In The Country & Town Magazine SEPTEMBER 2024

cover photo © JohnJoe photography

COUNTRY & TOWN IN THE September 2024 The Property & Lifestyle Magazine

• INSIDE • engaging editorial & property for sale £375,000 to £3.250m.

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Within This Issue...

P.16 New To The Market - The Ridges, Finchampstead Guide £1,800,000

P. 58 Matt Tebbutt’s rack of lamb recipe

P.86 Fleet, Hampshire Guide £499,950

P.8 New To The Market - Upton Grey, Hampshire Guide £3,250,000

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P. 104 Food - What’s in season in autumn – and how to eat it

P.87 Odiham, Hampshire Guide £795,000

P. 24 First Drive: The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS kickstarts an electrified future for this sports car icon

P.75 Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide O.I.E.O. £500,000

P.106 TV gardener Adam Frost on starting off fruit and veg in autumn

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A collection of exquisite properties and engaging editorial

P.92 Blue Triangle, Fleet, Hampshire Guide £1,500,000

P. 50 Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt: It’s easy to swear on live TV

P.12 Guide Offers In Excess of £3.250m.

P. 112 First Drive: Morgan’s revised Plus Four retains a traditional feel but with modern touches

P. 100 Interior Design - Monochrome: How to work modern minimalism into your home

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P. 22

P.110 Film Review - His Three Daughters is raw exploration of grief

P. 60 Matt Tebbutt’s smoked haddock souffle tart

P. 20 - Bramley, Hampshire. Guide £2,750,000

P. 76 5 tips on negotiating with your child – from a former FBI hostage negotiator

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IN THE COUNTRY &TOWN Welcome to

Creating the inspiration to move

Embrace Hot Autumn Market

Welcome to this edition of In The Country & Town, the property magazine for showcasing some of the finest properties and also providing our readers with some engaging editorial features.

The market up-tick continues as the season changes from Summer to Autumn, so despite this Summer frequently being rained off, we know many house buyers are actively seeking their next home which is positive news for those wishing to sell their property. In a closely-run decision, the Bank Of England rates were lowered to 5% from 5.25% in August, marking the first cut since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and hopefully the start of a steady, although perhaps slow, decline in mortgage rates ahead. Lower mortgage costs and the prospect of further rate cuts are having a positive impact on the market.The prospect of a higher tax burden for wealthier households suggests a less pronounced pick-up at the top end of the market, so savvy house buyers in this sector are seeing an excellent opportunity to acquire their dream home in the months ahead.

All in all the house market remains resilient as we move ahead to the Autumn and Winter seasons.

Politics and Property

The new Labour Government is now in power and the withdrawing winter fuel payments represented a rather swift sting for any pensioner who voted them in, so perhaps not the most endearing of starts.

From a property perspective, we hope they swiftly get to their stated intent to overhaul the planning system, because the pursuit of this initiative is vital in achieving a more balanced house market.

On the property rental front, lower mortgage rates are likely to ease financial pressures on mortgaged landlords, although the extent to which the Renters Rights Bill will add to a Landlords regulatory burden will only become clear when the Bill has been further developed. In the meantime, the lack of rental property on the supply side continues to drive this very active market.

The Autumn Up-tick

Join the

Currently, house sales productivity is actually significantly up on the previous year in our area of operation on the Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire borders, so our invitation to anyone thinking of selling their property is to join the up-tick with a free no obligation valuation, and discover not only the likely price you will achieve but also the level of buyer demand.

Autumn UpTick ARRANGE A FREE VALUATION

John Holden - Chairman McCarthy Holden

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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UPTON GREY, Hampshire Guide Price: £3,250,000 Telephone 01256 704851

• Grounds Of Around Two Acres • Sought After Location •

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Situated within the sought after village of Upton Grey, Holborn Grange is a fine six-bedroom detached country house which has been meticulously rebuilt by the current owner, offering over 8,000 square feet of accommodation and set within around 2 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Benefits to this property include six reception rooms, a spectacular 32ft vaulted main bedroom with Juliet balcony that provides stunning views over the garden, ample driveway parking, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a separate pool house and a one-bedroom annexe with a double garage.

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UPTON GREY, Hampshire

Ground Floor

The vast light and airy entrance hall sets the scene for exploring superb spaces, with six spacious reception rooms the accommodation comprises of study with stairs to the first floor, 21ft family room with a beautiful bay window overlooking the garden and a feature open fireplace, dining room, a bespoke kitchen with quartz countertops, a functional island, and built-in bosch appliances which include induction hob, double oven, laundry facilities and plenty of additional appliance space. French doors which give you access into the rear garden.

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The 25ft living room offers a fantastic entertaining space with a raised floor and access to a cloakroom. Next to the living room you have a gym and a wonderful light/airy oak framed snug with vaulted ceiling and views/access over the garden and the Hoddington Estate. Also on the ground floor there is bedroom six / guest room which offers en-suite facilities and there is a second downstairs cloakroom.

