cover photo © JohnJoe photography
IN THE
April / May 2025 The Property & Lifestyle Magazine COUNTRY & TOWN
Property Previews INSIDE
Exceptional Properties INSIDE
Editorial Features INSIDE
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 1 | Property For Sale & To Let | Motoring: Land Rover Defender Octa | Lifestyle & Editorial | Spring is here &- house hunting is on the up
Within This Issue...
P.109 Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide £715,000
P. 136 Greywell, Hampshire Guide £550,000
P.8 Odiham, Hampshire Guide £425,000
P.11 Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide £2,500,000
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P.34 FOOD Tom Kerridge’s ultimate guide to barbecuing this summer
P. 126 N. Warnborough Guide £300,000
P. 86 First Drive: The Land Rover Defender Octa takes off-road performance to a new level
P. 56 Five minutes with… The Feud stars Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones
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A collection of exquisite properties and engaging editorial
P. 14 Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire To Let Guide £3,500 p.c.m.
P. 141 Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide £650,000
P.12 Guide Offers In Excess of £3.250m.
P. 148 Homes - How to bring comfort and lasting style with carpets
P. 118 Michelin star chef Rohit Ghai: Why patience is the key to Indian cookery
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P. 15 Winchfield, Hampshire - To Let Guide £3,200 p.c.m.
P. 132 Why weeds are worth cultivating and eating
P. 81 Rachel de Thame, best spring-to-summer plants to fill the colour gaps
P. 26 Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide £1,950,000
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 5
IN THE COUNTRY &TOWN Welcome to
Creating the inspiration to move
The Market
Other Market Factors
With new house sales arranged continuing at a high level in April, it looks like the quarter two house sales will continue the positive outcomes from the first quarter trading in 2025, which was one of the busiest I have experienced in over 40 years in the property industry. This positive buyer intent is seen as we went to market this week with a £2.5m. property for sale in Finchampstead, Berkshire which achieved 8 viewing requests since going on the market a few days ago.
The cost of mortgages is slowly falling, both on a weekly and annual basis and as of a week ago it was possible to take out a 2-year fix with a typical rate of 4.81%, and for 5-year fixed rate mortgages they now stand at 4.70%, down -0.03% from last week and -0.13% annually. We’re now a few weeks away from May’s Bank Rate decision, and as things stand it’s looking highly likely we’ll see a second rate cut of 2025.
Residential Lettings
Apparently wealthy homeowners in London are leaving and renting out their properties ahead of April’s abolition of the non-dom tax regime, and at the same time rental values of flats in London’s most expensive postcodes have soared by 7.9% in the first three months of 2025. Closer to home the rental market in our area of operation in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire remains very active with tenant demand resilient especially in the £3,000pcm to £4,500pcm market sector. At the top end, demand in the £6,000pcm to £12,000 p.c.m. sector is currently robust. As we move into the Spring and quarter two trading in 2025, the housing market shows every indication of a lively period ahead.
many viewing requests on this £2.5m. home
In summary, the house market remains price sensitive however the buyer demand to purchase is very high indeed.
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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mccarthyholden.co.uk | 7
Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £425,000
• Sought After Location - The Bury • Exquisite Interior • Exceptional - View Early •
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This charming, beautifully presented two-bedroom, Grade II Street Scene listed character cottage is nestled in the heart of The Bury in the desirable village of Odiham. Situated within close proximity of all the village amenities, the property has been tastefully and sympathetically updated by the current owners boasting many character features including exposed beams and timbers, brickwork and wooden latch doors. EPC D (62) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Guide Price: £2,500,000 Telephone 01252 620640 Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire
• Wonderful Grounds • Superb Interior •
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See the following pages for more details
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Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £2,500,000
• Early Viewing Recommended • Sought After Location •
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This exquisite five bedroom 1930’s home, crafted by renowned builders Herbert Pool & Sons, has been meticulously updated by the present owners and blends period charm with contemporary living. Situated beyond timber gates, the property sits within private grounds and features impressive spaces such as an open plan kitchen/breakfast room with high quality cabinetry, four reception rooms, and a gym to the ground floor.The first floor provides four well proportioned bedrooms complemented by three bathrooms while the upper floor presents a main bedroom suite with ensuite and dressing room. EPC C (71) - Telephone 01252 620640
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TO LET
Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire To Let - Guide: £3,500 p.c.m.
This light and airy Scandinavian style family home is situated within the favoured Blue Triangle area of Fleet and features 4 good sized bedrooms, 3 bathroom/shower rooms, 2 reception rooms and a kitchen. Tucked away and reached via a gravel driveway with ample parking, leading to a double garage. Available Now. Unfurnished.
Energy Efficiency rating - C /Council tax Band - G / Tenancy Length – 12 months ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY – CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS Telephone 01252 622550
• Four Bedrooms • Garden • Double Garage •
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TO LET
Winchfield, Hampshire To Let - Guide: £3,200 p.c.m.
