cover photo © JohnJoe photography
COUNTRY & TOWN IN THE Boxing Day December 2023 The Property & Lifestyle Magazine
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Within This Issue...
P.10 Fleet, Hampshire -SPECIAL BOXING DAY GUIDE £625,000
P. 15
P. 16
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P. 74 A beginner’s guide to growing your own veg in the New Year
P. 87 TV Preview: The biggest shows of 2024
P. 104 Motoring / First Drive: The Ineos Grenadier is a modern-day successor to the ‘original’ Land Rover Defender
P. 8
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A collection of exquisite properties and engaging editorial
P. 22
P.12 Guide Offers In Excess of £3.250m.
P 18 Joe Wicks on why 15 minutes is enough time to change your life
P. 30 Foods to eat to avoid colds and flu this winter
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P. 9
P. 14
P. 14 Cameron Diaz wants to ‘normalise’ sleeping in separate bedrooms
P. 70
P. 70 Five of the hottest interior trends for 2024 – according to experts
P. 28
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IN THE COUNTRY &TOWN Welcome to
Creating the inspiration to move
Year End & New Beginnings
We are please to bring you this Boxing Day special edition of In The Country & Town, providing an opportunity to showcase some great properties which are priced competitively to attract the savvy house buyers who are starting their 2024 property search early. In our January 2023 edition of this magazine we predicted, despite the widespread media gloom about the house market at the time, that the year would end with house prices not greatly changed in our area of operation.We are please to say that this has proved to be the case with house prices only slightly down, impacted by buyer demand steadily improving as the year progressed.The Autumn of 2023 saw the first positive upturn in house buyer activity this year, and there was clear evidence confirming the market had stabilised as we approached the final quarter of this year. As we are now in the final days of this years market, we are able to report that house buyers are still on the hunt for their ideal property, so a later year up-tick is providing opportunities for those wishing to sell their property now despite this being an uncharacteristic time of year for house sales activity. There is no doubt that December 2023 saw a respectable level of house buyers viewings, a fact that was notable especially in the top end sector with properties such as the £5.250m. property shown below achieving five new viewings which bodes well for people on the move to new beginnings in 2024.
Published by Kilbricken Publishing and John Joe Photography Limited,Telephone: 07470 707275, email jjtopshot@outlook.com, web johnjoe.co.uk. Publishing 2022 - All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the publishers.The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer or contract. John Joe Limited cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors.
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Take A Look!
There are many fine properties to see within these pages and you will see the wonderful interiors of some of the finest properties on the Berkshire / Hampshire borders, with properties from £315,000 to £5.250m in this magazine edition, so we hope you will enjoy exploring the pages of In The Country & Town. We hope you will enjoy reading some of the editorial features, including recipes from renowned Joe Wicks on why 15 minutes is enough time to change your life, Gabriela Peacock on foods to eat to avoid colds and flu this winter, Cameron Diaz, motoring, interior design gardening and some film and tv reviews.
Joe Wicks
Gabriela Peacock
Cameron Diaz
Motoring - First Drive
Gardening
TV
Interior Design
Labour In Government + Interest Rates Down = Market Up-tick By December 2024
The likelihood of a Labour Government being in power by this time next year is very high and in the past, such a change has had a positive outcome on the house market in the short to medium term.Add in the prospect of interest rates tumbling in the second half of next year, then there can be little doubt that the best in house buying opportunities for savvy buyers will be during the first six months of 2024. Our advice to house buyers is to start their property search early in the New Year and don’t delay. We hope you enjoy reading this Boxing Day 2023 edition of In The Country & Town and we look forward our New Year 2024 editions, when we will give our readers further market insight and will again showcase some of the finest properties for sale or to let.