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UPTON GREY, Hampshire

First Floor

On the first floor, the property offers five generous bedrooms with built in storage and a dressing room.The stunning vaulted main bedroom offers wonderful accommodation and views over the grounds through the Juliet balcony. Within this room you have a walk in dressing room, additional wardrobes and a beautiful presented en-suite with toilet, sink, bath and shower.The accommodation is finished with the substantial main bathroom with a generous bath, toilet, sink and shower.

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ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ON THESE TWO PAGES ARE OF THE MAIN BEDROOM SUITE

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UPTON GREY, Hampshire

Pool House & Swimming Pool

The detached pool house sits at the rear of the garden overlooking the heated swimming pool.The accommodation within the pool house is excellent, comprising of an entrance area with bi-folding doors opening to the patio beside the swimming pool, separate male and female changing rooms, shower facilities, utility area with a kitchen and plenty of storage. Upstairs a 30ft bedroom/living area gives guests extra spaces to stay over or relax and the accommodation is finished with the pump room and additional storage area.

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Guide Price: £1,800,000 Telephone 01252 842100 Finchampstead, Berkshire

• Mature Grounds With Far Reaching Views • Near Wellington College •

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See the following pages for more details

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The Ridges, Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide: £1,800,000

• Five Bedrooms • Grounds Of Around 1 Acre •

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A charming family home set in one of the most sought after and desirable roads in Finchampstead, Berkshire; within easy reach of Wellington College. This landmark property is set in glorious Berkshire countryside and standing on high ground with the benefit of far reaching views to the ‘Hogs Back’ in Guildford. The character property dates to around 1780 and was originally three cottages whereas today this is a five bedroom family house. The grounds are of particular note extending to around one acre, with the benefit of extensive landscaping by the present owners many years of investing time in both the formal garden and terraces, as well as a productive vegetable garden and orchard area. EPC D (55) - Telephone 01252 842100

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Guide Price: £2,750,000 Telephone 01252 842100 Bramley, Hampshire

• Mature Grounds Of Around 12 Acres • Stables • Barns • Extensive Outbuildings •

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See the following pages for more details

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Bramley, Hampshire Guide: £2,750,000

• Five Bedrooms • Exquisite Interior •

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Set in wonderful countryside on the Hampshire / Berkshire borders, this exceptional property provides an extraordinary mix of property assets, including a superb residential farmhouse, a significant old barn in a courtyard setting flanked by further brick / timber buildings, a brick stable building with 7 loose boxes, a long timber building for perhaps gym or home office use and a range of workshop buildings in a secondary yard. Originally dating back some 200 years this character farmhouse is set in around 12 acres, with the potential to purchase a second lot with a separate entrance and land amounting to about one acre. EPC F (28) - Telephone 01252 842100

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First Drive: The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS kickstarts an electrified future for this sports car icon

By Jack Evans, PA Motoring Reporter

What is it?

The Porsche 911 has always been about incremental changes. From one generation to another, the 911 has never strayed too far from its original stylings, with Porsche changing its central icon in small brush strokes to ensure a common thread between each model. It’s certainly not one to rip up the rulebook, that’s for sure. But this latest-generation 911 – dubbed 992.2 in Porsche-speak – introduces quite a big step- change with hybrid technology being integrated into the 911 for the first time. It’s only being applied to this GTS model, for now at least, but could be the start of a very electrified future for the 911.We’ve been out driving it to see just what has changed.

What’s new?

From the outside at least, you’d be hard-pressed to tell this new GTS apart from the old one. Some key signifiers include the active aerodynamics package which includes adjustable front diffusers that can adjust to aid cooling or close up to help make the 911 as slippery through the air as possible. Fortunately, they’ll close when it’s raining to stop water and grit from flying through the car’s underside. Inside, there’s a similar theme to before, albeit with some more technology to chat about. The pleasant blend of analogue and digital dials of the older 911 have been ditched, replaced instead by a full-size screen that you’ll find in cars like the Taycan. Porsche says that it’s made it easier to see key information and while that is the case, it seems a shame that the 911 has lost one of its last pieces of old-school equipment in favour of yet another display.

What’s under the bonnet?

It’s within the mechanicals of this new 911 GTS where things get interesting.At the heart of the GTS sits a turbocharged 3.6-litre ‘Boxer’ engine which feels tried-and-tested Porsche. But whereas a lot of hybrids have an electric motor assisting the engine directly, the 911 has a series of electrified components, including an electric-assisted turbocharger for quicker boost response and a small electric motor housed within the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.A teeny-tiny battery is fixed within the nose of the car and, thankfully, doesn’t impact luggage space.