Located between Odiham and Hartley Wintney surrounded by fields is this detached family home offering spacious accommodation.The property is approached via a long driveway and offers parking for several cars. Unfurnished. Available May. Efficiency Energy Rating – E / Council tax band – E / Tenancy length 12 months ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY – CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS Telephone 01252 622550
• Rural Location • Superb Setting •
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TO LET
Rotherwick, Hampshire To Let - Guide: £2,995 p.c.m.
A 3/4 bedroom property situated in the delightful village of Rotherwick, within easy access of both Hook and Hartley Wintney. Landlord provides a weekly gardening service in the growing season and also broadband for the property. Unfurnished. Available 5th May, Energy Efficiency rating - E /Council tax Band - F / Tenancy Length – 12 months. ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY – CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS Telephone 01252 622550
• Four / Three Bedrooms • Garden • Garage •
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TO LET
Finchampstead, Hampshire / Berkshire Borders To Let - Guide: £3,000 p.c.m.
A three bedroom barn conversion located in a rural setting of Finchampstead, with contemporary vast interior spaces, situated behind a gated entrance with a tree lined drive. Unfurnished. Available 5th April. Efficiency Energy Rating – B / Council tax band – D / Tenancy length 12 months ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY – CONTACT AGENT FOR DETAILS Telephone 01252 622550
• Garden • Excellent Kitchen •
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SOLD stc GOING TO PRESS
Odiham, Hampshire Country House In Prime Location Sold Off Market
• similar property wanted •
Anticipated Guide Price: £1,150,000 Telephone 01256 704851 Odiham, Hampshire
• No Onward Chain • Superb Interior •
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See the following pages for more details
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SOLD stc GOING TO PRESS
Odiham, Hampshire Anticipated Guide: £1,150,000
• Early Viewing Recommended • Sought After Village Location •
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Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
This beautifully presented detached property is situated in the desirable village of Odiham within close proximity of the village centre.Western House Cottage has been updated and extended to a high standard by the current owners, combining the traditional with a contemporary design. The property provides flexible family living and is offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC E (52) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Anticipated Guide Price: £3,350,000 Telephone 01252 842100 The Ridges, Finchampstead, Berkshire
• Grounds Of Around 4 Acres • Superb Interior •
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW See the following pages for more details
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The Ridges, Finchampstead, Berkshire Anticipated Guide: £3,350,000
• Near Wellington College • Highly Sought After Location •
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A stunning contemporary home with many breathtaking interior features, newly built around 2017 and beautifully maintained, still reflecting a new-build feel.The property is situated in grounds of around 4 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 three floors and was designed with meticulous attention to detail, providing almost 6,000 sq. ft. of stunning space. EPC tbc) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Guide Price: £1,950,000 Telephone 01252 842100 Finchampstead, Berkshire
• Grounds Of Around One Third Of An Acre • Superb Interior •
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW See the following pages for more details
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Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide: £1,950,000
• Near Wellington College • Five Bedrooms / Four Bathrooms •
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A high specification family home, built in 2017 on a plot of just over a third of an acre, benefitting from a stunning open plan kitchen/dining/family living space overlooking the south facing garden, as well as five bedrooms and four bathrooms, all within close proximity of the internationally renowned Wellington College and nearby to the charming market town of Wokingham for day to day amenities. EPC B (89) - Telephone 01252 842100
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SOLD stc GOING TO PRESS
Upton Grey, Hampshire Guide: £525,000
• Sought After Location • Beautiful Interior • Recent New Kitchen & Bathroom •
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Situated within the sought-after village of Upton Grey, this beautifully presented cottage, with many original features, has been maintained to a high standard by the current owners who have recently decorated throughout and installed a new kitchen and bathroom. Byways is nestled in a secluded location with driveway parking and charming south-east facing garden next to St Mary’s church. EPC F (38) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £1,850,000
• Sought After Location • Five Bedrooms • Close to Fleet Town Centre •
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This beautifully designed, newly built five-bedroom family home has been crafted to the highest standards, and features luxury fixtures and fittings throughout.The property provides well-proportioned living spaces, perfect for modern family life, and is ideally situated in the sought-after Blue Triangle conservation area of Fleet, close to local
amenities and Fleet mainline railway station. EPC B (85) - Telephone 01252 620640
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Photo:Tom Kerridge.
