Biles & Co: Coast and Country

Architecture William Rome’s ideas for sustainability

Hillside Ventnor The Art of Hospitality

Property The finest Isle of Wight houses for sale

Robert Thompson Building his own restaurant

Coast & Country issue 1 | autumn/winter 2017

The Isle of Wight’s Premier PropertIES

NORTH HOUSE

The restoration of this classic Cowes hotel

HORSE TRIALS AT OSBORNE

An exciting new event planned for July 2018

www.bilesandco.co.uk

Welcome I

would like to welcome you to the latest edition of Coast & Country - Biles & Co’s twice yearly property magazine. We are delighted with the new, fresh look in which we are pleased to showcase some of the very best property currently available to buy on the Isle of Wight.

We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Yoyo Graphics who produced the magazine for us and are thrilled and proud to be supported by so many Isle of Wight businesses.

2017 has been a very exciting year for us. We have been privileged to sell some fascinating properties including the historic Arreton Manor and Dolphin Boathouse - one of the Island’s most admired coastal houses, often seen from the deck of the Wightlink ferry at the entrance to Wootton Creek.

Both sales were to relative newcomers to the Island demonstrating how our focused marketing through Mayfair Office helps us to link into buyers from London and the Home Counties.

Sales of country cottages and farmhouses have also gone well, notably, Rowridge Top Barn, 1 Hill Farm Cottages in Gatcombe and Brookwood Farmhouse in Porchfield.

Swains House, Bembridge

Published on behalf of Biles & Co. by yoyographics.com

We have begun to utilise the advantages of drone photography which has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. For the right property a film from the air really puts it in its setting and links it to its environment particularly when the property is on the coast. The prestige country and coastal homes market has experienced increased activity this summer.

Whilst Stamp Duty has undoubtedly remained an issue - particularly for second home buyers who have an extra 3% to pay - buyers and sellers have accommodated this in negotiations and deals have been done that would not have been done 2 years ago.

Naturally concerns about Brexit can impact upon the confidence of prospective Island buyers and whilst this can cause a patchy or sporadic market with periods of caution, we generally see increased activity when better economic news breaks.

Some firms are opening village offices and increasing their traditional business overheads - we are operating right across the Island, investing in new technology and focusing on national promotion via Mayfair Office to deliver our message to London and the Home Counties about the benefits of buying on the Island.

COVER: Arreton Manor - sold by Biles & Co September 2017.

Yoyo Graphics Ltd accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication and do not endorse any advertising or products available from external sources.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers.

All rights reserved 2017

We are looking forward to a busy Autumn market and hope you enjoy the magazine. Please support our advertisers - they have been chosen carefully for the good services they offer.

Sam Biles BSc MRICS FAAV MRAC Managing Director, Biles & Co sam@bilesandco.co.uk Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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BEMBRIDGE £2,750,000

• OUTSTANDING COASTAL PROPERTY • 8 BEDROOMS • DIRECT BEACH ACCESS • MATURE GROUNDS OF 2.07 ACRES • OUTBUILDINGS AND SPACE FOR POOL/TENNIS COURT • EPC RATING E

6 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

Swains House is an exceptional property with one of the very best sea views from any house in the renowned sailing village of Bembridge, in a commanding position overlooking the eastern approaches to Spithead and the English Channel.

Bembridge Sailing Club established in 1886 and one of the premier clubs on the Island.

The grounds and mature gardens include a long-established bowling green/croquet lawn. They are of a sufficient size for a tennis court and swimming pool. The principal rooms of the house look out over the Solent and the activities of

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

The accommodation is extensive and adaptable, and includes four principal reception rooms and 8 bedrooms.

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

7

VENTNOR £875,000

• DETACHED VICTORIAN VILLA • 4 BEDROOMS • 4 BOUTIQUE HOLIDAY APARTMENTS • CLOSE TO VENTNOR TOWN • PERIOD FEATURES

A superbly presented Victorian seaside villa with four bedrooms in the main house and four holiday apartments. Close to Ventnor town centre, beaches and overlooking Ventnor Park.

The current owners have refurbished and enhanced this fine Victorian Villa to create a truly impressive family home and a thriving holiday letting business providing a substantial income.

The property offers the perfect opportunity to build on the current

8 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

success of the business whilst at the same time enjoying private family accommodation comprising the entire ground floor.

The four Holiday Apartments can either be accessed from a separate entrance to the rear or via the main house. They have been designed to an extremely high standard and vary in size offering flexible accommodation.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

BINSTEAD £1,000,000

• PERIOD COASTAL VILLA • DIRECT BEACH ACCESS • SET WITHIN 3 ACRES • DETACHED GUEST HOUSE • PADDOCKS & ORCHARD • STUNNING SEA VIEWS

A fine 4 bedroom period detached coastal villa in a spectacular beachside location with detached guest house, beach access and stunning sea views. Set in mature grounds of approximately 3 acres (1.22 ha); there are paddocks, an orchard, outbuildings and pond.

This period stone-built property stands in a private waterside location on the edge of the popular village of Binstead at the end of a tree-lined drive.

The property has direct access to the beach and would make an ideal family home or holiday retreat. The detached guest house, Player’s Cottage, offers additional accommodation for visitors.

This really is a lifestyle property for someone looking to live by the sea and to escape the hustle-bustle of mainland life.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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RYDE

£1,000,000 • GRADE II 7-8 BEDROOM VICTORIAN HOUSE • PLANNING CONSENT FOR 2 DETACHED HOUSES • ORIGINAL PERIOD FEATURES • SEA VIEWS • CLOSE TO MAINLAND CONNECTIONS & RYDE SCHOOL

10 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

A fine detached Grade II Listed early Victorian 7-8 bedroom house of nearly 6,000 sq ft with some sea views, close by Ryde School and accessible to the ferries. With consent for two detached houses in the grounds (a 3 and a 4 bedroom unit), the main house is in need of modernisation, upgrading and renovation and itself has consent (if required) to be extended and divided into 3 units.