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The end result? Well, with 534bhp it’s now 54bhp more powerful than the older GTS while being just 50kg heavier. However, this hybridisation isn’t really focused on efficiency overall – this 911 will still only return up to 22mpg in the best conditions – but instead has been introduced to help boost driver involvement and make this turbocharged car even more responsive than previous iterations of the 911. It can’t drive on electric-only power for any real distance – unlike ‘full’ hybrid cars – but uses battery charge to help increase performance and drive some auxiliary functions, like the air conditioning.

What’s it like to drive?

Right from the start the typical points we expect to be nailed in a Porsche 911 are, well, just that.The steering has some lovely weight to it and the thin-rimmed wheel makes interacting with the car a joy.The brakes are pleasant to use too and there’s that inherent agility present which helps to make the GTS keen through the corners. Refinement is decent, too, and even in a cabriolet version we tested there was very little noise with the roof in place. How does the engine get on, though? It’s an impressive thing, that’s for sure.Acceleration is near-brutal in fashion and accompanied by all manner of whistles and whooshes from the turbo which feels primed at any moment to help crank that Boxer engine up a gear.The gearshifts, in particular, are impressive and deal out each cog with lightning-fast response. We also tested the GTS out on track, where it never felt out of its depth and, in fact, proved this model to be yet again one of the sweet spots in the 911 range.

How does it look?

As we’ve touched upon, there’s a typically softly-softly approach to the styling of this new 911. Porsche says it has redesigned the headlights and while they might be incorporating new, more powerful LED technology they’re largely the same as those on the previous generation car.The front aerodynamic elements do give the lower portion of the GTS a more distinctive look and while we don’t doubt their effectiveness, they do make the 911 look a little fussier than before. From the rear, the changes are even more subtle.There have been some edits made to the lower portion of the car but the full-width light bar remains. In truth, the 992-generation car always looked smart in our eyes, so we can’t argue about the small tweaks made to this model.

What’s it like inside?

The 911 has always had a cabin focused around the driver and it’s no different here.The seats are low down and sculpted, while the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment to offer so you can get comfortable in no time.The general material quality is good, too, though we’d still like Porsche to think outside the box when it comes to the gloss black trim used to surround the gear selector – it’s shiny, attracts dust and is thrown into the foreground by the high-quality materials used in the rest of the cabin.

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As with other 911 models, the rear seats – which are removed as standard, but can be returned as a no-cost option – can only be used by children. If you’re pushed for space after the 132-litre boot has been filled, these rear seats provide a decent area of extra storage room. It’s not a truly practical car, but it’s far better than you might expect for a sports car like this.

What’s the spec like?

Priced from £135,834 – or £142,600 for the Cabriolet – the 911 GTS sure isn’t cheap. However, as with most Porsche models, what you’re accessing with that price is a lot of mechanical know-how which – in this car particularly – feels very cutting-edge.As mentioned, there’s a new digital cockpit which incorporates all of the car’s key information alongside a large central display that brings media and navigation functions to the fore. Porsche also says that the Apple CarPlay system will soon be able to access further car-related systems, too – so that you’re able to change elements without having to leave the CarPlay screen – but this is still in development.

There will still be a more entry-level Carrera model – which uses a more conventional turbocharged petrol engine without any form of hybridisation – and comes in at just under £100,000 but still offers excellent levels of involvement.

Verdict

This car feels like Porsche’s way of getting us used to the idea of a hybrid 911. It, in typical Porsche fashion, doesn’t dive in with both feet but has instead used hybridisation to enhance the 911 experience rather than overpower it completely.

It’s all executed remarkably well without losing the hallmark 911 characteristics.Though the standard Carrera is still a fine car – and a very easy one to recommend at that – this GTS version shows that an electrified future for the 911 is an exciting one indeed.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Porsche 911 GTS Price: £135,834 Engine: 3.6-litre turbocharged flat-six

Power: 534 bhp Torque: 610Nm

Max speed: 194mph 0-60mph: 2.8 seconds MPG: 21/22.4mpg Emissions: 251-239g/kmcmissions: 167g/km

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Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide Price: Offers In Excess Of £2,000,000 Telephone 01252 842100

Country home, with seven bedrooms, four bathrooms set in grounds of around one acre with beautiful gardens, a heated swimming pool, breeze hut and views over countryside. This property also incorporates a fully independent detached one bedroom annexe.

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See the following six pages for more details

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An exceptional country home of character, set in grounds of around 1 acre, benefitting from glorious landscaped gardens, up to 7 bedrooms, plus a detached self contained one bedroom cottage within the grounds. Inside the superb kitchen is the heart of this family home with a true country feel.There is a large central island with fine hand carved details.There is also an AGA stove as well as a modern integrated oven.The remainder of the kitchen offers granite worktops, a butler and prep sink and a full range of base and wall mounted cabinetry, as well as space for a large family dining area.

