LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
APRIL 2021
KITCHEN GADGET GUIDE MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR KITCHEN THIS YEAR EARTH DAY 2021 MAKE YOUR HOME GREENER
HALF TERM IDEAS KEEP YOUR CHILDREN BUSY THIS HALF TERM
SPRING CLEAN GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
SHED DIY CONVERT YOUR SHED THIS SPRING
CONTENTS COVER STORY
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Kitchen Gadget Guide Create stunning, restaurant quality dishes with the latest kitchen aids
PROPERTY
2
Get your house Spring ready Now is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in your house
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6 8
Holiday activities Help the kids get creative in the garden and with their wet weather gear Earth Day 2021 Tips to make your home more climate clean this Earth Day
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April gardening tips Time to roll up your sleeves and put in the groundwork
About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
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World Book Day Reading is perhaps one of best commodities we have
Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
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Shed DIY The humble outbuilding can be put to a number of uses
FOOD
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LIFESTYLE
Springtime salads Check out some of our best Spring salad recipes that are sure to make your body smile
SPORT
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Golf European Tour We look ahead at what’s to play for, and who might be in with a chance of winning
WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE!
W
e’re into the fourth month of the year. The clocks have changed, the weather is warming up and the world is opening again! This Spring promises a lot and in this month’s magazine so do we! On pages 2 and 3 we go in-depth looking at the best ways to get your home Spring ready, and if that’s not enough, continuing inside the home, we also have a fantastic kitchen gadgets guide ready to create the Spring salad recipes from page 15. On the 22nd April we are celebrating Earth Day, so we have put together a guide to make your home more environmentally friendly. Moving outside, on pages
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PROPERTY NEWS
10 and 11 we have your April gardening guide and well as some ideas of how to turn your shed into a office/bar/sauna.
START FROM THE BEDROOM
What better place to start, than in the room where you spend more time than any other? Let’s start with the bedding. If you’ve opted for rich, dark colours over the winter months, then throw these away in exchange for neutral green or sky blue colours, accompanied with added pops of colour. Or if you want to make the extra effort in the season of Spring, then select some sheets with floral patterns. If you’ve been used to covering your bed with blankets and throws to keep warm, then switch to lightweight sheets and pillowcases. This will help to add some brightness to your room, and more importantly, stop you from feeling overheated as the weather warms up. And if you’ve made these changes, and still want to go further, then replace your pillows altogether! Swapping your pillows not only aids a more comfortable night’s sleep, but can simultaneously make your bedroom look completely different.
DECLUTTER
This may sound very obvious, but giving your house a good, old-fashioned Spring clean can go a long way to revitalising your home. First, start with cleaning from top to bottom. It can be a laborious job, but will benefit your home in the long run by adding freshness to every space. Next, move on to removing things that you no longer need. For instance, root through your
Finally, we have some fantastic ways to keep busy during the Easter holidays, a feature about World Book Day and a preview of the Men’s European Golf Tour. We’re all excited that the world is starting up again, and are all hopeful for the summer, however, for now, stay safe and take care of yourselves. For now, make yourself a cuppa, pull up a chair in the garden and enjoy! Jonathan Wheatley Editor
Once the tidying is done, turn your attention to adding items which freshen up your home
SPRING INTO ACTION fridges and cupboards, and throw out expired products that didn’t make it onto your plate over the winter period. And when rearranging the foodstuffs, do so in a way as to categorise everything, and make different items much easier to locate. If you have a garage, then organising it can prove a very satisfying project to get your teeth stuck into. Group all of your winter items into boxes, label them, and then place into the garage. This will make things much easier when it comes round to retrieving them again. And while you’re at it, look to declutter your garage. Throw out items you don’t need, and aim to create as much space as you can. Doing this will not only help you feel that your possessions are organised, but will allow you to think of the garage as a space other than just one of storage!
SEARCH FOR SCENTS
Once the tidying is done, turn your attention to adding items which freshen up your home. Spring is associated with the smells of nature, so lean into this tradition with some citrus, rose, lavender, or other floral scented candles or wax melts. These will help to air out the house, and will match the aromas of the outside world. And don’t neglect fauna. As well as bringing in natural, fresh scents into your home, displaying a set of flowers will also help to fill your room with colour, and will complete any kitchen or living room.
FOCUS ON FLOORING
Another great way to completely transform your home, heading into the summer, is to focus on the backbone of any interior. If your carpets have seen better days, then get round to getting them professionally cleaned. As well as making any room look brand new, removing any stains will really brighten up your home. Or, if you feel like a complete makeover, change your flooring completely. Tiling is very resistant for wear and tear, and so is a great option for a room which is likely to be used a lot, such as a kitchen or conservatory. Or, if you love the unmistakable aromas and textures that come with hardwood flooring, then opt for this.
PRIORITISE LIGHT
If there’s something missing from your ideal Spring home, then consider whether you’ve done all you can to take advantage of maximising the amount of natural light in any space. Replace your dark, thick curtains with light ones, or if the room permits, do away with curtains altogether. Without requiring much effort, this will completely transform any room in time for Summer. And also consider changing bulbs. With the greater amounts of light that come with this time of year, switch to darker lights, to create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings, and let natural light do the rest!
As the days get longer, and the weather begins to brighten, now is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in your house
Sp ring INTO ACTION
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Stand out from the crowd and create stunning, restaurant quality dishes with the latest kitchen aids
INSPECT THE
GADGETS
Instant Pot Duo V2 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Breville HeatSoft VFM021
I
t is an inescapable fact that the kitchen is the heart of the home. More than just a collection of units, it is the place where memories are forged and culinary disasters are celebrated as much as the triumphs; the venue for gathering at either end of the day, where the aroma of freshly-ground coffee cuts through the lingering whiff of curry from the night before. It is also a place of work, a hive of experimentation. And key to that creative process are the tools of the trade, either a worktop full of the tried, tested and much loved, or an ever-changing procession of ‘must-haves’ which are casually discarded when the next big thing appears.
Russell Hobbs Sous Vide Slow Cooker
Sage The Smoking Gun
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PROPERTY NEWS
Something which falls in the latter category but could soon become the former is the Instant Pot Duo V2 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. It doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue but what it does will keep the tongue very happy. America’s home-chefs blew a fuse over this little multi-cooker and its not difficult to see why – it’s an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker, saute pan and a warming pot, which is easy to use and clean.
