cover photo © JohnJoe photography
COUNTRY & TOWN IN THE December 2023 The Property & Lifestyle Magazine
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Within This Issue...
P.36 Finchampstead, Berkshire -Guide £1.895m.
P. 46
P. 8
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P 34 Dame Mary Berry at 88: ‘I don’t want to retire at all – I love what I do’
P. 30 Foods to eat to avoid colds and flu this winter
P. 74 Ridley Scott goes ‘beyond the history and into the mind’ of Napoleon
P. 10
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A collection of exquisite properties and engaging editorial
P.12 Guide Offers In Excess of £3.250m.
P. 80 The Couple Next Door: ‘A very addictive, sexy, enticing show’
P. 84 Olivia Colman: Having Timothee Chalamet play Wonka was ‘a stroke of genius’
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P. 26
P. 56
P. 58
P. 18
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IN THE COUNTRY &TOWN Welcome to
Creating the inspiration to move
Year End House Market Sees Savvy House Buyers On The Move!
The Autumn of 2023 saw the first positive upturn in house buyer activity this year, so after a shaky start to this year, by the Autumn 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 weeks and days of this years market, we are able to report that house buyers are still on the hunt for their ideal property in December, 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. Because of this we are encouraging potential vendors to test the market with an off market appearance in our special edition Christmas / New Year magazine, wherein vendors can showcase their property for sale without being on the open market on property portals such as Rightmove. Between Christmas and New Year we want to capture the interest of potential buyers and search agents who will have time over the Christmas break to browse magazines. So if a no obligation test outing to the market is of interest,contact, your nearest McCarthy Holden branch. COUNTRY & TOWN IN THE Christmas / New Year Edition next The Property & Lifestyle Magazine
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 Within!
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 £345,000 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 Mary Berry, Gabriela Peacock on foods to eat to avoid colds and flu this winter, and some film and tv reviews.
Mary Berry
Motoring 2024
Kelly Hoppen CBE
Gabriela Peacock
Film
Film
Recipe
Cybercrime Insight
If you you are a house purchaser or vendor, then be aware of some attempts by cybercriminals to defraud people of deposit or completion money, You can read more at page 70.
House Market Insight - A stable market, with wise buyers thinking about next years prices.
Buyer caution is unlikely to be calmed until they can gauge where the peak in the bank interest rate will be, but in the meantime savvy buyers are cashing in on the buying opportunities available in this years market and get ahead of possible property price increases by this time next year.The residential letting market is in very good shape with plenty of tenant demand, and properties are being snapped up by eager tenants in all price sectors from £1,000 p.c.m to £15,000 p.c.m. If you need market insight at any time in 2023, just go to our web site and ask your nearest branch for a free no obligation house price appraisal. Some more insights on how the market performed with some real transaction examples can be see on pages 48 to 52. We hope you enjoy reading this December edition of In The Country & Town and we look forward to the following edition over Christmas / New Year 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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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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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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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £650,000
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
• 4 Bedrooms • Impressive Front Elevation • 21ft. Kitchen / Diner •
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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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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.
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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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Photography by Laura Edwards
P. 70 - Mary Berry’s easy-peasy one-pot chicken P. 71 - Mary Berry’s Somerset cheddar cheese straws P. 72 - Mary Berry’s red velvet sandwich cake
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admits even she still has the occasional slip-up in the kitchen.
Dame Mary Berry at 88: ‘I don’t want to retire at all – I love what I do’ By Katie Wright, PA
“I forget to put the timer on, I take things out too soon, all the things a housewife – or whoever’s doing the cooking – [might do].We all make mistakes.” Having experienced times when cash was tight, the frugal foodie has lots of advice for home cooks who want to cut costs.“It’s all about planning,” says Berry, who is a big fan of doubling up on recipes and freezing half for a later date. “The freezer is like a second larder if you label things properly. I write, say, ‘roasted vegetable lasagna, very good’ and I may even put in my diary when I’m going to use it.” As well as a culinary career spanning six decades, Berry – who became a Dame in the 2020 Birthday Honours – has been happily married for 67 years. What’s her secret to a harmonious home? “Well, you know in my day you got married for richer or for poorer, till death us do part, which to me is very important,” the octogenarian says. “We don’t have arguments, I just go in the garden or the greenhouse if he’s annoying me.Try and never go to bed on an argument,” she advises. And count your blessings: “I’m immensely grateful still to have him. Many of my friends haven’t got their husbands.” Recently, some of Berry’s 1970s TV demonstrations have found a new audience on TikTok, with quaint clips showing her making the trendiest dishes of the day, like chicken stroganoff, ox tongue (“such a lovely idea for a picnic”) and sherry trifle – not that she would know. “I have no idea. I don’t do social things like TikTok, I don’t do Twitter,” says Berry (her assistant Lucy runs an Instagram account on behalf of the pair.) “It’s very nice that people are enjoying the early ones.” She gently admonishes me when I confess that I’ve never sampled tongue: “You can buy it ready sliced in the supermarket. Have you never had it? You’re a foodie…
Mary Berry says she still has a “passion” for cookery and isn’t planning to hang up her apron any time soon.
