Wednesday 1 April 2015

Decadent Deco Homes&

Eltham Palace reopens for Easter Property Page 12

EASTER BARGAINS P6 FIRST-TIME BUYERS: WEMBLEY P8 FREE DESIGN ADVICE P16 SPOTLIGHT ON WEST HAMPSTEAD P28

LONDON’S BIGGEST AND MOST-READ PROPERTY The world at GUIDE your feet New homes: Easter house hunt Page 4

London’s best property search website: homesandproperty.co.uk 2 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Online homesandproperty.co.uk with This week: homesandproperty.co.uk news: landlady sentenced after tenants kick up a stink Property Popular: two tenants were search evicted from their flat in Novello Street, Fulham, after Trophy buy of the week complaining in the millionaires’ playground about a smell. These homes £7.5 million: it’s time to have some fun in Britain’s are nearby millionaires’ playground. Welcome to Vanquish, a dazzling five-bedroom pleasure dome overlooking the scenic A ROGUE landlady who kicked her tenants out after they Poole Harbour in Dorset. This may be one of the most complained about “an overwhelming smell” in their top- expensive places on Earth to live, but just consider what floor flat has been been sentenced to six months jail, you get here — a modernist masterpiece with a private suspended for two years, and faces fines and costs of mooring, an indoor pool and spa, lawns to the water’s nearly £25,000. edge and panoramic views to knock your socks off. Kathryn Dow, 56, first ignored complaints from her two Through Hamptons International. tenants about a “dead animal” stink in the flat she let in Novello Street, considered one of Fulham’s most O homesandproperty.co.uk/trophy attractive roads but, after the local council became involved, the tenants returned home to find their belongings in storage and the locks changed. Dow denied London buy of the week dazzling acting illegally at City of London Magistrates’ Court. She had previously been ordered to pay the tenants nearly Fulham flat won’t fail to catch your eye £14,000 in compensation by West London County Court. £670,000: bags of natural light, will catch your attention. A fabulous O Read Ruth Bloomfield’s full story at homesandproperty.co.uk space and a secluded garden come open-plan kitchen has been created with this south Fulham flat set on a at one end, with skylights leading into leafy street, which is just a stroll from a living area that has glass doors the exclusive Hurlingham Club. opening out to a terrace and a pretty At the front of the flat you will find garden that backs on to South Park. two spacious bedrooms lit by sash Through Sell My Home. windows and a bathroom, but it is the extension into the side return that O homesandproperty.co.uk/buy Life changer farmhouse has Visit our new online potential for animal kingdom luxury section £950,000: escape the rat race at this Oxfordshire farmhouse just outside Bicester. With six bedrooms and HomesAndProperty.co.uk/luxury four-and-a-half acres, it comes with a popular kennels and cattery business. Outbuildings and three paddocks provide further potential, while the house has spacious reception rooms with open fires, along with a pleasant garden room with rural views. Through John D Wood. By Faye O homesandproperty.co.uk/lifechanger Greenslade

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Join the luxury holiday We find hot London homes reduced by up to £525,000 Editor: home specialists... Janice Let the Morley Many Easter luxury properties VISIT homesandproperty.co.uk/ deliver over rules for details of our usual house hunt 39 weeks! promotion rules. When you respond to promotions, offers or competitions, the London Evening begin… Standard and its sister companies may contact you with relevant offers and services that may be of THE Easter house sales are under £385,000: but was £595,000, saving £210,000. An airy interest. Please give your mobile way and, with a four-day weekend, one-bedroom flat with balcony close to central Wimbledon    
          
 
 number and/or email address if  
 there couldn’t be a better time to  
 

 
   
 you would like to receive such      

 

 discover that bargain home — if you £625,000: but offers by text or email.
  
 

  
 

 

  know where to look. was £799,950,          We uncover some sweet property saving £174,950. discounts that offer reductions of up A four-bedroom 
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"  Editorial: 020 3615 2524 to £525,000, with one- and two- family house 
       Advertisement manager: bedroom flats from just £130,000 near Streatham 
 
         Jamie McCabe and houses from £375,000. Common, right, Advertising: 020 3615 0527 Join us as we take a tour of the best with wooden Homes & Property, Northcliffe and most stylish property bargains in floors, a garden House, 2 Derry Street, Kensington, London this spring. and parking London W8 5TT. O Visit homesandproperty.co.uk/flatsale or homesandproperty.co.uk/housesale EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 3 homesandproperty.co.uk with News Homes & Property Homes gossip By Amira Hashish Got some gossip? Tweet Take a glimpse into @amiranews political history Buy Kate’s chart topper Holiday with RiRi for £75m É ARUNDELLS, which sits in É
KATE BUSH’S former home, É JOHN MORPHET, 56, with the resort’s facilities Salisbury’s Cathedral Close and named Wuthering Heights after the a Cumbrian farmer- and beach. There is backs on to water meadows made singer-songwriter’s chart-topping turned-caravan park planning permission for famous by painter John Constable, debut single, attracted much owner, is selling Royal more homes, with 30 plots was the home of former prime attention when it went on the market Westmoreland, the luxury currently available, as well minister Sir Edward Heath, below. — but the grand six-bedroom house Caribbean holiday as a hotel and a second Considered to be one of the loveliest in south-east London has not sold complex for the rich and 18-hole golf course. houses in England, it recently after five months. famous that he bought reopened to the public for the new The 5,333sq ft Victorian home in in 2004. The price is season until November, and is staging Eltham has now been re-listed at £75 million. exhibitions celebrating the former £2.6 million — £150,000 lower than Sports stars Wayne Bexley MP’s long parliamentary the original asking price — with Alan Rooney, Gary Lineker, career and his place in the history de Maid. Michael Vaughan, Freddie books as the first state-educated Bush, left, lived there from 1985 to Flintoff and Joe Calzaghe Conservative prime minister. 2003. One of the bedrooms was a all own villas at the The house remains largely as it dance studio, and a big walk-in Barbados golf resort, and was when he lived there, with a mix wardrobe she used for storing her pop star Rihanna, right, is of political, sailing and musical flamboyant costumes is still in situ. also said to be a big fan. memorabilia reflecting his career Wrought iron gates proclaim the Morphet acquired the and private passions. Homeware property’s name, at the entrance estate, which now includes includes a desk owned by Lloyd to landscaped acres which include 225 holiday homes, after George, a pair of 18th-century vases a tree house and a garden bar. selling a chunk of his from the Qing dynasty presented by successful UK leisure Chairman Mao, and paintings and O homesandproperty.co.uk/kate business for £100 million drawings by L S Lowry and John and going on holiday to the Nash. Arundells will also feature in a island, where he fell in love

BBC programme about Heath. REX Cruise is on a mission: seeking a buyer with £8.6 million for his bolt-hole in LA É TOM CRUISE has spent recent sell his luxurious three-bedroom months in London filming home in the Los Angeles hills, far scenes for Mission: Impossible — right. It boasts a surprisingly Rogue Nation, at landmarks large four-bedroom guesthouse including the Tower of London in the 2½-acre grounds, along and Piccadilly Circus. with an outbuilding The London sequences will form that could be used as key moments in the film, which is a wine cellar. due for a speedy release in July. Cruise’s price, Cruise, right, has been spending should you choose to so much time away from accept it, is a cool

REX Tinseltown that he has decided to £8.6 million. REX 4 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Easter house hunt: new homes homesandproperty.co.uk with

It’s all about the view: at 21 Wapping Lane, penthouses come with City views from every room, including the kitchen, left. For an even more spectacular vista, check out the view from the show home at One Tower Bridge, right, for £5.85 million