Devotees of programmes such as MasterChef and The Great British Menu will be familiar with the waterbath and the sous vide process, where food is placed inside a sealed pouch and cooked at an accurately-regulated temperature. It helps meat and vegetables retain their flavour, vitamins and keeps prep-time low. Described as ‘a Michelinstarred chef’s worst-kept secret’, the waterbath can now adorn your kitchen in the form of the easily-affordable Russell Hobbs Sous Vide Slow Cooker. And if you really want to go for drama with your fine dining, get Sage The Smoking Gun. Using cold smoke, it lets you infuse a range of food and KitchenAid Food drinks with a natural Processor smoky flavour, while the dual speed helps increase the intensity of the smoke. Best of all, it is sold with, or without, a glass cloche to cover your dish and heighten the effect. If you are in the market for a hand mixer, take a look
De’Longhi Magnifica Illycaffe 6636 Francis
Santoku 180mm Blade Knife at the Breville HeatSoft VFM021 and wave goodbye to that time-consuming wait for the butter to soften. This handy tool warms butter up to 12 times faster than just leaving it in the mixing bowl, although it can also be used without the heating function. It also comes with an attachable clear case, so the attachments don’t go wandering. An even more flexible bit of kit is the KitchenAid Food Processor which can chop, shred, puree and slice food. It comes with an easy to install reversible medium shred/slice and thick slice blades as well as a dough blade should you want to knead bread or pasta dough. And it comes in a rather fetching Empire Red finish. There’s nothing that sets the smoke alarm off quite like burnt toast, so the Magimix Vision Toaster could be the best thing you’ll ever invest in. A see-through panel allows you to see how your breakfast is doing, ensuring ideal results every time. Possibly the best thing since, well, sliced bread. On the subject of breakfast, let’s talk coffee. We’re not all barista maestro-standard but machines such as the De’Longhi Magnifica help paper over the cracks. With seven adjustable coarseness levels within
an integrated grinder, the Magnifica can customise the type of coffee you want… plus it has a dual cup option. For eye-catching looks, the Illycaffe 6636 Francis is a bit of a head-turner while the Sage Oracle Touch Fully Automated Coffee Machine is the business. However, you’ll need something a bit stronger than an espresso when you see the price tag. No kitchen is complete without a decent set of knives or a pro-standard knife (singular). The Santoku 180mm Blade Knife, from Blenheim Forge, isn’t cheap but will last for years. Made with a Japanese Blue Paper Steel Core with folded iron cladding, it comes with a walnut handle and solid copper ferrule for added strength. Finally, they say baking is all about precision, so that means you’ll need a decent set of kitchen scales. Salter’s Heston Blumental Precision Scales have a dual platform – one for measuring up to 10kg in 1g increments and the other for measuring up to 200g in 0.1g increments. There’s an add- and-weigh feature and also an aquatronic feature for measuring liquids, just to help you get ‘weigh’ ahead of your competitive friends.
Sage Oracle Touch Fully Automated Coffee Machine
Magimix Vision Toaster
Salter’s Heston Blumental Precision Scales
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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JUST BOOT-IFUL
Help the kids get creative in the garden and with their wet weather gear
A
pril, as the saying goes, is the month for showers. And not only does it bring May’s flowers, it can also provide inspiration for some great craft activities for kids and adults alike. It’s the time where it’s always best to have boots and a brolly close at hand. And there’s no better way of making a splash in those quick-to-appear springtime puddles than in customised wellies.
your favourite anymore, tie brightly coloured ribbon about halfway up and gently bend the brolly support wires outwards.
Insert a block of florists’ oasis for water and support then add the flowers so they are peeping over the top. Freshly-cut tulips, with their bold colourful petals, are ideal and will last for a few days but for a longer lasting display, try artificial blooms. And then hang from your door knocker – or insert spike down in the garden - for an eye-catching display that should make any passer-by smile.
Boots are very much a blank canvas and you can really let your imagination run riot, creating colourful and simple yet effective flower patterns, rockets and scenes from outer space for the kids – who also might want a jazzy take on their initials - or graffiti-led slogans for the not so young who might be missing their Glastonbury fix again this year.
So, if they are not getting wet, kids love nothing better than getting their hands dirty… literally. So, put them to good use by designating an area of the garden for them to cultivate with summer-blooming wild flowers or, particularly as the weather is likely to be indifferent, by planting a herb garden inside. Its an easy way to get the younger members of the family hooked on planting, It’s the time where nurturing and tasting what it’s always best to they have grown in their meals, have boots and a and is a little more advanced brolly close at hand and not as smelly as growing cress seeds on blotting paper!
Many people suggest sanding down the area you intend to decorate as this creates a smoother surface and allows the paint to make a stronger bond. As for your decorating agent, acrylic paint is easily available and straightforward to use, particularly if you are going for a funky, bright and intricate design. Waterproof marker pens are also handy for applying finer details, while if a broad sweep of colour is required, rubber spray paint will do the job. And although the paints will dry to a good finish, applying a layer of hairspray will also help your colours stick. Continuing the wet weather theme, how about sprucing up your front door with an extension of the Christmas wreath: a brolly brimming with spring flowers? Younger members of the family can do the backbending stuff by picking the flowers while all you have to do is select an umbrella that’s not
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PROPERTY NEWS
The easiest – and probably the most useful herbs to grow are parsley, basil, coriander, chives and dill, and all you will need are peat-free, multi-purpose compost; small pots (such as yoghurt) or a used plastic tray from a Chinese takeaway … and an array of helping hands. Making sure the containers have been pierced to guard against over-enthusiastic watering, fill with the compost and tamp down gently to remove the air pockets. Water and allow to drain before scattering the seeds sparingly over the surface before covering with a thin layer of compost. Ideally the pots can be covered with a clear plastic bag to recreate a mini greenhouse and speed the growth process, before placing
April is the month for showers, it can also provide inspiration for some great craft activities
on a windowsill. Once germinated, remove the plastic and water at least once a week before potting outside in late May. A further way to enrich a child’s understanding of the garden is to construct a bug mansion out of discarded pallets and log the varieties of creepy crawlies who come to stay. Some insects like cool, damp conditions, while others like the sun, so try to site the home where it will get a bit of both, under a hedge or tree. Give it a firm base and start stacking, filling the gaps with dead wood and loose bark, straw, dry leaves, and corrugated cardboard which, when stuffed into a plastic bottle with its top removed, creates a nice nest for lacewings. And if you plant some nectar-producing flowers around the outside you can bring in winged guests, such as butterflies and bees.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Join in with millions of people around the world and make your home more climate clean this Earth Day
EARTH DAY 2021
HOW TO MAKE
YOUR HOME MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
T
his year celebrates the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Originally conceived in 1970 by peace activist John McConnell as a day of education about how to look after our Earth, in 1990, Earth Day went International and has been celebrated ever since in all four corners of the world. It is one of the few holidays that transcends all national borders and religions, yet preserves all geographical integrities and brings people together all over the world. It is quite simply devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology. There are hundreds of ways of making your home more environmentally friendly, big and small. Here, in celebration of Earth Day, are our top tips.
WASH YOUR CLOTHES IN COLD WATER
90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating water. By skipping the heating and using your washing machine on the cold water setting, you will reduce carbon dioxide emission as well as keeping your clothes in top condition for longer, as hot water can deteriorate your clothes and make colours less vibrant.
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PROPERTY NEWS
DIY INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW
DIY isn’t only a truly great skill to have, but it helps towards creating an environmentally friendly home as opposed to buying new. With just a few tools and a little time, you can crack-on with all sorts of projects. You could tile your kitchen yourself, build home-made planters for the garden or even lay your own flooring.
SWAP YOUR LIGHT BULBS
Invest in the right energy-efficient light bulbs and you won’t only be helping the Earth, but you’ll be saving money too. LED bulbs are the best alternative to regular light bulbs and as well as lasting longer, they are eco-friendly. They are readily available in most shops and you can even get dimmable ones and colour-change ones.
USE YOUR RECYCLING BIN AND GET A COMPOST BIN
We are all well-versed of the importance of recycling by now, so use your recycling bin and you are truly helping towards our world’s future, and if you find yourself with an excess of normal waste, buy a compost bin, which will not only help you get rid of the excess waste but will give you free fertiliser for your garden.
PLANT HERBS AND VEG
Ah, what to do with all that free fertiliser? How about growing your own herbs and vegetables? Not only will you always have wonderful, better-tasting food, but you will massively cut down on plastic used in shop-bought veg and herbs. Some of the most popular are basil, oregano and peppers and tomatoes.
