RICHMOND JANUARY 2015

ABSOLUTELY RICHmOND MAGAZINE ABSOLUTELY

ABSOLUTELY RICHMOND

JANUARY 2015 / £3.95

WALL TO WALL JANUARY 2015

JANE HORROCKS

WITH FARROW & BALL

ARRIVES AT RICHMOND THEATRE

FASHION • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • WHAT’S ON • CULTURE • KIDS • INTERIORS • PROPERTY

SPECIAL DELIVERY

DETOX DIETS TO YOUR DOOR

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HEALTH & FITNESS FIXES FOR THE NEW YEAR

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Januar y 2015

52 7

EDITOR’S LETTER c u lt u r e 10 WHAT’S ON Diary dates for January

13 14

BARD TIMES

Our review of ‘Shakespeare in Love’

NO PLAIN JANE

Jane Horrocks talks theatre roles and why she refuses to be typecast

st yle 25 MOOD BOARD

Pepper & Mayne’s Leigh May Evans

34 HEALTH NOTES

Our guide to fitness and wellbeing

40 36 FRESH FITNESS

An alternative take on keeping fit and feeling healthy

40 DETOX DELIVERIES

The best detox diets London has to offer

interiors 52 WALL STORY

Farrow & Ball’s Head of Creative, Charlotte Cosby, on why wallpaper works

57 GET THE LOOK

Create the perfect kitchen

71

k i d s & e d u c at i o n CRACKING CODE Amanda Constance discovers how IT lessons are being replaced by classes in coding

Cover images

t r av e l 85 FOUR SEASONS

Rural pursuits in the heart of Hampshire

food & drink 77 MY LIFE IN FOOD

86 ALL CHANGE

79 MADE IN ITALY

PROPERTY 108 PROPERTY NEWS

Writer and cook Fran Warde reveals her favourite dishes and culinary heroes

MASSIMO DUTTI: APRÈS-SKI COLLECTION

33

Will Dugdale reviews Chiswick’s Villa di Geggiano

After the overindulgence of Christmas, hit refresh in Morocco

News and views on the area

massimodutti.com

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JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 14:22

WINTER SALE NOW ON Phone us and arrange a free consultation and design Please visit our showroom

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EDITOR GEMMA BILLINGTON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON EDITORIAL INTERN WILL DUGDALE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS ALEXANDRA JONES, ELAINE O'CONNELL ADVERTISING MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON MAJOR ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK TRAINEE ADVERTISING MANAGER REBECCA KING CENTRAL & WEST PROPERTY MANAGER LEAH DAY PROPERTY EDITORS CHARLIE HILL, HUGO HUNTER ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN COPY CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: gemma.billington@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

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Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

EDITOR’S letter

H

ow is it possible that 2015 has arrived already? All the clichés about how fast time fl ies I heard throughout my childhood, often recited by the older generation, I now fi nd passing my lips. Not that I want to start this New Year issue off on a mawkish note, of course – quite the opposite. You can either face the new year with trepidation or with arms wide open, and I say: bring it on.

If you're adopting a similar approach this January, you’ll fi nd plenty of health and fitness tips, reviews and inspiration in this issue.

Whether that’s spicing up your exercise regime (see our alternative fitness guide on page 36) or fi nally getting round to signing up to a detox delivery service (we’ve rounded those up too, see page 40) - there’s plenty of options. If 2015 is the year you want to change bad habits for good, be inspired by Alexandra Jones’ wonderful review of the In:Spa

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Retreat in Morocco. Any excuse for a spot of winter sun...

In other, non-fitness related news, Elizabeth Hutton interviews stage and screen actress Jane Horrocks.

Currently starring as feisty Ella Khan in the West End production of East is East, the play transfers to Richmond Theatre for one week only later this month. Horrocks talks about her love of the theatre and how she’s avoided being typecast throughout her lengthy, diverse career on page 14.

Whatever your aspirations are for 2015, I hope you manage to achieve them.

Happy New Year! u

Gemma Billington Editor

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> DATES FOR THE DIARY

p. 10

THEATRE REVIEW

p. 13

JANE HORROCKS STARS IN EAST IS EAST

p. 14

STOP THE PRESSES! Operating from their Richmond studios, The Imperial Press reproduce illustrations sourced from Victorian periodicals. Each limited edition print comes with a booklet detailing the article that accompanied the image. theimperialpress.com

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A WETLAND WINTER

The Colour of Money ©Adrian Fordham

1 - 4 Ja n u a r y L o ndo n We tl a nd C e ntre low away the cobwebs of 2014, pull on your wellies, and complete the B Wetland Centre’s winter trail.

Afterward, warm up with a hot drink and have fun at nature inspired craft workshop.

Enjoyable and relaxing. ◆ Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW13; wwt.org.uk

WIDOWERS’ HOUSES Un ti l 3 1 Ja n u a r y O ra nge T re e T he a tre his sharp, romantic comedy about the Londoner’s eternal struggle with T housing and the buy-to-let classes was first performed in 1892, yet the story remains relevant and familiar to the modern-day audience. ◆ 1 Clarence Street, TW9; orangetreetheatre.co.uk

The Colour of Money 7-18 Jan uary L andmark Arts Cen tre

Born and bred in Teddington, Adrian Fordham is exhibiting his new collection of oil paintings for the first time in his old hometown. Inspired by the coin designs of ancient Rome and Greece, the paintings depict warriors, gods and goddesses riding horses. With bold colours and thick confident lines, these works of art reflect the graceful beauty and power of the horserider.

Ferry Road, TW11; landmarkartscentre.org

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NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE 1 Ja n u a r y T hro u gh L o ndo n he NYD parade crowns the capital’s festive season with a spectacular T procession featuring more than 10,000 performers. From acrobats to marching bands, this is a jubilent way to start the year. ◆ Starts at Piccadilly Circus, W1J; lnydp.com

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ARTS & CULTURE / WHAT'S ON

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN

13 Ja n u a r y C u rz o n Ri c hm o nd his beautifully filmed documentary goes in pursuit T of the many unresolved riddles surrounding The Girl with the Pearl Earring and its mysterious creator Johannes Vermeer. Having recently toured the world, the painting attracted the attention of 1.2 million people in Japan alone. Watch this and find out why a picture of an unknown girl has gained such popularity. ◆ Water Lane, TW9; curzoncinemas.com

DON’T MISS

WILLIAM HOGARTH

Sleeping Beauty 24 Ja n u a r y R o se T h e a tre Ki n gs ton

Based on the old Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Briar Rose and the spinning wheel, this amateur production by St James’s Players, New Malden will raise funds for The Mayor’s Charitable Trust. Directed in true panto style by John Taylor and Sarah Collins, this show will be fun for all the family.

Unti l 11 Januar y Hogarth’ s House o mark the 250th T anniversary William Hogarth’s death, those at Hogarth’s House are presenting an arresting and intriguing exhibition entitled ‘The Small Self'. With some of the UKs best contemporary artists and entertainers having submitted their own personal self-portraits, this a fun and interesting visual display. ◆ Hogarth Lane, W4; hounslow.gov.uk

24-26 High Street, KT1; rosetheatrekingston.org

EVENT OF THE MONTH 6-18 January, Richmond Theatre

MCB SWAN LAKE the Moscow City Ballet is currently at its outstanding artistic best – winning new invitations to perform internationally. Swan Lake is a signature piece of their entire repertoire. The orchestra, choreography, interpretation, beauty and outstanding virtuoso performance win repeatedly rave reviews.

Tchaikovsky ‘big story ballets’ are the essence of Russian culture – composed,

T

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choreographed and premiered in Russia.

Seeing performances by the Moscow City dancers never fails to add that magical ingredient of Russian soul. Moscow City Ballet’s interpretation of the world’s most romantic ballet is magnificently brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s most well-loved, haunting score.u The Green, TW9; atgtickets.com

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ARTS & CULTURE / REVIEW burgeoning romance to doomed passion, culminating in an eventful performance of what the audience recognises as Romeo and Juliet.

Tom Bateman’s Shakespeare perfectly captures the Romeo-esque flightiness and hopelessly romantic nature of the young writer, while Lucy Briggs-Owen is mesmerising as the spirited Viola.

Although buoyed by this strong leading couple, the rest of the cast elevate the performance from charming to truly excellent. David Oakes’s suave Kit Marlowe steals every scene he walks into and provides the perfect foil to the impulsive Shakespeare and Ferdy Roberts as the ruthless moneyman Fennyman shows perfectly how the theatre can get under the skin of even the most brutish and uncultured. More than anything else, Shakespeare in Love is an affectionate send-up of theatre itself,

THEATRE REVIEW

BARD TIMES Shakespeare in Love makes the leap from stage to screen but can it ever live up to its predecessor?

Adapted by LEE HALL Directed by Declan Donnellan

W

e’ve all seen the film: a pre-Goop Gwyneth Paltrow, a positively dreamy Joseph Fiennes and Judi Dench at the height of her powers, bolstered by Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman’s exceptional screenplay.

Depending on your viewpoint, this was either a film that should have been left untouched or one that was so ripe for stage adaptation that it should have happened years ago. Whichever camp you fall into, Lee Hall’s Shakespeare in Love

manages to be a timely triumph that not only echoes the success of the film but also manages to be a joyous and entertaining piece of theatre in its own right.

The curtains open on a young William Shakespeare, suffering from crippling writer’s block. Despite being commissioned by two separate theatres, the young playwright is short of inspiration until he claps eyes on Viola de Lesseps, a noblewoman with a passion for the theatre who is simultaneously disguising herself as a boy to act in Shakespeare’s own troupe. As their love story unfolds it is mirrored in Shakespeare’s own writing, turning from

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SHAKESPEARE is SUFFERING from WRITER’S block crammed with puns and laughs at the expense of the acting profession but also a real homage to the camaraderie and importance of the stage. The clever set takes the audience backstage to witness the mayhem, excitement and vibrancy of that world and manages to pull off what, in this humble reviewer’s opinion, is set to be one of the best plays of the year. How did they manage it? In the words of Philip Henslowe, ‘I don’t know, it’s a mystery.’ u

by Catherine Hales ● Noël Coward Theatre St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; noelcowardtheatre.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:18

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PROFILE

No Plain Jane Coming to Richmond Theatre for one week only, East is East star Jane Horrocks talks taking to the stage, typecasting and life in Twickenham Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

U

ndeniably, Jane Horrocks has had a diverse career.

Starring on both stage and screen, Horrocks has enjoyed success in movies, plays, sitcoms, and even voiceovers for animation and commercials. She has even had a play written for her – The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, created by writer Jim Cartwright after Horrocks impressed him with her unique impressions of Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. For her performance as ‘LV’ (Little Voice) Horrocks received an Olivier Award nomination, whilst her reprisal of the role for the film version in 1998 saw her nominated for a Golden Globe, BAFTA and BIFA. But it was Horrocks’ breakout role as ditsy PA Bubble in cult 90s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous that really put her on the map. And it’s Bubble I have in mind when I interview Horrocks backstage at Trafalgar Studios. Just hours before the curtains go up on her new play, East is East, I find her calm and collected. With her blonde bob and trademark high-pitch Northern lilt, she does look a bit like Bubble (minus the outlandish attire), but there is absolutely nothing ditsy about

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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I'M excited to bring the play TO RICHMOND THEATRE Horrocks. In front of me is a poised and steely woman, about to take centre stage.

It may have been five years since her last theatre stint (in the Young Vic’s Annie Get Your Gun!) but the theatre is Horrocks’ natural domain: ‘I like the immediacy of being in front of an audience,’ she tells me. ‘In rehearsal, you get to a point where you can’t take it any further. [The

audience] is the final part, so once they come in, the piece is complete.’

Horrocks is currently starring as Ella Khan in the revival of Ayub Khan Din’s culture-clash comedy, East is East – part of the second Trafalgar Transformed season, set to transfer for one week to Richmond Theatre this January. This suits Horrocks to a T because, whilst she was born and bred in Lancashire, she has spent nearly two decades living in Twickenham. ‘I’m quite excited to bring the play to Richmond Theatre,’ she says when I ask about the transfer. ‘There’s no culture border to the play, even though it deals with Pakistani culture and immigration. It’s just a good story that will move you. I’ve lived in Twickenham for the past 17 years and all the school mums are [coming] to see it. I think it will go down really well.’

First performed in 1996, Khan Din’s semiautobiographical play follows the plight of Ella, the white British wife of George Khan, a Pakistani Muslim immigrant. She navigates the thin line between remaining dutiful towards her headstrong, boorish husband, and protective of her AngloPakistani children as they rebel against their father’s strict traditions to forge their own identities in 1970s Salford.

The play was made into a multi-award

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

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JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 12:50

‘

Jane Horrocks back to the stage in a terrific portrayal’ The independent

HHHH HHHH

HHHH HHHH the times | The independent

financial times | the guardian

the daily telegraph

time out | Mail on Sunday written by and starring

ayub Khan Din

Fierce, funny and affecting.

‘

A play with guts, wit and a big, beating heart ’

The times

MON 19 - SAT 24 JANUARY

0844 8717651* atgtickets.com/richmond* *Fees apply

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

PHOTOS ©MARC BRENNER

winning film of the same name in 1999.

‘Ella is a solid woman, very caring and protective, and when she’s nagging her kids, well, I like that because that’s how I am with my children… Ella’s function is quite complex within the play [too], and you don’t really reap the rewards of her character until the end,’ Horrocks explains. ‘It’s only then, when you hear the applause for Ella, that you realise the audience have been with you the whole time. She’s a brilliant, stoic woman.’

Like the film, East is East (the play) is a laugh-out-loud comedy but has plenty of hard-hitting moments. ‘It was hard to get

characters and storylines that aren’t obvious. I like anything different, thoughtprovoking and politically interesting.

‘It’s also going to be great for my kids to come along too,’ she continues, ‘my daughter really enjoyed it, she loved the final parlour scene where Mr and Mrs

BEING typecast is something I’VE AVOIDED

my head around why Ella would continue to support George when he behaves despicably, and hits her,’ Horrocks says earnestly. ‘But George is the father of her children, and in the Seventies, that warranted respect. Her morals tell her to stay by his side.’

Interestingly, this production also stars the shows’ playwright, Ayub Khan Din, taking on the role of George, a character based on his own father. Kahn Din sits next to Horrocks during our conversation and I ask how he felt about assuming that role in particular. Playing George is ‘fun’,

he says, though it wasn’t his first choice.

‘I had hoped that if anyone took the play seriously enough, I might get to play Tariq, the more rebellious son!’ he laughs.

‘I didn’t really like George.’

Horrocks says having Khan Din on-board as both writer and fellow actor has been ‘very handy’, especially when it came to explaining why Ella is torn between her duties as a wife and mother. ‘I like the fact that it’s been a challenge,’ she says. ‘As an actor you want to find a character that you don’t understand. [Being] typecast is something I’ve avoided by choosing

17 Chis_Jan_Jane_Horrocks.indd 17

Shah [the parents of the daughters whom George is trying to set his sons up with] come to visit. That’s a scene that people particularly enjoy because there are so many facets to it. The rewards are really brilliant at the end. There’s an unwritten agreement between the audience and the cast – that you’ll go though [the] journey together. That’s what makes theatre so much richer, so much more exciting.’

Does this mean that a return for Bubble is off the cards, then? No more Ab Fab…?

‘Oh, I don’t know, I don’t know’, she answers, ‘you’ll have to ask Jennifer Saunders that one.’

Whilst Bubble may not be returning to our screens in the near future, we can be certain – and thankful – that the multi-talented Jane Horrocks isn’t going anywhere. u East is East runs from 19 - 24 January at Richmond Theatre. For tickets see; atgtickets.com/richmond

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 12:50

OSKA 54 Hill Street London T W9 1T W T 0208 948 5527 richmond.oska.com OSKA 27 New Cavendish Street London W1G 9TX T 0207 224 0676 OSKA 33 Duke of York Square London SW3 4LY T 0207 730 8989 london.oska.com

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> FASHION NOTES

p. 20

MY STYLE: LEIGH MAY EVANS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT PEPPER & MAYNE

p. 25

COLD COMFORT Don’t be caught out by the deep freeze this January. Instead, turn to MaxMara for the elegant solution to big chill problems. Think sharp, simple silhouettes and sophisticated layering. Winter’s not so bad after all. gb.maxmara.com

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JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:09

st y l e C e n t r a l

Wrap-up warm in blanket coats and a preppy pop-up comes to west London

ALL ABOUT YVES

words helen baron

B y R ox a n n e L o w i t

irst there was the biopic, now there’s the book – a new F portrait of Yves Saint Laurent, featuring backstage shots from legendary fashion photographer Roxanne Lowit with contributions from YSL muses such as Jerry Hall, Grace Jones and LouLou de la Falaise.

The pioneer who brought Piet Mondrian and ‘le Smoking’ to fashion prominence, Yves Saint Laurent was also one of the most subversive and controversial designers in post-war couture – and his talent made a lasting impression on the industry. Lowit’s pictures document her personal history with Saint Laurent from 1978 (the year they met) to the last show he gave, in 2002, affording readers a glimpse of the backstage experience and sharing a unique portrait of a fashion genius. ◆

Super Girl S u k i Wa t e r h o u s e fo r S u p e r g a

● Y V E S S A I N T L AU R E N T £29.95, Thames & Hudson; out now

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Model-of-the-moment and Chiswick resident, Suki Waterhouse, has turned her hand to fashion design, creating a Limited Edition range for Italian tennis shoe brand Superga. The collection of heartembellished ‘flatform’ trainers is available in three candy colours.

