LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
MARCH 2021
LIVING ROOM RENOVATIONS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR LIVING SPACE TODAY KIT-OUT YOUR GARDEN BE SPRING-READY WITH THE BEST GARDEN FURNITURE
ST PATRICK’S DAY RECIPES COOK AN IRISH FEAST TO CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S DAY
NEW MUSIC FROM STARS CLASSIC BANDS RELEASING BRAND NEW MUSIC
BEAT THE BOREDOM HOBBIES TO TRY AT HOME TO KEEP YOU BUSY
CONTENTS COVER STORY
6
Living room renovations Breathe new life into your living space today
PROPERTY
2 16
Kit-out your garden Be spring-ready with the best garden furniture Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
FOOD
8
A feast for St Patrick’s Day Tasty Irish recipes, perfect for celebrating St Paddy’s day
LIFESTYLE
4
A matter of time The clocks go forward this month, but what does it all mean?
10
A head-start on your garden There are certain seeds and bulbs you can now start to sow
12
The Many Saints of Newark What to expect from the film based on The Sopranos series
13
New music from old stars We look at the classic bands releasing new music
14
Beat the boredom Put some bounce into spring with a new hobby
SPORT
15
Reaching for the pot of gold The race to reach the Premier League is entering the last leg
WELCOME TO THE MARCH ISSUE! The schools go back in a week and, at the end of the month, outdoor sports facilities will reopen and the rule of six will come back into place. This is obviously positive news for everyone, especially with the days getting longer. This month, to coincide with the positive news, we want to help you get your garden up to scratch and to do so we have two great features about your outdoor space. The first includes the ‘best buys’ to kit-out-your-garden in styles, and the second is our Spring gardening guide. At the end of the month the clocks change; lighter evenings are coming and on pages 4&5 we have an in-depth look at the
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process. Moving inside, we have a superb feature with some incredible, space-saving living room renovation ideas. In the middle, we celebrate St. Patrick’s day with some traditional Irish recipes, and, on top of all these, we have a preview of The Many Saints of Newark, the best new music releases from old favourites and a look at the EFL Championship teams pushing for promotion this Spring. The clouds are clearing and there is light at the tunnel… Remember, Stay Safe, Stay Positive. Jonathan Wheatley Editor
B
ack in August, the UK recorded a record-breaking heatwave. Therefore we can be hopeful of rivalling temperatures in 2021. So, in preparation, here are some perfect DIY garden ideas so you can make the most of celebrating the British Summer from your own home.
COOK OUTDOORS
If you want to capitalise on the warm weather this Summer, then give yourself a good excuse to cook outside, and treat yourself to a new barbecue, or, if you feel like getting hands-on, then check out how you can design a barbecue from scratch. Perhaps you would like to go a step further. In this case, look to build a whole outdoor kitchen so you can really make the garden the place to be. As well as increasing your living space, its openness provides the perfect opportunity for entertaining guests, and allows everyone to gather around whilst dinner is being prepared.
SNUGGLE UP IN THE DARK
A really stylish way to transform your garden is to install a fire pit. Through just a few easy steps, and a handful of materials, you can create a stunning visual display, which is equally as practical. On cool evenings a firepit can provide you with some much needed warmth, and add some colour to your garden. On top of this, they are the perfect crowd-pleaser. With just the addition of a few chairs, fire pits are great for socialising late into the night. They can also offer a great way of cooking food. For example, you can place a grill rack over the top in order to give your dinner the authentic taste of a campfire. And what’s more, the fire pit is the gift that keeps on giving, because it can be used throughout the year. Just grab some blankets, and experience its warmth into the winter months.
CREATING
YOUR OWN
SUMMER
PARADISE
SOAK UP THE RAYS
There is nothing more exciting about the Summer months than the prospect of hot weather
TAKE THE PARTY OUTSIDE
If you want to take the good times anywhere you go this summer, then why not create your own home bar? For example, if there is a rustic shed at the end of your garden which is going unused, then why not dust it down and revamp it into an industrial pub shed. Or, if you fancy going for a slightly more minimalist approach, then choose to extend a bar counter onto the outside of the kitchen. By merely switching to appropriate windows, this can transform your kitchen into a restaurant-like bar in seconds, and make it easy to transfer food and drink across, creating a link between your kitchen and patio. And if you fancy designing a bar that can follow you around the garden, then opt for a sturdy bar cart, and fill it with all the drinks of a fully-stocked bar, so that, wherever you are, the party is never far behind.
How many times have you basked in the summer heat, and wished you had a hot tub to be soaking in? Well this year, make this dream a reality! There are so many reasons why getting one would be a fruitful investment. For example, along with a fire pit, a hot tub is not restrictive to the summer season, so you can relax in one whether it’s sunny or snowing. They also add a very bold statement to any household. They’re great for entertaining guests, or if you’d prefer to use it privately, they can act as a personal oasis, whilst simultaneously boasting health benefits, such as de-stressing and muscle relaxation. And finally, soaking in a hot tub is a superb way to feel pampered, without going on holiday. Just lie back, turn on the jets, and enjoy your own private retreat
GO ALL OUT ON A SUMMER HOUSE
If you fancy an even bigger project, then why not splash out on a summer house? As well as providing a statement for your garden, summer houses are great places to detox f rom the stresses of everyday life. For instance, the sanctuary of a summer house offers ample opportunity to unwind with a good book, or even to get creative with arts and crafts. And if you need some peace and quiet f rom the bustle of your own house, then turn this space into your own home office, and say goodbye to being interrupted during all of your important meetings. More than anything though, a summer house gives you more options for entertaining, so that you can really take advantage of the warm weather.
How many times have you basked in the summer heat, and wished you had a hot tub to be soaking in?
