A particular take on property ISSUE ONE
All about your area: A local perspective from Strutt & Parker
pp01-12_&Canterbury_Cover_desFIN.indd 3 21/08/2013 09:52 Welcome to &Canterbury, a magazine showcasing local properties and giving you a taste of the area. Strutt & Parker is one of the most diverse property businesses in the UK, and the Canterbury office is a focal point for the many departments and services we offer. The residential team specialises in selling a wide range of properties across Canterbury and the surrounding towns and villages, while Strutt & Parker also provides unrivalled expertise in farming, land management, commercial property, planning and development.
Read on to find out more Page 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest properties and local highlights Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert overview of the national market Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker? Page 10 Why we love Kent: locals reveal why there’s no place like home 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 &Cambridge
pp02-03_&Canterbury_Intro_desFIN.indd 1 14/08/2013 11:23 INSIGHT
A particular take on property ISSUE ONE
Edward Church and Simon Backhouse, Partners, on how our Canterbury office brings a wealth of experience to the market
anterbury has been at the heart of the Garden our colleagues in our Sevenoaks office, which allows ‘ of England for centuries. After a long period of us to bring twice as much experience to the sale of C the town being off the beaten track, the arrival each property there. of the High Speed 1 train has put it firmly back on the ‘Since the start of 2013, we have seen an above- map. Buyers from London are flocking to Kent, seeking average number of houses go under offer, and this gives out good value for money as well as the excellent local us a positive view for the future. In particular, we are schooling in both the independent and state sectors. The looking forward to our next Open House Day, which well-regarded grammar schools are a particular draw. will take place in late September. ‘Strutt & Parker has been in East Kent for 40 ‘We are passionate about houses, but this alone does years, and over that time has been fortunate to set a not make for good estate agency. Houses are homes, and Howard Simmons Howard series of records, including selling the first £1-million we spend our days working with people to achieve their house in East Kent 25 years ago. The market continues personal goals. Each sale is different, and we cannot – to excite us – we are fortunate because Kent offers a and must not – apply a blanket marketing approach. huge range of property types and styles for purchasers, Achieving these goals is what makes this a most from the vernacular weatherboarded farmhouse to the satisfying business to be involved in.’ landmark Kentish oast house, which has as much appeal as the Georgian rectory. ‘Our team here in Canterbury is approachable, friendly and easy to deal with, offering the high levels of professionalism that you expect and deserve. Our experience and knowledge is not just limited to Canterbury; we have sold property in every parish in
photography (cover and this page) photography (cover and this page) East and Mid Kent. In Mid Kent, we work closely with
struttandparker.com/canterbury 03
pp02-03_&Canterbury_Intro_desFIN.indd 2 13/08/2013 11:17 First & foremost
Historic Haven Little Hearnden, Headcorn, Kent Little Hearnden is known to date from 1493 and is a fine example of a traditional Wealden hall house, half-timbered with rendered infill elevations, with some tile hanging to the side under a Kent peg-tiled roof with central stack and cat slide to the rear. The property is listed Grade II and has been carefully restored to an exceptional standard by the current owners and is now presented in immaculate order. It must be one of the finest surviving examples of this type of property. £1,250,000 FOR SALE Contact 01227 451123
Food heaven Gastronomic experiences don’t come much finer than the Faversham-based, family-run food hall Macknade Fine Foods. It’s a world of fresh fruit and vegetables, globally sourced cheeses, meats, fine wines and speciality teas. There’s little you can’t find in this vast deli – fresh artisan pasta, jams, pickles, dairy, charcuterie, soups and freshly baked bread, with the emphasis on local Kentish produce. And if that wasn’t enough, it also has an on-site fishmonger, wine warehouse, coffee shop and boutique nursery. macknade.com
