A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

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

pp01-12_&Sevenoaks_Cover_des4.indd 3 29/08/2013 17:13 A particular take on property issue one

Welcome to &, a magazine showcasing local properties and giving you a taste of the area. Read on to find out more Strutt & Parker is one of the most diverse Page 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market property businesses in the UK, and the Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest Sevenoaks office is a focal point for the wide properties and local highlights range of departments and services we offer. Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase The residential team specialises in selling a Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert variety of properties across Sevenoaks and the overview of the national market surrounding towns and villages, while Strutt Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker? Page 10 Why we love Sevenoaks: & Parker also provides unrivalled expertise locals reveal why there’s no in farming, land management, commercial place like home property, 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 &Sevenoaks

pp02-03_&Sevenoaks_Intro_des5.indd 1 20/08/2013 14:41 Matthew Rothery, Partner, explains how our Sevenoaks office brings a wealth of experience to the town’s robust property market

trutt & Parker has been in Sevenoaks for more and strategy that fits with the market demand and gives the ‘ than 23 years and we pride ourselves on a personal client the chance of achieving the best possible price. approach and warm, friendly attitude. We offer ‘With direct routes from Sevenoaks station, commuters S a bespoke service – we believe every property is can be in London within 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can different, but more importantly, every client is different. be at the coast in under an hour. There are links at Ebbsfleet ‘Sevenoaks is a busy market town with many restaurants and Ashford International for connections to Paris, Lille or Gareth Hacker and boutique shops. But just minutes from the High Street lies beyond. We also have very good access to the motorway Knole House and the 1,000-acre Tudor deer park, a favourite network (M25, M20 and M26). of visitors and locals alike. Strutt & Parker has been managing ‘In a recession, there is always a downward pressure on fees, the Knole Estate for the Sackville family for more than 50 but paying an agent a bottom-of-the-market rate will usually years and is proud of our contribution to the local community. involve a decrease in service levels and an inability to market ‘Many of our buyers are from London, looking for a move your property correctly. Over the next couple of years, we to the country for more space, great state and private schools could also see the introduction of a Mansion Tax for properties for their children, and a better lifestyle. However, they want over £2 million, which will affect the high end of the market all of this without being too isolated and changing their – already experiencing difficult trading conditions. London habits. Therefore, trends have pointed towards ‘All the more reason to focus on what we do best. With more urban properties holding their value and being more our bespoke service and professional and friendly approach, in demand than rural idylls. That said, it is key that the we help people achieve their personal goals. After all, being

photography (cover and this page) photography (cover and this page) agent understands this change in profile and sets a price an estate agent is about people, not just property.’

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pp02-03_&Sevenoaks_Intro_des5.indd 2 29/08/2013 15:18 First & foremost

country living

The Manor House, , An exquisite Georgian property, The Manor House stands in more than 13 acres of grounds and gardens, with outbuildings that include a coach house, cottage, pool and tennis court. With far-reaching views, the house provides a wonderful taste of country life, yet is only 30 minutes from the city. Price on application FOR SALE Contact 01732 459900

Culture hub

The Art Deco facade of the Stag Theatre may have remained unchanged since opening in 1937, but inside it’s a far cry from its first-generation Odeon cinema beginnings. Today, the building is an all-singing, all-dancing arts centre, housing a vibrant theatre, two cinemas, a community arts centre, a café and a bar. Staging new dramas, comedies, cabaret, stand-up, dance performances, concerts and children’s shows – alongside Hollywood blockbusters in the two screens – the Stag is a major part of the town’s cultural scene. The intimate Lodge Café transforms into the Theatre Bar by night, and is perfect for pre- and post-entertainment drinks. stagsevenoaks.co.uk heatre) Duchamp Get smart T tag With brands such as Hugo Boss, Canali, Gant and S

Duchamp, the elegant, upmarket Harveys Menswear rail ( has been dressing the men of Sevenoaks – and beyond T photography

– for well over a decade. Casualwear, from jeans to nail S

polo shirts, sits alongside impeccably tailored suits, ooth ties, shirts and accessories, including cufflinks, bow B ties, belts and scarves. The shop itself overlooks enswear); a pretty sunlit courtyard in the centre of town, and annah M H the interior is tastefully lit, providing a relaxed,

comfortable environment in which to shop. arvey H ( harveysmenswear.co.uk Words

04 &Sevenoaks

pp04-05_&Sevenoaks_F&F_des4.indd 1 20/08/2013 14:44 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Sevenoaks uncovered Sevenoaks’ Vine cricket club, one history revisited of the oldest in the country, must pay Sevenoaks Town Council a With its medieval deer park and colourful history, Knole is one of ’s most rent of two peppercorns per year important and complete historic houses. Owned by the National Trust, the house was – one for the ground and one for built in the 15th century by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier, the pavilion. The tithe dates from gifted to Henry VIII and beautifully remodelled by the Sackville family – who have the 1770s when the land was lived here for 400 years. The house is a lively place to visit, with changing art bequeathed from Knole House exhibitions in the Orangery, and the newly opened former estate office, where you can try out vintage office equipment from an era before computers. A £2.7 million repair Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, project is currently underway to keep the house in tip-top condition, and Knole House John Donne and HG Wells were has just been awarded a £7.75 million Lottery grant to preserve this historic property. all residents of Sevenoaks nationaltrust.org.uk/knole Sevenoaks emerged as a market town in the 13th century and still holds a market today