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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A MATTER OF
TIME The clocks go forward this month, but what does it all mean?
W
hat started with a throwaway remark in 1784 has influenced our lives for more than 100 years. But although one of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, observed on a visit to France that Parisiennes should be woken an hour earlier by cannons and church bells, the concept of Daylight Saving Time (DST) – or as it is more widely-known British Summer Time – did not gain traction until 1895 when a New Zealand scientist, George Vernon Hudson, proposed to his government that the clocks should go forward by two hours every summer. Although he was unsuccessful, an English builder, William Willett, began lobbying Parliament in 1907 to alter the clocks to create more hours of daylight in the
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PROPERTY NEWS
summer. Although cynics sniped it was to allow Willett more time to play golf and ride out, he argued we were frittering away natural light by rising at the same time in the summer as in the darker days of winter. He advocated putting clocks forward of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by 80 minutes (20 minutes at a time during April) and reversing it in similar stages throughout September. But it wasn’t until the spring of 1916, a year after his death, that Willett’s proposal was adopted - and then only by an hour – as wartime governments around Europe tried to cut fuel consumption and increase productivity. Incidentally, Willett is the greatgreat-grandfather of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who co-wrote the track Clocks for the group’s album, A Rush Of Blood To The Head. A nod to his ancestor, perhaps? Anyway, apart from a spell during, and immediately after, the second World War when they were brought forward two hours to avoid fuel shortages, that’s the way it stayed until 1968 when Britain spent three years in DST.
But fears around road safety prompted a return to the status quo, disappointing those who argued changing the clocks twice a year upset natural sleep rhythms which could ultimately lead to health problems. To say nothing of the shocks suffered by those who had forgotten to change and couldn’t work out what was going on. Our former European colleagues also tackled time in 2018, when the European Union commissioned a study which found 84 per cent of people in countries which had DST wanted it discontinued. It gave member states the option to continue in summer time by adjusting their clocks for the last time this month, while those opting for permanent winter time would turn back their clocks in October. For most of us, though, it all revolves around whether, for one day, we are gaining – or losing – an extra hour under the duvet. So, in this case, it means after 1am on Sunday March 28th, we spring forward from our beds, desperately hoping the other half remembered to adjust the central heating settings. The main advantage, of course, is that evenings gradually become lighter, promoting more activity
after work, which is obviously good for general health and the retail sector, which has long complained that darker, colder afternoons reduce footfall apart from around Christmas.
Nature starts to break out of its winter slumber to bring splashes of colour to the countryside
Roads also become safer. Figures show casualty rates peak at 8am and 10am and worsen at 3pm and 7pm during darker hours and deteriorating road conditions when cyclists – particularly children on their way home from school – are most at risk. There are also environmental benefits, as demand for electricity decreases in correlation with the increased hours of daylight as well as rising temperatures. Plus nature starts to break out of its winter slumber to bring splashes of colour to the countryside. Consequently, people generally feel happier and more energetic.
Employers’ organisations say there are lower sickness rates among their workers while instances of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression) drop significantly, while carb cravings are also lowered. And once the clocks go forward, the clock starts ticking down to the first of the Bank Holiday weekends, heralded by the four-day Easter blockbuster, followed by two more in May and another at the end of August. So, as you ponder the complexities of resetting the timer on the boiler count yourself fortunate. There are more than 2,000 clocks in the Houses of Parliament. And the time on your Smartphone updates automatically.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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NEED SOME INSPIRATION ON HOW TO RENOVATE AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE?
If you’re renovating your living room, and trying to change things up, and/or create more storage space, look no further for your inspiration than here
B
asking in the peaceable kingdom that is your living space has never been so important. Whether it be a calming décor, an ocean of soft and fluffy comfort for your bare feet to walk through, or a crackling fireplace spitting happily away as you read a good novel, your living space should be a thing of beauty. Here are our ideas for how to get the best out of your living space.
HANGING ART.
Art is the gateway to the soul, as someone great surely once said. Grace your walls with art. And art is art – it doesn’t need to be by a world-renowned artist, just something you like which suits your tastes.
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Perhaps choose colours which match your desired décor of the entire room. Either way, art or photography can go a long way in giving your living space a much needed lift in character and mood.
RUGS. If you’re in the process of renovating your living space, rugs can serve a very good practical purpose as well as a decorative one. If you’ve recently moved some significant furniture to another position, for instance, this can leave unattractive indentations in the carpet, and a rug can discreetly solve this problem. Two birds, one stone. It’s fun to decide upon the right colour and design of your rug, too!
TV AND UNITS.
The size of the unit obviously is determined by your television, because it’s all about the widescreen high def. Right? Well, not always. It’s often about storage and décor. Perhaps you’re someone who doesn’t particularly care for an enormous TV in your living room. Either way, a TV unit is a fantastic way of creating precious space for your Sky box, DVD’s, Blu-rays, video games, books, ornaments, and many other things. Make it work for you.
STORAGE BOX SEATS.
One of the most wonderfully versatile pieces of furniture for the living space can be a foldable storage stool. It can provide a
Throw pillows can also be the perfect seasoning to chairs, and can help blend the chairs into the desired décor of the room
brilliant storage solution for a great many bits and bobs, but also act as a foot rest, or a full on seat. Pick the right colour and style, and you’ve got yourself a very welcome new member of the furniture family.
CHAIRS AND THROW PILLOWS.
Hanging chairs can make the difference between traditional and modern, if done right. Be thoughtful in your creative thinking, and the chairs you have in your living space can complete it in reliable ways. Throw pillows can also be the perfect seasoning to chairs, and can help blend the chairs into the desired décor of the room. Hanging chairs are a more modern option, which, depending on the style of your room, can be one of the most impressive things in it.