Catch them while you can... £65, available from myfashiontribu.com

20 02/12/2014 11:54

FASHION / NOTES 6 of the best

PIECES OF GREAT

BLANKET COATS

Oscar de la Renta

A tad summery it may be, but we just couldn’t resist this parrotembroidered full-pleated skirt by the dear departed Oscar de la Renta. Influenced by Japanese artistry, this piece is silk-lined and fitted at the waist – perfect for al fresco lunches if you’re headed away for some winter sun. £1,725; harrods.com

01

GOODY TWO SHOES French Sole

Two-tone colour can be a difficult trend to pull off, but these gorgeous ‘Penelope’ pointed flats by French Sole in contrasting suede tick all the right sartorial boxes. Team with a blazer and cigarette pants for a timelessly elegant look. Penelope Navy and Purple Suede Leather Flats, £160; frenchsole.com 02

SNOW DAY Claudie Pierlot

Claudie Pierlot has managed a magnificent fashion feat by deftly combining fringing with none other than... a parka. And not just any old parka: a shiny, knee-length wonder with faux fur collar. The winter collection puts a decidedly urban spin on the brand’s usual contemporary classics. claudiepierlot.com

03

04

CROWN JOULES Joules

We love quintessentially British clothing brand Joules, but stores are, sadly, few and far between.

Good news, then, for us west Londoners, as a shiny new Joules pop-up has just opened its doors in Westfield. Jolly good.

Westfield, Ariel Way, W12; joules.com

21 CHIS_JAN_Fashion_Notes.indd 21

05

06

1. PLUMO Blanket Cardigan, £149; plumo.com 2. JIGSAW Geo Wool Blanket Coat, £149; jigsaw-online.com 3. TOAST Tapestry Knit House Coat, £225; toa.st 4. AGNONA Cashmere Colourblocked Coat, £4,165; stylebop.com 5. MONSOON Chester Blanket Coat, £129; mytheresa.com 6. APRICOT Faux Fur Blue & Yellow Aztec Blanket Wrap, £29; apricotonline.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 11:55

Rent your home while you’re away.

THERE’S A NEW FORM OF TOURISM: THE HOTEL ALTERNATIVE.

Benefit financially from the growing demand for home rental as an alternative to impersonal hotels.

And you can do it with peace of mind: knowing that your home will be carefully looked after and managed by the Elizabeth Lytton team.

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THE HOTEL ALTERNATIVE

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If you’d like to know more send me an email or ring me for a chat. +44 (0)20 3468 5605 | info@elizabethlytton.co.uk | www.elizabethlytton.co.uk

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FASHION / WARDROBE

ADAM LIPPES

Reversible Wool and CashmereBlend Cape, £1,515; net-a-porter.com

T BY ALEXANDER WANG,

Olive Quilted Shell Jogging Trousers, £335; harveynichols.com

PLÜMO

Elgin Scarf in Pink, £59; plumo.com

L.K. BENNETT

Scarlet Kid Leather Ankle Boot, £325; lkbennett.com

JAEGAR

Silk Spot Grid Blouse, Ivory/Black, £180; johnlewis.com

THE ROW

Agra Twill Midi Skirt, £875; harrods.com ©AW14 VALENTINO

KARL LAGERFELD

Phylissia Stretch-Jersey Jumpsuit, £165; net-a-porter.com

MISSONI

Peacock Swing Coat, £3,775; harrods.com

CAROLINE CHARLES

JIGSAW

Tote Wool Skirt, £395; carolinecharles.co.uk

Knitted Double Zip Biker, Cranberry, £149; johnlewis.com

CHECKS & BALANCE

JOULES

Fieldcoat Tweed Jacket, Marwood Tweed, £229; johnlewis.com

ROKSANDA

Riley Belted Dupion Dress, £850; harveynichols.com

Keep your body in check this January

MSGM

Tweed Flatform Skate Shoes, £290; harveynichols.com

RUSSELL & BROMLEY

Laddie Brogue Lace-Up, £255; russellandbromley.co.uk

ROSE & WILLARD

Rhizic Leather Skirt, £280; roseandwillard.com

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JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:11

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21/11/2014 14:12

FASHION / MOOD BOARD

MY STYLE

Leigh May Evans, Creative Director at premium sports and womenswear brand, Pepper & Mayne IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT...

I would splash out on the Chanel couture trainers which were only available to buy as part of a full couture outfit. They’d work so well with my Pepper & Mayne Python Leggings!

WEST LONDON IS...

I LOVE AUDREY HEPBURN’S...

Chic, immaculate look, which has a very Parisian aesthetic. She is definitely a Pepper & Mayne icon.

My stomping ground. If I’m meeting a stockist I usually head to Chiswick House as it’s great for business lunches. For a big event or celebration we usually head to Tonteria as they always throw us a great party, and twice a week I make sure I get in a class at Ten Pilates in Chiswick.

I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IBIZA...

And go there at least once a year. I love getting a cabana to drink cocktails from on the beach and then retreating to a villa up in the hills for a private party or early evening barbecue. It’s such a beautiful island and the shopping is also wonderful.

I LOVE FUSING FASHION AND SPORTSWEAR...

As I love that it really speaks to how we want to dress right now.

I think the designers that do this best are Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang.

THE PEPPER & MAYNE...

Parisian Quilted Sweater in black is a timeless piece that really encapsulates what the brand is about; clean, elegant aesthetics with a French twist. It’s as soft as a blanket – perfect for cosy nights in front of the fire!

JESSICA ENNISHILL...

Radiates natural beauty and looks fabulous on or off the running track.

designer for the Royal Mint for most of his career. My favourite piece of art would be a masterpiece he created of Britannia. It’s delicate and beautiful yet empowering at the same time.

pepperandmayne.com

25 Chis_Jan_Moodboard.indd 25

I COME FROM AN ARTISTIC FAMILY… My father was the senior

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 19:07

Oatmeal Wool Cable Knit Sweater, £165, by Duffy White Silk and Lace Gown, £600, by Myla Diamond Earrings, £120, by Carat London

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Dec_FashionShoot.indd 26

02/12/2014 14:11

THAT’S A

WRAP Be it wool blend, cotton or cable knit– when you’ve found your winter coat, why wear anything else?

Photography Louise Samuelsen Styling Charlie Moore

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 27

02/12/2014 14:11

Black Roll Neck Body Suit, £119, by Wolford Black Lace Pencil Skirt, £645, by La Perla Diamond Earrings, £120, by Carat London

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 28

02/12/2014 14:12

Cream Cotton Trench Coat, £795, by Pavane at Fenwick Lace Bra (just seen), £110, by Myla Stockings, £6.25, by Charnos at House of Fraser Diamond Earrings, £120, by Carat London

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 29

02/12/2014 14:12

Cream Wool Coat, £695, by Issa Black Roll Neck Body Suit, £119, by Wolford Suede Black Boots, £1,150, by Jimmy Choo Grey Leather Clutch, £450, by Anya Hindmarch Diamond Earrings, £142, by Carat London Leather Gloves, £260, by Corlette

Stockists amandawakely.com anyahindmarch.com aquazzura.com caratlondon.com corlette.co.uk damaris.co.uk Dior Sunglasses 0800 7234 5600 Photographer - Louise Samuelsen at ONE Represents Stylist - Charlie Moore Hair and Make-up - Wendy Turner at Stella Creative Artists using Bumble & Bumble and Cosmetics a la Carte Model - Darya at Premier Photographers Assistant - Sam Jackson With thanks to the Savoy, Strand, Savoy Way, WC2R, 020 7836 4343; fairmont.com/savoy-london

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 30

duffyny.com fenwick.co.uk houseoffraser.co.uk jimmychoo.com matchesfashion.com myla.com net-a-porter.com Wolford 020 7494 4343

02/12/2014 14:13

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33 CHIS_DEC_BEAUTY_OPENER.indd 33

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 11:53

e x p e rt a d v i c e

KEEP ON RUNNING

Fitness

CONFIDENTIAL Get in shape with the top fitness trends, tips and gear

By foot s olutions

Wo r d s r o s e n o e l

unning is a sport almost anyone do and, unless you perform at R can elite level, there is no special skill required, just determination – and preparation. Preparation is important, not just for performance, but also to prevent injury. For successful, injury-free running, we recommend the following guidelines: u Select your running shoes carefully and ideally use a retailer whose staff are trained to assess the proper needs of your feet. u Some people may need additional support from orthotic inserts. Staff at specialist stores will be able to advise you as to which shoes and inserts are right for you. u Take your time when choosing shoes, try on lots of pairs and try them on both feet – remember, for most people, one foot is slightly larger than the other. Your correct running shoe size will be slightly larger than normal shoes. Feet expand when you run and therefore need more room. u Your feet and your shoes need time to get to know each other. Get used to wearing your shoes before you run in them. u Don’t run too far too soon. Set out a realistic timetable in which you gradually increase time and distance, but build in rest and recuperation. u Very importantly, don’t expect your shoes to last forever – especially if you get into serious running. It may be worth having two pairs that you can alternate. As a rule of thumb, replace shoes after five to six hundred miles. It’s worth therefore keeping a record of your distances – this will also give you a great sense of achievement! u

Body Beautiful Bodyism

If your New Year’s resolution is to get in shape, Bodyism is a full-concept fitness service run by coaches and experts in weight-loss. It’s apparently a favourite of Elle 'The Body' Macpherson too. Sold. bodyism.com

● F O OT S O LU T I O N S 4 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_JAN_Fitness_Notes.indd 34

34 02/12/2014 12:01

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES editor’s

PICK

7 of the best

SLOPE STAR FASHION A LIGHT IN THE DARK Puma NightCat Powered

NET-A-PORTER.COM

Yes, it’s depressing that the sun is setting before 4pm, but that’s no excuse to hang up your running gear till summer. Puma’s ingenious new NightCat Powered range uses visiCELL reflective technology to keep you both stylish and safe.

Running Night Cat Jacket, £60; uk.puma.com

KEEP IT LEVEL Balanced app

More than a mere fitness app, Balanced helps you create personalised checklists to keep yourself on top of health and fitness goals. If you are flailing, the app sends you gentle reminders to keep you driven. balancedapp.com

01

02

ON YOUR BIKE! Cyclechic

Chiswick-based cycling fanatic Caz Nicklin founded Cyclechic as a haven of stylish but practical cycling accessories. We love this new Riding Hood’s Parka Cycling Cape, which will see you through even the harshest winter weather. Bring it on. £129; cyclechic.co.uk

03

04 05

I SHOULD COCO Chi Coconut Milk

If you're lactose or dairy intolerant, or are just thinking of cutting down on cow’s milk, why not try Chi's new 100% natural coconut milk as an alternative? Refreshing and versatile, it can be used in your tea, baking, smoothies and even on your morning cereal. chilondon.com

35 CHIS_JAN_Fitness_Notes.indd 35

07

06 1. CANADA GOOSE Freestyle Vest, £270; canada-goose.com 2. PERFECT MOMENT Polar Sweater, £190; net-a-porter.com 3. ANON Scout Helmet, £69.99; surfdome.com 4. SCHOFFEL Belvedere Belted Faux Fur Jacket, £390; snowandrock.com 5. OAKLEY Elevate Snow Goggles in Polished White, £110; uk.oakley.com 6. THE NORTH FACE NFZ Insulated Trousers in Tech Blue £240; thenorthface.co.uk 7. FITFLOP Mukluk Moc Lace-Up Leather Chocolate Brown, £160; fitflop.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 12:00

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX KATE HUDSON for Fabletics;

Fresh

FITNESS

Tired of the treadmill? Yawning at yoga? Take yourself out of your comfort zone this January with our round-up of alternative fitness classes and therapies Wo r d s g e m m a b i l l i n g t o n

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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36 02/12/2014 11:49

HEALTH & BEAUTY / ROUND-UP AERIALAND

u If you watched BBC One’s recent reality offering, Tumble, and fancied having a go yourself, then you’re in luck.

New to Ravenscourt Park is Aerialand, a fitness studio offering gymnastics and circus-inspired classes. There’s loads to try including Trapeze, Hoop, Aerial Yoga and Aerial Silk. Aerialand founder, dancer and yoga teacher Valentina Candiani led my Aerial Hoop class. After some warmup aerobic exercises we’re introduced to the looming hoop. Valentina first shows us how to grip and lift safely before moving on to more complex positions. Admittedly, it's a very challenging class which works every muscle in your body, but once you feel even slightly in control of the hoop, it’s a wonderful sensation. And it beats the gym any day. aerialand.com

10 of the best

GYM CLASS HEROES ADIDAS

Supernova Bra, £28; adidas.co.uk

SWEATY BETTY

Yama Knit Jumper, £85; sweatybetty.com

PILATES CIRCUIT

u If you’re a Pilates fan but are looking to spice up your practice then TenPilates’ new Circuit classes could be just the ticket. Held in a small group in the Chiswick studio, my session was led

by Mark, a charming and enthusiastic instructor. After stretching, we each have a set turn on a different piece of equipment. There’s the usual suspect – the Reformer - but also a few newbies to try such as the Split Pedal Chair, a device that requires deft core control to avoid throwing yourself over the top of it. The workouts avoid becoming monotonous with a lively soundtrack and Mark’s unwavering support. Every muscle aches afterwards but it’s a good indicator of the power of the workout and that, if kept up, toned abs and thighs are well within reach. tenpilates.com

BARRECORE

u After moving from America to the UK, fitness fanatic Nicki Rein noticed a lack of barre-method classes, so decided to launch her own. Barrecore Chelsea opened in 2011, and now the fourth London studio has opened in Chiswick. If you’re new to the craze, barre workouts incorporate the ballet barre along with weights and stretches. The one hour class focuses on different sets of muscles in a series of aerobic style exercises, all set to a contemporary soundtrack. Be warned: this is one tough workout. The techniques are ostensibly simple but designed to engage your core and push your muscles to their limits. You’ll leave aching all over, but with a newfound admiration for professional dancers.

Highly recommended. barrecore.co.uk

WELLICIOUS Cool Top with Harmony Print, £49.95; wellicious.com

NIKE

Women's Training Capris, £55; store.nike.com

ROXY

Distance Hoodie, £50; roxy-uk.co.uk

SWEATY BETTY Chill Resistor L/S Top, £70; sweatybetty.com

u Operating from her Chiswick home and a Mayfair clinic once a week, Martha English is an innate healer with an alternative approach to health.

Treatments mostly revolve around acupuncture, but Martha is also trained in theta and meta medicine – a healing system based on the belief that emotional trauma can lead to long-term ailments.

Martha is instantly warm and welcoming when I stop by for a facial acupuncture session, which she brands as an alternative to Botox. Tiny, hair thin needles are inserted into the skin and, though not as relaxing as a traditional facial, it’s certainly not painful, and the (careful) application of a face mask during the treatment leaves my skin feeling nicely plump and looking noticeably refreshed. If you’re looking for a natural alternative, this is surely the way forward. It’s the full package. healingnaturally.co

BAOBAB TREATMENT

u Described as ‘one of Africa’s best kept secrets’ the Baobab fruit is rich in iron, Vitamin C and calcium, providing benefits to skin, hair and general health. The Baobab treatment offered at the K West Spa is a 70 minute session that uses different parts of the fruit for each stage of the ‘ritual’. It begins with a full body exfoliation followed by a massage and cooling therapy for the legs and is capped off with a Baobab smoothie to be drunk afterwards. The first thing I notice is the delicious smell filling the room as I am rubbed vigorously from head to toe; the massage and cooling treatment are intensely relaxing and the smoothie, incredibly tasty. After my therapy my skin is glowing and my overall sense of wellbeing is at a high. £110, £2 of which is donated to the Aduna Foundation; k-west.co.uk

MANDUKA

Some Like it Hot Package, £80.75; yogamatters.com

HOLISTIC SILK

Yoga Mat Bag, £105; yogamatters.com

XPG BY JENNI FALCONER Black Running Trousers, £35; debenhams.com

NIKE

Dual Fusion TR2 Print Trainers, £64.99; getthelabel.com

37 CHIS_JAN_Alternative_fitness.indd 37

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 11:51

Make your face look beautiful naked Celebrate Christmas in style!

Start with a little present from us

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www.naturalenhancement.co.uk 020 8995 2072 • info@naturalenhancement.co.uk Chiswick • Harley Street • Leamington Spa • Dublin • Oslo This offer is only valid for treatments booked before 30/11/2014 and taken before 30/04/2015 and applies to new treatments only. This offer does not apply to medical procedures, Discreet Lash Definer, Upper, Lower and Both Lids, or the Sensuous Beauty Mark treatments. This offer is only available with our senior technicians and not with our Director Tracey Simpson. All discounted treatments must be taken at our Chiswick branch. All treatments need to be paid for by the end of January 31st to qualify for the offer. Cancellations T&Cs apply.”

NATURAL ENHANCEMENT.indd 1

01/12/2014 14:43

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to resist temptation all the time.

ABS: So how do I resist temptation?

AR: When you think of self-control, there is a fair chance that you associate that word with an effortful process. But here’s the good news: new research proves that self-control around food can also be effortless. What you need to do is to remove the dilemma of having to say no to unhealthy foods for a period of time, until you weaken your cravings.

ABS: So does that also work with portion control?

AR: The problem with portion control is that for those who enjoy eating until complete satiation or a full stomach are unlikely to change, at least in the long term. In fact, 33% of our Advanced Clinical Weight Loss Practitioner students fall in this category and for them portion control is not the solution and could even work against them.

Numerous studies show that those who are sensitive to food rewards may benefit from limiting their meal frequency and not their meal size. This in turn reduces their opportunities for over-consumption.

SL I M M I NG

SCHOOL The holidays are over and we’ve eaten more than we imagine. Alex Ruani helps us get back on track

ABSOLUTELY: So Alex, when is the best time to lose those extra pounds?

ALEX RUANI: Normally after periods of excess, like holidays, we tend not to feel very much like ourselves anymore and this is often an opportunity to reset your system after too much sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fried food, overeating, active or passive smoking.

Your body is dealing with a huge load of substances that it normally doesn’t have to detoxify. January is when we have the highest number of new students joining our nutritional courses for these reasons!

ABS: So where do we start?

AR: The first thing you need to do is to unlearn some of those new behaviours that you’ve acquired recently. The first and most important step in order to retrain yourself around food is to prime the circumstances around you. This is what scientists call ‘Choice Architecture’, whereby you rearrange your food environment so that you

ABS: Where can I learn more?