TURN OLD PALLETS INTO PLANTERS
But where do I plant these herbs and veg? Simple, don’t ditch any wood or pallets you have lying around, get creative instead. With just a few screws and a drill, you can make home-made planters for your garden or windowsills. Just measure four pieces of wood to equal lengths, screw together and line with bubble wrap.
22nd April 202 1 www.earthday.org DITCH THE COFFEE PODS
Coffee pod machines have been around for a while now, however, did you know the plastic capsules aren’t usually recyclable? For better tasting and more environmentally friendly coffee, invest in a good-quality espresso machine that takes freshly ground coffee. You can also sprinkle the used ground coffee onto your compost to keep bugs away.
INSULATE YOUR PIPES
Not the quickest or flashiest jobs, but by insulating the pipes that run from your boiler throughout your house can make a huge difference. Your best bet is to use felt or wool pipe insulation that is pre-cut into sleeves and then use some good-quality pipe wrap insulation tape.
COLLECT YOUR RAINWATER
Finally, what is more natural than rainwater? Exactly. If you could collect and store all the rainwater that falls on your property throughout a year and use it around the home, you would see a huge drop in your water bills. Okay, so a full-blown rainwater collection servicing your house is a huge job, but start small with a water butt and you can at least water your herbs and veg without touching a tap. Earth Day is on Thursday the 22nd of April and you can find out more by visiting www.earthday.org
It is one of the few holidays that transcends all national borders and religions, yet preserves all geographical integrities
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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&REAP
WEED IT Time to roll up your sleeves and put in the groundwork
A
nd so here we are. April, the great transitional month where we’ve not quite shaken off winter’s icy grip, but with brighter evenings and significantly warmer days, its hold is definitely weakening. For gardeners, this is where the hard work starts; this month’s input dictates output for the rest of the year. The four-day Easter holiday weekend gives us time to prepare the ground, assessing and repairing the damage inflicted by a particularly harsh start to the year, taking the time to restake trees, secure climbing shrubs, and clear any lingering storm damage, particularly checking fences for damage to panels, support posts and slats. And then you can get on your hands and knees for some serious weeding, gently turning over ground flattened by heavy rain and snow, and clearing away any remaining dead leaves, twigs and winter debris, as well as dead-heading daffodils,
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PROPERTY NEWS
tulips and late-flowing crocuses, and trimming frost-damaged shoots from evergreens. Once cleared, nourish the soil with compost or well-rotted manure which will add beneficial micro-organisms to the soil, making it richer and encouraging the right kind of insect activity. The wrong kind – slugs, snails and aphids – may be found loitering around the crowns of perennials preparing to wreak havoc so it’s best to deal with them now. Early infestations of aphids can be pinched out by hand but pests such as vine weevil will need chemical or biological intervention to keep under control. Your lawn will need the most attention early in the early growing season. If you’ve not already done so, now’s the time for that initial cut, taking the top off the winter growth before the first decisive crop. Once that’s done, apply a high nitrogen spring lawn fertiliser to encourage good, strong growth and if
moss has become a problem, choose a combined moss killer/fertiliser and lightly rake out the dead a couple of weeks after application.
There are also many warm-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which can be moved outdoors
If you discover some bumps and hollows, peel back the turf and remove or add soil as necessary before replacing the grass, while any bare patches can be prepared for reseeding: if the ground is still wet and cold, though, the germination will be poor so it might be better to postpone this until early May. And, while we’re at it, don’t forget the lawn edges. Using a spade or a half-moon edging iron, create a gutter of around
three inches to prevent the grass creeping back into your borders. It is also important to prune trees and deciduous shrubs, removing dead and sickly-looking leaves or branches to stimulate new growth and spring flowering. Also add fertiliser while a good organic mulch, laid in a circle around the trunk, will not only provide moisture for good growth but will also conserve moisture and encourage strong, drought-resistant roots, something worth bearing in mind for the likes of rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias where flowering can be severely impaired if allowed to dry out. Otherwise, a good balanced fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) can be sprinkled over the root area around ornamental trees, shrubs and hedges before hoeing in, particularly beneficial for young, weak or damaged plants. Once the warmer days are set in and the risk of a late sharp frost has gone, plant out
the flower seedlings you’ve been cultivating since March, and if you haven’t, you can still sow petunias, zinnias, marigolds, purple cornflowers and other seasonals you might fancy in your flowerbeds. Summerflowering bulbs should also be going in, ensuring the likes of anemone tubers have well-drained soil. Containers can also be planned, topped up with fresh compost and planted – an alpine trough can be particularly attractive as many are starting to look their best - while you may be able to start on your hanging baskets in the latter stages of the month if you’re in a temperate part of the country. Otherwise, pot-on plants that are showing signs of becoming pot-bound or generally just look a bit forlorn. There are also many warm-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which can be moved outdoors while radishes, carrots, peas and lettuce can also be planted, along with your favourite annual herbs.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WORLD BOOK DAY
– WHY IT WILL
SHINE ON
Reading is perhaps one of best, if not the very best, commodities and widely accessible resources we have as a people, and therefore so is World Book Day
M
ental health and the recognition of its facets and depth has never been as prevalent as now, so when you consider how strong the scientific research is in favour of how reading can help mental wellbeing – by reducing your heart rate and thus stress levels, easing muscle tension, and wholly altering your state of mind – World Book Day this year is surely a campaign more important than ever before. World Book Day annually takes place on 23rd April. This is because the Spanish
writer Vicente Clavel Andrés wanted to call for a day which would recognize the life and career of one of his greatest heroes, fellow Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, who still is widely regarded as the greatest ever writer of the Spanish language. Cervantes death date was 23rd April, which also marks many other great writers’ birth and death dates, including William Shakespeare who passed away on exactly the same day as Cervantes, 23rd April 1616.
World Book Day this year is surely a campaign more important than ever before
The first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995 and has been going strong ever since. It’s a day to celebrate all things books, especially your favourites! One of my personal favourite novels is The Shining by Stephen King. King has always been associated with horror, and I suppose that’s justified. But many people overlook (pun intended) the fact that much of King’s stories contain some real character depth and interpersonal relationships, which can often be extremely intense and moving. The Shining, for instance,
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PROPERTY NEWS
for me, isn’t necessarily primarily a horror. It could be considered a psychological thriller or drama about what happens when an alcoholic becomes victim to cabin fever. The paranormal presence in the hotel is an effective way to convey this cabin fever process Jack Torrance undertakes, but I suspect many readers agree that a good argument can be made that the paranormal activity can merely be considered a metaphor for Jack’s psychological transformation into illness. Indeed he knows he’s becoming unhealthy at the behest of cabin fever, as there is a point near the end of the novel where he tries to cry out from underneath his new, murderous exterior to tell his would-be murdered son to leave before it’s too late. Why I talk about this book in particularly is because cabin fever is something many of us have had to endure over the past many months, and, more troubling still, domestic abuse, so it’s an interesting insight into cabin fever and the effects it can have on relationships, especially if alcoholism is involved. The Shining is an example of a great novel, and certainly one to celebrate, as the book often gets inaccurately judged by its better-known cover, that of the film by Stanley Kubrick, which told a rather different story. Jonathan Wheatley, British Author
If a home-working space is the objective, you will need to insulate, drywall and think about heating
SHED YOUR
INHIBITIONS T
o paraphrase rock giants Motorhead, a shed used to be a place of spades. Or lawnmowers. Or half-empty tins of paint and discarded outdoor toys. A handy little store, generally made of glorified fencing panels, that gets a coat of creosote when you remember but generally sits, unloved, at the end of the garden waiting to be battered by the next named storm. Times and lifestyles, however, change, and now the humble structure has become the fashionable ‘must-have’, graduating from the often-outlandish man caves and she-sheds to offices, studios, outside bars and even saunas and cinema rooms. If the prospect of turning your forlorn shed into a rustic home extension appeals, there are some things to bear in mind, not least checking with the local authority to see if you need permission for change of use. Then see how structurally sound it is or whether you might be
better off biting the bullet and getting a new summerhouse or log cabin, depending on size of budget, garden… and ambition.
