A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

All about your area: A local perspective from Strutt & Parker

pp01-12_&Shrewsbury_Cover_des6.indd 3 29/08/2013 15:40 A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

Welcome to &Shrewsbury, a magazine showcasing local properties and giving you a taste of the area. Strutt & Parker is one of the most Read on to find out more diverse property businesses in the UK, and Page 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market the Shrewsbury office is a focal point for Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest the wide range of departments and services properties and local highlights we offer. The residential team specialises Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase in selling a variety of properties across Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert Shrewsbury and the surrounding towns overview of the national market and villages, while Strutt & Parker also Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker?

provides unrivalled expertise in farming, Page 10 Why we love Shrewsbury: locals reveal why there’s no land management, commercial property, place like home planning and development. Page 11 Find us: local centre highlights

Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com. All information and pricing correct at time of going to press.

02 &Shrewsbury

pp02-03_&Shrewsbury_Intro_des5.indd 1 20/08/2013 15:52 Kevin Boulton, Partner, explains how our Shrewsbury office brings a wealth of experience to the town’s robust property market

ituated in the heart of beautiful Shropshire on the of plays and recitals, plus a notorious Christmas pantomime. ‘ banks of the meandering River Severn, Shrewsbury The Old Market Hall, undoubtedly one of the most historic rightly enjoys a reputation as a fantastic place to live, buildings in the town, has been converted into a cosy cinema S work and play. Throughout this wonderful county with café and shows a selection of avant-garde films as well town there is a huge sense of community and identity. as a few blockbusters. ‘The beating heart of Shrewsbury is an exceptional group ‘There are also numerous restaurants and gourmet pubs as of educational institutions, both in the state and the private well as a burgeoning café society, which make living in the sectors. Shrewsbury School, with its fine heritage and centre of town such a pleasure. Known as the River Loop, the Howard Simmons Howard outstanding reputation for rowing, the arts and sports as town centre is encircled by the River Severn. The wonderful well as academic excellence, sits above the town in the Quarry Park – which hosts concerts and events such as the extremely popular Kingsland area, which has many of the famous Shrewsbury Flower Show – occupies a substantial finest houses in Shrewsbury. area of the River Loop, with houses enjoying excellent views ‘The town is steeped in history. The site of Shrewsbury Battle of the charming countryside beyond. (a War of the Roses altercation in 1403 where Henry “Harry ‘Shrewsbury is a small town with the gorgeous Shropshire Hotspur” Percy fell at the hands of King Henry IV’s army) countryside close at hand. Yet its proximity to the M54 and its lies to the north, and the town is a wonderful eclectic mix railway station mean transport links are good to Birmingham, of period buildings, with medieval gems interspersed with some Manchester, Cardiff and, of course, London. classic Georgian architecture. ‘The Strutt & Parker team passionately adore Shrewsbury – ‘One of the joys of living in Shrewsbury is the culture – at all we all live nearby and all take an active part in this busy levels – that goes on throughout the town. The riverside community. We eat, sleep and breathe this town, its surrounds

photography (cover and this page) photography (cover and this page) Theatre Severn was built a few years ago and has a wide array and everything it has to offer.’

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pp02-03_&Shrewsbury_Intro_des5.indd 2 29/08/2013 15:41 First & foremost

COUNTRY GEM Caegweision, Oswestry, Shropshire A Georgian farmhouse with outbuildings and land, surrounded by unspoilt countryside. The accommodation is set out over three fl oors, with an impressive entrance, due to the prominent oak staircase. The drawing room has a large sash windows and a log burner, and a secondary sitting room is fi tted with extensive bookshelving, and allows access to the gardens. £550,000 FOR SALE Contact 01743 284200

BON APPETIT With its elegant Art Nouveau signage reminiscent of the Paris metro, its rustic décor – complete with candles in wine bottles – and Édith Piaf on the stereo, Bistro Jacques is about as authentic a French experience as you can get outside of France. And that’s before you’ve taken a bite – the restaurant serves Gallic favourites such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and, for the more courageous, pan-fried frogs’ legs. A more sophisticated à la carte menu changes monthly to ensure it keeps in step with what’s in season. bistrojacques-shrewsbury.com

SHREWSBURY UNCOVERED Charles Darwin was born in HOME STYLE Shrewsbury and lived there until he was 27. He attended Established in 1995, family-run lifestyle Shrewsbury School, as did store Vinegar Hill is an Aladdin’s cave John Peel, Michael Palin of treasures, selling everything you could and Nick Hancock possibly want for your home: clocks, cutlery, crockery, garden planters, The forerunner of Private Eye jewellery, scarves, candles, gift books, was a school magazine, The stationery, frames and much more. It Salopian, edited by Richard stocks some of the biggest homeware Ingrams, Willie Rushton, brands, including Orla Kiely, Gisela Christopher Booker and Graham, East of India and Garden Paul Foot at Shrewsbury Trading. Vinegar Hill, which has several School in the mid-1950s. stores across the country, takes its name The quartet went on to from a small town its sibling owners create Private Eye in 1961 stumbled upon while visiting New Zealand. ‘We really wanted a name that