AR: We have a number of free resources on our website like our Free Starter Nutrition Course where you can access our Weight Gain Probability Questionnaire™. It’s entirely online and you can find it here: TheHealthSciencesAcademy.org/absolutely u

EATING C.R.A.P? Carbonated drinks

340 votes

Refined Sugar

683 votes

Artificial Ingredient

268 votes

Alcohol

1123 votes

Processed Products

700 votes

All of the above

941 votes

None

583 votes

7.33% 14.73% 5.78% 24.21% 15.09% 20.29% 12.79% Total: 4638 votes

The Health Sciences Academy student poll on the consumption of C.R.A.P. foods (C.R.A.P. = Carbonated drinks, Refined Sugar, Artificial ingredients, Alcohol, Processed products)

39 CHIS_JAN_Health Sciences Academy.indd 39

ABS: So, if you eat a big meal, what should it have?

AR: The goal is to lower the energy density of your meal, but not the volume, so you eat more in terms of weight but less calories. So here we can get really practical. According to a recent study, serving large portions of chunky vegetable soup at the start of a meal can increase satiety and reduce the total amount of calories you eat in your main meal by about 20%.

A le x R ua n i

Alex Ruani, Research Director at The Health Sciences Academy, is a leading London weight loss expert, who helps women who have been struggling with their weight and food issues for years – particularly if they have tried everything. To receive Alex’s weekly tips to kick-start a healthier 2015 go here: TheHealthSciencesAcademy.org/absolutely

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:00

REVIEW

theDETOX DELIVERIES

After Christmas, you’re probably feeling sluggish and lightly pickled. Get back on track with London’s top detox deliveries.

W o r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Jan_Detox.indd 40

I

’ve always been a bit sceptical by the idea of a ‘detox’. I think it may have come from my Dad, a Dutchman who, despite having flown as a pilot during a time when such a career was perhaps one of the most glamorous of them all, has maintained his frugal and disciplined 1940s attitude towards food. ‘It’s all about moderation,’ a saying he has always lived by. Never will he have more than two sausages, too much pasta or a second helping.

Now, I am not saying I’m nearly as disciplined as my dad, but I do believe that moderation is the key to a healthy and happy life, so detoxes have always seemed like a bit of an unnecessary punishment. That said, sometimes it is hard to keep things in check, especially in my industry. Champagne is popped by 2pm on a Monday in July, as that is when ‘Christmas’ begins. This early introduction to the festive season gains full momentum

by September, and by the end of October, well, you are completely out of sorts.

40 02/12/2014 12:24

HEALTH & BEAUTY / DETOX Which is why, for the first time ever, I’ve decided to try a detox, to rid myself of all the delicious toxins I’ve filled my body with over the past few months and to give you the run down of London’s best detox packages, just in time for January.

FOR THOSE WITH GOOD INTENTIONS Who? Nosh Detox What? Body, Tone and Smooth osh Detox don’t do detoxes in half measures: there are only a few menus to choose from, to ensure you take it as seriously as they do.

Choose from a full juice or food programme, depending on how virtuous you’re feeling. From the food programme I chose the Body, Tone and Smooth menu, which promises to help shed pounds, smooth out cellulite and keep skin tight and youthful. After five days on the plan, I can tell you those three promises do not come easy. The food is delicious, but there’s not much of it. Two parts liquid, one part food; be prepared for a plethora of nutrient-packed juices, smoothies and soups that help replace vitamins and minerals your body probably didn’t even realise it was missing. The first day was hard: my breakfast smoothie was nice but not the bowl of Special K I’d grown accustomed to, and my spinach and chilli soup at lunchtime just didn’t fill a hole. But I powered through, and after two days of similarly tough grub, I actually felt pretty good: lighter on my feet, refreshed and sharper at work. The small portions meant it wasn’t ideal for cardio exercise (and I do a fair amount) but that didn’t matter because it gave my body a chance to rest and restore. The complete ban on wheat, dairy and sugar products sees Nosh Detox live up to its

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‘purify and nutrify’ mantra, and my fresher face, smoother legs and newfound agility made it worth every hunger pang. £165.81 - £331.62; noshdetox.com

FOR THE LAZY DIETER Who? Pure Package What? Weight Loss A foodie on a detox can be a dangerous mix, so a detox that A declares to be the ‘diet for food lovers’ sounded like a safer bet. There are 10 menus to choose from, including Japanese Body Boost and one specifically crafted for Mum and Baby, but I went simple and selected the Weight Loss menu. Each portion is big, filling and full of flavour, so much so that you almost worry it may make you gain weight instead – but with celebrity fans including Florence Welch, Lily Cole and Zara Martin on their books, you know that couldn’t possibly be true. Each morning, a cool bag is waiting for you outside your house jam-packed with your food for the day. My first breakfast was a yoghurt and prune muesli, which is, in all honesty, my idea of hell. But that’s fine, Pure Package are ridiculously accommodating, so get in touch and personalise your deliveries by giving them simple preferences such as savoury breakfasts over sweet. The food seemed to just get better and better, think smoked chicken and artichoke terrine, open egg and cress sandwiches on rye bread, Nasi Goreng and mushroom stroganoff. By the end of my 5-day plan I

41 CHIS_Jan_Detox.indd 41

didn't, as I expected to after the first delivery, feel fatter and full. I felt well-fed, nourished and energised, so much so that I went to three spin classes in a row that week. If this is detoxing, sign me up.

10-day full programme; purepackage.com

FOR THE NAUGHTY ONE Who? Detox Kitchen What? Green Package he Detox Kitchen founder, Lily Simpson, started the now famed company in 2012 with an army of chefs and nutritionists. Every day, Simpson and her team devise new, tasty menus to send out to their customers.

Each plan steers clear of toxins such as wheat, dairy and refined sugar, and is then tailored to suit different requirements and needs such as weight loss. Feeling pretty lethargic after a heavy week at work, the Green Package seemed to appeal the most as it is the ultimate cleansing programme. Expect plenty of wheatgrass and spirulina shots, smoothies and juices packed with celery, avocado and spinach, and tons of salads.

The menu doesn’t exceed 900 calories per day, and meals include cauliflower, goji berry and cashew nut salad and edamame, white cabbage and black sesame salad. With clientele like Elle Macpherson and so few calories consumed, we can only hope that after a few more of these we will have a body like hers. We can dream, can’t we? £32.99 per day; detoxkitchen.co.uk

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JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:09

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02/12/2014 14:23

HEALTH & BEAUTY / DETOX FOR THE FITNESS FANATIC Who? Soulmatefood What? Sport Kitchen ever did I think a detox could provoke such jealousy in the office, but then came my Soulmatefood delivery. With meals including seared steak salad and salmon and chive frittata, heads would turn and bellies would rumble as I took my meals out and placed them, rather smugly, into the microwave. With food as delicious as it is nutritious, Soulmate really have mastered the art of healthy eating. So much so that by day four of my diet plan I felt the need to get in touch with founder Christian Coates directly. I just couldn’t get my head around the fact that eating this amount of food could actually help me lose weight. Was he sure that this tasty, filling food came in at 1,200 calories? Coates assured me that I was on the weight loss plan, and as he was the man who fed the Team GB boxing team in the run up to 2012 Olympics – which saw them win Bronze – I took his word for it. For the active among us, Soulmate’s Sports Kitchen menu is the perfect antidote to Christmas indulgence.

Designed for athletes who wish to improve their overall performance by increasing their nutritional intake, the meals avoid using salt, sugar, butter and cream to add flavour. This is a detox in the modern sense of the word, a week of wholesome, healing food that doesn’t deny you what you want but fuels you toward real health.

By Elizabeth Hutton; From £150; soulmatefood.com

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FOR THE VICE VICTIM Who? Honestly Healthy What? Ultimate Weight Loss ho wants a lovely Green Coconut Smoothie for breakfast? It’s not as yummy as it sounds. The gloopy texture and grassy aftertaste make it tough to swallow, but it feels so virtuous that I can’t actually knock it. The food from Honesty Healthy’s 6 day Ultimate Weight Loss plan is super-nutritious, but is sometimes just not what you fancy. This is the detox for those who need a real health reality check. There are highlights, including a very tasty Mexican bean salad with halloumi and guacamole, a well-flavoured pear and fennel soup, and a hearty millet and mushroom risotto, and the juices contain superfood supplements such as spirulina, flaxseed and chlorella. Honestly Healthy don’t try be anything other than what they are: a proper detox. It’s designed for those of us who vow not to drink this week,

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but then can’t say no to a quick glass of wine, AKA the vice victims whose good intentions are crushed by their lack of willpower. They will whip you into shape and although it won’t be easy, it will most certainly be worth it.

By Elizabeth Hutton; 6 day plan, £220, honestlyhealthyfood.com

FOR A COMPLETE CLEANSE Who? Radiance What? Signature Juice Cleanse on’t believe anyone who tells you that juice cleansing is easy; it isn’t.

The first day is hard, but by day two you begin to feel a bizarre determination to keep going. Not chewing

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43 CHIS_Jan_Detox.indd 43

food was hard to get my head around, as was reaching for a green juice to muffle my hunger pangs. The amount of liquid I was consuming was so ridiculous (5 x 500ml a day) that I soon found myself leaving half empty bottles of lemon, maple syrup, ginger and cayenne pepper in random places around the house. It was almost as if I was hiding it from myself. I looked forward to the middle of the day when I could have my cashew milk because it was thicker than the other juices. Come the last day, despite feeling a wave of relief, I did feel as if I could have continued with the juice cleanse.

That’s the most fascinating thing about it; it’s a very psychological thing to do.

While it is physically testing, you come out feeling much stronger mentally.

Weight-wise I lost a little, and everyone in the office complimented me on how healthy I looked, but the weight didn’t disappear for long, especially not after my post-detox celebratory glass of wine.

By Elizabeth Hutton; 3 day Signature Juice Cleanse, £215, radiancecleanse.com

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:09

JO BLU Salon

◗ Hair cutting ◗ Facials ◗ Colouring. Wella L’Oreal Redken ◗ Dermabrasion/ Caci ◗ Keratin Brazilian blow dry ◗ Massage inc Hot Stone ◗ Great Lengths hair extensions ◗ Body wrap ◗ Shellac nail varnish ◗ Power hair Treatments ◗ Manicures ◗ Hair Pieces ◗ Pedicures ◗ Hair do’s including bridal ◗ Waxing ◗ Easy parking ◗ Fake Bake Spray tanning ◗ Lycon wax ◗ We now stock Kevin.

Murphy hair products

Jo Blu Salon in Chiswick continue to celebrate their award in achieving five stars with the Good Salon Guide.

JO BLUE_JAN.indd 2

11 Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London W4 3RS

Tel: 020 8996 0616

www.joblusalon.co.uk • info@joblusalon.co.uk

01/12/2014 15:25

HEALTH & BEAUTY / RUNNING

Marathon Man Even a seasoned runner can be thrown off course if the kit’s not correct. Step into Sporting Feet to get back on track

3 of the best

EUROPEAN CITY MARATHONS

Wo r d s H u g o H u n t e r B e r li n

The most World Records for marathons have been set at the famous and very popular Berlin course.

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his writer is a keen runner, but I confess that I've never had any proper training, and any advice I've adhered to has come from the internet. So far I've been fortunate and my lack of professionalism hasn't caused any major set-backs. I even finished my first marathon last year in just over 3 hours. However, recently I've been noticing a nagging pain in my ankles during my training, and it’s now reached the point where I can't ignore it any longer.

So, rather than trying to deal with the problem myself, I’ve signed up for a proper shoe fitting experience at independent specialists Sporting Feet. Dominic, one of Sporting Feet’s co-founders, shows me around and talks me through their shoe fitting process and how he endeavours to

Ath e n s

In 490BC, Athenian messenger Phidippides ran 26 miles to Athens from the village of Marathon to tell news of the Greek soldiers’ triumph over the invading Persian army. Hence where the modern marathon got its name.

Pa r i s

One of Europe’s most popular marathons, participants will take in the City of Light’s famous landmarks including Notre-Dame cathedral, Arce de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

find the perfect shoe for each customer – whether they are a seasoned runner or just starting out.

First I step onto the scanner, which measures the exact length and width of my feet as well as my arch and pronation – essentially how much your foot rolls when you run. Over or under pronation (outward or inward roll) is important as it can cause injury, which is why finding the

right running shoes is so vital. Now off the scanner, I do some squats with my feet a certain distance apart while Dominic has a look at how I bend my knees. He tells me this is all he needs to match me to the appropriate shoes.

I am relieved to find out that I have quite normal feet and arches. I’m a mild over-pronator – which is, apparently, a good thing. Dominic talks me through the best shoes for my foot type, and the pair he selects feel lovely; like running on light-weight cushions – something I hadn't experienced before.

But it’s not just shoe fittings that Sporting Feet offer. They work closely with other sports specialists, can suggest places to get insoles made, recommend the best local sports massage, physios, personal trainers and running clubs. They even sponsor local races and clubs too.

I’m seriously happy with my perfect shoes and with how much I’ve learnt about my feet and running. So, off I go in my new shoes to train for marathon number two, confident that I’ll avoid injury and achieve a personal best. u

● Sp orting Feet

9 King Street, Richmond, TW9; sporting-feet.com

45 CHIS_JAN_Marathon_Man.indd 45

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 14:36

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

JOIN OURCLUB The Park Club is a private members’ club with top-of-the-range facilities and classes. It’s where families come together, share time and meet new and old friends alike.

BEST EQUIPMENT

he Park Club team are here to enhance your quality of your life T by encouraging regular physical activity, a healthy diet and a positive approach to life.

Throughout the club we are investing in your future. Having spent one million pounds on our gymnasiums, members can be assured they're using the very best equipment available.

Whether you want comfort, smoothness, efficiency, technology or entertainment, our Technogym Excite cardiovascular equipment in the gymnasium provides it all. Stay connected with your personal trainer (anywhere you go) via the Technogym Wellness cloud; keep in touch with friends

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or work via Facebook, Twitter and email from your bike; choose to watch one of 32 TV channels, listen to the radio, surf the internet, play online games from each cardio machine – the choice is yours!

For those who like a little nostalgia, we are also incredibly proud to have the weight training machines from the Olympic 2012 London Olympics!

PERSONAL SERVICE

hile great equipment is vital, our most important asset is our team of personal trainers and the expert knowledge and time they have to assist you.

New members enjoy five one-to-one training sessions in their first month with one of our friendly, qualified personal trainers.

W

Every one-hour session is tailored around each member’s personal goals and preferences.

We help those who have never set foot in a gym before, as well as those who train hard for competitive sport. Our expert staff will help you, whatever your fitness level.

After you’ve settled in, we carry on giving you a one-hour session with a personal trainer for each month of your membership. This helps to keep you motivated and allows your trainer to adjust your fitness plan as you continue making progress.

If group exercise is your preferred activity, we have highly experienced class instructors to motivate and stimulate you with over 100 classes a week included in your membership. For the sporty, we’ve amazing coaches ready to share their knowledge and enthusiasm in triathlon, tennis, football, karate, cricket and more!

46 01/12/2014 17:58

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

RESULTS

acres, The Ark is dedicated to the indoor and outdoor play and development of our youngest members! For those with older children, there is coaching in all of the activities available to adults. The Park Club won’t tie you into an annual contract; we rely on the quality of our facilities and the results you will attain to keep you as a member.

You can enjoy our luxury fitness experience for less than you may have thought, especially with our off-peak membership which covers many traditional Clubs’ peak times.

The Park Club delivers an incredible range of flexible classes with professional staff and coaches for adults and children.

ith expert help and motivation included in your membership, you’re more likely to get the results you want. Especially using the very latest Technogym Excite + Cardio equipment.

Experience a gym where there is no queuing for equipment and discover studio classes where there is no need to book your class, just turn up.

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embers (young and old) are invited to participate in tennis, football, gymnastics, cricket, swimming, ballet and martial arts at a level they choose to pursue. We will serve as an inspiration to help you and your family make beneficial changes to your lifestyle, and increase your fitness level in your own time.

At The Park Club you can enjoy spending time relaxing in the family or adult bar or go al fresco on the terrace. Indulge yourself with a pampering treatment in The Park Club MediSpa where expert help is also on hand from our team led by Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Bela. Or experience an unrivalled calendar of brilliant social events where you’ll meet new friends. There’s so much to do at The Park Club. u

M

For further membership information, please contact Marcus, Pippa or Alex on 020 8740 4599, email: marcus@theparklub.co.uk or visit theparkclub.co.uk

or busy parents we have our superb Ark in the Park crèche and day care nursery. Set in its very own 1.5

47 CHIS_JAN_The_Park_Club.indd 47

CHOICE

● the park club

FREEDOM F

With extended indoor areas and wide-open spaces, we’ll ensure that no time is wasted in the pursuit of fun and relaxation.

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 17:58

NEW KITCHENS @ SHOREDITCH

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Showrooms 020 7760 7558 WHARFESIDE.indd 1 absolutely-ad11.indd 1

absolutelywharfside.co.uk 18/11/2014 14:08 18/11/2014 11:47

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 50

WALL TO WALL: TALKING TRENDS WITH FARROW & BALL

p. 52

GET THE LOOK

p. 57

MELLOW YELLOW ‘Big Nature Small Me’ is a winter colour trend forecast by Dulux. Inspired by the great outdoors, the ‘rich colours... form a great escape from the streamlined, grey, hi-tech world we increasingly live in’ according to Dulux Interior Designer, Lisa Jennings. dulux.co.uk

49 Chis_Jan_Interior_Ins.indd 49

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:26

10 of the best

heavy metal accessories 01

This month we’re all about metal magic and upcycled chic Wo r d s G e m m a B i l l i n g t o n

TOM FORD

Scent London Diffuser, £35; occa-home.co.uk

ARTISANTI

Bardem 3 Drawer Metal Dresser, £502; artisanti.com

02 03

SKULTUNA

Brass Bottle Opener, £60; conranshop.co.uk

04

ALESSI

Chip Magnetic Paper Clip Holder, £33; design55online.co.uk 05

THE CAST IRON BATH COMPANY

Marseille Cyprium Copper Bateau Bath, £2,495; castironbath.co.uk

On a Wing O sborne & Little for Multiyork

The weather outside might still be frightful, but Multiyork’s new Osborne & Little fabrics are just delightful. The collaboration between two of Britain’s most established and revered interior brands includes this whimsical butterfly print, which would have to be our pick of the bunch. Murrayfield Chair in Osborne & Little Butterfly Gardens fabric, £1,439; multiyork.co.uk

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50 01/12/2014 18:24

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES 06

ROWEN & WREN

Moscow Mule Copper Mugs, £18 each; rowenandwren.co.uk

editor’s

PICK TAKE A PEW Nigel Coates

Want to take a piece of maverick designer Nigel Coates home with you? Recently unveiled at Decorex, this striking Back to Back sofa is upholstered in Dedar fabric and is an updated version of the original, created in 2008 for Italian furniture makers Fratelli Boffi. Back to Back sofa

by Nigel Coates upholstered with Dedar fabrics £8,300, Cushions as shown £1,050;

nigelcoates.com 07

DOG DAYS Occa Home

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but clearly no one told this dapper off-piste pooch. This quirky Autrement Dit cushion is one of three to collect from Occa Home. We’re a tiny bit obsessed with them. £54; occa-home.co.uk

OLIVER BONAS Double Trinket Dish, £18; oliverbonas.com

08

JONATHAN ADLER

09

Large Brass Bird Bowl, £398; uk.jonathanadler.com

SECOND LIFE Pipoca

New to west London’s Brackenbury Village is Pipoca, a haven of upcycled and vintage furniture. The team stock eye-catching, lovingly restored homeware and also offer a bespoke ‘customer design’ service, whereby a client’s old piece of furniture can be given a new lease of life.

