DESTINATION Knights Wood

Set against a picturesque backdrop of tranquil Kentish woodland, with glorious views across , Knights Wood has been meticulously designed with all the key ingredients for an idyllic way of life

WELCOME TO KNIGHTS WOOD It is my personal pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of Dandara, to a brand new and exciting destination.

As a company we are thrilled to have the opportunity to create something totally new and great care has been taken to purpose-design new homes that make the most of the superb location. As an individual I am proud to be able to showcase this new destination in my home town.

Knights Wood has been crafted with quality of life at its very heart. You can expect homes set in character areas that make the most of their beautiful surroundings and attractive street scenes that blend into their woodland setting. There will be a real community feel that is reinforced with a new and shared facilities such as a village square with amenities and local shops. For enjoying the great outdoors from the doorstep there are paths and walkways and a village green with its own safe play area for younger residents.

As you will see from some of our articles in this magazine, Royal Tunbridge 98% of our customers Wells is a place both established residents and those new to the area take to their hearts. It is a town with a history, heaps of leisure activities to choose from would recommend us and a community that clearly knows how to enjoy life. Who knows, perhaps there is something in the water!

At Dandara we’re committed to developing a better Britain. Which is why we strive to deliver unrivalled levels of design, quality and customer service, Susie Susie Bennett and why we’re dedicated to investing in the local economy, its people and its future. Sales & Marketing Director, Dandara

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To discover Knights Wood is to experience a truly stunning destination, nestled in tranquil Kentish woodland on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells A breath of FRESH AIR

et within circa 200 acres of ancient, mature and protected woodland, Knights Wood’s location is key to its serenity. Unlocking the beauty Sof the setting was paramount – and the result is a destination that not only maintains the grace of its surroundings but, with a guarantee that there will be no further development, ensures the woodland will be actively preserved and enhanced for future generations.

Contemporary family homes Look down ‘The Lanes’, along ‘The Avenue’ and up to ‘The Green’ and you’ll find a wonderful selection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom contemporary homes. Designed to follow the natural topography of the land and climbing towards a plateau, many homes deliver glorious views across the countryside towards Royal Tunbridge Wells. Careful attention to detail means there is more than a passing nod to Kentish architecture, with distinguishing architectural features to showcase their designs.

Stylish interiors Whilst every home at Knights Wood has been carefully designed for stress-free living, we all use our homes differently, so it is important that a new home facilitates the way we like to live. Within the collection of new homes on offer are variations on internal layout for buyers to choose from, ensuring each individual or family can be confident of finding something that suits their lifestyle. This is supported by an impressive internal specification that provides a perfect balance of style and comfort. Many features included as standard at Knights Wood would be regarded as ‘extras’ elsewhere. Subject to build stage, early purchasers also have the opportunity to influence the internal specification of their home through a selection of choices.

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Ideally located for travel near and far Bringing flexibility to the daily commute Outstanding local schools Knights Wood is a great base from which to enjoy Royal For commuters, a choice of two stations close-by – The arrival of the new Knights Wood Primary School in 2015 Tunbridge Wells, with a Virgin Active Health Club with pool, spa (less than a mile) and Tunbridge Wells (4 miles) – brings a degree of underpins the importance placed on education in the area. For and state-of-the-art gym, a multi screen cinema and successful flexibility, with services to four mainline London stations. There are decades the prospect of good educational facilities has been an retail park all located just a short walk away. The centre of the up to six trains per hour to London from High Brooms and Royal important deciding factor in choosing a new home and, for many, town boasts a fine selection of restaurants, theatres and shops, A wonderful selection of 2, 3, 4 and Tunbridge Wells. this has led to Royal Tunbridge Wells being the location of choice. from high street stores to specialist independent retailers, many Knights Wood is also well-placed for travel to mainland Europe. Knights Wood is set in an area renowned for its outstanding of which can be found in , with its attractive Georgian 5 bedroom contemporary homes High-speed trains from Ebbsfleet International Station run selection of schools across a spectrum of individual needs. The architecture and colonnaded walkway. designed to follow the topography directly to Brussels and Paris, Eurotunnel services to Calais leave Skinners Kent Academy is one of a number of high standard all Knights Wood’s proximity to the A21 and M25 ensures easy from Folkestone and ferry services to Calais and Dunkirk embark ability schools, there are state grammar schools that admit children access to the area’s major road network - it also means London of the glorious Kent countryside in from the Port of Dover. on the basis of academic ability via the tried and tested ‘Kent Test’ Gatwick and London Heathrow are easily accessible. Transport which they sit exam and there are also a wide number of prestigious independent links are being further enhanced by a road improvement schools that have been around for centuries. n scheme, partially funded by Dandara, that addresses the road system in the immediate vicinity of Knights Wood. It will improve the flow of traffic and deal with traffic growth over the next ten years.