COFFEE TABLE.
The centre piece of many living spaces, believe it not, can be a coffee table. If it’s a large, marble, beautifully crafted coffee table, for example, it certainly has the power to completely transform the living space from a mere room to a beautiful entertaining space. They usually serve
great practical purpose too, acting as a kind of storage solution in themselves, both on top and underneath the table.
FIREPLACES.
The fireplace can be key to creating the focal point in your living room. It can enhance the modern feel to the space, or indeed complement the vintage style to the room. Fireplaces can get expensive, though, so be sure to pick the right one for you, in terms of style as well. Log burners can be ideal for the winter, whereas wall-mounted fireplaces can be more low maintenance. With many factors to consider, the choice is yours to make.
BOOK SHELVES.
Like the aforementioned hanging art possibility, lots and lots of books can be the finishing touch to a living space and add a touch of class. After all, reading by the fireplace – is there a more peaceful scene? Book shelves can solve many storage problems. With an entire wall dominated by beautiful, elegant and spacious book shelves, you’ve got yourself a mini library, which is when a library ladder would be in order to really give your living space a delightfully stylish finish.
If you’ve recently moved some significant furniture to another position, for instance, this can leave unattractive indentations in the carpet, and a rug can discreetly solve this problem LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
7
COOK UP A FEAST TO CELEBRATE ST PATRICK’S DAY St Patrick’s Day is on the 17th March, so what better time to look at some great recipes from the Emerald Isle
Ireland isn’t just about Guinness and Potatoes, we have scoured through the cookbooks to find some of the most comforting and tasty Irish recipes, perfect for celebrating St Paddy’s day at home this year.
FIFTEEN Ingredients 15 digestive biscuits 15 marshmallows 15 glacé cherries, cut in half about 200ml condensed milk 100g desiccated coconut, to coat Method Crush the digestive biscuits in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, then put them in a large mixing bowl. Chop each marshmallow into 4 pieces and add to the bowl with the cherries and 175ml condensed milk. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and you have a sticky mixture. If it’s too dry, add a splash more condensed milk.
Images for illustrative purposes only Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk
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PROPERTY NEWS
Sprinkle most of the coconut over a large piece of cling film (or foil). Tip the mixture onto the coconut and shape into a long sausage, about 30 x 5cm. Sprinkle more coconut over the top of it and wrap the cling film tightly around, twisting the ends together. Leave in the fridge to chill for 4-6 hrs, then cut into 15 slices and serve. Will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week wrapped in cling film.
IRISH STEW A classic, hearty and warming Irish stew, perfect for a cold Spring evening. Ingredients 3 middle necks of lamb (about 1.8kg/4lb), filleted and boned - you need to end up with about 950g/2lb 2oz pure meat 650g floury potatoes, such as King Edward 650g waxy potato, such as Desirée or Pentland Javelin 1kg carrots 2 onions ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves chopped fresh chives and parsley, to garnish For the stock bones from the lamb 1 large carrot, quartered 1 onion, quartered ½ celery stick, quartered 1 bay leaf 2 large sprigs of thyme a generous sprig of parsley 6 black peppercorns, lightly crushed
Images for illustrative purposes only Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk
Method Make the stock. Put the lamb bones in a large heavy-based saucepan with the carrot, onion, celery, herbs, peppercorns and 1 tsp salt. Pour in 3 litres/5 ¼ pints water. Bring to the boil and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Strain the stock through a fine sieve to remove bones and vegetables, then return to the pan. Boil until reduced to about 1.3 litres/2 ¼ pints. (You can make the stock the day before – keep it in a covered container in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months.) Make the stew. Cut the lamb into large chunks. Peel the potatoes (keeping both types separate) and cut into pieces of similar size to the meat. Put the two different types in separate bowls of water to keep them white. Peel the carrots and cut into slightly smaller pieces. Slice the onions into thick rings. Put the lamb in a large, clean saucepan. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, skimming off all the impurities from the surface. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the floury potatoes, carrots and onions. Season generously and simmer for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the waxy potatoes and thyme. Simmer until the lamb is tender (15-20 minutes). Take off the heat, cover (don’t stir) and leave for 15 minutes. (You can make this up to 2 days ahead and keep in the fridge). Garnish and serve.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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GET A
HEAD-START
ON YOUR GARDEN It’s that time of the year, gardeners everywhere are getting prepped for what they hope will be an incredible year in their gardens
I
t may still be cold outside, but, hopefully, the last of the year’s frosts has come and gone. There are certain seeds and bulbs you can now start to sow, both outside and inside, ready to move outside later on. If you get the timing just right, regardless of whether you have a greenhouse or not, or the size of your garden, you can have a bumper crop of veg and herbs alongside some beautiful flowers in your borders, but you need to put the work in now.
good quality compost and pick a few different varieties of tomatoes. Sow the seeds on the top of the seed trays, before sprinkling on a thin layer of compost. Give them a good water, before covering and leaving in a warm and sunny place. When the weather gets warmer, then transplant them into a large planter or grow bags with bamboo or trellis to hold them up.
HERBS
Another great group of plants, that when grown yourself at home adds so much to As opposed to shop-bought flowers ready your summer BBQs, are herbs. Basil, to plant, if you have grown oregano, and thyme your flowers from seeds and are three of the most bulbs, as well as the popular and you can There are certain excitement of watching start these great seeds and bulbs you them grow, they will plants off early. Sow can now start to sow, actually be hardier than the basil, oregano and both outside and shop-bought variety. thyme now in seed inside, ready to move planters with good outside later on For a little investment now quality compost and in seeds, if you’re savvy, you a propagator lid in a can then use the seeds warm place. The from the veg that grow for next years shoots should start to show within a week crops and likewise with the herbs. If you and when they do keep them moist until take a cutting towards the end of the they’re large enough to pot-on. When season, you can have your herb plants potted-on, put them in a warm, sunny ready-to-go next year too. spot in your garden or, even better, a greenhouse.