BLOOMINGVALE

09

Black Table Lamp with Copper Shade, £206; debenhams.com

127A Brackenbury Road, W6;

pipoca.co.uk

LIVE BY THE RIVER Queen’s Wharf

Building won’t be complete until 2017, but the luxurious Queen’s Wharf development is already creating quite a stir. Encompassing the famous Riverside Studios and with interiors designed by WISH London, they’re certainly rooms with a view. queenswharf.co.uk

51 Chis_Jan_Interior_Insp.indd 51

SASSY HARDWICK FURNITURE

Copper Drinks Cabinet , POA; sassyhardwick.co.uk 10

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:25

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX IN FOCUS

WALL STORY Absolutely quizzes Charlotte Cosby, Farrow & Ball’s head of creative, about what makes wallpaper work Interview pendle harte

ABSOLUTELY What makes an effective wallpaper design?

CHARLOTTE COSBY The designs that are most effective are usually very simple.

For example, one of our new wallpapers, Yukutori, is a simple flowing pattern with groups of birds gracefully flying across the paper. They could be just as easily interpreted as the crest of waves or mountain tops. Rooted in nature, this paper will create a calm feel in any room.

Amime

ABS What sort of patterns look wrong on wallpaper?

CC There are no rules with wallpaper, it’s all down to personal taste. Of late, advances in printing technology mean you can have anything from a full scale mural to ceramic papers and even 3D papers. At Farrow & Ball all wallpapers are made using our paint, which is applied using traditional printing methods. This gives our papers a unique texture and a beautiful, luxurious appearance.

ABS How do wallpaper designs differ from textile designs?

CC Very little actually. Historically, textiles have been used as wall coverings. We often look to old textiles as sources of inspiration for our wallpaper designs. When textiles are used in fashion, rather than interiors, there is one main difference, which is colour: you tend to see a lot more of a pattern on a wall than you do on a dress, so we are mindful of this when creating collections, being sure that the colours we choose work on a large scale. While we were

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52 01/12/2014 17:51

HOMES & INTERIORS / DECORATING Shouchikubai

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JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 17:51

Add value to your life…

…add value to your home.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE DESIGN APPOINTMENT WHERE WE WILL CREATE A 3D BATHROOM DESIGN BASED ON THE DIMENSIONS OF YOUR ROOM

The Warehouse, 1A St Leonards Road, East Sheen, London, SW14 7LY E: sales@touchstonebathrooms.com T: 020 8878 4820 touchstonebathrooms.com Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday 10am – 4pm

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

02/12/2014 14:28

HOMES & INTERIORS / DECORATING YOU SEE A LOT MORE of a pattern on a wall THAN YOU DO ON A DRESS

Yukitori

developing the colourways for Amime, we ended up with lots of options that would have looked great on a skirt, but wouldn’t have suited a dining room.

ABS Where did the Japanese influence for Farrow & Ball’s new collection come from?

CC At Farrow & Ball we’ve always felt inspired by Japanese craftsmanship and design, and we share a dedication to traditional production methods.

Personally, having taken two trips to Japan, I have developed a real love for Japanese design. Following the tsunami in 2011, much of the creative industry used Japan as a reference, and three years later you can really see the impact it’s had on the fashion, ceramics and interiors industry, with many Japaneseinspired pieces appearing in designer collections and on the high street. Our new wallpapers celebrate the age-old ties between British and Japanese design, which are demonstrated in the subtlety of the patterns that are evocative of peaceful, rural Japan.

ABS How do you create the textured look of the papers?

CC By using our own water-based paints, and applying them by traditional block

Shouchikubai

printing methods, the papers feature a luxurious texture that is signature to Farrow & Ball. Each wallpaper has a unique texture achieved by using a hand-brushing technique to apply the ground colour. Applying additional layers of paint on top of the ground colour to create the design results in a layered, textured look and feel.

ABS What colours are most popular for wallpapers and why?

CC Our new neutrals, Purbeck Stone and Ammonite, which were launched in September 2013, are proving to be a popular colourway on wallpaper. This combination creates a look and feel that is calm, easy to live with, and one that doesn’t lose its appeal over time.

However, the bolder colourways attract

55 Dulwich_Oct_Wallpaper_v2.indd 55

a lot of interest and customers love the use of the metallic colours, which really bring the designs to life, adding luxury and glamour. These bolder papers are perfect for using on feature walls, or in rooms where you want to create an impact.

ABS Do you start with the colourway or the pattern when designing?

CC Always the pattern. The style and movement of the pattern really affects which colours will look right and show the design off in the best way. The designs in our new collection are very versatile in terms of colour, allowing us to go a little bolder, like with Aranami BP4603. u 30 Hill Rise, TW10; farrow-ball.com

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 17:52

EVERYDAY STORAGE. TAILORED TO YOU.

“Like Uber for storage!”

— The most seamless storage service

1.

YOU BOOK

2.

WE PACK & COLLECT

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WE STORE

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WE DELIVER IT BACK

Book a free 1–hour pick–up slot online or over the phone.

We arrive with large crates, can pack for you and accept larger items from suitcases to sofas.

Your items are securely stored in our warehouse and itemised on your online profile.

Book a 1–hour return slot, available as early as the next day.

Find out for yourself why London is loving bySTORED.

bySTORED.com +44(0)20 3637 1234

USE CODE “ABSOLUTELY” TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

LARGE STURDY CRATES Borrow our 80 litre crates for free.

LARGE ITEMS From suitcases to sofas, garden furniture to bikes...

GARMENT BAGS Specially designed garment bags for seasonal clothing.

MOVING? We’ll help you pack up your old place, and in to your new.

AS SEEN IN

STORED.indd 2

01/12/2014 11:32

HOMES & INTERIORS / SHOPPING

Get the look

01

This stunning 1909 Kitchen workspace is available at Osborne Interiors. Absolutely gets the low-down on completing the look

02

Wo r d s o s b o r n e i n t e r i o r s

01 CHROME CEILING LIGHT The copper detail in this Davey School ceiling light from John Lewis is ultra stylish. £405; johnlewis.com 02 WHITE TILES Tiles come in every colour and pattern, but plain white will always be in fashion. Metro White from toppstiles.co.uk 03 CHALK STORAGE JARS Personalise your storage jars with this clever chalk set. £24 each; rockettstgeorge.co.uk 04 GLASSES If you opt for transparent cupboard doors, a collection of clear glasswear in differing shapes and sizes will look clean and presentable. Range from occa-home.co.uk 05 BLUE PAINT Definitely not just for the bathroom, blue is set to be huge in 2015. This classy Blue Green shade from Fired Earth is just the ticket. firedearth.com 06 CHOPPING BOARD Don’t hide this kitchen essential, make it a part of your design scheme. This quirky aubergine shaped board is £58 from Anthropologie. anthropologie.eu

07

04

07 INDUSTRIAL STOOL The industrial look is popular but quite a bold style statement.

Embrace the trend with subtle hints, like with this cool ‘twist’ stool. £108; house-envy.co.uk

05 06

03

20 Fauconberg Road, W4 osborne-interiors.co.uk

57 CHIS_JAN_get_the_look.indd 57

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:12

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

NEW IN TOWN

Barley Mow event welcomes RRA Architects as they celebrate their move to Chiswick with friends and colleagues

R

RA Architects celebrated their move to Chiswick at a reception at The Barley Mow Centre’s Club Workspace on Thursday 23rd October. Guests ranged from local businesspeople to RRA’s clients, along with fellow consultants and suppliers.

Guests enjoyed fine local cheeses, meats and wine from The Cheese and Wine Company, as they mingled and viewed the multi-media displays showcasing RRA’s work over their 28-year history.

RRA directors, Garry Thomas and Duncan Gunn, gave keynote speeches, welcoming their guests. Garry explained to their London guests how RRA had started life as a Hereford practice before expanding into Cheltenham and now into London. He

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spoke of how the practice had developed a particular expertise in innovative residential design and building conservation and joked about the events surrounding the practice’s appearance on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, with their Hillcott Barn project, before introducing London director, Duncan.

Duncan thanked old and new friends and colleagues alike for attending and introduced himself as the main contact for the London office. He explained that he has been practicing in the Chiswick and wider West London area for nearly two decades and has a wealth of experience dealing with local authorities on a range of building types including houses, offices, bars and restaurants. He and Garry had worked together in the past and had been reunited a couple of years ago when RRA expanded

to London. RRA draws on its staff’s experience to provide advice and design on houses, conservation, restaurants and other commercial uses across London and the south-east as well as in the Shires, where several of its clients have second homes.

Barley Mow Centre’s Club Workspace hosted the event for RRA in their bespoke business centre that provided a wonderful space for the evening, with images projected on to screens and jazz playing in the background; they also did a wonderful job of promoting the evening through social media networks. u If you have a project you would like to discuss with RRA Architects, you can get in touch with Duncan Gunn on 020 7377 5458 or visit their web site at rra-arch.com

58 01/12/2014 17:55

formerly gca architects

Grand Visions London T 0208 941 8891 E: london@rra-arch.com Cheltenham T 01242 269374 E: cheltenham@rra-arch.com Hereford T 01432 278707 E: hereford@rra-arch.com

www.rra-arch.com/london GCA ARCHITECTS.indd 1

02/04/2014 11:34

ALL ASPECTS OF HOME REFURBISHMENT KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & BEDROOMS

 Full design team in-house

 Over 20 years experience

T 020 8332 9898 | F 020 8332 9777 | E sales@bellainteriors.co.uk 137 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2PN

www.bellainteriors.co.uk

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31/07/2014 18:37

HOMES & INTERIORS / GARDENING

GARDEN NOTES This month we're championing Nordic Grip’s well-made winter wellies EYE FO R DESIGN

of t h e Mon t h

UNDER WRAPS

Landscape designer Matt Keightley won high praise at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show with his Help for Heroes-inspired garden. The Twickenham-based designer has now launched his own practice, Rosebank Landscaping, which offers services across Hampshire and Greater London. rosebank.co.uk

Fancy wearing a piece of Kew Gardens? This beautiful silk scarf is taken from A View of Kew Gardens by Georgian artist F.L Mannskirsch. A classic design that includes the famous Pagoda, the scarf is available to buy from the British Library. £45; shop.bl.uk

Step up ardy gardeners won’t be deterred by a little wind and rain... or even snow and gale-force winds. Winner of the 2014 Red Dot Awards for Product Design, the Nordic Grip ankle wellies are waterproof and feature patented IceLock™ technology. Available in a range of bright colours and with a snug fleecy lining, they look the part too. £44.95; cuckooland.com

H

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PLANT

CLEMATIS ‘FRECKLES’ Clematis are often thought of as plants that provide only summer interest. Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens – ‘Freckles’ – is a lovely winter climber that will brighten up a sunny or part shady wall or fence and flowers from December to February, when colour in the garden is very much needed. kategouldgardens.com

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:14

“

“

Osbor ne Interiors did a fantastic job of designing and fitting our new kitchen.

I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Modern,Contemporary,Traditional • Established 18 years • Computer Aided Design Service Fully Qualified Installers • Small building works undertaken Tiling, Flooring and Final decorations • KBSA Membership

20 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY | T: 020 8742 2236 www.osborne-interiors.co.uk

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HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS ROBERTS

Revival RD60 DAB Digital Radio, Beach Huts, £200; selfridges.com

ARTHOUSE

Feather Charcoal Embroidered Cushion, £24.99; arthouse.com

IN SPACES

The Dogs Wallpaper Pale Grey, £78; in-spaces.com

WHITE MINT

Large Hexa Cool Grey Ceramic Vase, £32; whitemint.co.uk

DRIFT LIVING

Ceramic Owl Candle Holder, £6.99; driftliving.co.uk

ALEXANDER AND PEARL

Mallard Grey Industrial Metal Pendant, £155; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

LAURA ASHLEY

Dove Grey Gallery Clock, £60; lauraashley.com

JOHN LEWIS,

Copenhagen Double Bed, Lars Bedlinen; johnlewis.com

SHADES OF GREY ORCHID FURNITURE

Typhoon Grey Lacquer Wedding Cabinet, £2,395; orchidfurniture.co.uk

Anything but drab, these muted tones and subtle hues add a touch of elegance to a room MADE

ALEXANDER AND PEARL

Area Grey & Copper Industrial Table Lamp, £195; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

63 Dulwich_NH_Interior_Products_Right.indd 63

SOPHIE ALLPORT

Dark Grey & Ivory Baby Alpaca Throw, £165; sophieallport.com

Menagerie Decorative Elephant Soft Grey Felt, £129; made.com

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:28

L OND O N O N T H E M O V E

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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> KIDS NOTES

p. 67

MUM-TO-BE DIARY

p. 69

AN EDUCATION: CRACKING THE CODE

p. 71

EAST MEETS WEST Channel your inner seamstress with Yoshiko Tsukiori's new book Girly Style Wardrobe, a guide to making clothing for little girls, inspired by the simplicity and elegance of Japanese fashion. ÂŁ14.95; laurenceking.com

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JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 19:04

W

N preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 “ y children run to school as if it were their first day.

I owe it to you and your colleagues. ew

reen

reparatory e udes a comfortable, confident, nurturing and safe aura, where I feel my children delight in being the bright, chirpy and playful individuals that they are.”

Parent of Children in Years 3 & 6

Open Mornings 9:15am Wednesday, 19th November 2014

9:15am Wednesday, 4th ebruary 2015

9:15am Wednesday, 14th anuary 2015

9:15am Wednesday, 4th arch 2015

To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk

Kew Green Preparatory School ayton ouse, erry ane, ew

reen, ichmond TW9 3

www.kgps.co.uk KGPS.indd 1

27/10/2014 10:20

RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Our pupils now enjoy a new theatre, library, specialist facilities for art, music and science and a new suite of teaching areas.

“The school fulfils its mission to offer children the opportunity to succeed, to be recognised and to be valued. It achieves its aim to develop the intellectual, emotional and ethical requirements to tackle the challenges that life will present... they nurture, guide, motivate and inspire, and it is a school of smiles and laughter where there is much fun to be had.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 2010

Open Mornings 9:30am Tuesday, 18th November 2014

9:30am Thursday, 5th February 2015

9:30am Wednesday, 21st January 2015

9:30am Wednesday, 11th March 2015

To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 0208 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL

www.rpps.co.uk KGPS.indd 1

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27/10/2014 10:22

02/12/2014 14:29

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES MY GANG Wo o l a n d t h e G a n g

London knitwear brand Wool and the Gang have launched a new line of kids’ clothing for young children up to age 12 months. The adorable pieces are available ready-made or as part of Knit Your Own kits. woolandthegang.com

SHELF LIFE

LOVE FROM PADDINGTON £12.99 Harper Collins (Hardback)

SMALL TALK Postcards from Paddington and new knitwear for kids

B AC K T O SCHOOL

The Chiswick Nursery

The Chiswick Nursery and Pre-School is a new academy from acclaimed childcare providers Busy Bees. The nursery was recently opened by local MP Mary Macleod, who praised the staff and described it as a ‘superb environment for young children.’ chiswick.busybees.com

n case you haven’t noticed, London and, I indeed, the whole planet has gone positively Paddington potty! On the back of his first ever live action film comes Love From Paddington, a new book from creator Michael Bond. The first Paddington book to be written from the beloved bear’s perspective, Love From Paddington is a collection of letters penned to Aunt Lucy, who lives in the Home for Retired Bears in Peru. Like the old bear himself, this book is set to become a true family favourite. ◆

BUNNY STUFF

CHANGE UP

Petit Bateau has teamed up with ‘It-Bunny’ ‘It-Bunny and furry fashionista Fifi Lapin for a range of quirky Limited Edition t-shirts. Best of all, they come in grown-up sizes too.

From £18; petit-bateau.co.uk

Stay stylish even when faced with the most unglamorous of motherhood duties with this leather Ellie Tan changing bag, available from Babybeau and John Lewis. £199; baby-beau.com

Fif i L apin for Petit B ateau

Babybeau

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Au t h o r michael bond Illustrator p e g gy f o rt n u m & w. r a l l e y

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 19:01

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(I don’t know what I’m looking for, but I’ll know it when I see it)

Shop the latest looks with our great selection of fashion shops including Next, H&M, Primark, River Island and M&S. Tempted? www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk Free WiFi

ealing broadway.indd 1

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Your Way 01/05/2014 10:54

02/12/2014 14:30

KIDS & EDUCATION / MUM-TO-BE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS A regular column tracking the highs and lows of pregnancy from the first inkling to the final push Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N Illustration Annie Smith

F

or me, finding out the sex of my baby has been invaluable, allowing me to bond with her in a more precise way. In the fortnight before my 20week scan, I had started to imagine I was having a boy. It was an unconscious and pointless exercise, but I suspect countless women would admit to something similar.