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THE VILLAGE SQUARE On your doorstep

nights Wood was designed to be much more than just Near to the site of the new primary school, the Village Square is a collection of beautiful homes and nowhere will this be framed by commercial premises and it is envisaged that these will Kmore readily apparent than the Village Square which is be occupied by a mix of businesses that support the community; located close to the entrance of the development. possibly a café, convenience store and chemist. There will In keeping with the rest of Knights Wood, the philosophy was also be further residential accommodation. simple. Take the best from the past and redesign it to make it As the gateway to the development, the Village Square is designed relevant and important to everyday needs. The result is a traditional to be a vibrant neighbourhood hub, setting the tone of convenient shared space, a welcome throwback to times past that will provide and relaxed family living that you will find at Knights Wood. a familiar focal point to help the new community to thrive.

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COOPER BMW WOODLAND LIVING HALFORDS RAM WOOD ROAD IMPROVEMENT Transport links will be dramatically enhanced AT ITS BEST by a road improvement SCHOOL DROP-OFF AREA scheme, designed to help the flow of traffic in the Knights Wood is a glorious location set within circa 200 acres immediate vicinity. AY TS W of countryside. Many family homes benefit from far-reaching IGH LAMBERTS WOOD KN views across Royal Tunbridge Wells and beyond. ODEON KW SCHOOL

PLAY RESTAURANTS AREA

M BOWLPLEX

VIRGIN ACTIVE

THE CRESCENT A21 THE LANES

A NEW SCHOOL Located on the north side of the ‘Village Square’ THE AVENUE with a separate drop-off car park, the new primary GREEN school will benefit the local community, providing facilities for THE GREEN pupils and residents.

KNIGHTS WOOD BOUNDARY VILLAGE SQUARE The Village Square is a vibrant neighbourhood hub with a selection of commercial outlets, that will become the focal point of the community.

TRAIN ROBINGATE WOOD STATION

THE CENTRAL GREEN Carefully preserved oak

trees are an important A21 feature of this beautifully landscaped green which provides a tranquil space to enjoy at your leisure. GREGGS WOOD

WOODLAND WALKS WALKING PATH Set in 205 acres of woodland, Knights Wood BUS STOP is surrounded by walking paths so residents can take full advantage of the M MARKETING SUITE beautiful countryside on their doorstep. KW ENTRANCE

The site plan is indicative only and subject to change and subject to planning. In line with our policy of continuous 12 THE MAGAZINE: KNIGHTSimprovement WOOD we reserve the right to alter the layout, building style, landscaping and specification at anytime without notice. THETHE MAGAZINE:MAGAZINE: KNIGHTSKNIGHTS WOOD WOOD 13 The position of the red boundary line is indicative only. Computer Generated Image indicative only