PACE-PLANNING and good architecture that is sensitive to its location are the drivers behind the new homes DESIGNERS launches this Easter. SWith interiors becoming more thoughtfully planned and priority being given to low energy use and GET THE innovation in building materials, new homes have to be efficient to run and safe and healthy places in which to raise a family to impress buyers. Homes for young first-timers are BIG PICTURE fitted out with affordable furniture, and this year sees the return of stylish Architects are creating new homes linoleum and polished concrete surfaces, with paints and materials sensitive to London’s much-loved iconic chosen from high street ranges so that buyers can easily maintain “the look”. areas, discovers David Spittles There is still room, however, for decadent cabaret and burlesque apartments with floor-to-ceiling win- leaseback deals. They sell the show viaduct. Peabody, the developer, is despite development pressures to touches inspired by the Roaring dows as it accentuates the sense of space home but enter into a contract with the unapologetically making the most of build more homes to cope with the Twenties, according to the British and light, and brings views into play as buyer to use it for marketing purposes the gritty urban streetscape. It has capital’s bulging population. Interior Design Association. soon as you walk through the door. for a set period — say, 12 months — while leased the arch from Transport for The Arboretum is a rare new-build In London, clean, crisp lines with the rest of the development is built. For London and is creating a landscaped scheme moments from the ancient LOCATION MATTERS different surface textures — glass, buyers who are happy to delay moving public walkway between the train woodlands of Epping Forest and only Developers are taking inspiration from stone, stainless steel, leather, laminates in, it can be a convenient and cost-effi- tracks and the homes. a 15-minute walk from the market town an area’s local character. In Broad and wood — are the design theme, cient option. You get a furnished home The architecture is solid-looking yet of the same name, which has an 18th Court, Covent Garden, listed Victorian which is beginning to filter into the and by the time you take possession sensitively designed to reduce noise, century high street and some prized workshops have been stripped back to suburban new-builds. the property could well be worth more with a tranquil central courtyard that listed buildings. Apartments are priced expose original roof rafters, vaulted than you paid. is a green retreat for residents. Two- from £345,000 and houses from ceilings and warm brick walls. Two IT’S SHOWTIME Glamorous marketing suites that look bedroom apartments cost from £650,000. Call L&Q on 01992 577096. double-height penthouses have been Show homes are the property everyone like a Bond Street fashion boutique are £616,000. Call 020 7758 8431. Back in town, Aura in Edgware brings created at the top of the building. wants. If you buy a show home you not replacing show homes at big develop- added-value design, with 189 good- Prices from £2.5 million. Call CBRE on only get a designer home, you get the ments such as Royal Wharf in Dock- LESS THAN £350,000 specification homes, including town- 020 7420 3050. chance to pick up extra fixtures lands and Embassy Gardens at Nine houses, set in generously-landscaped Interior architects are being brought and fittings — even commissioned Elms. The sales centre mock-up apart- In Lewisham in south-east London, gardens. Prices from £300,000. Call in at an early stage to create more artworks — at a discounted price. ments offer a sensory experience of show flats have been created next to a 020 8951 3907. imaginative and flexible floor plans and One Commercial Street, a 21-storey what the development will be like. Victorian watermill, part of Galliard’s create storage solutions. One outcome tower in Aldgate, has four large, luxury Riverdale House scheme of 137 LESS THAN £700,000 is New York-style apartments where you penthouses with spectacular views. GRITTY CAN BE GLAMOROUS flats. Prices from £237,500. Call enter the property directly via an Each flat comes with contents worth For the first time, a railway arch is 020 7620 1500. Wesley Court in Spitalfields, a listed open-plan area rather than reaching the up to £100,000 included. Prices from being used for show flats. More West, Epping Forest, a wild and wonderful former mission hall, has been split into living space via a cramped hallway. This £2.95 million. Call DTZ on 020 3302 at Freston Road in North Kensington, frontier on the eastern edge of London, seven apartments — some of them with works particularly well in high rise 3115. Some developers offer sale-and- is being built alongside a railway has managed to protect its rural status dramatic double-height spaces — with

£2.95 million: flats at One Commercial Street, Aldgate, have furniture packages worth up to £100,000 included in the price EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 5 homesandproperty.co.uk with Easter house hunt: new homes Homes & Property

Modern intervention: Ballymore is building 385 contemporary homes, left, at 21 Wapping Lane, in a raw maritime setting

Working with history: well- designed flats at Riverdale House in Lewisham, right, close to a Victorian watermill

modern, minimalist interiors. Prices mansion blocks, with parquet floors start from £575,000. Call estate agent and high ceilings. Prices from £885,000. Fyfe Mcdade on 020 7613 4044. Call Barratt on 0844 811 4321. Hurlingham Walk in Fulham rein- Royal Connaught Park in Bushey, vents a traditional housing type — man- Hertfordshire, was originally the Royal sion apartment living, albeit with a Masonic School for boys. Townhouses modern twist. The mid-rise, brick- created within the splendid Edwardian blocks are set around attractively land- buildings have been launched, priced scaped courtyards and bring stylish and from £899,000. Call 01923 222292. functional apartments with full-height The development is set in 100 acres windows and doors that open on to of parkland, has a gym and swimming spacious balconies with cast iron bal- pool for residents plus a free shuttle ustrading — outside space was rare with bus to Bushey station — 20 minutes traditional mansion blocks. Porterage, to Euston. 24-hour security and gated under- ground parking make up the package MORE THAN £1 MILLION of benefits. Prices from £685,000. Call St James on 020 8246 4199. Long Walk Villas is a new terrace of nine large houses with terraces and LESS THAN £1 MILLION gardens in a conservation quarter overlooking The Long Walk, a mag- Great Minster House, opposite the nificent tree-lined avenue in Windsor Home Office in Westminster, might be Great Park. described as “modern-classic” in Homes sit behind ornamental gates design, echoing the area’s Edwardian and have an imposing portico entrance plus integral garage and a generous 3,500sq ft interior. £3.65 million: An open-plan kitchen and family The Pembridge room extends into the garden and house design, far forms a first-floor terrace above, left, at London while another outside space at the top Square, Fulham, of the house has views of Windsor comes with a Castle. mix of outdoor Prices from £2.5 million. Call 020 3137 spaces. Call the 8226. sales suite on Chelsea Galleries in Kings Road was 0333 666 2737 once a hub for artists and the original home of Chelsea Arts Club. The build- From £685,000: ing is now a boutique scheme of larger- at Hurlingham than-average size homes, with private Walk, Fulham, a terraces, tranquil courtyard gardens mansion block and gated parking. scheme has been Three-storey townhouses have given a modern interiors designed by the world- twist with renowned Nina Campbell, while lateral balconies and apartments are equally lavish, with full-height bespoke pieces of furniture such as a windows and bronze and faux eel skin doors. Call dining table. St James on Prices from £4.75 million. Call Knight 020 8246 4199 Frank on 020 7861 5483. 6 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Easter house hunting homesandproperty.co.uk with Ruth Bloomfield goes on an Easter property search to find homes to suit tight budgets

£230,000: ITH a four-day week- Fox & Sons has end coming up, this is a one-bedroom the ideal time to begin flat with a patio a house hunt. The garden for sale spring market has right on the wokenW up and there are plenty of prop- seafront in erties for sale in every price bracket, Marine Parade, from edgy central London neighbour- O For more details and pictures, visit homesandproperty.co.uk/easterparade Brighton hoods to leafy commuter villages and market towns. Here is our guide for house hunters with budgets of less than £250,000, £350,000 and £500,000. LESS THAN £250,000 IN LONDON CATFORD This is a gritty area that is growing in popularity with those priced out of Clapham and East Dulwich thanks to its great City train links. The best houses are on the Corbett Estate east of the town centre, where two- bedroom flats are about £250,000. Upside: gentrification is on the way. Downside: but not for a while. The town centre could do with some TLC. Town and CHARLTON VILLAGE Based in south-east London, this is an up-and-coming enclave with trains to !"#+'+ London Bridge that take 16 minutes. The high street is compact but useful and there are some decent local pubs + '+#(2&+* + and an open-air swimming pool. Two- bedroom flats in Victorian conversions  % # "% +%%  $ 
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+1/1;.1+, a two-bedroom flat within a fine Ridgmount A great mix of café culture, a castle and Victorian house. Gardens, there is a cathedral, Arundel sits within the Upside: a 13-minute train journey to a lovely red brick South Downs National Park and Lon- London Bridge. mansion block in doners are attracted by the high-per- ")%  ' (%"  Downside: the dreary high street. Bloomsbury, just forming state schools. Three-bedroom minutes from modern and Victorian houses are COMMUTER OPTIONS all the central priced from about £250,000. KEMPTOWN, BRIGHTON London action. Upside: a thriving arts scene, with an +# +# +# Get some sea air and pick up a two- Foxtons has a annual festival each August. bedroom flat in a period house in one-bedroom Downside: 90-minute commute Brighton’s gay heartland, stuffed with flat for sale that and an annual season ticket that !%# % 3;+$422& bars and quirky shops, close to the would make an costs £4,256. seafront and an easy walk to the city ideal weekday !%#$ ! + %+3;+$4& centre for about £200,000. pied-à-terre LESS THAN £350,000 Upside: cosmopolitan life beyond the capital. IN LONDON Downside: seafront homes need a PLUMSTEAD good deal of maintenance. The new Crossrail station at nearby Woolwich will give this underrated area BOVINGDON, HERTFORDSHIRE a direct link to central London for the This is a quality village on the edge of first time. Good three-bedroom homes the Chilterns, with excellent local around Plumstead Common are priced facilities, including three pubs and at about £350,000 — good value. shops. Two-bedroom cottages are Upside: great investment potential. priced at about £250,000, although Downside: a boring high street. family houses will cost more like £500,000. Trains from Hemel Hemp- BLACKHEATH stead take from 26 minutes to reach A lovely leafy London village with a %
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% #+  % %+#   #  *  Euston, and a season ticket costs £4,412. great world heritage open space at its Upside: the village possesses an heart. Blackheath has got it all — inde- ( %#%# %#%#  Ofsted-outstanding primary school. pendent shops and cafés on Montpelier -::++ + ++ 77+ -: -18/; Downside: it’s not very picture Vale, a farmers’ market, art gallery and postcard pretty. even a microbrewery. Its location over EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 7 homesandproperty.co.uk with Easter house hunting Homes & Property

Destination: far left, Brighton’s lively Kemptown has two-bedroom flats from £200,000; left, Walthamstow Village offers neat workers’ cottages from £500,000; and right, Blackheath Village is ideally placed for City and Canary Wharf workers, with flats from