TOMATOES
Tomatoes are one of the best go-to veggies for your garden or greenhouse. Get an early start by sowing your seeds early in seed trays indoors. Start with some
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PROPERTY NEWS
CHILLIES
Chilli peppers and sweet peppers perfectly compliment the tomatoes and herbs you already have growing and they are just as
If you get the timing just right you can have a bumper crop of veg and herbs alongside some beautiful flowers
simple to grow. Pick a few different varieties such as Burrito Chilli, Sweet Pepper and Cayenne, and sow the seeds similarly to the tomato plants. The roots go deeper in chilli plants, so plant each seed 1cm into the compost and then water, cover and keep in a very warm place. Once the plants are 2-3cm tall pot-on into individual containers somewhere warm and with lots of sunshine. Ideally, keep them in a greenhouse or lean-to with direct l Always use good quality compost when starting sunlight. your seeds to get incredible growth.
GARDENING TIPS
BULBS
l If you don’t have a lot of room for seed trays and Most of your Spring propagators, simply cover pots with cling film. bulbs should already l Always put pots with seeds in a well-lit and warm be in, however, there area to encourage growth. are a few more you can plant now. l When potting on, pull out the plant – root included Summer-flowering – using the leaves as if they break they will grow bulbs like Pineapple back, whereas a broken stem won’t. Lilies and other Lilies l Tomato plants grow like a jungle when bunched alongside your Gladioli together, so make sure you use bamboo or trellis to are prime to go into try to keep the space neat and tidy. the ground next. For Gladioli, soak the bulbs in water a day before planting and then plant the bulbs 2-6 inches deep, 5 inches apart in rows before covering again with soil. These will take between 70-90 days until they flower. For Lilies, plant the bulbs three times as deep as the height of the bulb and set pointy side up.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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THE MANY SAINTS
OF NEWARK – WHAT ARE WE
TO EXPECT?
On the cusp of the millennium in 1999, we were introduced to The Sopranos. Spanning six highly critically acclaimed seasons of ground-breaking TV, and leaving our screens in 2007 with almost 12million viewers tuning in for the final season’s finale. A story about New Jersey’s most famous fictional mob family, the upcoming film based on the TV series will act as a prequel to the series’ events, thus being set in the 60s and 70s during, and in the wake of, the Newark riots, which was one of many race riots of the time, killing 26 people. Films like The Godfather and Goodfellas romanticised the antihero in cinema, and The Sopranos was perhaps the first iconic TV show which carried on that tradition, putting the viewer in uneasy positions as we forever awkwardly albeit sympathetically root for the antiheros of the show. Shows like Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad and Mad Men followed in a similar theme,
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Just over 20 years later, and it’s back on the screen – the big screen. The Many Saints of Newark is due for release this year, after a COVIDcaused delay
exploring and glamorizing the darker complexities of human nature.
David is a masterful storyteller and we... are thrilled that he has decided to revisit, and enlarge, the Soprano universe in a feature film
David Chase, creator of The Sopranos and co-writer of The Many Saints of Newark, has already divulged that the storyline of the film centres on the 1967 Newark riots and racial tensions between the Italian-American and African-American communities. He said: “I was interested in Newark and life in Newark at that time. I used to go down there every Saturday night for dinner with my grandparents. But the thing that interested me most was Tony’s boyhood. I was interested in exploring that.”
New Line Cinema purchased the rights to produce the film along with HBO Films, and NLC chairman, Toby Emmerich, has said: “David is a masterful storyteller and we, along with our colleagues at HBO, are thrilled that he has decided to revisit, and enlarge, the Soprano universe in a feature film.” In the famous TV show, the Soprano family, racist and hypermasculine as they usually were, were frequently looking back on the plight of the Italian American’s place in society, whilst struggling with their lack of a sense of home in the US. We are surely to expect The Many Saints of Newark, then, to explore just how the family’s tough and bitter men and women came to be the way they were in the modern day. “[The film will be] set in the 60s and 70s during, and in the wake of, the Newark riots, which was one of many race riots of the time, killing 26 people.”
THE
BIG NAMES
BRINGING OUT
NEW MUSIC
As we enter March, the music keeps on coming, as we welcome new material from some of the biggest acts around the world
KINGS OF LEON
This year is sees Kings of Leon release new music. Back in January, the Tennessee quartet shared two new songs ‘Must Catch the Bandit’ and ‘Feel the Way You Do’, with further snippets released for two further tracks. With the exception of the aptly-titled song ‘Going Nowhere’, in 2020, this is the first new music that the band have dropped since their 2016 album ‘WALLS’. This album, which landed the No.1 spot on the Billboard 200, has much to live up to, so the group will hope for their new album ‘When You See Yourself’, to be equally successful, when it comes out on March 5th.
This is the first new music that the band have dropped since their 2016 album
EVANESCENCE
For the first time in a decade, Evanescence will be releasing new music, following up the self-titled 2011 offering. ‘The Bitter Truth’, will be available from March 26th, with a number of singles
already available to listen to. To mark the announcement of the upcoming record, the band released the song ‘Yeah right’, a hard rock number, offering insights into the band’s lengthy tenure in the music industry. Speaking to Rolling Stone, frontwoman Amy Lee spoke of the difficulty in writing music during lockdown, saying, ‘Even on the days that I don’t want to, I come out here and I go, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s finish the album.’’