“I don’t want to retire at all. I have a passion for what I do and I love teaching,” says the former Great British Bake Off judge, 88, who began her TV cooking career in the early 1970s. “I mean, I’ve got wonderful health… I’m really lucky. I love what I do.” Born in Bath, she moved to London aged 21 and studied part-time at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, alongside jobs, doing cookery demonstrations and recipe testing. “I’ve always worked very hard, early on taking any work that came my way,” says Berry, who married Paul Hunnings in 1966. The couple have two children, Annabel and Thomas (their other son William died aged 19). “I worked in a butcher, I worked in a fishmonger, I worked during the night when I was on a holiday in a bakery that made wonderful bread. My husband was with the two children while I worked.” After becoming food editor at now-defunct Housewife Magazine, then Ideal Home (which is still going strong), Berry published her debut cookbook in 1970 and landed her first TV gig shortly after.“My first TV cooking was with Judy Chalmers on Good Afternoon and I did farmhouse cooking,” Berry recalls. “I like to think that television is the best way of teaching to a very large audience. I want to inspire people to enjoy cooking more.” Quickly proving popular with viewers, she remained a fixture on TV screens over the next four decades, joining Paul Hollywood as a Bake Off judge from 2010 to 2016. “Of course you need the backup of a book,” Berry continues, nudging the conversation back to the topic at hand, her latest recipe book, Mary Makes it Easy. “I like to feel that with a book I’m holding somebody’s hand who is a little bit nervous and trying a recipe the first time, and I want them to have real success.” Something in the region of her 96th cookbook (the exact total appears to be lost in the sands of time), it’s all about simplicity, with a focus on one-pot wonders (like chicken tartiflette or meatball toad in the hole), quick dinners you can prepare in advance (veggie bolognese; humble pie) and freezable sweets (elderflower and lemon traybake; maple and orange pudding).
“I like it very much, my husband does, too. We have it occasionally. It’s more reasonable than having ham.”
Having seen many a food fad come and go, the one she struggled to get on board with the most was nouvelle cuisine, aka “little bits of something on a plate”. “All the chefs were doing it and I remember well my mother, I think it was her 100th birthday, and we went to a very posh restaurant, it was nouvelle cuisine,” Berry recalls. “I can remember the plates arriving for my brothers and my cousins. My mother got hold of the waiter and said, ‘That’s not enough for a man!’ And she was quite right.”
Mary Makes it Easy is published by BBC Books, priced £28. Photography by Laura Edwards. Available now.are available
“We all want something easy, don’t we?” says Berry, who
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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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COUNTRY & TOWN IN THE Christmas / New Year Edition The Property & Lifestyle Magazine
Showcase Your Property In Our Special Edition
Christmas / New Year Edition Magazine Without Being On The Open Market
Because buyers and search agents take time out to read magazines over the seasons break!