This elegant ‘Gentleman’s Residence’ is believed to date from around 1850 and is in the style of

an Italianate Villa popularised by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, at Osborne House. Whilst in need of renovation, the property retains many of its original period features including doors, deep skirtings, wide floorboards, fireplaces, timber window shutters, cornicing and plasterwork. In private ownership for nearly its whole life the property was until recently let out. The first floor has views of the sea between the trees.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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BONCHURCH £795,000

• LARGE SOUTH-FACING MATURE GARDENS • ACCESS TO BONCHURCH POND & VILLAGE • WEALTH OF PERIOD FEATURES • SEA VIEWS • OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION • DETACHED SEASIDE VILLA • WINE CELLAR • WALKING DISTANCE OF BEACH & CHARMING INN

12 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

A fine detached 4-5 bedroom period house with sea views in a particularly secluded position in Bonchurch set in extensive, mature gardens that extend down to close

by Bonchurch Pond.

Listed Grade II this Victorian Gentleman’s Residence has been recently re-roofed and the elegant verandah rebuilt.

It now requires modernisation; it retains a wide variety of original period features: fireplaces,

plasterwork, shutters, skirtings and doors. The principal rooms have large south-facing windows, making the most of the wonderful outlook over the gardens with sea views from the upper floors and potentially from the ground floor.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

ST. LAWRENCE £795,000 • 4 BEDROOMS • WOODLAND • SEA VIEWS • DRIVEWAY • WALLED GARDEN • 2 EN-SUITES • QUIET LOCATION

A fine 4 bedroom coastal residence with fabulous sea views and Victorian walled garden on the Southern coast of the Island.

The property is located in an idyllic and tranquil setting whilst being within easy reach of Ventnor and Niton.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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BROOK

£475,000 • LUXURIOUS GRADE II LISTED 2-3 BEDROOM APARTMENT • SECLUDED LOCATION • BALCONY TERRACE • STUNNING SEA & COASTAL VIEWS • PARKING & GARAGING

14 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

A luxurious 2-3 bedroom period apartment in a prestigious and historic Grade II listed house.

Standing in a commanding position overlooking the English Channel amidst wonderful rolling countryside with wide-ranging coastal and sea views.

Parking, garaging, balcony terrace and shared grounds including tennis court, all within 4 minutes drive of the sea and the rural beaches of the National Trust coastline of Brook and Compton Bay.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

15

BEMBRIDGE £699,000

• DETACHED FAMILY HOME • PARKING • 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • CLOSE TO BEMBRIDGE VILLAGE • SECLUDED GARDENS • 3 RECEPTION ROOMS

A spacious detached 4 bedroom family home in the popular village of Bembridge. The property has been updated and well-maintained and offers light and airy accommodation in a quiet and secluded location.

There is ample parking and private gardens to both the front and rear of the property.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

16 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

VENTNOR £300,000

• 3 BEDROOM 2ND FLOOR APARTMENT • COMMUNAL GARDEN WITH SEA & COASTAL VIEWS • STUNNING SEA VIEWS • CHAIN FREE • SECURE PRIVATE PARKING • CENTRAL TOWN LOCATION • LIFT TO ALL FLOORS

A beautifully-presented 3 bedroom second floor coastal apartment in a modern ‘Art-Deco’ style development. Constructed in 2004, award-winning Kingsview stands in a central Ventnor town location with stunning sea and coastal views. Conveniently situated close to the local amenities including shops, restaurants and bars. The wonderful beach at Ventnor is a short walk away.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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BEMBRIDGE £229,000

• CHAIN FREE • PLANNING PERMISSION TO EXTEND • 2 BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR FLAT • CLOSE TO BEACH • PRIVATE GARDEN • PARKING

18 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

A 2 bedroom ground floor flat located in one of the most prestigious roads in Bembridge. A stone’s throw from the beach, cafe and lifeboat station, it would make in ideal main residence or holiday home.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

BEMBRIDGE £875,000

• SUBSTANTIAL DETACHED HOUSE • QUIET LOCATION • CLOSE TO VILLAGE CENTRE AND BEACH • DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY • AVAILABLE AS 2 LOTS • 6/7 BEDROOMS • LARGE GARDEN

A substantial detached 6-7 bedroom house with large garden (with development potential) in a quiet location convenient to the centre of the village, the shops, local amenities and the several beaches surrounding the village.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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RYDE

£1,495,000 • HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL FARM • APPROXIMATELY 9 ACRES OF PADDOCKS & GARDENS • 4 BEDROOM PERIOD FARMHOUSE • CLOSE TO MAINLAND CONNECTIONS VIA RYDE • 2 BEDROOM HOLIDAY COTTAGE • FURTHER POTENTIAL FOR ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY COTTAGES

An historic residential farm comprising a fine 4 bedroom detached period farmhouse, 2 bedroom cottage and a separate holiday cottage, a further holiday cottage in the process of conversion, stables, outbuildings and period Tythe Barn all set in approximately 9 acres of paddocks and gardens.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

The property is located close to the outskirts of Ryde in the east of the Isle of Wight with excellent car and passenger connections.

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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MERSTONE £1,545,000

• TWO LAKES • 5 BEDROOMS • SET IN ABOUT 7.5 ACRES • MANY PERIOD FEATURES • AWARD WINNING RESTORATION • OUTBUILDINGS, BARNS & WORKSHOP, OPPORTUNITY FOR CONVERSION

22 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

A beautifully restored, 5 bedroom period country house, occupying grounds of about 7.5 acres.

Restored to an exceptional standard, this small manor house is Grade II listed with origins in the 13th Century, and with a date stone from 1731.

The house enjoys an elevated position within about 7.5 acres of grounds with extensive vistas across the beautiful surrounding countryside of the Arreton Valley to downland beyond. The gardens

have been terraced, landscaped and enclosed in new traditional wrought-iron parkland fencing, with matching entrance gates, beyond which are lakes and a grass tennis court.

The property is set beside a quiet “no through” lane within a picturesque rural location, yet is easily accessible to Newport, (with mainland ferry links to Portsmouth 6.5 miles away at Fishbourne).