When the scan arrived and the gender pendulum (the gendulum?) swung the other way, I felt a sudden and unexpected pang of disappointment as my figmentson faded into obscurity. Of course, it wasn’t long before the pang itself was replaced by gratitude, excitement and affection for my forthcoming little girl; but the experience was an interesting insight into the maternal mind: the bond between a mother and her unborn child (even, in my case, an imaginary version of it) can be incredibly swiftgrowing and strong.

In a bid to better understand and strengthen this bond, I returned to hypnobirthing, this time with the aid of birth preparation expert Cheryl MacDonald, founder of Birth ROCKS. Cheryl and her specialist team (which includes midwives, massage therapists and yoga teachers) founded the Birth ROCKS Academy, which offers courses and therapies for new and expectant parents.

Courses can be designed around your preferences, and look to slow down the often hectic hurtle towards birth, allowing you to plan and prepare properly for what is, after all, a major life experience (and possibly a brand new one).

I now FEEL much

The team also runs Baby ROCKS, a course which addresses the practical side of parenting once baby has arrived. My hypnobirthing session was impressive, and went a long way to explaining the link between relaxation and stress-free birth while breaking down various lingering fears. I now feel much more accustomed

3

of the best baby

ACCESSORIES

02

03

01

1. URBO2 MAMAS & PAPAS STROLLER WITH NAVY AND CHROME CHASSIS, £449; mamasandpapas.com 2. ATON Q REARFACING CHILD SEAT, £185; cybex-online.com/gb 3. KIPLING BABY BACKPACK, £102; kipling.com

69 B&C_Nov_Great_Exp.indd 69

MORE ACCUSTOMED to the IDEA of LABOUR as a NATURAL PROCESS to the idea of labour as a natural process, one in which the calmer I am, the more stress-free and straightforward it will be.

My partner – usually quite the cynic – echoed my sentiments, having found the mindfulness aspect of the session a bit of an eye-opener.

Of course, even as I’ve been learning to relax and prepare for a positive birth, I’ve been gearing up for the practical side of having a baby. Researching strollers and all manner of other accessories is quite a task. Amid a mountain of reviews, reports, test-drives and best-buys, one stroller stood out for us: the Mamas & Papas Urbo2: lightweight, manoeuvrable and adaptable from birth to 36 months and up. It also folds down easily – great for me, as I’m not the most mechanically adroit. The stroller is available in a range of sleek colours and there’s even a special edition printed version featuring a design

by Donna Wilson. Alongside my very desirable new baby-changing rucksack

by Kipling - think grainy black leather, moisture-proof inner lining, all sorts of useful pockets and a changing mat to boot – it has me ready and raring to go. All I need now is the baby… u

● Birth Rocks

West London Osteopaths, 65 Vespan Road, W12; birthrocksacademy.com

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 19:09

DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is

Open Days December 3rd/9th (7pm/9.30am) January 12th/21st (9.30am/7pm)

a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and

January 30th (9.30am)

discovery, laughter and friendship.

February 11th (7pm)

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com

The new independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

KHS.indd 2

@kewhouseschool

01/12/2014 11:03

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Cracking code

Since September 2014, ‘coding’ has replaced ICT (information and communications technology) on the new National Curriculum Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e

I

n its simplest terms, coding is telling a computer what you want it to do. This involves typing in step-by-step commands for the computer to follow. It’s often likened to learning a foreign language and it’s certainly double-Dutch to most parents. But in a world where coding powers our digital world, where every website, smartphone app, computer program, calculator and even microwave relies on code in order to operate, we all – but particularly children - need to understand it.

The coders of the future will be the architects and builders of the digital age.

Kathryn Parsons, chief executive and co-founder of Decoded, a company in the heart of east London’s Tech City which runs Code in a Day courses, says: 'We desperately need digital creators – talent – for the UK to be a global player in tech. Coding is the new building block for the world. There are lots of intelligent, young people out there but only a fraction of them are learning to code on the web. Bringing coding alive is essential, not just in the classroom but also by parents sitting down with their kids and learning together.

Whether you are six or 60, this has a place in everyone’s lives. Coding is the new literacy.'

In west London, two enterprising women are bringing coding into the classrooms of Notting Hill. BlueSHIFT Coding was set up by Heather Lyons, a web designer and Elizabeth Tweedale, an architect, designer and computer scientist. Both have young children and a missionary zeal to get kids coding.

'Our aim is to enable young people to become creative users of technology

CODERS OF THE FUTURE will be the ARCHITECTS and BUILDERS of a DIGITAL AGE rather than passive consumers,” says Tweedale, a 30-year-old American.

'We are not trying to create a nation of computer scientists but in future we all need to have some understanding of computation,' she says.

BlueSHIFT Coding is already running classes at Chepstow House School, Wetherby and Falcon School for Girls, as well as after-school courses at the company’s studio in Monmouth Road, and will be launching new classes in Kensal Rise after Christmas.

Tweedale and Lyons have developed their own approach to teaching code to children between the ages of 5-12.

Tweedale explains that, traditionally, computer science has only been taught

71 CHIS_JAN_Education.indd 71

at university level and the teaching for younger children has often been a 'watered down' version. 'That just doesn’t work for children,' she says.

'It’s too slow. Have you ever seen a three-year-old work an iPad? They’re so quick, they aren’t held back by preconceived ideas.'

BlueSHIFT Coding is all about 'taking creativity in all forms in order for children to solve problems', says Tweedale. She describes a favourite project in the lessons– ‘Teddy Hacking’.

This is when the children bring in old, no longer loved soft toys and turn them into robots by adding sensors, LEDs and other micro-controls. It’s great fun.

“The huge challenge is finding teachers that can teach this,” says Tweedale. From now on, KS1 (Key Stage1) children will have to understand core elements of computer science, while those in KS2 must be able to understand and edit code and KS3 pupils must learn to be able to write their own code. At the latter stages, the teacher will need training in computer science. There is currently a huge shortage, Tweedale says.

Despite the dearth of qualified teachers there are plenty of initiatives for keen coders. Founders4Schools recently held an Appathon UK to get students to design and create an app prototype – the top three were then coded by university students and the winners were presented with their winning apps in the House of Commons last November. And Code Club, a nationwide network of volunteer-led after school coding clubs, now has more than 2,000 clubs up and running. u blueshiftcoding.com

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:08

OOTA.indd 1

26/11/2014 17:04

> FOOD NOTES

p. 74

MY LIFE IN FOOD WITH FRAN WARDE

p. 77

RESTAURANT REVIEW: VILLA DI GEGGIANO

p. 79

LEARN AT LEITHS If you’re thinking of going on the revolutionary 5:2 diet this January but don’t know where to start, Leiths are hosting a 5:2 for Foodies day course under the guidance of Sam’s Brasserie Head Chef, Mark Baines.

14 January, £145; leiths.com

73 Chis_Jan_Food_Opener.indd 73

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 18:13

R EC I P E t o t r y a t h o m e

COURGETTE AND AUBERGINE CURRY

By Hemsley & Hemsley

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL West London’s latest food news, served with all the trimmings

Serves: 4

Wo r d s E L A I N E O ' C O N N E L L

A

simple one-pot supper that is warming for the soul. The coconut and ginger have incredible immune-boosting properties.

INGREDIENTS • 200g bar of creamed coconut (use the oil for frying) • 2 large onions, diced • 2 thumb-sized pieces of fresh root ginger (about 80g) – unpeeled if organic – grated • 6 large garlic cloves, diced • 200g red split lentils, rinsed • ½−1 litre bone broth or water • 1 large aubergine, chopped into 1.5cm pieces • 4 large tomatoes, quartered • 2 large courgettes, diced • Grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lime or lemon • 2½–3 tsp tamari or 2 large pinches of sea salt • 1 tsp maple syrup • Handful roughly chopped fresh herbs such as coriander, mint or basil METHOD 01 In a large wide pan, dry fry the peanuts or cashews for a few minutes to toast them, roughly chop and set aside. 02 In the same pan, heat the coconut oil over a medium heat and fry the onion, ginger and garlic for 10 minutes until soft.

03 Add the lentils, the coconut solids and then most of the bone broth or water and stir well. This should be enough liquid for the coconut solids to dissolve, but keep an eye on the liquid levels so that the lentils don’t stick and burn at the bottom.

04 After 6 minutes of cooking over a mediumhigh heat, add the aubergine and stir. 05 After a further 10 minutes, add the tomato, courgette, lime or lemon zest and the tamari or salt. 06 After 6 minutes, turn off the heat and add the lime or lemon juice, the maple syrup and fresh herbs, then stir and taste. 07 Top with the nuts and serve with watercress or your chosen side dish. If we’re having guests round, we like to serve our curry with some bowls of extras (nuts, herbs, lemon or lime wedges) so everyone can help themselves to extra toppings.

Taken from The Art of Eating Well (Ebury Press)

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CHIS_JAN_Food_Notes.indd 74

On Track The Railway Tavern

Back in the day (1855 to be precise), the Railway Tavern was known as the Railway Hotel and was a place for Victorian gentlemen to enjoy a swift half and rest their heads. The rooms may be gone but, restored to its former glory, the Railway Tavern is set to become a local favourite once more. nicholsonspubs.co.uk/therailwaytavernrichmond

74 02/12/2014 12:06

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES ja n ua ry juice

DISH OF THE DAY

Created by sam's brasserie

L och Fy ne

Oh So Green

The Twickenham branch of Loche Fyne Seafood and Grill restaurant has re-opened following a recent refurbishment. Not only does it look the part, but there's also a new and improved menu to boot. lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk

SHAKE IT OFF Dr Gaye Super Shake

Kew-based Food Futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye has been studying diet and wellbeing for 20 years. Her range of fat, dairy, gluten and sugar-free products (four in total) are a simple and convenient way of providing your daily dose of minerals, vitamins and micro-nutrients. drgayesupershake.com

Fresh from the new Juice Bar at Sam’s Brasserie, the team have developed this ultra-cleansing and detoxifying juice. Get blending... ◆ INGREDIENTS

• 1/3rd cucumber • 1½ celery stalks (ideally with leaves on) • 3 apples ◆ METHOD

Place all ingredients into a juicer. Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber. samsbrasserie.co.uk

editor’s

PICK

Pub of the month

THE CROWN & ANCHOR

EASY PEASY Prepara Juicer

Wo r d s R o s e n o e l

If you're partial to adding a dash of lemon or lime to your cooking (or margaritas) then this ingenious little contraption should be on your shopping list. Simply squeeze the fruit and save any leftover juice in the attached glass container.

Brilliant. £9.99, available from loosescookshop.co.uk

AMERICAN DREAM Jackson & Rye

Opening a branch in Chiswick last year, Jackson & Rye are continuing their west London takeover with a new site in Richmond, close to the river. The American style restaurant, cafe and bar is open seven days a week for indulgent all-day dining. jacksonrye.com

75 CHIS_JAN_Food_Notes.indd 75

oused in a beautiful Grade II-listed building, the Crown & Anchor underwent a sleek interior refurbishment last year. With a range of craft beer, fine wines, seasonal gastro-pub fare and plenty of community-centric events, loyal locals already knew that the Crown & Anchor is one of Chiswick’s finest. u H

374 Chiswick High Road, W4; crownandanchorchiswick.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 12:06

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02/12/2014 14:31

FOOD & DRINK / FAVOURITE THINGS

MY LIFE

Fran would like to try Skye Gyngell's new restaurant, Spring

IN FOOD w i t h … F r a n Wa r d e

The cook and food writer on culinary heroes, comfort food and growing up in the countryside Fran Warde

ABS Whose cookbook to you turn to again and again?

FW My original cookery bible is Practical Professional Cookery which we used at college, it has all the classics.

ABS Best meal you’ve eaten?

FW Too many to mention, but we did take one of our boys to The Ledbury for his birthday, not only was it fantastic but I really enjoyed watching him appreciate good cooking.

ABSOLUTELY Who taught you to cook?

FW Initially my mum, then competitive siblings, Home Economics at school (not so excitingly) followed by catering college. All that was then topped with everyone I met on my travels. One never stops learning as food is constantly evolving, it's very exciting.

ABS What food always makes you feel nostalgic?

FW Vegetables and English summer fruits as I grew up in the countryside and my mother was an avid gardener, so vegetables and fruits were abundant. We were also surrounded by fruit farms and orchards and worked picking fruit for extra pocket money.

ABS And the worst..?

FW I am not a fan of offal. On holiday in Grenada we were invited by some lovely locals to a New Year's Day party on the beach, lunch was a bowl of food that came from a huge steaming cauldron with a cows head, scant amount of vegetables and lots of water. It was very difficult to enjoy.

ABS What equipment do you use most in your kitchen?

FW The dishwasher, I hate washing up and think dishwashers do a much better job than any of my family!

Chillies: a desert island essential

Growing up in the countryside was a huge influence

ABS What’s been your most ‘out there’ food experience?

FW Gathering sea urchins in the South of France and then sitting on a rock and eating them. You cannot get fresher!

ABS What country’s cuisine would you say is your favourite?

FW It alternates between Japanese/Asian flavours and summer Mediterranean garlic and fresh herb flavours.

Coq au Vin: the ultimate comfort food

ABS What is your ultimate comfort dish?

FW Oh it all depends on the season, but in these winter months a good Coq au Vin with some very indulgent Dauphinoise potatoes would warm my heart.

ABS What would you cook to impress a date?

FW Well I am married and my husband is always impressed by fresh crab, lemon mayo, green salad and a good rye bread.

ABS What chefs do you admire?

FW There are so many great chefs but I do enjoy Skye Gyngell's food and really want to eat at Spring. I think Jamie Oliver also has done great things for food in the UK.

ABS Three desert island ingredients?

FW Chilli, ginger and garlic.

Fran teaches at the brand new Good Housekeeping Institute in Soho; goodhousekeeping.co.uk

77 CHIS_JAN_MY_LIFE_IN_FOOD.indd 77

ABS Where do you go food shopping locally?

FW I live around the corner from the Askew Road where we have a good mix of shops and it is possible to now shop locally, or I get on my bike and go to Turnham Green Terrace. We are very lucky in London with the huge diversity of local shops.

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:13

Sa

up le to no 40 w % o of n f

Battersea I Clerkenwell I Knightsbridge I Mayfair I Notting Hill I Wandsworth I Kent I Surrey @westonebathroom 0333 011 3333

WESTONE.indd 2

27/11/2014 15:02

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW Italian feast. With a glass of Prosecco in hand, my dining companion and I began with a taster plate of Crostini. My favourite of the four assorted toppings was the Tuscan Sausage and Pecorino Cheese, owing to its juxtaposition of textures: the mildly spiced, soft sausage and soft cheese were most gratifying against the crunch of the harder crostini. Next up, antipasti.

Accompanied by a glass of the estate’s own Rosato, the antipasti here were agreeably oily and beautifully vibrant, just as one would expect of Mediterranean appetizers.

For the first course, my companion opted for the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli – rich with butter and sage, it was beautifully light and soft. I went for the luxurious Tagliolini Pasta with Black Truffle, an absolute ‘must’ for truffle lovers. The delightful bundle of tagliolini – drenched with butter sauce, showered with shavings of truffle – was a triumph, and a pinch at £23.

Made in Italy

Tuscan estate Villa di Geggiano has come to Chiswick in their first venture outside of Italy Wo r d s w i l l d u g d a l e

L

overs of Italy, and Tuscany in particular, pay attention: restaurant Villa di Geggiano has arrived in Chiswick. The Bianchi Bandinellis (one of the oldest, most prestigious Italian families) have been perfecting Tuscan cuisine and winemaking at their Tuscan villa, Villa Di Geggiano, for the last five centuries, and now we can all benefit – through their new restaurant, of the same name, now open on Chiswick High Road. Best of all, they’ve brought the fruits of their celebrated vineyard (which produces 50,000 bottles of six wines each year) with them…

On entering the restaurant though, it was immediately clear that wine is not their only import; the villa’s attentive hospitality was ever-present as well.

Passing through the restaurant (all frescos and tiled floors) I spotted a charming deli, a bar and a comfortable drinks lounge, before arriving at the main, spacious dining room to commence my

79 CHIS_JAN_Food_Review.indd 79

Shortly after, our Mains arrived: perfectly soft and pink Rack of Lamb, and succulent Marinated Baby Chicken.

Accompanied with potatoes baked in garlic and rosemary, and tempura seasonal vegetables (think crispy zucchini), both were standout and substantial dishes.

How we found room for dessert I’ve no idea, but we did, and it seemed appropriate to opt for the Tiramisu. As expected, it was total perfection: sweet, creamy, bitter with coffee and soft with sponge – I’m salivating just thinking about it. All washed down with a glass of Vin Santo – and a cheeky Chestnut Bellini for the road – we left with our stomachs full and spirits high, resolute in the opinion that if you’re after local, authentic Italian, Villa di Geggiano is where to find it. u

● vill a di geggiano

66 - 68 Chiswick High Road, W4, 020 3384 9442; villadigeggiano.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 12:30

Laurent Perrier RosĂŠ Champagne Birdcage Edition comes in a pretty pink birdcage that acts as a carrying case. It also comes with a matching stopper to preserve the Champagne once opened. ÂŁ69.95

I

magine a single website where you can do all your Christmas shopping at once. Where a few clicks can cater for your mum, your friends and your clients, and you'll be sure to keep them all happy.

Shopping for alcohol is something that lends itself brilliantly to the web and new site 31dover.com is revolutionising the way that Londoners buy drinks, whether it's a single bottle, enough for a wedding party or even a mass corporate gifting initiative.

Styling itself as the net-a-porter of the alcohol world, 31dover.com offers not only a wide range of products but also a very reliable next-day delivery service and a price match guarantee. Besides making drinks buying easier, 31dover.com will help buyers make informed choices.