Having checked the damp-proofing, if the roof is watertight, walls are in good condition and doors and windows fit properly, clear the shed out and look for signs of mould, damp, wood rot or pest infestation around the floor. Once satisfied, the big decision now is whether it’s a DIY project or needs to be turned over to an expert, as you would be advised to do for a sauna. If you’re going it alone, the first job will be to get the outside treated or painted to make it weatherproof, then think about sealing any cracks you may have discovered with caulk or weatherstripping to help prevent draughts, bugs and any other undesirables. Depending how you plan to use the shed, you might want to pop in a skylight window, particularly if you’ve got the professionals in and
The humble outbuilding can be put to a number of uses
you’re designing an office. If a home-working space is the objective, you will need to insulate, drywall and think about heating for those slightly less-than idyllic days. Heating means power and while it may be tempting to connect to the supply from your home, don’t rule out solar panels, which provide a simpler, cheaper and energy efficient solution. If it’s a bar you’re after, you’ll need plumbing too. For flooring, think durable coverings such as cork, tile and carpet - a wood floor might be attractive but may not be practical. After that, it’s all about preferences: LED or halogen lights for an office, a string of novelty lights for your personal pub; shelves and versatile cabinets for work, a good service area and racks to attach the optics for the bar. And finally, make sure you’ve got some good locks.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE
EUROPEAN TOUR IN APRIL As this year’s European Tour begins to crank up, we look ahead at what’s to play for, and who might be in with a chance of winning
WHAT’S HAPPENED SO FAR?
The 2021 European Tour began in January, when it was announced that at least fortytwo events would be played in twenty-four different countries, including eighteen which were either postponed or cancelled in 2020.
The first tournament of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, was won by Englishman Tyrell Hatton. Since then, fellow countryman Paul Casey and American Dustin Johnson have walked away with the other two titles.
WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?
The month of April includes four of the forty-two European tour events. On the 15th, Golf’s biggest names travel to Spain, to take part in the Tenerife Open. From there, they make the short journey for the Gran Canaria open, beginning on the 22nd, highlighting this year’s focus on reducing travelling where possible. And finally, the 29th April marks the beginning of the Portugal Masters.
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PROPERTY NEWS
But of course, the main event of the month is right at the beginning. On April 8th, all eyes will turn to Augusta, Georgia, for the 2021 Masters. The first of the four ‘majors’ of the year, this tournament is steeped in tradition, with every winner since 1949 receiving an iconic green jacket. Last year, the imperious Dustin Johnson won by five-shots, whilst simultaneously breaking the course record, in a tournament which was pushed back several months due to the pandemic. But fortunately, this year’s competition will go ahead as planned, and is set to be as equally enthralling as any other instalment.
The first tournament of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, was won by Englishman Tyrell Hatton
WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?
As already mentioned, Johnson won the tournament by a landslide last year, and still sits at the head of the world rankings, and so cannot be written off. Otherwise, world numbers two Jon Rahm and world number three Justin Thomas have nine European Tour victories between them, and so will both feel confident come April 8th. And for a slight outsider, consider Bryson DeChambeau’s chances. The big-hitting American, currently ranked inside the world’s top ten, hasn’t enjoyed much success at Augusta thus far in his career. However, his analytical approach in gaining significant muscle in 2020 has made him the longest driver of the ball on the PGA Tour, which may stand him in good stead when battling the famously difficult course in Georgia.
SPRING INTO LIFE
Put a spring in your step with these wonderful, healthy salads perfect for Springtime
O
ne of the best things about Spring is the chance to create wonderful, healthy salads with some of the finest and freshest veg available at this time of the year. So, without delay, check out some of our best Spring salad recipes that are sure to make your body smile. Salad leaves – mixed Vine tomatoes Red onion Feta cheese Olive oil Lemon Salt and pepper Fresh oregano
GREEK SALAD Wash and rinse the salad leaves and chop the vine tomatoes in half (depending on their size) and slice the red onion so you have wonderful whole onion circles. Toss the tomatoes, salad leaves and onion together in a bowl ensuring it’s all mixed. Then mix the olive oil, the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil mix to the salad bowl, toss again before finally adding the crumbled feta on top. To finish garnish with the fresh oregano and another pinch of pepper.
Orange juice Lemon juice Honey Salt and pepper Olive oil Mixed carrots Radishes Celery Small beet Fresh mint leaves Small oranges
Mixed salad leaves Dried apricots White wine vinegar Shallot Dijon mustard Olive oil Feta Cucumber Dill
SHAVED CARROT AND RADISH SALAD Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper to your taste, before adding olive oil. Peel and then shave the carrots lengthways and finely slice the radishes before peeling the oranges and slicing them into half-moons. Then thinly slice the celery and small beet. Mix together in a large bowl before adding the olive oil mix. Serve with the freshly chopped mint leaves on top.
SPRING SALAD WITH APRICOT VINAIGRETTE Place the apricots in a bowl while bringing the white wine vinegar to a simmer. Once simmering, pour over the apricots and leave for ten minutes. Finely slice the shallot, then add to a bowl with some Dijon mustard before then adding the apricots to the mustard mixture. Add a little white wine vinegar to taste and then mix in the olive oil. In a large bowl, toss together the salad leaves, cucumber and apricot mixture. To serve, crumble the feta cheese over the top before adding the fresh dill.
Images for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
15
First impressions count Maximise your home’s potential and create spacious and inviting rooms that will photograph well and allow your property to shine
W
hen buyers are looking at properties online or in estate agent’s particulars, they make their minds up in seconds.
launch our very own VIEW360. Which is a 360 Virtual Tour of your home and floorplan, all completed in one visit and is sure to wow your potential buyers.
That is why it is so important to have the best photographs of your home, getting the photos right and it could mean higher offers and a quicker sale. Now more than ever we are finding that buyers are also looking for virtual tours of a property to how they feel on a virtual walk around before they visit in person.
The VIEW360 means buyers can walk around the entire property before even setting foot through the door. The feedback from sellers and buyers has been tremendous and the quality of physical viewing conversion from viewing to offer has increased.
We are proud to be one of the first independent agents to
The end goal is to help potential buyers envision your house as theirs. So remember decluttering will make your home more spacious and entice potential buyers!
To make sure we capture your property in its best light we will require your assistance in helping to prepare for the photography being done.
Prepare your home for our photographer • • • • • • • • • •
Move any vehicles from the outside of the property Remove any clutter from outside the property such as bins and hoses Mow the lawn and tidy round the garden including weeding and removing leaves Clean the windows Open all doors, curtains and blinds Turn on all the lights Excuse any potentially photo-bombing pets Turn off TVs Moving furniture around may help to make a room look more spacious Fresh flowers help bring pop of colour and bring your photos to life.