castle attractions
Built as a fort during Henry VIII’s reign and now owned by English Heritage, Walmer Castle is a fascinating day out. From notable history – you can see the armchair in which the Duke of Wellington died (and a pair of his eponymous boots) – to woodland walks, landscaped gardens and coastal views, this well-preserved castle is packed with things to do. Celebrated figures stayed here, including Pitt the Younger, Churchill and the Queen Mother – and you can too, in the Garden Cottage. Overlooking the kitchen garden, it sleeps four. english-heritage.org.uk
04 &Canterbury
pp04-05_&Canterbury_F&F_desFIN.indd 1 13/08/2013 11:18 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
ART REVIVAL Perched on Margate’s seafront, at the same point where JMW Turner stayed when visiting the town, the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery is at the heart of Kent’s exciting revival as a cultural hotspot. Just two years old, the elegant contemporaries, as well as talks and workshops. Its aim is to gallery, designed by David Chipperfi eld, is the largest make intriguing connections between art from Turner’s era to exhibition space in the south east outside London. the present day. If your feet tire of the shows, the café, with The gallery has a vibrant programme of events, from its sensational views over the north Kent coast, is the perfect large-scale temporary exhibitions by the likes of artists stop-off, serving locally sourced, seasonal produce – its Dan Graham and Juan Muñoz to Turner and his terrace shielding you from showers. turnercontemporary.org
CANTERBURY RURAL CHARM UNCOVERED Lodge House, Smeeth, Kent Lodge House is listed Grade II* as being of outstanding architectural The King’s School, merit. It was formerly part of the Scott’s Hall estate which stretched Canterbury, established from Aldington to Stowting. The house is on the edge of the former c.600 AD, is thought to deer park and was constructed in the early 1400s as a timber-framed be the oldest school in Wealden style hall house. The property was altered in about 1700, Britain and possibly the and again in the early 1900s, to form the charming country house oldest surviving school in that it is today. Situated in 23 acres of countryside, the house also the world. Former pupils has excellent equestrian facilities, an oast house and annexe. have become famous £2,800,000 FOR SALE playwrights, authors, Contact 01227 451123 cricketers and astronauts BESPOKE The equestrian word DESIGNS ‘canter’ comes from the name Canterbury. Situated within Canterbury’s Many pilgrims on ancient walls, goldsmith and designer Rory Hadfi eld’s
© Hufton and Crow (Turner Contemporary Art Gallery) © Hufton and Crow (Turner horseback who were approaching the city near jewellers is one of the city’s most curfew increased the charming shops. Its small team horse’s speed from of six designer-makers creates a trot to the faster bespoke jewellery in the on-site ‘Canterbury trot’. The workshop, using platinum, PHOTOGRAPHY expression was later 18-carat gold and silver, plus shortened to ‘canter’ precious and semi-precious stones from garnet to diamonds. Canterbury is a popular The designers create bespoke tourist destination and pieces, or will take your own Hannah Booth is one of the most visited ideas and turn them into items cities in the UK of jewellery.
WORDS hadfi eldsjewellery.co.uk
struttandparker.com/canterbury 05
pp04-05_&Canterbury_F&F_desFIN.indd 2 13/08/2013 11:18 The Cliff House, St Margaret’s Bay Possibly the most outstanding small private estate on the south-east coast, with unrivalled views of the English Channel. £POA FOR SALE
Denwood Farm, Crundale A delightful Grade II Listed property commanding wonderful countryside views to the rear, with the added benefit of a detached annexe. £900,000 FOR SALE
Lodge Farm, Bethersden Set in a popular village location with about 18 acres of land, this is a fantastic Victorian property in need of significant modernisation. £750,000 FOR SALE