he attention to detail and commitment to The gently rising landscape influences the design of some of excellence that underpins every Dandara the homes at Knights Wood and provides some properties with STYLISH NEW HOMES Tdevelopment will be immediately apparent at stunning views of the local woodland and Royal Tunbridge Knights Wood, making it easy to see why the company has Wells beyond. received more than 60 industry awards for architecture, THAT LOOK JUST AS design and quality since 1988. Contemporary take on traditional styles Knights Wood provides a contemporary take on traditional Kentish A unique destination and Wealden house styles and will be constructed using a local to mirror the beauty of its surroundings palette of materials. Their attractive appearance will be created GOOD ON THE OUTSIDE... Knights Wood presented Dandara with the opportunity to create using a combination of weatherboarding, brick, render and stone. a unique destination in Royal Tunbridge Wells that mirrors the natural beauty of its surroundings, from the overall layout to the Generous parking allocation At Knights Wood, you will discover a collection of beautiful, stylish homes designed to design of the homes themselves. Parking is allocated for every property, including off-road meet the rigours of everyday living. From 2 bedroom apartments to 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom Designed to be sympathetic to the natural woodland that parking and garages for many properties. In addition to covers a large area to the south and east of the site, there will be dedicated parking for the occupiers of the dwellings, houses, Knights Wood offers a fusion of style and substance that is hard to beat. significant additional planting at Knights Wood, creating green additional numbers of visitor parking spaces will be provided. corridors throughout. These are complemented by beautiful amenity space that includes a village square, central green and 10-year structural warranty children’s play area, helping to provide a true sense of place. All 550 homes at Knights Wood come with an independent 10-year structural warranty plus a customer service guarantee from Dandara. n

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Energy efficient central heating Energy efficient, gas-fired central heating systems ensure warmth and hot water for the homes at Knights Wood. The building design has been enhanced to ensure optimum energy efficiency.

Quality flooring throughout Bedrooms, stairways, landings and living rooms in every Dandara home are carpeted before being handed over to a new owner. Kitchens, cloakrooms and hallways feature stylish Amtico flooring and there are porcelain floor tiles in bathrooms and en-suites. n

Images are previous Dandara developments …AS THEY DO ON THE INSIDE

To set foot inside a brand new home at Knights Wood is to enter a stylish retreat from the stresses of the outside world.

The perfect marriage of style and comfort Beautiful kitchens, Interiors at Knights Wood are designed for comfort, designed to be enjoyed free-flowing living and convenience, with multiple Under-cabinet, low energy downlighting helps to layout options to choose from. Spacious kitchens, create a relaxed ambience, ensuring the kitchen separate lounges and master bedrooms with en-suite is a place to be enjoyed. All homes are beautifully all contribute to a stylish home that is perfect for both equipped with fitted kitchens by renowned German family life and entertaining friends. manufacturer, Leicht, and complemented by Dandara homes are valued for their impressive stainless steel appliances by Neff. internal specification which include features that would be regarded as an ‘extra’ by many other Family bathrooms offer style and developers. comfort in equal measure There is an opportunity for early purchasers to Ceramic wall tiles and porcelain tiled floors are key make their own choices on certain elements of the components contributing to the overall contemporary interior, although this is subject to build-stage. feel of bathrooms that also feature thermostatic mixer taps, heated towel radiators and low-energy lighting.

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Images are previous Dandara developments EDUCATION Secondary schools