STING
RINGO STARR
The former Beatles drummer will also release a new five-song album in March. The record, entitled ‘Zoom In’, was recorded between the months of April and October 2020, and will include contributions from Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl and Finneas. Starr has already dropped one song, ‘Here’s To The Nights’, which was available to listen to from December, and was worked on with songwriter Diane Warren.
Due to unforeseen manufacturing delays, the release of Sting’s forthcoming album ‘Duets’ will be released on March 19th. As the title suggests, the seventeen-track album will feature some big alreadyreleased collaborations, including with the likes of Eric Clapton, Shaggy, Annie Lennox, and Mary J. Blige. It will also feature one new song, entitled ‘September’, which Sting has recorded with the famed Italian singer, Zucchero. Speaking in September 2020, Sting spoke of the ‘amazing people’, who he had recorded music with, leading to the creation of this new star-studded album.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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THE GREEN SHOOTS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
Put some bounce into spring with a new hobby
S
o here we are, spring already: the season of new birth, new growth … and new ideas. It’s an exciting time of the year, even more so if you’ve decided to broaden your horizons and embark on a new hobby. As the weather, hopefully, grows warmer and daylight gets longer there’s more chance to get outside to indulge newfound interests and put to use those rediscovered items which were bought with the prefix: “One day, I’ll…” Technology’s relentless advance brings information and advice to your fingertips, particularly helpful if your new smartphone also has a state-of-the-art camera, which has piqued an interest in photography. There are many online tutorials and workshops to help you develop your skills before advancing to that big digital SLR camera you’ve dreamt of for years. Similarly art, whether it be sketching or painting with watercolours or oils. Springtime, with its rapidly-improving light and emerging plant life, is a rich source of inspiration and the internet is awash with advice on how to get started, selecting your subjects and brushing up your techniques to get the best results.
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Painting, particularly capturing landscapes, might just encourage a feeling of well-being, of being at one with nature. In which case, a logical step forward would be to try Tai Chi, the traditional Chinese martial art with its sequences of slow, controlled movements which reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and promote weight loss … just the thing to shed those Christmas pounds in anticipation of Easter chocolate. Again, there are many lessons online, but for the best grounding, join one of the many classes at sports centres, gyms or village halls so a qualified instructor can help you get the principles right before you go solo. Could there be anything more invigorating than callisthenics in the back garden in the early-morning sunshine? Well, how about standing thigh-deep in a swift-running stream trying to outwit a fighting-fit trout? Angling has long been one of Britain’s biggest participation sports, and while fly-fishing may be seen as elitist, it is anything but. Fairly accessible, relatively inexpensive and incredibly therapeutic, there are lessons online but for the best experience – and when lockdown restrictions are
It’s an exciting time of the year, even more so if you’ve decided to broaden your horizons and embark on a new hobby eased – enrol for a day-long lesson at venues such as Anglian Water’s recognised fisheries at Grafham, Pitsford, and Rutland waters, or Ravensthorpe Reservoir, and pretty soon you’ll be hooked (sorry). If you become proficient, you can always cook your catch. Barbeque cooking is an art-form in itself and something to explore beyond chargrilling the whatsits out of a forlorn sausage on a balmy summer evening. Again, internet tutorials – plus recipes – abound, while the same applies if you fancy more ambitious and creative continental cooking. A hobby where you can eat your efforts? Can’t be bad!
REACHING
FOR THE
POT OF
GOLD The race for the Premier League is entering the finishing straight
T
he English Premier League is, on the surface, the land of milk and honey, a footballing Utopia where the streets are paved with 24-carat gold bricks and the super-rich chatter idly of multi million-pound contracts and eyewatering sponsorship deals. But, as with most elitist societies, there are fat cats lounging at the top table with the wannabes scrambling around, snapping up the hand-me-downs and dining off scraps. And then there are those huddled outside, noses firmly pressed against the window, waiting for their membership of this lucrative club to be rubber-stamped so they too can bask in the limelight of being one of the chosen few. Unfortunately, for those outsiders, the path from the threshold to the cosiness of the inner sanctum is littered with broken dreams and, more often than not, severely-depleted bank accounts. Norwich City know this more than most. In the 29 seasons of the Premier League, they have had five separate spells in the top flight, none lasting more than three
seasons. And yet, once again, they are perched among the front-runners trying to escape the Sky Bet Championship for the Promised Land of the Premier League.
As the season enters the final quarter, it’s all about momentum and consistency
Their last attempt at gaining a toehold on football’s Everest came with a longanticipated relegation in May last year, but crucially, unlike many of their doomed predecessors, they managed to keep hold of the majority of their highlyrated younger players.
quarter, it’s all about momentum and consistency – and most of their rivals have shown anything but. Watford and Bournemouth squandered points around the middle of the campaign and lost ground, with Swansea, who squeezed into the playoffs last season, emerging as contenders from a rather congested pack. However, it is Brentford, another of last season’s bridesmaids, who continue to take the eye in a leading group otherwise dominated by clubs who have previously reached for the Holy Grail and been found wanting.
And with the arrival of the well-regarded Oliver Skipp on a season-long loan from Tottenham, they have regrouped, shown great resilience and now look a solid bet to bounce straight back, if not as champions then in the other automatic promotion spot.
The Bees, cruelly denied in the playoffs last season, continued to thrive despite subsequently losing key players Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, and their run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup hinted at greater things, thanks to the arrival of Ivan Toney from Peterborough and the continued potency of Sergi Canos and Bryan Mbeumo.