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Outside the main gardens are laid to immaculate lawn with mature trees, hedges and planting throughout.There is a heated outdoor pool with surrounding patio which is a real sun-trap, neighboured by a fantastic breeze hut which looks back up towards the house. The fully independent annexe is all on one floor and offers a living room, dining room, kitchen, utility area, bathroom and double bedroom, as well as a private garden area to the rear and patio to the front. EPC E (54) - Telephone 01252 842100

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• The Grounds & Setting •

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The detached self contained one bedroom cottage within the grounds.

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Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide Price: Offers In Excess Of £2,000,000 Telephone 01252 842100

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Crondall, Farnham, Surrey

Guide Price: Offers In Excess Of £1,100,000 Telephone 01256 704851

• Immense Character • Superb Location •

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See the following pages for more details >

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Crondall, Farnham, Surrey Guide: Offers In Excess Of £1,100,000

• Wonderful Interior • Superb Location • Four Bedrooms •

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This beautiful four-bedroom, period detached cottage dating back some 350 years, set in an idyllic setting, with countryside views and a wealth of character. The property has been sympathetically updated by the current owners, whilst retaining many original features such as exposed beams and timbers, fireplace, oak flooring and offers flexible family living accommodation. . EPC F (34) - Telephone 01256 704851

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SOLD stc

Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide Price: £1,750,000 Telephone 01252 842100

• Grounds Of Around 1.7 Acres • Exquisite Interior • Near Wellington College •

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Join the UpTick

arrange a free valuation

Sale Agreed In Finchampstead

similar property wanted

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SOLD stc

Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide: £1,750,000

• Around 4,885 Sq. Ft. • Annexe • Grounds Of Around 1.7 Acres •

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Join the UpTick

arrange a free valuation

Imagine....

A charming family home set in a grounds of around 1.7 acres, on one of the most sought after and desirable roads in Finchampstead, Berkshire; within easy reach of Wellington College. Featured on the ground floor there is a superb Poggenpohl kitchen which benefits from a suite of integrated Gaggenau appliances, Corian countertops with matching island and compeimented further by the lovely Rayburn stove. On the first floor there are 6 bedrooms including a detached annexe above the sizeable garage. Within the grounds there are stunning gardens and a tennis court. EPC D (55) - Telephone 01252 842100

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Old Basing, Hampshire Guide Price: £1,800,000 Telephone 01256 704851

• Exquisite Interior • Immense Character • Superb Location •

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See the following pages for more details >

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Old Basing, Hampshire Guide: £1,800,000

• Wonderful Interior • Superb Kitchen / Diner • One Bedroom Annexe •

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This beautifully presented, detached, four-bedroom, family home sits in a picturesque rural setting of approximately 0.56 acre, between Old Basing and Newnham.This attractive thatched, 18th/19th Century house has a wealth of period features including exposed beams, vaulted ceilings and inglenook fireplace. The property includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, four reception rooms and garden room. Externally there is a double carport and one bedroom annexe, all set within beautiful gardens with stunning countryside views. . EPC E (49) - Telephone 01256 704851

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Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £950,000

Situated within close proximity of the desirable village of Odiham and the local schools, this well-presented, four- bedroom detached family home offers flexible living and the opportunity to extend subject to planning permission. EPC D (61) - Telephone 01256 704851

• Double Garage • Four Bedrooms •

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Upton Grey, Hampshire Guide: £850,000

This well presented, four-bedroom detached bungalow is situated in a secluded, peaceful location on a no through road, yet within close proximity to the centre of the highly sought after village of Upton Grey.The property offers a great opportunity to extend subject to the usual planning permissions and is offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC D (55) - Telephone 01256 704851

•Superb Property - Early Viewing Recommended •

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FOOD - Matt Tebbutt Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt: It’s easy to swear on live TV

By Lauren Taylor

BBC Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt says one of his biggest challenges is not swearing because “you forget you’re on TV” – and over eight years he’s made a few blunders.

“You have to remember you’re on telly, and you can get very comfortable and act and say things you would in your own kitchen with your friends – you could easily swear, because I’m quite sweary” says the 50 year old, who replaced James Martin as presenter in 2016.

“I called Peter Gordon [a New Zealand chef] an f****** genius, under my breath. I had to apologise, I was mortified.”

Funnily enough,Tebbutt says he later received an email from Gordon’s PA thanking him for the mention on Saturday Kitchen in 2017.“[They said],‘Our website has crashed, would you like to come for lunch?’

“I was told off quite rightly, but since then, I always try to have a little word myself before [going live].”

Tebbutt says that while the guests do wine tastings alongside tucking into the dishes cooked up on the show, he’s careful with alcohol while on air.

“What I’ve realised very quickly is that if I drink half a glass of wine, suddenly the autocue moves around, you’re not very good at linking words together. So if I drink like a centimetre of wine in the whole show, I’d be surprised.

“We taste a lot in rehearsals,” he adds.