£250,000 ALAMY

LESS THAN £500,000 and Bloomsbury Square gardens. Downside: you don’t get much IN LONDON space for your money. WALTHAMSTOW VILLAGE London village lifestyle on a relative COMMUTER OPTIONS shoestring, 10 minutes’ walk from BISHOP’S STORTFORD, Walthamstow Central station, HERTFORDSHIRE with some tempting cafés and interest- A fine market town less than 40 min- ing shops. You can find workers’ utes from Liverpool Street station. cottages priced at about £500,000 Families move there to get their chil-

ALAMY ALAMY and two-bedroom flats for about dren into The Hertfordshire & Essex £300,000. High School for girls and seniors, or Upside: village shops include a The Bishop’s Stortford High School for butchers and a bakers. boys. Properties are good value, with Downside: the rest of Walthamstow three to four-bedroom modern houses remains rough around the edges. priced between £450,000 and country house hunt £500,000, while an annual season WEST EALING ticket costs £4,952. the river from Canary Wharf means it COMMUTER OPTIONS near the station for about £300,000. Get on the Crossrail bandwagon in this Upside: Cambridge is a short train attracts a lot of City workers. First-time CHEAM, SURREY It takes less than 40 minutes to reach rapidly improving west London out- ride for nights out and shopping. buyers look for ex-council flats in the A value option within the gilded Surrey Liverpool Street station, but an annual post, where two-bedroom flats are Downside: some homes in town village, priced from £250,000. countryside, with a pleasing town cen- season ticket costs £3,496. about £400,000. The nicest property suffer flightpath noise from Stansted. Upside: a high-end location with a tre. Jeremy Richardson, of Christies Upside: there are plans for a new is in the St Stephen’s Conservation huge variety of architecture and estate agents, says the area’s real pull shopping centre and cinema. Area, a pocket of Victorian and Edward- WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX stunning Georgian terraces. is in its top state schools, particularly Downside: the TOWIE factor. ian semis on tree-lined streets. Set within the beauties of the Weald, Downside: the Georgian terraces Nonsuch High School for Girls. Upside: green space provided by this is a lovely market town within a require a seven-figure budget. There is plenty of green space and SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX Drayton Green. couple of miles of Bewl Water, an enor- good shops, too. Buy a three-bedroom A lovely medieval market town with a Downside: family houses cost from mous reservoir with opportunities NOEL PARK terrace house from £300,000. An truly scrumptious town centre £850,000. for sailing, windsurfing and rowing. One of the few places where you can annual season ticket costs £2,188 to littered with timber buildings, plenty The High Street has a great range of buy a house for this budget. Noel Park Victoria, which takes 30 minutes. of good shops to explore, cafés BLOOMSBURY traditional shops, pubs and cafés. Conservation Area is one of the earliest Upside: less than 10 miles to the and traditional pubs. You can still If you simply must have a central The average property price stands garden cities built of 2,000 Victorian Surrey Hills. be in the City in less than an hour London address, then Bloomsbury is at £509,198, according to Zoopla. cottages with front and back gardens Downside: a bit parochial. from nearby Audley End. A £350,000 a relatively under-the-radar spot. Trains to Charing Cross take 63 in 1881. Noel Park Primary School has budget will buy a three or four- Jonathan Hudson, director of Hudsons, minutes. a ‘good’ Ofsted rating and there are BRENTWOOD, ESSEX bedroom modern detached house on says that a £500,000 budget would Upside: quality schools, including plenty of shops in Wood Green and on This town has great transport links and the fringes. secure a one-bedroom mansion flat. Uplands Community College Lordship Lane. good schools, says Carl Gable, director Upside: a beautiful place to live. “More value for money comes from (seniors) and Wadhurst CE Upside: great arts and crafts houses. of Beresfords estate agents. The town Downside: an annual season ticket ex-council flats,” he adds. Primary School. Downside: about a mile’s walk to is littered with ‘outstanding’ Ofsted to central London costs £5,404, and Upside: some of Bloomsbury’s Downside: an annual season ticket Wood Green Tube station. No pubs. schools. Buy a two-bedroom cottage trains take nearly an hour. gems include the Renoir Cinema costs £5,292.



       

   
  
   

 
          
 
 8 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property First-time buyers homesandproperty.co.uk with

From £305,000: flats in the North West Village, right, are the latest phase at Wembley Park. Call 020 3151 8601. You can buy a 35 per cent share of a flat at nearby Lime Walk, left, for £103,250. Call Imagine Living on 01923 636737

HINK Wembley and you’ll probably think of its football stadium, On your way especially at this time of year when the FA Cup final Tand Football League play-offs loom. to Wembley Sports fans and concertgoers know about the area’s efficient train links — 
 three stations providing quick David Spittles discovers that commutes to the West End and City.   
    On the Bakerloo line, it takes about the famous sports stadium is 20 minutes to reach Paddington from 
  
  

 


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  ‘We felt like we were pioneers’ has raised the bar with Oxford Street- type retail outlets, brand-name IT CONSULTANT Mitesh it’s amazing how the area  
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    More than 1,000 residents have Maisuria, 36, were among been here — the new shops already moved in and eventually Wembley Park’s early-bird and restaurants, the gym around 5,000 people will live there. buyers four years ago. and the glamorous Sky bar Flats at North West Village, the Recently, the couple and cocktail lounge at the latest phase, cost from £305,000 to decided to trade up to a Hilton Hotel. We love it. £790,000. Call 020 3151 8601. two-bedroom flat, which “Sunday food markets Residents benefit from a package of they bought off-plan have added vitality, while extras not normally available at new and are due to move into public screening on a giant housing schemes. next year. TV of events such as the Quintain Keystone has invested “We did feel like pioneers Wimbledon tennis heavily in infrastructure and is not and weren’t totally sure tournament has helped only the developer but also the that we would put down foster a sense of management company, concierge roots,” says Sheetal. “But community.” and fibre-optic broadband supplier. ") -*"
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, London than its Zone 4 status. Prices £310,000, or £103,250 for a 35 per at Wembley Park are nudging towards cent share. Call Imagine Living on £600 per square foot, putting it on a 01923 636737. par with some Zone 2 and 3 areas, but Parkside Place is another new it is still relatively cheap for a location development, with one-bedroom a few stops from the West End. apartments starting at £255,000. Wembley Central is an apartment Help to Buy, the Government’s complex that sits above and low-deposit scheme, is available. alongside the train station of the Call 020 8904 6523. 10 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Money homesandproperty.co.uk with Pensions are a pot of gold. Handle with care Property has always been a long-term investment, so take a cool look at the buy-to-let market, warns Steve Lodge

HOUSANDS of savers are five years, with London prices rising expected to take advantage by as little as 10 per cent between now of new pension freedoms and 2019, and most regions up only by to snap up properties as about 20 per cent. buy-to-let investments. However, even with more moderate TFrom the new tax year starting next returns in prospect, buy-to-let may still week (April 6), over-55s will be able to appeal to many savers compared to the cash in their pension plans to invest or low annuity rates on offer for their spend as they like, rather than swap pension cash. these funds for a traditional annuity To buy a rental property outright with income. pension cash, savers will need to have The reform has prompted talk of a a sizeable fund. wave of “silver landlords” flooding into Most people have less than £100,000 property auctions and the buy-to-let in total in personal pensions and the market, previously dominated by newer workplace pensions (“defined younger investors hoping to use contribution” or “money purchase” property to build a pension. schemes) that can be encashed. Some reports have suggested that as many as 500,000 savers could use their TAX BILLS pension cash to invest in rental proper- While it will be possible to transfer ties, though Tom McPhail, head of “final salary” — also known as “defined pensions research at Hargreaves benefit” — pensions into arrangements Lansdown, the investment adviser, that can be encashed, many financial says a more realistic estimate may be experts warn that savers are likely to in the low tens of thousands. be better off keeping these traditional Buy-to-let has certainly been lucrative workplace schemes. for many people. Savers cashing in pensions may also have to stomach a big tax bill. While RENTAL INCOME 25 per cent of the value of most plans Landlords made 16.3 per cent a year is tax-free, the rest will be taxed like on average from mortgaged buy-to-let other income when it is withdrawn. By properties between 1996 (when buy- cashing in a pension policy worth

