preparing your home and garden against the elements. Doing so will ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises, such as burst pipes, or the death of your favourite garden plants you’ve lovingly tended to over the summer.
Prepare your property for colder weather Autumn is here; the leaves are falling and it’s getting colder. Here are some handy tips for preparing your home for the colder months
And as the dark nights draw in, it’s also time to start planning for the seasonal events coming up on the calendar; Halloween and Bonfire night! To get you inspired, inside we feature a winter-warming recipe, perfect for either event. And if you’re looking for something frightfully good to do to celebrate Halloween, our travel pages feature enough spooky events around the country to help you plan spooktacular fun! We hope you enjoy reading this issue and we look forward to sharing more property-related and lifestyle articles with you next time. Enjoy! Linda McKeown Editor
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By turning your central heating back on now, you will be made aware of any issues with your heating before the cold weather really hits
You can lose as much as 30% of heating through seals and gaps in your loft
Boilers and radiators With the changeable weather over the summer, you will have probably turned your boiler on earlier than normal, only to turn it back off again with the warmer weather returning in September. If, however, you haven’t turned it on again, now is the time. By turning your central heating back on now, you will be made aware of any issues with your heating before the cold weather really hits. It may be wise to get your boiler professionally serviced to check for any problems that may appear further down the line. An engineer will identify problems with your thermostat that you may not be aware of. Your radiators may have had a build-up of sludge over the summer months – an engineer will flush through the dirty water and replace it with clean water ready for the harsher winter months; helping to ensure you never have to go without heating.
Draughts The last thing you need is pesky draughts letting cold air in and hot air out. You can check for draughts yourself using a lit candle around door frames and window frames. When
there is a draught, the flame will blow towards you. You can then either fix the draught yourself using hardware from a store or by calling in the professionals. You can lose as much as 30% of heating through seals and gaps in your loft. Check under the insulation for cut-outs, pipes, wires etc, and seal them from the inside. If you have a log burner or multifuel burner, remember to close the flue after use, (when the fireplace has cooled) to avoid heat escaping.
Create a cosy ambience Even sealed windows can allow heat to escape. By using good quality curtains, you can better insulate your windows. Close them at nighttime and when you’re not at home to conserve heat. With the nights getting darker, light up your windows with some warm fairy lights to create a cosy ambience. If you feel cold, you will be cold; trick your mind and make your home as cosy as possible! If you don’t have a real fireplace, light some scented candles. Choose autumnal scents such as wild pumpkin, cinnamon or cookies to create a cosy atmosphere in your
home. Spoil yourself with some fleecy blankets to wrap up in during the evenings. This will stop you from fiddling with the thermostat and making your house too warm.
Re-arrange the furniture Move your sofa, and any other furniture, away from the radiator; your sofa absorbs heat from the radiator which stops it from circulating around the room. The same goes for big TV units, dressers etc: try to keep your radiators unblocked by furniture so they can release heat just as they should. In bedrooms, long curtains can have the same effect. If possible, tuck the curtains behind the radiator and move beds away from radiators too. Waking up with your arm on a scalding radiator isn’t an enjoyable experience for anyone! If you have a conservatory clean it too and make it winter-ready; if you have vinyl flooring, invest in a thick shaggy rug. A conservatory can get cold even with a heating system installed, so opt for a plug-in heater too!
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Be inspired by
autumn’ s new colour trends
We love
Ha n d ma d Wo o l Y a r e Ch u n k n Bl a y M n k et e ri n o Y e llo w
The bedroom
Ochre is a beautiful mustard yellow that is taking the high-street by storm, and it’s perfect for brightening up a room while adding a cosy feel of autumn too. Either opt for block colour or items featuring it as hints of colour. There are a whole host of ways of incorporating ochre into your bedroom, but we can’t resist a lovely, chunky, throw to snuggle up to help survive the colder nights coming our way! Handmade Chunky Merino Wool Yarn Blanket Yellow Handmade from Merino wool, The Handmade Chunky Wool Yarn Blanket is incredibly soft and luxurious. The intricate craftsmanship gives the blanket a beautiful look and lush texture. Throw it at the end of your bed to add warmth to your bedroom. £44.95 www.tastitch.com
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Top pick Ideal Home Papillion Contour Fabric Accent Chair
The living room If you’re feeling brave and want to add colour to your living room, then opt for a colourful piece of furniture, such as a signature sofa or chair.