deli delights

The traditional tastes of an Italian village are served up in Sevenoaks at Valentina – a family-owned restaurant and deli. Valentina was founded in East Sheen, London in 1991 by the Zoccola and Arcari families. The Sevenoaks restaurant serves authentic dishes throughout the day, with ingredients used in the kitchen also available in the delicatessen. The deli counter offers a wide selection of cheeses, fresh pasta, bread and pastries, and you’ll also find more than 200 different wine varieties from every region of Italy. The family still return to their farm in Saint Elia Fiumirapido, south-east of Rome, to harvest olives for their own-label olive oil. valentinafinefoods.com D uchamp prime location

rail ( S tag T heatre) Wildernesse Avenue, Sevenoaks, Kent An impressive 1920s family house situated in one of photography the premier roads in Sevenoaks. Almost 40 years ago, the owners spent £150,000 on renovating the property – the equivalent of £1.3 million today. The elegant property features spacious accommdation and bright, colourful interiors. Little Coombe now awaits a 2013 H annah Booth transformation to match the magnificent grounds. £2,100,000 FOR SALE ( H arvey M enswear); S nail T Words Contact 01732 459900

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pp04-05_&Sevenoaks_F&F_des4.indd 2 20/08/2013 14:44 Ezel Villas, Ightham, Sevenoaks An attractive Victorian house with delightful gardens situated close to the centre of Ightham village. £365,000 FOR SALE

The School House, A former school house that has been modernised by the current owners, but retains its original character and features. £450,000 FOR SALE

Priory Fields, Eynsford A charming and immaculately presented property situated a short distance from the pretty village of Eynsford. £775,000 FOR SALE

Long Mill Lane, Croft Way, Sevenoaks Plaxtol A beautifully presented A most attractive detached family house detached family house in a desirable location situated in this sought- within walking distance of after village. Sevenoaks and the station. £735,000 FOR SALE £1,000,000 FOR SALE

For further details of any of these properties, contact 01732 459900

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pp06-07_&Sevenoaks_Property_des2.indd 1 20/08/2013 14:45 PORTFOLIO

Dartford Road, Sevenoaks A semi-detached Victorian property close to Sevenoaks town and amenities. £675,000 SOLD

Old Mill Close, Eynsford A delightful end-of-terrace house situated in the heart of this desirable village. £315,000 FOR SALE

Stone Street, Sevenoaks A beautifully presented and extended link detached family home with versatile accommodation and stunning gardens. £685,000 FOR SALE

White Friars, Sevenoaks A modern detached family house offering light and spacious accomodation close to the centre of Sevenoaks. £1,400,000 SOLD

Westerham Road, Sevenoaks A delightful Edwardian house offering spacious and flexible accommodation situated in sought-after Riverhead and Amherst and within easy reach of Sevenoaks station. £895,000 FOR SALE

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pp06-07_&Sevenoaks_Property_des2.indd 2 20/08/2013 14:45 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 ‘Sevenoaks is great. We’ve made so many friends through the business, mainly because everyone has been so friendly since we arrived from Australia three years ago. The surrounding area is great for picnics, walks or relaxing, and London is only 20 minutes away.’ Anna Yates, Ellie Scales and Chris Goodworth, Rafferty’s Café and Deli Why we love Sevenoaks What makes the town such a special place to

‘From the moment work and live in? We ask a few local residents I opened the doors at Lady Butterworth’s two years ago, there’s been nothing but encouragement from ‘We moved here 14 the local community. years ago because it I’ve always lived in was a perfect base for Sevenoaks so know how London, the coast and supportive people can visiting our families. be. Even so, it’s been The people here are very lovely that so many welcoming and we’ve other independent shop enjoyed getting involved owners have popped in in local sports clubs.’ to wish me good luck.’ Mark Holmes,

Sarah Murphy, owner, Gareth Hacker Holmes Search Lady Butterworth’s ‘Sevenoaks has a strong sense of community and I’ve become actively

involved in promoting PHOTOGRAPHY ‘I moved to Sevenoaks young artists by when my eldest was two developing the Portico years old – now he’s just Art Prize. Day to day at taken his A levels. It’s the gallery, I love meeting been a wonderful place Sevenoaks residents Maps Illustrated

to bring up children with and hearing the stories both the countryside and behind the pieces they London on our doorstep.’ bring in to frame.’ Kim Connolly, solicitor, Malcolm Dent, owner,

Warners Solicitors Portico Gallery ILLUSTRATION

10 &Sevenoaks

pp10-11_&Sevenoaks_We Love_Map NO FLAP_des3.indd 1 29/08/2013 16:35 FIND US

S&P

Strutt & Parker Sevenoaks 15 Bank Street Sevenoaks TN13 1UW Tel: 01732 459900 [email protected] Gareth Hacker

Strutt & Parker network and services

Strutt & Parker Sevenoaks 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_&Sevenoaks_We Love_Map NO FLAP_des3.indd 2 03/10/2013 14:36 Sevenoaks Lewes 15 Bank Street 201 High Street Sevenoaks TN13 1UW Lewes BN7 2NR Tel: 01732 459900 Tel: 01273 47541

Canterbury Country House Department 2 St Margaret’s Street 13 Hill Street Canterbury CT1 2SL London W1J 5LQ Tel: 01227 451123 Tel: 020 7629 7282

Guildford London 222 High Street Ten offices in central London Guildford GU1 3JD Visit struttandparker.com Tel: 01483 306565 for details

Horsham 35 Carfax Horsham RH12 1EE Tel: 01403 246790

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

pp01-12_&Sevenoaks_Cover_des4.indd 2 22/08/2013 13:58