to-let mortgages first became available) GETTY £100,000, you’re likely to suffer tax of and the end of 2013, according to a at least £20,000 and, depending on study for Paragon Mortgages. Auction stations: over-55s could soon mortgage interest. “In London it can TYPICAL RENTAL YIELDS* your other income, you may have to This return includes rental income be joining the bidding at property sales be hard to generate income after costs Gross rental yield pay the top tax rate of 45 per cent on and capital growth as well as allowing at all,” says Thomas. Area % some of this money. for mortgage and maintenance costs while, calculates that landlords made London 4.3 — and is equivalent to turning each a staggering £177 billion in capital gains PRICE GROWTH HE GOOD news for those £1,000 invested into more than £13,000 alone over the past five years as prop- Across the country, the typical rental South-East 4.3 wanting or needing a over the 17-year period. erty prices have recovered since the yield has also slipped to five per cent, East of England 4.4 mortgage to buy a rental By comparison, returns on unmort- financial crisis. says LSL, although landlords can find South-West 3.7 property is that loan rates gaged buy-to-let properties were But after such strong returns, higher returns in some regions — in the West Midlands 5.5 are at historic lows. Aver- 9.7 per cent a year on average, while prospective landlords should not North-West the average yield is 6.8 per ageT buy-to-let rates are less than four the stockmarket averaged just 6.8 per assume buy-to-let will be so profitable cent — and with certain property types, East Midlands 5.7 per cent, according to researchers cent annually, with four per cent from in the coming years. including ex-council and shared prop- North-West 6.8 Moneyfacts, with two-year fixed rates cash. London’s high property prices mean erties known as HMOs (houses in mul- Yorkshire & The Humber 6.5 and trackers available at less than three Rob Thomas, the housing expert who that rental yields (the annual rent as a tiple occupation). North-East 5.2 per cent. And, unlike with a mortgage calculated the returns for Paragon, percentage of a property’s value) have Meanwhile, with the recent cooling on your own home, there is tax relief Wales 4.3 adds that buy-to-let properties in come down to just 4.3 per cent on in property prices, a range of forecasts for loan interest on a buy-to-let prop- London would have done better still average, their lowest since 2008, have suggested that capital values will England & Wales 5.0 erty. Offsetting mortgage interest — with £1,000 invested into a mort- according to data from LSL Property rise by less than five per cent this year. Scotland 4.0 against rental income saves many land- gaged property in the capital growing Services. And this figure is before tax Savills also predicts that price growth lords more than £1,000 in tax each Source: LSL Property Services *Gross rental yields: annual rent to more than £20,000. Savills, mean- and costs, such as maintenance and will be generally subdued for the next (before tax and costs) as a percentage of property value financial year.

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1 2 3 4 Five things to see in April By Barbara Chandler

1 URBANISTAS: THE WOMEN tribal baskets and beadwork. This is a CHANGING THE DESIGN OF OUR global treasure trawl, with historic CITIES TODAY work from Anatolia to China. Until June 27 at Roca London Shown here is a beautiful little
   Gallery, Station Court, Townmead fragment of a 16th-century Persian Road, SW6 (rocalondongallery.com; carpet in a weave so complicated that 020 7610 9503) no one has been able to copy it. IN THE ultra-curvy spaces of a bathroom showroom by Zaha Hadid 4 CERAMIC ART LONDON are inspirational ideas and projects April 17-19 at Henry Moore and
     by five women architects aiming to Gulbenkian Galleries, Royal College transform Britain’s cities through of Art, Kensington Gore, SW7 design. Shown here, for example, is (ceramics.org.uk; 020 3137 0750) the imaginative renovation of Altab A WEEKEND of beautiful ceramics, Ali Park, opposite the Whitechapel from mugs and jugs to sculptural art, Gallery in east London, by Muf brings together exhibitors from all   Architecture/Art (muf.co.uk). over the world. We love Sophie A bland, featureless space was MacCarthy’s tall Leaves and Stalks remodelled with grassy slopes and jugs, pictured. Take away a treasure boulders for seating and play. A for your home — prices start at £30. memorial was renovated, and the Also enjoy a packed programme of outlines of two old churches demos, talks, debates and films. revealed. Evening talks open to the public are on April 16 and 30. 5 MARCEL BREUER AT THE ISOKON GALLERY 2 VIVIENNE WESTWOOD: CUT Until the end of October, weekends, FROM THE PAST 11am to 4pm, at Lawn Road Flats, Until October 31 at Danson Lawn Road, Hampstead NW3 House, Bexleyheath (isokongallery.co.uk) FASHION rebel Dame Vivienne THIS year is the 80th anniversary of Westwood has adopted the 18th the London arrival of Marcel Breuer, century as her “highpoint of art and who studied at the famous Bauhaus culture” and inspired an intriguing design school that was closed by the show that will delight furnishers and Nazis in 1933. Breuer left Germany to   
       fashionistas alike. join his colleague, Walter Gropius, in          
   Set amid the sumptuous interiors of the pioneering modernist Lawn Road   
      
   a beautifully restored Georgian villa Flats in Hampstead.      are edgy — shocking, even — fashions There is a gallery telling the story of influenced by the rococo paintings of the building, with a special focus on         
     French artists Watteau and Boucher. Breuer, whose curvy plywood Long Admission is £8, or £6 for concessions. Chair, below, is on sale at Skandium 
   
  
    
 for £2,330 (skandium.com).         

 3 THE LONDON ANTIQUE RUG   
 
    AND TEXTILE ART FAIR (LARTA) April 16-19 at The Showroom, Penfold      
     Street, NW8 (larta.net)   
          LIKE an eastern souk, find antique rugs, runners, embroideries,      tapestries and kilims, along with

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RE separate bedrooms the secret of a happy marriage? If so, it might be one reason why textiles heir Stephen Courtauld andA his wife Virginia were so blissful in the glamorous Art Deco mansion they built in 1936 at Eltham Palace in Kent, where each had their own magnificent bedroom with en suite bathroom. Vir- ginia’s bathroom was onyx and pure gold while Stephen’s was entirely cov- ered in handmade turquoise tiles, and the two bedrooms were romantically connected by a disguised door. Here are just a few other suggestions as to why the Courtaulds were so con- tent: they were stupendously wealthy, spending half the year globetrotting by private yacht and chauffeur-driven car among Europe and Africa’s glitterati, and the rest of the time throwing par- ties in their lavish home, which was decorated by the best designers of the day with no expense spared. ENGLISH HERITAGE The house had every newfangled mod Animal prints: dining room doors feature bold gold-and-black lacquer motifs con of the time, from its own telephone exchange and underfloor heating, to synchronised clocks in guest rooms. A flower room off the hall, with 100 vases constantly filled from the 19-acre gardens that included Stephen’s orchid Wildly, wonderfully, hothouses, was opposite a payphone booth with a flip-up seat for any guest to use... as long as they had spare gloriously decadent change. Also for the use of party guests, either side of the entrance lobby was a pair of staffed cloakrooms, just in case — cheery from downing more Martinis Eltham Palace than prudent — you lost a stud or tore a chiffon flounce. On a more domestic note, in the base- The Courtaulds were famously fabulously ment lurked a gigantic vacuum cleaner that looks like a steam engine, which rich so built themselves an Art Deco mansion was connected to outlets throughout the mansion for the army of staff; there like no other, says Philippa Stockley were 15 gardeners alone. Meanwhile, if you opened a mysteri- under the famous gilded hammerbeam of Ealing Studios and a trustee of the Courmayeur in the Italian Alps. They Seely and Paul Paget, suggested the site ous medieval-style door discreetly roof that had looked down on the antics Royal Opera House, invited streams of married in 1923 and Virginia bought a of Eltham Palace, Greenwich. Once so marked Minstrels’ Gallery at the end of some of our greatest kings and guests. Born in 1883, Cambridge-edu- ring-tailed lemur from Harrods, calling glorious, most of the square-moated of an upstairs corridor, hidden behind queens. All this, fully restored, is now cated, bookish Stephen was the it Mah-Jongg. “Jongy” had its own bed- palace had been destroyed, leaving just modernist screens, you would find on show. younger brother of Samuel, who room at Eltham with underfloor heat- the windowless and roofless Great Hall yourself on the gallery of the Great Hall founded the Courtauld Institute of Art. ing, murals and a bamboo ladder down — used as a barn — and some of the built by King Edward IV about 1470. It feels like the set for an episode of The family wealth was built on rayon to the flower room. Famously quick to moat and bridges. Henry VIII, who was born and raised Poirot or Jeeves & Wooster — except that and with no need to make a living, bite people it disliked, the creature also In 1933, the Courtaulds took a 99-year at Eltham, and other monarchs until this was real, with an ever-changing cast Stephen, who was awarded the Military had its own striped deckchair on the lease from the Crown. Astonishingly Charles I also used the hall. of people the Courtaulds met on their Cross in 1918, enjoyed climbing and family yacht, the Virginia. they were allowed to build what they The Courtaulds enjoyed throwing travels, plus politicians, film producers scaled Mont Blanc in 1919. The couple began searching for a liked, as long as they restored the Great parties here for up to 450 people, and royalty. Queen Mary visited twice, That year, he also met the vivacious semi-rural retreat near town, and two Hall. Inconceivable today, but it led to fox-trotting gaily to the best bands and Stephen, who was financial director Virginia Spinola, née Peirano, in young Cambridge architects, John the audacious creation that quickly EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 13 homesandproperty.co.uk with Interiors Homes & Property DAVID BULTLER/ENGLISH HERITAGE BULTLER/ENGLISH DAVID HERITAGE BULTLER/ENGLISH DAVID ENGLISH HERITAGE His: Stephen’s bathroom, entirely Hers: Virginia’s en suite bathroom, Stunning: Eltham Palace is surrounded covered with handmade turquoise tiles decked out in onyx and pure gold by 19 acres of magnificent gardens