Want to try something unusual? Browse the range of spirits and you'll find a rare Guatemalan rum, a Roberto Cavalli vodka and over 40 types of whisky, all of them personally recommended by the team of experts. You'll find cocktail suggestions and lots of Champagne, plus wine, beer and mixers too. Whether it's a Christmas party, a beautifully presented gift or a regular cocktail cabinet refill, 31dover.com is the site to visit. u

Liquid

GIFTS 31dover.com is the perfect place to order gifts for everybody, from family members to corporate contacts. Absolutely takes a sip

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_DEC_31dover_v3.indd 80

gift boxes

stylishly presented bottle works as the ultimate gift for all occasions. Whether it's a colleague, a client or a family member, a bottle of their favourite tipple, arriving in a beautiful matte black box, is sure to create an impression. From trusted favourites to obscure brands, there's a drink for everyone at 31dover.com. â—†

A

80 01/12/2014 17:54

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

GREY GOOSE

WANT TO TRY something UNUSUAL or find that special gift FOR CHRISTMAS?

rey Goose's Le Fizz is an elegant and refreshing combination of Grey Goose vodka, fresh lime juice and elderflower, served in a flute topped with chilled soda. This gift pack provides the recipe, the vodka and the flutes, in a stylish cool blue box. £54.95 ◆

G

Dalmore

roduced deep in the Scottish Highlands, this 12 year old single malt is initially matured for 9 years in ex-bourbon casks before being carefully divided to continue its maturation in 30 year old sherry casks.The result is a complex, yet balanced Whisky with chocolate and aromatic spice aromas, as well as flavours of sherry and dark chocolate orange on the palate. £34.50 ◆

P

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE

his limited edition Crystal Glass Pack is a very classy presentation box for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It comes with two highly desirable Glencairn crystal glasses and of course a bottle of the world's most famous ultrapremium blended Scotch Whisky. Look out for the taste of honey and fruit as well as the unmistakable aroma of smoke which makes this one of Johnnie Walker's very best. £194.95 ◆

T

WILLIAMS CHASE ELEGANT GIN nlike most other gins, where a neutral grain spirit is simply redistilled, this Elegant Gin is created by first pressing cider apples, fermenting the juice into cider, then distilling into Naked Chase Apple Vodka with 11 carefully considered wild botanicals, including juniper, angelica, orange and lemon peel, hops and elderflower. £37.50 ◆

U

DOM PÉRIGNON 2004 METAMORPHOSIS

by Iris Van Herpen Limited Edition

nspired by the way Dom Pérignon champagne transforms over time, fashion designer Iris van Herpen has created this incredible limited edition bottle with signed gift boxes.“Metamorphosis represents continued creation, energy and transformation,” said Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon's Cellar Manager. £120 ◆

I

CRYSTAL HEAD

wo Crystal Head shot glasses are included in this collector's presentation box. Not considering quadruple-distilled Vodka to be pure enough, founders Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander decided they needed to filter it through 500-million-year-old crystals known as Herkimer diamonds to add the finishing touch. They then went and topped it all by housing their Vodka in this spectacular skull. This isn't just a prop, it's serious Vodka. £52.95 ◆

T

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● 31dover.com promises next day delivery, whether it's one bottle or 100 –and free next day delivery when you spend over £100. For top rated service, a great selection and the best prices online, visit 31dover.com JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 17:54

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01/12/2014 10:53

> UK GETAWAY: FOUR SEASONS, HAMPSHIRE p. 85 R'N'R AT IN:SPA RETREAT, MOROCCO

p. 86

RELAX & UNWIND Writer Alexandra Jones takes steps to a healthier and happier lifestyle for the New Year at the beautiful In:Spa Retreat just outside Marrakech, Morocco. See page 84 for a review of her life-changing experience.

83 CHIS_JAN_Travel_Opener.indd 83

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:19

CHRISTMAS 2014 3 COURSES £26 DRINKS DISCOUNTS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY

THE

DUKE OF

SUSSEX

Please call 020 8742 8801 for reservations | Please visit our website for further information www.thedukeofsussex.co.uk The Duke of Sussex 75 South Parade, Chiswick, London W4 5LF | email : info@thedukeofsussex.co.uk

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU A FRESH START FOR MIND BODY & SOUL

www.londonsyonpark.com

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 6

t +44 (0) 20 7870 7777

02/12/2014 14:32

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY THE SITE

B

uilt in 1727 as Dogmersfield House and subjected to several incarnations and a devastating fire before becoming a Four Seasons hotel ten years ago, this is a beautiful mansion house set in large, landscaped grounds. Legend has it that an early owner had the entire village moved and rebuilt, brick by brick, to allow him a view of the lake from his window. Now the sprawling grounds are home to an equestrian centre and a new highwire adventure course, while the hotel offers all the luxury expected from a Four Seasons outpost. You enter via discreet gates and approach the imposing building down a sweeping driveway, feeling like a movie star. u

FOUR SEASONS H A M PS H I R E

THE ROOMS

I

nterconnecting rooms are the perfect solution for families.

Ours were spacious and brilliantly equipped, with great attention to detail: vast beds, outsize televisions and enormous bathrooms. The children were welcomed with personalized plates of sweet treats and their names spelled out in bath toys as well as miniature bathrobes and delightful child-sized slippers. u

THE SPA

H

Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

ACTIVITIES

T

here’s no shortage of things to do here.

The new equestrian centre offers an ‘Own a Pony’ experience to children aged seven to 16, while riders of all ages can enroll in lessons or hacks. Also on-site there’s clay pigeon shooting, tennis and falconry as well as canal boating, fishing, croquet and

oused in a separate building, the spa is sprawling and offers lots of treatments as well as a large pool, surrounded by loungers and equipped with floats, goggles and even swim nappies for the truly forgetful. An outdoor hot tub connects to the indoor pool and the changing rooms score top marks for luxury – they’re spacious and stacked with everything you’ve forgotten – combs, moisturiser and an excess of towels among everything else. u

cycling (bikes are available to borrow). For children there’s a playground and a kids’ club, as well as the newest attraction, the Highwire Adventure, an exciting treetop challenge for adults and children that incorporates a 235 metre zipwire and a rope course through the forest (definitely not for the faint-hearted, but adults are allowed to opt for the lower children’s course, which suited us fine).

There’s no reason to leave the hotel at all. u

THE DAMAGE Quick escapes from £251 per night are available – book seven days in advance to receive 15% off the room rate.

Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hampshipre RG27 8TD; 01252 853 000 fourseasons.com/hampshire

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JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 17:53

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX WELLNESS

ALL CHANGE If the festive season has left you with a muffin top and a perpetual hangover, an in:spa retreat is the perfect detox break Wo r d s A l e x a n d r a J o n e s

T

o give you a sense of what you’re dealing with, I’ll begin with a few admissions. Firstly, I never really ‘got’ yoga. It seemed to me a hobby that people who never exercise take up to make themselves feel better about not exercising. Secondly, sugar has been a ruling force in my life ever since I discovered the joys of the school vending machine; because really, what’s better than a 4pm snack of two Mars bars and a packet of Maltesers? This appreciation - some would call it an addiction - has dogged me through my whole podgyaround-the-middle life. It was something that I had resigned myself to: I would always, always be the person who ate a second dessert and skipped spinning. It’s just how I was made.

The idea of in:spa, then, intrigued me.

The company offers week-long detox retreats. You go along to a luxury location (be it villa, hotel or riad) in a sunsoaked country and, with a group of strangers (between 10 and 20), are schooled by a nutritionist, personal trainers, a yoga

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instructor and a chef in the intricacies of health and wellbeing. There is a full timetable of exercises, including two hikes and two 5km runs and all meals are prepared by the chef who flies out with you. The retreat that I went to was in Morocco and while I’m not sure I learned anything groundbreaking about nutrition or exercise, I did learn a great deal about myself. In fact, if I were prone to hyperbole, I’d say this holiday changed my life.

The riad itself, a few miles outside Marrakech, was picture postcard perfect.

On the first night, the group of twelve nervously eyed one another across the main atrium and Mel – the nutritionist who had flown out with us from the UK - explained that we had as much opportunity to explore as we wanted.

‘Above all else, this is a holiday, none of the activities are compulsory,’ she assured us. Everyone, however, seemed game enough; the group was made up entirely of women, a doctor and an ambulance driver amongst them, barring one man, a burned out entrepreneur escaping too many hours in the office.

Each day we’d partake in a programme that included at least an hour of yoga and

86 02/12/2014 13:23

TRAVEL / MOROCCO

87 CHIS_JAN_ Morocco.indd 87

JANUARY 2015

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TRAVEL / MOROCCO THE feeling of ACHIEVEMENT was INCREDIBLE two to three hours of aerobic exercise in the form of fitness classes run by a personal trainer. All of which would be supplemented with one-on-one tutoring in food and fitness. This, I quickly discovered, did not mean hardcore workouts at 5am. There was no military style shouting and for real fitness fanatics in:spa probably isn’t the right way to go.

The earliest you rise is 7am, for a 5km run which you can walk, if you like. I ran, it was the first time I’d run 5km in my life and the feeling of achievement was few days without sugar certainly left me craving something sweet.

Things like portion control or how each meal should be balanced (50% greens and vegetables, 25% carb, 25% protein) are dealt with in no nonsense, group sessions with the nutritionist. On the one hand these sessions don’t necessarily cover new territory, but they certainly hammer home the basic facts that you blithely ignore when you pick a packet of crisps over carrot sticks. There are also oneon-one sessions with the nutritionist that are designed to be as specific as possible incredible. For those of middling ability (me) who go to the gym sporadically, but have a desire to go more, in:spa will work like a balm on your motivation levels.

You’re not going to leave transformed but you will be inspired to try.

All meals are eaten en masse and (apart from dinner) in a buffet style where you help yourself. Food throughout the week is treated with a lot of positivity: the focus is very much on what you can have. For breakfast this means quite a lot: eggs, fruit, gluten-free buckwheat pancakes, vegan bircher muesli, all delicious. Ditto lunch, think chargrilled chicken, homemade hummus, carrot salad with raisins and tamarind dressing.

For both of these meals you’re invited to go for two helpings, three, if you really want. The only restrictions come around dinner time; dinner is two small courses with little flexibility in portion size. Of course you can request more, but then that’s sort of defeating the point. I can’t say that I was hungry, though those first

MARRAKECH PALMERIE to helping each individual achieve their goal. Very few people in the group seemed to be there to lose weight, and in:spa as a company certainly don’t make any claims to helping you shed pounds. Rather the approach is more holistic - each person’s needs are assessed before the meeting, then the nutritionist doles out advice on a case by case basis. Predictably, my addiction to sugar was the main topic

89 CHIS_JAN_ Morocco.indd 89

under discussion. ‘If you can go without it for three weeks, your habit will be broken,’ explained Mel. Three weeks to break the habit of a lifetime? I didn’t quite believe her, but after the first few days, when the cravings had subsided, I was willing to give it a try.

Nine months since the retreat there are things that, irrespective of how beneficial they were at the time, I haven’t been able to stick with. No alcohol, for example. In the most part though, I am sugar free and exercise more than I ever have done at any other time in my life.

The genius of in:spa is that everything on offer is absolutely top notch: advice from a wonderful team. Food from an exceptional chef. Accommodation in a beautiful setting. At the very least you’ll leave with the kind of deep sense of calm that only seven nights of blissful sleep will give you. And at most, you could end up like me, not wholly transformed, but certainly more believing in your own ability to change. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. u

Morocco u 7 nights available from £1,895 across a variety of in:spa programmes and locations in 2015 including Morocco, Spain and France. Prices based on 2 sharing a small double room on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes all group physical activities, 1 nutrition consultation, 1 personal training session, 2 massages and airport transfers. Price excludes flights.

● in:spa retre ats

020 3235 0120; inspa-retreats.com

JANUARY 2015

02/12/2014 13:24

PL 1 V1 JAN.indd PL Zest 420x297 2014 10 07.indd All Pages

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Property Absolutely

January 2 0 1 5

> IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 98 PRIME PURCHASE p. 105 PROPERTY NEWS p. 108 LIVING THE DREAM p.119

S

D L O

Stamford Brook Avenue, Chiswick

ÂŁ2,950,000 Freehold

This house really is something special. Upon entering, you are met by the original panelled hallway, with the period features continuing throughout the house. The main bedroom is truly superb, occupying the whole top floor with a refitted ensuite.

The rear garden is large and superbly designed. To round it off, there is a garage and offroad parking for two cars.

Winkworth, Chiswick winkworth.co.uk

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JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 16:04

You may know us from walking your dog, local charity events or simply recognise a familiar face.

Because many of our agents live where they work, they really understand what matters to buyers and sellers there. And because people know us, time and again we are able to sell and let properties more quickly and at a better price than anyone else.

BRIANNA JOSS L E T T I N GS M AN AG ER

Brianna is an enthusiast in every department of life and none more so than in her love of Brook Green. Having worked locally for many years, Brianna can be found supporting many community events and activities, playing tennis on the green and still manages to let local properties at breakneck speed.

C H E L S E A 0 2 0 7 5 8 9 6 67 7 — K E N S I N G T O N 0 2 0 7 7 9 5 42 8 8 N O T T I N G H I L L 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 4 8 0 5 — L A D B R O K E G R O V E 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 3 3 0 — B R O O K G R E E N 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1 L A N D & N E W H O M E S 0 2 0 7 3 1 3 7 7 1 1 — P R O P E R T Y M A N A G E M E N T 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 0 9 9 — C O M M E R C I A L 0 2 0 7 9 8 5 07 1 5 W W W. B EC TIVE .CO.U K FIND US ON

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P H OTO G R A P H S BY T I M CO L E W W W.TI M - CO LE .CO M

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FIND US ON

Bolingbroke Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Edith Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

A late Victorian terraced house (193 sq m/2,075 sq ft approx.) which has recently remodelled and refurbished. Boasting generous proportions, this house is cleverly designed to maximise light with extensive glazing and a ground level gallery and double height ceiling in the dining area.

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), cloak room, reception room, kitchen/dining area, study, utility, garden. EPC Rating D.

A stunning newly refurbished, bright and spacious maisonette (164 sq m/1,764 sq ft approx.) accessed on the raised ground floor of this Victorian mid terrace house. The property has been tastefully decorated in a neutral manner, with wood flooring through the reception areas. 3 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, shower room, reception room, open plan kitchen, utility room, cloak room, study/dressing room. EPC Rating E.

FREEHOLD £2,395,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

LEASEHOLD £1, 525,0 0 0 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Faroe Road

Girdlers Road

BROOK GREEN W14

BROOK GREEN W14

A beautifully presented mid Victorian cottage (84 sq m/904 sq ft approx.) full of character and charm and located on this most sought after street in Brook Green. Two spacious double bedrooms can be found on the first floor along with a large and recently updated family bathroom. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom, double reception room, kitchen/dining room, loft storage, garden. EPC Rating D.

A large four bedroom maisonette (112 sq m/1,205 sq ft approx.) with full width south facing roof terrace within this well maintained stucco fronted Victorian building. The flat is located just off Brook Green and offers good lateral living space with a large reception room to the front with separate kitchen and dining area. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room/dining area, kitchen, roof terrace. EPC Rating D.

FREEHOLD £1 ,195,0 0 0 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

SHARE OF FREEHOLD £1 ,125,0 0 0 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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01/12/2014 09:54 28/11/2014 17:40

CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 FIND US ON

BROOK GREEN 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Bolingbroke Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Carthew Villas

BR ACKENBURY VILL AGE W6

A beautifully presented, owner occupied, family home has become available to rent in the heart of Brook Green. The house offers particularly good size bedrooms and fantastic storage. The house has a an air of sophistication and flair whilst being extremely practical.

4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double reception room, kitchen, study/bedroom 5, utility room, wine cellar, garden. EPC Rating D.

A beautiful family home with an extremely light, spacious reception room with solid wood flooring and a private patio garden. The accommodation is arranged over 1,500 sq ft so there is plenty of room for entertaining and good storage throughout. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), cloakroom, double reception room, kitchen, garden. EPC Rating D.

UNFURNISHED £1,250 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

UN FURN ISHED £785 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Fitzgeorge Avenue

Sinclair Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

BROOK GREEN W14

An extremely spacious, lateral flat arranged over 1,750 sq ft. in a beautiful, red brick mansion block that is well kept and provides excellent living and entertaining space. The apartment benefits from a gated entrance, stunning communal garden areas and fantastic storage throughout. 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, (1 en suite), bathroom, 2 reception rooms, kitchen. EPC Rating F.

An immaculately presented, very bright flat that has been refurbished to an exacting standard. This stunning top floor flat offers excellent entertaining space, wood flooring in the reception room with very stylish, contemporary fittings throughout.

2 bedrooms, bathroom, open plan reception room/kitchen.

EPC Rating D.

UNFURNISHED £695 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

UNFURNISHED £480 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Rista Backovic Director of Finlay Brewer, Acton

Photography: rebecca noonan

M

y first pay packet consisted of the wonderful sum of one whole British pound and like any sensible teenager, I went straight to Woolworths on Portobello Road and bought ‘Music & Lights’ by Imagination – money well spent I’m sure anyone with any musical taste would agree! What found me on the Portobello Road was my father’s leather stall. Based primarily in Kensington Market, an integral part of the then West London scene and where Cassius Clay and Mick Jagger both brought jackets from us, we also had an offshoot stall in Portobello where my father would sell the leather goods my mother had made.

When I was 12, my father bought a hostel in Earls Court, a beautiful Victorian building desperately in need of some attention, so upon leaving school it made sense to me to keep working with my dad to revamp the hotel and create a new family business. Over the years, we turned the hostel from a 3* into a 4* hotel and along the way I learnt French, Polish and Bulgarian to add to my English and Serbian; I am originally from Montenegro.

The French stood me in particularly good stead when a stunning French girl came looking for a room. To cut a long story short, she is now my wife and the mother of my two gorgeous daughters. In fact it was Vanessa who encouraged me to take the role at Finlay Brewer.

When I say ‘encouraged’, she actually put my CV forward and my career as an estate agent was born. I loved my new environment and it was a thrill to be working in a growing business

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

ITOW.indd 2

populated by people who really wanted to be the best. Over the years I worked my way up from being a junior negotiator to becoming Lettings Director.