contact your nearest McCarthy Holden branch
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SOLD stc GOING TO PRESS
Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £600,000
This lovely four bedroom detached family home is situated on the popular Ancells Farm development and is ideal for the commuter, being situated within close proximity to both Fleet mainline station and junction 4a of the M3 motorway. Also within close proximity is Fleet Pond and Nature Reserve, providing beautiful
walks through 141 acres of varied habitat. EPC C(74) – Telephone 01252 620640
• Four Bedrooms • Pleasant Garden • Exquisite Interior •
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SOLD stc GOING TO PRESS
Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £800,000
This attractive double fronted Edwardian house is located in a no-through road within the desirable Pondtail area of Fleet, close to Fleet town centre, mainline railway station, and Fleet Pond & Nature Reserve.The property has been tastefully modernised whilst still retaining many character features. EPC E (49) – Telephone 01252 620640
• Sought After Location • Excellent Garden • Kitchen / Breakfast Room •
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Rotherwick, Hampshire Guide: £1,500,000
• Annexe / Studio • Stunning Kitchen / Diner • Fine Living Room •
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Having been extensively renovated in recent years, this quite unique home forms part of the former Tylney Hall Estate’s model farm. The spacious family accommodation is complemented by a 3 / 4 bedroom annexe and further studio, providing the option to offer a revenue. EPC F (23) - Telephone 01252 842100
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SOLD stc NOVEMBER
Odiham, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £1,000,000
• Immense Character • Garaging • Village Centre • No Onward Chain •
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Grade II* Listed property with a wealth of character, charm and period features throughout, with accommodation over two floors offering flexible family living. Queens Arms House has a rich history, having been dendro dated back to 1446 when King Edward IV was on the throne, including a period as a former public house a hundred years or more ago for the then King Street brewery. Telephone 01256 704851
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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 •
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The 2023 Market How Resilient It Proved To Be!
There’s no better test of a market insight than some real life examples of property transactions during what most will agree was a challenging 2023 market place.
The residential property market has proved to be very resilient in 2023, so McCarthy Holden are taking this opportunity to provide our readers with some real life examples of property transaction which have taken place during 2023.
Glendale Park, Fleet - £1,750,000 (buyer in two weeks, contracts exchanged in six weks).
This 3,600 sq. ft. property came to the market with McCarthy Holden in the early part of 2023. Despite extensive marketing , the owner decided to remove the house from the market, perhaps considering it might be the wrong time to sell. However, so impressed were the vendors with our Fleet team that they came back to us to re-market the property in September of this year and after a full re-launch, we secured a cash purchaser for the property within 2 weeks, with an exchange of contracts in an impressive 6 weeks.
Queens Arms House, Odiham - £1,000,000 (buyer after high profile marketing including video)
This Beautiful Grade II listed four-bedroom home in central Odiham initially went on the market with another established agent however, they didn’t receive any offers during their marketing period. Our Odiham Branch Manager Sarah Barber kept in close contact with the vendors throughout and after listening to Sarah’s marketing strategy and pricing guide, brought the property to the market with McCarthy Holden and is now delighted that the property is under offer.
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The Bury, Odiham - £395,000 (buyer after first viewing at a price in excess of guide price)
This charming two-bedroom Grade II listed cottage in The Bury, central Odiham went on the market for a price of £395,000. Our Odiham office achieved a very quick sale on the first day of viewings and achieved over the guide price.
Manley James Close, Odiham - £695,000
This beautifully presented four-bedroom property within close proximity to the high street was brought to the market in September of this year, achieving full asking Guide Price on the launch day. Further proof that with advice from a knowledgeable team and a great marketing strategy, properties are still moving quickly.
More market insights on following pages
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Palace Gate, Odiham, Hampshire - £900.00 p.c.m. ( A sell or let decision - which way to turn)
Our Odiham office tasked with marketing a retirement property after the previous agent had failed to secure a buyer.We were working on securing the perfect buyer for this lovely home, but the age restriction on a purchase was taking time to overcome. Over to our Lettings team who stepped in and suggested joint marketing for sale and let. Within a short time, a tenant was found and they promptly moved in. Not only is the tenant extremely happy in their new home, they also plan to purchase the property much to the current owners delight.
Now that looks like a bit of serendipity as well as good agency marketing and advice!
Church Crookham, Hampshire - £1,295 p.c.m. (When great photography can dramatically change the outcome)
After responding to a call for help on social media in which a landlord was looking for recommendations for agents to let out his property, after his first agent at the time didn’t achieve a let, we met with the landlord and he was keen for us to press ahead and market his property. On visiting the property we immediately noticed that the previous agent had been marketing the property with outdated photographs.What we saw was that the property had been fully redecorated and was looking great! We took new photos, commenced full marketing and within a very short space of time, having arranged multiple viewings, secured a great tenant for the landlord on a £1,295 p.c.m. guide.