RECEPTION ROOMS • Arrange cushions to look smart and tidy • Set dining room tables. • Removing rugs, especially where you have wooden or tiled floors • Any children’s toys, DVDs, magazines to be cleared away • Open all curtains and blinds BEDROOMS • Make the bed and choose neutral bedding • Anything stored under the bed or on top of wardrobes should be completely out of sight • All drawers and wardrobe doors should be shut KITCHEN • Clear all work tops and make sure there are no tea towels or chopping boards on show • Move bins out of sight • Clear away appliances • Close all cupboards • Hide all fridge magnets • Clear the sink (no dirty dishes!) • If you have pets, hide their food bowls and beds • A full, fresh fruit bowl can add a flash of colour BATHROOM • Remove all clutter, ensure personal items/ toiletries are out of sight • Close the shower curtain • Keep the toilet lid down • Remove toilet paper from its holder • Any towels should be neatly arranged and folded, and chosen to compliment the room www.paulmeakin.co.uk
Your step-by-step guide to the conveyancing process
O
nce a sale has been agreed and is in the hands of your solicitor, it will go through the following stages. Sometimes additional work will be needed – for example, if the property is leasehold or is yet to be registered with the Land Registry. It is also important for buyers to discuss the availability of their deposit with their solicitor early in the transaction, and we strongly recommend that you contact your solicitor regularly so that they can keep you fully up-to-date with the progress and the latest timescales.
Seller’s solicitor’s steps • Obtain a copy of the Title Deeds (or office copies if the title is registered) • Obtain a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (if applicable) • The seller(s) will return a completed Property Information Form and a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form to the solicitors • Copies of the above documents, plus a draft contract – this is known as an ‘Information Pack’ – will be sent to the buyer’s solicitor • Answer the buyer’s solicitor’s additional enquiries (for example, specific questions about fixtures and fittings) and obtain copies of any planning consent documents • Agree the contract and arrange for the sellers to sign it in readiness of the exchange (below) • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged
Between exchange and completion • Obtain redemption figures from the mortgage lender and reply to requisitions on title • Approve the transfer and arrange for the seller(s) and buyer(s) to sign • Receive the agent’s fee account and seek the seller’s consent to settle this out of completion funds
Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards.
Upon completion • Receive completion funds and (only when this has been completed) instruct Paul Meakin to release the keys to buyers. Redeem mortgage and forward the financial statement. Forward any surplus funds (unless these are being used to fund an onward purchase). Ensure all outstanding bills are paid • Forward transfer documents and deeds to the buyer’s solicitors • Forward evidence of ‘discharge of mortgage’ to the buyer’s solicitors
Buyer’s solicitor’s steps • Obtain the Information Pack, including a copy of the EPC (if applicable) from the sellers’ solicitor and raise any additional queries • Initiate any specialist searches (for example: a coal search). Submit local, environmental and water searches and a chancel check. This takes about 10 working days in total, and enquiries are then usually raised from the results • Approve the contract when all enquiries are satisfactory and complete. (At this stage, a mortgage transfer deed will need to be signed and witnessed) • Receive a mortgage offer and instructions from the lender and deal with any conditions set out by them. Make sure that life cover and buildings insurance is being arranged • Request the deposit, report back to the buyer, and arrange for the contract to be signed. Place buildings insurance and life cover in force • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged
Between exchange and completion • Raise ‘requisitions on title’ and prepare the draft transfer deed • Report on title to mortgage lender and obtain funds for completion, including Stamp Duty (if appropriate) • Prepare accounts, obtain signature to mortgage deed and undertake final Land Registry and Land Charges searches
Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards.
Upon Completion • Forward to the seller’s solicitors the balance of funds − it is only then that they can authorise the release of the keys. Receive from the seller’s solicitors, the transfer document deeds • Stamp the Transfer Deed, register the buyer’s ownership with the Land Registry and forward the deeds to the lender or client (where appropriate)
Contract - The agreement that sets out the main terms that have been agreed − for example: price, address, names, etc. Two copies are drawn up, and each party signs one in readiness for the exchange of contracts. Deposit - The part of the purchase price (usually 10%) which the buyer pays on exchange of contracts. Exchange of contracts - The swapping of signed contracts by the solicitors (together with the buyer’s deposit). After this, the contract is binding. Energy Performance Certificate - This contains information on energy use, energy performance, carbon dioxide emissions, and fuel bills. Land Registry - The Government department that records who owns what land, and under what conditions. Local Authority Search - A list of questions that are specific to the property and intended, for example, to discover if there have been any planning applications on the property, if the road to the house is maintained by the council, etc. Mortgage Redemption Figure - The amount required to repay the outstanding capital/ interest of a mortgage. Property information form/fixtures, fittings and contents form - Standard forms about the property that the seller answers for their solicitor (for example: what will be left behind, details of guarantees, etc.) Title Deeds - Legal documents that prove ownership of land/ buildings, and the terms on which they are owned. Transfer of Title - The document that passes the ownership from the seller to the buyer. Stamp Duty for buy to let investors and second home owners - An additional tax, paid by the buyer purchasing an additional property that is not their main residence. It includes buy to let landlords and those buying second homes and holiday homes. The higher rates will be 3 percentage points above the current rates of duty shown below. Requisition on title - An enquiry relating to the completion arrangements. Seller’s Pack - This comprises a Property Information Form, a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form, a copy of the title deeds and the draft contract. Stamp Duty - A tax paid by the buyer purchasing their main residence. The current Stamp Duty Holiday runs until the 30th June and as such you won’t pay stamp duty on purchases up to £500,000. After this date the nil-rate band will be set at £250k until the end of September.
Moving house? From meter readings to removal companies, there’s so much to remember when moving house. Here’s our checklist of what to do and when
F
irst of all, congratulations on your new home! The excitement has probably now kicked in but moving home can also be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining things you can do. However, careful organisation and planning can help decrease the stress and anxiety of moving. This comprehensive and essential checklist will help you do just that.
Eight weeks – Research
Ideally, you want to start packing away any non-essential items as early as possible. This includes any items stored away in the loft, garage and shed. If you are not using it, pack it. Looking into your new area is also important, try to do this around eight weeks before you move. You might need to think about transferring your children to different schools and ordering new uniforms too. At this point, ensure you are also documenting all your important information away: that includes contact details, dates, contracts and information regarding your solicitor.
Six weeks – Removal companies or do it yourself?
Now would be the perfect time to decide on a local removal company. Or if you don’t have too much to move, you may want to do it yourself. You could even look into different van hire companies. At this point you’ve probably started packing away some bits, but if there is anything you decide not to take, then look into selling these items or donating them to charity. This will also give you an idea on the volume of items you have to move.
Four weeks – Notify utility companies
This would be a good time for you to notify utility companies and inform them about your move to switch over. This includes gas and electricity, council tax, internet, phone rental and TV. You should also consider changing any car insurance, tax, memberships, phone contracts and inform your bank about the move. Now’s the time to also arrange a date to have your new house cleaned before you move in, and start ordering any new furnishings for your new property. Start
The buyers of our homes receive their very own property website to share via
Checklist Eight weeks Pack non-essential items Research your new area (transfer schools and order new uniform) Keep all important documents
Six weeks Decide on a local removal company Clear out any unwanted items Keep packing
Four weeks
It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! packing away more items, that being, out of season clothes, books, dvd’s and even bulky items, like TV’s that aren’t used often.
help you keep track of what you have and to help you ensure it doesn’t go missing.
Two weeks – Confirm all details
Today is the day! You need to be ready for when your removal company comes. Ensure that you let them know if there are any fragile boxes that need extra care when handling. If you’re moving yourself, then pack up your car or van and work out how many trips it may take. Before you leave, also take note of your final meter readings and send these off to your provider. Don’t forget to leave your keys for the new owners!