Who accompanies them, though, is not so obvious. As the season enters the final
Perhaps there will be no sting in the tale this year.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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City Centre 024 7622 2022 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000
Auction Guide £360,000
SO ST L C D
Park Road, Coventry
** BEING SOLD THROUGH MODERN METHOD OF AUCTION *** READ AUCTION DETAILS BELOW *** A substantial three storey 7 bedroom semi-detached property offering a superb investment opportunity in this handy City Centre location within walking distance of Coventry Railway Station, the City Centre itself and access to Coventry University. The property benefits from double glazing and gas central heating and is offered for sale with immediate vacant possession with no further chain. In brief the accommodation comprises porch entrance, reception hall, living room, breakfast kitchen, two bedrooms one with a separate shower room and the other having an en-suite shower room.
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Auction Guide £230,000
SO ST L C D
Friars Road, City Centre
This property is for sale by the Modern Method of Auction which is not to be confused with Traditional auction. The Modern Method of Auction is a flexible buyer friendly method of purchase. We do not require the purchaser to exchange contracts immediately, but grant 28 days to achieve exchange of contracts from the date the buyer’s solicitor is in receipt of the draft contracts and a further 28 days thereafter to complete. Allowing the additional time to exchange on the property means interested parties can proceed with traditional residential finance.
£129,500
SO ST L C D
St. Nicholas Street, Coventry
*** OFFERED WITH IMMEDIATE VACANT POSSESSION *** CHECK OUT THE 360 VIRTUAL TOUR *** A very stylish modern first floor canal side apartment in this relatively central location, within a short walk of the City Centre. Recently redecorated and improved this delightful home really needs to be seen and will almost certainly appeal to a first time buyer or alternatively should create a first class investment opportunity. With a secure intercom entrance the property offers a hallway, wonderful open plan living/kitchen with stunning views, two bedrooms and a well fitted bathroom. The apartment has an allocated secure gated parking space to the rear.
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City Centre 024 7622 2022 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 BRONZE LET ONLY
SILVER
RENT COLLECTION
GOLD
MANAGED
PLATINUM MANAGED WITH RENT PROTECTION
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Perfect for landlords who want to manage the tenancy themselves but want to ensure all the paperwork (tenancy agreement, inventory and statement of condition) is completed professionally.
2
3
GOLD (FULLY MANAGED LETTING SERVICE) Perfect for landlords who have limited time, or are travelling/living overseas, and want to outsource the entire day to day tenancy management and upkeep of their property investment to a professional property management agent.
uct regular property inspections
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4
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SILVER (LETTING & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE) Perfect for landlords who will manage the upkeep of the property themselves but don’t want to take on the hassle of rent collection.
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BRONZE (LET ONLY SERVICE)
PLATINUM (FULLY MANAGED LETTING SERVICE WITH RENT PROTECTION) This service will provide all of the above and will also include Rent and Legal Protection to give you additional peace of mind.
ge mandatory safety checks
with tenant issues and queries
with tenancy renewals and rent reviews
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Additional services can be tailor-made to suit your needs; simply contact us to discuss your requirements
Council Tax, electricity, gas and water of move out
ge deposit return
al Gas Safety Check Included
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you’re looking forfor 12 taxwhat what you’re looking f year statement
. lettings . new homes . land . surveys
BRONZE LET ONLY
SILVER
RENT COLLECTION
GOLD
MANAGED
PLATINUM MANAGED WITH RENT PROTECTION
Property appraisal and rental valuation Marketing and advertising Source suitable tenants Accompanied viewings and feedback Take up references and credit checks Tenant Right to Rent checks Draw up tenancy agreement Inventory and statement of condition Collect deposit and first month’s rent Signing of the tenancy agreement and issuing all documemts as per the Prescribed Requirements (England) Regulations 2015 Notify Council Tax, electricity, gas and water of move in Register deposit with TDS Rent collection and payment to landlord Monthly itemised statement to landlord Chase any arrears Non-resident landlord tax certificate Conduct regular property inspections Arrange routine servicing and maintenance Advise on any repairs required Arrange emergency repairs Arrange mandatory safety checks Deal with tenant issues and queries Deal with tenancy renewals and rent reviews Deal with serving and receiving notices Remarketing at end of tenancy Oversee tenant check-out Notify Council Tax, electricity, gas and water of move out Arrange deposit return Annual Gas Safety Check Included End of year tax statement Rent and Legal protection Priority Monthly Payment * Where a service is not included in a package this may be available at an additional cost. Please contact one of the Lettings Team
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Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 City Centre 024
Woodside Avenue North, Green Lane
7622 2022
Offers over £400,000
A most attractive traditional semi-detached in this delightful setting fronting conservation woodland. The double glazed and gas centrally heated accommodation briefly comprises reception hall, cloakroom, lounge, sitting room, open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, modern family bathroom with mixer shower and a useful loft/attic room. To the outside there is a patio garden with direct vehicular access to off-road parking and a double brick garage.
Quinton Road, Cheylesmore
£250,000
A most attractive traditional double bayed semi-detached property. The property offers uPVC double glazed and gas centrally heated accommodation which comprises reception hall, attractive lounge and superb refitted dining/kitchen with utility and ground-floor cloakroom leading off. There are three first floor bedrooms and a modern refurbished bathroom with shower whilst outside the property is well screened to the front with side driveway providing parking and access through to an enclosed garden with paved patio and lawn.
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Poitiers Road, Cheylesmore
£219,950
An immaculate terrace property with two storey rear extension. The accommodation briefly comprises reception hall, through lounge/dining room, extended and refitted kitchen breakfast kitchen, landing, three bedrooms and extended family bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle. To the outside there is a small front garden and an enclosed private lawn rear garden with patio and rear vehicular access leading to a double concrete sectional garage. The property benefits from gas central heating and double glazing.