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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GODSHILL £1,575,000

• GRADE II LISTED GEORGIAN HOUSE • LANDSCAPED GARDENS • RURAL LOCATION • 5 BEDROOMS • ANNEXE • STABLES, GARAGES & STORES

A fine detached Grade II Listed Georgian house, stone-built and dating in parts from 1760, set in beautiful landscaped gardens and grounds in a charming, rural location.

Currently arranged as a 5 bedroom Gentleman’s Residence with adjoining 3 bedroom cottage and 1 bedroom annexe, the accommodation could be rearranged to provide a much larger single house.

There is a range of stables, garages

24 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

and stores which could potentially provide further annexe/staff accommodation or letting units.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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CALBOURNE £850,000

• PERIOD STONE PROPERTY • ENCLOSED GARDEN • LAND - IN ALL ABOUT 6.5 ACRES • OUTBUILDING WITH POTENTIAL • SWIMMING POOL • KITCHEN GARDEN • CLOSE TO YARMOUTH FERRY • SHORT DRIVE TO SHOPS IN NEWPORT • BEAUTIFUL NEW BATHROOMS

26 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

An extended, stone-built period detached 4-5 bedroom family home with paddocks (in all about 6.5 Acres) and outbuildings in the heart of West Wight. Situated on a country lane near to Calbourne and Shalfleet, with no near neighbours.

The property sits in its own land, an enclosed rear garden, swimming pool, two paddocks garaging and storage outbuilding.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

ASHEY

£835,000 • 5 BEDROOM DETACHED PERIOD FARMHOUSE • CLOSE TO MAINLAND CONNECTIONS & RYDE SCHOOL • BEAUTIFUL MATURE GARDENS • SPECTACULAR OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN/BREAKFAST/DINING ROOM • PADDOCKS OF APPROXIMATELY 4.9 ACRES • DOWNLAND VIEWS

A charming detached 5 bedroom period cottage farmhouse with beautiful, mature gardens, stabling, outbuildings and paddocks (extending in all to about 4.9 acres).

The property is set in spectacular countryside with downland views, a short drive from Ryde and within easy reach of the mainland ferries, Seaview, St Helens and Bembridge.

mostly handmade double glazed wooden windows complement the English country décor. Sympathetic extensions over the years have created a spacious home in close proximity to Ryde School ideal for living ‘The Good Life’ with smallholding and equestrian facilities.

An original “long cottage” the farmhouse is full of character, including original wood panelled doors and open fireplaces and

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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GODSHILL £685,000

• ESTABLISHED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY • 1.8 ACRES OF GARDENS & PADDOCKS • RURAL LOCATION • 3 BEDROOM DETACHED STONE COTTAGE • COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS

28 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

A superb 3 bedroom traditional home with 24 licensed boarding kennels set in the rural location of Godshill. The property is set in approximately 1.8 acres of gardens and paddocks enjoying countryside views.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

WHITELY BANK £650,000 • DETACHED 4 TO 9 BEDROOM HOUSE • OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE B&B ACCOMMODATION • RURAL LOCATION • CHAIN FREE • VERY FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION • EXTENSIVE GARDEN • PARKING

A spacious detached house in a rural location with far-reaching countryside views. Offering flexible accommodation of up to 9 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms/shower rooms.

An ideal family home or potential use as a bed and breakfast.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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SHORWELL £649,000

• 4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE • GARAGING AND PARKING • COUNTRYSIDE AND COASTAL VIEWS • OUTSKIRTS OF VILLAGE WITH SHOP & PUBLIC HOUSE • PADDOCKS WITH MOBILE STABLES

A bespoke 4 bedroom detached rural home with land, built in 2000 with superb far-reaching countryside and coastal views.

Located on the outskirts of the pretty village of Shorwell, the property offers spacious openplan family accommodation and paddocks with mobile stables.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

30 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

SHORWELL £475,000

• 4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE • RURAL LOCATION • COUNTRYSIDE & COASTAL VIEWS • GARDENS & PARKING • CLOSE TO SHORWELL VILLAGE CENTRE

A 4 bedroom detached property built approximately 10 years ago with far-reaching countryside views, gardens, off road parking.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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WHIPPINGHAM £499,000 • 3-4 BEDROOM PROPERTY • RURAL SETTING • ANNEXE ACCOMMODATION • 4 ACRES • PADDOCKS • STABLES • SAND SCHOOL

Set in the former grounds of the Osborne House estate is this spacious 3 – 4 bedroom family home with stabling, sand school and gardens.

The property has been modernised by the recent owners to provide light and airy accommodation in this semi-rural setting, yet within easy reach of mainland ferry connections and East Cowes.

Enjoying superb views over the surrounding countryside this house

32 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

is ideal for a family looking for an equestrian property.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

MARKS CORNER

£550,000 • 4-5 BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE • DOUBLE GARAGE & PARKING • PEACEFUL RURAL LOCATION • LARGE CONSERVATORY • BEAUTIFUL GARDENS • SOLENT VIEWS

A very well-presented detached 4-5 bedroom house with large garden in the hamlet of Marks Corner adjacent to Parkhurst Forest.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

4-5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2-3 reception rooms, a kitchen/ breakfast room, a large utility room and a good-sized conservatory.

The beautiful gardens at the rear include lawns, vegetable and kitchen gardens as well as a double garage and gravelled parking for several cars.

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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RYDE

£498,000 • DETACHED FAMILY HOME • 4-5 BEDROOMS • 3 RECEPTION ROOMS • GARAGE AND OFF ROAD PARKING • ESTABLISHED GARDENS, FRONT & REAR

A substantial 4-5 bedroom detached property situated in a quiet and popular location in Ryde.

With good-sized gardens to front and rear, the house is set back from the road.

An ideal family home with good access to the extensive amenities that Ryde has to offer.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

34 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

ROOKLEY £495,000 • NEW BUILD • RURAL LOCATION • 4 BEDROOMS • DETACHED HOUSE • GARAGE • GARDENS

A bespoke, high-specification, architect-designed, new build property (2017) on an attractive village plot. Set in mature gardens with garage and off road parking.