Then an exciting opportunity arose. My wife was offered a role in Monaco and to make the adventure even more attractive I was offered a new role in property to use my skills to build links between the UK and Monaco. It was unsurprisingly a fascinating, sometimes unbelievable, world to operate in and it was a great sadness when my boss died some 4 years later and the company was dissolved. I had the chance to stay in Monaco, but the lure of home was strong and I was ready return to London, so when the founding partners of Finlay Brewer, Simon & Teresa, asked me to open and run the new Finlay Brewer branch in Acton, I leapt at the chance.

Our new branch enables us to offer owners, landlords and those looking to buy or rent in West London an informed and independent view about this exciting area and to offer even more opportunities to our clients as our horizons continue to expand westwards. The experience we have and individual approach we take towards achieving the best results means that we are able to offer something different from other agents operating in the area and I am excited about our first full year of trading in 2015. So that’s pretty much me. Well apart from telling you about my wonderful summer job in Kos where my marketing strategy involved wearing a hollowed out watermelon on my head … maybe next time!

020 8993 6929; finlaybrewer.co.uk

98 01/12/2014 14:54

PROPERTY | PROFILE

99 ITOW.indd 3

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 14:54

DPS Dec2014_Kerr Westside Ad templates 28/11/2014 16:13 Page 1

75 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8EH

sales@kerrandco.com

www.kerrandco.com

LD

LD

SO

Devonport Road

W6

Suitable for cash buyers only this semi detached house offers the perfect opportunity for someone to create their ideal home. £1,550,000 - Freehold

Warbeck Road

W12

LD

W12

An extraordinary five bedroom family house providing over 2,500 sq ft over accommodation over three floors and a stunning, private rear garden. £2,150,000 5 bed house - Freehold

SO

A remarkable four bedroom house retaining numerous original features creating a timeless classical family home. £1,675,000 4 bed house - Freehold

Leysfield Road

W12

An exquisite, interior designed house providing wonderful family living over four floors, excellent natural light and beautifully proportioned rooms. £1,975,000 4 bed house- Freehold

LD

SO

Emlyn Road

LD

SO

LD

SO

Oaklands Grove W12

A quintessentially Victorian terraced house with numerous original features offering excellent room sizes and an overall sense of space. £1,250,000 4 bed house - Freehold

SO

Hetley Road

W12

A double fronted Victorian building with sizeable accommodation requiring modernisiation and potential for extension £750,000 - Leasehold

Record setters

A selection of properties we sold for record prices in 2014 This exceptional portfolio aptly demonstrates Kerr & Co’s magnificent record of selling properties in and around Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith. From period maisonettes to imposing family homes, we have the ability to match your home to potential buyers and always achieve the best possible price.

Wishing all past and future clients a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

KERRCO.indd 1

✆ 020 8743 1166 01/12/2014 09:09

www.kerrandco.com

LD

LD

SO

Perrers Road W6

A beautifully presented and cleverly designed three bedroom terraced house on one of Brackenbury Village’s premier residential roads. £1,350,000 3 bed house - Freehold

Hammersmith Grove W12

A well presented three bedroom, three bathroom split level maisonette over the lower and raised ground floors of this Grand Victorian building. £1,300,00 3 bed maisonette – Leasehold

LD

SO

Hadyn Park Road W12

A fully modernised five bedroom Victorian home providing spacious accommodation over three floors with the added benefit of a rare full width and depth cellar room. £1,375,000 - Freehold

LD

SO

LD

SO

Hammersmith Grove W12

Coningham Road W12

£3,000,000 5 bed house - Freehold

£750,000 2 bed flat – Leasehold

A truly impressive five bedroom family house offering beautifully proportioned rooms, excellent natural light and a magnificent sense of space.

LD

SO

A magnificent new two double bedroom flat set on the ground floor of this imposing Victorian building offering exceptionally light and spacious rooms throughout.

SO

Stowe Road W12

A double fronted, Victorian house in one of the areas’ premier residential roads providing in excess of 2,700 square feet of accommodation over three floors £1,800,000 – Freehold

Celebrating 2 gold awards Because we’re the local agent that clients trust

Hot on the heels of our 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the All Agents ‘2014 People Awards Best Estate Agent in W12’, we are proud to announce that we have been awarded two further medals! We have been awarded Gold for ‘Best Estate Agent for Customer Experience in W12’ and Silver for ‘Best Letting Agent of 2014 in W12’.

✆ 020 8743 1166 KERRCO.indd 2

01/12/2014 09:09

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

The Avenue, Chiswick

ÂŁ1,525,000 An immaculate, meticulously refurbished family home located on the Bedford Park periphery.

Comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a well landscaped, west facing garden. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

Montgomery Road, Chiswick

ÂŁ899,950 A beautifully presented two bedroom house, meticulously refurbished throughout and located on a corner plot with a well landscaped, decked and turfed wrap around garden. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

Chiswick

Fulham

Clapham

Richmond

Twickenham

Hammersmith

Chelsea

Putney

Kew

Teddington

West Kensington

Battersea

Barnes

Sheen

Kingston

FSL.indd 1

01/12/2014 09:06

Elliot Road, Chiswick

£1,850,000 Located on one of Chiswick’s more desirable roads, this five bedroom Victorian end - terraced house is arranged over three floors with many original features retained throughout. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

Kingswood Road, Chiswick

£1,350,000 This newly refurbished terraced family home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a west facing garden with a summer house and located on a popular, quiet residential street. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

It’s our area...

FSL.indd 2

01/12/2014 09:06

We can help with every aspect of the property market whether you are looking to buy or sell, rent or let.

To talk to the team about anything property related please call us on 020 8400 2726 / email info@gordonlindsayassociates.com or visit the “register� section of the website and submit your details and questions.

Gordon Lindsay Associates, Gable House 18-24 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, W4 1QP GORDAN LINDSAY_FEB.indd 2

03/01/2014 15:03

PROPERTY | NEW TO THE MARKET

Prime Purchase VENDOR ADVICE

What would the impact of the Mansion Tax mean for London's property market?

T

he principle concern for homeowners is sure to be the impact that Mansion Tax will have on property values, especially around the £2m threshold. Buyer demand could fall for properties above the £2m mark; in particular around £2.2m to £2.3m, which could result in some homeowners needing to alter their expectation to below £2m if they wish to sell. This in turn could trigger a heightened demand for these “better value” properties, which could then lead to lower levels of interest for those that are currently priced at just below the £2m threshold, which could push these prices down. On the other hand, with the suggestion that Mansion Tax will be capped at £3,000 per annum for properties between £2m and £3m, the impact on properties valued within this band may be limited. There could in fact be a far greater effect on those above £3m where homeowners could be required to pay substantially more.

A stunning four bedroom family home situated in Barnes on the bank of the Thames

A

simply stunning and immaculate home with four bedrooms, two reception rooms, three bathrooms, garage, allocated parking and stunning views overlooking the River Thames and Barnes Bridge. The property is well located for restaurants, gastropubs and river walks, as well as Barnes duck pond

and Barnes Common. Barnes Bridge station is nearby along with bus services to Richmond and Hammersmith.

Maltings Close, SW13 £1,850,000 Freehold KFH, Hammersmith 020 8563 9633; kfh.co.uk

105 PP.indd 149

TANYA MCFEELY

Sales manager at Bective Leslie Marsh, Brook Green 020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 16:08

BALFERN GROVE, W4

ÂŁ1,550,000

A newly modernised four bedroom period family house offering generous proportions in this highly desirable road close to all amenities. Master suite, Three further double bedrooms, Luxury bathroom, 27' Through reception room, 17' Bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, Cloakroom, Private landscaped garden, Excellent balance of living and entertaining space, Cat 6 cabling throughout, Sonos sound system. Ideally located in this quiet residential street offering close proximity to Turnham Green Tube Station and the extensive shopping and restaurant facilities on Chiswick High Road. No chain.

MALTHOUSE DRIVE, W4

ÂŁ650,000

A top floor two bedroom purpose built flat, with the benefit of river views and excellent security within this gated development. Master bedroom with ensuite, Second double bedroom, Bathroom, 18' Reception room, Kitchen/Breakfast room, Large entrance hall, Extensive built in storage, Allocated private covered parking bay, Share in the freehold. Ideally situated in this private riverside development offering close proximity to all amenities. No chain.

WHITMAN.indd 1

01/12/2014 10:22

WAVENDON AVENUE, W4

ÂŁ2,500,000

Rarely available is this impressive semi detached period family house offering an excellent living and entertaining space combined with a secluded south facing garden.

Luxury master suite, Three further double bedrooms, Two further bathrooms, Large entrance hall, 28' Reception room, 23'x 22' Kitchen breakfast room, Utility room, Cloakroom, Private 45' South facing walled garden. Ideally situated south of Chiswick High Road offering close proximity to all amenities.

LANCASTER COURT, W4

OFFERS IN EXCESS ÂŁ575,000

A recently constructed two bedroom flat ideally located in this exclusive development offering stylish interiors and contemporary living close to all amenities. Master bedroom with ensuite, Second double bedroom, Stylish bathroom, Reception room, Patio area, Fully integrated kitchen, Large entrance hall, Built in storage, Polished hard wood flooring, New 997 year lease, Share in the freehold, NHBC Guarantee. Situated within close proximity of Chiswick Station, Local bus routes and vehicle access into Central London, Heathrow and the West.

WHITMAN.indd 2

01/12/2014 10:22

Property News Petersham Road, TW10; £5,000,000

HOUSE HUNTING

Most satisfying transaction I’ve had: A unique sale on Onslow Road - the investor purchased all six flats that were for sale and hoped to rebuild them as one property.

Most unusual interior: A church conversion on Richmond Green which had a plethora of original features, including stained glass windows and exposed beams.

BRENDAN WYNNE

Most interesting property I’ve been involved with: The award winning eco homes from Richstone Properties, Pembroke Gardens, blend sustainability with modern technology and design - it is a striking development.

I never thought I’d see: A property with so much character and history on our books.

Grade II listed Old Friars, on Richmond Green, is the former home of Richard Attenborough- he built a two-storey cinema building on the grounds where he showed his projects to family and friends.

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

The property I’d most like on our books is: We’ve already got it - Drake House is a stunning new home tucked away in Petersham village. The photos speak for themselves!

with...

Director at Featherstone Leigh, Richmond 020 8940 1575;

Farish Short arrive in Strawberry Hill

F

arish Short is the bijou Strawberry Hill's latest offering in estate agency. Founded by partners who believe if you work with them your opinion of their industry will change. They promise you a bespoke, personalised service.

Experienced in residential sales, lettings and

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NEWS.indd 146

Finest Property Showcase: Drake House, Petersham Road, TW10; £5,000,000.

This is a magnificent 5 bedroom Tudor inspired property.

years. Farish Short is offering introductory reductions on instructions received before the end of January 2015 (0.5% for a sale or 5% for a property let NO VAT). Call in and you will be warmly welcomed by the team for a coffee and an informal chat about your property. Their stylish office is opposite Strawberry Hill Station. short lets, the knowledgeable team have lived and worked within the industry for many

Farish Short 020 3514 1188; farishshort.co.uk

108 01/12/2014 15:12

PROPERTY | ROUND UP

The INSIDE SCOOP of NEWS in your area Choosing the Right Agent

Is there a downturn in the market looming?

BECKY WARD

SHEN HARJI

M

M

Sales Manager at Bushells, Hammersmith 020 8563 0123; bushells.com

y first recommendation when choosing an agent would always be find an accredited NAEA agent (National Association of Estate Agents Award). It’s important to check out their track record - allagents.co.uk is a great way to see how past clients have rated their experience. Communication and feedback are paramount. You need to know what your agent is doing, what feedback your property is getting and how your agent is generating interest in your property. Knowledge of the local area and local property market are incredibly important. Ask the agent to discuss what range of services they offer.

For example, what portals they use, where they advertise and how often they will be in contact with you.

Remembrance at Ealing College

P

roperty developer Simon Scott Homes held a remembrance service on the site of the former Ealing College – soon to be a development of five luxury homes - to commemorate those from the school who fell in the Great Wars. There was a speech from Gavin Scott of Simon Scott Homes, some stories from one of the Old Ecobians together with a roll call of the remembered, a parade by the CCF from St Benedicts School and a speech by Father Dom Thomas. One of the pupils from St Benedicts also played the last post following a two minute silence.

Gavin Scott from Simon Scott Homes said “when we acquired this site, we were extremely conscious that there was a sentimental attachment to the old school building locally and that it was still held in high esteem by the old pupils association”.

Branch Manager at Ram Estate Agent, Chiswick 020 3725 4242; ramestateagent.com

any economists in the city feel that with recent events in the banking industry there could be a knock on effect for the property market in and around London.

MMR (Mortgage Market Review) has already been a key factor of stabilization in the market since April. Some economists feel that the brunt end of the £2billion fine given to the banks will be felt mostly by the housing and real estate industry. Banks will now have to be more stringent in their lending as they look to recover the losses incurred. The market is also not helped by the PM stating that another recession maybe heading our way in the not so distant future! I think the key message for vendors is that if you receive an offer around the asking price, I would advise in accepting.

Gavin continued “We are a conscientious developer and our intention is always to interact with the communities in which we work. The commemorative stone for those who fell that used to reside in the wall of the school will be positioned in the front wall of the new development once complete for all to see and continue the legacy”.

Hamptons International, Ealing 020 8840 4545; hamptons-int.com

O

n 22 November 2014 Acton Hill Church had their annual Christmas Fete which attracted a swathe of locals in West London on Saturday 22 November 2014 to raise money for Church initiatives such as their soup kitchen. “What a superb day out - the Church was filled with festivities and divine food and baked goods. It was wonderful to see the book sales being so popular. What took my breath away was to hear that the Church was also hosting a soup kitchen for those out in the cold – one can only have the utmost respect for the congregation and their efforts in the local community,” says Rudolph Diesel, Marketing Director at Orchards of London.

“We had an Orchards of London photo booth which allowed parents and their children to have photos taken with Santa (our very own Assistant Sales manager, Michael Ogden)”.

Orchards, Acton 020 8997 0076; orchardsoflondon.com

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109 NEWS.indd 147

Orchards Christmas

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 15:12

FO R SALE

C O B B O L D R OAD W 1 2 £1,150,000 FREEHOLD • • • • •

PWOOLLER.indd 1

A striking architect designed Victorian house 4 double bedrooms Bathroom and shower room en suite Cloakroom Double reception room

• • • • •

Light 21' kitchen / dining room South facing patio garden Oak floors to ground floor Close to good schools and parks 1518 sq ft / 141 sq m approx. incl. eaves storage. EPC - D

01/12/2014 16:28

FO R SALE

C O N I N G H AM R OAD W 1 2 £2,000,000 FREEHOLD • • • • •

PWOOLLER.indd 2

A magnificent big boned Victorian family house 5 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) and 2 shower rooms Cloakroom / utility room Double reception room

• • • • •

Study Family kitchen / dining /TV room Rear garden Off street parking 2605 sq ft / 242 sq m approx.incl.storage. EPC - F

01/12/2014 16:28

Smart knows where to be seen when selling.

Over 30 million visits per month

ZOOPLA JAN.indd 1 Zest Adverts_Jan2014.indd 3

26/11/2014 08/01/2014 17:04 09:34

PROPERTY | NIGEL LEWIS

London's MOST POPULAR

Nigel Lewis, Absolutely's resident property writer, takes a look at London's most viewed property: 22 Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead

T

here are 58,596 properties listed for sale in London at the moment and at the time of writing this was the most viewed online of any of them. It’s also the most expensive house for sale in the capital although it’s not the dearest property – an apartment within One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge is currently listed at £64.9 million which, I know, is a lot of money for a five bedroom flat. Better value is to be had if you buy 22 Lyndhurst Road in Hampstead (it has a garden, for starters) as well as an interesting history. Over the past four years it has been owned by a high profile Russian oligarch who in turn bought it off a London property magnate.

Both men have spent considerable sums doing the property up and the house now

features a very high standard of interior finish. Highlights include an Ionic columnlined indoor swimming pool and a smaller outdoor pool too plus one of the grandest entrance halls in London, according to selling agent Grant Alexson of Knight Frank, in which a huge ornate stone fireplace stands sentinel.

The property, which is on the market for £46.5 million, has been viewed on Zoopla by over 80,000 people since it came on the market in June this year. Such popularity would please the man who built this seven bedroom, six bathroom house in 1896 – Liberal Party MP and shipping millionaire Russell Rea, who twice made it into parliament representing both Gloucester and later South Shields.

What he probably wouldn’t recognise are its interiors, which are distinctly modern. This includes what Grant Alexson

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describes as an opulently decorated ‘man cave’ cum office with wood panelling plus there’s a steam room, space for up to eight cars and a dining room that comfortably seats 18 people.

What most buyers might find astounding is that such a large, 14,700 sq ft property with a carriage drive and half acre back garden is to be found in the busy streets between Hampstead and Belsize Park tube stations, both of which are a short walk from the house.

But the area has, since it was first developed in the late 1860s, been a favoured spot for affluent Londoners looking for seclusion, civilisation and space away from the madness of central London. And anyone who thinks recent arrivals to the UK owning properties in this area is a new trend should remember that a wealthy Turkish diplomat once lived in nearby Rosslyn Lodge during the 1850s – a house that has sadly now been demolished.

And a nice link to this delightful diplomat is that Knight Frank reckons the property to be ‘ambassadorial’, which indeed it could be – although the children’s slide that runs down from the property’s rear sun terrace to the garden reveals a cheekier, less serious side.

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 15:23

Fulham Reach, W6

ÂŁ1,625,000 Leasehold

Offered for sale with no chain involved is this stunning two double bedroom apartment set within the prestigious Fulham Reach Development. Being 1110 sq ft and set on the second floor, this exceptional property enjoys full river views from the open plan reception room. Residents of this luxurious development enjoy the exclusive use of a range of state of the art facilities including gymnasium, 24 hour concierge, swimming pool, wine cellar and virtual golf simulator. The property must be viewed to appreciate the desirable location and standard of accommodation on offer. EPC = C Hammersmith | 020 8563 0123 | hammersmith@bushells.com

Shepherds Bush Road, W6

ÂŁ425,000 Leasehold

This fantastic bright and modern large one bedroom flat in this central location off Brook Green. Arranged on the first floor the accommodation comprises a large reception room, a separate kitchen, bathroom and a large double bedroom, with private balconies off the reception and bedroom.