Michaelmas Road, Styvechale
£595,000
An extremely attractive, recently extended and fully refurbished detached house close to the City Centre. The property benefits from uPVC double glazing and gas central heating and briefly comprises porch entrance, reception hall, cloakroom, living room, family room/study, superb living/dining/kitchen room and a separate utility room. Four good sized bedrooms, en-suite shower room and a luxury family bathroom. There is a block paved front drive, south-facing lawn rear garden and substantial detached rear garage.
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Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 City Centre 024
The Park Paling, Cheylesmore
7622 2022 £340,000
An attractive and spacious modern detached family home with views over Whitley Common Recreation. The accommodation benefits from uPVC double glazing and gas central heating and briefly comprises reception hall, lounge/dining room, fitted breakfast kitchen, separate playroom/bedroom 5, utility room and cloakroom. Four first floor double bedrooms and modern family bathroom with shower. A front driveway for 3/4 vehicles and a good sized rear garden with large patio and lawn. No further chain involved.
Woodside Avenue South, Green Lane
£425,000
A substantial three storey semi-detached family home. The double glazed and gas centrally heated accommodation comprises side reception hall, spacious open-plan living room, sitting room, extended kitchen/breakfast room, three good first floor bedrooms, modern refurbished bathroom, second floor fourth double bedroom with en-suite shower room and outside there is a driveway providing parking, side car-port and rear brick garage with utility and outside WC. The private rear garden comprises decked patio and lawn.
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Seneschal Road, Cheylesmore
£229,950
A deceptively spacious mid-terrace property benefiting from uPVC double glazed and gas centrally heated accommodation which comprises entrance lobby, ground-floor cloakroom, inner hallway, modern refitted kitchen, full width rear lounge/ dining room, uPVC double glazed conservatory, landing, three good bedrooms and a modern refurbished fully tiled shower room. A front driveway provides off-road parking and leads to a part integral garage whilst to the rear there is a low maintenance paved rear garden with rear pedestrian access.
Knoll Drive, Styvechale
Offers over £450,000
A handsome semi-detached family home on a prominent corner plot and built to an individual design and layout. With immediate vacant possession, no further chain and uPVC double glazing and gas central heating. Comprising reception hall, spacious sitting room, dining room with conservatory/sun lounge off, breakfast kitchen with utility and cloakroom off. Four good bedrooms, modern refurbished shower room, separate WC, gardens to three sides and a rear driveway with parking and brick-built garage.
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Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 City Centre 024
Montes Court, Earlsdon
7622 2022 £120,000
Built by McCarthy & Stone to an exacting standard, a tastefully presented one bedroom second floor apartment situated in this exclusive modern development specifically designed for the over 60 age group. Within walking distance of Earlsdon High Street, the well designed apartment briefly comprises; spacious entrance hall with useful airing/store cupboard, excellent lounge with Juliette balcony to the front, useful store room, quality fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, double bedroom with fitted wardrobe and separate modern shower room. The development benefits from excellent communal facilities including a laundry room, guest suite, communal lounge and kitchen, 24 hour emergency call-line and a lift to all floors. Externally there are well tended communal gardens and allocated parking available at an additional cost. No upward chain. Viewing recommended.
Broadwater, Earlsdon
£925,000
Situated in this highly sought after and peaceful backwater location, adjacent to Kenilworth Road and within walking distance of the War Memorial Park, Coventry Railway Station and King Henry VIII School, an individual detached dwelling offering a rare and unique opportunity for a discerning buyer looking to implement their own style and design in this prime residential location. Occupying a prominent plot of approx 1/3 acre with the distinct advantage of a beautiful landscaped rear garden backing on to its own private spinney, the property briefly comprises; enclosed porch, entrance hall, spacious lounge, re-fitted ground floor W.C, family dining room, open plan kitchen/ diner flowing through to sun room/ snug, utility room, first floor landing, four generous bedrooms (main bedroom with en-suite shower room) and family bathroom.
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Eastleigh Avenue, Earlsdon
£665,000
An outstanding, extensively refurbished FIVE bedroom executive detached residence situated within one of Coventry’s most appealing and sought after locations, close to Kenilworth Road and within walking distance of the War Memorial Park. The property offers stylish luxury over three floors and every detail has been considered. In brief the property comprises; on the ground floor; entrance hall, elegant front lounge with log burner, rear sitting room with doors leading to enclosed garden, open plan designer kitchen/dining/family room with Corian work surfaces, high end integrated appliances with views over the rear garden, play room with ground floor WC.
Brunswick Road, Earlsdon
£129,950
***NO CHAIN***An opportunity to acquire a two bedroom apartment occupying a popular and very convenient, location within easy walking distance of Coventry City Centre, Coventry University and main line train station. The double glazed accommodation briefly comprises; spacious lounge, fitted kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and well kept communal grounds. Benefitting from long lease of 136 years and share of the Freehold included.
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Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 City Centre 024
Shaftesbury Road, Earlsdon
7622 2022
Offers over £525,000
A classic Victorian semi-detached family residence enjoying an unrivalled position within this hugely popular side road, and within easy walking distance of the centre of Earlsdon. Built in 1890, this very desirable home has been extended, improved and well presented throughout yet still retains a lot of the original charm and character, including features such as sash windows, tiled flooring, original internal doors and delightful period fireplaces. The property, which offers gas heating, consists of a entrance hall leading through to a long through reception hallway, front lounge, rear sitting room and separate family room, ground floor shower room and spacious 21’5” breakfast kitchen.
Huntingdon Road, Earlsdon
£345,000
Full of character and charm a stylish, turn of the century classic double bayed mid terraced family home, situated in this very popular and convenient side road location, just off Belvedere Road. With the distinct advantage of three double bedrooms and a first floor bathroom, the beautifully presented and deceptively spacious accommodation briefly comprises, entrance hall, elegant front lounge, separate rear sitting room, extended and comprehensively fitted kitchen/breakfast room, three double bedrooms and a superb fitted family bathroom.