Ideal Home Papillion Contour Fabric Accent Chair Inspired by the classic mid-century contour chairs, Papillion features decorative button detail and soft rounded edges in pastel pink. The beautifully shaped leg section is wrapped in a naturally toned wood-effect that creates an eye-catching contrast against the felt-effect fabric above them. £219 www.very.co.uk
Think of autumn and warm tones of reds, browns and yellows come to mind. Celebrate the season by adding the latest trends to your home
Key colour trends for the home are shades of yellow, rustic reds, dusky pinks and geometric colourways
Great value
On trend ni ng i D d re e t ls o h M a rg a ret U p li a & C o. C h a i r Op h e
The dining room
Now’s the time to be bold with your colour choices for the home. Nothing is out of bounds, so try the likes of burnt reds with navy. Experiment and you’ll be surprised! And when it comes to your dining room, it’s no different. Update your entertaining and dining space to make an impact. Margaret Upholstered Dining Chair Ophelia & Co. These chairs will add a comfortable, sophisticated feel for a formal or casual dining room. Honey finished legs made from hardwood offer modern simplicity and a rich tone to complement the seat of the chair. And at a price that won’t break the bank either! £183.99 – set of 4 www.wayfair.co.uk
Bo n e ood s W ric a n dle t e m Ge o wit h H
x
The Kids’ room
There’s no need to let the kids miss out on the latest trends this autumn. Give their room an uplift with fun, geometric furniture that’s practical as well as fashionable! From shelving units, funky cushions and rugs, there is plenty of inspiration out there. Why not try some geometric themed storage boxes? Geometric Wooden Box with Handles Bring adorable design to your home with this decorative wooden storage crate from Happy Little Folks. Perfect for a children’s room, it’s ideal for holding little bits and pieces. Each box has been carefully hand-painted with the bold geometric shapes having been created by using nontoxic, water-based paint and sealed with non-toxic varnish. Simply choose your colour scheme and off you go! £28 By Happy Little Folks www.notonthehighsstreet.com
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How best to prepare your garden for the colder months We are currently grasping onto the last ounces of sunny weather, and now your garden will need some attention and preparation for autumn and winter With the hottest day ever recorded in the UK having just passed us by (38.7 degrees Celsius in Cambridge on 25th July this year), your garden will have had its work cut out this summer, and is likely now feeling rather dried-out and exhausted. With the colder months just around the corner, here are our top tips as to how best to prepare your garden for the cooler times ahead.
Put away garden furniture Your outside furniture will have done you proud throughout the summer months, but now you need to ensure it doesn’t become needlessly wet, rusty, and perhaps even frozen in parts. Pack away any chairs and tables, as well as the barbeque if it’s a movable one, to prevent them from becoming victims to the elements throughout the winter season. A dedicated storage space or a garage would be ideal places to store them.
Protect your low-growing plants from wet weather by covering them with a sheet of glass or a cloche, and surrounding them with a slightly elevated layer of gravel or grit
The final cut of the grass It’s advised that any good gardener should keep their lawn generally well-maintained throughout the winter months, keeping it tidy and well-looked after. Late October or early November is generally the ideal time to give your lawn its final trim before winter hits. However, if you live in a particularly mild area you may be able to get away with cutting your grass in December.
Rotting plants Rotting and dying plants and other vegetation in your garden don’t only look untidy, they can also spread disease to other, healthier, plants in the surrounding area. Pests and fungi are also likely with old plants and could incur further problems for your garden. Insects feeding on your crops throughout the summer may lay eggs on the stalks and leaves, so removing any finished plants prevents pests from getting a head start come springtime. It’s also useful to note that burying old plants in your garden adds organic matter to your soil, which improves soil tilth and overall health.
Regenerate your compost A rich heap of compost can go a long way, and can be used to top up garden beds, amend deficient soils, and fertilize lawns. If you’re making way for another batch of compost and cleaning out the previous load, it’s likely to be insulated against winter’s chill, meaning microbes fester for longer into the winter. To prevent the microbes from festering further, compile your autumn compost heap with plenty of autumn leaves, straw or sawdust, layered with kitchen scraps and other active, green matter.
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Prepare the soil Autumn is a great time to add in new additions to the soil, such as manure, compost, kelp and rock phosphate. It’s often best to wait until your soil dries out before deciding to work it and add in extra nutrients: doing so in autumn means you won’t need to do as much in spring. Once you’ve added your additions, cover the bed of soil with sheets of plastic or other coverings to help prevent winter rains from washing the nutrients below the active root zone. The soil should be ready to be uncovered in dry spring, ready to work its magic.