The dining room is equally dramatic, Period pieces: with its bold, key-pattern black and the Eltham silver-leaf doors decorated with Palace shop has animals from the five continents, a a range of Art coved aluminium leaf ceiling, and pink Deco-inspired dining chairs. homeware including this Following a £1.7 million restoration by teapot, £55, and English Heritage, previously unseen teacup and rooms are on show. They include saucer £17.99. Virginia’s walk-in wardrobe, the Chunky black basement with its superior bomb Thirties-style shelter kitted out with plenty of beds, telephones a billiards room decorated with murals, are £49.99 and a map room. Sadly, the Second World War put the

philanthropic Courtaulds off Eltham, HERITAGE BULTLER/ENGLISH DAVID particularly after three direct hits. In 1944 they decamped, first to

ENGLISH HERITAGE Scotland, which was too cold for Jongy, then to Zimbabwe, where they built a Imposing figures: marquetry panels compared to a cigarette factory but, in house called La Rochelle. Stephen died in the entrance hall depict a Roman fact, the building, nestled in its gar- there in 1967. soldier and Viking guarding the room dens, rather resembles a Hollywood- After the Courtaulds left Eltham, the inspired château. Army took it over. followed. This immense house, com- The stunning circular hall/drawing This extraordinary home, every inch plete with all its mod cons and exten- room designed by Swedish architect of which tells the vivid life of its owners, sive use of unusual woods including Rolf Engströmer is bigger and brighter still rings — almost — to dance music pear and sycamore, not to mention the than you expect, with its re-woven piped through loudspeakers, and the huge concrete dome in the hall, stud- Marion Dorn carpet, chic loose-cov- crystal clink of cocktail glasses. ded with circles of glass, took just three ered white armchairs and complex All aboard: Stephen and Virginia years to design and build. marquetry. Most of the other interiors O For full details visit english-heritage. Courtauld on their yacht, right, where On completion, the bi-winged house, were by the eccentric Italian interior org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and- their ring-tailed lemur, Jongy, above, coming off its central circular hall, was designer, Marchese Peter Malacrida. gardens/ had its own striped deckchair


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- $. $ %%  %% 16 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Easter projects homesandproperty.co.uk with On the house Find your style. There are plenty of experts in London’s shops who will help you with interiors advice for free — or almost. Barbara Chandler has done the legwork

■AMERICAN BEAUTY plan on the spot. Or book a home Interior design advice is free, including visit, where a designer will measure a home visit at the colourful and up. A finished plan includes colours eclectic American store West Elm in and ideas for customised furniture. the West End. Five in-store home BoConcept, Tottenham Court Road, stylists have plenty of catalogues and W1 (020 7388 2447); also in Notting samples, and can put together a Hill, Finchley Road, Battersea and room design on their computers. Kingston, with concessions in A home visit that include plans and Harrods and Selfridges. mood boards is also free. Consultant Cosy green: woodwork, Green Smoke Estate Eggshell Alex Shaw says: “We love adding a ■SMART PAINT-MAKERS walls, Castle Gray Modern Emulsion, both from F&B contemporary touch to London’s Paint giant Dulux offers an interior period terrace homes.” design service. Audrey Whelan, ■SHADES OF GLORY West Elm, Tottenham Court based in Islington, is one of three FARROW & BALL colours advice on colour schemes Road, W1 (020 7637 9150); designers covering London. and gradations of shades and patterns. That is our visit westelm.co.uk Whelan explains how colour makes are truly impressive. strength,” says consultant a difference, and tackles space Get help to sort out a Joa Studholme. ■DANISH DELIGHTS planning and furniture, wall room scheme for free at O Visit farrow-ball.com. BoConcept furniture stores are well- coverings, flooring, lighting and the company’s 10 London The Farrow & Ball flagship known in Denmark. Now they have accessories. showrooms, and browse store is on Fulham Road, five stores in London where design An initial in-home consultation is its gorgeous hand-printed SW3 (020 7351 0273); also advice is free, including a home visit. free, after which a personal Dulux wallpapers. Or book a in Notting Hill, Islington, Their style is contemporary and Design Pack costs £295 a room. Then home visit at £195 an hour, Marylebone, Hampstead, clean-cut, with a huge range of take over yourself, or their designer with a £50 voucher towards Battersea, Wimbledon, furniture, furnishings and accesso- will source and buy at agreed fees. paint. “We stick to offering Richmond and Blackheath. ries. Bring your room plans to a store See duluxdesignservice.co.uk; or and a specialist will draw up a 3D email [email protected]

 
     
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■A QUICK REFRESH ■FLAMBOYANT FOR modern design, Heal’s on INTERIOR designer Shaun Clarkson Tottenham Court Road offers a free made his name with flamboyant 20-minute consultation from one hotels and restaurants. Now you can of 10 trained staff. Explore each steal his style through a new service stylist’s profile on the store website at his colourful shop in Pitfield Street, first. Longer consultations cost N1. Advice is free in the shop, but a £25 an hour. Or you can book a second consultation costs £150. It home visit for £200, refundable on includes samples, a mood board and orders of more than £10,000. space planning. This fee is refundable “Lots of customers want to know if you spend £1,500 or more. how to handle open-plan family Here, Clarkson mixes revamped rooms,” says designer Siofra Murphy. furniture with modern furnishings in It is handled with aplomb here with a scheme for a client in Stockwell, an Ercol Romana dining table, from south London. £1,450. O Shaun Clarkson, Pitfield St, N1 O Heal’s, Tottenham Court Road, (pitfieldlondon.com). W1; email [email protected]

■TRIED AND TESTED JOHN LEWIS has four concern for Londoners,” furnishing advisers on says Tony Berardis, a home Oxford Street, where a free designer at Oxford Street advice session typically for nine years. takes 90 minutes, but the Featured here is the waiting list is more than Semarang Petite Sofa in a week. Pier Steel, £750; Ikat Alternatively, a consultant cushion, £25; Figueria can visit your home, cushion, £30; Berber followed by a session in- rug (230cm x 60cm), £349, store, after which orders and Patagonia curtain are streamlined. This fabric at £25 a metre, all service costs £200, which is from John Lewis. refundable against what O Visit johnlewis.com/ you buy. “Storage is a big our-services

   
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     % #%( ( 20 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property My home homesandproperty CHARLES HOSEA Family ties: George and Helen spend some quality time at home with baby Ilaria Goodbye to the Stokey horror show

OU MAY well have heard the expression, “get the house, George Bradley get the girl”. Well, in architect George Bradley’s case, he and a fellow architect didn’t expect the magic to worked magic on Ywork quite so fast. Helen, the girl he first dated in 2006 — on the very day he a ‘horrid house’ in moved into his new, “horrid” little house in Stoke Newington — became his wife, Stoke Newington and is now mother of their 13-week-old baby, Ilaria. using plywood and But that “horrid” house today looks completely different, and there is quite imaginative design. a story to tell, not only of making some- thing out of very little, but of taking what By Philippa Stockley some might call a foolhardy leap into the unknown. lurking under the roofing eaves. There In 2003, before Helen arrived on the were doors everywhere, and an awk- scene, two architectural students, ward spiral staircase in a corner. It was George, now 35, and Dutch-Belgian Ewald cramped, dark, over-divided and run- Van Der Straeten, 32, became friends and ning with condensation — as well as kept in touch after Ewald took a job in mice. Even the French windows on the Norway. first-floor Juliet balcony were rotten. Three years later, George went house hunting in Stoke Newington. Every agent CALLING CARD laughed at his small budget. Then one After a while, Helen moved in and, showed him a picture of a 670sq ft despite the state of the house, the couple property that had been poorly converted lived there happily for three years, dur- from an old workshop into a cramped ing which they hatched a plot. George house over three floors. He only went to would gut and totally rework the space, look out of desperation. “The moment I with Ewald as his partner. saw it, as an architect I knew it was a Both George and Ewald were fed-up of steal,” says George. He agreed to pay the working for big companies and never £275,000 price on the spot. meeting their clients, so they threw in With its tiny footprint and no outside their current jobs, set up an architectural space, except a charming granite-setted practice and “went for it”. To save carriageway, the brick building had two rooms squeezed on to each of the two Tall story: a once-dark space now makes Show-stopper: an impressive, large front door and Juliet balcony give the property a classy look lower floors, with an extra bedroom dramatic use of available natural light
EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 21 y.co.uk with My home Homes & Property