John Holden - Chairman McCarthy Holden
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Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £315,000
Situated within close proximity of Odiham High Street, this two-bedroom ground floor maisonette is offered to the market as an ideal investment opportunity or a perfect property for a first-time buyer. Benefits to this property include a carport with driveway parking, enclosed garden, long lease and no onward chain. EPC D (65) - Telephone 01256 704851
• 2 Bedrooms • Driveway Parking • No Onward Chain •
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: Offers in Excess Of £800,000
This attractive four bedroom detached family home with accommodation arranged over two floors. The living room is approximately 21 ft. long and the light and airy kitchen/breakfast room is over 19 ft long and is fitted with a comprehensive range of eye and base level units, island, breakfast bar and a range of appliances including oven, hob, extractor fan and dishwasher. EPC D(64)Telephone 01252 620640
• Four Bedrooms • 19ft. Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Excellent Rear Garden •
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £625,000 (Boxing Day Price)
• 4 Bedrooms • Impressive Front Elevation • 21ft. Kitchen / Diner •
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This delightful four-bedroom detached family home is situated on the ever popular Elvetham Heath development with views to the front over the local nature reserve.The property is ideally located for local schools and amenities as well as being within easy access of Fleet mainline railway station and Fleet town centre. EPC C (79) - Telephone 01252 620640
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £500,000
This extremely well presented three-bedroom detached property, which is located on the popular Zebon Copse Development in Church Crookham, has the benefit of backing onto a wooded area. On the ground floor there is an entrance hallway, living room and dining room and excellent kitchen. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Bedroom one has an en-suite shower room and fitted wardrobes. EPC D (66) - Telephone 01252 620640
• 3 Bedrooms • En-Suite to Bedroom One • Garage •
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £635,000
This extremely well-presented double fronted three bedroom detached bungalow sits on an attractive plot within the popular Courtmoor area of Fleet, close to local schools and amenities and within easy access of Fleet town centre. EPC D(56)Telephone 01252 620640
• Beautiful Interior • Sought After Courtmoor Location • Attractive Rear Garden •
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sleep, when it comes to having separate bedrooms. In a 2020 TED talk, US sleep medicine specialist Wendy Troxel said when sleep is measured objectively, people actually sleep worse with a partner. “In fact, if you sleep with someone who snores, you can blame them for up to 50% of your sleep disruptions,” she said. “But when you ask those disrupted sleepers, ‘Do you prefer to sleep with your partner or do you prefer to sleep alone?’, most say that they prefer to sleep with their partner. This suggests that our social brain is prioritising our need for closeness and security at night – even when it comes at a cost to our sleep.” While a 2016 study by Paracelsus Medical University in Germany found sleep issues and relationship problems tend to occur at the same time.And another 2013 study by the University of California, Berkeley, found one partner’s sleepless night caused by disturbances from the other partner can result in relationship conflict the next day. “Couples experience more frequent and severe conflicts after sleepless nights,” said study lead author,Amie Gordon. So is it just a cultural expectation that we sleep next to partners? And rather than an indicator of relationship troubles, could it actually be a positive thing? “I have done a lot of research on this subject, and I always get asked by clients whether sleeping separately to their partner would be hugely beneficial. My answer is ‘yes’ – as your partner can often be the cause of a bad night’s sleep,” said sleep expert Joy Richards. “I think there is a stigma behind couples sleeping separately, with many suggesting it is a sign that a permanent separation is on the way, but if anything, it probably helps a relationship build as your mood will be improved throughout the day.
Photo: Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz wants to ‘normalise’ sleeping in separate bedrooms – could it help your
relationship? By Lauren Taylor, PA
“You won’t be able to blame your partner for keeping you awake with their tossing, turning or snoring.”
Actor Cameron Diaz has said we need to “normalise” married couples sleeping in different bedrooms, or even having separate houses. The Charlie’s Angels star was speaking on the Lipstick on the Rim podcast, which she appeared on with her wine brand business partner, Katherine Power. The 51-year-old, who is married to Good Charlotte musician Benji Madden, said:“We should normalise separate bedrooms.To me, I would literally, I have my house, you have yours, we have a family house in the middle. I will go and sleep in my room.You go to sleep in your room. I’m fine.” Diaz has a three-year-old daughter with Madden, 44, who she married in 2015.“By the way, I don’t feel that way now because my husband is so wonderful,” she told hosts Molly Sims and Emese Gormley, People magazine reported.“I said that before I got married.”
The term sleep divorce has even become a well-known phrase as a way for couples to stay together – but not sleep together. Richards added: “I think this stigma needs to be addressed, as sleep divorce is extremely common in the UK, but you often think the worst when you hear that a couple sleep separately.” Plus, lack of sleep can negatively affect your health. Regularly falling short of enough kip can raise your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes and depression. A bad night’s sleep can also affect your productivity at work, make you irritable and, ultimately, cause tensions in your relationships during the daytime. In fact, a study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that over time, sleep deprivation can leave couples “too tired to say thanks” and can make one or the other partner feel unappreciated.
Still, she might have a point. Some relationship experts have been touting the benefits to both your partnership and your
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Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £350,000
This delightful character cottage is located in the prestigious Blue Triangle area of Fleet and is situated close to Fleet mainline station. The property has been sympathetically extended and provides living accommodation comprising; living room, family room/dining room kitchen and bathroom to the ground floor.The first floor has two generous double bedrooms and an additional bathroom. EPC D(58)Telephone 01252 620640
• Beautiful Interior • Blue Triangle Location • Rear Garden •
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Wonderful grounds of circa half an acre
Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £1,250,000
Superb Kitchen / Diner • High Specification New Build Home
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McCarthy Holden are delighted to offer to the market this newly built executive home constructed to a high specification by the renowned local builders North Hants Homes.The property sits on a generous plot measuring approximately half an acre within the prestigious Blue Triangle area of Fleet. EPC B (88) - Telephone 01252 620640
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are weighing on his mind. “I’m stressed, I’m overwhelmed at the moment,” he admits. “I’m getting hit every day with messages from people about what’s going on in Israel and Palestine, so I’m finding it overwhelming.”