Protect vulnerable plants from frost You can protect your low-growing plants from wet weather by covering them with a sheet of glass or a cloche, and surrounding them with a slightly elevated layer of gravel or grit, to ensure swift drainage of any potential rainwater. Some outdoor containers are frost-proof, and it’s advised you use these to prevent them cracking.
Plant cover crops Late summer or early autumn is an ideal time of the year to sow crops like rye, vetch and clover because, as well as adding nutrients, such crops as these help prevent soil erosion, break up compacted areas, and increase levels of organic matter in garden beds. Also, one way to increase the levels of available nitrogen for garden vegetables is to plant legumes in your garden, such as clover or field peas. Although some cover crops are hardier than others, it tends to be a general rule of thumb to plant cover crops around one month before your first killing-frost.
Late October to early November is generally the ideal time to give your lawn its final trim before winter hits
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A guide to
staying safe
on Bonfire night
Bonfire night can be one of the most exciting nights of the year and for very good reason. It’s a night filled with pretty firework displays, traditional bonfire treats and cosy hot drinks. However, it’s important to stay safe Whether you’re attending a firework display or celebrating at home, it’s important to remember that there are certain things you should and should not do.
You should: • • • • • •
build your bonfire far away from your home stand far enough away from fireworks and the bonfire make sure an adult checks the bonfire for hidden animals have a bucket of water nearby for emergencies keep your beloved pets inside during the celebrations remember to wrap up warm
You should never: • return to a firework after it’s been lit • let off fireworks after 11pm, (or midnight on the 5 Nov), as it’s illegal • build a bonfire near to any trees, fences or your home • leave before ensuring the fire and surroundings are put out • pour petrol or paraffin on the fire
According to the RSPCA 45 percent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear a firework set off
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Firework safety
!
Bonfire night stats
Firework displays can be great for the whole family. They can also be very dangerous, so here are a few tips on how to stay safe: • Only adults should; set up firework displays, light fireworks and safely dispose of them • You should only buy fireworks which show the CE mark • Read and follow the instructions • Use a taper to light the fireworks • Have a bucket of water at hand • Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flat-bottomed fireworks • Stand at a safe distance whilst fireworks are going off
4, 436 people used the NHS A&E services for firework related injuries in 2017/2018 Around half of all firework injuries happen to children under the age of 16 (gov.uk) Over the past five years over 350 preschool children have been hospitalised due to firework injuries (UK fire service)
Tips to help keep your pets safe Fun with sparklers • Find somewhere safe and open • Make sure you wear gloves when handling sparklers • Sparklers shouldn’t be given to children under the age of five • Hold the sparkler away from your face and body • Never touch the end of the sparkler • Once it’s no longer burning, put it in a bucket of water
Bonfire night can be a very scary night for your furry friends. According to the RSPCA, 45 percent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear a firework set off. So, to help, we’ve put together a few useful tips to keep them safe and happy. • If you have a dog, make sure you walk them in daylight hours before the fireworks start • Close all your windows and curtains, to help muffle the sound • Put the telly or radio on to provide distraction • Create some hiding spaces around the house and if they do hide under furniture, leave them there • Make sure your pet is microchipped in case they escape • For small animals, partly cover their cages with blankets: this will help with soundproofing
Spooktacular soup! If you’re planning on carving pumpkins this Halloween, make the most of the whole pumpkin! There are plenty of recipes out there to try, but we love this soup which uses both the flesh and seeds Pumpkin & lentil soup
Serves 4 Kcals per serving: 233 Suitable for vegetarians and gluten free
Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp 2 onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped approx 800g chopped pumpkin flesh, plus the seeds 100g split red lentils ½ small pack thyme, leaves picked, plus extra to serve 1l hot vegetable stock pinch of salt and sugar 50g crème fraiche, plus extra to serve
Method 1. Heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the onions until softened and
starting to turn golden. Stir in the garlic, pumpkin flesh, lentils and thyme, then pour in the hot stock. Season, cover and simmer for 20-25 mins until the lentils and vegetables are tender. 2. Meanwhile, wash the pumpkin seeds. Remove any flesh still clinging to them, then dry using kitchen paper. Heat the 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan and fry the seeds until they start to jump and pop. Stir frequently but cover the pan in between to keep them in it. When the seeds look toasted, add a sprinkling of salt and a pinch of sugar. Stir well. 3. Whizz the cooked pumpkin mixture with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth, then add the crème fraiche and whizz again. Taste for seasoning. 4. Serve with a spoonful of crème fraiche, a few thyme leaves and the toasted seeds scattered on top.