The quality of education in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the immediate area is incredibly high. With some of the finest schools in the country nearby, it is An asset to the new community understandable that families have been known to move to the area to secure a place at More than just a collection of beautiful a local secondary school for their children. homes, Knights Wood has been designed to benefit the local community and the creation LOCAL GRAMMAR SCHOOLS SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY of the new primary school is a great example Of the 14 secondary schools in Royal The ‘non-selective’ schools in the local area are of this approach, right down to the design of Tunbridge Wells, 10 offer sixth form also of a high standard, including the Skinners’ parking facilities for parents. education and three are selective schools Kent Academy, which opened in 2009 and is – Tunbridge Wells Girls’ , just a short walk away from Knights Wood. ‘Drop-off’ car park The Skinners’ School and Tunbridge Wells The Academy is supported by its lead It is hoped that most residents will choose to Grammar School for Boys. These schools sponsor, the nearby The Skinners’ School, walk to the new school with their children. admit pupils on the basis of their ability and plus co-sponsors and Kent County However, for those parents who choose to require children to take and pass the eleven- Council. Students and staff moved into a travel by car, a new ‘drop-off’ car park on the plus (also known as the Kent Test) in their last brand new £21 million building, inspired by east side of Knights Wood will be available. year at primary school. the Guggenheim Museum in New York, in With around 50 spaces, parents will be There are also 16 secondary schools in Spring 2013. State-of-the-art facilities include able to park here and walk their children to nearby Tonbridge, with 12 offering a sixth seven science labs, a lecture theatre with 3D school, which in turn will help to generate an form and three being selective – The Judd capabilities, a radio studio, multi-media editing inclusive, community spirit. School, and suite and drama studio, plus an all-weather The new school will be located on the Weald of Kent Grammar School. As is the case sports pitch and a multi-use games area with north side of a beautifully landscaped ‘village with an increasing number of Kent grammar three netball courts and five tennis courts. square’ and the drop-off car park will help to schools, will introduce a keep this area as car-free as possible. separate entrance exam for pupils wishing to Staff and disabled parking will be provided study there from 2016 onwards. next to the school building, however bus KNIGHTS WOOD stops will also be situated close to the school, encouraging staff and parents alike to use public transport as an alternative mode of transport. PRIMARY SCHOOL Independent schools school life, including teaching and learning, Facilities for There are a number of private, fee-paying curricular and co-curricular achievements, the local community schools in the area, including Beechwood pastoral care and governance, leadership In addition to the obvious advantage of Sacred Heart School, , and management were judged ‘excellent’ – providing much-needed primary school Holmewood House School, , the highest category awarded. In 2013 the Coming soon places, the new school will benefit the wider founded in 1553 and , Independent Schools Inspectorate described community by also providing dual-use founded in 1432. Sevenoaks School’s pupils’ achievement facilities for enjoyment by pupils and local Following a routine inspection of and learning as ‘exceptional’ and in 2012 First pupils in residents alike. These will include a Multi-Use Tonbridge School by the Independent the Department for Education placed Games Area and an Astroturf football pitch, Schools Inspectorate in 2010, all areas of Sevenoaks School at the top of its GCSE September 2015 which will not be floodlit, to avoid disrupting performance tables. n Families with young children will be delighted to learn local residents at night. that a new primary school is to be built at Knights Wood Work on the new school Further education and is expected to accept pupils from September 2015. is planned to start in

October 2014, with In terms of Further Education, Hadlow A new primary school at Knights Wood completion scheduled for College near Tonbridge specialises in Dandara has contributed £3.95 million towards the cost agriculture and horticulture for pupils of building a new primary school at Knights Wood and August 2015, ready for the aged 16 and over. it is anticipated that about 75% of students will be from first intake of pupils from Knights Wood residents. K College is also based in Tonbridge but Initially it will be a ‘one-form entry’ school, i.e. a school September 2015. has a campus on North Farm Industrial with one class in each of the seven year groups which will It is expected to be an Academy or a Free Estate, a stone’s throw from Knights be from Reception through to Year Six, growing later to a School for boys and girls aged between 4 Wood. This campus offers purpose two form entry school. and 11 years. Although there is no specified built motor vehicle engineering and catchment area, it is expected that most construction workshops, as well as a children will live within walking distance. learning resource centre. The campus is kitted out with the latest technology, including webcams to transmit and record on-screen demonstrations.

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ith such beautiful surroundings, you might expect Knights Wood to be hard to reach, yet the opposite is true. Excellent road and rail links BY CAR ensure this exciting new destination is a fantastic location from which W Knights Wood is well positioned for access to the to explore the local area – and beyond. In fact, the bright lights of London, the area’s major road network, including the M25 in less peaceful South Coast and even the Continent are all easily accessible. than 15 minutes. A significant road improvement scheme, partially funded by Dandara, is already underway on Longfield Road, which will dramatically enhance the road system in the immediate vicinity of Knights Wood. This includes the provision of dual carriageway to the east of Royal Tunbridge Wells and THE CITY, THE through the nearby North Farm area, to improve the flow of traffic and deal with expected traffic growth over the next ten years. These improvements have been designed to tie-in AIRPORT, THE COAST with the dualling of the A21 between Tonbridge and the choice is yours Pembury, which has now received approval. BY FOOT Knights Wood to High Brooms Station around 15 minutes.