And Wicks’ go-to whenever he feels this way is the same: moving his body.
“I need to exercise, I need to release some of that anxiety and that emotion, so it’s really powerful for me.”
And while the internet can often be an upsetting place, there’s always joy to be found.
“I love those funny accounts, where people are making sexy puddings and desserts and all that sort of stuff,” Wicks says with a laugh, referring to the viral videos where people make recipes in a hammed-up and suggestive way. While working out is a must for the PT and cookbook author, he finds “staying consistent with my diet much harder than the exercise”. He diet is remarkably healthy, but that hasn’t always been the case.“As a kid, we were on benefits and we had a very low income, so it was very much ultra-processed food – probably 99% of our food was ultra-processed,” he says.
Photo: Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks on why 15 minutes is enough time to change your life By Prudence Wade, PA
“It was quite beige and frozen, and I was a very fussy eater.”
Recently, he’s been looking into ultra-processed foods a lot more, and while he admits he does use things such as pre-made pestos and curry sauces in his meals – to help get dinner on the table more quickly – he’s becoming increasingly aware of what he puts in his body. “When you think about things like bread and yoghurts and tortillas and all the condiments we use, in isolation they’re OK – but if you’re eating them every meal, or you’re eating sweet treats every day, biscuits and cookies and things, you’re going to feel a bit lethargic,” Wicks says. “You’re going to feel bloated and stuff – and it’s not just a guilt thing around the calories you’re eating, it’s really how it makes you feel.” Even though he’s now become much more adventurous with food – for example, noting with glee that he loves sushi and sashimi, despite not really eating fish until he was 25 – he says he’s always been an “all-or-nothing guy”. In the past, that might have meant eating a whole tub of ice cream in one sitting – but as he’s got older he’s adopted a more intuitive approach. “Like today, I’m really busy and I’m really energised – I will eat more food. If I’m sedentary, I might just remove things and have a few more hours of fasting, and eat when I’m hungry,” he explains.
Now on his 12th cookbook, JoeWicks isn’t the same person he was when his first came out in 2015.
He’s become a global phenomenon, with 4.7 million followers on Instagram as well as being awarded an MBE for his efforts getting us moving during lockdown.
Plus, he’s now a married man, and has three children with wife Rosie: Indie, five, Marley, three, and one-year-old Leni.
But for Wicks, the biggest change is internal.
“The narrative around movement and mental health and physical transformation has shifted, because now I’m talking a lot more about how exercise makes you feel, as opposed to just the fat loss and the transformation physically,” he notes. “I understand human behaviour, what’s really motivating people.A lot of people initially start to want to lose weight or lose inches, but it’s not really what keeps them going. I think what keeps them going is the mental health benefits and how it makes them feel at the end of the day.”
Wicks, 38, has been open on social media with his own mental health struggles, and when we speak, some issues
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“That’s probably just come with age – knowing my body a bit more. I’ve become really aware of what foods make me really unhappy and bloated – certain foods, like if I eat ice cream or drink lots of fizzy drink, I get so bloated.
“So I’m learning what I used to think was a treat isn’t really a treat any more.”
Wicks has channelled his wisdom into his latest book, Feel Good In 15, with a whole host of quick recipes, 15-minute workouts and more.
A quarter of an hour might not seem like much, but he’s convinced it’s enough time to change your life.
“In this world we live in now, where time is so short and people are so busy and so hectic with the way we live, 15 minutes is a manageable amount of time to do one thing productive, which could be anything from doing a quick little workout, doing some meditation, doing some journaling, or even calling up a family friend and having a chat while you go for a walk.”
These are what Wicks calls “daily wins” and he says they can be “a catalyst for more change”.
Releasing a health and wellbeing book in December might seem a little counterintuitive – after all, this is the time of year most of our health goals go out the window – but Wicks is an advocate for balance, all year round.
This Christmas day, he’ll be enjoying all of the festive food on offer, and then on Boxing Day he plans to “use that energy for a good workout”.
Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks is published by HQ, priced £22. Photography by David Loftus.Available now
Joe Wicks’ saucy spring onion chicken recipe P. 36 Joe Wicks’ cacio e pepe beans recipe P37/37 Joe Wicks’ stovetop plum crumble recipe 36/37
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £800,000
This attractive and well-presented four-bedroom detached property has been extended and updated to provide generous and flexible accommodation. Situated in a cul-de-sac location within the popular Church Crookham area of Fleet, the property is close to local amenities as well as being within easy access of Fleet town centre. EPC D (65) - Telephone 01252 620640
• 4 Bedrooms • Impressive Driveway/Double Garage • Superb Kitchen / Diner •
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North Warnborough, Hampshire Guide: £595,000
This beautifully presented three bedroom family home is situated in the desirable village of North Warnborough within a small residential development.The property has been tastefully updated and extended by the current owners. EPC D(65)Telephone 01256 704851
• Beautiful Interior • Sought After Location • Enclosed Rear Garden •
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Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Guide Price: Offers In Excess Of £3,250,000 Telephone 01252 842100
• Exceptional Family House • Stunning Indoor Swimming Pool • Just Over 3 Acres •
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See the follow four pages for more details
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Finchampstead, Berkshire / Hampshire Borders Guide: £3,250,000
• C.7,000 sq. ft. of Exquisite Space • Superb Kitchen • Indoor Swimming Pool •
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This exceptional country house dates from the mid 19th Century and beautifully fuses historic character with contemporary additions, especially seen in the breathtaking indoor swimming pool complex and the exceptional luxury kitchen/living room. Overall this fine property provides impressive spaces of around 7,900 sq. ft. and this property has been in the same family ownership for 30 years, making this a rare opportunity. EPC E (53) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Finchampstead Ridges - Berkshire new to the market - guide £5.250m. details on following pages
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Finchampstead (The Ridges), Berkshire Guide: £5,250,000
• C.15,000 sq. ft. of Exquisite Space • Superb Kitchen • Indoor Swimming Pool •
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Set in glorious Berkshire countryside and standing on high ground, this is a truly stunning high specification property built almost entirely new about twelve years ago, with grounds in total of around 6 acres. This wonderful property, built to an exceptional standard, provides around 15,000 sq. ft. of luxurious space within the dwelling, increasing to 16,126 sq.ft. including the five car garage block.There is extensive stabling in addition. This property is surrounded by countryside with magnificent far reaching views, yet retains ease of access to London,
Heathrow and the M3 / M4 motorways. EPC C (79) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Finchampstead, Berkshire
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Guide: £5,250,000
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Sale Agreed In 3 Weeks - In Excess Of Guide multiple offers received similar equestrian property wanted
SOLD stc OCTOBER
Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Anticipated Guide Price: £2,000,000
• Family House & Equestrian Enterprise • Set in Around 42 Acres •
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Situated within in a highly regarded location between Sandhurst and Finchampstead, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant freehold with mixed use benefits of a family home and a significant equestrian yard. The detached family house is of generous proportions and provides 5 bedrooms and 4 reception rooms and a double garage.The equestrian enterprise / yard includes a mix of stables, open bay barns, indoor riding school, outdoor sand school and storage spaces. The entire property is in circa 42 acre of land. EPC - Telephone 01252 842100 or EMAIL FOR FURTHER DETAILS
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1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok and fry the chicken over a high heat for three to four minutes, so it gets some nice golden colour. 2. While the chicken is browning, whisk together the cornflour, oyster sauce, soy sauce and honey in a small bowl. Set aside. 3. Scatter in most of the spring onions, setting aside some to garnish, along with the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for one minute until fragrant. 4. Pour in the cornflour-soy mixture and coat the chicken and veg, then add the water, bring up to the boil and let the whole thing bubble away and get thick and glossy.
5. Season with lime juice, to taste. Serve with rice and lime wedges and scatter with the remaining spring onions.
Photo: Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks’ saucy spring onion chicken recipe By Prudence Wade, PA “This is one of my family’s favourite recipes, and it went down a storm when I shared it on Instagram. Everyone loved it,” says Joe Wicks. “It takes spring onions and makes them the star of the dish, which creates so much flavour. It’s halfway between a stir-fry and a curry, with a lovely thick sauce that coats the whole lot and will have you licking the plate clean.”
Joe Wicks’ cacio e pepe beans recipe “This is probably one of the stranger-looking recipes in this book, but don’t judge it on its looks alone, because this cheesy dish tastes magnificent and it’s another great one for the all-important gut health,” says Joe Wicks.
Saucy spring onion chicken - Ingredients: (Serves 4)
Cacio e pepe beans ‘n’ greens - Ingredients: (Serves 2)
1tbsp vegetable oil 640g chicken mini fillets 40g cornflour 5tbsp oyster sauce 4tbsp soy sauce 2tbsp honey 2 bunches of spring onions, finely sliced 4 garlic cloves, grated Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated 200–400ml water Juice of 1–2 limes, plus wedges to serve
1tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped 400g tin of butter beans Half a tbsp freshly ground black pepper 40g Parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve 1tbsp red wine vinegar 150g Tenderstem broccoli 100g kale
Method:
Method:
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1. Get the kettle on.
20g plain flour 1tsp ground cinnamon
2. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan, then sauté the shallot for two to three minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Add the garlic and fry for one minute until fragrant, then throw in the tin of butter beans, along with any liquid from the tin. Bring up to a simmer, add the pepper, Parmesan and red wine vinegar. Don’t skimp on the pepper here – it’s the main flavour, and you want it to be almost spicy. 3. Pour the boiling water into a saucepan and boil the broccoli and kale for two to three minutes until tender. Drain, season well and set aside.