This recipe, and more, can be found at www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/creamy-pumpkin-lentil-soup
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O T E TI M GET COSY! cold Don’t let the oors. keep you ind gainst Snuggle up a in soft the elements and chunky knits ories. stylish access faves… Here are our
2-Piece Squirrel Print Hat & Mittens Set With this cute crocheted hat and matching mittens, they’ll be ready for splashing through all the puddles! Featuring ribbed cuffs, for a snuggly mitten fit. Embellished hat features a fun pom pom and squirrel motif. £14 www.marksandspencer.com
Girls grey padded belted longline coat Featuring zip pockets and detachable faux fur trim, this padded and belted long-sleeve coat is ideal for any fashion-conscious girl. Made from 100% polyester fabric. £50 www.riverisland.com
Monsoon Space Stripe Novelty Gloves Simply fun at their fingertips! These novelty gloves feature space-themed appliqués – perfect for any space-loving child. Available for ages 3 - 13 years. £12 www.very.co.uk
Boys’ Tech Parka Made from a shower-resistant material, this parka features a zip-through front, pockets for stashing essentials and a faux-fur lined hood to help protect against the elements. Available in bright blue, navy and red colourways. £55 - £61 www.johnlewis.com
Barbour® Leather Black Utility Gloves Invest in these 100% leather gloves to keep your hands warm and protected against the cold. £60 www.next.co.uk
Accessorize Devonshire Check Blanket Scarf In a classic check, this Devonshire blanket scarf by Accessorize is sure to lift your winter looks with tones of pink and yellow. 100% acrylic. L190 x W70 cm. £20 www.very.co.uk
Chilton Short Padded Wellies Don’t let the rain dampen your mood, or your style! These mid-height wellies from Joules are super stylish and have been finished with a faux fur collar for warmth. An anti-slip sole gives extra grip for those frosty mornings. £49.95 www.joules.com
Accessorize Nude Chunky Cable Poncho Ponchos are still on trend for the colder months, and this chunky knit poncho, made from 100% acrylic, is a must-have to help defend against the cold. £32 www.next.co.uk
SD-3 Parka Jacket Dress your man in style while keeping him cosy. With removable faux fur trim, a zip and toggle button fastening, five outer pockets, one inner pocket and ribbed cuffs, what more could he want in a jacket! £90.99 www.superdry. com
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Shrieks
ahead! Grab your broomsticks, it’s Halloween! Here’s how to keep your little coven spellbound and the not-so-little monsters in your life cackling at some of Britain’s top haunts
Apparently, we have the Celts to thank for Halloween and its creepy traditions. According to some scholars, the last day of October marked the end of the Celtic calendar and was the day they chose to honour their dead. Unfortunately, the Celts also felt this was the time when the barrier between worlds became wafer thin, allowing spirits to cross over and mingle with the living in order to destroy their recently gathered crops. So, to prepare themselves for this medieval fright night, the Celts across Britain and Europe
disguised themselves as ghosts and ghouls to wander unopposed, further arming themselves with lanterns carved from large seasonal vegetables and lighting bonfires. Sound familiar?
– the night before All Saints Day, which is November 1 – and, with the Church starting to restrict Pagan practises, Irish settlers heading to America took their traditions with them.
Of course, the well-to-do were far too important to indulge with such supernatural superstitions, so the poor offered to pray for their dead as well – in return for a small cake or, if you like, a treat. Conversely, in Irish mythology the Pooka (think Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream) would also be around to play pranks. Of course, you can’t miss the trick.
And that’s how a festival dedicated to death snowballed into the multi-million-pound fun night we know and love today.
The name Halloween originates from the mid-1700s and is derived from the Scottish All Hallows’ Eve
BOLSOVER CASTLE
Warwick Castle WARWICK From October 19 until November 3, the castle becomes a dead cert for those looking for bloodcurdling tales. With a choice of scare levels – Plucky Pumpkins, Daring Dukes and Brave Knights – you can meet a host of bizarre characters, wondrous witches and even the crew of the Paranormal Encounters TV show as they try to discover why the ghosts of Warwick cannot leave. Further details: warwick-castle.com
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Given such a macabre backstory, it’s really no surprise the best places to get spooked at Halloween are Britain’s mythladen stately homes and castles. We feature five which we are sure will help raise the chill factor.