01983 872335 mail@bilesandco.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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Coast & Country The Isle of Wight’s Premier PropertIES

Contents 39 North House

Exploring the renovation of Cowes hotel, North House

48 A Perfectly Seasoned Build

We chat to chef Robert Thompson about the construction of his own restaurant, Thompson’s

51 Introducing Horse Trials at Osborne

We look at this exciting new event coming to Osborne in July 2018

43. Camper Capers 45. Currency Matters 47. Midas Touch 55. Design Matters 56. Investing right on the Isle of Wight 58. Stiles of Wight 59. Plan Ahead 60. Top Drawer Kitchens & Floors 63. The Art of Hospitality 65. Rebel RIBs 69. Cowes Week: Winwin for Lendy 70. Laing: A Sparkling Jewel in West Quay

NORTH HOUSE The restoration of this classic Cowes hotel WORDS Alexander Wright PHOTOGRAPHS contributed

C

owes has been the global centre of yachting since August 1826 when George IV started what is now “Cowes Week”.

Over the years numerous yacht clubs, pubs and restaurants have served all tastes and budgets but to stay somewhere special, assuming you don’t own a luxury yacht, required a half hour taxi ride to either Yarmouth, Ventnor or Seaview.

OPPOSITE: Private dining room in full renovated glory. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: North House hotel front; sitting on the new terrace; the new pool area; a room mid-renovation; new terrace on the site of the Rawlings pool

That is not to say that Cowes lacks hotels; one of the most famous was Rawlings on Sun Hill which, at £40 a-night, once hosted Princes William and Harry when they attended Peter Phillips’ stag do in 2008. Rumour has it that the boiler broke and they had no hot water but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Just like the 1970’s decor, it was all part of the charm.

Fast-forward to May 2015 when local entrepreneurs Lewis Green and Luke Staples spotted an opportunity when Rawlings was put up for sale. They had already established their unique style and flair for hospitality with the popular Coast Bar and Kitchen on the site of another Cowes institution, The Alamo. Coast made it onto The Times ‘25 best places to have Sunday brunch in the UK’ list.

They bought Rawlings without seeking external shareholders and set about giving Cowes its first cosmopolitan hotel. According to Lewis, they wanted to create a “new mould of hotel”. He learned the ropes working on superyachts where attention to detail and seamless service is on another level while Luke, his chef partner, gained his stripes working for a Midland catering company and later helping them to roll-out new venues in and around London.

Most of the building contractors were local, tested on the pair’s previous projects in Cowes. They knew exactly what they wanted so, instead of employing an architect, they asked Graham at CAD Delta to translate their ideas into architectural plans. They managed the entire project themselves and used Darren Phillips for heating and plumbing, Barry

40 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

‘They bought Rawlings without seeking external shareholders and set about giving Cowes its first cosmopolitan hotel.’

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

41

Daniels for the electrical work and a small army of twenty five local painters, plasterers and other trades completed the team.

The task of turning Rawlings into North House was certainly ambitious. The Grade II listed building was badly laid-out with eccentric plumbing and wiring.

Almost everything needed to be upgraded including the pool which was in the wrong place. It was just where a sunny restaurant terrace should be (and now is). The old pool was filled with concrete and a new one excavated further down the garden. Needless to say it is gorgeous with trendy black walls which look great and absorb heat from the sun.

The Oyster Room is a light and airy dining room with folding doors onto the new Mediterranean style terrace, a sun-trap complete with olive trees in lead planters.

Meanwhile inside it was like playing ‘musical walls’ with some extensive re-configuration needed. The interior design and landscaping talent is all home-grown. Lewis and Luke own a shop called (drum-roll) Staples & Green which sells beautiful light fittings, garden furniture, ceramics and modern seaside-chic soft furnishings and decorative ’stuff’.

42 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

‘The bedrooms have bold wallpapers, rain showers and classic cast-iron roll top baths. Downstairs there are bright colours, clean lines and an Italian marble bar top. It is a joyous place to spend time.’

The bedrooms have bold wallpapers, rain showers and classic cast-iron roll top baths. Downstairs there are bright colours, clean lines and an Italian marble bar top.

It is a joyous place to spend time. The real beauty of a good hotel is much more than skin deep and these two know how to look after you so, finally, Cowes has a really special place to stay. Cancel the taxi to Yarmouth!

Since opening in July 2016, they have quietly fine-tuned the operation and ironed out any creases. North House has hosted a few Hollywood ‘A List’ film stars who were filming at Osborne House (and have since returned privately) and more recently acted as HQ for Panerai Watches who sponsor the Cowes Classic Week sailing regatta.

Lewis and Luke are justifiably

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: the construction team at work; the outside seating area; a warm welcome to North House; bold wallpaper in one of their beautiful bedrooms

proud that they own the only hotel on the Isle of Wight listed on Mr & Mrs Smith, an invitation-only collection of hotels around the world with just 135 in the UK. “A Mr & Mrs Smith hotel not only has to have an unmatched ambience and hit the right style notes, it has to tick our ‘certain something’ box: the welcome should be warm, without fuss or formality; rooms should be seductive and supplied with thoughtful extras; drinks must be perfectly mixed and dinners delicious; and, crucially, the stay must be memorable for all the right reasons.”

To find out more and to book your stay, visit the North House website at northhousecowes.co.uk.

Camper Capers!

T

Explore the Island in a retro camper

here are some Island ‘tourist businesses’ which aren’t just for our visitors.

True, most of the people who want to rent a classic VW campervan to explore our Island are from the Mainland. It is, after all, the perfect base for a touring holiday.

But if you live here why not rent one for a weekend break?

We bet that most locals have never visited an Isle of Wight campsite? Or you could hire one for a special occasion - a birthday picnic, a wedding or a corporate event; the perfect gift. Quite apart from being practical they are huge fun to drive around our lanes.

There’s now another option - Isla, the most recent addition to the fleet, is a modern T5 camper who is allowed on the Mainland. So you could start your holiday before you get on the ferry and set off to explore the West Country or Wales or maybe Norfolk. For a small mileage premium you could even take a tour around Scotland which one keen local family did this summer.

Based at Fishbourne Quay, next to our other favourite local adventure company Rebel Marine, this family run camper hire business is run with true passion and attention to detail by Will and Jubee Samuelson.