Shrewsbury’s population summed up what an independent store National Trust has grown from the 1,000 should be about – unique, original and recorded in the Domesday interesting,’ says co-founder Richard Hannah Booth Book in 1086 to around Austin. Its Shrewsbury store is located 100,000 today just off the bustling High Street. Images/John Millar (Attingham Park); Suede Bicycle (Old Market Hall) vinegarhill.co.uk WORDS PHOTOGRAPHY

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pp04-05_&Shrewsbury_F&F_des4.indd 1 22/08/2013 13:59 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Great estates Attingham Park is an elegant 18th- century mansion set in 370 acres of glorious woodland that includes a deer park, and makes a great day out for lovers of fine English houses, country walks and history. Must-sees in the mansion are the magnificent dining room, set for an evening banquet in all its Regency splendour, the impressive picture gallery, and a recently uncovered boudoir. The tales of the house’s owners, the Lords and Ladies Berwick, are worth the admission alone. Owned by the National Trust, this estate between Shrewsbury and the River Severn is set in beautiful parkland with ancient trees, fallow deer and a walled garden. Children under five are welcome to learn to cycle in the grounds. nationaltrust.org.uk

riverside villa Riversdale, Shrewsbury Situated in an enviable elevated position on the bank of the River Severn and nestled at the end of a no through road, Riversdale offers a rare opportunity to acquire a classic Victorian villa in the heart of Shrewsbury, with views of the river and open countryside. Guide price £625,000 FOR SALE Contact 01743 284200

film star One of Shrewsbury’s finest old buildings, constructed in rust

T 1596, the Old Market Hall sits at the heart of The Square

ttingham in the centre of town. Now an arts centre that specialises A in film and digital media, it has daily screenings of a wide National

illar ( range of movies, from blockbusters to art-house European,

M hosts stimulating talks by digital media speakers, and stages regular exhibitions. Its stylish café and bar is the Hannah Booth uede Bicycle (Old

S perfect place to meet before catching a film – or just relax and people-watch. arket Hall) mages/John I M Park); Words photography oldmarkethall.co.uk

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pp04-05_&Shrewsbury_F&F_des4.indd 2 22/08/2013 13:59 Calves Cote, Chelmick, Shropshire A charming Grade II Listed cottage in a peaceful hamlet with unrivalled views. Originally the stables and dairy of Chelmick Manor. £345,000 FOR SALE

Sutton Road, Shrewsbury This Georgian townhouse close to the town centre has period detail, including open fireplaces, moulded ceilings, oak panelling and stained glass insets. £650,000 FOR SALE

Bausley Hill Farm, Shropshire A glorious hilltop property with an Iron Age fort, far-reaching panoramic views, a farmhouse, magnificent woodland, paddocks and meadows. £825,000 FOR SALE

Brookhayne, Longden Scotsmansfield, A timber-framed Shropshire property with beautiful A Grade II Listed property gardens, situated on with extensive formal the edge of the village gardens, in an enviable of Longden. position on the lower £485,000 FOR SALE slopes of the Long Mynd. £579,500 FOR SALE

For further details of any of these properties, contact 01743 284200

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pp06-07_&Shrewsbury_Property_des2.indd 1 29/08/2013 15:41 PORTFOLIO

Straun House, Berwick Road, Shropshire A terraced townhouse with views of the River Severn. Improvements include the reinstatement of the original fireplaces and exposure of floorboards. £795,000 FOR SALE

Peniarth Uchaf, Powys A small private estate within Snowdonia National Park. The property is approached through the attractive meadowland of the Dysynni Valley and has two cottages. £1,300,000 FOR SALE

Tyr Gwydwr, Powys A unique property set into the hill with delightful views. Tyr Gwydwr was designed and built by the current owners in 1999 and occupies four floors. £1,300,000 FOR SALE

The Papermill, Shropshire The Paper Mill is a spacious family home with a fascinating history. Thought to date back to 1605 in parts, the house has been used as an iron foundry and a paper mill. £625,000 FOR SALE

The Cedars, London Road, Shrewsbury A Victorian townhouse with an indoor swimming pool, a tennis court, garaging and gardens. The Cedars is set back from the road and fronted by mature gardens. £1,000,000 SOLD