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Blue Triangle, Fleet - £1,500,000 (14 viewings, 5 offers, full price deal agreed)
Within a week of bringing this substantial six bedroom home to market in October of this year, our Fleet team had secured 14 viewings and 5 offers, resulting in the vendors accepting an asking price offer, confirming that there is still plenty of activity from excellent buyers who are looking to secure properties at the end of 2023 and going into 2024
Elvetham Heath, Fleet - £465,000 (online only versus local with online and high impact marketing)
Having had been marketed by an online agent for 3 months without success, McCarthy Holden came on board and within 7 days had found the perfect buyer, resulting in some very happy vendors.
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Fleet Hill, Finchampstead - £2,250,000 (Early year equestrian property sale with video marketing)
Many equestrian property owners would consider a property sale in February risky, especially because the condition of paddocks are not looking their best after a winter of use by horses. However, we encouraged the owners of this property to go to the market early because we felt the demand for country property was good and the supply / demand relationship of available property to buyers looking was more in their favour early in the year.This is because buyers start their early stage house hunting over Christmas / New Year and usually there are few country house properties on the market in the early new year. In the spring however, all the country house properties tend to come to the market around the same time when their grounds are looking their best, however, this timing to go to market improves the supply / demand relationship in favour of the buyer who has more choice by then.This particular property example is a useful nudge to country house vendors to consider going to market early in the year. In this case McCarthy Holden achieved just under 100 % of the £2,250,00 guide price.
Finchampstead / Sandhurst Borders - Offers in Excess Of £2m. guide (Many offers after marketing with video)
The success in agreeing a sale of this property in 42 acres was down to a realistic pricing strategy and high profile video marketing, which combined to get considerable buyer interest in September with many viewings and multiple offers. Each viewing took about 1.5 hours due to the need to take potential buyers on a tour of the 42 acres boundaries in a 4x4 vehicle, as well as the time needed to see the vast amount of outbuildings.
Several offers were made well in excess of the guide price and a sale to a cash buyer was agreed in October.
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £675,000
A beautifully presented four bedroom detached family home built by Taylor Wimpey to their ‘Sandringham’ design situated on the popular Crookham Park development. EPC B(87)Telephone 01252 620640
• Beautiful Interior • Stunning Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Beautiful Interior •
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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
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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•
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Odiham, Hampshire (To Let) Guide: £4,250 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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Photo: Kelly Hoppen CBE
The scheme of things
Tablescaping: How to style a striking centrepiece and dress your table for Christmas By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA With tablescaping trending big-time this Christmas, laying the table with statement settings – from luxe to whimsy – will make it worthy of all your starters, sides and glass of sparkle to toast the holiday season. “Your tablescape is the perfect opportunity to grab the attention of your loved ones, showcasing your personal style while creating an inviting and wholesome atmosphere for a special day,” says Helen Joseph, interior designer at Redrow. “Interior décor has huge subliminal impact on our feelings which is why it’s pivotal to bring the magic of Christmas to the table – the heart of a Christmas gathering.” Not only that, Joseph says it’s also a time to let your creativity run wild without judgement – and remember this is an annual opportunity to host an unforgettable day.
“When choosing the theme of your Christmas dinner table design, you need to consider a colour scheme that complements your existing home aesthetic, as well as any other decorations you’ve placed around your home – and on the tree,” advises Kelly Hoppen CBE, multi-award- winning designer. “I do this every year and although Christmas is a time where you can really break the rules and get creative, my most favourite festive schemes are simple, elegant and timeless,” says Hoppen.“Creating the most magical, cosy atmosphere for hosting friends and family.”
White Christmas
“For a serene ‘White Christmas’ theme, I recommend starting with a range of glass vases in different heights,” suggests Hoppen. “Select the taller vessels and style them as hurricane candles, however, nothing too tall so guests are still able to see each other across the table.” “Then, for lower vessels, you can add bunches of white foliage. I like to have one statement flower or foliage as the feature for the table, so perhaps opt for a white anemone poppy,a helleborus,or for that snowy effect go for gypsophila (baby’s breath).”
Here, experts share there top tips to make a lasting impression…
If space allows, she says to place a winter foliage wreath in
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and amongst the vases, to sit around a raised serving dish, or cake stand.
table mat then a white dinner plate, topped with a glass bowl or white bowl with gold rim detail.