Their background running charter

yachts in the Caribbean shines through in the immaculate campers and highly organised depot. I doubt any other fleet of campers in the UK is this well looked-after. With numerous personal touches, these campers are probably the best in the country.

If you or a friend book a Classic Camper having read this magazine quote “Coast and Country” for a bottle of Prosecco welcome gift.

To find out more and to book your Isle of Wight Campervan Holiday, visit them online at isleofwightcampers.co.uk.

PHOTO: ANZERE TOURISME SA

T

CURRENCY MATTERS

his magazine promotes the best residential property on the Isle of Wight. Many people move here for a better lifestyle and some buy property as a weekend bolthole from London. Others invest in the buoyant holiday rental market and use a company like Classic Cottages to manage their rentals. The best bit is that although we are ‘offshore’ the Isle of Wight uses the pound! This isn’t the case when you buy abroad - ski pads in France or winter sun in Florida all involve a significant currency transaction.

Foreign exchange rates can make a big impact on overseas property deals because if you agree a price the cost can change before you send

the money to pay for it. Of course it could get cheaper if the pound strengthens which is a bonus but just as likely is the reverse. You could even go over-budget. No one knows what the currency markets will do next because they are affected by world events, not just financial data. For example a Trump speech could have an impact on the dollar just as much as a natural disaster.

Protect yourself

The solution is to protect yourself from currency volatility. If you had agreed to buy a house in France in late April 2017 for 300,000 euros and sent a 10% deposit then sent the balance of 270,000 euros three months later it would have cost an

extra £16,353* compared to the exchange rate back in April. ‘Well that’s just bad luck’ you say? No, you could have fixed a rate in April for the balance: ‘buy now, pay later’.

Benefits of a broker

Most banks won’t explain all this to private clients. They would if you were a big company who regularly deals with foreign firms. The solution is to choose a currency broker, and there are many as this is a lucrative market for them.

Brokers not only offer better exchange rates but some also give you the flexibility to buy currency online at your convenience.

Written by thecurrencyexchange.co.uk *GBP:EUR rates: 20 April 1.19, 20 July 1.11

A 300,000 euro property in France cost £18,000 more in July 2017 than it did in April, just 3 months earlier.

But you could have fixed the exchange rate with a forward currency contract.

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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A

Midas Touch

rchitect William Rome lives in Cranmore near Yarmouth. He moved back to the Isle of Wight in 2006 having worked in London and the Middle East for 10 years. Fired up with ideas from diverse cultural experiences he and his family wanted to explore a more sustainable way of life.

Now that his practice, Alchemy Architects has become established he has a steady stream of interesting projects. He observes “The Isle of Wight can be a magical place to live and work - it has a lot in common with places like New Zealand, where there are some strong ideas in small scale contemporary domestic design.”

AFFORDABLE SUSTAINABILITY

ACCESSIBILITY

This he did literally designing and building his own house and studio on a tight budget, doing most of the building work themselves as a test bed for cost-effective architectural ideas.

With growing interest in contemporary domestic architecture through TV programmes and Pinterest, William is sure these help to raise his clients’ expectations of what they can achieve on smaller

budgets with homes providing revenue through energy generation.

This could be offset against mortgages and bring new self-build homes within reach.

TOTLAND PIER

One of the more high profile projects he has done is the new home, designed and approved by planners, at the end of Totland Pier. Alchemy also designed the increased space at The Hut in Colwell Bay - possibly the best place on the Island to watch the sun set. will@alchemyarchitectsltd.com 07835 920760

On the move

W

heelers Solicitors have just moved from one end of Newport High Street to the other (to number 143) for increased space to meet with clients.

Established on the Island in 2002 by Paul Wheeler, the main strength of the practice is its independence and the small team who can offer a very personal

and value-for-money service. What is relevant to readers of Coast & Country is their conveyancing team: Jake Sandbach, Laura Barton and Paul Wheeler who can assist with both residential and commercial property transactions. We wish them well in their new offices. wheelers-solicitors.com

A perfectly seasoned build Islanders will be familiar with our very own star chef Robert Thompson but did you know he’s as handy demolishing a wall as whipping up a sabayon?

H

aving decided it was time to venture out on his own, he wasted no time. The Newport building that is now Thompson’s had recently been a flower shop and a cafe. To transform it into a destination restaurant with an open kitchen required just a few minor alterations...sorry, I mean a total remodelling! This was made more fun as the building is grade II listed.

He bought the building in May 2015 and opened for business on 1st August just 3 months later which, considering how much work was done, is incredible. The whole process has been well documented and you should ask to see the scrap book when you visit. His guided tour of the building was like that of a proud parent.

He achieved all this by using some of the best tradespeople on the Island and roping in his family. His father not only painted the floor

48 Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

but also made the 22 oak tables.

His secret weapon was asking Shaun Clarke to project manage.

He coordinated John Meredith Builders, John Newsham for gas and plumbing, Pete Young for the beautiful tiling, Gary McClean for the plastering and Island Sheet Metal who fabricated bespoke stainless steel throughout the kitchen. There is a lot of up-cycling with wood from the roof to make the fireplace beams, some industrial lighting and several quirky items from The Cowshed.

Robert was very hands on, putting in even longer hours than he would as a chef. The work wasn’t just cosmetic - an RSJ was required to open up the kitchen which is one of the smallest you will ever see for a 65 cover restaurant but is so carefully planned, like a ship’s galley, it is highly efficient.

We love the old milk churn bar tables and the local touches like a

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Midrenovation; ready for service; the new open kitchen/dining area; the brand new bar constructed using reclaimed wood; the same bar under construction

new Charnwood stove made just a few hundred yards away at A J Wells.

Many locals were intrigued by his choice of Newport but Robert says that it is actually the perfect spot.

Many of the ‘smart’ seaside towns are seasonal but Newport is both accessible and has a good local business trade. Looking at his reservation diary, he seems to have been proved right. robertthompson.co.uk

A contemporary “open kitchen” restaurant & bar offering a delicious modern British menu inspired by the flavours of the island by Chef Robert Thompson.