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FOOD Tom Kerridge Tom Kerridge’s ultimate guide to barbecu- ing this summer By Lauren Taylor, PA Summer is on its way and that means most of us will be dusting off the barbecue, throwing on some meat and gathering around it with friends and family soon. “There’s nothing wrong with just getting it done and buying some burgers and some sausages – that’s great,” says TV chef Tom Kerridge, who holds three Michelin stars, but if you’re just scraping the surface of your barbecue ability, you might be missing out. “It’s just one of the nicest, loveliest ways of cooking and it brings a flavour that you can’t get from a kitchen – that charcoal cookery, smoke.” Plus, it’s one of the most social ways of cooking this summer.“There’s been many a time where there might be 30 people around our house, and we’re cooking stuff over flames – I love that sort of thing,” says the judge on BBC One’s Great British Menu, whose restaurants include the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars,The Hand and Flowers. With the release of his latest cookbook The BBQ Book, the 51-year-old wants us to branch out this summer (or, indeed, winter – he believes in year-round barbecuing). Here are his top tips…
Buy good-quality charcoal
Many of us probably haven’t given any thought to what charcoal to use, but there’s a reason some costs more than others.“There’s a huge difference,” Kerridge says.“It is better to have bigger because they hold better, they’ll hold the temperature longer. Smaller pieces will burn out quicker. “Investing in charcoal actually goes a long, long way. It’ll last twice as long as the cheaper stuff. It holds the temperature much better, cooks [food] more evenly, and really good charcoal goes a long way to improving your barbecue.”
Don’t worry and relax
The biggest thing is sometimes people are too scared of getting more technical with a barbecue, he explains.Yet “the one thing that I think a barbecue does give is, it’s a bit of a leveller, because there isn’t an ultimate process to it. It’s base-level cookery. It’s fire. “There are always mistakes.There are always things that go wrong. Some parts are darker, black or charred more than others, and that’s part of the joy of it. Sometimes people worry about the geekiness of it, and actually they should just relax more and enjoy it.” But do understand how the fire works. Using metal coal tongs to move the coals around will create pockets of less and more intense heat.You’ll want to have a range of temperatures on your barbecue at the same time, if you’re cooking different things on it. Higher, direct heat for meat and fish, explains Kerridge in the book, and lower for vegetables.To increase the temperature of the whole barbecue, close the lid and keep the air vents open, oxygen circling and coals burning.To lower the temperature, close the air vents. You’ve got to “keep feeding” the fire, says Kerridge,“You’ve got to keep it alive – particularly if you’re cooking on an egg-style barbecue.Air flow is a big thing, allowing [the] oxygen it needs to get in, to increase heat, and being able to control that.”
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it comes to mixing the meat,“work it and move it around with your hand for about five minutes. Keep squeezing and moving [it] – what that does is the salt stretches the proteins in the meat, they kind of unravel and then they tie back up again, which means it becomes firmer. So you can shape your burgers nicely so they won’t fall apart when you put them on the grill.They stay nice and firm in shape.”
Don’t move the meat around constantly
It’s tempting to keep prodding, flipping and moving your food around the grill, but it will impact the cooking. “You’ve got to be very conscious of the heat source and where it’s coming and how hot it is,” Kerridge says. “There’s nothing wrong with leaving something on there, let it get that colour, let it get that texture, let it get that flavour – that comes from letting things stand still.”
Think globally
Barbecuing is a form of cookery that can really bring together flavours from around the world – on the same plate. “I think it’s one of those cooking styles that completely encapsulates global food.You don’t think twice about doing teriyaki-style chicken, followed by some kind of like Indian- inspired monkfish, followed by a Mexican-style beef,” says Kerridge.“Stick it on a plate in front of you with a very simple potato salad, and it all seems to work well.”
Try slow-cooking meat first
For people who are ready to stretch their legs with barbecuing and to make it a bit more ‘cheffy’, Kerridge suggests using your oven first, for a short rib of beef, for example.“It’s quite good to braise things and slow-cook them in the oven first, in a dry rub or marinate, then leave them to cool and reheat them on the smokiness of the barbecue – so you get the best of both worlds.“You get the safety of the oven first – a good way for beginners – and then get the finishing flavour that comes from a barbecue.You can do that by adding some wood chippings as well – that also gives an added flavour,” Kerridge says. “You don’t need it for long on the barbecue at the end just to get a bit smoky. [Just] long enough to impart and repeat and give flavour.You might cook something for five or six hours gently in an oven on a low temperature and reheat it on a barbecue for half an hour.”
Do green veg on the barbecue
“I’m a big fan of green veg [on the barbecue].Things like cabbages, brassicas are where you cut and you keep whole, or very simple things such as asparagus and courgettes, and you get a nice kind of char marking on them, and then take them off, and then dress them whilst they’re hot with a good pinch of salt and pepper and maybe some French dressing.” Dressing veg when it’s warm off the barbecue means that they “start to absorb the dressing and seasoning and flavours”. The BBQ Book by Tom Kerridge is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £25. Photography by Cristian Barnett.
Try cooking directly onto coals
“You’ve got to ensure those coals are very, very hot.The temperature needs to be quite hot, so when [the food] goes on, it doesn’t stick too much. Things like bavette steak works really, really nicely on coals like that.‘Dirty cooking’ it’s called,” in the chef world, says Kerridge.