Confirm your move with your removal company or van hire, estate agents and schools. If possible, try to organise someone to look after your pets and children for the day of your move, as this can also be a stressful time for them too. If your removal company doesn’t disassemble any furniture or sort out the un-plumbing for the washing machine, then now would be the ideal time to organise these. Remember to also cancel any local services you receive: this could be window cleaners, gardeners and newspaper deliveries. You should now also think about re-registering to vote and getting your post re-directed after your moving date. Continue packing away more furnishings, kitchen appliances and crockery that you won’t be using for the next couple of weeks.
24 hours – Final check and walk round
You now have only 24 hours before you move, so double check that everything is packed away and ready for transit. It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! You may want to create an inventory of your boxes and furniture to
Moving day
You have arrived at your new home!
Give your removal company instructions of which boxes go in which rooms and make sure you are happy with everything that has arrived. Ensure you check for any damage before the movers leave. Read your new utility meters and send your readings of to your supplier. Taking photos of them will also ensure you have the correct reading if you need them again in the future. Unpack your essentials such as bed linen and clean towels. Don’t worry about the rest, it isn’t going anywhere! Order a takeaway, have a cup of tea and enjoy your first night with your family. Right, so now you’re all moved in, it’s time to settle down, unpack and enjoy your new place. Remember, planning is essential to ensure your move runs stress free.
social media with its address and personal message!
Notify utility companies Start preparation for your new house Keep packing
Two weeks Finalise all details Organise pet and child care Cancel local services Keep packing
24 hours Check every room and ensure everything is packed Pack a night bag so everything is to hand Collect your new keys Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can get in touch with the estate agents or removal company
Moving in Prepare for the arrival of the removal company and give them directions/your contact details Ensure everything is ready to move Record meter readings
On arrival Give removal company instructions of what goes where Check for any damage before they leave Read your new utility meters and send them off to your supplier Check if the previous owners have left anything behind Unpack essentials Order a takeaway and sit back and relax!
NEW OFFICE NOW OPEN! 13 Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead Village
Having recognised a fantastic opportunity, we are proud to have opened our brand new branch in the heart of Sanderstead Village.
helping us to deliver a service that is personal and professional whether you are buying, selling or letting.
We have opened a new office in the heart of Sanderstead Village to help us guide you through your property journey.
When you visit our branches, browse our website or scroll through our social media output, you will see how passionate we are about property.
You can find us at 13 Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead, CR2 9LA, where our dedicated and knowledgeable staff offer the unparalleled level of customer service, seven days a week, which sets us apart from the competition.
After all, we’ve been in the business for 50 years, building our reputation on transparency, support and extensive market knowledge.
Because family is at the core of our business. We have a father and daughter as working directors,
SOLD OPEN
7 DAYS A WEEK
paulmeakin.co.uk
So if you are visiting us in Sanderstead Village, Selsdon, or at our Riddlesdown office, where our lettings department is based, you are assured of a warm and helpful welcome.
GOING THE
EXTRA MILE
ESTABLISHED. PERSONAL. PROFESSIONAL.
EXCLUSIVELY AT
Giving you peace of mind every time Our innovative approach to marketing, together with our unrivalled customer care, makes us the right choice to market your property and guide you through your move
Whether you’re looking to sell or put your property up for rental, when you choose to market your property with Paul Meakin, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Selling your property A leading independent agent covering the local area the name Paul Meakin is synonymous with trust, excellence and integrity. With decades of experience, specialising in all aspects of residential property, our friendly, enthusiastic and professional service ensures that our clients continually return to sell and buy through us. We also recognise the importance of marketing, so your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our window display. Exclusively to us in our area, your property will receive its very own FREE microsite showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property brochure. Sharing your personalised website across the social networks widens the audience for
your property, to find the right buyer and increasing the chances of a quicker sale. Our qualified database of home buyers will be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. Quite simply we endeavour to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest possible time, providing you an outstanding service, with a personal and friendly approach.
Letting your property When it comes to letting, as Paul Meakin are members of certified accreditations, you can have peace of mind that your property is in safe hands as we ensure you are fully compliant with your landlord duties. We offer a comprehensive range of services for you to choose from including areas such as Tenant Introduction, Rent Collection, Gas Safety Checks, in-depth Inventory reports, Deposit registration, insurance-based Rent Guarantee and Legal cover policies. As with selling, when you choose to let through us, your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our
paulmeakin.co.uk
website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display.
The power of social media Your property will also receive its very own FREE property website showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and property brochures; something that we are proud to say is exclusive to Paul Meakin in our area. In addition, our qualified database of tenants will also be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. All our tenants are fully referenced and vetted, making sure the highest of standards are met to find the right tenant for you. By sharing your personalised websites with family and friends across the social networks you will be widening the audience to find the right buyer or tenant for your property, increasing the chances of a quicker sale or rental.
“
“
When you choose to market your property with Paul Meakin, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly
Video microsite on our website
Rightmove featured property advertising* Feature in our monthly magazine
Comparables of houses SOLD and price guides
1.
ACTIVATE
Print marketing: Property brochure, photography, floorplans and newspapers
2.
RECEIVE YOUR VERY OWN
EXCLUSIVE
COMMON MARKETING
PERSONALISED
SHARE
PROPERTY WEBSITE Tech gimic (Drones, 360 tours)
SOLD
3.
SELL Portals and websites Want to find out more about our range of exclusive services?
Then please feel free to pop in or give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Feature on our Facebook, Twitter and Google+
Property video
All our applicants receive your property on their own search for a home website
0208 657 5000 • 0208 651 1234
DID YOU HEAR...?
WE WON! 2020 - 2021
LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH CROYDON
Here at Paul Meakin, our Lettings department not only has over forty five years experience in the rental market we understand the importance of ensuring your property is in the right hands. Our service to Landlords is second to none, ranging from just finding and introducing tenants to a fully managed letting and rent collection service. We have a network of offices with a dedicated team servicing a portfolio of properties ranging from studio apartments to five bedroom houses. We pride ourselves on good quality marketing, which is essential in an increasingly competitive rental market, we also have a high demand from good quality tenants looking to rent both short and long term.
Your Full Management Lettings Team
Helen Marvell Helen.marvell@pm-team.co.uk
Lucy Fidler Lucy.fidler@pm-team.co.uk
Irina Iatco Irina.iatco@paulmeakin-pm.co.uk
Property Mainenance Manager For all day to day maintenance questions and enquiries
New Lets Liaises with landlords and tenants prior to move in
Accounts Administrator Day to day accounts, finance and rent queries
Lilly Webb Lily.webb@pm-team.co.uk
Allison Banks Allison@paulmeakin.co.uk
Head of Client Portfolio To be approached for any maintenance escalations
Lettings Manager Oversees your property take on and finds your perfect tenants
0330 111 3654
Enjoycomplete completepeace peace of of mind mind with Your dedicated property Enjoy with the the Paul PaulMeakin Meakinfull fullmanagement managementservice. service. Your dedicated property Enjoy complete peace of mind with the Paul Meakin full management service. Your dedicated property management team will take care of your property – from the day your tenant moves in, through to to management team will take care of your property – from the day your tenant moves in, through tenancy renewal or check-out check-out and in We will be the point ofof contact forfor your management team will take care of your property – from the day your tenant moves in, through to tenancy renewal or and everything everything inbetween. between. We will be thefirst first point contact your tenants and and be for you need tenancy renewal or check-out andwill everything in between. We will be the firstus. point tenants will be available available foryou youwhenever whenever you need us. of contact for your tenants and will be available for you whenever you need us. With our property maintenance service, you’ll never need to worry. We will take all property With our property maintenance service, you’ll never need to worry. We will take all property maintenance and repair requests 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year We as well as ourallaccounts With our property maintenance you’ll never maintenance and repair requestsservice, 24 hours a day, 365need daysto ofworry. the year aswill welltake as ourproperty accounts administrator who works on ensuring the rent is collected and paid on time every month. maintenance and repair requests 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year as well as our accounts administrator who works on ensuring the rent is collected and paid on time every month. administrator who works on ensuring the rent is collected and paid on time every month.