Method:
1. Add the plums, the one tablespoon of sugar and vanilla extract to a small saucepan with two tablespoons of water. Cook over a high heat with the lid on for five minutes, then take off the lid and reduce the heat, cooking for a further two to three minutes, until the fruit is soft. 2. In a frying pan, add the remaining demerara sugar, butter, hazelnuts, oats, flour and cinnamon and cook, stirring regularly, until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
4. Serve the beans in two bowls, topped with broccoli and kale with a little bit of extra Parmesan.
3. Divide the fruit between two bowls and sprinkle with the crumble mixture to serve.
Joe Wicks’ stovetop plum crumble recipe
Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks is published by HQ, priced £22. Photography by David Loftus.Available now.
“A crumble with no faffing about. Can you believe it? No faff, no oven and it’s ready in 15 minutes,” says Joe Wicks.
“This speedy crumble has a few healthy shortcuts, but the end result is bang on.Tastes just as good when it hits the lips. Swap the plums for any in-season fruit and follow the same method – you may just need to lengthen the cooking times for harder fruits like apples and pears.”
You can even add any nuts, seeds or granola you like to the crumble mix, to give it a bit more crunch.
Stovetop plum crumble plumble - Ingredients: (Serves 2)
300g plums (approx. 4), stones removed 1tbsp, plus 20g demerara sugar 1/2tsp vanilla extract 30g salted butter 30g hazelnuts, roughly chopped 40g porridge oats
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £1,200,000
Offering a wonderful outlook to the front across the Edenbrook nature reserve, this high specification property offers over 2,800 sq.ft of accommodation, including 2 receptions, a wonderful kitchen/dining/ sitting room and 5 bedrooms (master bedroom and bedroom 2 both with en suite facilities). EPC B (85) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Exquisite Interior • Five Bedrooms • Wonderful Kitchen/Diner •
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £1,150,000
Set in a secluded position in Elvetham Heath this immaculately presented five bedroom home offers flexible accommodation arranged over three floors. Of particular note is the 35ft kitchen/breakfast room with French doors to the southerly aspect rear garden. EPC C (78) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Beautiful Interior • Double Garage • 35ft Kitchen/Breakfast Room •
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Photo: Gabriela Peacock
when you need more hormones to be produced.”
These are the foods to eat to avoid colds and flu this winter By Lauren Taylor, PA Nutritionist to the stars, Gabriela Peacock, has revealed the immune-boosting foods to get into your diet this winter, if you want to starve off dreaded colds and bugs. A lot of people don’t realise just how interlinked winter health and nutrition are, says the 44-year-old, but our immune system “is directly dependant on what we put within the body to create a chemical reaction – it’s really, really important”.
How to add it: Peacock recommends using live yoghurt as a base for homemade ice cream with a dash of agave syrup.
“Sauerkraut goes really nicely with any kind of rich foods, which is what we tend to eat around this time, quite heavy and oily meals, sauerkraut cuts through it,” she says. “Kombucha is just a nice alternative when you get a bit bored of drinking water. Most of them are really, really low in sugar.” Green tea - “This would be one of my one of my hero drinks, especially over this period of the year because tea is nice and warming. Green tea contains catechins which are polyphenols,” explains Peacock. “Polyphenols are phytochemicals – plant chemicals that have numerous health benefits. One of the main benefits is immunomodulating properties [which] stimulate our immune system and decrease the chronic inflammation. Basically, when you’re looking at the immunity, you want to decrease the inflammation.” How to add it: If you drink coffee, Peacock suggests sticking to one or two a day and then switching to green tea afterwards. “A really good to tip is to put lemon in green tea – you increase the absorption of the catechins, plus it gets rid of the bitter taste. Don’t make the tea too hot because the heat will kill the vitamin C.”