New

LUNCH

DINNER

BAR

SET MENU & TASTING

TASTING & A LA CARTE

TASTINGS & COCKTAILS

Restaurant & Bar Open Tuesday to Saturday 12-3pm & 6pm-Late N°11 Town Lane | Newport | 01983 526 118 | robertthompson.co.uk

Introducing

HORSEatTRIALS Osborne THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Osborne exterior, courtesy of English Heritage; Osborne from above; another Bede Events horse trials

A

sk anyone about famous events on the Isle of Wight and they will say ‘The Isle of Wight Festival, Cowes Week and Round The Island Race’ in that order. But ask about famous people and it’s always Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and of course more recently Warrior the ‘War Horse’. With this in mind, Bembridge resident Diana Bown thought that it would be a clever idea to combine the two to create the ultimate event on the Island: Horse Trials at Osborne each July.

Diana ran the idea past her friend Stuart Buntine who currently organises 8 mainland equestrian events via his company Bede Events. On his first visit to Osborne he was blown away by the setting and stated that if they could persuade English Heritage to share the vision it would be the most spectacular venue in the calendar.

Osborne House is already a very busy tourist attraction in July so it did take quite a few meetings to get a green light from the English Heritage board but Rob Flower, director of Osborne, is fully behind the project. It was officially launched at Osborne on 24th July with an exclusive party attended by key IOW tourism stakeholders and our new MP Bob Seely who said it was “very good news for the Island”.

So what are horse trials?

They consists of three disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross country where the horse and rider have to complete all three elements together. Each competitor performs the dressage test in front of a judge

(each movement receives marks out of ten). Penalties are awarded for refusals on the show jumping and cross country course and the combined lowest scores of the three disciplines will produce a winner.

Diana’s big idea for the event at Osborne is similar to 20:20 cricket where it is all contained in one day.

So, at the Horse Trials at Osborne you will be able to see dressage and show jumping on the spectacular Durbar Lawn in the morning and then cross country in the afternoon on each of the two days.

The Osborne estate parkland will be a spectacular background for the cross country course which will Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

51

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Courtesy of English Heritage - Osborne exterior; two previous Bede Events Horse Trials

be right in front of the house and its sweeping vista down to Osborne Bay and the Solent. This was the view which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. It is hoped that the majesty of the venue will attract top international riders and their horses.

The two ferry companies and new Island Riding Centre are all keen to help with logistics. For visitors, each day will have its own prize winners so guests will see a complete event.

local companies to sponsor: jumps, events, prizes and supplies (most of the jumps have already been sponsored so be quick!) as well as entertain their clients in style. How many corporate events can possibly match the splendour of The Durbar Room at Osborne with world class sport on the lawn outside?

There will also be VIP ‘Membership’ on offer with special access, terrace views and hospitality packages.

There are plans for other arena activities such as riding for the disabled, trade stands for shopping and a food village to showcase the best Isle of Wight produce.

Volunteers will be needed for numerous roles and training days will be organised in the Spring -do please get in touch with the organisers if you are keen to be involved in any capacity (there will be benefits for those who volunteer).

Just like Cowes Week there are also numerous opportunities for

This article has been written to whet your appetite and encourage local horse enthusiasts and companies to get involved. July 2018 will be upon us in no time!

For sponsorship contact stuart@bedeltd.co.uk and for volunteering contact dianacbown@aol.com

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

53

pieces alongside artwork and modern craft.

After an initial meeting they provide design concepts & proposed plans suggesting fabrics, wall treatments, furniture & accessories. They have an extensive list of suppliers and represent major brands including Designers Guild, Ralph Lauren and Cabbages & Roses.

Design Matters

H

omeowners are increasingly recognising the value of using a freelance designer to create professional design schemes within their homes.

Caryl Terlezki from Design Stuff UK, in collaboration with Dawn Townend from PHG Cowes, provide a unique lifestyle service for your home, boat or business.

Offering interior design expertise both on and off the Island to complement the in-store range of homeware at PHG (Pelham House Gallery), their service encompasses tailor made curtains, blinds and upholstery alongside bespoke carpentry. They are also able to source contemporary and vintage furniture, fittings and decorative

Whatever your project, big or small, Design Stuff UK works closely with each client, blending styles and colours to achieve the right balance, providing a cohesive look which ultimately saves time and money.

They can work at each stage of the process and will co-ordinate with architects to ensure electrical, plumbing and space planning are reviewed to avoid costly errors. www.designstuffuk.com www.phgcowes.com

Investing right I on the Isle of Wight

We asked Suzanne Priddle, Blue Chip Holidays’ local manager, for some advice as the Isle of Wight is one of their most popular destinations; a holiday-let hotspot.

f you are considering investing in a holidaylet on the Island, consider what’s important to your potential guests; choosing the right area is a key factor. As well as location, a holiday home’s features can make all the difference to occupancy

levels. Blue Chip find that top performing holiday homes include sea views, enclosed gardens, parking, internet access, luxury furnishings, dog-friendly and hot tubs! Coastal areas are popular with buyers and renters but the beauty of the Isle of Wight is that every region has its own character and flavour.

The North

The famous sailing regatta, Cowes Week, usually takes place during the first week of August. This week alone can generate a significant rental premium as many sailors require accommodation for crew and guests. It is not the only event as Cowes is busy from Easter to September. The highspeed Red Jet ferry links Cowes with Southampton and neighbouring East Cowes is home to the Red Funnel Car ferry. The town centre is packed with pubs, restaurants and independent boutique shops and is a good central base for visitors to explore the Island.

To the west of Cowes is the Newtown River, a vast National Trust nature reserve of mud flats and birds. This beautiful area

is close to both Cowes and Yarmouth and home to a stunning Blue Chip managed property, Shalfleet Manor (see photos).

Sandown & Shanklin Located in the south east of the Island, these towns are busy as they are near popular tourist attractions, including Dinosaur Isle and the Isle of Wight Zoo – there are also some stunning sandy beaches popular with younger visitors. This is the perfect destination for families, so investing in a holiday property here will generate steady income from the ‘bucket-and-spade brigade’. It is still possible to find some good value property for sale.