Rent Collection Rent Collection Ensuring your rent is collected and paid to you Rent Collection Ensuring your rent is
Emergency Cover 24Emergency hours a day and Cover 365 days a year for urgent Cover repairs Emergency 24 hours a day and 365 days
Compliance Compliance Arranging all legal and safety certifications Compliance Arranging all legal and
Inspections Inspections Ensuring the property is kept well and maintained Inspections Ensuring the property
Maintenance & Repairs Maintenance From initial enquiry and Maintenance & Repairs landlord approval & Repairs From initial enquiry and
Qualified & Reliable Contractors Qualified & Reliable Via our trusted network Qualified & Reliable Contractors of suppliers Contractors Via our trusted network
Tenant Referencing Tenant Fully comprehensive Tenant Referencing and compliant Referencing Fully comprehensive
Check in & Inventories Check in & Arranged, booked Check in & Inventories and monitored Inventories Arranged, booked
collected and paid Ensuring your renttoisyou collected and paid to you
landlord approval From initial enquiry and landlord approval
yearafor urgent repairs 24 a hours day and 365 days a year for urgent repairs
suppliers Via ouroftrusted network of suppliers
safety certifications Arranging all legal and safety certifications
and compliant Fully comprehensive and compliant
is kept well and maintained Ensuring the property is kept well and maintained
and monitored Arranged, booked and monitored
24 hours, 365 days a year
ME E T TH E TEA M
Emma Meakin
Paul Meakin FNAEA
Allison Banks
Director
Company Founder/Director
Lettings Manager
My parents opened Paul Meakin in 1973 and throughout my childhood I witnessed their passion for estate agency and their dedication to the Croydon area. My first working day within the Company was in 1996 and after working in every corner of the business I became a Director in 2005. I pride myself on delivering a professional and honest service, available 24/7 for my buyers, sellers and landlords as well as building relationships they can trust and a service they will return to. Out of the office I spend as much time as I can with my husband.
Croydon has been my home since 1955 (aged 4) and I was educated at two local schools, Gilbert Scott and Shirley Hill. I have been an Estate Agent within the area for 50 years; a milestone I’m still coming to terms with. I have worked with many young and enthusiastic Estate Agents, just as I was aged 18. Starting work in Selsdon I often asked what makes a good Estate Agent? For me it’s simple, be prepared to go the extra mile and be willing to show your clients you care. I hope we are able to help you with your property needs and I remain available at our Sanderstead office to receive your feedback.
I have been working for Paul Meakin for 21 years, I started as a Sunday lady and progressed to Lettings Manager, acquiring experience and knowledge with all aspects of sales and lettings. The testament for my long service is working for a family run business and their understanding and care of their staff and clientele. I still get a buzz out of helping landlords find good quality tenants.To relax I enjoy keeping fit at the gym and socialising with family and friends.
Sam Weller
Amy Reynolds
Adelle Gibson
Branch Manager
Assistant Branch Manager
PA to Director & Marketing Coordinator
Starting as a Trainee Negotiator, I have worked for Paul Meakin for 15 years, and I’m now managing the Selsdon office. I love working for the Company as you are so much more than just a member of staff, you are a valid part of the family run business. I’ve lived locally my whole life and there is nothing more satisfying than helping someone find their dream home. In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and family.
I chose to join the team in 2016, after having already acquired 5 years’ experience in the industry. I chose to join the firm because they are a successful family run business and I saw the opportunity to progress in my career. This has proved to be the best step I could have made. I enjoy meeting new clients, assisting them with their moving plans from the moment they instruct me right through to their moving day.
I joined the Paul Meakin team to assist Emma as the business expands. Working for a successful family run business is fantastic, every member of the team is extremely dedicated and passionate about what they do and always put the client first. I bought my first property in the area a couple of years ago and have been interested in the industry ever since. My background is in marketing, design and branding and I am very much looking forward to working on lots of exciting new plans for the business.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Riddlesdown | Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
H E RE TO H ELP
Natalie Chapman
Elle Spurring
Gill Arkwright
Senior Sales Negotiator
Senior Sales Negotiator
Senior Sales Progressor
I have a strong background in estate agency having worked in the corporate sector for 18 years. After having my son, I joined Paul Meakin in 2011 because they are a well-known family run business who have a reputation for providing top quality customer care to their clients. I enjoy providing support in all aspects of the business. My spare time is taken up with my family, in particular watching my son play football and cricket.
I joined the team here at Paul Meakin in 2021 looking for an opportunity to develop my skills and progress in my estate agency career, after having already built up 4 years in the industry from a corporate background. I now love being part of a family run business who demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and experience. Helping clients find their dream home and move on to the next chapter of their lives is an extremely rewarding experience, and something I feel passionate about delivering within my work.
I’ve worked for Paul Meakin as part of the team for over 10 years. My career began as a part time member of staff when my children were small, gaining knowledge in all aspects of estate agency along the way. Although I enjoy the variety of day to day tasks, my passion is for sales progression where satisfaction comes with effective problem solving for clients. My spare time is taken up with yoga, Pilates and country walks as well as spending time with family and friends.
Heather Beaumont
Amelia Clark
Ally Ward
Sales Negotiator
Sales Negotiator
Sales Coordinator
Having started at Paul Meakin as a sales negotiator and I’m loving every second of my time here. I enjoy speaking and meeting new clients and helping them find their perfect home. The team is great at Paul Meakin and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my time growing my estate agency career with them. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and socialising with friends and family.
After joining the team in 2019 and beginning my career in the industry, I have developed my knowledge of the property market. I thoroughly enjoyed taking clients around properties and love being a member of our professional and hardworking team. I get great satisfaction helping someone find their dream home. In my spare time, I like to see my friends and family and enjoy running.
Being family run, the organisation has strong values and always strive to do their best for their clients, providing an efficient tailored service, this appealed when I was seeking to move into working in the property field. My background is in charity and I have a strong work ethic. Away from work I am kept very busy by my two young children and attempting to transform my own property, having moved to the area in 2019.
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
Step inside this beautifully presented, detached Edwardian residence.