“This is perfect for elevating dishes to display your delicious festive feasts, and while the food is being prepared, you can add some elegant glass baubles as a placeholder for a jewelled Christmas moment,” says Hoppen. To add dimension, she says to layer in some metallic decorations such as low-level silver tealights.“The reflections in the finish will create more depth and tie in beautifully with silver cutlery. “Use white porcelain dinnerware and delicate glassware to keep it simple and create a classy and luxurious feel.” She continues.“For finishing touches, tie a bow with white velvet ribbon around stemware to elevate the overall look and dining experience, adding to the special occasion.”
“I would then opt for either black or gold sets of cutlery, simple stemmed glassware and a smoked glass water tumbler to complete this opulent setting.” Hoppen says you can tie in this whole look by adding the effortless touch of a chunky knot-tied natural linen napkin to lay upon your plates.
To take it one step further, add an elegant handwritten place card in gold decoration positioned just above the plates.
Embrace the outdoors
Joseph says this simply means “bringing the outdoors in!”
“I see this as embracing natural winter light and woodland elements in the house.”
Black & Gold
Black and gold can bring a real elegance to the Christmas table, notes Hoppen.To achieve this look, she says to start by laying a black tablecloth over your table. “I then recommend placing fir foliage down the centre of the table as the base, with a fine wire gold garland or fairy lights intertwined for that twinkle element. “This is a great foundation for any tablescaping theme, and you can even add in sprigs of pussy willow for a velvety indulgent touch.”
Even at a time where it may be bleak outside, she says bringing the outside inside will guarantee character.
“Go and pull together pinecones or even foraged foliage for your table,” encourages Joseph.“For a festive fairy tale, don’t be afraid to clash patterns.” You can embrace woodland in unexpected ways too, she suggests, through motifs on napkins – or even seat pads combined with raffia straw elements for a modern finish. Pairing handmade textiles with freshly pulled pinecones or foraged berries for a frosty woodland feel is also on-trend this year, adds Joseph.
When it comes to the dinnerware, she says to build up layers using a combination of looks.
“I love matt ceramic and you can mix black and white pieces in one stack, starting with your black base plate or round
“Matching these with contemporary finishes creates a charming classical Christmas look.”
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Dopamine decor
While entertaining at home is a great opportunity to spend quality time with friends, enjoy good food and wine, it’s also a great excuse to flex your design abilities – and create a beautiful ambience, says Sophie Robinson, interior designer and colour expert. “And according to recent research carried out by Campo Viejo, creating the right environment surprisingly enhances our enjoyment of the wine!” Furthermore, it’s coined the term ‘dopamine hosting,’ which involves embracing vibrant colour,rich textures,and ambient lighting to create a joyful space “that’s convivial, uplifting and perfect for getting people in a positive mood”, explains Robinson. And what could be more mood boosting than setting the table with layers of colour and texture to delight the senses – and elevate the dining experience, she adds. “Begin by picking a colour scheme of warm shades of red, pink, yellow and orange which are proven to increase the appetite and aid conversation,” notes Robinson.
“Carry out this colour scheme across flowers, tableware and napkins for a vibrant look that still feels coherent.
Photo: Sophie Robinson
“Finally, a well-chosen playlist of favourite tunes completes the vibe.And bottoms up!”
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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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01233 229898
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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 | 63 To book your advertisement or ask for further details email: jjtopshot@outlook.com or telephone 07470 707275
SOLD stc NOVEMBER
Fleet (Blue Triangle) - Hampshire Anticipated Guide Price: £1,500,000
• Exceptional Family House • Six Bedrooms • Around Half An Acre •
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Eversley, Hampshire (To Let) Guide: £2,750 p.c.m. + Fees
• Wonderful Rural Setting • Available Now • Four New Build Barn Style Homes •
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A NEW BUILD converted three bedroom barn conversion located in a rural setting of Finchampstead.The property has been finished to a high standard throughout and accommodation comprises of a large reception room which is open plan to the modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances that include fridge/freezer, dishwasher, oven and hob, downstairs cloakroom and ample storage on the ground floor, with space housing washing machine and tumble dryer. Upstairs there are three double bedrooms all benefitting from an en suite shower room and built in wardrobes, the main bedroom benefits from an en-suite bathroom with four piece suite. Efficiency Energy Rating - B / 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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