DERBYSHIRE
It’s really no surprise the best places to get spooked at Halloween are Britain’s mythladen stately homes and castles
Said to be one of the country’s most haunted castles – which encouraged staff to keep a special ‘ghost book’ to record the eerie experiences of visitors! You may even bump into the ghost of Sir Charles, said to wander the corridors of his former home, or catch the distinct whiff of horses coming from the empty riding school. Further details: english-heritage.org.uk and search for Bolsover Castle
The name Halloween originates from the mid-1700s and is derived from the Scottish All Hallows’ Eve – the night before All Saints Day
oxford Castle
OXFORD Visitors to Oxford Castle, another of Britain’s most haunted buildings, will be met by a host of Halloween-themed fun; from Bill Spectre’s ghost trails and midnight ghost tours of the castle, to the jailbreak escape room puzzle game, as well as Trick or Treat evenings, pumpkin carvings and ghost hunts for families and children.
Whitby Abbey
Further details: oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/ event/ghostfest/
NORTH YORKSHIRE
Fancy exploring the darker side of history among bright lights? No better place than an illuminated tour of the ruins which inspired Dracula, Bram Stoker’s classic horror story where you can meet witches and witchfinders. Further details: english-heritage.org.uk and search for Whitby Abbey
Other events Added to the above, the London Dungeon is promising something terrifyingly spectacular in their Halloween show (thedungeons. com) while younger thrillseekers will love Brick or Treat, the spooktacular sleepover event at LEGOLAND Windsor (legolandholidays.co.uk). And just to prove ghostly goings-on aren’t confined to dry land, the skeleton crew of a ghostly pirate ship has moved into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard bringing with them Halloween crafts, face painting, a deathly disco, kids trail and lots of competitions (historicdockyard.co.uk).
margam CASTLE SOUTH WALES
Margam Castle in Port Talbot can be a chilling location at the best of times and is said to be the home of the nasty and angry spirit of a gamekeeper who really throws his weight around! The castle has seen a lot of paranormal activity so their after-dark Halloween Ghost Hunt should be a ghoulish experience. Further details: eeventbrite.co.uk/e/halloweenat-margam-castle-ghosthunt-south-wales Of course, if you prefer your Halloween to be more home-based there are several things to keep the youngsters occupied before they go Trick or Treating. The English Heritage website (English-heritage.org.uk) carries helpful guides to making creepy lanterns and masks, as well as proposing a change to the modern trend of carving pumpkins by reverting to the more traditional turnips.
No self-respecting party would be complete without apple bobbing, another game which can be traced back to the Celts, who tied apples to trees to encourage the sun god to return the following year. Then it’s off for the much-loved house-to-house procession where clusters of Grim Reapers, zombies, Captain Jack Sparrows, ghosts, skeletons and even Hulks knock on doors and demand: ‘Trick or Treat?’ Whatever would the Celts have made of it all?
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The EFL Championship: How are the promotion favourites doing so far? Promotion from the EFL Championship is the most lucrative prize in world football; worth around £170 million because of the enormous TV rights package on offer!
Last years’ promoted teams, Norwich City, Aston Villa and Sheffield United are already feeling the harsh realities of life in the Premier League. But, with masses of money paid out in transfer fees and player contracts upon promotion, they will hope to duplicate the success of teams such as Burnley, Bournemouth and Wolves in the long run. Two teams win promotion automatically every year, with a play-off for the final spot from the teams positioned third to sixth. It’s a long hard slog with 46 games in the league, (and cup games on top,) and the Championship always throws up some surprises along the way. Before the busy winter period, here is our handy guide to how the promotion favourites are faring so far.
Leeds United Promotion from the EFL Championship is the most lucrative prize in world football
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Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were last years’ play off final losers; despite sitting at the top of the table for most of the season the players tired and they lost their way. Losing first-teamer Pontus Jansson and top-scorer Kemar Roofe, and without the funds to replace them, they have looked to youngsters on loan from the Premier League this season. With another preseason under his belt and described as the ‘best manager in the world’ by Guardiola, expect them not to
tire this year. They steamrollered over Swansea, only to lose in the 90th minute, so they will hope Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa bed in and make an impact as they don’t want the same problems as last season, when they lacked the cutting edge in attack.