BY TRAIN There are two railway stations near to Knights Wood – High Brooms BY BUS and Tunbridge Wells. From these, Southeastern operates services to It is expected that a public bus service will serve four mainline London stations – London Bridge, London Waterloo East, Knights Wood, with bus stops situated at key points London Charing Cross and Canon Street. throughout the development. Dandara is contributing HIGH BROOMS approximately £350,000 to increase the frequency Situated on the same line as Tunbridge Wells but slightly closer to the of the existing 277 bus to Knights Park and Pembury capital, with journey times of around 45 minutes to London Bridge, Hospital and extend its hours of operation into the around 50 minutes to London Waterloo East and around 55 minutes evening and weekends. to London Charing Cross.

COMMUTE WITH EASE BY PLANE There are up to six trains per hour to London from both of these Close proximity to the M25 means that London stations during the morning. To make the commute easier, a shuttle Gatwick (45 mins) and London Heathrow (80 mins) can bus service exclusive to Knights Wood residents is planned to operate be easily reached by car. at scheduled times during the day, running from Knights Wood to High Brooms station.

BY EUROSTAR, EUROTUNNEL OR FERRY

HASTINGS BATTLE TUNBRIDGE WELLS HIGH BROOMS TONBRIDGE LONDON BRIDGE WATERLOO EAST CHARING CROSS Ebbsfleet International Station is around 35 minutes away by car. Direct from Ebbsfleet, high-speed trains can reach Brussels in less than two hours, with Paris a 50 mins 40 mins 3 mins 7 mins 45 mins 50 mins 55 mins little over two hours away. For those keen to travel with their car, Folkestone HASTINGS BATTLE TUNBRIDGE WELLS HIGH BROOMS TONBRIDGE LONDON BRIDGE WATERLOO EAST CHARING CROSS Eurotunnel Terminal is just over an hour’s drive from Knights Wood, with Calais a further 35 minutes away. 45 mins 35 mins 3 mins 10 mins 50 mins 55 mins 60 mins In addition, the Port of Dover is approximately one hour 15 minutes by car from Knights Wood, with BY FOOT regular ferry services to Calais and Dunkirk. For those happy to walk, High Brooms station is less than a mile Royal Tunbridge Wells to Ebbsfleet: 35 minutes (by car) away from Knights Wood. Tunbridge Wells station is four miles further. Heading away from London, trains run directly from High Ebbsfleet to Brussels: 1 hour 55 minutes (direct by Eurostar) Brooms and Tunbridge Wells to the South Coast, making a beautiful Ebbsfleet to Paris: 2 hours 15 minutes (direct by Eurostar) collection of quintessential seaside towns within easy reach.

Please note: Journey times and distances given are approximate and are intended only as a guide. They may vary depending on route taken. Journey times do not include any possible ‘check-in’ times. Various sources have been used to compile the journey times and distance information featured in this article, including the following websites: www.arrivabus.co.uk, www.dfdsseaways.co.uk, www.doverport.co.uk, www.eurostar.com, www.eurotunnel.com, www.google.co.uk/maps, www.myferrylink.com, www.nationalrail.co.uk, www.poferries.com

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A stylish new home for 21st century living A contemporary new home purpose designed with 1 all the ingredients for an enviable lifestyle. Superb selection of new homes in a woodland setting Choose from 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes 2 beautifully woven into the fabric of the countryside with each one individually and carefully designed to make the most of its geographic location and some benefiting from superb views.

Country living at its best Enjoy all the benefits of country living, right from 3 the doorstep, without having to sacrifice the convenience of city living.

A New School Great for families The new Knights Wood primary school, planned There is an enormous choice of indoor and 4 for 2015, will cater for children from reception age 7 outdoor activities for families in and around Royal right through to year six and be an important asset Tunbridge Wells. Choose from a wide range of sports to for the community. Older children can choose from a leisurely relaxation, cinema to theatre and a wealth of range of excellent schools in the area. events that run throughout the year.