The Farmhouse, Canterbury Dundas Park Farm, This handsome period Elmsted farmhouse is in a A wonderfully situated convenient semi-rural family home with superb location on the edge equestrian facilities, in of the city and close a glorious rural location to schools. close to Canterbury. £650,000 FOR SALE £1,650,000 FOR SALE
For further details of any of these properties, contact 01227 451123
06 &Canterbury
pp06-07_&Canterbury_Property_desFIN.indd 1 13/08/2013 11:22 PORTFOLIO
Ivy Cottage, Elham An idyllically situated Grade II Listed cottage set in the most enchanting gardens and grounds. £665,000 FOR SALE
Torrepoint, Wingham An excellent family house in a popular village location with fantasitc views of the surrounding countryside. £650,000 FOR SALE
Ilex, Rodmersham This remarkable new house boasts a breathtaking style and unrivalled specification. £1,350,000 FOR SALE
Ye Olde Century, Selling An elegant Grade ll Listed house with a picturesque garden in a particularly desirable location. £669,500 FOR SALE
Eythorne House, Eythorne Possibly one of the best Georgian houses in East Kent set in a lovely location overlooking open parkland. £1,800,000 FOR SALE
struttandparker.com/canterbury 07
pp06-07_&Canterbury_Property_desFIN.indd 2 13/08/2013 11:22 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 ‘When the road was recently dug up between my firm’s office and that of Strutt & Parker, someone was sensible enough to leave a viewing space. From grannies to schoolchildren, all of Canterbury could peer in and see the remains of the Roman amphitheatre appearing from beneath the tarmac. Canterbury has been a good place to be for a long time…’ Ben Mowll, Partner at Furley Page solicitors Why we love Kent What makes the area such a special place to ‘When I got married, I had a career in work and live? We ask a few local residents London, but soon decided I wanted to bring up my family in East Kent, where I had grown up. My friends all agree that Canterbury has a huge pull. I now run two businesses in the town centre with my dad.’ ‘Canterbury has Georgia Lord, CJ’s café culture rising from its cobbles and ringing in the rafters of its historic buildings. Contemporary art, theatre and a wonderful range of music on offer year round (not to mention during its annual arts Howard Simmonds Howard
festival) prove there’s more to Canterbury than Chaucer’s Tales.’ Rosie Turner, Director, Canterbury Festival PHOTOGRAPHY
‘My family and I are ‘I lived in Wye when I played moving to Barham from cricket for Kent and always loved France and intend the area. In my late 20s, I moved to plant grapes and make to London but a part of me always English sparkling wine. Maps Illustrated
wanted to return. I’ve now moved We chose East Kent as back to the Kent countryside and it has the longest hours it feels more like home than ever.’ of sunshine in the UK.’ Ed Smith, former Kent Charles Simpson,
and England cricketer Domaine Sainte Rose ILLUSTRATION
10 &Canterbury
pp10-11_&Canterbury_We Love_Map NO FLAP_desFIN.indd 1 28/08/2013 09:57 FIND US
S&P
Strutt & Parker Canterbury 2 St Margaret’s Street Canterbury CT1 2SL Tel: 01227 451123 [email protected] Howard Simmonds Howard
Strutt & Parker network and services
Strutt & Parker Canterbury is part of a Farming – our specialist agricultural advisers Resources & Energy – we help clients seize
PHOTOGRAPHY national network with 50 offi ces around work with farmers and landowners to help the opportunities and manage the risks that the UK, including 10 offi ces in central manage their land and increase profi tability. energy issues present. London. As sole UK affi liate 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 affi liate offi ces 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.
struttandparker.com/canterbury 11
pp10-11_&Canterbury_We Love_Map NO FLAP_desFIN.indd 2 28/08/2013 12:03 Canterbury Sevenoaks 2 St Margaret’s Street 15 Bank Street Canterbury CT1 2SL Sevenoaks TN13 1UW Tel: 01227 451123 Tel: 01732 459900
Guildford Country House Department 222 High Street 13 Hill Street Guildford GU1 3JD London W1J 5LQ Tel: 01483 306565 Tel: 020 7629 7282
Horsham London 35 Carfax Ten offices in central London Horsham RH12 1EE Visit struttandparker.com for Tel: 01403 246790 details
Lewes 201 High Street Lewes BN7 2NR Tel: 01273 47541
To visit the Canterbury office homepage, simply hover your phone over struttandparker.com the QR code (right).
pp01-12_&Canterbury_Cover_desFIN.indd 2 03/09/2013 11:41