Here are Peacock’s hero foods your body needs this winter…
Fermented food - “Digestion support is incredibly important for immunity – 70 to 80% of our immunity actually lies within a digestive system,” says Peacock, whose celebrity clients include Princess Beatrice, Joan Collins, Jodie Kidd and Amber Le Bon. She recommends eating live yoghurts, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi and tofu. “They directly increase the beneficial bacteria in your intestine, which supports the healthy microbiome – and the healthy microbiome will in turn support our immunity.” They also contain protein. “Protein is really important for any kind of repair within the body, so when you have a cold, when you scratch your arm,
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Matcha tea – powdered green tea – is another great way to get the nutrients but is higher in caffeine. “I would recommend thinking about it as a caffeine supplement [to coffee],” she says. Pigmented fruits - “We are looking for the dark pigments, [they] will contain the polyphenols which will directly stimulate the immunity. So think about black blackberries, red raspberries, red peppers, green kale, orange or yellow pumpkins – if and you see these saturated colours, they are really beneficial. “Eat the rainbow – beige food is not good for us.The pigment is the polyphenol.” How to add it: “I would recommend doing smoothies because you are keeping the fibre inside [as opposed to juicing]. If you’re doing smoothies I always recommend adding some greens that are lying in your fridge.You will not taste it at all but you increase your colours, you increase your fibre,” Peacock says. “I don’t dislike juicing but I would never have juice on an empty stomach.You should have it with foods or have it after foods.Think of it as more of a vitamin boost – as apposed to food.” You can buy supplements of red and green superfood powder too, which she recommends adding to smoothies, live yoghurt or soup. Omega-3-packed fish, nuts and seeds - “Essential fatty acids are incredibly important – the reason they’re called essential is because your body cannot produce them by itself, you need to obtain them by diet,” says Peacock. “Omega-9 and omega-6 we tend to be OK with [obtaining] but most people struggle with omega-3 because we just don’t eat enough of it. This would be oily fish; salmon, mackerel, sardines, a bit of tuna, also a vegetarian source; nuts and seeds.
get supplements of omega-3 – 99% of my clients need supplementation.”
Garlic - Garlic contains sulphur (as do onions, leeks and eggs). “Sulphur is incredibly important because they stimulate the liver detoxification processes and that in turn will have a really positive effect on immunity.” Peacock says. How to add it: “I would add it into everything really – include it as much as possible.With garlic, you only release the sulphur-containing compounds when you crush it, so it does need to be crushed down and not cooked for too long. Add garlic very last minute. The cooking process helps for the absorption but if you overcook it, if you deep-fry garlic, it will definitely reduce its properties.” Cruciferous vegetables - Including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts and kale – are really important for immunity, Peacock says, and it’s “probably the best liver-supporting group of vegetables”. They contain liver- friendly sulphur, polyphenols and are high in fibre – which is “fantastic for digestion” (immunity and digestion are very much linked). How to add it: Include different kinds in your Sunday roasts, she suggests. “If some clients of mine don’t like the taste or texture of cabbage or kale [I suggest] cutting them into really small pieces – you get exactly the same benefits and you don’t [notice] the texture.” Citrus - Vitamin C is very important this time of year. “It’s a direct antioxidant, in order to fight free radicals, which is essentially what makes us sick. If you increase antioxidants in your diet, you’re increasing the protection, you’re giving your immune system protection,” Peacock says.”Grapefruit is high in vitamin C.” How to add it: “If you want to increase your hydration (because not many people drink enough water), add a teeny bit of grapefruit juice to a lot of other water,” she suggests, “I use it for the kids’ water bottles. It’s important for it to be fresh [citrus] so you can get as much vitamin C as possible.”
“We need to at least three to four portions of oily fish per week in order to cover your basic baseline.”
Seeds, in particular, are really high in omega-3, says Peacock. “Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, also a nice variety of nuts is really important. Omega-3 is directly anti-inflammatory. They’re [also] really important for our skin, our hair, our hormonal balance, for the way our cells communicate with each other. But the prevention of chronic inflammation is one of the main benefits.” How to add it: “You know what’s really good and really cheap – mackerel and sardines in a can. They’re kind of unattractive but I absolutely love them.You can get mackerel in a spicy tomato sauce [in a tin] – absolutely delicious.” She suggests tinned sardines on toast, keeping bowls of seeds on your kitchen counter to add to everything (especially soups and porridge) and carrying nuts in your handbag. “Food source would be preferential but you can
These principles are incorporated in Gabriela Peacock’s latest book, 2 Weeks to a Younger You, (Kyle Books, £25). Supplements are available at GP nutrition.
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 41
Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £3,700 p.c.m. (plus fees)
• Exquisite Interior • Superb Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Fine Garden •
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A unique Grade II property tucked away in the centre of Odiham Village. The property offers three bedrooms (two with en suites), 2 reception rooms and a kitchen/breakfast area with Aga. Additional features include a driveway with parking and an enclosed rear walled garden. The property is offered part furnished or unfurnished and is available from the end of November.
Efficiency Energy Rating - D / Council tax band - F / Tenancy length 12 months ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY – PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS Telephone 01252 622550
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SOLD stc DECEMBER
Finchampstead (The Ridges), Berkshire Guide: £1,895,000
• Near Wellington College • Superb Kitchen / Diner • Grounds of c. 1.8 Acres •
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This is a distinctive looking house with considerable interior spaces, thought to have been first built during the 1920’s with additions in recent years.The property is situated in grounds of around 1.8 acres and located in a most sought after Berkshire location known as The Ridges, nearby to internationally renowned Wellington College. This property is built over two floors and provides around 3,646 sq. ft. of stunning space (circa 4,675 sq. ft. including garage). Of particular note is the vast kitchen, the hub of the home and ideal for family living or entertaining.