Tebbutt has just released his latest cookbook, Pub Food, a collection of elevated pub dishes – think mussels cooked in beer with crispy monkfish cheeks, and rump of Welsh lamb with spiced aubergine, mint and yoghurt – as well as a celebration of British pubs in general. They are “one of the last melting pots there are in life”, says the chef, who also presents Food Unwrapped on Channel 4.“I will disappear on a Friday and go and do Saturday Kitchen.And then I’ll meet some quite famous faces sometimes, get back to the pub [near his home in Monmouthshire], and nobody gives a monkey’s! They really don’t care, and it’s great. “You can be in the same place with very wealthy people and farmers, and the guy who empties the bins, all on the same level, and you’re all having a chat- there’s very few places you can do that anymore.

“Then if you throw good beer and conversation in the mix, and good food, I think they’re really special places.”

But local pubs are “having a really s*** time at the moment”,Tebbutt says.“They are struggling, the prices are going through the roof, energy costs, food costs, staffing. It’s all

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hindering the growth – they’re shutting by stupid numbers per week. I think it’s a real shame and it’s something worth trying to save.

“People need to remember that they’re not going to always be there.And if you’ve got a good one then go and support it.”

Tebbutt and his wife Lisa ran the Foxhunter Inn, Monmouthshire, for 14 years, where they championed sustainable, local fare – something that’s still his M.O.“In the mid Nineties [when working in London] seasonal and local weren’t really such a big thing.Then I moved out, set up my own place, and it seemed obvious because A, it’s going to be cheaper, and B, it’s going to be at its best.”

People are “much more in tune” with sustainable eating now, he notes.

Many of the recipes in the new book are influenced by the local produce of Monmouthshire and what he used to be on the pub menu.“Obviously, [there’s] a lot of lamb, a lot of mushrooms through foraging, crayfish dishes – because we get crayfish in the rivers – wild samphire, eel, black pudding,” Tebbutt says. Eventually, he burned out running his own pub.“It was a very different sort of relentless business.We didn’t take a break – we did it for 14 years. I was juggling TV and the restaurant for quite some time, and then reached a point where I didn’t think it was sustainable, because I was knackered.

“Little country pubs, as lovely as they are, and everyone wants them on their doorstep, they’ve got to be supported because they’re bloody hard work to keep going.”

Tebbutt originally learned his trade in Michelin star kitchens in London, training under Marco Pierre White and Sally Clarke.And despite having to get up at 5am to film Saturday Kitchen, the hours are “a walk in the park” compared to life in a professional kitchen. “When I first got into TV and you do 10-hour days or something, and you’d have people saying,‘Are you OK?’,‘Do you need to sit down?’,‘Do you need a drink?’ – no, I’m fine! When you’re used to working 18-hour days in sometimes horrible conditions, everything [else] is a breeze.” Tebbutt was first attracted to life in the kitchen after reading White Heat by Marco Pierre White when he was 16.“It just made chefs look really cool and sexy and really, really rock and roll. It was the first cookbook that had this dirty-looking, kind of rugged chef producing the most beautiful place of food.

“That juxtaposition between the sweat and the blood and tears at the back of house and the control at the front – I just kind of fell in love with it.

“Kitchens, they’re a bit like joining the army.You go in at the bottom, you keep your head down, you find your way and you slowly build yourself up. It’s brutal but you learn a lot.”

But some head chefs do take it too far. He remembers going to eat in one restaurant when he was working in London by a very famous chef at the time;“They had an open door and we saw this chef absolutely, continually tearing his kitchen staff apart.To the point where it was all heads down, they looked broken.

“And then you get the food, it looks beautiful, but you don’t want to eat it because of the misery that’s gone into it.

So now,“I don’t like the chef, I won’t eat their food.”

Matt Tebbutt’s Pub Food by Matt Tebbutt is published in hardback by Quadrille on August 29, priced £26. Photography by Chris Terry.

Recipe - Matt Tebbutt’s rack of lamb recipe on page 58 Recipe - Matt Tebbutt’s smoked haddock souffle trt on page 60 Recipe - Matt Tebbutt’s chocolate pudding and mascarpone ice cream recipe on page 62

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Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Guide Price: £3,000,000 Telephone 01252 842100

• Exceptional Family House • Stunning Indoor Swimming Pool • Just Over 3 Acres •

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See the following pages for more details >

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Finchampstead, Berkshire / Hampshire Borders Guide: £3,000,000

• 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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Method

FOOD Recipe - Lamb

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6.

Matt Tebbutt’s rack of lamb recipe By Lauren Taylor, PA

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan. Season the lamb fat with salt and pepper, then fry fat side down for a few minutes over a high heat until browned. 3.Turn over, put into a roasting tin and sprinkle with some of the fresh thyme. Roast in the preheated oven for 15– 20 minutes or to your liking. Leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving. 4. In another frying pan, add 15g of the butter and colour off the baby gem lettuces, cut side down, in the foaming butter. Throw in the diced pancetta, the garlic and remaining thyme, and sauté for a few minutes until coloured.Add the peas and pour in the lamb stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm everything through. 5. Cut the lamb into chops and place on a large serving dish. Throw the mint into the simmering stock along with the remaining butter. Stir in to enrich the sauce and give it a good sheen. Season carefully, as the pancetta may already have seasoned the stock sufficiently. Spoon around the lamb racks and serve garnished with the extra mint.