£1,700,000
Sanderstead House, South Croydon
An impressive and beautifully presented Edwardian detached residence. A Stunning wealth of character paired with modern day attributes that captures you as soon as you enter via the reception hall and is an absolute credit to the current owner. The property features six bedrooms, six bathrooms and four receptions. The heart of the home is certainly the open plan bespoke kitchen diner where there really has been no expense spared to meet all demands of modern family living. Beautiful worktops, an abundance of storage and integrated top of the range appliances. The impressive dining room is a banqueting suite with large windows allowing for maximum natural light and the dual aspect sitting room is a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the open fireplace. Air conditioning units for both cold and hot are installed in all bedrooms, the kitchen/breakfast room and reception rooms. There is underfloor heating in the kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, boot room and WC, aswell as upstairs in the dressing rooms and en suites of the master and bedroom four. The property also benefits from instant hot water throughout and the worktops in the bathrooms, kitchen and utility room are custom made from unique Italian stone and are finished to a magnificent standard.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk
|
020 8657 5000
|
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
The Master bedroom suite offers a stylish dressing room and large bathroom designed to impress. This is a property which delivers on many levels, it has 14 solar panels, yielding up to 4.8kw of electricity with a feed in tariff in place. Over 4,200sq ft the accommodation is impressive, the location is sought after and convenient for a good selection of schools, transport links into London and easy access to M25. The area is well served with excellent schools to include Riddlesdown Collegiate, Cumnor House, St Davids and Whitgift. Recreational pursuits include open spaces of Riddlesdown Common and an array of golf clubs all within easy reach. Croydon town centre offers The Whitgift centre shopping facilities and East Croydon station. The M25/M23 is within approximately a fifteen minute drive giving easy access to Gatwick airport. Please scan the QR code her for further information and to view the 360 Virtual tour. Or please see free to call us to discuss or book a viewing on 020 8657 5000.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk
|
020 8657 5000
|
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH CROYDON
Mitchley Avenue Asking price £595,950
SO
Purley Bury Avenue, Purley £750,000
ST LD C
We are delighted to market this rarely available three bedroom detached home internally offering families flexible accommodation and a large secluded garden. This property offers scope to extend STPP offers bright reception rooms, a downstairs cloakroom, master bedroom with dressing room, large family bathroom, a garage and off street parking via the driveway. The area offers excellent local schools including the highly regarded Riddlesdown Collegiate, the open spaces and recreational facilities of Riddlesdown & Kenley Commons, golf courses, a range of amenities and frequent bus services to Croydon and Purley.
Paul Meakin are delighted to offer to the market this simply exquisite four bedroom detached chalet bungalow. The property is finished to an immaculate standard throughout and resides in an ever popular residential tree lined road in one of Purley’s favoured locations. The ground floor has a bright and elegant entrance hall which flows into a wonderfully proportioned reception room overlooking the beautiful garden. Additionally you will find a contemporary kitchen diner which is perfect for entertaining, alongside a stunning master bedroom benefitting from it’s own luxurious en-suite shower room.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Riddlesdown | Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
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Arkwright Road, South Croydon £850,000
This superb four bedroom detached home has been extended and refurbished by the current owner to an exceptional standard Internally offering over 2,600 sq ft this well proportioned home boasts a pleasing reception room, separate study, impressive kitchen breakfast room which is the heart of the house, large utility room, level south east facing garden, four double bedrooms and a stylish en suite to master bedroom plus two single garages, carport and carriage driveway with ample off street parking. Your earliest viewing is advised to appreciate location, presentation and size.
Hyde Road, South Croydon
£650,000
An extended four bedroom family home where the current owners have spent a considerable amount of time, care and investment in creating a stunning home with every inch carefully designed and chosen to maximise space, light and storage. Situated within a popular residential road, as you approach the property the front landscaped garden provides off street parking with steps down to the entrance. A bright and spacious entrance hall, a fully fitted utility room / cloakroom, a split level reception room with bi-folding doors leading to the secluded south facing garden.
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH CROYDON
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Derwent Drive £700,000
Paul Meakin are delighted to market this stunning Chain Free four bedroom extended semi detached family home. It has been extended and completely renovated to the highest of standards and is an absolutely credit to the current sellers. With just over 2,000 sq ft of accommodation this home delivers on many levels and will excite buyers the moment they enter the entrance hall, offering a bright and spacious reception room, a downstairs cloakroom and an impressive 32ft kitchen breakfast room where every inch of the kitchen has been designed to maximise space and functionality for the modern day family life.
Croham Road, South Croydon £850,000
Offered to the market with no onward chain is this beautiful arts & craft style five bedroom semidetached family homewith a separate annex in a popular and prestigious location. The current owner has been in residence for the last 40 years and has kept many of the original features and character. Being of arts and crafts style the property has character in abundance with generous room sizes, stained and leaded light windows, feature fire places and a bright and airy galleried landing.To the ground floor and accessed from either the main residence or via its own front door is a one bedroom selfcontained annex with private garden, ideal for a family member or as an additional source of income.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Riddlesdown | Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
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Castlemaine Avenue £950,000
Paul Meakin are the proud agents of this rarely available ‘Chain Free’ four bedroom detached family home in one of the most sought after residential roads and marketed by the family for the first time in many years. With just under 3,000 sq ft this handsome property offers buyers a unique renovation opportunity to design and create the perfect space for a growing family. This plot offers a number of extension options STPP. Internally you are greeted with a bright and spacious reception hall, a study, dual aspect dining room, an impressive reception room leading to a conservatory enjoying direct access to the secluded landscaped garden.
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£640,000
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Coombe Wood Hill, Purley
Paul Meakin are delighted to present to the market this three bedroom link detached family home situated within easy walking distance to Riddlesdown train station. Located in an ever popular tree lined residential locale this bright and spacious property comprises two separate receptions, a useful downstairs cloakroom plus a beautiful lounge enjoying direct access to the secluded landscaped level garden. The first floor offers three good sized bedrooms, one with en-suite and a brand new re fitted modern bathroom suite. For your parking requirements there is both off street parking via the driveway and a single garage.
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
LETTING AGENT IN SOUTH CROYDON
Upper Selsdon Road OIEO £750,000
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Abercorn Close, South Croydon £750,000
SO ST LD
This exceptionally well presented and extended four bedroom semi detached property is welcomed to the market with a variety of accommodation which consist of an impressive open plan kitchen/diner which is great for modern day living, separate living room, study area with downstairs cloakroom, refitted ensuite to bedroom three, refitted and redesigned family bathroom, shutter blinds, stunning landscaped rear garden, integral garage and off street parking for multiple cars. This property is situated on a highly desirable residential road with access to Sanderstead mainline train station, frequent bus services, local amenities, Ridgeway Primary School and Croham Hurst woods/ golf course. Your earliest viewing is warranted to appreciate size, presentation and location.
We are delighted to welcome to the market this extended four bedroom detached family home situated on a private cul de sac road offering far reaching views and being conveniently located for transport links and Kingswood Shaw Woods. Internally the current owners have spent a considerable amount of time and money on updating the property which now benefits from an impressive kitchen/dining room leading to orangery, larger than normal lounge measuring 18’3 x 17’1, useful downstairs cloakroom, study, en-suite to master bedroom, refitted family bathroom, landscaped rear garden with hot tub, double garage and off street parking for multiple cars with Pod-Point EV charging point on the drive.
sanderstead@paulmeakin.co.uk | selsdon@paulmeakin.co.uk | lettings@paulmeakin.co.uk
Riddlesdown | Sanderstead 020
8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Lomond Gardens OIEO £350,000
This is an opportunity to acquire this two double bedroom semi detached family home which is situated in a cul de sac location and is conveniently located for Gravel Hill tramstop, local Primary and Secondary schools and frequent bus services. Internally the property benefits from a useful ensuite to master bedroom, refitted family bathroom, conservatory, refitted kitchen, landscaped rear garden, double glazed windows throughout and gas central heating via radiators. Call now to avoid disappointment.
Viney Bank, Court Wood Lane £375,000
We are delighted to welcome to the market this exceptionally well presented three bedroom end of terraced family home which benefits from a refitted kitchen, useful downstairs cloakroom with handy utility space, refitted family bathroom, landscaped rear garden, double glazed windows throughout, gas central heating via radiators and garage en bloc. This property is conveniently located for the 433 Bus route leading to surrounding areas, local Primary Schools, woodland and amenities, view now to appreciate size, standard and location.
www.paulmeakin.co.uk
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Riddlesdown | Sanderstead 020 8657 5000 Selsdon 020 8651 1234 Lettings 020 8657 8000 Website paulmeakin.co.uk