On the map: tall ceilings give a feeling of grandure without being wasted

Gold fever: plywood gives the house a feeling of warmth, above. George’s friend Tasteful: while the house was built to and business partner, Ewald Van Der Straeten, checks out the balcony, left a budget, quality fittings were used

money, they decided to do all the work had great sound insulation qualities. marble. And, when it came to covering themselves, knowing that a hands-on They had a terrific idea to build a detailed over the thousands of screw holes in the project would teach them building skills, plywood staircase rising up through the ply, instead of using wood filler, they and make a terrific calling card for their centre, and all rooms were connected hand-cut plywood plugs. new practice. by floor-to-ceiling pocket doors that “It was a conveyor belt,” says Ewald. However, this is where it got risky. To could be left open, instantly creating an “George was cutting them, I was fitting make ends meet, Helen and George ran open-plan, airy feel. For a harmonious and sanding. It took two weeks.” a food stall called Pomodori in Brick look they used engineered oak on the Two weeks? Yes, two weeks. But atten- Lane and St Katharine Docks, while floors, with external-grade solid timber tion to detail is what makes all the differ- Ewald, who had moved back to London, outside. They changed the ordinary front ence here because in such a small space rented a room and worked in a bar. door for a big, tall opaque-glazed door you can’t waste an inch, or bodge any- They drew up and submitted plans. — a relatively simple thing that makes thing. There are cupboards everywhere And then the bomb fell. To their horror, everything feel grander and lighter. — there’s even a small loft space for they were told that the property wasn’t duvets, and cellar space for the plumb- registered as residential. “That was a CONVEYOR BELT ing. Not a jot is wasted. Ilaria even has scary moment,” says Ewald with under- Endless deliveries of different grades of her own personal baby-changing cup- statement. Unfazed, however, George plywood started arriving with alarming board in the top bedroom. And every proved to the planners that it had been regularity and, as Ewald points out, single cupboard is perfectly cut, sprung residential for the four years, and they everything had to be cut to “within a and finished. agreed to a change of use. But that took millimetre”. six months. Often working seven days a week, they HAT’S particularly nice Finally, in 2011, they were able to start used only the tools they could buy from about this house is that, work. After such a long wait they demol- regular DIY shops. “We didn’t even have at the end of the job, ished the whole interior in two weeks, a work bench,” laughs George, “we used when mere mortals discovering along the way that the con- an old picnic table.” would be utterly densation problem had been caused by They also made the kitchen and the Wexhausted, the two architects found poor insulation and a lack of air bathroom. Some things they could not they had fallen in love with architecture bricks. make but, perhaps because they were again. Then building work started — Helen architects, they would not accept any- After a year-and-a-half, George and wisely staying out of the maelstrom. thing as second best. When a cheap Helen moved back in and carried on They decided to clad the whole interior plastic shower tray arrived they took one finishing odds and ends for another year in plywood. The warm, gold wood was look at it and bought an expensive after that. So a job like this isn’t some- deemed to be not only attractive, but ceramic one. In the kitchen, though, all thing you do on a whim, but the result the cupboards were simple ply-covered — quirky, hand-made to the last detail Intelligent space: the top bedroom even carcases, the top a good-quality Corian- and utterly bespoke — really is rather includes a baby-changing cupboard type composite that resembled Carrara special.
26 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Outdoors homesandproperty.co.uk with GAP PHOTOS GAP PHOTOS GAP PHOTOS/FRIEDRICH STRAUSS GAP PHOTOS/FRIEDRICH

Above, from ETTING the garden in left: transform shape after a long winter tired wood can be less than thrilling, planters and but there are a whole new Just think of window boxes raft of products that offer with two coats fastG results for time-poor townies. For of outdoor instance, if getting on your hands and paint; create a knees with a trowel for several hours , 
!$-$,"/ display stand holds little appeal, grab your weeding the results for potted weapons at the nearest garden centre, plants by and you won’t even need to stoop. painting a pair Hozelock’s Green Power Thermal With the latest garden tools, getting a London of step Weeder is a modern take on the blow- ladders; give torch school of gardening. Instead of a garden into shape just got that bit easier metal, as well flame, the long wand, at the press of a as wood, a new button, delivers a thermal shock that to any grubby outdoor surface and lose coat for spring destroys weeds in paths and paving. Pattie the scrubbing brush. The rain activates with Ronseal’s There’s no danger of killing the family the product and obligingly does the hardwearing cat or burning your toes, as a protective Barron clean-up job for you — but over time. Garden Paint cone at the base allows you to target the weed in isolation. SHOW YOUR TRUE COLOURS For beds and borders, Burgon & Ball’s Ubiquitous fencing in regulation Weed Slice is a revolutionary quick-act- brown can be transformed with a lick ing hoe with a compact, arrow-shaped If getting on your hands and of paint, unifying disparate panels. steel head that exceptionally cuts on knees with a trowel holds Copy the designers’ trick and use a both the push and pull strokes so, dark colour that will make all that hoorah, cuts weeding time by half. little appeal, grab weeding wood less obtrusive and provide an weapons at the garden centre effective backdrop for planting, but WEED OUT EXTRA STRESS note that a garden stain will fade and Ditch the unwieldy loppers and use just slices through soil like a knife through needs annual reapplication. one pair of secateurs for all kinds of butter, so you can dig without breaking Instead, use a weatherproof paint pruning, from slim stems to small a sweat or breaking your back. that is rainproof within an hour RHS-endorsed: branches. Ratchet system secateurs Burgon & Ball’s classic border spade and will give a more opaque and 
 
 let the spade from Jardin de France can cut through is endorsed by the RHS and has a stain- protective finish. Ronseal’s hard- take the strain branches of up to 20mm diameter, and less steel, rust-resistant head that wearing Garden Paint, in 24 shades  

 
 as Burgon & the gradual cutting system — four small moves cleanly through soil, has a wide from Elderflower to Blackbird, can Ball’s stainless squeezes on the handle instead of a ‘tread’ to prevent foot stress and is an also be used to give everything in the 
 
  steel tools single, strenuous one — means you absolute breeze to clean. garden, barring plants, a shiny new make light exert less force, so is especially useful Of course, if you adopt the effective springtime coat — metal benches or work of for weak grips like mine. no-dig policy for your garden borders, watering cans, wooden dining tables, digging Meanwhile, what we all need, espe- raised beds or veg plot, you won’t need the garden shed, terracotta pots and cially at this time of year, is a spade that a spade at all. You simply spread a 5cm- even brickwork and stone. Now that’s deep mulch of Growing Success’s No what I call versatile. Dig Soil Improver on the surface of the soil, and let the worms do the rest. GREAT GARDEN HELPERS This organic compost, available from O Hozelock: hozelock.com any garden centre this spring, will sup- O Burgon & Ball: burgonandball.com press weeds and, more importantly for O Jardin de France: jardin-defrance. Londoners with heavy clay soil, helps com break down clay so it is more workable. O Growing Success: www.william- Give grubby outdoor furniture, steps, sinclair.co.uk paths and paving a speedy clean-up O Karcher: karcher.co.uk with a high pressure washer. O Wet & Forget: wetandforget.co.uk Karcher’s Waterwise-approved range O Ronseal: ronseal.co.uk can be used with harvested water from O For outdoor events this month, visit ++   ) /  ". +/ * && #$ . "$# a water butt and is purported to have homesandproperty.co.uk/events # +
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   up to 35 times more power than a gar- O Gardening queries? Email our RHS  " ..  
  %  $   den hose. Less forcefully, apply Wet & expert at expertgardeningadvice@ Forget, an algae and mould remover, gmail.com 28 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Property searching homesandproperty.co.uk with Spotlight West Hampstead It’s easy to fall in love with these neighbours This village-feel suburb is popular with families looking to make local friends and put down roots, discovers Anthea Masey

In tune: HEY’RE a close-knit bunch Mark Pedus, in West Hampstead. Resi- owner of Pro dents will tell you of the Arte Stringed strong sense of community Instruments in that is enjoyed and shared Broadhurst inT this north-west London suburb. Gardens For a start, there is the extraordinary St James Church on the corner of West End Lane and Sherriff Road that has Divine been converted into a community cafés, restaurants and pubs along West Crediton Hill, where Emma Thompson inspiration: hub with a post office, a café and a End Lane, and the good schools, plus lives opposite her mother, fellow actress St James Church children’s soft play area. It’s a model we’re not far from Hampstead Heath. Phyllida Law, sell for about £4 million. in Sherriff Road is that could be adopted by many of the They then discover there is a real sense Victorian terrace houses in the “Greek” now a community capital’s under-used churches. of community.” roads — such as Achilles Road and hub with a post Then there is the local digital news- West Hampstead is five miles north- Ulysses Road — sell for between £1.8 office and paper, West Hampstead Life, that keeps west of central London, with Golders million and £2 million. Homes in the children’s soft residents up-to-date on issues of the Green to the north, Hampstead to the “African” roads, including Asmara and play area day, such as a fight over plans to build north-east, Belsize Park to the east, Somali Roads, go for similar prices. a school and flats on an industrial South Hampstead to the south and A spacious two- or three-bedroom estate. The site also features the film- Kilburn to the west. mansion flat in Harvard Court starts at making efforts of local resident and about £800,000 and a two-bedroom actor Edward Petherbridge. His most THE PROPERTY SCENE flat in Yale Court, where the flats are recent short film is a celebration of the The district has Victorian, Edwardian smaller, from about £550,000. Period unsung heroines of the suffragette and Twenties houses, mansion flats and conversions are common — one with a movement who lived in the area. period conversions. Price per square garden starts at about £650,000. Estate agent James Ripp, of Kinleigh foot is about £900, which is cheaper Staying power: Ripp says many Folkard & Hayward, says: “People come than nearby Hampstead or Belsize Park. people put down roots and scale the here for the good transport links, the Properties in the best roads such as West Hampstead property ladder.