For fish, start with monkfish
“I do quite a lot of fish on the barbecue – that’s something that not a lot of people touch because they worry,” says Kerridge. A good ‘entry level’ into fish barbecue cookery is monkfish, he says,“which cooks very much like meat. It’s a firm texture, a muscular fish, so it cooks a bit like a fillet of beef.That works really nicely.” You can cook a piece of fish in a ‘fish cage’, he adds.“It means that you’re moving the fish cage, rather than fish that’s directly on the barbecue – so it doesn’t stick.”
Make your own burgers
“If you can mince the beef yourself, it’s amazing,” says Kerridge.“If you’re buying, don’t buy fatty mince, buy quite lean mince and then add fat to it. If you put bone marrow through it or some minced-up pork belly, that works really nicely.” Add a pinch of salt too, but try not to overcomplicate the flavour of the burger, he says.“Make the burger all about the meat and then add the flavours to it afterwards.When
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FOOD Recipe Ribs
3.Transfer the beef ribs to a roasting tray. In a bowl, mix the vinegar, apple juice, 200 millilitres water and the Worcestershire sauce together. Pour the mixture over the ribs and cover the roasting tray with a sheet of baking paper, then a layer of foil. Scrunch the edges of the foil and paper around the rim of the roasting tin to seal. 4. Place the roasting tray on the middle shelf of the oven and cook for around three hours until the ribs are meltingly tender. 5. Remove the tray from the oven and leave the ribs to cool slightly. Carefully lift the ribs out of the cooking liquor and place them on another tray. 6.When you’re ready to serve, brush the short ribs all over with the barbecue sauce. Lay the ribs on the barbecue over indirect heat (to achieve a medium heat) and cook for eight minutes or so, basting the ribs with the barbecue sauce as they cook. 7. Lift the ribs off the barbecue, transfer them to a serving platter and brush with any remaining barbecue sauce. Serve straight away, with your favourite pickles alongside.
Tom Kerridge’s smoky beef short ribs recipe By Lauren Taylor, PA “These tender short ribs are seasoned to perfection and present big, bold flavours,” says Tom Kerridge.“The secret is in the initial low, slow cooking, before they are finished on the grill: this is where they will take on that unmistakable smokiness that only a barbecue can deliver.”
Smoky beef short ribs
Ingredients: (Serves 4)
4 beef short ribs (about 450g each)
For the dry rub:
1tbsp soft light brown sugar
1tsp garlic powder
1tsp ground cumin
2tsp sweet smoked paprika
1tsp onion powder
½tsp cracked black pepper
1tsp salt
To cook the ribs:
100ml malt vinegar
150ml apple juice
2tbsp Worcestershire sauce
200ml good-quality smoky barbecue sauce (from a jar), or bourbon barbecue sauce
To serve:
Pickles
Method:
1. Place the beef short ribs on a tray. For the dry rub, mix the sugar, spices and salt together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the ribs all over with the spice mixture and place in the fridge to marinate overnight.
Photo:Tom Kerridge’s smoky short rib.
2.The next day, preheat your oven to 170°C/150°C Fan/ Gas 3.
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1tsp mild American mustard
FOOD Recipe Wings
1tbsp finely chopped dill
1tbsp finely chopped chives
Tom Kerridge’s dry-rub buffalo chicken wings recipe By Lauren Taylor, PA “This is an absolute banger of a starter,” says Tom Kerridge. “Juicy, crispy wings are coated in punchy spices that bring the heat, but I’ve got you covered: the cool, creamy ranch dressing keeps things balanced.These are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and you’ll likely be making them on repeat all summer long.”
Salt and freshly ground pepper
To serve: Hot sauce, Celery sticks
Method:
1. First brine the chicken. Pour two litres water into a large bowl, add the table salt and whisk to dissolve, then add the black peppercorns and bay leaves. Immerse the chicken wings in the brine and place in the fridge for two hours.
2. Remove the chicken wings from the brine and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
3. For the dry rub, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Drizzle both sides of the chicken wings with the olive oil and sprinkle with the dry rub to coat the wings evenly all over.
Dry-rub buffalo chicken wings
Ingredients: (Serves 6)
4. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally two to three hours.
16 large chicken wings (1.5kg in total), tips removed and jointed
5. For the ranch dressing, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
200g table salt
10 black peppercorns
6.When you’re ready to cook, place the chicken wings on a hot barbecue in a single layer, making sure you have an area with some indirect heat to move them to, as and when you need a lower heat. Cook for 10 to twelve minutes until the wings are nicely browned on each side, turning regularly. 7. Serve up the chicken wings with the ranch dressing on the side for dipping.Accompany with your favourite hot sauce and some crunchy celery sticks.
4 bay leaves
2tbsp light olive oil
For the dry rub:
1tsp chilli powder
½tsp cayenne powder
1tsp sweet smoked paprika
2tsp garlic powder
1tsp onion powder
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp dried thyme leaves
For the ranch dressing:
3 heaped tbsp soured cream
3 heaped tbsp mayonnaise
½ garlic clove, finely grated
3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
Photo:Tom Kerridge’s dry-rub chicken wings.