Cardiff City Swansea City may be flying high at the start of the season, but expect this to be a temporary surge, much like a 100:1 outsider out front in the Grand National. They will fade, but expect Welsh rivals, Cardiff City, to hold steady throughout the season. Neil Warnock is an old hand at getting teams promoted, holding the record with 8 promotions in his management career. Cardiff have a solid squad of players, ready to rotate over the busier periods; when other teams drop off. Don’t be surprised when they’re, at least, in the play-off spots come the turn of the new year. And with Will Vaulks catapult throws, expect some last-minute goals ruining everyone else’s party.
Fulham Fulham spent big last year to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Caretaker manager Scott Parker did enough at the end of last season to get the job full time. They have a large squad of players, most with Premier League experience who will itch to get back to the top-flight. Like Leeds, they have dipped into the Premier League loan market, bringing in the experience of Harry Arter and the exciting Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolves, and kept hold of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Expect Mitrovic and Cavaleiro to be pushing each other in their own personal goalscoring competition to the end of the season and don’t be surprised if Mitrovic reaches the magical thirty.
THE
perks
OF
RENTING
Between 2007 and 2017, the number of people renting in the UK increased by 63% A record number of people now rent their home as opposed to buying; with a large selection choosing to rent even though they could afford to buy. Renting has a huge number of perks and, with owning a home not as much of a priority for younger generations, this will continue to rise. The largest group of private renters are those aged 25-34. However,
there has also been an increase in renting for 45-54-year-olds. With new measures introduced earlier in the year, tenants have never been better protected. The increase in private renters isn’t necessarily because buying a house is out of their budget, many rent instead of buying due to career, family and the huge number of benefits that come from renting.
SO, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS OF RENTING? The world moves faster than ever before. On average, Millennials switch jobs more often than older generations; with 60% always open to new opportunities. The job market has changed with people rarely staying in one job throughout their life. Many now want the flexibility to move to new areas to pursue their career. Renting is the perfect choice for those that do, as there is no need to put your house on the market, await viewings, negotiate offers and then wait for conveyancing. Leaving a rental property entails handing in your notice, cleaning and then moving! QUICK PROCESS
Many rent instead of buying due to career, family and the huge number of benefits that come from renting
Moving into a rental property is quicker than buying a property too. When you rent, you calculate how much you can afford using your salary, go on some viewings and then confirm to us, the agent, that you like the property. After this, you can put down a deposit and wait for the reference checks to complete, which usually takes a week. Once referencing is complete, you will confirm your
move-in date, pay your deposit and usually your first month’s rent, and pick up your keys. In theory, with the process running smoothly, you could view a house on a weekend and move in the next weekend! NO REPAIR BILLS If you own your home and the boiler breaks, or the oven stops working, you will need to pay a professional to replace or fix the item and do the work. In a rental property, report these problems and the landlord will get them fixed quickly at no cost to yourself, (as long as you didn’t cause the damage). This is the same for smoke alarms, Carbon Monoxide alarms and any other problems that happen during your tenancy. INSPECTIONS HELP YOU KEEP ON TOP OF THE CLEANING That dreaded word every tenant fears: ‘inspection’. However, this is the perfect opportunity to remind you to do a deep clean every sixmonths. When you own your home, you have no-one coming around to check on the condition of the property, which can lead to laziness in the upkeep of your home.
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K N AL IO W TAT S TO Harlington £395,000
Dunstable Road, Toddington £225,000
Superbly located within a short walk to the two excellent schools and the mainline Train Station plus the shops in the village. This extended detached home has an entrance hall, cloak room, utility room, L shape living/dining room and fitted kitchen. On the first floor are four bedrooms and the shower room. There is a lawned front garden and private rear garden with a single garage and parking for 3 vehicles at the rear.
Stepped back from the road with a small garden and a porch, there is a wood burner in the living room, over the past 2 years the kitchen has been refitted as has the bathroom. Underfloor heating to the ground floor and the energy efficient boiler is less than 2 years old. Upstairs are the TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS. The courtyard garden to the rear is private and enjoys a southerly aspect with a really useful brick built barn.
AL N O ITI AD TR Dunstable £345,000
Stoke Hammond £240,000
Located in the popular Priory Area in South Dunstable. Updated and improved with a hall, fitted kitchen, living room, separate dining room and conservatory. On the first floor is the master bedroom and dressing room, bedroom two and refitted bathroom. On the second floor is the third bedroom. There is a driveway, attached garage and south facing rear garden.