EPC D (66) - Telephone 01252 842100
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creating the inspiration to move
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Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £750,000
Situated within close proximity of Odiham High Street, this five-bedroom detached family home has been extended and updated to create spacious and flexible living accommodation throughout. Benefits to this property include driveway parking with garage, open plan living/dining/kitchen, three bathrooms and study. EPC C(75)Telephone 012526 704851
• Beautiful Interior • Stunning Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Excellent Rear Garden •
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 47
Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £475,000
Situated within the desirable village of Odiham, this well-presented, three-bedroom semi-detached home is positioned within close proximity of the village centre.The property has been tastefully updated to a high standard by the current owners.The property benefits from: three bedrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, living/dining room, bathroom and externally: garden and parking. EPC C(70) Telephone 01256 704851
• Three Bedrooms • Exquisite Interior • Close To Village •
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Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £775,000
Situated in a prime location within close proximity of the desirable Odiham village centre and its amenities, this well presented, three bedroom town house is offered to the market with no onward chain, and benefits from a car port in addition to a further parking space. EPC D (68) - Telephone 01256 704851
• Three Bedrooms •Superb Kitchen / Breakfast Room • No Onward Chain •
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 49
LET NOVEMBER
Finchampstead (The Ridges), Berkshire LET AGREED - Guide: £9,500 p.c.m.
• Wonderful Interior • Superb Kitchen / Diner • Heated Swimming Pool •
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A fine home with many breath-taking interior features, first built during the 1930’s with Art Deco influences of the period and more recently the property has benefitted from significant enhancements and vast enlargement by the present owner.The property is situated in grounds of around 1.5 acres and located in a most sought after Berkshire location known as The Ridges, nearby to internationally renowned Wellington College. This significant property is built over two floors and has been enhanced with meticulous attention to detail, providing almost 6,500 sq. ft. of stunning space (almost 7,400 sq. ft. including triple garage and outbuildings). EPC D (66) - Telephone 01252 842100
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 51
Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £550,000
Situated within a sought after cul-de-sac within close proximity of Odiham High Street and Robert Mays School, this four bedroom detached family home offers flexible and spacious accommodation throughout. Benefits to this property include a private rear garden, single garage with driveway parking, solar panels, and a spacious main bedroom on the second floor. EPC C(74) – Telephone 01256 704851
• Four Bedrooms • Superb Garden • Excellent Kitchen •
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Crowthorne, Berkshire Guide: £345,000
This property is a fine example of spacious and well designed living spaces, providing around 800 sq. ft. of excellent living spaces. The living room is of particular note, because of the balcony which overlooks the tree fringed grounds to the rear. This apartment provides an impressive reception hall, a fine living room, a kitchen / breakfast room, a main bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a second bedroom and a family bathroom. One allocated car parking space. EPC B (81) – Telephone 01252 842100
• Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Near Wellington College•
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 53
Odiham, Hampshire (To Let) Guide: £3,950 p.c.m. + Fees
• Wonderful Village Centre Setting • Available Now • Four Bedrooms •
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A three storey town house in the centre of Odiham, having been the subject of complete refurbishment. Open plan kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances, four bedrooms (two with en suite facilities), basement, courtyard garden and parking.The property is offered unfurnished and is available immediately. Efficiency Energy Rating - C / Council tax band - New build – Council Tax / rates not yet available ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY – PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS Telephone 01252 622550
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She continues: “This also means they’re a great paint alternative for anyone in need of a more hypoallergenic option, as they are much more resistant to mould and bacteria.”
5 of the hottest interior trends for 2024 – according to experts By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA From fashionable furnishings to luxe lighting, if you’re looking for inspiration and thinking about a feel-good fix to up your interiors game, designers are already predicting how your space could take shape. And with so many collections, schemes and tweaks at every turn,we’ve asked the experts at leading home design platform Houzz to narrow it down and share their forecast…
2. Bare wood kitchens
Painted wooden cabinetry has been a popular mainstay in kitchen design for years, says Harrison. “However, we’re seeing an emerging trend of unpainted wooden cabinets creep in, with homeowners increasingly opting to let the natural wood grain shine through by foregoing paint on their kitchen cabinets.” This unpainted wood look lets the inherent warmth and visual depth of materials like oak and plywood take centre stage, she says.“For many years we’ve been choosing natural timber finishes for our kitchen and interior projects, and this has escalated in popularity recently,” says Lizzie O’Neill, director, E J Studio. “Timber has such a rich, tactile quality that’s unmatched by other finishes. It also provides versatility over time as it can be easily updated by oiling to lighten or darken it, depending on changing trends,” suggests O’Neill. “With everyday wear and tear it becomes ever-more beautiful and representative of the lives that have been lived around it.”