1tsp white wine vinegar
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expose the clove tips. Sit, cut-side up, in a small heavy- based frying pan, drizzle over the extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme. 3. Scatter a large handful of hickory wood chips onto the barbecue coals for extra smokiness. Place the frying pan on the barbecue over indirect heat. Put the lid on the barbecue and cook the garlic for 45 minutes or until it is soft. 4. Meanwhile, peel, deseed and finely chop the chillies. Place in a bowl with the softened butter, smoked paprika and chopped parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 5. Remove the pan from the barbecue and transfer the garlic to a plate. Leave to cool. Once cooled, squeeze the soft garlic flesh out of the skins into a bowl and mash well with a fork.Add the mayo and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste and mix to combine.
FOOD Recipe Halloumi
Tom Kerridge’s halloumi and aubergine burgers By Lauren Taylor, PA “These burgers are so good they will impress all your guests, not just vegetarians,” says chef Tom Kerridge. “Halloumi and aubergine are charred on the grill, for a great balance of textures.The toppings here are extra special: smoky garlic and herb mayo, a fiery roasted chilli butter, and peppery rocket that brings a pop of freshness to every bite.”
Halloumi and aubergine burgers
6. Halve the aubergines lengthways and then cut a two centimetre-thick steak from each half.
Ingredients: (Serves 4)
7. Cook the aubergine and halloumi steaks on the barbecue over a medium-high heat for about three to four minutes on each side until nicely browned and tender.Turn and brush them with a little chilli butter as they cook but allow the halloumi to caramelise before flipping it over. 8.Towards the end of the cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the barbecue, cut side down, then remove and smear the cut surfaces with any remaining chilli butter. 9.To assemble, spread some garlic mayo on the burger bun bases.Add an aubergine steak, a halloumi steak and then a big handful of rocket. Spread some more garlic mayo on the bun lids. Sandwich the burgers together and secure the lid with a wooden skewer.Tuck in!
2 large aubergines
2 x 250g blocks of halloumi, each halved horizontally
Salt and freshly ground pepper
For the roasted chilli butter:
3 long red chillies
100g butter, softened
½tsp sweet smoked paprika
1tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
For the garlic mayonnaise:
1 large whole garlic bulb
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked
2 handfuls of hickory wood chips (for the barbecue)
100ml mayonnaise
Juice of ½ lemon
To assemble: 4 burger buns, 60g rocket
Method:
1. First make the chilli butter. Place the chillies on a hot barbecue and cook for about 10 minutes, turning often, until blackened all over. Pop them into a bowl, cover with clingfilm and let steam for a few minutes.
Photo:Tom Kerridge’s halloumi and aubergine burger.
2. For the garlic mayo, cut the top off the garlic bulb to
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £1,000,000
• Superb Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Five Bedrooms • Sought After Location •
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A beautifully presented five bedroom detached family home offering in excess of 2,100sq,ft of accommodation and situated in a popular residential area of Church Crookham. The property features a double aspect 24ft living room and an updated kitchen/breakfast room, as well as a refitted family bathroom to the first floor. EPC D (65) - Telephone 01252 620640
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The Blue Triangle, Fleet
The first quarter trading in 2025 was one of the busiest I have experienced in the property industry, so despite the house market remaining price sensitive the buyer demand to purchase is very high indeed, especially for prime property in the Blue Triangle area of Fleet. For many years McCarthy Holden has been privileged to be the agent of choice for clients wishing to sell or rent a property in The Blue Triangle area, so I wanted to flag up to future potential clients that the demand to live in this sought after area continues to grow in 2025. Indeed, when I wrote this market insight about the property market in and around Fleet, we were already negotiating on some off market potential property sales around £2m., so as an opening comment I believe anyone thinking of selling a significant property can take heart from this anecdote. There is no doubt that the house market remained remarkably resilient in 2024, despite many adverse global matters and headwinds, and, 2025 already appears to be following the positive trends we experienced last year, and the easy access into London remains a significant factor for many buyers searching for property in The Blue Triangle area of Fleet. Right now we have some very active buyers looking to purchase a home in the £1.5m. to £2.5m. price range in this area, and on the property rental front tenants are looking £3,500 to £4,500 p.c.m on a regular basis. If you are thinking of a house sale or rental in 2025 our invitation is to contact our Fleet branch for a free market valuation.