To find a home in West Hampstead, visit homesandproperty.co.uk/westhampstead

£3.75 MILLION £3.45 MILLION £1.69 MILLION £875,000 A SIX-BEDROOM house with 3,900sq ft of living THIS new four-bedroom family home in College A THREE-BEDROOM flat in an attractive mansion THIS two-bedroom apartment in Greville Road space and a 120ft south-facing garden in Crescent NW3 features four floors and comes with block in West End Lane NW6, with a modern NW6 has a large, bright family room opening Goldhurst Terrace NW6 (Benham & Reeves). a panoramic roof terrace (Goldschmidt & Howland). interior and Gaggenau kitchen (Foxtons). directly on to a garden (Marsh & Parsons). O homesandproperty.co.uk/goldhurst O homesandproperty.co.uk/colcres O homesandproperty.co.uk/westendlane O homesandproperty.co.uk/greville EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 29 homesandproperty.co.uk with Property searching Homes & Property

Focal point: popular CHECK THE STATS West End Lane, left, has a ■WHAT HOMES COST village-like feel BUYING IN WEST HAMPSTEAD with a bustling (Average prices) café culture and One-bedroom flat £516,000 thriving shops Two-bedroom flat £757,000 Three-bedroom house £1.17 million Tea for two: Four-bedroom house £1.96 million Andre Millodot, Source: Zoopla right, owner of RENTING IN WEST HAMPSTEAD The Wet Fish (Average rates) Café in West End One-bedroom flat £1,531 a month Lane, with a Two-bedroom flat £2,034 a month customer Three-bedroom house £2,930 a month Four-bedroom house £4,521 a month Source: Zoopla

GO ONLINE FOR MORE O The best schools in and around West Hampstead O All the latest local housing developments O The best streets O How this area compares with the rest of the UK on house prices O Smart maps to plot your property search

HAVE YOUR SAY Have a butchers: WEST HAMPSTEAD the Hampstead Butcher & @WHampstead Wet Fish, Guglee and Providore in One Sixty are all good restaurants. West End Lane is Cocoa Bijoux is a great choc shop and a delicatessen, La Brocca an excellent bar with jazz. charcuterie, wine shop and grocer @philip_trotter @TheAlliancePub best local, @WELBooks awesome bookshop, @AchilleaFlowers best SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS West End Lane include Nando’s, Open space: there are two greens — in in Alvanley Gardens, while the nearest flowers and @SherriffCentre for West End Lane and Mill Lane are good Banana Tree and Gourmet Burger West End Lane and Fortune Green council swimming pool is at Swiss Hullabaloo soft play. places to hang out for a coffee, go for Kitchen. A Sainsbury’s Local, Tesco Road, the latter having an active Cottage. lunch or enjoy an evening meal. Express and Little Waitrose are ideal friends’ group. The 790 acres of Travel: West Hampstead has three @kitchentablenw6 @MOAgallery Wired is an artisan coffee shop in for grocery shopping, and The Hamp- Hampstead Heath with its three open- stations. West Hampstead Under- for art and tattoos, @AchilleaFlowers Broadhurst Gardens. The Wet Fish stead Butcher & Providore opened air swimming ponds and a lido are not ground is on the Jubilee line with trains for blooms, @ViniViviWines for booze Café, in a former fishmongers in West recently, offering free-range meats, far away. to the West End and Canary Wharf, and @bakeaboo for pretty cakes. End Lane, is a local institution and artisan deli goods, wines and a range Leisure and the arts: Camden Arts while the new West Hampstead describes itself as a café and brasserie, of hampers. Centre on the corner of Arkwright Road Thameslink station offers services to @ubernista Great coffee, lunch while The Alice House gastropub has The fashion for home sewing and and Finchley Road is a leading contem- St Pancras, Farringdon and City and dinner @TheWetFishCafé. Wine venues in West End Lane and nearby knitting is catered for at The Village porary art gallery. Nearby theatres and Thameslink. West Hampstead railway with friends in the back garden Queen’s Park. Haberdashery, which also has an cinemas include the Tricycle Theatre station has trains to Stratford. @TheBlackLionNW6. @waitrose The Kitchen Table is an independent online business, while Achillea is a in Kilburn, Hampstead Theatre in Swiss All three stations are in Zone 2 and an for shopping. café that uses seasonal ingredients to quirky flower shop. Both are in Mill Cottage, two branches of the Everyman annual travelcard to Zone 1 costs prepare a daily changing menu. Also Lane. The independent West End Lane cinema in Hampstead and Belsize Park, £1,284. in Mill Lane is Bake-a-Boo, which Books carries a stock of more than and a Vue multiplex cinema at the O2 Council: Camden is Labour controlled NEXT WEEK: Kenington. Do describes itself as a bake shop, tea 10,000 titles. A thriving farmers’ mar- shopping centre in Finchley Road. and Band D council tax is £1,336.81. you live there? Tell us what room and party parlour, and the Curled ket occupies the Thameslink station For sport, Cumberland Lawn Tennis you think @HomesProperty Leaf tea house. Chain restaurants in forecourt on Saturday mornings. Club and Hampstead Cricket Club are Photographs Daniel Lynch

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Who links West Hampstead with Bath time: a quirky garden in Crediton Hill, where properties can fetch £4 million Welcome break: Alketa Mripa, owner of the Curled Leaf tea house in Mill Lane Liverpool? There is a clue in the picture. Find the answer online at ForF more about West Hampstead, visit homesandproperty.co.uk/spotlightwesthampstead homesandproperty.co.uk/spotlightwesthampstead 30 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Ask the expert homesandproperty.co.uk with What’s happened to the furniture I bought? Fiona WHAT’S LAST June, I moved out of a flat I had shared YOUR with a co-tenant for almost eight years. He McNulty PROBLEM? Q continued to rent the property, this time with OUR LAWYER ANSWERS IF YOU have a his girlfriend. I’ve emailed the landlords YOUR QUESTIONS question for repeatedly to recover my deposit of £500, but they Fiona McNulty, claim it’s up to my former housemate to reimburse me please email —though I do not think the deposit has been repaid to WE HAVE just bought a legalsolutions@ him. The ex-housemate ignores my emails. Who penthouse flat and, standard.co.uk should repay my deposit? My share of the deposit was Q though we completed a or write to Legal paid to the agency acting for the landlords, and both couple of months ago, as Solutions, Homes shares of the rent were paid from my bank account. we don’t live in the UK, we have & Property, only just visited the apartment for London Evening YOUR tenancy appears to have begun some time in the first time. We agreed to buy the Standard, 2 Derry 2006 or 2007. The date your tenancy started is furniture on the roof terrace and a Street, W8 5EE. Aimportant because if you and your co-tenant separate balcony, but when we got We regret that entered into an assured shorthand tenancy after there the furniture was missing. questions cannot April 6, 2007, your landlord or his agent should have placed We paid the sellers £10,000 for be answered your deposit in a government-backed deposit scheme. the furniture by a transfer to their individually, but If this was the case, then you should be able to get your joint bank account. We have since we will try to deposit back provided you did not breach the terms of been unable to contact them and feature them your agreement, damage the property and you were not have no forwarding address. What here. Fiona in arrears with your rent. can we do? McNulty is legal If there is a dispute, then your deposit is protected director in the within the tenancy deposit scheme until the dispute is CONTACT the solicitor who real estate resolved and the scheme can arbitrate and make an acted for you during the you intended to buy the outdoor of funds into their bank, although team of Foot award. Landlords can have a liability to pay to a tenant up A sale and explain what has furniture, then that could have been that does not necessarily prove the Anstey LLP to three times the deposit for failing to lodge it in a scheme. happened. Your solicitor reflected in the contract. terms of your agreement with them. (footanstey.com) If your tenancy with your co-tenant was entered into should have given you a copy of the Your solicitor could have collected Your solicitor can contact the prior to that date, then your deposit does not need to Law Society fittings and contents the monies due from you for those solicitors who acted for the sellers, have been protected. In this case, your claim is against the form supplied by the sellers, which items as part of the completion funds but they may no longer be acting for landlord and you can issue a claim in the small claims court. should have listed all the items in the and paid them to the sellers’ them. If the situation cannot be sale price and also those excluded, solicitors on completion. resolved, you may have to take court More legal O These answers can only be a very brief commentary on and may have mentioned any items The difficulty now is proving the action against the sellers, provided Q&As the issues raised and should not be relied on as legal advice. that the sellers were prepared to agreement you had with the sellers, you can trace them. Contact the Visit: homesand No liability is accepted for such reliance. If you have similar property.co.uk sell to you. Had your solicitor known but at least you can prove the transfer selling agents to see if they can help. issues, you should obtain advice from a solicitor.