Capital for access to London Unrivalled shopping There’s no denying that easy access to London, and choice of restaurants 5 whether for work or play, is likely to be a real With shopping and eating two of our favourite plus for many. There are up to six trains an hour and a 8 pastimes as a nation, it’s good to know that Royal choice of mainline stations, taking you into the heart Tunbridge Wells is blessed with an abundance of both. of the city in around 45 minutes. Easy access to the South Coast A vibrant Village Square Choose from the picturesque town of Hastings, Set to become the heart of Knights Wood, the 9 the Lanes and pier of Brighton, the stunning 6 village square lies close to the site of the new scenery in and around Eastbourne, or visit the antique primary school and will feature neighbourhood shops shops and farmers market of Lewes. All within an such as a convenience store and café, making it the hour drive. perfect place for residents to come together. A life without compromise If you were to create a blueprint for a beautiful 10 new home, that came with the very best of town and country living, and everything you need for 21st Century living, the end result would be Knights Wood.n

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Fun for all the family hen you’re out and about in Royal Tunbridge Wells it’s reassuring to know that there is plenty to keep everyone Wentertained, whatever the weather. Amongst the many choices The is a popular way to travel through the glorious Wealden countryside and you can hop on and off at , Groombridge and Eridge. There’s indoor play at MinorMania or, for creative youngsters, a superb craft studio, Glazy Daisy, where there’s jewellery making, pottery, painting or making a teddy bear. There is a healthy calendar of events that takes place throughout the year including festivals, major shows and parades that feature music, food and drink, and crafts. It’s also good to know that if you’re too tired to cook, there is a plethora of family friendly restaurants and cafés to choose from.

Or taking time out… owned by Mrs Humphreys, who became the first server With a location in such a beautiful part of the country of Chalybeate when she provided Lord North with a cup there are plenty of parks and lakes to explore, including so that he could quench his hangover-induced thirst, two commons that span around 256 acres. Both feature was later replaced by a forge, coach builders’ workshop sandstone outcrops that stand testament to the area’s and today is the venue for the Forum, a live music venue. earliest inhabitants – hunter gatherers in the Mesolithic In fact Mark Morriss, front man of former indie band OUT & ABOUT period. The Bluetones, played the Forum in March 2003 and Much of the story of Royal Tunbridge Wells the venue and town stuck in his mind so much that he Common and its former residents is told by the many moved to Royal Tunbridge Wells five years’ later. IN ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS properties that surround it. Thackeray’s House – so named because William Thackeray lodged there in 1860 – was The choice is yours originally called Rock Villa. The rock is something of a There is always so much going on in and around Royal theme as the eastern apex of the common is particularly Tunbridge Wells that you’ll never be stuck for something rocky and was known locally as Gibraltar and it is from to do. The hardest part will be making up your mind from The Pantiles is probably the first place you would this that Gibraltar Cottage – an early lodging house from everything that’s on offer. n Still attracting around four million visitors a think of if you wanted a spot of leisurely shopping. 1814 to 1824 – takes its name. The site of a cottage once year, Knights Wood residents are well-placed to Shops here have a superb reputation for originality and style. Two tiers of small, individual shops and enjoy everything the town has to offer art galleries under the protection of the distinctive colonnaded walkway makes for an attractive setting t all began when Beau Nash, celebrated dandy that’s all the better for the inclusion of numerous and leader of fashion, set about transforming it cafés and restaurants and there’s the recent addition into ‘the’ place to be for the winter season. Today of the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School. it continues to recruit new admirers. So what Royal Victoria Place shopping mall came of age Igives Royal Tunbridge Wells such a timeless appeal? in 2013 marking 21 years since it was officially opened by HRH Diana, Princess of Wales. There are more than Retail therapy 100 stores in total to choose from, including all the It’s true to say that shopping is now recognised as a usual high street names, under one roof. leisure activity rather than a necessary evil, but, in order The Old High Street, Chapel Place & Vale Road to be deemed leisure, there has to be the right sort teem with Victorian charm and are indicative of days of shops. Niche independent shops combined with gone by in Royal Tunbridge Wells. This area is renowned all the major players on the high street makes Royal for its superb range of small, independent shops selling Tunbridge Wells a good choice for shopping, no matter everything from designer clothes to exquisite jewellery what you are looking for. And you won’t find them all and beautiful home furnishings to gifts. lumped together. We’ve identified our top three hot spots to explore but there are plenty more.

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