Richard Ebsworth
Richard Ebsworth
rebsworth@mccarthyholden.co.uk - T. 01252 620640
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Guide Price: £950,000 Telephone 01256 704851 Hillside, Odiham, Hampshire
• Mature Grounds Circa 5.5 Acres • Superb Interior •
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See the following pages for more details
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Hillside, Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £950,000
• Grounds Of Around 5.5 Acres • Sought After Location •
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Ideally situated on a leafy lane in Hillside, a Hamlet on the outskirts of the desirable village of Odiham, this four- bedroom property with stunning views across open fields, sits in a substantial plot of approximately 5.5 acres including paddocks and stables. The property has been extended and adapted to meet the needs of the current owners offering the opportunity for flexible family living and is offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC D (55) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £1,750,000
• Around 3,800 Sq. Ft. • Five Bedrooms • Circa Half Acre •
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Set in a plot of 0.5 acre within the prestigious Blue Triangle, this stunning five bedroom detached home offers an exceptional blend of space, style and modern living. Spanning in excess of 3,800 sq ft, it features a thoughtfully
designed layout perfect for family living. EPC C (69) - Telephone 01252 620640
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Finchampstead (The Ridges), Berkshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £2,500,000
• 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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Finchampstead, Berkshire
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Guide: Offers In Excess Of £2,500,000
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
Eversley, Hampshire Guide: £1,250,000
• Rural Location • Garage & Barn Store • Kitchen / Breakfast Room •
54 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
A spacious three/four-bedroom chalet style bungalow property in a semi-rural setting in Eversley, Hampshire.With three reception rooms including a large living room with log burner in the fireplace and a modern high specification kitchen/breakfast room and views over adjoining farmland, this property is a unique proposition. Benefitting from a double length attached garage as well as a large detached barn style store suitable for a number of vehicle storage or maintenance applications. EPC TBC - Telephone 01252 842100
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 55
DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
Crondall, Surrey / Hampshire Borders Guide: £1,050,000
• Rural Location • Immense Character • Four Bedrooms •
56 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
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, 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
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 57
Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £1,400,000
• Good Decorative Order • Four Bedrooms • Grounds c. Half An Acre •
58 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
This four bedroom detached family home, crafted by the esteemed Pool and Son builders, resides within the prestigious Blue Triangle area of Fleet. Set upon a generous plot measuring in excess of 0.5 of an acre, this property presents a rare opportunity for extending, subject to planning permissions.Throughout the home, large bay windows bathe the rooms in natural light, creating a bright and welcoming ambiance. EPC C(70) - Telephone 01252 620640
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 59
Photo: Left to right Ray Fearon,Amy Nuttall, Rupert Penry Jones, Jill Halfpenny, James Fleet & Tessa Peake Jones.
SHOWBIZ TV Five minutes with… The Feud stars Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor Most of us have experience with annoying neighbours.Whether it’s inexplicably always living next door to someone who loves listening to drum and bass at 11 o’clock at night or dealing with quibbles over whose responsibility it is to fix a broken fence panel after an unruly storm, dealing with residential annoyances is part of daily life. However, new drama The Feud explores what happens when neighbourly disputes get kicked up a notch.The 5 drama, which stars Waterloo Road and The Cuckoo’s Jill Halfpenny and Spooks’ Rupert Penry-Jones as Emma and John Barnett, follows a couple living in peaceful suburbia as plans for a kitchen extension have disastrous consequences.
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As objections to the Barnett’s building plans are raised, unexpected and life-threatening secrets are unearthed and Emma’s dreams of upgrading her home twist into obsessive paranoia, fear, and danger – resulting in incalculable consequences for the couple and other residents of Shelbury Drive.
Before the drama unfolds, let’s hear more from stars Halfpenny, 49, and Penry-Jones, 54, about the twists and turns of the not-so-neighbourly disputes.
So, What Is The Feud?
JH:The Feud is a tense thriller. No one is being honest about what they’re doing or how they’re feeling, which makes for exciting television. Even my character Emma, who feels she’s deeply honest, still lies.
It’s a scenario we can all relate to, most people have WhatsApp groups, and most people have experienced neighbours having work done to their house. But where The Feud takes us is the stuff of nightmares.
RPJ:The Feud follows a microcosm of neighbours who live in a cul-de-sac and has elements everybody will connect with. In fact, when we were discussing the series, everyone had a story to tell about battles with neighbours or building disruption. Everyone will be able to relate to a street of people which can implode.
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This takes situations to extremes by taking all the worst stories you might hear and combining them into one story.
How Does The Feud Take Suburban Drama To The Next Level?
It’s A Recognisable Tale Of British Suburban Life, Then?
RPJ:You know immediately something terrible has happened and all is not as it seems, because the series opens with the house covered in blood.That’s quite fun, and you don’t know how the story reaches that situation. Emma, Jill’s character, is under constant pressure – as she tries to deal with one person, her phone pings with a message from her dad, and then there’s another message from the builder.The heat’s slowly being turned up underneath her. There’s a lovely sequence in episode three where our neighbours Derek and Barbara are so angry with us, they start playing modern freeform jazz at full volume through the walls.The scene is like what’s going on inside John and Emma – they’re trying to live normally with a terrible noise in their heads… In a way the scene reflects the whole series – they’re trying to keep in control, bottling everything up, until they just explode. JH: I didn’t predict how it would end. I never imagined it would turn quite so gruesome, and I never expected it would go as far as it goes when it starts out in such a domestic setting.