“I don’t really need to comment much on this one – it’s heavenly, early summer on a plate!” says TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

Rack of lamb with baby gem lettuce, peas, mint and bacon.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

Olive oil

2 x 8-bone racks of lamb

Salt and pepper

4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked

75g unsalted butter

4 medium baby gem lettuces, halved

200g pancetta or bacon, diced

4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

100g fresh shelled peas, blanched and refreshed

800ml lamb stock

4 sprigs fresh mint, leaves picked and torn, plus extra to garnish

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To serve:

FOOD Recipe - Tart

Mixed green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice

Matt Tebbutt’s smoked haddock souffle tart

Lemon wedges

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6.

By Lauren Taylor

2. Place the haddock and milk in a large saucepan and poach for 8–10 minutes or until cooked through.

“Lighter than a traditional quiche, but just as satisfying. Always source naturally smoked haddock,” says TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

3. Remove the fish, leave to cool and break the haddock into flakes. Place the haddock in a bowl and stir in the dill, melted butter, cheese and crème fraîche and season with salt and pepper.Add the egg yolks and mix to combine.

Smoked haddock souffle tart

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the whites until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites gently through the haddock mixture.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

5. Spoon the haddock mixture into the tart shell and bake for 35 minutes or until the filling has risen and the pastry is golden.

2 smoked haddock fillets

1.5 litres whole milk

6. Serve the tart in slices with a green salad, and a lemon wedge for squeezing over.

1 bunch fresh dill, chopped

60g unsalted butter, melted

50g strong Cheddar, grated

1 tbsp crème fraîche or double cream

3 free-range eggs, separated

1 ready-made 22cm round shortcrust pastry case

Salt and pepper

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 61

Method

FOOD Recipe - Chocolate

1. Start both the ice cream and cake the day before. For the ice cream, simply boil the water, sugar and lemon zest in a saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and stir in the mascarpone with the lemon juice. Cool and chill in an ice-cream maker (be careful not to over- churn). Freeze in a suitable container. 2. For the chocolate pudding, melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a saucepan of hot water. In a bowl, whisk the sugar, powdered anise, whole eggs and egg yolks until light and pale. Slowly add the melted chocolate to the egg and sugar mixture. Carefully fold in the flour and salt. Pour the mixture into little 200ml non-stick moulds, filling them halfway. Chill in the fridge overnight.

Matt Tebbutt’s chocolate pudding and mascarpone ice cream recipe

By Lauren Taylor

“This is quite a light,delicate chocolate cake,with a deliciously molten interior.The star anise is optional if you’re not a fan,” says TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

Chocolate pudding and mascarpone ice cream

3. Next day, preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4.

Ingredients

4. Remove the pudding batter from the fridge, bring to room temperature and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, no longer.The outside of the cake mix should be set firm yet the middle will remain molten.

(Makes 10-12 little puddings)

For the mascarpone:

5. Serve the cake hot with the mascarpone ice cream and a dusting of cocoa powder, if liked.

350ml water

150g caster sugar

Matt Tebbutt’s Pub Food by Matt Tebbutt is published in hardback by Quadrille onAugust 29,priced £26.Photography by Chris Terry.

Finely grated zest and juice (about 75ml) of 2 unwaxed lemons

400g mascarpone cheese

For the chocolate puddings:

250g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

250g unsalted butter

125g caster sugar

1 tsp freshly ground star anise, sieved (remove the seeds from the pod, and crush in a pestle and mortar), optional

5 medium free-range eggs

5 medium free-range egg yolks

50g plain flour

a pinch of salt

Good-quality cocoa powder, to serve (optional)

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mccarthyholden.co.uk | 63

Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £975,000

Situated on the outskirts of Odiham, this three-bedroom detached chalet bungalow is offered to the market for the first time in over 30 years.The property offers spacious and flexible accommodation throughout and benefits include ample driveway parking leading to a detached double garage with horse lorry parking, outbuildings including stables, scope to extend STPP and a plot with paddocks in excess of 3 acres. EPC D (68) - Telephone 01256 704851

• Grounds Of Around 3 Acres • Superb Kitchen / Breakfast Room •

64 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Greywell, Hampshire Guide: £675,000

Situated within the sought-after village of Greywell, this Grade II listed three-bedroom cottage has been updated and extended to create spacious and flexible accommodation throughout. Benefits to this property include driveway parking, a mature rear garden backing onto open fields, exposed beams, a kitchen/breakfast room. No onward chain. EPC D(68)Telephone 01256 704851

• Sought After Village Location • Superb Garden • No Onward Chain •

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 65

Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £785,000

Situated within close proximity of Odiham High Street, this charming three bedroom detached cottage is offered to the market with a wealth of charm and character throughout. Benefits to this property include three reception rooms, two open fireplaces, exposed beams and an enclosed rear garden. EPC C (69) Telephone 01256 704851

• Three Bedrooms • Garden • Close To Village •

66 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Hartley Wintney, Hampshire To Let - Guide: £1,795 p.c.m.