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pp06-07_&Shrewsbury_Property_des2.indd 2 29/08/2013 15:42 Trends & analysis Strutt & Parker experts reflect on the nationwide property picture Getting stronger he country house market has weathered the worst T of the recession and although last year’s 2% rise in stamp duty did have an impact, James Mackenzie, Head of the Country Department at Strutt & Parker believes that this was a just a blip. ‘People take these things on the chin and move on, Regional particularly when you’re talking growth about buying a family home.’ And while the hard winter of ost considerations, lifestyle Guildford in particular. ‘These key 2012/13 did little to encourage choices, local economic regional centres are seeing more 25% buyers out into the country, C factors and government growth in residential value than of Strutt & Parker Mackenzie believes the market efforts to kick-start the housing their rural counterparts, although vendors outside is making up for lost time. market are creating a complex there are hotspots around the UK London are looking ‘It’s heading back to where it UK residential property picture, where different economic factors to move to smaller should be, with the potential according to Michael Fiddes, Head affect the marketplace,’ says properties to get stronger over the next of Agency at Strutt & Parker. Fiddes. ‘An example is around 12 months.’ ‘There’s definitely been a Aberdeen, where the oil industry Little regional variation exists stimulus at the bottom of the creates a massive number of jobs.’ up to 32% – it’s all about properties and market because of what the A complex market then, prices – but the robust London of London buyers are government’s sought to do for but one in which Strutt & Parker market remains a key driving planning to move to first-time buyers,’ says Fiddes. remains best placed to negotiate, factor, with buyers recognising the country ‘Secondly, while more people with the interests of clients the potential that city budgets are selling up in London and always paramount. have beyond the capital. Equally, benefiting from fantastic value ‘When people are moving international and expat interest Dennis Carrier / Synergy outside of the capital because house, they’re usually dealing remains steady and it’s here that of the large price differential, with their most valuable asset, Strutt & Parker’s relationship buyers are becoming much more something that’s going to have with Christie’s International Real

conscious of the costs such as one of the greatest effects on Estate comes into its own. illustration commuting, property maintenance their lives,’ says Fiddes. ‘Selling ‘Many more international and heating, and education.’ a house is about getting the best buyers are being pushed in our Lifestyle choices, too, are possible deal for the client, but direction,’ explains Mackenzie. resulting in more people living also about helping them on a ‘Our auction house colleagues in an urban or suburban journey. We always endeavour to are also helping introduce Dave Flanagan environment beyond London. look after them and proactively potential sellers to Strutt & That’s been good for Oxford, make things happen, rather than Parker. It’s simply a much bigger

Cambridge, St Albans and merely hoping they’ll happen.’ playing field for us now.’ words

pp08-09_&Local_Comment Why S&P_desFIN.indd 6 22/08/2013 13:48 OVERVIEW

WHY STRUTT & PARKER?

OUR BRAND with more than 200,000 visitors our network of UK offi ces, For more than 125 years, Strutt & to struttandparker.com showcasing your home to more Parker has created a brand that every month. We also have a prospective buyers nationally. A holistic signifi es outstanding results mobile-friendly website and use view delivered through high-quality QR codes and NFC technology to OUR GLOBAL REACH and integrity-rich service. give access to properties on the As the sole UK affi liate of he new research team at go and from any mobile device. Christie’s International Real the company’s London OUR MARKETING EXCELLENCE Estate, we have access to 920 T head offi ce is making its We are committed to constantly OUR NATIONAL NETWORK affi liate offi ces in 41 countries presence felt with vital insights evolving our marketing approach Strutt & Parker’s extensive and worldwide, bringing global into short- and long-term market to ensure that your property is growing network of 50 offi ces buyers to your door. trends. While many industry seen ahead of the rest. Our covers the whole of the UK, from researchers have a narrow focus, dedicated in-house marketing Exeter to Inverness. Our 400+ OUR EXPERTS this department takes a ‘holistic’ and PR team ensures that our sales professionals work as a We offer a total solution approach. approach, keeping abreast of brand and your property is team to help achieve great Our specialist teams include developments across the full range consistently and strongly property results for you. Residential Sales, Lettings, of Strutt & Parker’s interests. represented in every media outlet. Building Surveying & ‘Our work is about OUR BUYERS DATABASE Architecture, Farms & Estates, understanding the markets, OUR ONLINE PRESENCE With 2,000 buyers registering Land Management, Farming, knowing what the trends are, Strutt & Parker has built an with us every month, we have Commercial, Planning, and identifying where the demand industry-leading website more than 26,000 active buyers – Development, Resources & and stock is coming from,’ says for buyers of quality real estate, all of whom are shared across Energy and Professional Services. Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker. But examining statistics is just part of the process. ‘We’re interested in the behaviour of BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER buyers and vendors,’ explains Fiona Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications at Strutt & Parker, McMahon. ‘It’s important to explains why Open House Days are a must understand what’s driving their decision-making.’ Q What is Open House Day? house on a single day. We know that 90 Downsizing, or ‘right-sizing’ A It’s a day when we throw open the per cent of searches start online, but nothing as McMahon calls it, is one of doors of all the houses we’re selling, so that replaces the value of seeing a property for real. the trends currently being tracked prospective buyers have the chance to view Dennis Carrier / Synergy by the team. ‘Outside London, as many properties as they wish, without Q How effective is Open House Day? 25% of our vendors are looking the need to make appointments. We run A We had 700 properties take part in our to move to smaller properties,’ Open House Days twice a year, in the last event, with one in ten receiving offers on she says. ‘And out in the country, spring and autumn. the day, to a value of more than £85 million.

ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION over 80% of people are using The results speak for themselves. their homes for primary use. Q How does it help buyers and sellers? Even in London, that fi gure A Buyers like it because it gives them the Q What do you have to do to get involved? is almost at 55%.’ freedom to see lots of properties on one A You can register to take part online at McMahon is seeing evidence, day. They can plan their own route and struttandparker.com/openday or with your fi nally, of movement in the it’s really time effi cient. They also like the local Strutt & Parker offi ce. Once you’ve Dave Flanagan mortgage market: ‘It’s becoming a opportunity to meet vendors. From a seller’s provided your details, you’ll receive little bit more accessible for some perspective, you’ve got a lot of prospective a registration card. You can then view

WORDS buyers, so that’s a positive sign.’ buyers coming through the door to see your as many houses on the day as you wish.

pp08-09_&Local_Comment Why S&P_desFIN.indd 7 22/08/2013 09:53 ‘There’s a real buzz about Shrewsbury at the moment. It’s great to see investment and pride being taken in making the town a beautiful place to live and visit. The new Theatre Severn is great. My work is mainly with period buildings so I’ve been fascinated by the plans to develop the historic Flax Mill – a Shrewsbury landmark.’ Cory Irvin-Wright, property developer Why we love Shrewsbury What makes the town such a special place to ‘Shrewsbury is work and live? We ask a few local residents big enough to have a high-quality choice of restaurants, bars and shops, but small enough to be run successfully by independents. They give the town a distinct personality ‘There are lots of and many people enjoy lovely places to eat and visiting Shrewsbury drink that overlook the for that reason.’ river. And you can find Sam Taylor, owner, an unusual gift for any the Libertine Cocktail occasion at one of the Bar and Tea Room many independent Howard Simmons Howard

shops here.’ Sue Kay, manager, Arthur’s Café Bistro

‘We moved here nearly

four years ago because PHOTOGRAPHY ‘The Quarry is a lovely we liked the idea of living park that our two boys in the centre of a lively enjoy. It’s also the hub for town. It’s not just a pretty events such as the Food town, it’s vibrant too, with and Drink Festival and plenty of good pubs and Maps Illustrated

marathon, both of which places to eat. You get to were brilliantly supported know people quickly, and by the local community.’ Izzy loves the attention.’ Ceri Littler, owner, Alan Evitts (and Izzy),

Shropshire Hamper Co. local resident ILLUSTRATION

10 &Shrewsbury

pp10-11_&Shrewsbury_We Love_Map NO FLAP_des4.indd 1 29/08/2013 16:16 FIND US

Strutt & Parker Shrewsbury Theatre Royal, 14 Shoplatch Shropshire SY1 1HR Tel: 01743 284200 [email protected]

S&P Howard Simmons Howard

Strutt & Parker network and services

Strutt & Parker Shrewsbury is part of a Farming – our specialist agricultural advisers Resources & Energy – we help clients seize

PHOTOGRAPHY national network with 50 offices around work with farmers and landowners to help the opportunities and manage the risks that the UK, including 10 offices in central manage their land and increase profitability. energy issues present. London. As sole UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, we also work Land Management – we offer advice to Commercial Property – our highly successful with a network of 920 affiliate offices estate and land owners managing thousands commercial team provides forward-thinking in 41 countries around the globe. of acres with diverse business interests. advice across all commercial property sectors. Maps Illustrated

To complement our Residential Sales Valuation & Enfranchisement Services – Planning & Development – we advise on team, we offer clients a complete service from property valuations to client support planning strategy and submit applications for with experts across a wide range on planning processes, we offer many clients, as well as advising on development

ILLUSTRATION of disciplines, including: specialist property services. value and selling land with consent.

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pp10-11_&Shrewsbury_We Love_Map NO FLAP_des4.indd 2 29/08/2013 16:16 Shrewsbury Theatre Royal, 14 Shoplatch Shropshire SY1 1HR Tel: 01743 284200

London Ten offices in central London Visit struttandparker.com for details

To visit the Shrewsbury office homepage, simply hover your phone over struttandparker.com the QR code (right).

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