JH:With suburban life, and a street like Shelbury Drive, we all like each other until someone does something to interfere with our lives.We like each other because we’re not getting in each other’s way but the minute you play your music, park over a driveway, or your teenager brings all their friends over, there’s a problem. In suburbia we’re all fine with each other as long as we’re leaving each other alone – that’s not friendship. If you say you love your neighbours because they don’t do anything to p*** you off, that’s a pretty low bar. In the first episode you see how quickly the neighbours react defensively – they all profess to like each other and yet within the first episode they all become obstructive.
I Think Most Of Us Can Relate To The Community Whatsapp Group Fiascos In The Series…
JH: I do have a WhatsApp group and ours mainly consists of bin talk.We live in a flat in a Victorian house and the bins are regularly blown over.There are six bins per house so there’s a debate about who puts the rubbish back in the bins. The comments by the neighbours in The Feud are very passive aggressive and it doesn’t take long to become out and out aggressive.The gloves are off and there’s no time for WhatsApps anymore. Another fun aspect of playing Emma is she thought everyone was cool with one another – never believe the WhatsApp group, Emma!
The Feud started on Monday, April 14 at 9pm on 5
What Are The Barnetts Like As A Family?
RPJ: Emma and John are trying to fix a fault in their relationship and had planned to move home, but Emma decides it would be better to stay and do up the house. Many people, especially at the moment, would understand it’s cheaper to do up your kitchen or build an extension compared to moving and the cost of stamp duty. However, John’s reasons for wanting to move are not as honest as he pretends. He finds himself in deeper water than intended and he’s trying to run away, so when Emma says they’re going to stay he has to go along with the decision.This compounds all the pressure he’s already feeling.
Photo: Emma and John Barnett, played by Jill Half-penny and Rupert Penry-Jones.
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Photo: Emma Bar-nett (ill Halfpenny).
Photo: John Barnett (Rupert Penry-Jones), Emma Bar-nett (Jill Halfpenny),Alan Spence (Ray Fearon) and Sonia Spence (Amy Nuttall)
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Guide Price: £1,350,000 Telephone 01252 842100 Riseley, Hampshire
• Mature Grounds • Superb Interior •
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See the following pages for more details
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Riseley, Hampshire Guide: £1,350,000
• High Specification Interior • Grounds Of Around ½ Acre • Sought After Location •
66 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
An attractive thatched cottage having been recently extended and modernised throughout to create a simply stunning four bedroom family home with a masterful blend of character charm and modern style. Now with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, culminating in a master suite with Juliet balcony overlooking the landscaped garden beyond. Approached via a long tree lined gravel driveway with generous parking, nestled on the Hampshire Berkshire border in the village of Riseley, just 25 minutes by car from Reading town centre and 10 minutes from Hartley Wintney. EPC D (60) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Fleet (Elvetham Heath), Hampshire Guide: £845,000
• Sought After Elvetham Heath Location • Double Garage • No Onward Chain •
68 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
NO ONWARD CHAIN. Featuring in excess of 1600 sq.ft of accommodation, this attractive family home is well situated within the sought after Elvetham Heath development and provides flexible accommodation in addition to a thoughtfully landscaped rear garden, double garage and driveway parking. EPC C (74) - Telephone 01252 620640
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Exceptional Interior Guide Price: £1,150,000 Telephone 01256 704851
• Exquisite Interior • Immense Character • Superb Location •
70 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
See the following pages for more details >
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 71
The Firs, Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £1,150,000
• Wonderful Interior • Sought After Location • C. One Third Acre Grounds •
72 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
A charming well-presented four-bedroom detached family home situated on The Firs, a much sought after location on the outskirts of the desirable village of Odiham. Set within approximately 1/3 acres Clump Cottage provides flexible family living and is offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC F (29) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide: £825,000
• Sought After Location • Double Garage • No Onward Chain •
74 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
A detached family house situated in a cul-de-sac location on a substantial corner measuring maximum 130 ft by 75 ft within a short walk of Winchfield mainline station.The property has been improved and extended by the current vendors and is being offered with no onward chain. EPC D (66) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Letting Agency Services With Experienced Personnel • Fleet Branch Focus •
Landlords can rest assured that representatives of McCarthy Holden looking after their properties are experienced and highly professional.
At our Fleet branch you will find a wealth of experience and abilities and the re-assurance of ARLA and SAFEAGENT memberships.
If you are a Landlord looking for excellent property marketing and reliable property management, then contact us for a free valuation.
Telephone 01252 622550
www.mccarthyholden.co.uk
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Nicola Bremner (ARLA) Director - Almost 20 years with McCarthy Holden and leader of this division.
Penny Quinn (ARLA) Property Management - Vast experience in this specialised job for house maintenance.
Sandra Gardner Property Inspections - Around 15 years with McCarthy Holden in this key job role.
Ashlyn Moss Property Consultant - Sales, viewings and initial lease agreement drafting.