** SHORT TERM LET FOR 6 MONTHS** A charming 2 bedroom period cottage located centrally in Hartley Wintney with the advantage of views over the historic cricket green to one side and duck pond on the other. The property comes to the market unfurnished and available immediately. Garden Services are included in the rental. Energy Efficiency rating - E /Council tax Band - D / Tenancy Length – 6 months ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY INC. SECURITY DEPOSIT £ £2,071. - CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS. Telephone 01252 622550

• Two Bedrooms • Near Cricket Green •

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 67

Fleet, Hampshire To Let - Guide: £4,000 p.c.m.

In the sought after Blue Triangle area of Fleet within walking distance of the town and station, and a short drive of the M3, this property has undergone partial redecoration and provides three reception rooms, 4 bedrooms a family bathroom and separate shower room. Mature gardens and a double length garage.The property comes to the market unfurnished and is available now. Energy Efficiency rating - E /Council tax Band - G / Tenancy Length – 12 months. ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY INC. SECURITY DEPOSIT £4,615 - CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS. Telephone 01252 622550

• Four Bedrooms • Excellent Garden • Sought After Location •

68 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Crondall, Farnham, Surrey To Let - Guide: £1,895 p.c.m.

Situated in the heart of Crondall village and benefitting from a modern fitted kitchen with underfloor heating and integrated appliances, downstairs shower room, two double bedrooms to the first floor with the main bedroom benefiting from an en-suite. Car port and enclosed rear garden (a gardener twice per month is included included in the rent). Unfurnished. available end October. Energy Efficiency rating - E /Council tax Band - E / Tenancy – 12 months. ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY INC. SECURITY DEPOSIT £2,186 - CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS. Telephone 01252 622550

• Two Bedrooms • Village Setting •

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 69

Finchampstead, Hampshire / Berkshire Borders

Guide Price: Offers In Excess Of £2,250,000 Telephone 01252 842100

• Around 5,700 Sq. Ft. • Four Car Garage • C. 2.3 Acres •

70 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

See the following pages for more details >

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 71

Finchampstead, Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Guide: Offers In Excess Of £2,250,000

• Wonderful Location • Five Bedrooms • Six Reception Rooms •

72 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Approached through remotely operated gates, the sweeping driveway rises gently through the front gardens arriving at a property designed specifically to fit into the stunning grounds of around 2.3 actres. The split-level accommodation provides spacious rooms, all of which enjoy views of the fabulously landscaped gardens and beyond. There is additional space above the four-car garage which can be used as hobby rooms, a gym or a home office, which has in the past held planning consent (now lapsed, although we would assume easily re-instated) for a self-contained annexe. EPC C (71) - Telephone 01252 842100

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 73

Fleet, Hampshire Offers In Excess Of £700,000

Situated within a prime cul-de-sac location on the Elvetham Heath development, this secluded four-bedroom home offers a private mature garden, a detached double garage with driveway parking, and a beautifully presented 20ft open plan kitchen/breakfast room. Additionally there is scope to extend STPP. EPC C (69) - Telephone 01252 620640

• Detached Double Garage • Excellent c. 20ft. Kitchen / Breakfast Room •

74 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £500,000

Offered to the market with no onward chain, this three bedroom home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac within close proximity to highly regarded schools and shops.The property has been the subject of a ground floor extension to now provide a wonderful kitchen/diner/family room fitted with Velux windows and triple bi-fold doors, creating a natural hub of the home.The pretty rear garden has been landscaped with ease of maintenance in mind. EPC C (75) - Telephone 01252 620640

• Landscaped Rear Garden • Excellent Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Garage •

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 75

understood, and involved in the decision-making process.”

FAMILY - Negotiation

Voss says this is where ‘tactical empathy’, one of the cornerstones of hostage negotiation, comes into play. He explains that tactical empathy is about deeply understanding the emotions and perspectives of the other person and using that understanding to guide the conversation. And to illustrate how parents can use tactical empathy to deal with their kids, he’s broken the method down into what he calls “actionable tactics”…

5 tips on negotiating with your child – from a former FBI hostage negotiator By Lisa Salmon, PA Now kids are back at school, many parents are having to deal with little ones who’ve been good for their teacher all day and are tired and grumpy when they get home. That can lead to tantrums and tears from youngsters who just don’t want to cooperate – and frustrated parents who don’t know how to deal with them.