RESIDENTIAL We see the future


 


  


 


  
 
  
  


 


 
 
 

 
 


 
 
 
 NEW RESIDENTIAL THINKING

020 3627 0918 Land sales, Funding, Development consultancy, International marketing, New homes, Research, Prime sales and lettings, Valuation JLL.CO.UK/NEW-HOMES 34 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property New homes homesandproperty.co.uk with Great combo: good schools, new homes SmartSSmSmamartmarmart m By David Spittles Prized plots on way up FAMILIES put down roots in Putney BERHAUS is a collection because schools are good, gardens of intelligently designed are large and houses are cheaper split-level homes at Acton than those in Parson’s Green, just Gardens, a new 2,500- across the Thames. home quarter being built Now, a cache of new flats is closeU to the Crossrail station in this attracting singles and couples, up-and-coming west London district. mainly City career professionals Designed by RIBA prize-winner and downsizers. Alison Brooks Architects, the two On one side of the busy Putney floors are linked by an external as High Street lies a wedge-shaped well as internal staircase, allowing neighbourhood bounded by the river for an enclosed sunken patio off the and 400-acre Putney Heath. kitchen and living space at ground Land released by listed Ark level, with steps leading to a spacious Academy, a highly praised local first-floor terrace that can also be school, has paved the way for reached from the upstairs bedrooms. Putney Rise, a scheme of 125 The apartments have their own front apartments and 30 townhouses set door facing the street, rather than amid landscaped communal gardens. being reached via a hotel-like corridor, Flats cost from £515,000 and making them feel even more like a houses from £1.075 million. Call house. Prices from £625,000 to Barratt on 0844 811 4334. £850,000. Call 020 8993 6923. EVENING STANDARD WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 35 homesandproperty.co.uk with New homes Homes & Property

Cycle NEW homes are sprouting in employment centre around Zone 1 along the Blackfriars Mile, Holborn and Farringdon. haven which is part of the new cycle The Residence is the first of superhighway from Elephant more than a dozen new schemes for City & Castle to King’s Cross. coming to this river-hugging Building has started on this neighbourhood. Comprising types boulevard-like section, which 86 flats with new shops at street will have a safe, “segregated” level, prices start at £765,000 for route for cyclists and an enlivened two-bedroom duplexes. Call parade of shops and cafés, Linden on 0844 644 2514. improving life for pedal-pushing The Chroma Buildings, left, young professionals. in Lancaster Street is a Bikes make up more than half of redevelopment of former all traffic crossing Blackfriars Colorama print works. Bridge during the morning and This has 40 flats in two low-rise evening peak hours, with most blocks. Prices from £575,000. riders heading to and from the City Call developer Fabrica on 0800 and the fast-growing “Midtown” 083 3199. READ ALL ABOUT IT DIMBLEBY HOUSE TURNED INTO FLATS

WELL before the Dimbleby dynasty striking new mural depicting printing became a broadcast legend, the presses adorns the foyer. family owned a publishing business New homes in Richmond town in south-west London. centre are rare, so these are likely to For four generations the Richmond be popular. Prices start at £525,000. Read more: visit and Twickenham Times newspaper Call estate agent Featherstone Leigh was published from Wickham on 020 8940 1575. our new online House in King Street in Richmond’s With its royal roots, the Thames- luxury section town centre. side town is one of the capital’s most The Dimbleby family sold up in coveted addresses. It is in no real HomesAndProperty.co.uk/luxury 2001 and the newspaper was moved sense a suburb, having a densely out so the building could be sold for packed centre and feeling like inner redevelopment into eight smart London with its Tube station. apartments, named after renowned Plus it enjoys a truly unique setting 20th century writers such as Conrad — bounded by an enormous park and Orwell. with 2,500 acres of primeval English The interior design picks up on the landscape, a river promenade and a building’s industrial past, with steel superb vista from its Hill, a prospect staircases and metallic walls, while a protected by an Act of Parliament.

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75 36 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Inside story homesandproperty.co.uk with General election? Diary of an estate Don’t let it put agent your life on hold

about the general election. My advice? MONDAY ments haven’t proved too much of a Don’t put your life on hold — you might I’m very excited to be joining the hardship — the specification speaks for miss out on the property you love. rapidly expanding Residential Develop- itself as the open day is booked solid. Meanwhile, I’m working hard to ments & Investments team at Marsh It’s perfect weather for my busy after- exchange on two properties I sold off- & Parsons as a new homes sales con- noon of viewings. I usher clients plan on our Queens Park Penthouses sultant. ahead of me — gallant behaviour that scheme. Full of positivity, I take on an instruc- cunningly disguises my hobbling. tion from a well-known Asian devel- FRIDAY oper in east London. This is perfectly WEDNESDAY My lunch meeting today is spent with timed with the opening of our new Today’s site visits see me all over the one of London’s largest mainstream office in Shoreditch, and I predict the shop, starting in Kensington and Chel- developers, discussing the UK and development will be the jewel in our sea, then on to Bankside and finishing overseas property markets, as well as crown. up at Royal Victoria Dock. It’s worth the benefits of buying new-build devel- This afternoon I meet a jet-lagged US the legwork to keep up-to-date with opments off-plan. It’s always good to client who is in the UK to review plans new and current developments. catch up with people in the business and specifications for an exclusive Then we have leaving drinks in the and find out what they’re working on. penthouse development. The views evening for a team member. We’re all There is also the company-wide end- and surrounding 30 acres of parkland sad to see her go. of-month meeting this evening. I am are a pleasant surprise. proud to report two agreed sales that THURSDAY contributed to a pretty decent month- TUESDAY Today I draw on the expertise of Rose end result. It’s great to meet people The spin class before work is a bit of a Capital Partners to secure the best from the other offices and share in shock to the system having had two mortgage deal for one of my clients. their successes. And, of course, the months off. My burning thighs suggest They offer tax advice to overseas generous open bar makes for a very this is a morning to be spent at my desk investors, which is useful for my buyers sociable evening. preparing for the launch of our Effie who are coming from all corners of the Road scheme, a boutique warehouse globe. This afternoon I’m with a client O Chris Griffin is a new homes development in the heart of Fulham. who is hesitating over a £2.5 million sales consultant at Marsh & Parsons Arranging viewings for the nine apart- property. He loves it, but is concerned (020 7368 4832)

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It’s time to get a new view of East London living. Our prestigious penthouse collection is the final release at these three superbly connected developments.

Actual view from Pembury Circus Penthouse.

Poplar New Festival Quarter, E14 6FY Greenwich Platinum Riverside, SE10 0SZ Hackney Pembury Circus, E8 1JG  ,!!$'&0!'
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Actual view from NFQ Penthouse.

New Festival Quarter & Pembury Circus open daily 10am - 5pm. Platinum Riverside open Sunday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm. www.bellway.co.uk All developments open late night Thursday 12pm until 7pm.

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/ - 38 WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 EVENING STANDARD Homes & Property Letting on homesandproperty.co.uk with There’s no room for sublets in my flats AST month’s Budget might health and safety of my tenants. This have passed you by in a Victoria Whitlock property has only one bathroom and blur, but buried in there one loo, which isn’t enough for more was a statement that will explores what impact than four people. Also, there’s only strike fear into the hearts of one exit door so if, God forbid, there allL landlords — it’s going to be illegal new subletting rules was a fire and the property was for us to include a blanket ban on crammed full, I would worry they’d subletting in tenancy agreements. might have on those never all get out alive. It’s not clear yet whether we’ll still Another concern is that if tenants be able to insist that tenants ask our who rent properties sublet, a landlord might accidentally permission to sublet or whether end up with an HMO (House in they’ll be given the freedom to let Multiple Occupation), for which he rooms or even entire properties The or she would have to apply for a willy-nilly. licence. This would almost certainly But what the Government has said accidental be expensive and time-consuming is that it will outlaw clauses that for a landlord. “expressly rule out subletting It’s not clear yet whether landlords or otherwise sharing space on a landlord would be allowed to raise the rent short-term basis”. if the number of tenants increased £575 a week: in Reed Place, Clapham North, a split-level two-bedroom conversion Initially, this will apply to fixed-term week or two while they’re on holiday, but, if not, this would certainly flat is available to rent through Hamptons (homesandproperty.co.uk/alrent) tenancies, but it is also considering but I hope the Government isn’t discourage them from including extending this to statutory periodic suggesting tenants will be given carte energy bills in the price as they’d go subletting to stays, who would be economy, apparently. Well, tenancies, so, in theory, all tenants blanche to sublet to anyone at any up if the occupancy levels rose. responsible for the property? Chancellor George Osborne and will be able to sublet, even those time. If so, we’re all in trouble. Landlords whose tenants are And if the Government goes David Cameron can share their who are just renting on a month-by- My tenants often try to sneak in subletting might also find their ahead with plans to force landlords properties if they want to, but they month basis. extra sharers — usually boyfriends or insurance premiums increase, and to check tenants have a right to shouldn’t expect the rest of us to The Government said: “This will girlfriends — into my flat, turning it some might not even be able to buy live in the UK, who would be open up ours to all and sundry. ensure that landlords always have from a property designed for four cover as brokers aren’t terribly keen responsible for checking the to consider tenants’ requests tenants into a mini youth hostel, and on properties that are sublet. immigration status of tenants who Victoria Whitlock lets three properties reasonably.” I don’t think I’m unreasonable for And then there are the neighbours rent from another? in south London. To contact Well, yes, landlords should consider promptly booting them out. to consider. I wonder if the This change to the law is part of the Victoria with your ideas and views, tenants’ requests reasonably, and Sure, I don’t want the extra wear Government has thought what it Government’s plan for a “sharing” tweet @vicwhitlock personally I don’t have a problem and tear on my property, that’s could be like living next to an if a tenant renting a one-bedroom flat certainly true, but I’m more overcrowded rental property? Find many more homes to rent at wants their partner to move in or if concerned about overcrowding Also, what happens if the head tenants want to sublet a flat for a and the effect this will have on the tenant leaves and the person they are homesandproperty.co.uk/lettings

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