The location is ideal with the green spaces of Brook Green on your doorstep and access to many local shops and Hammersmith Broadway and the Westfield 'London' complex are within easy reach. Excellent local transport links. EPC = B Hammersmith | 020 8563 0123 | hammersmith@bushells.com

Acton | Balham | Bloomsbury | Battersea | Camden | Clapham | Dulwich | Fulham | Hammersmith | Highbury | Islington | West Hampstead

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Nemoure Road, W3

ÂŁ465,000 Share of Freehold

This wonderful period conversion flat retains the original stunning pewter and tile fireplace. There is a large south-facing bay window allowing sunlight into a spacious living room. The balcony off the separate modern kitchen is also south-facing. There is a family bathroom with a generously sized bath and an en suite double shower room off the large main bedroom. The second double bedroom is currently being used as a dining room/office.

EPC = E Acton | 020 8993 6767 | acton@bushells.com

Maldon Road, W3

ÂŁ650,000 Share of Freehold

This larger than average split level home is presented in excellent condition offering wonderful entertaining spaces with fully fitted kitchen breakfast room with doors leading onto a sunny west facing roof terrace, spacious reception room with fireplace, separate great dining space or can used as a fourth bedroom. Onto the second floor there are three bedrooms, and a family bathroom with further scope to extend subject to planning permissions.

EPC = D Acton | 020 8993 6767 | acton@bushells.com

Acton | Balham | Bloomsbury | Battersea | Camden | Clapham | Dulwich | Fulham | Hammersmith | Highbury | Islington | West Hampstead

BUSHELLS.indd 2

28/11/2014 10:06

www.ramestateagent.com

THE WOODLANDS,SURREY KT10

£765,000

New to the market is this spacious detached three bedroom bungalow. Situated 1/4 of a mile from Esher train station with direct links to London (Waterloo) and close to well respected primary and secondary schools and one minute to Sandown Racecourse. It comprises of a master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Large reception room with doors leading to a wonderful South facing garden, study and large kitchen/diner with views overlooking the mature garden.

DARTMOUTH PLACE, W4

£5,500 P/W

Amazingly secluded 9 bedroom detached house situated on 0.6 acres offering country side living in the city. The property briefly compromising of Master bedroom with walk in wardrobe/dressing area and marble en-suite bathroom.

Chiswick Branch

Building 3, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road Chiswick, London W4 5YA

RAM_DEC.indd 1

KEW BRIDGE COURT, W4

£370 P/W

This spacious and well-presented one bedroom, ground floor apartment boasts comfortable accommodation and a fabulous location moments from Chiswick High Road and the River Thames.

020 3725 4242

chiswick@ramestateagent.com

31/10/2014 15:22

PROPERTY | STYLE BIBLE

300 YEARS of the Georgians Wo r d s N I G E L L E W I S

a celebration of georgian architecture

This year we’ve all been remembering those who died during the First World War, however 2014 is the anniversary of a less famous but happier event – the 300-year anniversary of London’s Georgian homes, which were built from 1714 until the 1790s.

It started with the arrival of George I, the first of four Georges, who heralded a period of architectural revolution as London embraced several generations of architects all obsessed with the order of Palladian architecture. This included familiar names including Wren, Hawksmoor, Vanbrugh, Nash, Soane, Holland and the Adam brothers – designers who all, along with many imitators, brought a new and distinctive look to London. Georgian, though, is not a precise term. Pure Georgian architecture began with a Palladian influenced style that ran from 1714 to 1760 but was then followed by the Adam period (named after Scottish brothers Robert and James Adam) until the 1790s, after which the Regency period began.

Symmetry

Order, symmetry and proportion frown down from the brick and stone of London’s Georgian properties as do their large sash windows (an innovation introduced by the

Georgians), railings and, if you’ve ventured inside one at any time in your life, their wood panelling and wide floorboards.

At the moment the most fashionable Georgian area of London is Spitalfields, whose Hugenot-era houses were saved from being demolished by a group of enthusiasts during the 1970s and which have now become highly desirable and often authentically restored properties.

But there’s plenty to choose from if you don’t want to live there. London experienced one of its most energetic bursts of expansion under the rule of the four Georges (helped by the availability of new build plots following the Great Fire of London in 1666) and by 1753 it had become larger than Constantinople, making it the biggest city in the world.

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Perhaps the prettiest and most intact Georgian gem north of the Thames is Bedford Square, between Tottenham Court Road and the British Museum; an undisturbed piece of Georgian construction dating from the late 1770s.

The most famous however is Canonbury Square in Islington; in large part because authors Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell once lived there. But while there’s history, owning a 300-year-old property comes with maintenance responsibilities.

Georgian properties are well known for needing regular refurbishments as wooden door and window lintels lead to sagging apertures, roof trusses crumble after several centuries of duty and chimney stacks wobble as masonry fails. Despite German bombing and the frequent threat of demolition (especially when out of fashion), huge swathes of Georgian buildings still stand and North of the river Georgian properties run from Hyde Park to the City and up as far as Islington, which is still one of the bastions of this period's homes, as well as Highgate (which is home to Little Green Street, a wholly intact street built during the 1780s). Georgian London had less impact south of the river but made it to Clapham Old Town, which is full of the period’s signature flat-fronted, parapet-topped terraced streets.

Despite the fact that we have lost a large amount of London’s Georgian property to demolition and destruction, what remains forms part of London’s history and character. On the 300th anniversary of London’s Georgian homes we can be confident that what is left is cherished and will be well looked after.

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 15:49

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

THE JUDGING PANEL FOR THE ESTAS 2015...

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For more information go to

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01/12/2014 09:54

PROPERTY | IDEAL HOMES

Living the Dream The MOST LUXURIOUSLY appointed PROPERTIES on the market Edgehill Road, W13 P.O.A. Freehold

A substantial, Grade II listed, detached family house Situated in one of Ealing’s most sought after roads. Designed and built by famous local architect, Leonard Shuffery (Arts & Crafts).

The accommodation offers approximately 4,714 sq ft of living space arranged over three floors. There are eight bedrooms, three reception rooms and a wonderful rear garden with summer house.

John D Wood & Co., Chiswick 020 8995 9394; johndwood.co.uk

Spotlight on W5

Average asking price - £891,506 | Average asking rent - £2,181 pcm | Average property value - £751,640

Data provided by

Thornton Avenue,W4,

Elm Grove Road, W5,

Warbeck Road, W12,

An exceptional six bedroom family home situated just off Chiswick High Road.

There is over 3,600 sq ft of accommodation and a beautiful West facing garden. This stunning Victorian family house benefits from being the widest house on the street.

These enhanced proportions are evident throughout the property, which boasts a beautifully landscaped garden.

This exceptional house is built on the grounds of Elm Grove, once the estate of Spencer Perceval, the former Prime Minister. The six bedroom house has been sympathetically restored and is now a wonderful family home offering over 4300 square feet of space over three floors. There is a conservatory, billiard room, garage, drive and landscaped 110’ rear garden.

The accommodation comprises a large lower ground floor area divided into a media playroom, laundry room and luxury shower room. The ground floor offers a large double reception room and a beautiful kitchen, which in turn opens out onto the private garden. The first floor is entirely given over to the master suite then there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

Knight Frank, Chiswick: 020 3757 6231; knightfrank.co.uk

Sinton Andrews: 020 8566 1990; sintonhomes.com

Winkworth, Shepherd’s Bush: 020 8735 3266; winkworth.co.uk

£2,950,000

£3,250,000

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£950,000

JANUARY 2015

01/12/2014 15:14

ACTON

27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD

ASKEW ROAD

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

BROOK GREEN

138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB

LOCAL

.

INDEPENDENT

020 8749 7719

.

INVOLVED

CMYK

GODOLPHIN ROAD W12

FREEHOLD GUIDE PRICE £2.35M

5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST/FAMILY ROOM • BATHROOMS SHO ER ROOM • GUEST CLOAKROOM •

ALLED GARDEN • EPC RATING D

ELLINGHAM ROAD W12

FREEHOLD GUIDE PRICE £1.5M

4 BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION ROOM • KITCHEN / DINING ROOM • FAMILY BATHROOM • ENSUITE BATHROOM • STUDY / PLAYROOM • CELLAR • GARDEN • EPC RATING E53

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

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28/11/2014 10:05

020 8993 6929

LOCAL

.

ACTON

27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD

ASKEW ROAD

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

BROOK GREEN

138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB

INDEPENDENT

.

INVOLVED CMYK

GAYFORD ROAD W12 4 BEDROOMS • 2 RECEPTION ROOMS • ULLY YEAR

FREEHOLD

GUIDE PRICE £1.325M

IDTH KITCHEN • 2 BATHROOMS

ARRANTY • UNDER LOOR HEATING • SOUTHERLY ACING GARDEN • EPC RATING B

ASHCHURCH VILLAS W12

FREEHOLD POA

4 BEDROOMS • 2 RECEPTION ROOMS • KITCHEN / DINING ROOM • 3 / 4 BATHROOMS STUDY • UTILITY ROOM • GARAGE • GARDEN

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk *Administration fee 150 inc VAT per person, other costs apply. For more information go to:www.finlaybrewer.co.uk/tenant-costs/ FINLAYBREWER.indd 2

28/11/2014 10:05

RUSTHALL AVENUE, W4 A newly renovated semi-detached house situated on one of Chiswick’s premier residential roads, conveniently placed for Turnham Green and Chiswick Park Underground Stations. Approx. 3,444 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 5 bedrooms, dressing room, 3 bathrooms, en suite shower room, 3 receptions, cloakroom, utility room, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,995,000

NETHERAVON ROAD, W4 A well presented Edwardian family house located just off Chiswick High Road and convenient for Turnham Green and Stamford Brook Underground Stations. Approx. 1,936 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, 2 receptions, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, garden, off-street parking.

Freehold Guide Price £1,499,950 SOLD

St Catherines Court, W4

SOLD

Guide £550,000 Short Road, W4

SOLD

Guide £899,950 Rusthall Mansions, W4

CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 1 Absolutely Chiswick/West/Richmond Jan14 1

SOLD

Guide £799,950 Fielding Road, W4

Guide £1,750,000

johndwood.co.uk

01/12/2014 28/11/2014 09:08 15:57

EDGEHILL ROAD, W13 A substantial Grade II Listed detached family house situated in one of Ealing’s most desirable roads, designed and built by famous local architect, Leonard Shuffery. Convenient for West Ealing and Ealing Broadway stations. Approx. 4,714 sq ft.

8 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, 3 reception rooms, utility room, butler’s pantry, cloakroom, garden room, summerhouse, wood store, garden, garage.

Freehold Guide Price £4,000,000 SOLD

The Cloisters, W4

SOLD

Guide £3,500,000 Grosvenor Road, W4

SOLD

Guide £2,250,000 Chiswick High Road, W4

CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 2 Absolutely Chiswick/West/Richmond Jan14 2

SOLD

Guide £1,150,000 Gainsborough Road, W4

Guide £1,499,950

johndwood.co.uk

01/12/2014 09:08 28/11/2014 15:57

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

CARTHEW ROAD, W6 ÂŁ1,365,000 FREEHOLD A charming example of a three bedroom Victorian house on a most attractive tree-lined street in Brackenbury Village, offered in good order throughout. Carthew Road is a highly sought after tree-lined street in Brackenbury Village with numerous amenities in easy reach including some wonderful pubs and restaurants. A number of well-regarded state and private schools are close by, whilst the nearest underground stations are located at Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park and Goldhawk Road.

3 Bedrooms | Double Reception Room | Kitchen | Conservatory/Dining Room | Bathroom | Cloakroom | Patio Garden | EPC: E

HAMMERSMITH | 020 7371 4466 hammersmith@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

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01/12/2014 10:13

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

LD SO

AMHERST ROAD, W13 ÂŁ1,695,000 FREEHOLD A beautifully presented six bedroom family home arranged over three floors and offering a blend of 'old and new'. What is striking is the fabulous room sizes and high ceilings. There are two separate receptions. The garden is mature, well kept and has gated access to playing fields and occasional use of the school tennis courts. The kitchen is modern fitted and benefits from a utility room at the very back. On the upper floors there are six bedrooms with a dressing to the master and a study/bedroom six on the top floor as well as a family bathroom and shower room.

Immaculately Presented | Flexible Living | Character Galore | Close to Ealing Broadway | EPC: D

EALING & ACTON | 020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/ealing-and-acton

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01/12/2014 10:13

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

INGERSOLL ROAD, W12 £1,500,000 FREEHOLD Beautifully refurbished and extended this superb family home is drenched in natural light. The specification list reads like the optional extras list for a prestige German car, includes ceiling speakers, underfloor heating and digital outputs in most rooms. The accommodation comprises five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room, a double reception room and a well-equipped extended kitchen/family room accessing directly onto the private patio garden. An excellent house which further benefits from no onward chain. View it now and then buy it.

Five Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Utility Room | Double Reception | Kitchen/Family Room | High Specification Build | EPC: F

SHEPHERD’S BUSH & ACTON | 020 8735 3266 shepherdsbush@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/shepherds-bush

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01/12/2014 10:13

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

CHISWICK POINT, W4 ÂŁ625,000 Chiswick Point is proving to be one of Chiswick's most sought after new builds. It is a very short walk from the Tube Station and the High Road with it's lovely selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Finished to a high standard, this is one of the best apartments in the development being fifth floor with a great balcony overlooking the Nature Reserve.

Superb views over Nature Reserve | Lovely balcony | Due for completion beginning 2015 | Fifth floor with lift | Concierge | Close to Tube and Chiswick High Road

CHISWICK | 020 8994 7096 chiswick@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/chiswick

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01/12/2014 10:13

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

THORNFIELD ROAD, W12 £400 PER WEEK

A recentl redecorated spacious and charming two double bedroom maisonette over the top two floors of a ictorian town house. wo Double edrooms | Spacious Reception Room | itchen reakfast Room | odern athroom | Split Level | ees Appl | EPC: D

LOFTUS ROAD, W12 £750 PER WEEK

A stunning four bedroom famil home with substantial private garden. his light and spacious ictorian house is exceptionall well presented. our Double edrooms | wo athrooms | itchen Dining Area | Double Reception Room | Large Private arden | Period eatures | ees Appl | EPC: D

For more information on this property call Shepherd s ush office | 020 8735 3255

For more information on this property call Shepherd s ush office | 020 735 3255

BOLLO LANE, W4 £630 PER WEEK

LINDEN GARDENS, W4 £550 PER WEEK

3 bedrooms | athroom | wo reception rooms | itchen breakfast room |

3 bedrooms | 2 reception rooms | Luxurious bathroom | Large kitchen breakfast

Cloakroom | South west facing garden

room | South west facing patio garden | EPC: D

For more information on this property call Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

For more information on this property call Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

eautifull presented three bedroom Edwardian terraced house close to Chiswick Park station. Available now unfurnished

One minute from the High Road charming two bedroom cottage.

Available now unfurnished.

WITH 60 OFFICES IN THE CAPITAL ALONE. WE’VE GOT LONDON COVERED winkworth.co.uk

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01/12/2014 10:13

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

BISCAY ROAD, W6 £700 PER WEEK

RICHMOND WAY, W14 £525 PER WEEK

A newly refurbished four bedroom house on this pleasant street, conveniently located for arons Court underground.

Fabulous bedroom mansion apartment conveniently located for ensington lympia and rook reen.

edrooms | eception oom | Dining oom | itchen reakfast oom |

edrooms | eception oom | itchen | athroom | Private arden |

athrooms | Eaves Storage | arden | Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC: E

Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC: E

For more information on this property call ammersmith office | 020 7371 4466

For more information on this property call ammersmith office | 020 7371 4466

TRING AVENUE, W5 £1,385 PER WEEK

TWYFORD CRESCENT, W3

ost attractive detached residence in Ealing Common with the benefit of gated forecourt parking for three cars.

Seven bedrooms | Three bathrooms |

et room | Cloakroom | Study | T

oom |

£923 PER WEEK

A wonderful family home located in Ealing Common. Set over three floors, there are five double bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Five double bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Close to Ealing Common tube |

En suite to master bedroom | Fees Apply | EPC: D

Cloakroom | Internal viewings advised | Fees Apply | EPC: D.

For more information on this property call Ealing & Acton office | 020 8896 0123

For more information on this property call Ealing & Acton office | 020 8896 0123

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

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01/12/2014 10:14

KnightFrank.co.uk

Dukes Avenue, Chiswick W4

An immaculately presented two bedroom first floor flat A spectacular two bedroom conversion flat with a feeling of space throughout.

The property comprises two double bedrooms, large bathroom and reception leading to an open plan kitchen. The flat maintains many period features through out and further benefits from a west facing roof terrace. EPC rating E.

Knightfrank.co.uk/Chiswick Chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

Guide Price: £975,000 (CWK140044)

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Dukes Avenue 19 FFF absolutely december2014

27/11/2014 17:33

27/11/2014 16:47:36

Glebe Street

Elliott Road

Homefield Road Priory Avenue Woodstock Road

Thornton Avenue

Speldhurst Road

Newton Grove

WHEREVER you are looking to sell, Knight Frank can help Our team in Chiswick pride themselves on exceptional service, to take the stress out of finding the right buyer for your home.

For further information or to request a free market appraisal contact Ramsey Conyers on +44 20 3757 6230 @chiswick_w4 KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick KF_IBDPS.indd 2

27/11/2014 17:34

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the Directors and staff at Featherstone Leigh! featherstoneleigh.co.uk Richmond

East Sheen

Twickenham

Teddington

Kew

sales: 020 8940 1575 lettings: 020 8940 2332

sales: 020 8876 4567 lettings: 020 8392 8845

sales: 020 8744 0595 lettings: 020 8744 0755

sales: 020 8977 8118 lettings: 020 8977 8949

sales & lettings: 020 8940 7676

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