1. Label their emotions

Voss advises mums and dads to vocally describe to their child what they think they’re feeling during a flashpoint situation. “When your child is in meltdown mode, the first thing you do is label their feelings,” he says, explaining that parents might say something like:‘It seems like you’re upset because you want to keep playing instead of going to bed.’

But help is at hand from an unexpected source – a former FBI negotiator.

“This doesn’t just calm them down, it builds a bridge of understanding,” he says.

Chris Voss spent 24 years working for the FBI, becoming the bureau’s lead international hostage negotiator. But after leaving the organisation, he realised the skills he honed dealing with bank robbers, gang leaders and terrorists (he was a member of the New York City Joint Terrorist Task Force for 14 years) were far more widely applicable. He explains that high-stakes negotiation tactics work throughout every aspect of life, from business negotiations to parenting crises, and says: “Let me paint a picture for you – a room in chaos. Toys everywhere, maybe a cookie jar mysteriously half-empty, and the small, stubborn human responsible is standing firm, ready to engage in what they think is a high-stakes negotiation. “Now, picture yourself stepping into that room not as a parent on the verge of frustration but as a hostage negotiator, fully equipped with the tools to defuse the situation without raising your voice or losing your cool. “See, hostage negotiation isn’t just for talking down bank robbers or diffusing international crises. At its core, it’s about understanding human behaviour – and kids are just tiny humans with big emotions.

2. Use ‘mirrors’

There are no actual mirrors involved in this tactic, it’s just repeating the last few words your child says.

Voss says: “If they scream ‘I don’t want to!’ you respond with ‘You don’t want to?’ This simple technique shows that you’re listening, encourages them to elaborate, and buys you time to figure out your next move.”

3. Ask calibrated questions

Instead of asking yes/no questions like, ‘Can you please put your toys away?’, Voss suggests parents try something like, ‘How do you think we should clean up?’ or,‘What happens if we leave these toys out?’ He explains: “These questions engage them in the process, making them more likely to cooperate because they feel like it’s their idea.”

4. Beware the ‘no’ trap

Voss explains that children love saying no because it gives them power, so he suggests:“Instead of trying to get them to say yes, try framing your questions to get a no that actually helps you.Ask ‘Would it be ridiculous to clean up before we go out to play?’.

“If you can handle a desperate kidnapper, you can handle a five-year-old who refuses to eat their broccoli.”

“While they get the satisfaction of saying no, you’re steering the situation to where you want it.”

Voss, author of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It, explains that negotiation isn’t about getting your way, it’s about guiding the other person to feel like they’re getting theirs.

5. Use silence

After you ask a question or make a statement, resist the urge to fill the silence, advises Voss. “It’s a powerful tool

“When dealing with kids, you can’t just bark orders and expect compliance,” he says. “They need to feel heard,

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that can make even the most defiant kid reconsider their stance,” he says.

And he adds:“The next time you’re staring down the barrel of a toddler tantrum, remember – you’ve got the skills to negotiate your way out of it. It’s not about overpowering your child, it’s about understanding them, guiding them, and most importantly, making them feel like they’re in control while you subtly steer the ship.” The audiobook of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss is published by Penguin Audio, £12.Available now.

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 77

Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £830,000

Situated on the Elvetham Heath development, this five/six bedroom home has been modernised and extended to provide versatile accommodation across 3 floors. Externally, a wonderful entertaining area has been incorporated in the mature rear garden providing multiple gazebos, one of which currently houses a hot tub. EPC ? (73) - Telephone 01252 620640

• Five / Six Bedrooms • Excellent Kitchen / Breakfast Room •

78 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £775,000

Situated within close proximity of Heatherside and Court Moor schools in a sought-after cul-de-sac location, this four bedroom home offers spacious and flexible accommodation including three reception rooms and a refitted 19ft kitchen/breakfast room. EPC D (64) - Telephone 01252 620640

• Four Bedrooms • Excellent c. 19 ft. Kitchen • Garage •

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 79

Winchfield, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £550,000

An attractive Grade II Listed cottage, said to be one of the oldest in this lovely Hampshire village.With three bedrooms, two reception rooms and potential for renovation (STPP) this is a truly rare opportunity. EPC D (61) - Telephone 01252 842100

• Potential For Renovation • Three Bedrooms •

80 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide: £375,000

A well-presented two bedroom, mid terraced home which benefits from driveway parking and a garage, all just a short walk from Hartley Wintney village high street. EPC C (74) - Telephone 01252 842100

• Well Presented Interior • Excellent Kitchen • Walking Distance Of Village •

mccarthyholden.co.uk | 81

Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £950,000

This four bedroom, three reception room, detached chalet bungalow is situated in a much sought after no through road within Church Crookham.This superb property has been meticulously modernised creating versatile living spaces across two floors. EPC C (72) - Telephone 01252 620640

• Four Bedrooms • Excellent Kitchen / Breakfast Room •

82 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

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