South & West Wight

Visitors looking for a quieter more relaxed time away often choose Ventnor on the south coast for its artistic vibe or Yarmouth/Freshwater/ Totland out in the naturally beautiful west. Ventnor and Yarmouth have a certain unique charm which appeals to a more discerning visitor. The south is far away from the hustle and bustle of the

ferry ports and the west is an area of outstanding natural beauty popular with cyclists and adventure seekers (paragliding, surfing and shooting).

Investing in a one or twobedroom cottage here would make a lucrative holiday let, attracting couples and small adult groups. Ventnor is considered an up-andcoming area and likely to be more affordably priced, giving a higher return on your investment compared to Yarmouth which is an established prime area.

East Wight

Bembridge and Seaview are located on a beautiful stretch of coastline with views of the English Channel. Both villages have fantastic sandy beaches and are popular for sailing holidays. Each has an established yacht club and regular set of loyal visitors with property prices significantly higher than the nearby ferry port of Ryde. There are some of the Island’s best hotels and restaurants in the area although Seaview can be rather quiet out of season.

Tel 0333 305 9801 bluechipholidays.co.uk bluechipowners.co.uk

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Stiles of Wight F

or lovers of walking and the countryside sponsoring a footpath gate is an opportunity to set up a memorial that will not only help ramblers but look beautiful for years to come.

“Donate A Gate’ is a novel and inspiring way to celebrate the life of a loved one or remember a family pet or special event The Isle of Wight Ramblers and the IOW Council ‘Rights of Way’ department joined forces to establish the scheme and over 170 new gates have now replaced Island stiles.

commemorative plaque at a suitable location on the Island.

Improving access to the countryside is good for the health of residents and helps the tourism offering.

An individual donation of £460 finances a new footpath gate incorporating an engraved

For more information about the scheme go to the website: www.iowramblers.com.

Plan Ahead

We spoke to Charlotte Howlett, Senior Planning Consultant at Hepburns Planning Consultancy Ltd. Charlotte is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

D

id you know you do not have to own a property to be able to apply for planning permission for extensions and outbuildings?

Likewise, as an owner, you do not have to implement a permission to be able to sell. Both routes can establish more certainty for such an important event.

Before selling and buying it is good practice to obtain a development appraisal, to ensure that the planning potential of your existing and future assets are known.

Hepburns Planning Consultancy are able to provide this service through a consultation either on-site or remotely to look at all

properties, as well as large housing sites, infill plots and commercial proposals for business and industry.

Hepburns is a long established island based one-stop planning practice that enjoys a good working relationship with Biles and Co. They have helped many mutual clients assess the planning potential of their property, as well as gain planning consent for various improvements. Sketch schemes and financial assessment are a cost effective method of establishing a way forward.

Consents include numerous changes of use from agricultural buildings to residential dwellings, following the Government issuing

new Permitted Development Rights.

These ‘P.D. Rights’ continue to free-up the planning system and also allow for changes of use from storage and distribution, offices and shops to be converted into residential premises.

The Hepburns team are also experts in listed buildings, equestrian development, agricultural diversification schemes and agricultural permitted development. Clients often engage them to remove agricultural ties on properties previously associated with a large farm.

Hepburns is unique on the Island as they employ Chartered Planning Consultants and are able to survey and undertake the design and drawing work in-house to reduce cost and timescales. They also have access to a suite of complementary services including tree consultants, ecologists and archaeologists.

If you are interested in arranging a planning consultation, please contact Cathy Hepburn on 01983 522100 or email enquiries@hepburns.net

Top Drawer Kitchens & Floors

R

emodelling your kitchen can seem like a great idea when you are browsing through a glossy magazine, choosing the matching bamboo floor and imagining how much better your life would be.

Or perhaps your are strolling around a bright showroom touching the finishes,

sitting at a granite island in a fancy swivel chair. It’s when you are back home, knee deep in dust and the house is teeming with electricians, plumbers and flooring craftsmen, often working at different speeds, that you might start to wish you had employed a one-stop service.

KITCHEN SERVICE

David Hunt set up The Kitchen Workshop to solve these issues with a flexible, hassle-free approach. He employs his own specialist fitters and can project manage all the contractors so you have just one point of contact. That’s not to say you can’t just buy a new kitchen on a supply-only basis - of course you can!

David says “Our promise is no pushy sales staff; we try to listen to you and suggest how to achieve your ideas. We are confident we won’t be beaten on price, service or quality.”

For the past 15 years all TKW kitchens have been made on-site to control quality, reduce transport

costs and remain competitive.

They have a full spectrum of doors, appliances and accessories and are Bosch and NEFF dealers, so can usually match online prices.

Worktops are a speciality and include laminate, timber, stone, quartz, solid surface and the new Dekton ultra-compact surface.

accompany each other in a refurbishment project.

FABULOUS FLOORS

His showroom offers an interactive room-visualiser, touch screen design centre and creative design tables to lay out your flooring choices. This means you can bring in any interiors you wish to compliment the new flooring.

Adam’s top brands include Amtico, Karndean and Moduleo design

The centrally located showroom is right next door to Long Lane Carpets & Flooring and they often collaborate on jobs so their fitters coordinate with each other. Kitchens and flooring are complementary as they usually

Like so many aspects of modern interior design, floor coverings are a key component. Director Adam Connor comments “We have a passion for innovation and a keen eye for design”.

centres and most major carpet manufacturers. With so much choice these days it is certainly worth talking to an expert, if only to find out what’s out there and discuss the best value option for your home or office.

The Kitchen Workshop: iowkitchens.co.uk Long Lane Carpets & Flooring: longlanecarpetsandflooring.co.uk

FROM BUDGET TO BREATHTAKING

The Art of Hospitality

H

illside Hotel in Ventnor is unique - nowhere on the Island can match its achingly cool decor. This consists of white walls with splashes of bright colours from a fabulous collection of modern paintings. There is also the reassuring comfort of some classic Scandinavian furniture, not to mention a few choice sculptures...

to the philosophy. They could be the art on the walls (so we have done exactly that, substituting chef Paul’s salads for art in the photos).

All this beauty is not just skin deep - it is a philosophy.