Elizabeth Busbridge Property Consultant - Sales, viewings and initial lease agreement drafting.
Julie Adams (ARLA) Manager - All aspects of the lettings funcion in our Fleet branch.
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide Price: £1,500,000 Telephone 01252 620640 • Exceptional Family House • Sought After Location • Exquisite Interior •
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See the following pages for more details
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £1,500,000
• Character Property • Excellent Kitchen / Diner •
80 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
Situated within the popular Pondtail area of Fleet, close to Fleet mainline railway station, town centre and local schools, this four bedroom detached family home is offered to the market in immaculate condition and boasts extensive accommodation over three floors including a bespoke 30ft kitchen/breakfast room to the ground floor and stunning 22ft main bedroom to the second floor with walk in dressing room and en suite. The first floor provides 3 bedrooms, 2 of which boasts en suite facilities. Ample driveway parking to the front of the property gives access to the detached double garage and office. EPC C (75) - Telephone 01252 620640
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COMPLETED MARCH
Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Country House In Prime Location Sold Off Market
• similar property wanted •
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82 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
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Photo:TV gardener Rachel de Thame admiring spring blossom
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GARDENING Plants Best spring-to-summer plants to fill the colour gaps
By Hannah Stephenson, PA
Early spring bulbs may be fading before summer plants burst into bloom, but there are plenty of colourful candidates to fill the gap between seasons.
TV gardener Rachel de Thame, a regular on BBC Gardeners’ World who will also be appearing at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival in May, says that the period between seasons doesn’t have to be a desert as far as the garden is concerned. “Although you can get a desert in terms of flowering a bit later on in mid to late summer, the merging of late spring into early summer is seamless because a lot of the things that come into flower in late spring flower for quite a long time and some cultivars flower a bit later on,” says the plantswoman and author of A Flower Garden For Pollinators. “You can bridge that gap between the daffodils and the roses.With a bit of clever planting you can make sure you have that lovely seamless colour.You’ve had crocuses, irises and blossom, but spring blossom can carry on into the latter part of May.”
Her favourite spring-to-summer plants include:
Aquilegia
“I grow a lot of aquilegia.They started out as named cultivars and now they’re quite promiscuous.
“They like to interbreed and have a party and you get all sorts of seedlings popping up. I like to see what comes through.
Photo: Geum and aquilegia in a cottage garden
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If they are very ordinary I pull some of them out, but on the whole I love them.And you get some ruffly ones which almost look like a frilly Elizabethan collar. “There’s a pretty one called Aquilegia ‘Pink Petticoat’, but I also love some of the darker, sultry ones.‘William Guiness’ is a real favourite. It’s good for pollinators, with a more open flower shape and a lovely dark plummy purple with inner petals edged with white.” “The foliage on aquilegias is so lacy and delicate,” she continues.“They do very well in dappled shade in the garden.”
well with everything from other perennials to roses, used to disguise some of the barer unsightly bits at the base of a rose, and are a great weed suppressor.” They come in a wide range of colours from white, through pale pinks, mauves, magenta and purple.“One of my all time favourites is Geranium var. phaeum ‘Samobor’ which tolerates more shade. I used to grow these a lot when I was in London because they were happy getting sun for half the day and shade for the other half. “The foliage has a maroon-coloured blotch, so even when it’s not in flower the leaves look really pretty.The flowers are very small but are a really dark rich burgundy colour, on needle-like stems.” When flowering is over, you can cut back the plant to its base and should get new fresh leaves to take you through the rest of the summer.
Tulips
Later tulips are a good bridge between spring and summer, she suggests.
“A lot of people think tulips just flower in April but a lot of late flowering cultivars go well through May, depending on the weather conditions year to year. I love ‘Queen of Night’, which is tall, late, with strong stems and a gorgeous rich dark chocolatey colour, contrasting well against the acid green of euphorbias.“’Carnaval de Nice’ is a double, white streaked with dark maroon pink. It looks like a raspberry ripple ice-cream, but is really full of petals, a peony-type which is later flowering.” You can plant tulips in pots (in late autumn), layering early types with later-flowering ones, giving you colour throughout spring and into May, she suggests.
Photo:Aquilegia ‘William Guiness’
Euphorbia
“There are brilliant euphorbias at that time of year. I really love that acid green colour of the bracts, while the flowers themselves are tiny.There are so many great cultivars, but Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae (also known as Mrs Robb’s Bonnet) is a good stalwart. “They are perennials, really easy and will take dry shade and are good for pollinators.The only downside is that they ooze milky sap which can be a skin irritant, so wear gloves if you are handling them.” You can put them in the borders with alliums and late tulips.Another good plant partner for euphorbia is the ballerina tulip (Tulipa ‘Ballerina’), which is orange, with a pointed flower shape, contrasting with the lime green of euphorbias, she suggests.
Hardy geranium
Photo:Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’
“This is the perennial that has everything.They work so
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