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Myrtle Grove, Earlsdon
£280,000
deally located a short walk from the vibrant Earlsdon High Street, a charming and deceptively spacious three bedroom property offering excellent potential to personalise a spacious family home. Benefitting from gas central heating and double glazing, the property briefly comprises; entrance hallway with original Minton tiled flooring, front lounge, rear dining room with feature fireplace and fitted kitchen. To the first floor are three good sized bedroom and family bathroom. Externally there is a paved foregarden together with a low maintenance paved rear garden with brick built store.
Broomfield Road, Earlsdon
£235,000
**Converted ground floor Wet Room and Bedroom** A charming and deceptively spacious turn of the century four bedroom mid terraced home, well maintained throughout with many character features. Ideally located close to Earlsdon High Street and Hearsall Common, the well proportioned accommodation has the benefit of gas central heating, uPVC double glazing and briefly comprises; dining room, spacious lounge, well fitted kitchen, with the additional benefit of an extended ground floor W.C, wet room, and outstanding ground floor bedroom/ office. To the first floor are three generous bedrooms and an additional WC. Outside there is a paved foregarden and a neatly laid out rear garden with borders. Internal inspection strongly recommended.
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Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 City Centre 024
Brookshaw Way, Walsgrave
7622 2022 £249,950
A well presented modern family sized detached property lying within this peaceful and much sought after cul-de-sac on the far eastern outskirts of the City. The property which certainly deserves an internal inspection boasts a large Creteprint cobbled effect front driveway providing off road parking for several vehicles leading to the substantial 18ft garage. The rear garden features a broad paved seating/entertaining area, has well kept lawn, surrounding flower beds and well fenced boundaries. Briefly the property which has been competitively priced for an early sale includes an enclosed porch, entrance hall, lounge, kitchen/diner, three decent sized bedrooms (two with built in wardrobes) and a well equipped shower room.
Dorchester Way, Walsgrave
£245,000
A newly renovated, extended semi-detached family home, presented in excellent order with fresh decoration and new flooring. Featuring a wonderful woodland outlook to the front, the property is well served with local schools, countryside and shops, road and bus links for the City all nearby. With both double glazing and gas central heating the design comprises of entrance hall, spacious lounge/diner, extended 20ft breakfast kitchen, versatile sitting room/ play room, cloakroom, three generous bedrooms and a modern bathroom. A block paved driveway provides excellent parking areas leading to the large garage. The rear garden is fully enclosed.
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Elizabeth Way, Walsgrave On Sowe
£299,950
A stunning, three storey, modern semi-detached residence in a peaceful cul-de-sac, perfect for a young family, with parkland just at the end of the road. Deserving a full inspection, this very stylish home is presented in first class order throughout, has been extended to feature an outstanding and spacious kitchen/diner enjoying double opening doors to the landscaped rear garden perfect for socialising. With some beautiful Karndean flooring, gas heating and double glazing the property consists of an Entrance Hall, family room being open plan to the Kitchen/diner, utility room and cloaks, FIRST FLOOR LOUNGE, four bedrooms on two floors, one en-suite and a family bathroom.
Larkin Grove, Walsgrave On Sowe
£280,000
A modern detached family home situated in this pleasant, tucked away, cul-de-sac location on the eastern edge of the City being well screened from the Ansty Road. Recently improved and tastefully redecorated the property has both gas heating and double glazing, is ready to move in to and enjoys delightful first floor front views towards St. Mary’s Church. Consisting of an entrance hall with guest cloakroom, well proportioned lounge with double doors to the kitchen/diner, FOUR BEDROOMS, en-suite shower room and a family bathroom. There are easy to maintain gardens, the rear being well fenced with a paved seating/entertaining area.
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Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 City Centre 024
St Austell Road, Wyken
7622 2022 £199,950
A semi-detached property presented in excellent order with a modern finish. The property briefly comprises of entrance hallway, lounge, open plan dining kitchen, side passageway serving a walk-in store room, further store cupboard and ground floor WC. To the first floor there are three generous bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside there there are gardens to the front and rear, the long rear garden with terrace, decking patio and lawned area.
Waterside, St Nicholas Street
£129,500
A very stylish modern first floor canal side apartment in this relatively central location. With a secure intercom entrance the property offers a hallway, wonderful open plan living/kitchen with stunning views, two bedrooms and a well fitted bathroom. The apartment has an allocated secure gated parking space to the rear.
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Oxendon Way, Ernsford Grange
£199,950
A conveniently located semi-detached family home offering great potential for anyone looking to personalise a well-proportioned home with the benefit of both gas heating and double glazing. In general the accommodation includes: an enclosed side porch leading to the reception hall, excellent sized front lounge and rear dining room being open plan to the kitchen. There are three good sized bedrooms, one with a shower cubicle and a bathroom.
Parrotts Grove, Hawkesbury
Offers over £370,000
An outstanding fully refurbished detached dorma bungalow which benefits from quality double glazing, gas heating, an intruder alarm together with a fully integrated cleaning system. The accommodation comprises: a generous reception hall, guests cloakroom, front lounge, playroom/home office, breakfast kitchen with integrated appliance being open plan to the family room, utility room. The first floor boasts four well proportioned bedrooms, an ensuite shower room and family bathroom. There are front and rear gardens with off road parking.
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payne-cov.com City Centre 024 7622 2022 Daventry Road 024 7650 3070 Earlsdon 024 7667 7000 Walsgrave Road 024 7645 5555