Hands-on owner Gert Bach explains that it’s all about simplicity. That food, like art, is very personal and tastes vary. There is no right or wrong as long as there is honesty and good provenance.

Gert explains that art is “as necessary as food”.

So the hotel tries to go beyond comfy beds (handmade) and fluffy towels: he wants to feed you with art and homemade butter, rusty sculptures and honey from the garden’s bees.

“You buy art because you like it, not because it’s an investment. You source food locally and in-season because it’s better in many ways. Some restaurants measure their ‘food miles’ - we try to measure it in yards...”

Gert is very clear that there is nothing contrived about what he does, explaining that something simple can be as good as, if not better than, a dish which has taken hours to make. “We eat to live, not the other way around...we want clean, fresh dishes where the food speaks, not the labour employed to make it”.

It’s a thought-provoking style of interior design and a luxury when you run the hotel to be sustainable rather than to please corporate shareholders.

So let us focus on the Hillside Kitchen’s signature salads. Bright, artistic, vibrant, simple..they conform

hillsideventnor.co.uk Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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REBEL RIBS

I

f James Bond needed to cross the Solent in a hurry he would use a rigid inflatable (RIB) with big engines. He doesn’t tend to book, preferring to ‘requisition’ or steal his methods of transport but if you want to ‘play Bond’ legally, simply call Rebel Marine. With a fleet of RIBs based in Cowes, they will meet you at any Solent harbour and take you out for a ride. Or you could assemble 12 of your closest friends and organise a Solent safari, watch a yacht racing start or explore some of the Island’s hidden shores.

For those who fancy hiring a RIB when on holiday, you will need to

do some training as all ‘bareboat’ charters require that you are qualified for insurance purposes.

Rebel offer RYA level 1 and 2 from their smart base at Fishbourne Quay (near the Wightlink car ferry).

It’s worth noting that it’s cheaper to find a friend and book a course as part of a group of two or three people. It would also make a great Christmas or birthday present.

Rebel is run by Mathew Randall who started out driving the launch at Sea View Yacht Club in his school holidays. Now there is nothing he doesn’t offer with a small half-tide marina at Fishbourne Quay with haul-out facilities, storage and

valeting as well as being IOW agents for Viko Yachts and the very clever ‘Versa Dock’ (see photo). This buildyour-own modular pontoon system is very useful for keeping small boat hulls out of the water in a marina as well as for temporary events or regattas.

On a much more domestic scale you can even float a digger in your pond!

Visit rebelmarine.co.uk to see a fabulous drone video soaring high above the entrance to Wootton Creek and Fishbourne.

Win-win for Cowes Week sponsor Lendy

S

outhsea-based Lendy is celebrating five years since the launch of its successful property-lending platform. The financial technology company was established to lend against secured marine assets. Today property is now their sole focus because, the company says, land and property nearly always retains a value, unlike most other investments.

This focus has made Lendy one of the fastest growing ‘peer-to-peer’ (P2P) property lending companies with £335m raised and 17,500 investors, double the number they had just a year ago.

Lendy’s business model is simple - to match investors with property developers. The investor (anyone can invest) gets a return of up to 12%, highly attractive in the current climate of low interest rates, while the borrower (a property professional) has quick access to funding. Lendy’s agility enables developers to access finance more quickly than they would with a traditional bank. This speeds-up the completion of developments or building projects, providing muchneeded housing that can be sold or rented.

The benefits for investors are obvious. The process is straightforward and speedy, providing monthly returns paid

directly into each investor’s bank account. It’s no surprise that Lendy’s family of investors has grown so fast.

While there is a risk involved with all investments, loans are always secured with a legal charge and the amount lent never exceeds 70 per cent of the property’s open market value, providing a suitable buffer in the event of a market downturn. Any default can typically be recovered by selling the asset.

P2P is proving increasingly popular and Lendy is one of the few platforms which is profitable and privately owned. We think this is important as many ‘fintech’ firms generate high volumes of clients without making money, relying on shareholder’s funds.

Paul Riddell, head of marketing and communications at Lendy is positive: “We see UK property as a secure asset class and one of the most able to weather the changing winds of the British economy as the Government navigates our course through Brexit.”

as well as supporting the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, Cowes Week’s main charity. Sponsoring the charity’s ‘Discover Sailing’ event helped 180 young people try sailing each day.

Their involvement covered all aspects of Lendy Cowes Week from improving communications and skipper packs to trophies. But, as this is a property magazine, we are interested in their guest lounge on the Parade. Paul Riddell: “We wanted it to be high-end and chic, yet accessible and not too corporate. So we went Miami beach house as our inspiration, working with House of Bestival and their sister company Get Involved.”

Here at Coast and Country we thought it worked well being both cool yet accessible. We also loved the Nyetimber classic Routemaster bus next door; nothing to do with their wine of course! lendy.co.uk lendycowesweek.co.uk

Peer to peer and pier to pier

The Isle of Wight is a major beneficiary of their rapid growth thanks to Lendy’s welcome decision to be title sponsor of Cowes Week.

Sailing is a buoyant arena to increase awareness to a raft of potential investors. August 2017 saw Lendy rescue the famous fireworks display Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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Laing: a sparkling jewel in West Quay

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or over 200 years luxury family jewellers Parkhouse has stocked a wide collection of top Swiss watches and fine diamonds in Southampton.

Staff from the original Parkhouse shop will be relocated to the new venue and guests can expect personal assistance and a glass of bubbly while they browse the new collections.

www.yarmouthgallery.com original paintings + ceramics + glass

The region’s premier jeweller has now moved to a bespoke showroom at the ‘luxury section’ in WestQuay.

At the same time Parkhouse have re-branded as Laing who own the Parkhouse business (which has been run by the Laing family for

over 22 years). Laing, who began life as a firm of clockmakers in Scotland in 1840, will offer fine diamond jewellery and brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and IWC Schaffhausen.

YARMOUTH GALLERY

Owner Michael Laing and his son Richard still regularly visit Antwerp to personally hand-pick their diamonds.

It’s certainly worth a visit when you are in Southampton, or even a detour if you are looking for something special for an important occasion.

For more information look online at lainghampshire.com