Ideally located in a quiet cul de sac, within Stoke Hammond is this charming two bedroom home. The property is within catchment for the Aylesbury Grammar school and High Ash C of E Primary school. There is easy access to the A5 for Milton Keynes & Bletchley.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
01525 876600
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
IN O A N CH R PE UP
Toddington £232,000
Beautifully presented property that has been extended and re modelled. Porch, living room, gorgeous family space with sitting area and dining room which opens to the stylish refitted kitchen. Master bedroom with an ensuite shower room, two further bedrooms and a refitted luxury bathroom. Driveway to the front, the garage has been converted with a store to the front and the rear is a study. Nice rear garden.
Priced to attract attention and for an early sale is this lovely home ideal for a first purchase or investment buy. It is tucked away in a small cul de sac and enjoys a private garden and off road parking. The accommodation is well presented and feature an entrance hall, living room with double doors into the garden, a kitchen/dining room, TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS and a refitted bathroom.
SO ST LD C
Toddington £395,000
Toddington £437,500
Harlington £215,000
Located within a select development of just six properties, is this extended fourbedroom home. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, utility cupboard and cloakroom, kitchen/dining room, living room, four bedrooms, a shower ensuite and a family bathroom. The garden extends to the side and rear of the property, with further planning in place to extend further if required. There is a paved driveway and an integral garage.
Charming extended two bedroom cottage in a private location with NO UPPER CHAIN. The village has plenty to offer, it is only a short walk away from local amenities, schools and mainline Train Station serving Bedford - St Pancras. The property has character features throughout.
localagentnetwork.co.uk
Toddington £199,950
Flitwick £610,000
This is quite a remarkable apartment - it offers so much more than you imagine. The spacious and well presented interior has an entrance hall, large living/dining room, there is a refitted kitchen and bathroom and two DOUBLE bedrooms. What makes it really special is the HUGE GARDEN.
This charming extended home is situated in the centre of Flitwick and has plenty of space to offer. The accommodation comprises of an entrance hallway, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/family room, four double bedrooms, a shower en-suite and a family bathroom. Major benefits include a utility room, cellar, double glazing and double garage! There is off road parking and a private rear garden.
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Toddington £248,995
Toddington £499,500
A perfect first home or investment. It is tucked into a very small cul de sac and has 2 parking spaces immediately in front of the house. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, living room, refitted kitchen/dining room and upstairs are two double bedrooms and the bathroom. Being the end of the terrace the garden is wider than normal and running the full depth of the house are 2 bespoke sheds giving loads of storage facilities.
Featuring a living room with a log burner, a snug/home office and across the back of the property is a WOW kitchen opening to the dining/family space. Part of the garage has been converted to enable a large utility room off the kitchen. Upstairs is the master bedroom with an ensuite shower, three further bedrooms and the family bathroom. A wide frontage gives off road parking side by side for convenience and to the rear is an enclosed garden with the focus on easy maintenance.
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Flitwick £294,000
Cranfield £289,995
This extended four-bedroom home is situated in the centre of Flitwick. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room and cloakroom. On the first floor are four bedrooms and the family bathroom. The plot has an enclosed private rear garden and a single garage plus parking. The property also benefits from double glazing and gas central heating.
This deceptively spacious semi detached home with a deep frontage, has been improved considerably including refitting the kitchen, the living room has been adapted to give more space and they have refitted the ground floor shower room and the bathroom. There is off road parking and an enclosed rear garden.
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Meppershall £750,000
Toddington £425,000
A stunning detached bungalow set off the road and behind remote controlled entrance gates. It has been built to a high standard with excellent attention to detail to create a very special home. Garden to the rear and a large private driveway giving off road parking for several cars.
A quiet location for this four bedroom home. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, cloakroom, large living room and open plan kitchen/dining room. On the first floor are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. A major benefit to this property is the ANNEXE which offers extra space and has a shower en-suite. There is a private enclosed rear garden and a paved driveway to the front.
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Houghton Regis £245,000
Caldecotte £288,500
This is a really well presented two bedroom home that is sure to appeal to any buyer looking for something a bit special where they really don’t have to do much to it. The present owners have really enhanced the accommodation by refitting the kitchen and bathroom. There is double glazing and gas central heating. Garage, driveway and privately enclosed garden.
The location of this apartment is just wonderful when you walk into the apartment the first words are “just look at that view”. The accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall, open plan lounge/kitchen with french doors to a balcony, en-suite to master bedroom, bedroom two and a bathroom. Outside there is secure underground parking space with gated access.