1. Traditional wall treatments
“An interest in traditional materials and crafts has been growing for a while and this looks set to continue, with traditional wall treatments such as limewash paint and tadelakt [a Moroccan style of plaster] becoming more popular,” says Houzz UK editor,Victoria Harrison. These wall treatments create a beautiful suede-like texture, and with recent developments meaning they’re more readily available in different shades,Harrison says they are seen being used much more.“Both limewash paints and tadelakt plaster also have the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly, as they’re primarily natural substances – and don’t include any chemicals typically found in other wall finishes,” Harrison explains.
3. Squishy, sumptuous seating
Emphasis is firmly on comfort in the home next year with designers embracing curved silhouettes, plushly padded upholstery, and sumptuous textiles you just want to sink
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into, says Harrison.“We’re seeing less rigid lines, instead they have been replaced with curved angles and plump cushions.”
Harrison thinks texture will also be key, with bouclé continuing its reign in mellow tonal hues, but also expects to see more fuzzy Sherpa and sheepskin designs in comforting tones of beige and caramel emerge.“The Scandi cool tones that dominated for so long have been usurped by warm, earthy neutrals, such as taupe, clay and brown tones,” notes Stephanie Bailey, interior designer, Decorbuddi. “It feels like we’re in our cocoon era. Comfort is king, but so is practicality – we’re seeing a rise in people asking for sumptuous seating, but in a modern way.” Bailey continues.“That might mean soft shapes and finishes combined with clever modular solutions, hidden ottomans or built-in storage, for example. “Bouclé still has a place, although we’re seeing it move on from the living room to the bedroom. Sheepskin and shearling are definitely on the rise – there is a reassuring sense of comfort and authenticity in these natural materials.” They also layer well and add texture, when used in combination with warm neutral wall finishes, she adds.
4. Creative lighting
“Last year we saw a growing interest in biodynamic lighting, and next year we expect lighting to become even more bespoke with interior designers embracing lighting that goes beyond standardised fixtures to make bold, customised statements,” says Harrison.
are using more strategic task lighting, paired with accent beams on feature walls or display cases.
“We always place a strong emphasis on lighting and most rooms will be designed to have a minimum of two lighting circuits – generally one which is practical lighting and one which is more ambient,” explains Julia May Yong, founder,
Think lighting schemes with zones and dimmers to adapt the ambience from morning coffees to evening entertaining.
Instead of uniformly bright overhead light, she says designers
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 57
York House Designs. “Kitchens will sometimes have as many as five or six lighting circuits to make sure they’re well suited to every eventuality from family breakfast, to a couple’s date night in, to large parties and deep cleaning.” Furthermore, Harrison says during the autumn design fairs lighting closely resembled art installations, rather than purely for illumination.
“We expect to see this crossing over into homes next year, with statement wall sconces shaping up to be a top trend.”
5. Autumnal colours
Last year we predicted a shift from cool colours to a warmer palette, and we expect to see an evolution of this trend, says Harrison, with rich autumnal shades taking centre stage in 2024. “Red, arguably the colour of the season during September’s fashion weeks, is beginning to creep into interiors, with warm shades such as plum and burgundy making their way into kitchen and home designs. “Tones of ochre, terracotta and caramel were all spotted throughout this year’s Decorex show and designers on Houzz continue to highlight the versatility of earthy green shades,” says Harrison. Bailey says: “We’re using a lot more red in various shades and textures this season and our clients are loving it. “Tones of red come alive as an accent or as a canvas for other items. Red has that dual sense of passion, strength, love and joy, but can also signal conflict or danger, so the application is everything,” she notes.
Photo: Julie May Yong
Photo: Stephanie Bailey
Photo:Victoria Harrison
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WHY ADVERTISE IN THIS DIGITAL MAGAZINE? Simple, Affordable .....pricing In The Country & Town is a unique magazine that showcases some of the most exquisite homes as well as editorial content including celebrity chefs, motoring features, great interior design, gardening and of course market insight and property news. With a circulation of around 10,000 (by email newsletter) In The Country and Town offers a unique opportunity to advertise to AB demographic homes in the Surrey/Hampshire/Berkshire borders, typically property worth £1.0m. to £6.0m., plus the magazine is available online at www.mccarthyholden.co.uk.
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Advertising in In The Country and Town is a great cost effective way to reach affluent home owners and buyers on the move, many of whom make significant decisions on home and lifestyle improvements at or around the time of a move.
• Distributed to around 10,000 AB by email • Typically homes worth £1.0m. to £6.0m. • Also available online and within social media • Recognisable brand in Hampshire/Berkshire/Surrey • Unrivalled value compared to similar magazines • Readers typically have a strong interest in property
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mccarthyholden.co.uk | 59 To book your advertisement or ask for further details email: jjtopshot@outlook.com or telephone 07470 707275
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