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Dunstable £335,000
Leighton Buzzard £99,995
Well presented throughout and located in East Dunstable is this three bedroom home. There are local amenities within walking distance, as well as easy access to the Luton & Dunstable Hospital and central Dunstable. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, kitchen/ breakfast room, living/dining room, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The plot extends to the front and rear with a driveway, garage and private rear garden.
This period building is conveniently located close to the ‘Market Square’ in Leighton Buzzard. There is a communal hall with a LIFT to the 1st floor and a communal garden and courtyard. The apartment we are selling has a private hall, light living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Very unusually it also has a large loft that is accessed from the 2nd floor. It is perfect as a craft or hobby room.
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Toddington £385,000
Luton OIEO £250,000
This home occupies a good sized plot with a lovely garden and off road parking to the front. The good sized accommodation features an entrance porch, lounge/ dining room, study/bedroom FOUR, large kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms and a shower room. Meadow Road has a mixture of house styles and is a sought after place to live, walking distance to the schools and village facilities.
This charming terraced home is located in the Farley Hill area with local amenities and easy access to both Luton Town Centre & Luton Mainline Railway Station. The properties accommodation includes an entrance hall, living room, dining room and fitted kitchen. On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. west facing private rear garden, gas central heating and double glazing.
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Toddington £469,995
Toddington £375,000
Orchard Close is a small, established cul de sac which has a very friendly feel and located within easy reach of the village amenities and two excellent schools. This home really is deceptively spacious with a large entrance hall, living room with a feature fireplace, dining room and a good sized kitchen/breakfast room that has been refitted.
This extended detached home offering no upper chain, a brand new boiler and well designed accommodation. There is an entrance hall, cloakroom, living room, dining room and conservatory. There is an extended kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom, ensuite shower, two further bedrooms and the bathroom. Attached to the side is the garage, driveway and the enclosed rear garden.
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Toddington £340,000
Houghton Regis £175,000
This lovely Victorian cottage is located in the sought after village of Toddington. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, 25ft open plan living/dining room, kitchen, utility and cloakroom. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a bathroom. Major benefits of this property are gas central heating, double glazing and an off road parking space. There is also a good size private rear garden.
Fantastic opportunity to acquire a two bedroom property for full renovation and potential to extend subject to planning. The property is in a good location for transport links and close to local schools. There is an entrance hall, living/dining room, kitchen and lean to. Two double bedrooms and a bathroom. Off road parking and a single detached garage and there is also private rear garden.
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Toddington £275,000
Greenfield £395,000
Rhees Cottage built in 1609 has been refurbished and lovingly restored over the last few years. It is unique, detached and just a stones throw from the village green. The property boasts a separate dining room and living room both with exposed beams and fireplaces. Kitchen, rear lobby and bathroom. Upstairs are two double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes. Cottage styled garden which is easily maintainable.
Simply stunning in a sought after village. A wealth of exposed beams throughout and is surprisingly spacious for a period cottage of this style. There is a good sized living room with an inglenook fireplace, a well presented kitchen, large master bedroom and two further bedrooms plus a luxury bathroom. Outside is a cottage garden to the front and a lovely enclosed garden to the rear with off road parking for 2 cars.
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Lidlington £215,000
Heath & Reach £440,000
This well presented home is located in the quaint village of Lidlington which benefits from a train station. Centre Parcs is approx. 3 miles away and M1 junction 13 is approximately 4 miles away. This well proportioned property has an entrance hall, kitchen, living/dining room, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden and a GARAGE in the block behind.
Superbly located in a quiet cul de sac, is this extended 3/4 bedroom detached home. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, cloakroom, open plan living/dining room, refitted kitchen and bedroom four/study. On the first floor are three double bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room. The plot extends to the side and has a private rear garden, cabin and integral garage.
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Toddington £530,000
Dunstable £330,000
On the odd occasion, a property comes onto the market that is unique and just a bit special. This superb cottage enjoys a lovely location with a deep frontage, right next to the village Pond and backing onto miles of open countryside with lovely views.The condition throughout is superb with attention to detail and it is very well presented. You really do need to step inside to appreciate the size and space on offer.
Situated in the ever popular Luton & Dunstable borders is this lovely extended family home. There is a porch and hall, a living room, the kitchen is open plan to the family room. Additionally there is a shower room, utility room and a partly converted garage, the new owner could easily change it back into a full size garage if preferred. Upstairs are three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom.
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